12 Romance Books With Summer Love Stories
There’s something undeniably enchanting about the warm glow of summer—long days, balmy nights, and the scent of salt in the air. And when summer love is added to the mix, the feeling becomes pure magic. Summer love stories have an ethereal charm, capturing the thrill of fleeting romance and the serenity of new beginnings. These 12 books transport you to sun-soaked beaches, lazy afternoons, and starlit evenings, where passion blooms against the backdrop of golden sunsets. Whether it’s love at first sight or a slow burn that builds with every passing day, these stories will sweep you off your feet and remind you of that unforgettable summer connection.
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
☀️ A Story of First Loves and Family Bonds
Belly’s summers have always been the same—spending time at the beach house with her mother and brother, and the ever-present Conrad and Jeremiah, the sons of her mother’s best friend. But this summer, something shifts. Suddenly, she’s no longer a child, and her feelings for the brothers become far more complicated. This coming-of-age romance weaves together the joy and heartache of first love, family dynamics, and the magic of those endless summer days that feel like they’ll last forever.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A sweet, poignant romance filled with beachside moments and the intensity of first love
✔ Belly’s journey of self-discovery makes this story all the more heartfelt and relatable
✔ The perfect book for anyone nostalgic for the magic of summer and youthful summer flings
2. Beach Read by Emily Henry
🌊 A Love Story That’s Anything but Ordinary
When two writers—one a romance author, the other a literary fiction novelist—are stuck in neighboring beach houses for the summer, they decide to make a deal: they’ll switch genres and help each other get inspired. What follows is a story of unexpected connections, witty banter, and slow-burn attraction. Their summer of rivalry turns into something more—revealing the power of love, personal growth, and facing emotional truths. With beautiful beaches and lighthearted moments, this romance offers the perfect balance of laughter and heart.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ Witty, smart dialogue and a love story that develops in a unique, refreshing way
✔ The stunning beach setting and relatable characters make it a perfect summer read
✔ A romantic enemies-to-lovers trope with plenty of emotional depth and heartwarming moments
3. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
🍍 A Tropical Escape With a Twist of Love
Olive and Ethan can’t stand each other. But when a disastrous wedding leaves the entire party ill, and the only remaining vacation is a free trip to Hawaii, they’re forced to share the luxurious resort together. What begins as a forced faux marriage turns into a romantic adventure full of surprises, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistry. From tropical beaches to breathtaking views, this romance blends laughter, love, and a little bit of magic under the summer sun.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A fabulous enemies-to-lovers romance set in a stunning Hawaiian resort
✔ Heartwarming moments of vulnerability and passion, with lots of comedic twists
✔ A perfect summer escape full of romance and unexpected turns
4. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
🌊 Small-Town Charm Meets Bold Romance
When Hollywood’s wild-child Piper Bellinger is sent to a small coastal town to learn some responsibility, she never expects to find herself falling for a grumpy, no-nonsense fisherman. The chemistry between Piper and Brendan is electric, and their opposite personalities make for the ultimate opposites attract romance. With breathtaking views of the Pacific coast and endless moments of tension and swoon-worthy moments, this book is pure summer magic.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance set in a charming, coastal town
✔ Piper’s transformation from spoiled city girl to a woman who learns to appreciate a slower pace of life
✔ Summer heat, deep chemistry, and intense emotions that are impossible to ignore
5. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
💼 Office Rivals Turned Lovers
Though this book technically isn’t set on a beach or in a summer resort, it’s impossible to ignore the smoldering chemistry between Lucy and Joshua. The two office rivals, locked in a high-stakes battle for the same promotion, are forced to confront their feelings when they begin to realize that their hate for each other might just be the spark for something much deeper. It’s full of funny banter, steamy moments, and heartfelt revelations. And with its slow-burn romance, it’s the kind of story that feels like the exciting start of a new season of love.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A witty, charming office romance with delicious tension between rivals
✔ Steamy enemies-to-lovers dynamics and quirky, relatable characters
✔ Perfect for readers who crave romantic tension and slow-burning passion
6. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
🍦 Gelato, Love, and Summer in Italy
When Lina’s mother passes away, she’s sent to spend the summer in Italy with her estranged father. As she unravels her mother’s past and explores the beautiful Tuscan countryside, Lina finds herself swept up in a romance with a charming local boy named Ren. With stunning views, mouth-watering gelato, and a sense of adventure in the air, Lina’s journey through Italy becomes one of discovery, healing, and, of course, unforgettable love.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A sweet, emotional romance set in the gorgeous Tuscan countryside
