Top 10 best new romance books to take on holiday with you this summer
There's nothing quite like lounging in the sun on holiday, fresh from a dip in the pool, with a good book in hand.
Certain genres naturally lend themselves to this summery setting, and romance is certainly one of them. Whether you're after a simple, feel-good romance or something that tugs at your heartstrings, there's a wealth of options available.
To help you out, we've selected 10 of the best romance reads of the year so far, catering to all moods. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
1. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
In Sounds Like Love, Ashley Poston's enchanting new romcom, a successful songwriter and a disgruntled musician must collaborate to complete a song that has been plaguing them both.
If you're familiar with Ashley Poston's work, you'll be pleased to know that Sounds Like Love has all the charm and small-town appeal of A Novel Love Story, as well as the slow-burn romance of The Seven Year Slip. It's romantic, emotional and incredibly hard to put down!
2. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin embarks on astronaut training at Houston's Johnson Space Center in Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, where she discovers both friendship and love, prompting her to question her place in the universe until a mission changes everything in an instant.
Atmosphere is a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle programme. As with any Taylor Jenkins Reid book, expect to laugh, cry and everything in between.
3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil follows three queer women—María in 1530s Spain, Charlotte in 1800s London and Alice in modern-day Boston—each grappling with their own forbidden desires and the lengths they'll go to pursue them.
This gorgeously gothic novel explores themes of power, loss, trauma and desire, but at its heart is love in all of its various forms, including love between friends and family, as well as self-love. It's a romantic, lyrical read, perfect for immersing yourself in this summer.
4. A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan
A Secret Escape follows Milly and Nicole, two once inseparable childhood friends who fell out a few years ago and never resumed contact. But after two years without speaking, film star Nicole suddenly begs for holiday home business owner Milly's help.
As the two women reconnect, they revisit old memories, uncover secrets and learn to trust each other once again. While this isn't the most romance-heavy book on this list, there is a potential new love for Milly, and with the beautiful lakeside setting and themes of friendship and second chances, it's definitely one to add to your holiday reading list.
5. Couple Goals by Kit Williams
When a fresh manager takes the reins of the Tigresses football squad, introducing star player Kira to the mix, team morale dips as current MVP, Maeve, instantly butts heads with Kira. Meanwhile, the new boss' grumpy son is a familiar face for midfielder Adriana.
With a blend of rivals-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes, this makes for a cracking summer read. Even those unacquainted with sports romance will find it hard not to be won over.
6. Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho
In the aftermath of a turbulent break up and in search of a clean slate, ambitious solicitor Kriya follows her boss to a new law firm. However, sharing an office with Charles, her long-time work adversary, wasn't quite what she'd envisioned.
But when circumstances force them to feign a relationship, the dynamics of their rapport begin to blur. Ideal for fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, this is a brisk workplace romance that tackles some significant issues while also delivering top-notch banter and hilarious supporting characters.
You can buy Behind Frenemy Lines here.
7. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst
If you're partial to cosy fantasy with a dash of romance, this is your go-to 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 teeming with hundreds of magical greenhouses.
However, when she discovers that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is dwindling, Terlu embarks on a mission to save the island and begin a new life, aided by a sentient rose and a grumpy yet attractive gardener.
An isolated island brimming with enchanting sights, melodious flowers and limitless honey cake? Sounds like an idyllic summer getaway. Throw in some intrigue and romance along with a generous serving of cosy vibes, and you've got the ingredients for an ideal summer read!
You can buy The Enchanted Greenhouse here.
8. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
One Golden Summer is the latest captivating romance novel from bestselling author Carley Fortune. Fans of And Every Summer After are in for a delight, as this book centres around Charlie Florek, Sam's elder brother.
Alice's life took a turn when she captured a photo of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat one summer. When she revisits Barry's Bay years later with her grandmother, she sees Charlie, who was one of the subjects of the photo, in a completely different light.
With summery weather, stunning sunsets and boat trips, it's impossible not to feel the holiday spirit while reading this book - even if you're just at home.
