Buzz Books 2025: Romance

by Publishers Lunch (Other)

Welcome to Buzz Romance 2025! This edition of our longstanding, much-beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the buzziest upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or are curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone.


Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, alongside exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit.


This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more.


New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've not only given you a guide to the age category of the titles, but also now a heat level. We hope this helps guide your reading choices.


Finally, if you love this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our next publication, Buzz Spring/Summer 2026.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many amazing romance books coming out. I can't wait to read them. There's something for everyone. Thank you @publisherslunch @netgalley for doing this.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun! I’ve never read a Buzz Books “sampler” before and I love it. This gives you two chapter samples of 18 different upcoming release romance books - general adult, new adult and young adult. It’s a fun way to get more than a synopsis perspective on some soon-to-be-released books. The Kate Clayborn book is a slam dunk addition to my TBR but there are many authors that are new to me. It’s a great way to get a feel for a book before having to fully commit. It was fun taking a sneak peak.

Thank you to NetGalley for access to a copy!

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of buzz-worthy romance novels. It represented a diverse variety of genres and topics. I especially appreciated the spicy scale, so readers can easily find a new read at their comfortable spice level. Once you find one you want to read, the link to request on NetGalley is at the end of the excerpt, making it super easy to find! To my TBR, I am adding The Paris Match (Kate Clayborn), last kiss of summer (Jessica M. Felleman), Her Hidden Fire (Clíodhna O’Sullivan), A Vow in Vengeance (Jaclyn Rodriguez), Chasing the Ring (Lauren Rowe), We’re a Bad Idea, Right? (K. L. Walther), and Reel Love (Addie Woolridge).

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Buzz Books' collections and this one is fab, with excerpts from 18 romance novels that led me to pile up my TBR. Enjoy!

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Buzz Books 2025
Author: Publishers Lunch
Publisher: Publishers Lunch BUZZ BOOKS
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Buzz Books 2025" by Publishers Lunch

My Insight:

"Welcome to Buzz Books: Romance 2025! This edition of our beloved Buzz Books series includes 18 excerpts from some of the most anticipated upcoming romance titles of the year. Whether you are an avid romance reader or simply curious about this fast-growing genre, this edition has something for everyone. At the end of most excerpts, you will find a link to download or request the full galley, which is exclusive to this NetGalley edition!

Discover compelling stories from acclaimed authors, including Alexandria Bellefleur, Kate Clayborn, Emily McIntire, Lauren Rowe, and Nikki St. Crowe, along with exciting debuts from Taylor Esposito, Jessica M. Felleman, Jaclyn Rodriguez, and Edward Schmit.

This diverse collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and tropes: sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more.

New for this edition of Buzz Books Romance, we've provided not only a guide to the age categories of the titles but also a heat level. We hope this assists you in making your reading choices.

Finally, if you enjoy this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our following publication, Buzz Books: Spring/Summer 2026."

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Buzz Books 2025: Romance Panel and downloaded this shortly after. While I of course have my favorites, there are so many different genres of romance in here (along with books from debut authors) you might find more than one book that catches your eye.

I think what I loved about these excerpts were that not all of them started with Chapter 1. So, I know a few of us have been excited to read a book, downloaded a sample and then…lose interest. It just wasn’t what we were expecting.

From the authors and their editors, I met on this panel, I feel confident saying that the books in this sampler (from different publishing houses, by the way) are probably the most honest way to capture the essence of the different books without spoilers.

So if you are looking for new reads, especially with the #BuzzBooks seal of approval, my advice, check this one out.

To make it even easier, they have included a direct link to NetGalley from each sample to request a copy of the book.

So, if you want to know what Romance books of all types people are going to be “buzzing” about (see what I did there), I definitely recommend you checking this out. Thank you to #BuzzBooks and NetGalley for this sampler book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading and in this case, maybe finding a new favorite author too!

[Jade aka MrsTosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant idea. I've never read a Buzz Books before and I love it. It gives you a sampler of 18 different upcoming release romance books. My to be read list just got even bigger :) the collection spans young adult, new adult, and adult romance across multiple beloved subgenres and sports romance, contemporary romance, dark romance, romantasy, Greek mythology retellings, Western romance, enemies-to-lovers, second chance romance, and more. You are also provided with not only a guide to the age categories of the titles but also a heat level so you can see what you want to read.

Many acclaimed authors are included: Kate Clayborn, T.C. Kraven, Lauren Rowe and Nikki St. Crowe to name but a few. Also there are a few debuts.. It is a great way of getting a feel for a book without fully commiting. Also seeing how the covers look, as I totally pick my books by cover, this is a great sneak peak.. Also I thought it was a great idea that at the end of each exert you had a direct link to read/request the full digital copy via net galley.

I notice that end note on the synopsis - Finally, if you love this edition, be sure to keep an eye out for our next publication, Buzz Spring/Summer 2026. I will defintely be looking out for this!

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this :)

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buzz Books 2025: Romance is a vibrant and irresistible sampler for any romance reader. The collection showcases an exciting mix of upcoming releases, from established favorites to fresh voices, spanning contemporary, fantasy, sports, and dark romance. Each excerpt is carefully chosen to highlight the emotional depth, wit, and charm that make the genre so compelling.

