The Best Summer Romance Books to Pack for Your Vacation
Are you heading out on a summer vacation and wondering which summer romance books to toss into your beach tote or carry-on? Whether you're off to a quiet lakeside cabin, sunbathing on a beach, or flying overseas for a bucket-list adventure, a hot romance novel can make your vacation even more magical.
This list of summer romance books is designed to match your destination with the perfect story. From coastal escapes and European getaways to national parks and small-town hideaways, I’ve rounded up titles that transport you right alongside the characters—while you lounge in the sun with a cold drink.
I’ve scoured reviews, bestseller lists, and reader favorites to create this curated collection of summer romance books. While I haven’t read every single one (yet!), each one landed on my radar because of rave reviews, BookTok Buzz, or reader love across Goodreads and Amazon. If you end up picking one up, I’d love to hear your thoughts—tag me or leave a comment!
Think of this post as your romance reader’s travel guide—full of wanderlust-worthy summer romance books that help you escape (even more than your vacation already will).
Why you must pack a Hot romance novel
There’s something magical about reading hot romance novels while you’re living your best summer life. Whether you're poolside, seaside, or just soaking up sunshine in the backyard, these stories bring the heat with sizzling chemistry, heartfelt emotion, and dreamy destinations—from coastal beach towns to charming European escapes. They’re the perfect way to romanticize your trip (or escape during your staycation).
Whether you're craving a laugh-out-loud rom-com, steamy romance novels with enemies-to-lovers sparks, or clean romance books that bring all the swoon without the spice, the summer romance books on this list were handpicked to match your mood and elevate your getaway.
Heading “Up North” This Summer?
Here in Wisconsin, we have a special kind of summer vacation: we go "Up North." Think cozy cabins, fishing with family, bonfires, and lake swims under the stars. Some of my favorite trips have been up to the Northwoods—places like Minocqua, Boulder Junction, and Bayfield. I love those early mornings out fishing with my father-in-law, followed by afternoons reading on the beach while the kids splash in the lake.
These Northwoods-inspired summer romance books are full of heart, healing, and sometimes a little second-chance magic. They’ll give you all the cabin vibes—perfect for lakeside lounging or rainy day reading.
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Every Summer After
by Carley Fortune
Setting: Canadian lake town (very Northwoods-adjacent!)
Spice Level: 3/5 (Emotional and steamy)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
This BookTok-beloved second-chance romance is a nostalgic, second-chance romance about Persephone Fraser, who returns to her childhood lake town after a decade of regret and heartache. Reunited with Sam Florek—the boy she once spent six perfect summers with—Percy must confront the painful mistake that tore them apart to see if their once-in-a-lifetime love can be rekindled in just one weekend. Told across two timelines, this emotional story explores how first love can shape us—and whether it’s ever too late to find your way back.
Perfect for: Reading with your feet in the sand, fans of Love and Other Words, and anyone nostalgic for those long summer days at the lake.
The Simple Wild
by K.A. Tucker
Setting: Remote Alaska wilderness
Spice Level: 3/5 (Angsty and slow-burn)
Goodreads Rating: 4.2+ ★
While it’s set in Alaska, the rugged cabin-in-the-woods, small-town, fish-out-of-water vibes are peak Northwoods energy. It follows a city girl reconnecting with her estranged father—and clashing with a moody, bearded pilot (yes, please). It’s heartwarming, emotional, and has just enough wilderness danger to keep it exciting.
Perfect for: Fans of enemies-to-lovers romance, cozy cabin vibes, and slow-burn romance with serious feels.
Out of the Clear Blue Sky
by Kristan Higgins
Setting: Coastal Maine—but reads like a lakeside community
Spice Level: 2/5 (Moderate)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
This one is for readers who love a good reinvention story—with a bit of petty revenge, a golden retriever of a love interest, and lots of laughs. It follows Lillie, whose life is turned upside down when her husband leaves her right before their son heads to college. She rebuilds her life in a tight-knit community that feels very Northwoods—small-town quirks and all.
Perfect for: Sitting on the deck with a glass of wine, readers who love humor + heart, and a little cathartic midlife glow-up.