You can buy One Golden Summer here.
9. Use the Words You Have by Kimberly Campanello
Use the Words You Have isn't your typical romance novel; this literary romance unfolds over a long, hot summer in France as US student K embarks on a romantic relationship with a local man.
The story weaves in and out of different time periods as the protagonist reminisces about her childhood, a summer spent in France, and her subsequent reflections years later. It's a beautifully written, evocative read best savoured under the sun.
10. What Would Dolly Do? by Suzan Holder
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 decides to draw inspiration from her idol and attempt to shine solo. This leads to an unexpected meeting with a dashing country music star and a rocky journey to Nashville.
This book offers a delightful summer romance, and many readers will identify with Becky's quest to discover her own voice and identity.
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Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Top 10 best new romance books to take on holiday with you this summer
If you're looking for a romance novel to take on holiday with you this summer, look no further There's nothing quite like lounging in the sun on holiday, fresh from a dip in the pool, with a good book in hand. Certain genres naturally lend themselves to this summery setting, and romance is certainly one of them. Whether you're after a simple, feel-good romance or something that tugs at your heartstrings, there's a wealth of options available. To help you out, we've selected 10 of the best romance reads of the year so far, catering to all moods. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston In Sounds Like Love, Ashley Poston's enchanting new romcom, a successful songwriter and a disgruntled musician must collaborate to complete a song that has been plaguing them both. If you're familiar with Ashley Poston's work, you'll be pleased to know that Sounds Like Love has all the charm and small-town appeal of A Novel Love Story, as well as the slow-burn romance of The Seven Year Slip. It's romantic, emotional and incredibly hard to put down! 2. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Astrophysics professor Joan Goodwin embarks on astronaut training at Houston's Johnson Space Center in Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, where she discovers both friendship and love, prompting her to question her place in the universe until a mission changes everything in an instant. Atmosphere is a sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1980s space shuttle programme. As with any Taylor Jenkins Reid book, expect to laugh, cry and everything in between. 3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil follows three queer women—María in 1530s Spain, Charlotte in 1800s London and Alice in modern-day Boston—each grappling with their own forbidden desires and the lengths they'll go to pursue them. This gorgeously gothic novel explores themes of power, loss, trauma and desire, but at its heart is love in all of its various forms, including love between friends and family, as well as self-love. It's a romantic, lyrical read, perfect for immersing yourself in this summer. 4. A Secret Escape by Sarah Morgan A Secret Escape follows Milly and Nicole, two once inseparable childhood friends who fell out a few years ago and never resumed contact. But after two years without speaking, film star Nicole suddenly begs for holiday home business owner Milly's help. As the two women reconnect, they revisit old memories, uncover secrets and learn to trust each other once again. While this isn't the most romance-heavy book on this list, there is a potential new love for Milly, and with the beautiful lakeside setting and themes of friendship and second chances, it's definitely one to add to your holiday reading list. 5. Couple Goals by Kit Williams When a fresh manager takes the reins of the Tigresses football squad, introducing star player Kira to the mix, team morale dips as current MVP, Maeve, instantly butts heads with Kira. Meanwhile, the new boss' grumpy son is a familiar face for midfielder Adriana. With a blend of rivals-to-lovers and grumpy-meets-sunshine tropes, this makes for a cracking summer read. Even those unacquainted with sports romance will find it hard not to be won over. 6. Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho In the aftermath of a turbulent break up and in search of a clean slate, ambitious solicitor Kriya follows her boss to a new law firm. However, sharing an office with Charles, her long-time work adversary, wasn't quite what she'd envisioned. But when circumstances force them to feign a relationship, the dynamics of their rapport begin to blur. Ideal for fans of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, this is a brisk workplace romance that tackles some significant issues while also delivering top-notch banter and hilarious supporting characters. You can buy Behind Frenemy Lines here. 7. The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst If you're partial to cosy fantasy with a dash of romance, this is your go-to 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 teeming with hundreds of magical greenhouses. However, when she discovers that the magic sustaining the greenhouses is dwindling, Terlu embarks on a mission to save the island and begin a new life, aided by a sentient rose and a grumpy yet attractive gardener. An isolated island brimming with enchanting sights, melodious flowers and limitless honey cake? Sounds like an idyllic summer getaway. Throw in some intrigue and romance along with a generous serving of cosy vibes, and you've got the ingredients for an ideal summer read! You can buy The Enchanted Greenhouse here. 8. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune One Golden Summer is the latest captivating romance novel from bestselling author Carley Fortune. Fans of And Every Summer After are in for a delight, as this book centres around Charlie Florek, Sam's elder brother. Alice's life took a turn when she captured a photo of three teenagers in a yellow speedboat one summer. When she revisits Barry's Bay years later with her grandmother, she sees Charlie, who was one of the subjects of the photo, in a completely different light. With summery weather, stunning sunsets and boat trips, it's impossible not to feel the holiday spirit while reading this book - even if you're just at home. You can buy One Golden Summer here. 9. Use the Words You Have by Kimberly Campanello Use the Words You Have isn't your typical romance novel; this literary romance unfolds over a long, hot summer in France as US student K embarks on a romantic relationship with a local man. The story weaves in and out of different time periods as the protagonist reminisces about her childhood, a summer spent in France, and her subsequent reflections years later. It's a beautifully written, evocative read best savoured under the sun. 10. What Would Dolly Do? by Suzan Holder 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 decides to draw inspiration from her idol and attempt to shine solo. This leads to an unexpected meeting with a dashing country music star and a rocky journey to Nashville. This book offers a delightful summer romance, and many readers will identify with Becky's quest to discover her own voice and identity.
NBC News
a day ago
- NBC News
18 queer AF beach reads to devour this summer
The summer months are a perfect time to sit back, unwind and enjoy a bit of escapism with a book (or e-reader) in hand. For some, this could entail a trope-filled gay romance, while for others, it could mean tales of lesbian vampires and carnivorous flowers (looking at you, Florida!). In order to serve up beachworthy queer recommendations for book lovers with a variety of tastes and preferences, we asked booksellers and bibliophiles across the country for the titles they'd throw in their beach bags. 'Stop Me if You've Heard This One' ' Stop Me if You've Heard This One ' by Kristen Arnett, about a down-on-her-luck professional clown juggling a messy personal and professional life, was recommended by Christina Pascucci-Ciampa, the founder and owner of All She Wrote Books in Somerville, Massachusetts. 'This book, while at times outlandish and bonkers, was also extremely real and relatable. It's why I fall in love with books like this one. I also fell in love with all of Arnett's quirky characters, and the one-liners are *chef's kiss* — sharp zingers that make you laugh so hard,' she said in an email. When asked how she defines a beach read, Pascucci-Ciampa said it's 'a book that you can get lost in, and if it can, makes you laugh out loud. When you are at the beach, it is all about having a good time, especially if there are books involved.' 'Deep House' ' Deep House: The Gayest Love Story Ever Told ' by Jeremy Atherton Lin, a memoir about young love and gay rights, was recommended by Matty Faries, the assistant manager and book club coordinator at Unabridged Bookstore in Chicago. 'It's an intimate memoir that braids the young author's story of falling in love with the boy of his dreams with the historical record of the fight for marriage equality,' Faries said. 