The Most Popular Romance Authors in the U.S. Right Now
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Romance novels have always held a special place in the hearts of American readers. From sweeping historical love stories to modern-day rom-coms, romance consistently ranks as one of the top-selling genres in the U.S. In fact, the romance industry generates over a billion dollars annually, proving that love stories never go out of style. But who are the authors captivating readers in 2025? Let’s dive into the most popular romance authors in the U.S. right now and explore why their books dominate bestseller lists, BookTok feeds, and readers’ hearts.
Why Romance Authors Are Thriving in 2025
Romance continues to flourish because it provides comfort, escapism, and emotional connection. In a fast-paced world where digital distractions and stressful headlines dominate, readers turn to romance for hope and happy endings. With the rise of TikTok’s #BookTok community, many authors—both established and new—are finding overnight fame. Viral clips of emotional quotes, aesthetic book covers, and swoon-worthy recommendations are driving sales like never before.
The Most Popular Romance Authors in the U.S.
1. Colleen Hoover
It’s no surprise that Colleen Hoover continues to dominate the romance scene. With bestsellers like It Ends With Us and Reminders of Him, her mix of heart-wrenching emotion and relatable characters keeps fans hooked. Her books remain BookTok staples, and many are being adapted for film and TV.
2. Emily Henry
Known for witty banter and modern love stories, Emily Henry is the go-to author for rom-com lovers. Titles like Beach Read, People We Meet on Vacation, and Happy Place are praised for their humor, relatability, and depth. In 2025, she continues to define the genre with smart, cozy romances.
3. Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood has carved her niche with STEM-centered romance novels like The Love Hypothesis and Love, Theoretically. Readers love her blend of nerdy charm, workplace dynamics, and slow-burn chemistry. Her fanbase, especially among younger women, continues to grow.
4. Tessa Bailey
Tessa Bailey’s steamy rom-coms like It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line, and Sinker have made her a household name. She excels at creating bold heroines and swoon-worthy heroes that keep fans eagerly anticipating her next release.
5. Christina Lauren
The writing duo behind The Unhoneymooners and Love and Other Words continues to release hit after hit. Their books balance humor, heart, and steam, making them a favorite among American romance readers.
6. Abby Jimenez
A rising star in romance, Abby Jimenez writes heartfelt stories with touches of humor and realism. Her novels often deal with grief, love, and resilience, resonating deeply with readers who want more than just a happy ending.
7. Taylor Jenkins Reid (crossover success)
While not exclusively romance, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books like One True Loves and Forever, Interrupted often center on love and relationships. Combined with her blockbuster success in historical fiction (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo), she’s one of the most influential authors of the decade.
The Role of BookTok in Popularizing Romance Authors
Platforms like TikTok have revolutionized book marketing. Readers post tearful reactions, annotated passages, and aesthetic edits of their favorite romance reads. When a romance book goes viral, it often skyrockets to the top of bestseller lists overnight. Many of the authors above owe much of their mainstream popularity to BookTok communities, who turn their novels into cultural phenomena.
What This Means for Readers and Collectors
The surge in romance popularity has led to:
- Special edition print runs with sprayed edges and exclusive covers.
- Movie and TV adaptations of bestselling romance novels.
- Increased demand for romance book-themed merchandise—like tote bags, mugs, and T-shirts with romantic quotes.
For collectors and fans, this is an exciting era to be a romance reader.
Final Thoughts
Romance novels remain the beating heart of the American book industry, and the authors dominating 2025 are proof that love stories never go out of style. Whether you’re into heart-wrenching drama, laugh-out-loud rom-coms, or spicy slow burns, today’s romance authors offer something for everyone.
At Readers Closet, we celebrate all things bookish. If you’re a romance reader, check out our collection of book-themed apparel and accessories—perfect for showing off your love of love stories.
