Summer Romance: A Reading List
Because it's already halfway through summer, but there's still plenty of time to read something fun! Plus, my non-negotiable summer travel companions.
When traveling during the summer, I tend to reach for books that also feel like a vacation. So, yes, in a shock to absolutely no one, I love beach reads. But before we dive in, just wanted to clarify that I consider beach reads in the most literal way possible—books that are meant to read on vacation, or make you feel as if you’re on vacation. Sometimes, I find that the romance genre as a whole gets lumped into the *beach read* category, regardless of its content. Alas, all of the below are summer-specific romances, which I think make the perfect companion for sunny beach days (or wherever the season takes you!).
I actually love to read seasonally, so for the last few months, my kindle has been loaded with summer romances. Come winter, I’ll have a ton of holiday bangers for you, but for now, it’s vacation-adjacent or bust. It somehow heightens the reading experience (and makes you feel like you’re there) when you can smell the sunscreen on your skin or you’re shading your book from the glaring sun. Sand in your toes, the barbecue smoking, late sunsets—all of these seasonal things make reading a summer novel all the sweeter.
I wanted to keep this reading list short and with specific criteria, since there are way too many summer romances to choose from. I’ve whittled it down to only new releases from 2024 with a distinctly summer *feel*, six of which I’ve read (and loved) in the last few months and three on my TBR that I’m saving for an upcoming family vacation.
Let me know what you’re reading this summer!
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan: If you liked Monaghan’s Nora Goes Off Script, this feels similar. A divorced single mother has a summer fling in her small beach town that turns out far sweeter than she planned. There’s something about this novel that’s so incredibly heartfelt. The main character, Ali, has been through a lot (the death of her mom and a recent divorce), so it makes her growth really palpable, as if you’re along for the ride. Also, it’s refreshing to see a love interest who is earnest and playful. I want to hug this book!
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren: Writing duo, Christina Lauren, just does not miss—and their newest release is no exception. I swear, no one does better banter! Like the rest of their library, TPP is spicy, but in a way that feels fun and refreshing. There’s a fake dating trope about a grocery chain heir who pretends to be in a relationship to gain access to his massive inheritance. His family hosts a wedding on a remote island, where he must bring his fake wife and hope they appear legit enough not to raise any flags. The story has a Succession vibe, only more romantic.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: This is one of Jimenez’s heavier romances (with many triggering topics), but she includes plenty of witty and fun moments to balance it out, so I still consider it a beach read. The story follows Emma, a traveling nurse who has a meet-cute on a Reddit thread with a stranger who lives in Minnesota. Emma takes her next nursing assignment near him, renting a cottage on a small island off of Lake Minnetonka. Like Monaghan’s Summer Romance, Emma has a summer fling with her Reddit guy. There are high highs and low lows, but ultimately, you’ll find yourself so emotionally invested in their relationship.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune: Fortune’s latest release is my favorite of hers. It’s an absolute escape, one that will have you craving coastal air and freshly shucked oysters. Or, if you’re crazy like me, googling flights to Prince Edward Island. As for the love story, it follows tourist, Bridget, who hooks up with local, Felix, over the course of several summers. He also happens to be her best friend’s brother, so imagine lots of sneaking around! The chemistry jumps off the page—and honestly, what more could you ask for in a romance?
The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest: Heart burst! This felt like a classic rom-com (aka everything you’d want in a beach read), especially with its second chance romance trope. The memories! The pining! In the novel, former high school sweethearts run into each other in Vegas. Cue: a wild (and super fun) night that ends in an accidental marriage. And while the premise is a familiar one, I promise that Forest makes it feel fresh and special. Bonus points for the really fun fashion references throughout.
Funny Story by Emily Henry: If you haven’t read Funny Story yet, now is the perfect time to dive in. Henry’s books (all of them!) feel innately summery to me—and her newest release is no different. It follows Daphne, whose fiancé dumps her for his best friend. After Daphne moves out of their shared house, she moves in with her ex’s new girlfriend’s ex (a mouthful, I know) and the two of them develop an unlikely camaraderie (and attraction!). Come for the sweet love story, stay for the local farm stands.
And now, here are three on my TBR (thanks to long Libby waitlists), but I’m excited to read them before summer’s end:
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer: A summer camp reunion?! For anyone who’s feeling nostalgic for their sleep away camp days, this one might be for you. After Clara’s boss forces her to take a mini sabbatical, she joins her friends on their annual reunion trip to Pine Lake Camp. There, she runs into her camp nemesis, who now works there. The official synopsis says, “Soon the campfires aren’t all that’s throwing off sparks,” which gave me chuckle, but I’m ready for a lake romance.
