Let's Talk Buzzy Summer Romance Books
And which one you should read next!
Summer is very much here and with it comes a flood of new romance novels, all vying for a place of honor on a beach towel or beside the pool. There’s so many, in fact, that it can be hard to choose, particularly if you’re a more occasional romance reader. Today I wanted to talk about four very buzzy recent romance releases and what kinds of readers they might appeal to, as well as additional recommendations if you enjoyed one of these.
I believe adamantly that there’s a romance novel for (almost) every kind of reader, even if it sometimes takes a little bit of digging to determine exactly what kind of romance is right for you. Sometimes when I see people default to reading the newest Emily Henry and not love it—to be clear, I quite like Emily Henry! I want to metaphorically come bursting in and recommend them a whole stack of romance novels that might be a better fit for their reading tastes. What I’m hoping to do here is help readers sort through the books they’re seeing everywhere and be more likely to find something that’ll be a smash hit for them. (Future installments to possibly come? Let me know in the comments if there’s a romance you’d be curious to hear my thoughts on!)
But now let’s get to the books:
When children’s librarian Daphne is dumped by her fiance Peter for Peter’s longtime best friend Petra, she finds herself stranded in a small Michigan town and moving in with the one person who can really understand her pain…Petra’s ex-boyfriend Miles. Daphne and Miles are total opposites but they may have also hatched a genius fake-dating plan? This is Henry’s tropiest and steamiest book so far and my 3rd favorite of her catalog after Happy Place and Book Lovers. (Admittedly, I haven’t revisited Book Lovers so I reserve the right to change my rankings at any time.) If you were drawn to the angstier parts of Beach Read, this may not be as successful for you but if you enjoyed the sharp banter of Book Lovers or the wonderful sense of place in People We Meet on Vacation, you might really like this one. Miles and Daphne have fantastic chemistry and Henry draws out the tension between them exquisitely in an excellently done slow burn. I also loved the summery Michigan setting, the secondary friendship plotline, and the emphasis Henry puts on Daphne learning to make a life for herself without a partner. I did occasionally want to shove both Miles and Daphne straight into therapy but, I savored this one. (Open door, medium steam.)
To try next:
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell - A light-hearted romance about a man who falls in love with a woman through her emails while working as an IT security officer.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren - A funny and charming romance about two enemies who have to pretend to be a couple during a vacation.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Two people who share the same curse—everyone they date goes on to find their soulmate immediately after they break up—meet cute via Reddit thread and decide to date just for the summer in an attempt to break their curse. Jimenez is a good fit for readers who want some more serious issues wrapped up in a kind, cozy package. Here, Emma is grappling with her complicated and painful relationship with her mother while Justin has just agreed to assume guardianship of his three siblings. Her books always feature a lot of caretaking and romance built on everyday moments and Just for the Summer is no exception. I loved Yours Truly last year but this one was less successful for me, partially because I was in the mood for a spikier, messier romance. She also tends to write real golden retriever heroes, willing to do anything for the heroine and forgive her anything, and I found myself wanting Justin to acquire a few more flaws? I did find this very voice-y and readable, especially with the way Jimenez uses short sentences to build momentum and think this could be a good title to breeze through in a day or two. (Open door, low steam.)
If you loved this, you might like:
The Layover by Lacie Waldon - This novel features Ava Greene, a flight attendant on her final trip before she settles down, who unexpectedly ends up on a layover in Belize with her nemesis, Jack Stone. As they spend time together in the tropical paradise, their initial animosity begins to change into something more, leading to an engaging enemies-to-lovers romance. The book offers a blend of humor, romantic tension, and a delightful travel backdrop
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry - This novel tells the story of Poppy and Alex, best friends who take a vacation together every year. After a falling out, they decide to take one last trip to try to mend their friendship. Filled with witty banter, emotional depth, and the exploration of whether friends can become lovers, it mirrors the romantic and heartfelt tone found in "Just for the Summer"​
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Thirteen years after a tragic accident bound Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard together permanently, they meet again when Grant accepts a spot in the writers’ room of the TV adaptation of Helen’s bestselling YA series. This was exactly the messy, gloriously angsty romance I was yearning for and it’s the one I’d recommend most to occasional romance readers who want a bit of an emotional gut punch along their love story. I loved the sharpness of Kuang’s writing and the space she allows her characters to mess up and find their way back to each other, as well as the behind-the-scenes detail of what it’s like in a Hollywood writers’ room. (Kuang is a screenwriter so you know she knows what she’s talking about.) There's a lot of drama here but it always feels deeply grounded in the characters and their backstory, which makes the emotional beats hit all the harder. No detail is wasted and every moment between Grant and Helen sings with meaning. Definitely check content warnings before picking this one up if you’re a sensitive reader. (Open door, high steam.)
