Get Ready for Summer: 30 Must-Read Romances
to Pack for Your Vacation
Looking for the perfect steamy summer romance read to kick off your summer? Whether you're lounging poolside with a cold drink, soaking up the sun on the beach, or escaping to a quiet summer cabin, I’ve rounded up 30 incredible romances to keep you company through every sun-drenched moment.
This list has something for everyone—from flirty rom-coms and sizzling slow burns to sweet second chances and heartfelt small-town love stories. Each book comes with a short summary and a spice rating, so you know exactly what you're getting into—whether you’re craving a little blush-worthy banter or a story that brings the steam level to “sunscreen can’t save you.”
Some of these books I’ve read (and loved!) myself, while others are still hanging out on my TBR list just waiting for the perfect beach day. For the titles I haven’t read yet, I’ve done the digging for you—cross-checking reviews, reader buzz, and author notes to give you the most accurate spice ratings possible. Because let’s be honest: sometimes you want all the angst and tension, and other times, you just need a cozy, heartwarming story that feels like a hug in book form.
So wherever you’re reading from this summer—a sandy shore, a backyard hammock, or hiding in the laundry room for a moment of peace—this list is here to help you find your next sunny, swoony escape.
Let’s dive in!
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Spice Level Guide
1 — Sweet & Subtle: Flirty tension, kisses, and fade-to-black scenes. Just a hint of heat.
2 — Lightly Flirty: Suggestive moments, heated kisses, and a little steam — but the door mostly stays closed.
3 — Medium Heat: On-page steamy scenes that balance sexy and emotional. Just enough to make you blush but still leaves a little to the imagination.
4 — Hot & Heavy: Multiple detailed steamy scenes, lots of physical chemistry, and very little left to the imagination. Definitely NSFW reading.
5 — Scorching: Explicit, frequent, and blazing. These books bring the heat hard — you’ll need a fan (and maybe a cold shower).
1. The Summer Girl
by Elle Kennedy
Summary: In Summer Romance by Elle Kennedy, Cassie Soul returns to Avalon Bay for one last summer at her family's beloved boardwalk hotel before it’s sold. Looking for fun and maybe a summer fling, she meets Tate Bartlett—the town’s charming sailing instructor who unexpectedly friend-zones her to protect her heart. But as their chemistry sizzles, friendship quickly turns into something deeper. With old secrets threatening their growing bond, Cassie and Tate must navigate more than just summer love if they want a chance at something real.
Spice Level: 2/5
The emotional connection and flirtatious banter take center stage, making it a good pick for readers who enjoy chemistry and buildup without heavy explicit content.
2. Problematic Summer Romance
By Ali Hazelwood
Summary: 23-year-old Maya Killgore finds herself irresistibly drawn to Conor Harkness—her older brother’s best friend and a brilliant biotech exec with 15 years on her. He insists their age gap and history make anything between them inappropriate, but when a wedding in Sicily traps them under the same sun-soaked roof, their simmering tension becomes impossible to ignore. Amidst chaos, secrets, and slow-burning desire, Maya decides a summer fling might be worth the risk. But as their connection deepens, what started as "problematic" might just turn into something unforgettable.
Spice Level: 4/5
High spice—slow-burn attraction that explodes into detailed steamy scenes with strong emotional undercurrents.
3. Till Summer Do Us Part
By Meghan Quinn
Summary: When Scottie lies about having a husband to impress her boss, she scrambles to find a fake spouse—enter Wilder, an improv-loving millionaire who agrees to play the part. Things spiral hilariously out of control when the ruse lands them in a weeklong couples’ retreat... with her entire office.
Spice Level: 3.5/5
Flirty and fun with a few steamy scenes, balanced by laugh-out-loud awkwardness and slow-burn tension.
4. The Summer Of Broken Rules
by K. L. Walther
Summary: Set during a family vacation on Martha’s Vineyard, this story of love, loss, and second chances centers around a lively game of Assassin, where one girl finds herself falling for someone new while healing from heartbreak.
Spice Level: 1/5
Sweet and swoony with minimal spice—perfect for readers who love slow-burn summer romances.
5. Great Big Beautiful Life
by Emily Henry
Summary: Aspiring author Alice Scott and grumpy Pulitzer-winner Hayden Anderson are competing to write the biography of the elusive and enigmatic Margaret Ives—heiress, recluse, and tabloid legend. Both are invited to Little Crescent Island for a month-long trial, but Margaret only offers them fragments of her story, forcing them to navigate secrets, competition, and their own crackling chemistry. As the lines blur between truth and fiction, rivalry and romance, Alice and Hayden must decide whether their version of the story is one of heartbreak… or a happily ever after.