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel: I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Ariel’s debut novel, a second chance romance that follows two former college sweethearts who cross paths again in Hollywood. One is now a hot shot director and the other has a stalling career in the same business, but still dreams of making movies. One review calls it “humorous and heart-wrenching.” It just became available in my Libby and I’ve never clicked *borrow* so fast.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan: The author of Crazy Rich Asians returns with another super indulgent adventure involving a future duke (and son of a former supermodel from Hong Kong), whose dwindling fortune leaves him in a precarious position. His scheming mother’s solution is to find him a rich wife at his sister’s island-set wedding, with a guest list of the wealthiest who’s-who in the world. In her review, Plum Skyes says, “Imagine Crazy Rich Asians mated with Saltburn and you’ve got Lies and Weddings.” Consider me intrigued!
While on the topic of summer travel, I wanted to share a handful of things that have leveled up my traveling experiences lately. Obviously, none of them are remotely necessary—and they also only make up a very small snapshot of all the random crap in my bags (I’m not a light traveler)—but I’ve been bringing them everywhere lately, so I thought I’d include here.
But first, are you doing bag in a bag? I’m a huge fan of the concept (thank you, Joyce Lee for breaking it down!) and never go anywhere without doubling (or tripling) up on bags. Above, I have my carry-on with a beach bag inside of it (both L.L. Bean Boat and Totes, large and medium respectively). Hidden somewhere inside is also a small woven bag and a fun mesh one. A gal needs options.
Travel non-negotiables, as follows (note that none of this is sponsored):
Pouches: Every item I travel with goes in a pouch (or a packing cube). My favorite pouches are Baggu because I love the durable material, but any pouch will do. I also have (and love) old Dôen ones (sold out now but they usually bring them back), cute Etsy ones, and these plastic (sorry) ones as well.
Iris & Romeo tinted SPF: I’m a recent convert to Iris & Romeo’s tinted SPF 50 (also here!), called Weekend Skin. Let me tell you, it’s worth every penny! The formula is somehow both a vitamin C serum and a tinted mineral sunscreen in one?? Don’t ask me to explain, but it’s a miracle product, leaving my skin with a slight coverage and dewy finish. Never in my 15 years (!!!) of blogging have I posted a straight-on selfie of my face, but I wanted to show you the goods.
Tower28 lip gloss: I haven’t worn lip gloss since middle school, but I recently came across this Tower28 Milky Lip Jelly and the color (Pistachio) is such a perfect shade for summer. I love that it’s not sticky at all, too. This + the Iris & Romeo SPF is all I wear on vacation.
Undo Hairware clip: These are my favorite hair clips for easy up-dos when it’s too hot (and I’m too sweaty) for anything else. When not in use, they look cute clipped to a buttoned shirt. I need this color next.
Moon Juice magnesium powder: I’ve been a Magnesi-Om loyalist for years, but only recently realized that Moon Juice offers them in travel packets now (and yes, I used to bring the giant glass jar everywhere with me).
Vacation sunscreen: I swear I’m not just a sucker for good branding. This sunscreen has such an easy application, plus it smells good, too. They also claim to be “safe” (for both you and the reefs), which makes me feel a little better about lugging giant bottles of it around.
Oak Essentials face balm: This is not just a travel essential for me. I use the Moisture Rich Balm every night as the last step in my skincare routine. I swear, nothing makes my skin (which skews dry) feel better than this. I stock up during sales, accruing a ton of reward points. Then, I use those reward points to buy more!!!!! They have me by the balls, to put it indelicately. Back to the point: it goes with me everywhere.
A little bonus round for toddlers: We never travel without this snack container (filled with snacks, of course, plus back-up snacks to inevitably refill it), headphones, coloring books, a fresh pack of crayons, magnetic blocks, and endless amounts of stickers. While we’re at it, this travel stroller is my favorite *baby* item we own (and goes with us everywhere).
I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
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Love this post Jan! I bought Funny Story for my beach/summer read, I will report back! I put the tower 28 lip gloss in my cart, I love a lip product! and I added that tote to my "to buy" list. Thanks for influencing me :)
I added almost all of these books to my Libby library queue. Thanks for the great recs!