Summer is the perfect season to fall headfirst into a great love story, and this year’s lineup of romance releases has something for every kind of reader. From emotional contemporary romances and swoony road trips to magical romantasy adventures and haunting queer fantasy, these highly anticipated books showcase the incredible range of the genre. Whether you’re looking for slow-burn chemistry, unforgettable characters, or stories that tug at your heart while making you smile, these five novels deserve a spot on your summer reading list. Grab your favorite beach chair, a cold drink, and prepare to meet your next fictional obsession.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, Berkley, $ 20.00, 432 pages
Now available in a newly released paperback edition, Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life is the perfect excuse to finally dive into one of the year’s most talked-about romances. Henry once again showcases her talent for blending romance, mystery, and family drama into an emotionally rich, character-driven story. Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson’s rivalry creates delicious slow-burn tension, while the enigmatic Margaret Ives adds an irresistible layer of intrigue that keeps the pages turning. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Little Crescent Island, the novel sparkles with witty dialogue, heartfelt emotion, and unforgettable chemistry, making this new paperback release an essential addition to any summer reading list.
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Please Don’t Go by E. Salvador, Atria/Primero Sueno Press, $ 21.00, 544 pages
Some romances don’t just tell a love story—they explore the difficult path toward healing. Please Don’t Go by E. Salvador does exactly that with tenderness and emotional honesty. Josefine and Daniel are beautifully realized characters whose shared grief creates a deeply compelling connection that feels authentic from beginning to end. Rather than rushing their romance, Salvador thoughtfully allows trust and vulnerability to develop naturally, making every heartfelt moment resonate even more. Balancing emotional weight with genuine hope, this unforgettable debut offers a moving reminder that love doesn’t erase pain, but it can help illuminate the path forward.
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Endless Blue Beneath by Shannon K. English, Orbit, $ 19.99, 464 pages
Darkly enchanting and wonderfully original, Endless Blue Beneath offers a mesmerizing twist on the classic mermaid tale. Shannon K. English crafts a richly imagined underwater world where beauty and danger exist side by side, giving readers a fantasy that’s equal parts haunting and romantic. Eppie’s transformation is both terrifying and empowering, while her relationship with the mysterious Marie unfolds with tenderness amid the growing threat surrounding the mermaid colony. The novel explores identity, belonging, sacrifice, and desire with remarkable emotional depth. Readers looking for queer romantasy with lush worldbuilding and unforgettable atmosphere won’t want to miss this stunning debut.
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Hoepless Necromantic by Shiloh Briar, Orbit, $ 19.99, 368 pages
If you’re looking for a romantasy filled with humor, adventure, and irresistible chemistry, Hopeless Necromantic delivers on every level. Helspira and Sikras make an endlessly entertaining pair, combining reluctant allies, slow-burn romance, and plenty of witty banter as they face an impossible mission. Even the lovable skeleton companion, Benjamin, steals scenes with perfectly timed comic relief. Beneath the playful tone lies an engaging fantasy adventure packed with danger, heartfelt moments, and memorable worldbuilding. Shiloh Briar’s debut brings fresh energy to the romantasy genre, creating a delightfully quirky love story that readers will happily follow from beginning to end.
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Just a Highland Fling by Naina Kumar, Dell, $ 20.00, 352 pages
Naina Kumar’s Just a Highland Fling is everything a summer romance should be: funny, heartfelt, and impossible to put down. Neelu and Jacob’s forced road trip through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands provides the perfect backdrop for sparkling banter, simmering attraction, and emotional growth. Their complicated history as former one-night-stand partners adds delicious tension, while the family-centered storyline gives the romance surprising emotional depth. Kumar balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine vulnerability, creating characters who feel wonderfully real. Filled with gorgeous scenery, memorable dialogue, and undeniable chemistry, this charming romance is the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon of reading.
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This page was created by an City Book Review staff member.