12 Beachside Romance Books

Ah, the beach. Soft sand between your toes, the salty kiss of the breeze, the crash of waves against the shore. There’s something undeniably magical about the beach, a place where the sun’s warmth can melt away your worries and a flirtatious breeze can make your heart race. What better setting for a love story that feels as effortless and intoxicating as the sea itself? Grab your sun hat, a cold drink, and dive into these 12 beachside romance novels that will sweep you off your feet—just like that summer fling you’ll never forget.

1. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

For fans of: Opposites attract, witty banter, and forced proximity

Olive and Ethan can’t stand each other. So when Olive’s twin sister and Ethan’s brother call off their wedding, the newlywed honeymoon package goes to Olive and Ethan, the reluctant pair left to pretend they’re a happy couple. What ensues is a deliciously awkward vacation in paradise where every fight leads to smoldering attraction, and every moment in the sun makes their chemistry impossible to ignore. Sunburns and sizzling passion await on every page.

🌞 Why It’s Compelling: What’s more captivating than an opposites-attract romance set in paradise? The slow-burn chemistry, witty one-liners, and moments of undeniable attraction make this the perfect beachside read. It’s a reminder that sometimes, love comes when you least expect it.

2. Beach Read by Emily Henry

For fans of: Writers, opposites attract, and finding love in unexpected places

Two writers—one a romance novelist, the other a literary fiction author—decide to swap genres for the summer. Gus and January both have their own reasons for avoiding their writing blocks, but they find that something more than words is at play between them. As the summer unfolds, so does a romance that crackles with the same intensity as the sun-kissed beach outside.

🌊 Why It’s Compelling: The mix of humor, heartache, and irresistible chemistry makes this book feel like the perfect summer fling—both emotionally stirring and deeply satisfying. It reminds us that sometimes, facing your fears and stepping into the unknown is the key to the greatest love story.

3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

For fans of: Quirky romance, intellectual chemistry, and a love that defies all odds

Don Tillman, a highly logical and socially awkward professor, decides it’s time to find a wife—using scientific precision, of course. His “Wife Project” is thrown off course when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited bartender with no interest in following the rules. Their mismatched personalities spark an unlikely romance that’s as unexpected as a sudden summer rainstorm. This one’s perfect for those who crave a quirky, sweet love story with a splash of humor.

🌺 Why It’s Compelling: Don’s journey toward love is funny, heartwarming, and delightfully unconventional. It’s the kind of romance that sneaks up on you, just like a beach breeze—unexpected, yet totally unforgettable.

4. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

For fans of: Love triangles, coming-of-age, and first love

Belly Conklin has spent every summer at Cousins Beach, surrounded by her mother’s best friend’s sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. But this summer is different. Belly is no longer the awkward teen she used to be, and suddenly, both boys are noticing her in ways that stir up feelings she didn’t expect. This classic summer love triangle is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful.

🌞 Why It’s Compelling: The perfect blend of youthful yearning, emotional highs, and heart-wrenching lows, this book will have you reminiscing about those hazy, perfect summers when love felt like everything—and you felt like you could conquer the world.

5. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

For fans of: Soulmates, passion, and emotional intensity

Lucy and Gabe’s love story begins on a fateful day in New York City, but it’s the beachside moments that really stick with you. Their passionate, fleeting romance is marked by time, choices, and the pull of destiny. Every moment between them feels electric, and their story will have your heart aching long after the last page. A love that could’ve been, a love that was, and the beach that changes everything.

🌊 Why It’s Compelling: The tension between what could’ve been and what was makes this book unforgettable. It’s the kind of love story that cuts deep, leaving you to reflect on how love can be both eternal and fleeting—just like the tides.

6. Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

For fans of: Parallel universes, fate, and second chances

Hannah Martin, after years of drifting, returns to her hometown. One night, she has the chance to either leave with her ex or stay at a bar with a new man. The decision sets two divergent paths into motion, one of which takes her to a love she never expected, while the other shows her a life without it. As the seasons pass, so does her journey of self-discovery, filled with the rich possibilities of second chances.

