Top 10 best romance books to read on holiday this summer | Books | Entertainment

There’s nothing quite like lounging in the sun on holiday, fresh from a dip in the pool, and immersing yourself in a captivating book. While any genre can make for a great beach read, some naturally fit the summer atmosphere.

Cue: romance. Whether you prefer your love stories to be straightforward, uplifting escapades or tales that tug at your heartstrings, there’s a wealth of options available. To assist you, we’ve selected 10 of the best romantic reads of this year so far, whatever your mood. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.

A successful songwriter and a disgruntled musician are forced to collaborate to complete the song that’s been plaguing them both in Ashley Poston’s enchanting new romcom.

If you’re familiar with the author’s previous works, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Sounds Like Love possesses all the charm and small-town appeal of A Novel Love Story, coupled with the slow-burning romance of The Seven Year Slip.

You can buy Sounds Like Love here.

Astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin embarks on astronaut training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center in Atmosphere, where she discovers both companionship and love, leading her to question her role in the universe until a mission abruptly changes everything.

Atmosphere is a captivating romance set against the intriguing backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle programme. As with any book by Taylor Jenkins Reid, prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears and everything in between.

You can buy Atmosphere here.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil tells the intertwined stories of three queer women – María in 1530s Spain, Charlotte in 1800s London, and Alice in contemporary Boston – each wrestling with their own forbidden desires and the lengths they’ll go to fulfil them.

This beautifully gothic novel delves into themes of power, loss, trauma, and desire, but at its core, it celebrates love in all its forms, encompassing familial and platonic love as well as self-love. It’s a romantic, lyrical read, perfect for losing yourself in this summer.

You can buy Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil here.

A Secret Escape centres on Milly and Nicole, two formerly inseparable childhood friends who had a falling out years ago and lost touch. However, after two years of silence, film star Nicole unexpectedly reaches out to holiday home business owner Milly for help.

As the pair rekindle their friendship, they reminisce about old times, unearth secrets, and learn to trust each other once more. While it may not be the most romance-laden book on this list, there’s a potential new love interest for Milly.

With its idyllic lakeside setting and themes of friendship and second chances, it’s certainly one to include in your holiday reading collection.

You can buy A Secret Escape here.

When a new manager takes the helm of the Tigresses football team, introducing star striker Kira to the squad, team morale suffers. The team’s current MVP, Maeve, finds herself at odds with Kira from the outset.

Meanwhile, the new boss’ grumpy son is a familiar face to midfielder Adriana.

With a blend of rivals-to-lovers and grumpy x sunshine tropes, coupled with plenty of on and off-field drama, this makes for an excellent summer read. Even those unfamiliar with sports romance will find it hard not to be captivated.

You can buy Couple Goals here.

In the aftermath of a turbulent break up and in search of a fresh start, ambitious solicitor Kriya follows her boss to a new law firm. However, sharing an office with Charles, her long-time professional adversary, wasn’t quite what she had envisaged.

But when circumstances necessitate them feigning a relationship, the dynamics of their relationship begin to blur.

Ideal for fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, this is a brisk workplace romance that tackles significant issues while also delivering great banter and amusing supporting characters.

You can buy Behind Frenemy Lines here.

If you’re partial to cosy fantasy with a dash of romance, this is your perfect summer read. Set in the same universe as The Spellshop, The Enchanted Greenhouse follows Terlu, a librarian who was transformed into a wooden statue for breaking the law by using magic, but one day awakens on a nearly-deserted island filled with hundreds of magical greenhouses.

However, when she discovers that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is dwindling, Terlu embarks on a mission to rescue the island and begin a fresh life, aided by a sentient rose and a grumpy yet charming gardener.

An isolated island brimming with enchanting sights, melodious flowers, and an endless supply of honey cake? It sounds like an idyllic summer getaway. Throw in a dash of mystery, a sprinkle of romance, and a generous helping of cosy ambience, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an ideal summer read.

You can buy The Enchanted Greenhouse here.

One Golden Summer is the latest captivating romance novel from bestselling author Carley Fortune. Fans of And Every Summer After are in for a treat as this book centres around Charlie Florek, Sam’s elder brother.

Alice’s world was turned upside down when she snapped a photograph of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat one summer. Upon returning to Barry’s Bay years later with her grandmother, she sees Charlie, one of the subjects of the photo, in a completely new light.

With its summery weather, stunning sunsets, and boat trips, it’s impossible not to be swept up in the holiday spirit while reading this book – even if you’re simply at home.

You can buy One Golden Summer here.

Use the Words You Have isn’t your typical romance novel; this literary romance unfolds over a sweltering summer in France as American student K embarks on a passionate affair with a local man.

The story oscillates between different time periods as the protagonist reminisces about her childhood, a summer spent in France and her subsequent reflections years later. It’s a lyrical, mood-setting read best savoured under the sun (a jaunt to France advisable, but not mandatory).

You can buy Use the Words you Have here.

When Becky Mooney, a Scottish tribute singer for Dolly Parton, ends her relationship with her boyfriend (who also happens to be her Kenny Rogers singing partner), she resolves to draw inspiration from her idol and attempt to shine solo. This leads to an unexpected encounter with a dashing country music star and a rocky journey to Nashville.

This book offers a delightful summer romance narrative, and many readers will identify with Becky’s quest to discover her own voice and identity. 

You can buy What Would Dolly Do? here.