Summer is in full swing, and if you’re looking for some unputdownable reads with irresistible romances to escape (or embrace) the heat of the season, I have sixteen must-reads for you. Although not every story is set in summer, they all deliver heartfelt adventures, addictive love stories, and immersive imagery that exude the vibrant, undeniable feeling of the season.
Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez
A sunny, emotional new adult (NA) contemporary romance set in small-town Rhode Island with a friends-to-lovers romance, slice-of-life narration, and thoughtful exploration of burnout.
Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen
A sweet, welcoming young adult (YA) contemporary romcom set in Los Angeles that’s a love letter to books, cats, libraries, and Southern California.
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
A thrilling, fierce YA fantasy romance with pirates, enemies-to-lovers tension, and found family.
Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory
A sexy, compelling contemporary romance with sapphic love, immersive settings, and, of course, flirting lessons.
Furious by Jamie Pacton and Rebecca Podos
A riveting, achingly beautiful YA contemporary romance infused with sapphic love, found family, and nods to Fast & Furious.
Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
A playful, uplifting YA medieval rom-com inspired by Arthurian legend, brimming with queer love and witty banter.
If We Never End by Laura Taylor Namey
A tender, atmospheric YA contemporary romance set in small-town Oregon with mystery, summer adventures, and a paranormal love story.
Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst
A magical, exhilarating cozy fantasy romance with music, a sea serpent, sweet treats, sailing, and found family.
Seyoon and Dean, Unscripted by Sujin Witherspoon
A campy, vibrant YA contemporary romance following a wilderness game show with rivals-to-lovers tension and reality TV drama.
Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West
A hilarious, witty contemporary romcom with a fake-dating romance, creative plot, and beautiful exploration of family and friendship.
These Kindred Hearts edited by Shari B. Pennant
An enchanting, heartfelt YA fantasy romance anthology brimming with pulse-pounding action, touching love stories, diverse characters, and clever magic systems.
The House of Now and Then by Edward Underhill
A sweeping, tender queer contemporary romance set in a Cape Cod cottage with a magical twist.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
A joyful, vivid YA contemporary romance set at Martha’s Vineyard following a propulsive game of assassin during a summer wedding.
The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett
An adventurous, cinematic NA contemporary romance set in small-town Michigan with childhood friends-to-lovers yearning, perfect for fans of National Treasure.
This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede
An atmospheric, captivating YA fantasy romance set in an Italy-inspired world with a bodyguard romance, hilarious cast, and lethal magic.
Tropesick by Lauren Okie
A twisty, laugh-out-loud funny contemporary romance with an emotional core that presents fan-favorite romance tropes with heartwarming and heart-wrenching flair.
From small-town adventures to big-city jaunts, harrowing high-seas quests to heartwarming sun-soaked shenanigans, these sixteen captivating romances will bring fun, joy, and love to your summer TBR. Happy reading!