'It'll scratch the itch for anyone who wants a sexy and sweet story of young love, but it has plenty to teach about the culture wars and bureaucratic hurdles that have made living and loving so difficult for LGBTQ and immigrant communities, too.' While Faries notes his top pick is not a typical beach read, he said that 'for a lot of folks a good beach read is any book that is easy to fall into and share with friends, maybe a romance or a fantasy novel that feels like a mini-vacation when you can escape into the pages.' 'Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil' ' Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil' by V.E. Schwab, an epic lesbian vampire tale spanning five centuries, is another top pick from the Unabridged Bookstore team (and a favorite of this article's author). At more than 500 pages, this Sapphic story is a heavy book for a beach read (both literally and figuratively), but it will undoubtedly transport the reader (only figuratively) across Europe, America and time as its three main characters seek to sate their hunger and their hearts (at times simultaneously). This novel, while centered on the undead, may also have readers questioning what makes us human. 'Call Your Boyfriend' ' Call Your Boyfriend ' by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk, a Sapphic romance about two teens seeking revenge on their cool-girl crush, was recommended by Leah Johnson, the owner of Loudmouth Books in Indianapolis. 'It's 'John Tucker Must Die' for a new generation, it's 'Bottoms' in book form. It has all of the makings of a classic teen movie, but infused with an effortlessly diverse, progressive worldview,' she said in an email. 'In a time like now, queer readers — especially young people — need to see themselves reflected in stories that highlight all the complexity of loving and living in a queer body while also getting to experience the shenanigans and hijinx that have long marked the genre for everyone else.' When it comes to a beach reads, Johnson said it must 'be page turning but quick, and bonus points if it fits easier in my suitcase!' 'Hungerstone' ' Hungerstone ' by Kat Dunn, a retelling of the classic lesbian vampire tale 'Carmilla,' is the top recommendation of Alex Spencer, the owner of Common Ground Books in Tallahassee, Florida. She also said it's her bookstore's top seller. 'Lesbian vampires are very in right now, which I don't think anybody is going to complain about,' she said. (This article's author is most definitely not complaining.) When asked about the concept of a 'beach read,' Spencer said she defines it as 'something you would read for enjoyment and to unwind,' but she noted that could mean very different things to different people. 'Some people like beach reads that they don't have to think about very much, like the romantic fiction, the happy ending,' she said. 'Some people just like horror and things that are a little bit darker. I've had some people come in and be like, 'I need a book, but I can't do anything dystopian right now, because it's just too real,' so I would cut dystopian off the list of the beach read, but other than that, pretty much just anything that makes you happy and let's you escape.' 'Eat the Ones You Love' ' Eat the Ones You Love ' by Sarah Maria Griffin is Spencer's second recommendation. The book is centered on a woman who has just lost her job and her fiancé and ends up employed by a flower shop where her co-workers include a beautiful shop manager and a carnivorous, sentient orchid. 'For people that are into the creepier fun reads, that would definitely be a fun one for them this summer,' she said. Spencer added that it was the book''s tagline — 'This is a story about desire, dreams, decay — and working retail at the end of the world' — that initially reeled her in. 'That kind of hits me real hard right now, as somebody who works retail while the world is just like exploding around us,' she said. 'Bed and Breakup' ' Bed and Breakup ' by Susie Dumond, a second-chance romance about two exes reuniting to fix up and sell a bed-and-breakfast, was the first of two recommendations by Jaime Harker, the founder of and bookseller at Violet Valley Books in Water Valley, Mississippi. She explained the story, which is set in Asheville, North Carolina, as 'fun and engaging, with interesting characters.' Harker described a 'beach read' as a 'story that grabs my full attention, without the stress of terrible things happening to characters I like.' 'I like other kinds of novels, too, but a beach read should not, in the end, break my heart,' she added. 'If I Told You, I'd Have To Kiss You' ' If I Told You, I'd Have To Kiss You ' by Mae Marvel, a love story between two international spies unaware of the other's secret profession, is Harker's second pick. Like 'Bed and Breakup,' she described it as a 'fun and engaging' second-chance romance with interesting characters. But this one, she added, is a thriller/fantasy that could be described as a 'Sapphic Mrs. and Mrs. Smith.' 'I read both on vacation (though not at the beach) and I found them funny and interesting,' Harker said of her two recommendations. 'Woodworking' ' Woodworking ' by Emily St. James, about the friendship between a transgender teacher and trans student in South Dakota, is the top beach read recommendation of Melissa Amstutz, the owner of Bishop & Wilde Books in Portland, Oregon. 