Steamy Stories: The Best New Summer Romance Books

There’s something about summertime that nudges me in the direction of romance reads. While I sadly don’t get the extended summer break of my school years anymore (I will forever mourn this), there’s still a lightness in the air, an excitement, a feeling like anything’s possible during summer. I’m more at ease, more open to adventuring, and especially ready to squeeze in some extra summer reading.

During this time of year, I find my “relax and read” mentality leaning towards summer romance books. Submerging myself in these stories feels like sinking my feet into warm beach sand or biting into that perfectly toasted s’more. There’s nothing more peaceful than reading a good summer romance during this season.

Below, I’ve curated a list of some of the best new summer romance books. All of the titles have been published this year and take place during the summer. They feature a wide range of sweet and steamy summer adventures, including coastal settings, summer jobs, summer weddings, and more.

The Best New Summer Romance Books

Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez

The atmospheric Rhode Island coastal setting of this new summer romance by Jenna Ramirez makes it a perfect read this season. The Summer I Turned Pretty series really demonstrated how delightful friends-to-lovers romances set at the beach are, and this story is sure to make you swoon, too. Plus, it follows a character navigating the relatable ups and downs of post-grad life and managing the burden of student loan debt. Camille Luna graduated four years ago, and life hasn’t felt easy ever since, what with her draining corporate job, looming student loans, and a breakup on top of that. Things begin looking up for her, though, after she reconnects with a burnout friend from college who runs his uncle’s restaurant along the coast.

Cleat Chaser by Aimee Rivkin

Summer is here, and so is baseball season! This spicy new MMF sports romance by Aimee Rivkin promises a marriage of convenience and why choose, all while immersing you in the summer baseball season of the Atlanta Peaches. When her father’s company goes bankrupt, rich girl Savannah stands to lose everything, including her chance to attend grad school. The plot thickens when Brayden, the star of the Atlanta Peaches, agrees to marry Savannah so she can pay for school and he can improve his public image for his team. But Brayden’s teammate Asher might just have his eye on Savannah, too.

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto

Baseball isn’t the only season summer ushers in; hurricane season has also arrived. This stormy romance by Chelsea Curto takes place during hurricane season in Florida. It also makes a great read for Ali Hazelwood fans as it stars a woman with her PhD in atmospheric sciences, as well as an academic rivals-to-lovers storyline. While Quincy Monroe has built a huge following from her Instagram weather show, a new job forces her to work in close proximity and chase storms with her brother’s infuriating best friend, TV weatherman Sebastian.

Last First Kiss by Julian Winters

This sweet and spicy summer romance by Julian Winters follows an event planner named Jordan Carter as he plans a beautiful summer wedding in Atlanta. The story promises a heartfelt second-chance romance and plenty of amusing wedding drama. Jordan thinks he’s finally ready to move on from Jamie, his first kiss as a teen and the one who told him a year ago he wasn’t the “right” man for Jordan while he was trying to find himself. Of course, this isn’t quite as easy as Jordan expected when he learns the man-of-honor for the wedding he’s planning happens to be none other than Jamie himself.

More Like Enemigas by Stephanie Hope

Speaking of weddings, this fun romance by Stephanie Hope includes summer camp vibes and Parent Trap references, making it another perfect read for your summer TBR. It’s got such a gorgeous cover, too. Isabella Valdes is a daughter of Cuban immigrants, and after her father passed, she’s been desperately trying to keep his restaurant afloat. When she heads to her estranged cousin’s wedding festivities, she finds herself getting paired up in a cabin with Valentina Garcia, the same girl who ruined her quinceañera years ago. Their initial tension may just shift to something more spicy during this wedding week, though, especially as they try to learn more about the secret notes left behind in Isabella’s father’s journal.

One & Only by Maurene Goo

Bestselling YA romance author Maureen Goo makes her adult romance debut with this charming summer romance that features an entertaining age gap romance. Cassia Park believes in soulmates, especially since the women in her family have always had the power to predict true love for others. Despite working for her family’s matchmaking business, Cassia hasn’t found her own soulmate yet, even though her family did share who he was with her. Cassia’s just about to turn 40 when she meets 28-year-old Ellis, and he may just cause her to forget everything she’s ever believed in about soulmates.

The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

For those looking for a little whimsy in their summer romance reading, this new book by Ashley Poston is quite enchanting. It involves coastal Maine, a magical garden, and a hint of a love triangle. As Sophie Drear begins working a temp summer job at Lilymoor House, she finds herself growing enamored with the house, the garden, the kooky staff, and the mysterious hedge maze. The plot gets as twisty as the maze, though, after Sophie discovers a man trapped within the garden.

Before You Set Sail…

I hope these new summer romances add a little extra steam to the season for you. If you’d like to sink into more sweet reads this summer, check out this list of the best recent romances to read in the heat!