Nothing says summer like a swoony book in your beach bag. Whether you’re poolside or in your favorite café, these five brand-new romance reads are guaranteed to keep your heart fluttering and pages turning.
When a brilliant, slightly burnt-out scientist heads to Italy for a break, the last thing she expects is an irresistible older man who challenges her in all the best ways. Set against golden sunsets and lemon trees, this flirty, age-gap love story delivers signature Hazelwood banter with a Mediterranean twist.
Why it’s our summer pick:
Swapping lab goggles for gelato cones, Hazelwood sends her heroine on a romantic Italian escape perfect for beach bags and balcony reads. Warm, witty, and sun-drenched, it’s vacation romance at its finest.
Author fun fact:
Ali Hazelwood, queen of STEM romance (The Love Hypothesis), is known for writing whip-smart women and deliciously awkward men. While this one steps away from academia, the sizzling brain-meets-heart tension remains.
Hollywood producer and former teen star Seth reunites with his ex for a PR stunt on Long Island; a fake experiment, if you will. But what starts as a gig turns into a chance to rewrite their story, with real sparks and old feelings making a surprise comeback.
Why it’s our summer pick:
Romantic hijinks on the East Coast, fake dating, and second chances—Monaghan weaves a feel-good rom-com that’s made for poolside reading and sunset swooning.
Author fun fact:
Annabel Monaghan took the romance world by surprise with Nora Goes Off Script, blending humor, heart, and a touch of Hollywood. Her books feel like rom-coms that you’d watch (and rewatch) with your best friend.
On a nostalgic band reunion cruise, a musician-turned-ghostwriter reunites with someone from her past. And this time, the timing might be right. It’s a slow-burn romance full of music, unresolved feelings, and just the right dose of pop-culture sparkle.
Why it’s our summer pick:
A cruise ship, early-2000s pop nostalgia, and old flames? This one’s like a warm breeze in book form. Perfect for anyone who ever crushed on a musician.
Author fun fact:
Alicia Thompson became a fan-favorite with Love in the Time of Serial Killers, thanks to her clever, self-aware heroines and sharp Gen-Z humor. Expect sass, heart, and a soundtrack-worthy story.
When Sybil is left at the altar, she doesn’t cancel the honeymoon. Instead, she goes alone. Using four non-refundable rings, she heads to a dreamy island resort and discovers unexpected romance, independence, and the beauty of starting over.
Why it’s our summer pick:
With tropical scenery and emotional healing, this solo-gone-romantic getaway is tailor-made for fans of “new chapter” love stories. Just like the summer it’s refreshing, escapist, and hopeful.
Author fun fact:
Yes, it’s that Hannah Brown from The Bachelorette! She’s turned her rollercoaster dating past into heartfelt, uplifting fiction filled with heart and heartache in equal measure.
In this sweeping dual-timeline novel, a modern-day researcher unearths a secret love story between two women in Italy’s WWII resistance movement. Passionate, defiant, and beautifully layered, it’s a romance that defies both time and the rules.
Why it’s our summer pick:
Set in sun-soaked Rome with both past and present narratives, this is a historical romance with grit and soul. It’s emotional, empowering, and endlessly romantic; a perfect blend of heat and heart.
Author fun fact:
Jordyn Taylor, a journalist and author, writes feminist historical fiction that spotlights hidden stories. If you love authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid or Kristin Hannah, this one’s calling your name.
Hopefully this will give you some inspiration for your next summer read, and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts when you’re finished!
By Linnea Larm