There’s something about summer that makes a great romance even more irresistible. Whether it’s a whirlwind road trip, a second chance at love, a high-stakes heist with undeniable chemistry, or a swoony sports romance, these books deliver the kind of emotional investment that keeps readers turning pages long after bedtime. This season’s standout romances offer memorable characters, sharp banter, heartfelt growth, and plenty of sparks. From cozy small towns to the Scottish Highlands and glamorous island resorts, these six novels prove that love stories are at their best when they sweep you away completely.
The Long Con by Jenna Voris, Dial Press Trade Paperback, $ 19.00, 304 pages
Jenna Voris’s The Long Con is the perfect blend of romance, suspense, and high-stakes adventure. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive Miami island resort, this clever sapphic thriller delivers all the excitement of a classic heist while building a delicious slow-burn romance between rival con artists Chloe and Harper. Voris creates sparkling chemistry between her leads, balancing sharp banter with genuine emotional depth. The glamorous setting, surprising twists, and satisfying “eat-the-rich” energy make the story impossible to put down. Beneath the thrills is a heartfelt story about trust, vulnerability, and finding connection in unexpected places. This is summer reading at its most entertaining.
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Embrace by Bal Khabra, Berkley, $ 20.00, 400 pages
Sports romance fans will find plenty to love in Embrace by Bal Khabra. Kian Ishida and Scarlett Kilner have the kind of chemistry that leaps off the page, transforming simple study sessions into moments filled with tension, humor, and heart. Khabra excels at creating emotionally engaging characters, and both Kian and Scarlett feel wonderfully layered as they navigate family expectations, personal ambitions, and growing feelings for one another. The hockey backdrop adds energy and momentum, while the coach’s daughter dynamic raises the stakes. Sweet, heartfelt, and undeniably swoony, Embrace delivers everything readers look for in an addictive new adult romance.
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The Romance Rewind by Sarah Evertt, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, $ 12.99, 304 pages
Few romances capture the bittersweet feeling of first love as beautifully as Sarah Everett’s The Romance Rewind. The novel combines a charming time-loop premise with a heartfelt exploration of relationships, grief, and self-discovery. Zadie’s journey back through the milestones of her romance forces her to confront difficult truths while uncovering what she really wants from love. The story balances humor, emotional depth, and swoony moments with ease, and the dynamic between Zadie and Marcus is especially compelling. Everett’s fresh take on romantic tropes makes this YA romance feel both nostalgic and completely original. Readers will be rooting for these characters until the very last page.
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Unfinished Business by Clare Osongco, Dell, $ 20.00, 352 pages
One of the most unique romances of the season, Unfinished Business combines workplace comedy, family drama, supernatural elements, and romance into an utterly charming package. Clare Osongco takes a delightfully unusual premise, a mother’s ghost trapped in a corporate Slack channel, and turns it into a touching story about grief, healing, and finding your own path. Ruby is an easy character to root for, and her journey is filled with humor and emotional resonance. The romantic elements feel natural and rewarding, while the novel’s exploration of family expectations gives it added depth. Warm, witty, and wonderfully original, this is a standout debut.
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The Matchmaker’s Cottage by Kat Sloane, Berkley, $ 20.00, 400 pages
Kat Sloane’s The Matchmaker’s Cottage is a cozy second-chance romance that feels tailor-made for readers who love small-town charm. Julia and Ethan’s shared history adds emotional weight to every interaction, making their reunion both tender and compelling. The bed-and-breakfast setting creates a wonderfully inviting atmosphere, while the celebrity matchmaking scheme injects plenty of fun into the story. Sloane skillfully balances romantic tension with heartfelt moments of growth and forgiveness. Watching Julia and Ethan confront old wounds while rediscovering what brought them together in the first place is immensely satisfying. This is the kind of romance that leaves readers smiling long after the final chapter.
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A Kiss of Crimson Ash by Anuja Varghese, Orbit, $ 19.99, 400 pages
Anuja Varghese’s A Kiss of Crimson Ash is a dazzling romantasy that sweeps readers into a lush world inspired by medieval Indian epics, where magic, desire, and political intrigue intertwine in unforgettable ways. Set in the spellbound city of Nandapore, the novel follows a richly drawn ensemble of characters whose fates collide as they confront a dangerous king and an ancient threat. Varghese excels at balancing epic fantasy stakes with deeply personal stories, creating relationships that feel both passionate and emotionally resonant. The vivid worldbuilding, layered mythology, and multiple perspectives keep the pages flying by, while the novel’s themes of love, destiny, and resilience add real depth. A Kiss of Crimson Ash is a captivating debut that delivers everything romantasy fans could want: adventure, romance, magic, and characters who linger long after the final chapter.
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