Summer is only getting hotter, which means it’s the perfect time to pick up a new romance novel and head to the nearest beach or pool. If you’re looking for love under the limelight, enemies-to-lovers antics, or a messy friends-to-lovers story, then these summer romances are perfect for you. This list features three novels packed with chemistry, unique settings, and, of course, plenty of romance. From the world of social media to Palm Springs and life on tour, these stories serve up swoon-worthy moments to make your summer just a little brighter.
HOT PICK
Sugar Sugar Land by Patricia Leavy
SYNOPSIS:
Emerson Blue has built an empire as one of the world’s biggest social media influencers, crafting an image that millions admire. Renn Walker, once a celebrated country music star, has spent years hiding from the spotlight after a career-ending scandal. When their paths cross, an unexpected romance begins to grow. As public attention intensifies, Emerson and Renn must navigate fame and the judgment of their fans.
WHY:
This romance stands out by pairing an emotional romance story with a thoughtful look at celebrity culture and social media. Emerson and Renn come from completely different worlds, and their relationship explores how public perception can shape their happiness. Readers looking for a romance with themes of fame and redemption, alongside plenty of chemistry, will find this book to be a perfect fit for their TBR.
BEACH READ
See You At The Sunset by Susan Lee
SYNOPSIS:
After losing yet another job, Jia Chung escapes to Palm Springs for the summer, joining her grandmother at a lively senior living community filled with social events and larger-than-life residents. There, she unexpectedly reunites with Henry Shin, the corporate lawyer who fired her the morning after their one-night stand. As their grandparents grow closer and summer passes by, Jia and Henry gravitate closer toward each other despite every reason to stay apart.
WHY:
This is a feel-good romance with plenty of banter and heart. Jia and Henry’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic creates a wonderful source of tension, while the senior living community is a fresh and memorable backdrop. If you look past the romance, the story celebrates family and finding romance across generations, making it the perfect beach read for your summer break.
DARK HORSE
You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Edding
SYNOPSIS:
Musician Cubby Clark is struggling to go on after her famous ex-boyfriend made a song tearing her down—and promptly rocketed to success because of it. With her band on the verge of falling apart and her creativity fading, she leans on her closest friends, Darcy and Harry. But a seemingly romantic photo of Cubby and Harry goes absolutely viral on the same night that Cubby and Darcy hook up. The band must embark on their summer tour despite all the drama, and Cubby has to decide what kind of future she wants both on and off stage.
WHY:
This novel depicts the excitement of life on tour and an emotional friends-to-lovers romance that feels as messy and authentic as the synopsis details. The central relationship develops alongside Cubby’s questions about creativity and identity. Readers who enjoy queer love stories, complicated friendships, and music-filled summer tours will find plenty to connect with in this book.
These romances prove that summer is the perfect season for romance. I hope one of these books finds its way into your beach bag—and don’t forget your sunscreen! Happy reading.
Looking for more recs from the Bookstr team? Check out another Three to Read article on swoon-worthy AAPI romances.
Browse more recs on our Three to Read shelf on Bookshop
