One of my favourite things to do when I'm taking a writing or editing break during the day is to look at new book releases. It's a great way to find new reads to add to my towering TBR, and to learn what is new and trending in the genre, and what themes, characters, settings, we're therefore likely to see more of in the coming months. Below are five of the most interesting Spring 2025 romance trends I've seen while browsing.

1. Formula 1 romances

   This trend surprised me, but it shouldn't have; while hockey romance remains the most popular type of sports romance, eventually that popularity was going to spread, offering opportunities for authors to explore lesser known sports that are just as action-packed. A few that I'm excited about include For the Thrill of It All by Elliana Rose, Ride with Me by Simone Soltani, and Not so Fast by Karen Booth.
   

2. Romance author heroines

   Lucy Score's Story of My Life is the most visible (and bestselling) example of this, but I've seen so many new releases coming out that focus on romance author heroines. The heroines seem to have a few things in common, including: they're at crossroads in their careers, usually because of their relationship to romance not as a genre, but as a concept. They're often struggling to finish their next book, and their love interest helps them get over that slump and decide on the next great happily ever after to pen.

   
   

3. Cosy romance

   Cosiness isn't going anywhere. It's comforting and low-stakes, meaning readers can sink into books that might tug on their heartstrings, but won't leave them nail-biting their way through a third act break-up. It's the perfect cure for the existential dread affecting so many of us right now. And cozy is showing up in so many different romance sub-genres, from contemporary, like The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore, to paranormal with A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, and fantasy with The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst.

   
   

4. Summer settings

   Yes, this is a bit like that saying "florals for spring," but just because a trend is obvious doesn't mean it's not a trend. With spring breaks in the Northern Hemisphere coming up and flower buds exploding everywhere, summer is only a skip and a dash away, and romance releases are reflecting the timeline. Popular tropes explored in summer romances this year include the "trapped" tropes, where two characters are stuck on an island, boat, or haunted house, and the ever-popular second chance trope.
   

5. Rom-coms

   I will always associate rom-coms with summer, because I used to fill my beach bag with them as a teenager and spend 7 straight days consuming them like crisps. But I don't think it's the season that has led to a reason increase in the sub-genre. Like cozy romances, we could all use a little laugh with our love stories right now, which is why titles like First Time Caller by B.K. Borrison (based off a classic rom-com, Sleepless in Seattle) are so popular.

Have any of these trends inspired you to start your next cozy summer Formula 1 rom-com between a driver and a romance author (if you want to smash all the trends together, which I totally endorse)? If so, check out my outline service, where I'll plan out every scene and chapter of your book so you can skip the plotting and spend your spring and summer doing the fun part: writing!

Until next blog post, happy reading and writing!