Dive into These Irresistible Summer Romance Reads
Put these favorite Summer romance reads on your TBR list and let these books whisk you away on the perfect summery adventure.
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Ahhh… Summer is finally here!
The season of vacations, beach-filled weekends, and more reading.
In honor of my favorite season, I thought it would be fun to share the summer romance reads I have enjoyed so you can add them to your ever-growing TBR!
In the summer, I reach for lighthearted stories that feel like a warm hug. I even created a list on Goodreads for books with “summer vibes”, so I know exactly which books match the season. I’m very much a mood reader!
The following novels land at the top of my summer reading list.
Grab a copy from the library, then settle in for an afternoon of relaxation with the best beach reads (or really, they’re great to read anywhere!)
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And if you’re looking for even more books to fill your Summer Reading TBR, you’ll want to check out this post about all the best places to find thousands of free eBooks.
Summer Reading Accessories
1
The American Royals Series
This was a fun, lighthearted series based on the premise that America became a monarchy after the Revolutionary War. You’ll be immersed in royal scandals, love triangles, and more!
My Review
The first two books garnered a solid four stars from me. In Rivals and Reign, supporting characters take over the main storyline, which I didn’t enjoy as much as when it centered around Beatrice as queen.
The entire series is still very enjoyable and will be a staple for this summer’s beach essentials.
2
The Selection Series
A contemporary nod to Cinderella and compared to a no-spice version of the popular Bachelor and Bachelorette game show competition, this bestselling series features five royal selection competitions set in a world where an active caste system is still in play. Each love story has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing!
My Review
I’m a fan of anything royal (see #1), and each book in this series was SO GOOD, it only took me 1-2 days to read. Plus, the sparkle! The beautiful gowns! I could easily imagine the luxurious settings author Kiera Cass created for us.
3
The Summer I Turned Pretty
This trilogy takes place in an idyllic beach town where one girl finds herself at the center of a love triangle and has to make difficult choices about what she is looking for. This is a fun and captivating story that is perfect for summertime!
My Review
I watched the TV show first and surprisingly preferred it to the books! But no reading list is complete without a summer coming-of-age story in a beautiful house by the beach.
Go Team Jeremiah!
4
The Hotel Nantucket
The “queen of the beach read” crafts a compelling story with a cast of deep and complicated characters. Our heroine is a determined young hotel manager who tries to put a forgotten, run-down historic hotel back on the map.
Rumor has it the hotel is haunted, too.
My Review
I love character-driven novels (and this one includes a friendly ghost!). Plus, I’ve always wanted to visit Nantucket, so any summer novel that sweeps me to the island’s shores is landing high on my list, especially when it’s written by Elin.
5
Firefly Lane
This is the ultimate story of enduring friendship. Spanning more than three decades, author Kristin Hannah takes you on a powerful journey through the lives of two women and the friendship that has become the anchoring factor in their ever-evolving life stories. It’s beautiful and incredibly moving!
My Review
I have to pace myself with Kristin Hannah novels because she moves you deeply on an emotional level with every book she writes. I loved the personality differences between these two friends and wish the Netflix series had stayed closer to the original storyline!
6
Glenbrooke Series by Robin Jones Gunn
Glenbrook is a quiet, calm little town. Jessica has a troubled past she wants to hide. It makes the perfect place to start over. But when she unexpectedly meets a kind, caring new friend her entire life and all her plans are changed.
My Review
Another one of my favorite series is a set of 8 books surrounding the sweet small town of Glenbrooke, starting with Secrets. Robin Jones Gunn outdoes herself by making this town SO real, you want to move there too!
These books are an easy read and shouldn’t take you long at all to get through. And if you have a tween or teen girl at home, The Christy Miller Series is very wholesome and just plain good!
7
Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks
Colby’s aspiring music career screeches to a halt when tragedy strikes, grounding his future aspirations. When his story collides with an ambitious wanna-be Nashville star, they experience the heights and heartbreak of first love, forcing one another to acknowledge how far one will go for family.
My Review
There’s a reason why Nicholas Sparks is a popular author. Every story takes you on an emotional journey and this one is no exception!
While it might seem like this isn’t a great summer read, it does take place during the summer and includes a fun, whirlwind romance. But it also offers an underlying serious storyline for those who want a little more depth!
More Summer Reads:
I have yet to read these particular books, but they always end up on the best summer romance reads lists. My literary friends also recommend them!
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
- 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Here’s to a wonderful summer, full of good books! (Psst, if you’re looking for gift ideas for your favorite bookworm, check out these book lover-approved gifts!)
What Books Do You Plan to Read This Summer?
Or do you have any favorite summer series? Let me know in the comments!
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.
I love your site. You and I think much alike! Our tastes in books are spot on. Love your to read your blog. You are awesome!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Cindy!
I have read a couple of the ones listed and enjoyed them. I added some to my reading list that I am keeping. I am now almost finished with The Shack which sure is thought provoking.
I have heard that one is intriguing! Haven’t picked it up yet.
I love Terri Blackstock! I read that series years ago. So good.
I have A Passion Most Pure on my Kindle from when it was one one of the free books. I haven’t read it yet though.
I love Melissa Tagg and Becky Wade. They write Christian romance set in the here and now. I read a lot of different genres from historical to mystery. But Tagg and Wade are just my absolute favorite writers.
That’s when I grabbed A Passion Most Pure as well — you can’t beat free! I haven’t read Becky Wade yet, but have heard her recommended before. Will need to remedy that soon!