🌷 Why It’s Compelling: The complexity of choice and the deep, lingering emotions make this an irresistible read. A love story that forces you to reflect on the what-ifs and the could-be’s, it mirrors the unpredictability of the tides—full of surprises and potential.

7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory

For fans of: Fake relationships, love at first sight, and California sunshine

When Alexa and Drew meet in an elevator, their chemistry is instant. The problem? Drew’s about to be in a wedding, and Alexa’s his “plus one” for the weekend. What starts as a fake relationship turns into something much more serious as they find themselves navigating the ups and downs of love, lust, and commitment—under the warm California sun, no less.

🌺 Why It’s Compelling: Fake relationships gone real? Yes, please. With irresistible characters, warm beach vibes, and a love story that is both playful and real, this book is perfect for a sun-soaked getaway—whether real or imagined.

8. One Day in December by Josie Silver

For fans of: Fate, destiny, and second-chance romance

When Laurie first locks eyes with Jack through a bus window, she’s convinced fate has brought them together. But the moment is fleeting, and the two lose touch. What follows is a decade-long journey of missed opportunities, serendipitous meetings, and deep love that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in the most romantic locations—including sun-drenched beaches—this is the ultimate story of love waiting to be found.

🌻 Why It’s Compelling: The yearning and heartache between Laurie and Jack will have you questioning whether destiny really has a plan for us all. It’s the kind of love story that stays with you like the memory of a summer you’ll never forget.

9. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

For fans of: Sweet first love, letters, and the beach

Lara Jean Covey’s life is turned upside down when her secret love letters get mailed out to all her former crushes. One of them? Peter Kavinsky. What follows is a fake relationship that turns into something far more real as they spend the summer getting to know each other—and falling in love. Set against the backdrop of long summer days, this is a perfect book for anyone looking for a sweet, nostalgic romance.

🌸 Why It’s Compelling: The charm of Lara Jean and Peter’s blossoming relationship is pure joy, much like a first kiss under the summer stars. This book will leave you grinning and reminiscing about the simplicity and magic of first love.

10. While You Were Sleeping by Debbie Macomber

For fans of: Unexpected love, small towns, and heartwarming moments

When a woman wakes up in a hospital, she’s told that she’s the fiancée of a man she doesn’t even know. But as she navigates this new reality, she begins to discover a love story more beautiful than she could ever imagine. Set in a small, beachside town, this one is perfect for those who want a cozy escape wrapped in unexpected romance.

🌼 Why It’s Compelling: The gentle sweetness of this romance feels like a cool breeze on a warm summer night. It’s the kind of story that feels like coming home.

11. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

For fans of: Summer romance, self-discovery, and seaside love

Auden has always been the serious, responsible one, but when she spends the summer with her father in a beach town, everything changes. She meets Eli, a mysterious boy with a past as complicated as hers, and together they discover the magic of summer, new beginnings, and maybe even love.

🌴 Why It’s Compelling: Sarah Dessen’s beachside settings always seem to evoke the feeling of falling in love all over again—like a first kiss under the stars. It’s a beautifully written exploration of growing up, love, and the magic of summer nights.

12. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

For fans of: Unconventional romance, personal growth, and steamy chemistry

Stella Lane, a brilliant but socially awkward woman with a unique way of seeing the world, hires Michael, a professional escort, to help her with her lack of romantic experience. What begins as a professional arrangement turns into something deeply transformative for both of them, with steamy moments and heartwarming emotional growth.

🌺 Why It’s Compelling: The chemistry between Stella and Michael is palpable, and the way their connection evolves is utterly irresistible. A romance that challenges expectations and teaches us that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

Which beachside romance will you dive into first?
Let me know which of these seaside love stories you’ll be packing in your beach bag this summer, or share your personal favorite beach read. After all, every beach day deserves a great book—and the perfect romance to go with it. 🌞