'Emily St. James is a writer on 'Yellowjackets,' so I was already intrigued by what kind of book she would write. But if you were to compare it to a TV show, it's much more akin to 'Somebody Somewhere' than 'Yellowjackets,'' she said. 'It tells of the friendship between a high school trans girl and her English teacher in small town America and the intersecting lives of trans and queer folk surrounding them. It's heartwarming, compelling, and has fascinating twists.' Amstutz added that a beach read can be 'anything that is compulsively readable, and can be nonfiction, too.' Readers' picks In addition to asking booksellers across the country for their top titles, NBC News also solicited recommendations from queer book lovers on social media and IRL. Here are some their picks:
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Royal verdict on Meghan's intentions with Harry uncovered in brutal new claims
A royal author has claimed that a close confidant of the late Queen questioned Meghan Markle's relationship with Prince Harry and sent a warning about her The late Queen's cousin and confidant warned that Meghan Markle "could turn into nothing but trouble" and questioned her relationship with Prince Harry, according to explosive new claims. It has been seven years since Harry and Meghan tied the knot at Windsor Castle in May 2018, in a fairytale wedding attended by the whole of the Royal Family. But a royal author has now claimed that that a so-called close friend of the late Queen told her that she was suspicious of former actress Meghan's motives before the Sussexes tied the knot in the grand ceremony, despite intially being impressed when she first came on the royal scene. Writing on her Substack, Sally Bedell Smith claims that before her death, Lady Elizabeth Anson, a cousin of Elizabeth II and a high-society party planner, said that just days before the nuptials: "We hope but don't quite think she is in love. We think she engineered it all." She is also said to have warned: "It's worrying that so many people are questioning whether Meghan is right for Harry. The problem, bless his heart, is that Harry is neither bright nor strong, and she is both." And added: "Meghan is clearly brighter than Harry, but she has to be careful not to overshadow him." According to Bedell Smith, Lady Anson said that Meghan was "full of charm" as well as "intelligent and thoughtful" when she and Harry first became engaged in 2017. But as the wedding approached several months later, she claims that relations between the Sussexes and the late Queen became rocky. The Mirror has contacted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment. Meanwhile, a source close to the couple to MailOnline said the claims were "just gossip". It comes as the author also claimed that Harry 'blew' his relationship with the late Queen in the lead-up to marrying Meghan Markle after making one major decision. Bedell Smith said Lady Anson told her that the former monarch was left 'dismayed' about some of the arrangements being made for the wedding and had become "very worried" about her 'weak' and 'besotted' grandson. She claims that the former monarch had been left shocked that Harry had asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to perform the ceremony without asking the Dean of Windsor first, and that the now Duke of Sussex thought his grandmother could just "do what she wants". According to Bedell Smith, Lady Anson said that due to this, Harry had "blown" his relationship with his grandmother. She writes that Lady Anson told her several months before the wedding: "She [the Queen] said she was really upset. I was shocked when the Queen told me this, how she was so saddened. I had no idea about the conversation, that he was rude to her for ten minutes. "They had tea with her the day before yesterday. She was trying to find out about the wedding dress, and Meghan wouldn't tell her." However, the author later claims that several weeks closer to the nuptials, Lady Anson told her that Harry and his grandmother had "patched things up" after he let her into the details of what they had planned for their wedding. Lady Anson was the daughter of Thomas Anson, Viscount Anson, and his wife, Anne Bowes-Lyon, who would later become Princess Anne of Denmark when she remarried. She was a niece of the late Queen Mother and was a close friend of the Queen and responsible for arranging many of her private parties. She founded the firm Party Planners in 1960 and went on to arrange events for a number of people in the royal houses as well as the Queen. Notable events Lady Anson planned include Sting's wedding, Margaret Thatcher's 70th birthday party and the Queen's 80th birthday party. In 2020, the late Queen made her a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, which is awarded to those having performed distinguished personal service to the monarch. Just months later she died at the age of 79.
