As 2025 quickly approaches, so does a new year of reading goals! If you’re looking to diversify your reading or just knock some books off your towering TBR, a fun way to do so can be reading prompts. Thus, Bookstr poses the following challenge to fellow romance readers: Below are romance-centric reading prompts; challenge yourself to read at least five for a Bingo win, or be super ambitious and strive to complete all 25. Happy reading!
1. Read a New Romance Release
As 2025 nears, it’s time to get excited about all of your anticipated romance releases. It will give you something to look forward to and ensure you don’t forget about all those new books on your radar.
2. Read a Retelling of a Classic Romance
Part of the power of classic literature is how it has inspired authors for generations. Read a romance with a story rooted in one of the classics.
3. Read a Romantasy
The romantasy genre is taking the publishing world by storm. Join in on the phenomenon by picking up a title from this beloved hybrid genre!
4. Read a Second Chance Romance
Thinking about the one that got away? Read a romance all about second chances.
5. Read a Romance With an Upcoming Adaptation
As any reader knows, books are almost always better than the movies. Make sure you read the book first by reading a romance that has an adaptation coming out in 2025.
6. Read a Queer Romance
It’s time to celebrate all types of love! Try picking up a romance novel featuring characters who are lesbian, gay, bi, trans, asexual, or another identity outside of the binary!
7. Read a Sports Romance
It seems everywhere you look there is a sports romance novel nowadays. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just a reader, the setup makes for entertaining stakes and plotlines. There are romances for just about every sport, from hockey to Formula 1, baseball, and even golf!
8. Read a Friends-to-Lovers Romance
Did you ever have that one friend you just hoped would turn into something more? There is something so endearing about reading a story where two people who already know each other’s flaws fall anyway.
9. Read a Romance Set in a City You Wish To Visit
One of the joys of reading is that it transports us to new places. Read a romance set in a city you’ve always wanted to travel to.
10. Read a Classic Romance
Classics are classics for a reason. They stand the test of time. Pick up a romance that has endured throughout the ages.
11. Read a Romance With a BIPOC Character
Reading is a form of learning, and it’s crucial to read from a diverse range of authors and experiences. Go through your TBR and make sure you’re picking up a book written by and about a BIPOC person whose identity is different from your own.
12. Read a Romance With Fake Dating
One of those tropes that seems to only exist in fiction, fake dating romances often lead to forced proximity and hilarious hijinks. They’re sure to bring readers a fun time.
13. Read a Mystery With Romance
Like your books with a bit of suspense and mystery? Try reading a mystery novel with a strong romance subplot for an immensely entertaining blurring of the two genres.
14. Read a Book With Disability Representation
Reading is a great way to garner empathy and understanding for those around us. Try reading a book featuring a disabled character to engage with an experience that may be unlike your own.
15. Read an Enemies-to-Lovers Romance
There is nothing like passion-filled bickering. Maybe even throw in some blade-to-the-throat tension if it’s a romantasy. Pick up an enemies-to-lovers romance for a tension-filled story that is sure to keep you gripped.
16. Read a Romance Set in an Office
Need some motivation to make it into your workplace? Are you the kind of person who always has a work crush? Try reading a romance novel with an office setting!
17. Read a Romance Graphic Novel
Gorgeous illustrations can really enhance the reading experience. Pick up a romantic graphic novel that contains some swoon-worthy images!
18. Read a Romance With a Love Triangle
They drive us crazy and can divide the closest of friends. Pick up a romance that will have you taking sides.
19. Read a Paranormal Romance
Like your romances with a side of monsters or the supernatural? Read a paranormal romance that brings on all the spooky and fantastical vibes you know and love!
20. Read a Bookish Romance
The only thing better than reading a book is to read about characters who also love reading books! Pick up a story where the character is a fellow bibliophile. Maybe they even work at a library or bookstore!
21. Read a Dual-POV Romance
Reading books with more than one perspective leads to fascinating — and, at times, frustrating — character insights. Try reading a romance where both of our main characters have their points of view told.
22. Read a Tearjerker Romance
In the mood for a good cathartic sob session? Read a heart-wrenching romance that is sure to bring all the tears.
23. Read a Historical Romance
Wish you could have experienced life during a different era? Now’s your chance to step into a hyper-romanticized history — whether Regency, Victorian, or Medieval. It’s time to do some time-traveling!
24. Read a Dark Romance
Do you always find yourself falling for the villain? Want a romance that unpacks trauma, danger, and some more taboo subject matter? Try reading a dark romance novel — though be sure to look at content warnings!
25. Read a Romance With Neurodivergent Representation
It can be fascinating to step into the mind of someone whose brain thinks a little bit differently than your own. Try picking up a romance with a neurodivergent character for an illuminating reading experience!
Whether you’re a seasoned romance reader or just trying to dip your toes into the genre, hopefully, these reading prompts inspire you to pick up some romance novels in 2025. If you need some recommendations to fulfill the different prompts, be sure to consult some of Bookstr’s tried and true recommendations!
To explore more reading challenges, click here!
To shop some romances perfect for these prompts, click here!