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to moderate spice, focusing more on emotional connection with a few tender, intimate scenes.
6. Only Lovers In The Building
By Nadine Gonzalez
Summary: Recently unemployed lawyer Liliane Lyon escapes to a sunny Miami Beach rental hoping for peace, poolside reading, and zero drama. Instead, she finds herself drawn to brooding professor Benedicto Romero—and their shared love of romance novels turns into flirtatious book club sessions by the pool. As their banter heats up, their neighbors mistake them for love gurus, and a podcast idea throws them into even deeper waters. With chemistry crackling and real-life feelings sneaking in, Lily and Ben must decide if they're ready to turn their own story into a happily ever after.
Spice Level: 3/5
Moderate spice—plenty of slow-burn tension with a few open-door scenes that are sexy but still light and playful.
7. Deep End
By Ali Hazelwood
Summary: Competitive diver Scarlett Vandermeer is focused on med school and recovery, determined to avoid distractions—especially from swim captain Lukas Blomqvist, a disciplined world champion. When a secret brings them together, they start a no-strings arrangement that quickly turns into something deeper. As Olympic pressure mounts, Scarlett must decide if diving into love with Lukas is worth the risk.
Spice Level: 4/5
High spice with detailed steamy scenes, but balanced by heartfelt character development.
8. Summer In The City
By Alex Aster
Summary: Struggling screenwriter Elle returns to New York City seeking inspiration—and ends up living next door to Parker Warren, the billionaire tech CEO and former fling turned rival. Forced into a fake relationship to help Parker with a high-stakes business deal, their fiery chemistry ignites old feelings and new complications. As the summer unfolds against the city’s dazzling backdrop, Elle and Parker must decide if their pretend romance can survive beyond the last page.
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to moderate spice—mostly flirty tension with a few steamy but fade-to-black or lightly detailed scenes.
9. Hot Summer
By Elle Everhart
Summary:
Cas Morgan unexpectedly becomes a contestant on a Love Island-style reality show, where she’s determined to win a promotion by playing the perfect game. But when she meets Ada, a fellow contestant who’s genuinely looking for love, Cas finds her carefully crafted strategy challenged by real feelings. As the Cypriot sun heats up the villa, Cas must decide whether to follow her heart or stick to the game plan. This sizzling queer romantic comedy explores the messy, thrilling dance between ambition and desire.
Spice Level: 2/5
Features slow-burn angst with some steamy moments, but explicit scenes are minimal.
10. Bad Publicity
By Bianca Gillam
Summary: Andie lands her dream job as a senior book publicist—only to discover her biggest client is Jack Carlson, the ex who ruined her life and whose success now hangs in the balance. Forced to spend a month touring Europe together, Andie must navigate past wounds, professional pressure, and undeniable attraction. As they visit romantic locales, their fiery reunion could either destroy Andie’s career or spark a second chance at love.
Spice Level: 2/5
Includes some intimate scenes, but they are not the central focus.
11. That Summer Feeling
by Bridget Morrissey
Summary: After her husband files for divorce, Garland heads to an adults-only summer camp hoping to reset her life—and maybe reconnect with her childhood crush. But when sparks fly with her crush’s sister instead, Garland finds an unexpected, beautiful second chance at love. That Summer Feeling is a joyful, sapphic romance full of nature walks, camp adventures, healing, and the surprising magic of summer.
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to moderate spice—sweet and tender intimacy with a couple of mild open-door moments.
12. Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
Summary: After losing her mom and husband, professional organizer Ali Morris struggles to put her life back together, avoiding anything that feels too “normal.” When her dog accidentally claims a man named Ethan by peeing on him, Ali is surprised by his warm, accepting reaction, sparking an unexpected connection. As their summer romance unfolds, Ali learns that opening her heart again might just be the key to healing and finding joy amidst life’s messiness..
Spice Level: 1/5
Closed door romance with heartwarming moments and lots of summer charm. Super steamy and laugh-out-loud funny.
13. Bridesmaid By Chance
by Meghan Quinn
Summary: Hudson Hopper hires his business partner’s sister, Sloane, as his assistant, only to discover she’s an irresistible distraction. When Sloane is asked to be a last-minute bridesmaid at a high-society wedding, she proposes a surprising deal: she’ll join the wedding if Hudson agrees to marry her—for appearances only. Though hesitant at first, Hudson agrees to the fake marriage, setting the stage for unexpected romance and complicated feelings.