What makes this edition particularly enjoyable is the diversity of stories and authors, paired with a helpful heat-level guide for each excerpt. Whether you’re looking for light-hearted flirtation, intense romantic tension, or swoon-worthy drama, this sampler makes it easy to explore and find your next favorite book.

For romance enthusiasts eager to discover the most anticipated titles of 2025, Buzz Books: Romance is an essential preview that excites, enchants, and keeps the heart racing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzz Books 2025 : Romance is a great collection of upcoming romance stories.

With every excerpt, you've got the heat level, categories (Young Adult, New Adult, General/Adult, Romantasy, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, etc.) and a summary of the book.
At the end of the excerpt, there's a link to request a full ARC via NetGalley. Really practical. 🤗

The excerpts made me curious for more, let me fall in love with some characters, and I even found out that certain stories aren't for me. Oh, and of course, I added some books to my TBR. 🫶🫠

Well, this one is perfect for everyone who wants to find new authors or just wanna try something different. 😊

Thanks a lot to Publishers Lunch Buzz Books for this ARC via NetGalley. This is my honest review in my own words.

[Tonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a collection of forthcoming or recently released romance novels. Unfortunately most fell flat to me. I actually DNF’d quite a few of the excerpts. However, there were some that stood out and will be added to my TBR. Boots Beneath Her Bed by Taylor Esposito seemed like a Hallmark movie in the best way. Leave Me Behind by KM Moronova is a dark suspenseful romance that was intriguing. Willing Prey by Allie Oleander is another dark suspenseful romance with an interesting concept. Thank you to Netgalley and the various publishers for the E-Arc of the 2025 BuzzBooks romance, Excerpts from Forthcoming #BuzzBooksOfficial Romance Titles.

[Traci Kismarton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buzzbooks are so fun. I think the two books I’m most excited for are the book by Kate Clayborn and Nikki St. Crow. However, the reason I’m excited for them is that they are familiar authors. So, instead of singing the praises of things that I would have already loved, I’m going to touch on something else.
The unfamiliar author I’m most excited about because of this sampler is Alexandria Bellefleur’s The Devil She Knows. First of all KILLER cover. But also, who isn’t a sucker for a sexy demon?? The writing is quick and witty and I can’t wait to read a full copy.

[Bridget Sadenwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection! It was so fun to read a little about each featured book and then dive into a few sample chapters to really get a feel for the stories. The excerpts were engaging and definitely did their job. I’ve already added several of these upcoming romances to my TBR. Such a great way to build excitement for new releases!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Buzz Books and it did not disappoint! I loved that I could read excerpts from upcoming romance books because it’s like trying before buying!! There was more than a few that had me immediately searching online to buy so I would say whoever chose the lineup for this was spot on!! Great job getting unknown authors names out there as well. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Publishers Lunch, and all the authors that were a part of this.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book read on september. I am not a romance book lover but i this this format is actually interesting. You quickly get tons of first chapters to indulge in, just a rapid taste from a lot of books so you can actually see what are you into or what to discard. Kind of a “try me first” feeling of a structure. I actually picked two books from this one to check out when I’ll be feeling low to cheer me up. Which is a pretty good deal to me.

[*BookarazziBookNook* Kristin B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @NetGalley and Publishers Lunch for this romance sneak peek!
😱 Oh Em Gee 😱

Soooo many great books in this one! My request list is now about 4 books deeper and 3 on my watch list!!!

Every single one of these sounds fantastic, and the 2 chapter teasers were a perfect taste of what is to be expected in these books.

My favorite teaser sampler book so far!


📚

[Verv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never done one of these before, but I am absolutely in love!

The ones I am most looking forward to (and immediately preordered if I hadn't already) are The Devil She Knows, Of Prophecies & Pomegranates, Leave Me Behind, Willing Prey, A Vow in Vengeance, and, of course and the reason I wanted this to begin with, West of Wicked!

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these collections by Buzz Books because it's like being invited to a buffet of written works and you can get a taste of what's to come from your favorite authors, new authors and even be astounded by the prose from across the world.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that Buzz Books has a dedicated romance offering!

Looking forward to:
The Paris match
Boots beneath her bed
Leave me behind
Behind closed doors
and Chasing the ring

Some spicy options coming available in the coming months ;)
Thanks again NetGalley!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Buzz Books samples of what we have to look forward to!

[Kate Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received Buzz Books 2025: Romance through Netgalley.

This was a really cool way to feature a bunch of upcoming books, and give readers the chance to read excerpts from books they may be interested in, and give them a chance to try a romance genre or plot line they wouldn't normally gravitate towards.

This definitely helped me add a few new things to my TBR list I probably wouldnt have picked up without reading a preview.

[Desig]

nice book

[Amanda Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love romance books! It's nice to have a catalog of 2025 releases! Adding Leave Me Behind, Willing Prey, and We're a Bad Idea, Right? to my TBR! Thanks, Netgalley!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this sampling of upcoming romances. I found some that were new to me and I dove right into the full length ones.