Romance books to read this summer
You can read them on the beach. You can listen to them while walking your dog. You can download them on your phone and sneak in a few paragraphs at work because you got to a scene that’s sogood, you can’t put it down, even though you’re due at your boss’s office for your yearly performance review. It doesn’t matter how, or where, or when you consume your romance novels; the result is always a guaranteed happy ending. Therefore, without further ado, here are 5 new romance books that will replenish your serotonin reserves.
“The Beach Trap,” by Ali Brady
Two estranged sisters team up to fix a dilapidated beach house. There is a special place in my heart for media in which the real love story is about sisters finding each other (see: “Fleabag”), and that’s what “The Beach Trap” delivers: the tale of two women who decide to put each other first. But in the process, they also find romance with two different - but equally swoony - guys. “Book Lovers,” by Emily Henry
Henry’s beautiful, lyrical writing style needs no introduction, so let me just ask: What if the villain of a Hallmark movie got to be the main character of her own story? And, what if there were good reasons that she acts the way she does? And and, what if she were a cutthroat literary agent finding love with a grumpy editor? If you’re a book lover, this is the perfect read for you.
“A Caribbean Heiress in Paris,” by Adriana Herrera
We’re in Paris, at the end of the 19th century. Luz is a Caribbean businesswoman who just wants to have fun and live her best life. Enter James, a Scottish earl. He and Luz have what can only be defined as a Meet Explosive, and later embark on a marriage of convenience that quickly becomes much more. This book is a must-read whether you’re in the mood for steamy banter, kilts, rum or heroes who fall hard and fast.
“Lucie Yi Is Not a Romantic,” by Lauren Ho
Lucie Yi wants a baby, but she’s done with men. So she enters a platonic co-parenting agreement with Collin. What could go wrong? Everything. Lauren Ho’s writing is voicy and funny, her commentary on-point and her stories a wild ride. Pick up this book for the oppositesattract relationship, and stay for the friendships, the Singapore setting and the journey to motherhood. (Available June 21)
“The Romantic Agenda,” by Claire Kann
Asexual characters! Who fakedate! And fall in love! And navigate complicated relationships! Sometimes I think that Kann wrote Joy, the lead of “The Romantic Agenda,” just for me - that’s how deeply I fell for her. This book is complex and layered. Joy is in love with her best friend, who’s ready to propose to someone else. This kicks off a love quadrangle of sorts that explores the nuances of friendship and the ace spectrum in a romance novel unlike any other, with characters that feel so real and lines that sound like poetry.