Spice Level: 3/5
Playful and steamy with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
14. Swept Away
By Beth O’Leary
Summary: After a one-night stand, Zeke and Lexi find themselves accidentally stranded together on a houseboat lost at sea. With limited supplies and no way to call for help, they must rely on each other to survive while navigating their unexpected connection. As days pass, their chance encounter deepens into something more meaningful amidst the vast ocean.
Spice Level: 3/5
Light to moderate steam with open-door scenes that are more tender than explicit.
15. The Right Place
by Sophia Money-Coutts
Summary: Maggie Lemon’s long struggle with infertility and her strained marriage leave her feeling stuck—until she inherits a hotel in Provence from her estranged aunt. There, she meets Gray Hudson, a handsome Hollywood actor hiding from the paparazzi, and together they forge an unexpected connection as they confront their disappointments and reassess their life choices. In this quiet, heartfelt story, Maggie and Gray explore whether it’s possible to break free from others’ expectations and find their own true path.
Spice Level: 1/5
Light spice with heartwarming moments and self-discovery.
16. Meet Me At The Lake
by Carley Fortune
Summary: Fern never forgot the whirlwind day she spent with Will Baxter, a free-spirited artist who vanished when they promised to reunite a year later. Now thirty-two and reluctantly running her mother’s struggling lakeside resort, Fern is stunned when Will returns, offering unexpected help but carrying secrets of his own. As they navigate the messy reality of their present lives, Fern must decide if she can trust the man who once saved her—and if she’s ready to save him in return.
Spice Level: 2/5
Light spice with emotional depth and nostalgic summer vibes.
17. The Summer Pact
by Emily Giffin
Summary: Four unlikely college roommates form a deep friendship that carries them through heartbreak, tragedy, and one life-altering event that leads to a promise: always show up for each other. A decade later, when Hannah faces a personal crisis, she calls on her old friends—Lainey, Tyson, and Summer—each now grappling with their own turning points. Honoring their long-ago vow, they reunite for a soul-searching journey that challenges their past choices and brings the healing power of connection to the forefront. Emily Giffin delivers a moving story about enduring friendship, second chances, and the strength found in keeping promises.
Spice Level: 1/5
More focused on emotional connections with minimal spice.
18. Love On The Island
by Jessica Gilmore
Summary: When Indi Drewe flies to Greece to stop her impulsive younger sister’s wedding, the last thing she expects is to be stuck sharing a villa with a charming, infuriating stranger named Mikhos. As sparks fly and tempers flare, Indi is torn between controlling the chaos and giving in to the unexpected romance blooming under the Mediterranean sun. With only days to derail the wedding, she might just lose her heart instead.
Spice Level: 2/5
Sweet romance with light spice and plenty of summer vibes.
19. One Golden Summer
by Carley Fortune
Summary: Photographer Alice returns to the idyllic Barry’s Bay cottage of her youth to care for her grandmother—and rediscover a piece of herself. Her peaceful escape is interrupted by Charlie Florek, the once-carefree boy in her favorite photo, now a charming man who sees past the lens she hides behind. As lake days turn into lingering nights, Alice is forced to confront the desires she’s buried and the connection she never saw coming.
Spice Level: 3/5
Moderate spice with bittersweet moments and heartfelt chemistry.
20. The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Summary: Every summer of Belly's life has revolved around the beach house and the Fisher boys, Jeremiah and Conrad—her childhood companions and first loves. As she returns for another summer, everything feels different: she’s growing up, the boys are changing, and long-buried feelings begin to surface. In a season full of heartbreak, transformation, and unexpected choices, Belly must decide what—and who—she really wants. It’s the summer everything changes, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Spice Level: 1/5
Sweet, clean romance with a focus on emotional growth and love triangles.
21. Hook, Line, And Sinker
by Tessa Bailey
Summary: Fox Thornton, a charming king crab fisherman with a reputation for flings, never expected to fall for someone immune to his flirtation—until he met Hannah Bellinger. When Hannah crashes in his spare room for work, their friendship grows deeper, even as she enlists his help to woo another man. But late-night conversations, stolen glances, and undeniable chemistry make it increasingly difficult to stay “just friends.” As Hannah begins to see beyond Fox’s playful exterior, he must prove he’s more than a heartbreaker—he’s the one worth betting on.
Spice Level: 4/5
High spice with sizzling chemistry and witty banter that Tessa Bailey fans know and love.