✔ Perfect for fans of Italian escapism and a journey of self-discovery
✔ Deliciously romantic, with moments of fun, mystery, and heartfelt connection
7. One Day in December by Josie Silver
🎄 Fate, Love, and Second Chances
This book begins with a moment of serendipity when Laurie spots a man on a bus and instantly feels a deep connection. But fate, it seems, has other plans, and their paths don’t cross again until a year later—when she finds out he’s the boyfriend of her best friend. Over the course of the next decade, this love triangle plays out amidst the seasons, but it’s the warmth of summer that truly brings everything to a head. A story of unrequited love, destiny, and the courage to follow your heart, One Day in December is a journey of love that spans years.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A story of love, fate, and longing that will make you believe in second chances
✔ Emotional highs and lows, with the promise of summer sunshine healing all wounds
✔ Perfect for readers who enjoy romantic dramas that play out over time
8. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
🌞 A Romance Built on Friendship and Adventure
Alex and Poppy have been best friends for years, taking summer vacations together, but after one unforgettable trip, they go their separate ways. Now, after two years of no contact, Poppy reaches out to Alex for one final trip together. What unfolds is a journey of romance, reflection, and rediscovery, as the two come to terms with their feelings for each other. With summer trips to idyllic destinations, this book is the perfect mix of friendship, love, and sunshine.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A sweet, friends-to-lovers romance filled with tender moments and emotional growth
✔ Beautiful vacation destinations that will transport you to the perfect summer getaway
✔ Funny, touching, and irresistibly romantic
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
🇫🇷 Paris, Love, and the Perfect Summer
Anna never expected to fall for a guy while spending a year abroad in Paris, but that’s exactly what happens when she meets Étienne St. Clair. Their story unfolds over the course of an unforgettable year, but the summer months—spent roaming the streets of Paris, tasting croissants, and falling for each other—are the moments that make this romance so special. A tale of first love, self-discovery, and Parisian magic, it’s a must-read for anyone who dreams of a romantic summer escape.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A charming, heartfelt romance set in the romantic city of Paris
✔ First love and self-growth amidst Parisian adventures
✔ Perfect for readers who crave a sweet, lighthearted romance full of dreamy moments
10. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
🌙 Love, Vampires, and Summers in Forks
Though Twilight is famous for its supernatural twists, the slow-burn romance between Bella and Edward begins with the unmistakable charm of a summer in a small town. Their forbidden love story is intense, passionate, and fraught with tension as they try to navigate their feelings in a world of vampires and danger. The saga unfolds through the seasons, but it’s that first summer in Forks where their story truly begins.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ The iconic vampire romance with all the passion and intrigue of a supernatural summer
✔ A forbidden love story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end
✔ A whirlwind romance with intense chemistry and unforgettable moments
11. A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
🌺 A Love Rekindled Amidst the Heat of Summer
In this story of second chances, Nick and Lily meet again after years of separation. The summer backdrop of a beachy, pre-World War II America is the perfect setting for their tumultuous reunion. Old secrets, new feelings, and undeniable chemistry swirl in the humid air as they rekindle their romance amidst the backdrop of an impending world war.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A summer romance that’s as hot and steamy as the setting
✔ Old flames and second chances under the sweltering sun
✔ Rich in historical atmosphere, with complex characters and a love that won’t let go
12. The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
💋 Love Beyond Expectations
Stella Lane is a successful woman with a plan—until her plan to learn about love and intimacy leads her to Michael, a charming and patient escort. As the two begin an unconventional romance, they discover much more than passion—they uncover layers of themselves they never knew existed. With lighthearted humor and emotional depth, this book is a delightful mix of quirky characters and heartfelt connection.
📖 Why Read It?
✔ A unique, heartfelt romance that goes beyond expectations
✔ Sweet, sexy, and emotionally transformative
✔ A love story that proves you can find love when you least expect it
From sandy beaches to dazzling city lights, these 12 books are guaranteed to sweep you away into the magic of summer love stories—each offering its own unique spin on romance, destiny, and the wonder of unpredictable connections. So grab your sunscreen, a beach towel, and settle in for the ride of a lifetime!
