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There’s something about summer that calls for a good romance novel—whether you’re at the beach, curled up in a hammock, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon at home.
The best summer romances feel light, fun, and a little dreamy, with characters and settings that sweep you up right from the first page.
This list includes a mix of fresh releases, beloved favorites, and can’t-put-down love stories that are perfect for soaking up during the warmer months.
Here’s what to add to your reading list this summer:
1. Beach Read by Emily Henry
When two writers—one who pens literary fiction, the other rom-coms—swap genres for the summer, sparks fly in unexpected ways. Set against a sun-soaked lakeside town, it’s both smart and swoony.
Why it works
It’s witty, emotional, and full of heart, with characters that feel real and easy to root for.
2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
This friends-to-lovers story follows two opposites who take yearly summer trips together—until one trip goes wrong. Years later, they try to reconnect with one last vacation.
Why it works
It captures the joy and tension of long-term friendship turning into something more, with lots of humor and heart.
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
A coming-of-age romance about a girl, two brothers, and the summer that changes everything. It’s filled with first love, bittersweet moments, and that unforgettable summer magic.
Why it works
The beach town setting and teenage nostalgia make it a perfect light, emotional read.
4. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Told across six summers and one weekend, this novel explores lost love, regrets, and the pull of returning to where it all began.
Why it works
It blends small-town charm with deep emotion, delivering a story that sticks with you long after the last page.
5. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
After everyone at a wedding gets food poisoning except for the maid of honor and best man, the two—who can’t stand each other—end up on a free honeymoon together.
Why it works
It’s laugh-out-loud funny with sizzling chemistry and a tropical setting that screams summer escape.
6. The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
Two former co-writers, who haven’t spoken since their partnership imploded, are forced to reunite to write one last book in a Florida beach house.
Why it works
It’s a slow-burn romance with creative tension and a sun-drenched backdrop that feels made for summer reading.
7. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
A Hollywood wild child gets sent to a small fishing town to learn responsibility—and ends up falling for the gruff local fisherman.
Why it works
The enemies-to-lovers banter, small-town setting, and steamy moments make this one hard to put down.
8. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Childhood friends reconnect years later and must face the secrets that kept them apart. Told in alternating timelines, it’s both nostalgic and deeply emotional.
Why it works
It’s tender, moving, and filled with the kind of second-chance romance that fits summer perfectly.
9. The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun
Set behind the scenes of a reality dating show, this sweet and funny romance pairs a nervous tech millionaire with his handler, and feelings get complicated.
Why it works
It’s heartfelt and unique, mixing fun TV drama with genuine emotional depth.
10. Float Plan by Trish Doller
A woman sets off on a solo sailing trip after loss—but finds unexpected companionship and healing when a sailor joins her on the journey.
Why it works
It’s a beautifully written mix of adventure, grief, and slow-growing love, with plenty of seaside atmosphere.
11. The Layover by Lacie Waldon
A flight attendant on her last trip before retirement finds herself stuck at a tropical resort with a coworker she’s always clashed with.
Why it works
It’s fun, flirty, and filled with vacation vibes that make it feel like a mini getaway.
12. One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
When a magazine writer’s solo retreat on a remote island turns out to be double-booked, she has to share the space with a brooding photographer—and sparks fly.
Why it works
The remote setting, forced proximity, and emotional journey make this a great slow-burn summer pick.
13. Shipped by Angie Hockman
Two coworkers competing for a promotion end up on the same cruise and discover they have more in common than they thought.
Why it works
It’s like a tropical vacation in book form, with plenty of tension, humor, and sweet moments.