22. Island Affair
by Priscilla Oliveras
Summary: Sara Vance, a rising social media influencer recovering from an eating disorder, finds herself outshined by her perfect siblings during a family vacation when her flaky boyfriend doesn’t show up. To save face, she enlists Luis Navarro, a strong and dependable firefighter and dive captain from Key West, to pose as her fiancé. As they navigate family dinners and island adventures, their pretend relationship deepens into genuine connection, leaving Sara to wonder if what started as a ruse could turn into something real.
Spice Level: 2/5
Palpable chemistry and intimate moments with physical scenes that fade-to-black.
23. The Layover
by Lacie Waldon
Summary:
A flight attendant on the verge of quitting finds herself stuck on an unexpected layover with a rival coworker. As their banter turns into something more, she must decide whether to follow her heart or stick to her plan.
Spice Level: 2/5
Lighthearted chemistry with some steamy moments, perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers.
24. Shipped
by Angie Hockman
Summary: Henley Evans, a hardworking marketing manager juggling night classes and a demanding job, finds herself competing for a coveted promotion against her email nemesis, Graeme Crawford-Collins. When their boss forces them to collaborate on a proposal during a company cruise to the Galápagos Islands, Henley is surprised to discover that Graeme is nothing like the person she imagined. As they navigate the stunning islands together, the fierce rivalry between them begins to melt into something far more complicated—and tempting. Caught between ambition and unexpected attraction, Henley must decide what really matters in life and love..
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to mild spice with workplace banter and tropical fun.
25. People We Meet On Vacation
by Emily Henry
Summary: Poppy and Alex have been polar opposites yet inseparable best friends for years, bonding over a decade of annual summer vacations despite living worlds apart. After a falling out two years ago, their friendship has been on hold—until Poppy convinces Alex to take one last trip together to mend what’s broken. As they revisit their shared memories and old wounds, they confront the unspoken feelings that have always lingered beneath the surface. This heartfelt story explores friendship, love, and the risk of finally facing the truth.
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to mild spice with emotional slow-burn romance.
26. Beach Read
by Emily Henry
Summary: A romance writer struggling with heartbreak and a literary novelist facing writer’s block decide to swap genres for the summer while living next door to each other at the beach. As they push each other out of their creative ruts through quirky adventures and deep conversations, their initial agreement to keep things strictly professional starts to unravel. Amid laughter, challenges, and unexpected vulnerability, they begin to question everything they thought they knew about love and happily ever afters.
Spice Level: 3/5
Open-door romantic scenes that are detailed but not overly explicit.
27. The Unhoneymooners
by Christina Lauren
Summary:
When two enemies are forced to share a non-refundable honeymoon trip, things quickly heat up as fake dating turns into something real under the tropical sun.
Spice Level: 2/5
Low to moderate spice with irresistible chemistry and tropical hijinks.
28. Every Summer After
By Carley Fortune
Summary: Persephone has spent years avoiding the lakeshore and the memories of the biggest mistake she ever made—until a call pulls her back to Barry’s Bay and to Sam Florek, the man she thought she’d lost forever. Once inseparable friends whose bond blossomed into love, their relationship fell apart, leaving wounds neither has fully healed. As they reunite amid bittersweet memories and a shared past, Percy must confront her regrets and decide if their love can overcome the years and mistakes that kept them apart.
Spice Level: 2/5
Mild spice with a few tender, sensual scenes that perfectly complement the emotional intensity of the story.
29. Welcome To Beach Town
By Susan Wiggs
Summary: Nikki Graziola’s shocking high school valedictorian speech exposes dark secrets that shake the idyllic California town of Alara Cove to its core. After years away building a life as a competition surfer overseas, a personal tragedy forces Nikki to return home, where old rivalries, friendships, and a surprising romance await. As she navigates the complicated waters of her past and present, Nikki discovers that redemption and joy might still be possible in the place she once called home.pe.
Spice Level: 1/5
Light on spice with a strong focus on personal growth and cozy seaside vibes.
30. It Happened One Summer
By Tessa Bailey
Summary: A Hollywood socialite is forced to relocate to a small coastal town, where she butts heads (and sparks fly) with a grumpy fisherman who challenges her in more ways than one.
Spice Level: 4/5
High spice with sizzling tension and signature Tessa Bailey steaminess.
Final Thoughts
Your Perfect Summer Starts with the Right Book
No matter what kind of summer vibe you're chasing—sweet and nostalgic, fiery and flirtatious, or hilarious and chaotic—there’s a book on this list ready to be tossed into your tote bag. And hey, no judgment if you end up binge-reading more than one (or five) in a single weekend!
So grab your sunglasses, stock up on your favorite drinks, and get ready to fall in love—again and again—with these perfect summer reads.
Which one are you diving into first? Let me know in the comments!
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter