Top 10 best new romance books to take on holiday with you this summer
There's nothing quite like lounging in the sun on holiday, fresh from a dip in the pool, with a good book in hand.
Certain genres naturally lend themselves to this summery setting, and romance is certainly one of them. Whether you're after a simple, feel-good romance or something that tugs at your heartstrings, there's a wealth of options available.
To help you out, we've selected 10 of the best romance reads of the year so far, catering to all moods. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
1. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
In Sounds Like Love, Ashley Poston's enchanting new romcom, a successful songwriter and a disgruntled musician must collaborate to complete a song that has been plaguing them both.
If you're familiar with Ashley Poston's work, you'll be pleased to know that Sounds Like Love has all the charm and small-town appeal of A Novel Love Story, as well as the slow-burn romance of The Seven Year Slip. It's romantic, emotional and incredibly hard to put down!
2. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin embarks on astronaut training at Houston's Johnson Space Center in Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, where she discovers both friendship and love, prompting her to question her place in the universe until a mission changes everything in an instant.
Atmosphere is a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle programme. As with any Taylor Jenkins Reid book, expect to laugh, cry and everything in between.
3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil follows three queer women—María in 1530s Spain, Charlotte in 1800s London and Alice in modern-day Boston—each grappling with their own forbidden desires and the lengths they'll go to pursue them.
This gorgeously gothic novel explores themes of power, loss, trauma and desire, but at its heart is love in all of its various forms, including love between friends and family, as well as self-love. It's a romantic, lyrical read, perfect for immersing yourself in this summer.
4. A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan
A Secret Escape follows Milly and Nicole, two once inseparable childhood friends who fell out a few years ago and never resumed contact. But after two years without speaking, film star Nicole suddenly begs for holiday home business owner Milly's help.
As the two women reconnect, they revisit old memories, uncover secrets and learn to trust each other once again. While this isn't the most romance-heavy book on this list, there is a potential new love for Milly, and with the beautiful lakeside setting and themes of friendship and second chances, it's definitely one to add to your holiday reading list.
5. Couple Goals by Kit Williams
When a fresh manager takes the reins of the Tigresses football squad, introducing star player Kira to the mix, team morale dips as current MVP, Maeve, instantly butts heads with Kira. Meanwhile, the new boss' grumpy son is a familiar face for midfielder Adriana.
With a blend of rivals-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes, this makes for a cracking summer read. Even those unacquainted with sports romance will find it hard not to be won over.
6. Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho
In the aftermath of a turbulent break up and in search of a clean slate, ambitious solicitor Kriya follows her boss to a new law firm. However, sharing an office with Charles, her long-time work adversary, wasn't quite what she'd envisioned.
But when circumstances force them to feign a relationship, the dynamics of their rapport begin to blur. Ideal for fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, this is a brisk workplace romance that tackles some significant issues while also delivering top-notch banter and hilarious supporting characters.
You can buy Behind Frenemy Lines here.
7. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
If you're partial to cosy fantasy with a dash of romance, this is your go-to summer read. Set in the same universe as The Spellshop, The Enchanted Greenhouse follows Terlu, a librarian who was transformed into a wooden statue for breaking the law by using magic, but one day awakens on a nearly-deserted island teeming with hundreds of magical greenhouses.
However, when she discovers that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is dwindling, Terlu embarks on a mission to save the island and begin a new life, aided by a sentient rose and a grumpy yet attractive gardener.
An isolated island brimming with enchanting sights, melodious flowers and limitless honey cake? Sounds like an idyllic summer getaway. Throw in some intrigue and romance along with a generous serving of cosy vibes, and you've got the ingredients for an ideal summer read!
You can buy The Enchanted Greenhouse here.
8. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
One Golden Summer is the latest captivating romance novel from bestselling author Carley Fortune. Fans of And Every Summer After are in for a delight, as this book centres around Charlie Florek, Sam's elder brother.
Alice's life took a turn when she captured a photo of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat one summer. When she revisits Barry's Bay years later with her grandmother, she sees Charlie, who was one of the subjects of the photo, in a completely different light.
With summery weather, stunning sunsets and boat trips, it's impossible not to feel the holiday spirit while reading this book - even if you're just at home.
You can buy One Golden Summer here.
9. Use the Words You Have by Kimberly Campanello
Use the Words You Have isn't your typical romance novel; this literary romance unfolds over a long, hot summer in France as US student K embarks on a romantic relationship with a local man.
The story weaves in and out of different time periods as the protagonist reminisces about her childhood, a summer spent in France, and her subsequent reflections years later. It's a beautifully written, evocative read best savoured under the sun.
10. What Would Dolly Do? by Suzan Holder
When Becky Mooney, a Scottish tribute singer for Dolly Parton, ends her relationship with her boyfriend (who also happens to be her Kenny Rogers singing partner), she decides to draw inspiration from her idol and attempt to shine solo. This leads to an unexpected meeting with a dashing country music star and a rocky journey to Nashville.
This book offers a delightful summer romance, and many readers will identify with Becky's quest to discover her own voice and identity.
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