If you’re craving more big feelings:
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center - This book delves into themes of love, healing, and the complexities of relationships, much like "How to End a Love Story." It follows characters who navigate personal growth and the emotional intricacies of forming meaningful connections.
The Ones Who Got Away series by Roni Loren - for a series that thoughtfully handles trauma and grief, celebrates female friendship, and is ultimately a powerful portrayal of healing. (Note that this series is centered around the survivors of a school shooting, so be gentle with yourself. I love these books and think Loren writes very sensitively about tough topics but also understand it’s a subject that’s an automatic no for some readers.)
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Years after free-spirited artist Anna and buttoned-up academic West went their separate ways after a marriage of convenience meant to get them into married student housing, West turns up with a proposition for Anna. Fake being his loving wife for his sister’s luxurious destination wedding in Indonesia—and face his wildly wealthy family—so he can still receive his massive inheritance. This was perhaps my platonic ideal of a summer romance read? It’s fun, fizzy, and exudes summer on every single page. Liam and Anna have fabulous chemistry and this delivers on all the tension a well-executed marriage of convenience trope can bring. True, the setup is a little over-the-top but if you’re willing to buy into it like I was, I think you’ll have a fabulous time. (If you prefer your contemporary romance on the more grounded side, perhaps not the right summer read for you.) As a bonus, most of the book takes place on an Indonesian island so all the descriptions are positively lush. I think this could make for a perfect steamy summer escape. (Open door, high steam.)
If you want to be swept off your feet again:
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter - In this romantic comedy, the protagonist navigates through unexpected twists and turns of love and relationships. With witty banter and heartfelt moments, this book captures the essence of romantic entanglements and the unpredictability of finding love in the most unexpected places​.
Second First Impressions by Sally Thorne - This book also delves into the dynamics of wealth and romance, featuring a quirky romance set in a luxurious retirement villa. The story follows Ruthie Midona, who meets Teddy Prescott, a tattooed rich kid with a heart of gold, leading to unexpected chemistry and heartfelt moments. Sally Thorne’s signature blend of humor, romance, and character depth makes this a perfect companion read.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?
If you loved this, you might like:
The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner - This book captures the essence of summer with a story about family, secrets, and romance. When a wedding brings a family together, old wounds and hidden desires resurface, making for a compelling and emotional read.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther - This charming novel centers on a girl who spends her summer at Martha's Vineyard for a family wedding, where she finds herself in a game of love and loss. The story beautifully captures the essence of summer romance and the bittersweet nature of growing up and moving on​.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Lucy and Felix’s chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again.
If you loved this, you might like:
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle - When Katy's mother dies, she embarks on a planned mother-daughter trip to the Amalfi Coast alone. There, she meets a younger version of her mother, and as they spend time together, Katy discovers new insights about her mother and herself. This novel beautifully captures the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery amidst a stunning summer backdrop.
The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe - Set in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina, this novel follows Linnea Rutledge as she navigates love, family, and unexpected challenges during a transformative summer. The book is rich in themes of personal growth, second chances, and the complexities of relationships
Recommendations, miscellany, and little bits of joy:
Palm Royale on Apple+ In 1969, an ambitious woman aspires to cross the line between the haves and have-nots to secure her seat at America's most exclusive, fashionable, and treacherous table: Palm Beach high society.
The breezy new Dua Lipa album, which has made its way into my rotation over the last couple of weeks. Sometimes I just want to bop around my kitchen while I do chores and this is an ideal bopping around album.
All the Summer strawberries! They’re tiny, sweet, and delicious.
Let me know if you’ve read any of these and your further reading recommendations!