The Summer of Broken Rules
by K.L. Walther
Setting: Martha’s Vineyard—but it reads like a California teen summer movie
Spice Level: ❌ (Clean YA)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
If you're longing for beach house weddings, family traditions, and a tender love story wrapped in sun and sentiment, this YA romance is a must-pack. Meredith returns to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time since her sister’s death, ready to face a week of wedding festivities and emotions. To keep herself grounded, she throws everything into her family’s legendary summer game of Assassin—until her target turns out to be a swoony groomsman with a killer smile. What starts as playful rivalry turns into something deeper, forcing Meredith to open her heart again, even at the risk of losing the game.
Perfect for: Coastal weddings, heartfelt coming-of-age romances, and readers who love grief healing, playful banter, and beachside summer flings.
Traveling to the Mediterranean Sea?
Whether you're sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast, exploring Greek islands, or sipping sangria in Spain, there are summer romance books that will whisk you away to the Mediterranean with every page. These stories are bursting with seaside charm, sun-soaked passion, and exotic escapes—perfect for reading with your toes in the sand and a view of turquoise waves. Pack one of these summer romance books to match the beauty and heat of your destination.
One Summer in Santorini
by Sandy Barker
Setting: Greek Islands
Spice Level: 1/5 (Light)
Goodreads Rating: 3.7+ ★
If you're sailing the Aegean or just daydreaming about island sunsets and salty air, this romantic travel adventure is a perfect fit. Sarah has had enough of men. It’s time to rekindle her first true love – travel – so she books a sailing trip around the Greek islands with a group of strangers. The very last thing Sarah wants is to meet someone new… But then a gorgeous American man boards her yacht and she knows she’s in trouble. And when she also encounters a handsome silver fox who promises her the world, she realizes that trouble really does come in twos. Will Sarah dive into a holiday fling, embark on a relationship, or stick to her plan – steer clear of men, continue her love affair with feta, and find her own way after all?
Perfect for: Greek getaways, solo travelers, and fans of flirty, scenic slow burns.
Staying in London or Wandering English Villages?
If your summer vacation has a UK twist—think bustling streets of London or charming English countryside—there are summer romance books that capture that exact vibe. From witty banter in cozy village pubs to slow-burning chemistry amid cobblestone alleys and flower-filled gardens, these stories bring British charm and heart. These summer romance books are perfect for fans of atmospheric settings, brooding heroes, and just a dash of tea with their tension. Side note, this is one destination in particular that I’ve been dreaming of visiting. Hopefully someday!
The Flatshare
by Beth O’Leary
Setting: London
Spice Level: 2/5 (Mild, one open-door scene)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
Tiffy needs a place to live. Leon needs extra cash. Their solution? Share a one-bed flat—on opposite schedules—without ever meeting. Notes left around the apartment soon turn into something deeper, but life (and exes) complicate things fast. The Flatshare is a quirky, heartwarming romance about unlikely connections, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected way.
Perfect for: UK city trips, rainy-day reads, and anyone who loves their romance with British charm.
Act Like It
by Lucy Parker
Setting: London, West End Theatre
Spice Level: 2/5 (Moderate)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
If your summer itinerary includes London’s theatre scene or just a mental vacation to velvet curtains and backstage banter, this witty enemies-to-lovers romance delivers all the drama. When rising actress Lainie Graham is asked to fake-date brooding, sharp-tongued Richard Troy to soften his scandalous reputation, she’s not exactly thrilled. He’s rude, arrogant, and allergic to charm. But as their PR-driven romance plays out under the stage lights—and the city’s gossip columns—their chemistry becomes harder to fake. And when real feelings threaten to upstage their carefully crafted act, the line between performance and passion begins to blur.
Perfect for: London lovers, theatre buffs, and fans of grumpy/sunshine pairings with sharp banter and backstage swoon.
The Wedding Season
by Katy Birchall
Setting: English Countryside & European Wedding Venues
Spice Level: 1/5 (Light)
Goodreads Rating: 3.8+ ★
If your summer plans include wedding hopping or daydreaming about champagne toasts and romantic detours, this charming romcom is your perfect plus-one. Freya Scott had her entire life—and wedding—to longtime boyfriend Matthew meticulously planned. But when he calls it off just hours before the ceremony, she’s left with a broken heart and seven more weddings to attend… solo. With the help of her hilarious and loyal friends, Freya takes on a series of wild challenges designed to pull her out of her rut. From awkward run-ins to unexpected kisses in glamorous settings, Freya stumbles her way through healing—and maybe toward a new kind of happily ever after.
Perfect for: Wedding season travelers, fans of second chances, and readers who love a smart, funny heroine on a journey of rediscovery.
Spending Time in Tuscany or Wine Country?
Dreaming of rolling vineyards, sun-soaked villages, and a kiss under the Tuscan sun? These summer romance books set in Tuscany will sweep you away with their charm, passion, and dolce vita vibes. Whether you're jetting off to Italy or simply craving a romantic escape from your beach chair, these love stories bring all the flavor of Tuscany—no passport required.
Love & Gelato
by Jenna Evans Welch
Setting: Florence & Tuscany
Spice Level: ❌ (Clean YA)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
Lina isn’t thrilled to spend the summer in Tuscany, especially not to meet the father she’s never known. But everything changes when she finds her late mother’s journal, filled with stories of love and secrets in Italy. With charming Ren by her side, Lina follows the clues her mom left behind—uncovering hidden truths, sweet romance, and a deeper understanding of herself. Love & Gelato is a heartfelt tale of family, love, and unexpected discoveries.
Perfect for: Family trips to Italy, clean reads, or travel partners looking for something light but heartfelt.
To Sicily with Love
by Jennifer Probst
Setting: Sicily, Italy
Spice Level: 1/5 (Light)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
If your summer dreams involve lemon groves, long-lost family, and a slow-burning Italian romance, this heartwarming escape to Sicily hits all the right notes. When Aurora York discovers she has relatives in Italy through a surprise DNA match, she impulsively trades her chaos in New York for a month in the sun-soaked hills of her ancestral village. Welcomed by a sprawling Sicilian family and a particularly charming local man, Aurora begins to piece herself back together. But as her time abroad draws to a close, she must choose between the safety of the life she left behind—or the promise of something beautifully new.
Perfect for: Italian daydreams, food-and-family-filled journeys, and readers craving romance with emotional depth and a sunny Mediterranean backdrop.
Books to Read While Traveling Mainland Europe
Whether you're sipping espresso in a Parisian café, exploring sun-drenched vineyards in Tuscany, or wandering cobblestone streets in Prague, these summer romance books are the perfect companions for your European getaway. Packed with charm, passion, and unforgettable settings, each story brings a little extra magic to your travels across the continent.
Paris Is Always a Good Idea
by Jenn McKinlay
Setting: France, Ireland, Italy
Spice Level: 1/5 (Mild)
Goodreads Rating: 3.8+ ★
IIf your suitcase is packed with wanderlust and you're in the mood for a second-chance journey filled with charm, laughs, and a dash of self-discovery, this European romp delivers. Chelsea Martin hasn’t truly lived since her mother passed away seven years ago—until a wake-up call inspires her to revisit the three men (and countries) that once made her heart race: Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy. As she chases old flames and long-lost joy, Chelsea begins to rediscover herself… and maybe even fall for the last person she expected: the frustratingly perfect coworker she left back home.
Perfect for: Eurotrip daydreams, fans of Eat-Pray-Love vibes with a romcom twist, and readers who love self-growth with a side of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers.
Spanish Love Deception
by Elena Armas
Setting: NYC & Spain
Spice Level: 3/5 (Moderate)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
Catalina needs a date to her sister’s wedding in Spain—and fast. To save face with her family (and her ex), she agrees to let her arrogant but annoyingly attractive coworker, Aaron Blackford, pose as her boyfriend. But as sparks fly, Catalina realizes the line between fake and real might be blurrier than she thought.
Perfect for: Staycationers, fans of ultra-slow burns, and anyone who loves a brooding hero with a soft interior.
Road-Tripping the American West or Visiting Yellowstone?
Last summer, my family—along with some of our good friends—did a Canadian road trip through Ontario and Quebec. We especially loved Quebec City—it felt like a European getaway without the plane ticket. It gave our kids a little taste of another culture, and we made so many memories.
That said, there’s something nostalgic and magical about an all-American road trip. When I was a kid, my parents loaded us up for a long drive out west to Yellowstone. We saw bison, geysers, and endless skies. Road trips are such a great way to reconnect, unplug, and see the country.
These steamy summer romance novels set on the road or set in small town America, will give you that same sense of freedom, discovery, and romance on the go.
And if you find yourself somewhere magical—like a foggy overlook in Quebec, a scenic mountain pass in Colorado, or just a quirky little diner in the middle of nowhere—send me a photo and let me know what you're reading!
You Deserve Each Other
by Sarah Hogle
Setting: Ohio backwoods + small-town America
Spice Level: 3/4 (Moderate and hilarious)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
This enemies-to-lovers gem is laugh-out-loud funny and full of small-town, woodsy charm. Naomi and Nicholas are engaged—and kind of hate each other—but neither wants to call it off first. Cue scheming, sabotage, and rediscovered love. It’s not a literal road trip, but it gives major “rural detour” energy with cozy cabins, bonfire vibes, and emotional growth.
Perfect for: Pit stops with a sense of humor, second-chance-with-the-same-person fans, and readers who love a good emotional glow-up.
Take Me Home
by Nancy Herkness
Setting: West Virginia and small-town Appalachia
Spice Level: 3/5 (Angsty and swoony)
Goodreads Rating: 3.9+ ★
Returning to her hometown of Sanctuary, West Virginia, after a painful divorce, Claire Parker is looking for solace—not romance. She finds unexpected comfort in Willow, a traumatized horse who becomes her emotional anchor. But as Claire rebuilds her life, she also finds herself drawn to Willow’s mysterious veterinarian, Dr. Tim Arbuckle, a man still grieving the loss of his wife. As trust and affection grow between them, a crisis with Willow tests their strength and connection. Set against the quiet beauty of the Appalachians, Take Me Home is a heartfelt story of healing, second chances, and the quiet magic of love.
Perfect for: Lovers of heartland romance, quiet strength in heroes, and road trip reads with heart.
Love & Other Words
by Christina Lauren
Setting: Northern California + cozy cabins + weekend escapes
Spice Level: 2/5 (More emotional than steamy)
Goodreads Rating: 4.2+ ★
A second-chance romance that toggles between teen summers spent in a lake cabin and an unexpected reunion years later. While not a literal road trip book, the way the story flips between past and present evokes that winding emotional journey we all go on while driving through landscapes that once meant something to us.
Perfect for: Late-night drives, readers who love layered storytelling, and emotional sucker punches in the best way.
Miles and Miles of You
by Jennifer Bonds
Setting: A coast-to-coast road trip
Spice Level: 4/5 (Steamy!)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
When former personal assistant Lucy Gonzalez quits her demanding job, she doesn't expect her ex-boss—the grumpy, ridiculously attractive billionaire Miles Hart—to tag along on her cross-country escape in a vintage Airstream. But when Miles shows up, determined to make amends, the open road gets a whole lot steamier. With roadside diners, awkward sleeping arrangements, and plenty of unresolved tension, this unexpected detour might just lead them somewhere neither of them planned: straight into each other’s hearts.
Perfect for: Reading in the backseat while your partner drives, fans of chaotic banter, and those looking for a modern, sexy road trip romp.
Vacationing at a Beach Resort or Tropical Island?
Sandy toes, salty hair, and stories that feel like sunshine. These summer romance books are perfect for beach bags and poolside reading. From small-town charm to island flings, each title brings the heat in the best way.
The Unhoneymooners
by Christina Lauren
Setting: Hawaii
Spice Level: 1/5 (Very Mild)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
When Olive Torres, the self-proclaimed unluckiest twin alive, finds herself sharing an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Maui with her sworn enemy—her sister’s smug best man, Ethan—she expects ten days of misery. But after the wedding party falls victim to food poisoning, the two are the only ones left standing…and pretending to be newlyweds to claim the trip of a lifetime. What begins as a begrudging truce quickly turns into surprising chemistry in this hilarious, sunshine-filled enemies-to-lovers rom-com that proves sometimes love shows up when (and where) you least expect it.
Personal Note:
This was one of the beach reads I took with me on a Hawaiian vacation a few years ago—and I devoured it. Nothing like relaxing poolside in Hawaii reading romance set in Hawaii. In fact, I tore through it so fast I ran out of summer romance books by day three. Totally worth it.
Perfect for: Poolside lounging, beach bag stuffing, and fans of witty banter.
Vacationing in the Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard, or Cape Cod?
Let’s match you with a book that feels like seaside champagne and secrets. Nothing says East Coast summer like sandy toes, sailboats, and lobster rolls. Whether you’re sipping rosé on a dock or cycling along seaside paths, these New England beach reads deliver a dose of love, charm, and salty air.
Same Time Next Summer
by Annabel Monaghan
Setting: Long Island beach town
Spice Level: 2/5 (Moderate, emotional)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
This is a second-chance romance filled with tension, tenderness, and all the dreamy nostalgia of summers past. Engaged and living a picture-perfect life in Manhattan, Sam’s plans are upended when she returns to her family’s beach house—and runs into Wyatt, her first love. As old feelings resurface under the summer sun, Sam must choose between the life she’s built and the love she never truly let go.
Perfect for: Hamptons house rentals, second-chance romance lovers, and readers craving summer longing with depth.
Summer Love
by Nancy Thayer
Setting: Nantucket (close neighbor to Martha’s Vineyard!)
Spice Level: 1/5 (Mild/closed door)
Goodreads Rating: 3.8+ ★
When four young strangers spend a magical summer together on Nantucket, their lives are forever changed by laughter, heartbreak, and the dreams they dare to chase. Decades later, they return to the island—with children in tow—for a reunion that stirs up old secrets and rekindles forgotten hopes. As the original four reflect on who they were and who they’ve become, the next generation begins their own journey of love and self-discovery. Warm, nostalgic, and full of heart, this is a multigenerational summer story about the ties that never truly fade.
Perfect for: Reading on the porch of a rental cottage, fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty, and those who enjoy a slower, sweeter pace.
California Dreamin’? Head to the Coast with a Romance That Feels Like Salt, Sand, and Surfboard Swoons
Before we had kids, my husband and I used to spend the 4th of July out in Ventura, California, where my uncle had a beach house right on the coast. It was the perfect summer destination—laid back, sun-drenched (eventually), and effortlessly cool. Early July always brought a bit of that classic “June Gloom” coastal fog—cool and misty in the mornings—but by late-afternoon the clouds would burn off, and we’d find ourselves stretched out on the deck, drink in hand, soaking up the sun and staring out at the ocean.
There’s just something about the California beach lifestyle that gets under your skin in the best way. It’s chill, it’s golden, it’s got that effortless kind of magic. Honestly, every time we flew home to the Midwest afterward, I felt a little heartbroken—like I was leaving a piece of myself behind in the sand. So, if you’re lucky enough to be heading out west this summer—or just want to read like you are—here are some sun-soaked romance reads to bring those coastal vibes straight to your beach bag:
Welcome to Beach Town
by Susan Wiggs
Setting: California coast (but very Cape Cod vibes)
Spice Level: 1/5 (Light spice, strong story)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
If your perfect summer read includes crashing waves, hometown secrets, and a heroine who stirs up more than just surf, this coastal drama delivers a powerful punch. On graduation day, scholarship student Nikki Graziola stuns her elite private school with a speech that exposes a long-buried scandal—one that shakes her sun-soaked California beach town to its core. Fleeing the fallout, Nikki finds solace riding waves across the globe. But years later, personal loss brings her back to Alara Cove, where old wounds and new beginnings collide. As she navigates past betrayals, reignited friendships, and the spark of unexpected romance, Nikki discovers that healing sometimes starts with coming home.
Perfect for: Coastal California escapes, second-chance stories, and readers who love emotional journeys with small-town charm and a splash of slow-burn romance.
Malibu Rising
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Setting: 1980s Malibu
Spice Level: 1/5 (Implied, closed door)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
If you're craving a vintage California vibe, sun-soaked beaches, and a glamorous family saga laced with secrets, this evocative novel is your ultimate summer escape. It’s August 1983, and the famous Riva siblings are hosting their legendary end-of-summer party. Surfer-model Nina, her championship surfer brother Jay, photographer Hud, and their youngest sister Kit are no strangers to the spotlight—or the shadows of their famous father. But as the champagne flows and the night unravels, hidden betrayals and emotional truths erupt, changing everything by sunrise. Malibu Rising is a dazzling story of fame, fire, and the kind of family drama that lingers like salt on your skin.
Perfect for: Vintage beach nostalgia, sibling-centered drama, and readers drawn to emotional intensity, messy love, and slow-burning tension under the Malibu sun.
Float Plan
by Trish Doller
Setting: Starts in Florida, sails through the Caribbean, ends with serious California vibes
Spice Level: 3/5 (Steamy and emotional)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
If your heart needs healing and your summer daydreams include turquoise waters and wind-filled sails, this emotional romance is ready to carry you away. After the sudden loss of her fiancé, Anna takes to the sea on what was meant to be their shared sailing adventure. But grief and inexperience make the journey more perilous than freeing—until she hires Keane, a charming Irish sailor with heartbreaks of his own. As they navigate the open ocean together, an unexpected bond forms—proving that even when the map changes, you can still find your way home.
Perfect for: Caribbean escapes, emotional fresh starts, and readers who love travel romances with real depth and a touch of slow-burn hope.
The Summer of Broken Rules
by K.L. Walther
Setting: Martha’s Vineyard—but it reads like a California teen summer movie
Spice Level: ❌ (Clean YA)
Goodreads Rating: 4.1+ ★
If you're longing for beach house weddings, family traditions, and a tender love story wrapped in sun and sentiment, this YA romance is a must-pack. Meredith returns to Martha’s Vineyard for the first time since her sister’s death, ready to face a week of wedding festivities and emotions. To keep herself grounded, she throws everything into her family’s legendary summer game of Assassin—until her target turns out to be a swoony groomsman with a killer smile. What starts as playful rivalry turns into something deeper, forcing Meredith to open her heart again, even at the risk of losing the game.
Perfect for: Coastal weddings, heartfelt coming-of-age romances, and readers who love grief healing, playful banter, and beachside summer flings.
If Camping Is More Your Summer Vacay Vibe...
Campfires, s'mores, and the fresh scent of pine? Yes, please. But even the most outdoorsy girl needs something to read when it rains—or when the bugs are winning. Whether you’re pitching a tent in the Rockies or setting up your glamping site closer to home, here are a few camping romance novels to keep you company under the stars (or in the safety of your sleeping bag). Here Are Some rainy-day summer romance books to cozy up with in the tent.
Wild at Heart
by K.A. Tucker
Setting: Remote Alaska
Spice Level: 3/5 (Steamy)
Goodreads Rating: 4.3+ ★
This follow-up to The Simple Wild explores what happens after the happily ever after—when love meets reality in the rugged wild. Perfect for outdoor adventurers who want their romance with grit and grace. After returning to Toronto changed and uncertain, Calla Fletcher’s life takes an unexpected turn when Jonah, the rugged bush pilot she left behind, invites her back to Alaska. Thrust into a remote log cabin surrounded by wild tundra, Calla faces isolation, unpredictable neighbors, and a harsh environment that tests her resilience. As Jonah’s absences grow and danger lurks nearby, Calla must decide whether to carve out a new life in the wilderness or risk repeating the cycle of running from her past. A raw, atmospheric story of love, survival, and finding strength in the wildest places.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, long-term love stories, and anyone who’s tried to build a life somewhere unexpected.
Happy Place
by Emily Henry
Setting: Maine cottage getaway
Spice Level: 2/5 (Light, emotional depth)
Goodreads Rating: 4.2+ ★
If you're huddled under a blanket during a rainy camping day, this “exes faking it for their friends” second-chance romance will hit in all the right places. Emily Henry brings the banter, the angst, and the cozy lakeside nostalgia. Harriet and Wyn were once the perfect pair—until they quietly broke up five months ago. But when their tight-knit friend group reunites for one last week at their beloved Maine cottage, the exes decide to fake it, pretending they’re still together to preserve the group’s harmony. Forced into close quarters, surrounded by memories and mutual longing, Harriet and Wyn must confront not only the act they’re putting on—but the love they never quite let go of. A bittersweet, slow-burning story of friendship, heartbreak, and second chances in a setting where everything is ending…and just maybe, beginning again.
Perfect for: Glamping with wine, deep-feelings readers, and rainy afternoon book binges.
Bet the Farm
by Staci Hart
Setting: Small-town Texas farm
Spice Level: 3/5 (Steamy)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
When big-city girl Olivia Brent inherits her late grandfather’s dairy farm, she’s determined to keep it afloat—even if it means going head-to-head with the infuriatingly hot and broody farmhand, Jake Milovic, who owns the other half. Sparks fly as they clash over how to save the struggling business, and when a cheeky bet is made, the competition turns heated in more ways than one. But as unexpected threats to the farm arise, Olivia and Jake must set aside their rivalry to fight for the land—and maybe for each other. Bet the Farm is a laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance with heart, heat, and a whole lot of cows.
Perfect for: Campers who love slow burns with spice and a heroine who doesn’t back down.
The Off Limits Rule
by Sarah Adams
Setting: Cozy Tennessee town
Spice Level: 1/5 (Closed door)
Goodreads Rating: 4.0+ ★
When single mom Lucy moves back home with her young son, the last thing she expects is to fall for her older brother’s best friend, Cooper. He’s charming, thoughtful—and completely off-limits. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to follow the rules. Sometimes, breaking the rules might be the only way to get it right.
Perfect for: Readers who want warmth without the steam, ideal for reading with the sounds of raindrops on the tent roof.
Things We Never Got Over
by Lucy Score
Setting: Knockemout, Virginia (small town + lots of drama)
Spice Level: 3/5 (Moderate heat)
Goodreads Rating: 4.2+ ★
When runaway bride Naomi Witt arrives in Knockemout, Virginia to help her estranged twin, she finds herself abandoned, broke, and suddenly responsible for a niece she never knew existed. Enter Knox Morgan—grumpy, bearded, and determined to keep his peaceful life complication-free. But as Naomi’s chaos collides with his calm, Knox reluctantly steps in to help…only to discover that danger is brewing, and walking away might not be so simple after all. A small-town, slow-burn romance full of heart, humor, and second chances.
Perfect for: Rainy weekends, Kindle bingers, and anyone camping with a charged power bank and no kids for a few hours.
Honorable Mention: Pack a Short Story Collection
If you're not sure how long that storm will last or your toddler will nap, a romance novella or short story collection like Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood or Christmas in the Rockies (yes, it's off-season—but cozy!) can be great grab-and-go options.
Let’s be honest: camping gives us great family memories... and a golden excuse to hide in the tent for "just one more chapter." If you pack any of these books along with your bug spray and s’mores kit, you’re setting yourself up for a five-star camping trip—even if it rains all weekend.
No Travel Plans This Year?
Same. While I don’t have any summer trips on the books this year (except for a quick trip to Nebraska celebrate my grandfather’s 100th birthday!), I’ll be living vicariously through these destination summer romance books. There’s no better way to escape than with a great book, and these stories bring the vacation vibes right to your couch, hammock, or back porch swing.
Final Boarding Call
No matter where you’re headed, make space in your bag for a few summer romance reads. They’ll keep you company on long flights, lazy afternoons, and quiet evenings after a day of exploring. Romance readers know there's nothing better than falling in love—with a story—while on vacation.
So, are your bags packed? Your sunscreen stashed? Great. Now grab one (or five) of these hot summer reads and get ready to fall hard for the perfect vacation read.
And if you read one? Let me know! I’d love to hear what you think, chat book recs, or even plan our next summer romance TBRs together.
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