The Amazon Editors’ favorite summer romance reads
If you’re reading this, you probably don’t need an excuse to read more, but I’m happy to give you one! The Amazon Editors have put together some of our favorite summer romances, including newer gems and older titles we still recommend to everyone. Whether you’re at the beach, the office, or somewhere in between, the below books offer the perfect escape. And, check out all of the Amazon Editors’ favorite summer reads across genres.
In her sparkling new romance, Funny Story, Daphne and Miles become unfortunate, unexpected roommates after their partners abruptly leave them…for each other. When they receive an invite to their exes’ wedding, pretending to date seems like a deserved dose of revenge. This book has all the trademarks we expect from Henry—charm, wit, beautiful scenery, the list goes on and on. But it’s also a departure from her previous books. Daphne and Miles don’t have a shared history, and it’s a delight watching their journey as they discover each other for the first time. There are poignant insights about the challenges of overcoming our baggage—difficult childhoods, losing ourselves in relationships—that make their love story feel genuine and nuanced. I love Daphne’s combination of shyness and snark, Miles’ openness, and the endearingly quirky cast of supporting characters. This book is a feast for the senses (and the heart). I didn’t want it to end. —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor
In Seven Days in June, Tia Williams’ characters crave a life away from the spotlight. Two famous writers meet at a conference and quickly sparks fly. But there’s more to their story than the romance that unfurls during the seven-day conference: they were in a relationship fifteen years ago. Can they find bliss even though the media and Black literati is having a heyday with their rumored relationship? A pitch-perfect, page-turning read of romance, ambition, and the possibility of a second chance at love. And if you’re a fan of Tia Williams, you are going to love her new romance set in Harlem—A Love Song for Ricki Wilde. —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor
I know I love a book when I can’t stop thinking (and talking) about it. That’s how I feel about Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle. For over twenty years, Daphne has received a note with a name and number, telling her how long each of her relationships will last—three days with Martin, three intense months with her now-best friend Hugo, etc. Until one day, Daphne receives a note with just a name—Jack. As their relationship unfolds, Daphne contemplates what she thought “forever” would look like and the ways in which fate has shaped her life and how she’s let it, for better or worse. What could have been a light-hearted romance becomes something richer with each layer Serle deftly adds to this insightful and heart-breaking novel. I cherished every character in this story, including the city of Los Angeles, which came alive on the page. I’m jealous of everyone who gets to read this book for the first time! —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor
The Paradise Problem is one of my favorite summer romances of 2024. From the authors of The True Love Experiment (among others), The Paradise Problem follows Anna and West, practical strangers, who get married to access subsidized housing in college. They go their separate ways until, years later, it turns out they’re not divorced like Anna thought, and West needs her to attend his sister's wedding on a private island to ensure he gets his inheritance. Anna is a laid-back artist, and West is an uptight professor with a lot at stake. Throw in fake marriage and forced proximity, and you have a recipe for a delicious, tension-filled rom-com. This is a smart, sexy escape with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a side of Succession-style drama. Let this romance transport you to paradise, and maybe book that tropical vacation you’ve been putting off. —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor
Nora Hamilton—a scriptwriter for a romance channel—has the formula for true love down pat. Sadly, when her husband decides that marriage and two kids just isn’t for him, Nora is faced with a rewrite she didn’t see coming. But the screenplay that Nora writes about her divorce follows no formula, and it grabs the attention of Hollywood. And, when a film crew arrives at her home, it brings a hot movie star who may play a leading role in Nora’s second act. This is a rom-com for grownups: no single career women or small-town bake shop owners, but a suburban working mom and her two kids, all three of them apprehensive about risking their hearts again. And it follows a formula for romance that is so funny, clever, and tender-hearted, readers will happily binge-read to the end credits. —Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Editor
Abby Jimenez knows how to stir up an award-winning cupcake recipe (you may recognize her from the Food Network), and a hot romance. Jimenez’s latest book, Part of Your World, follows a blossoming affair between a small-town hottie named Daniel, and ER doctor Alexis. The two come from completely different worlds, but readers discover they share one big similarity as their love unfolds. Jimenez is skilled at weaving difficult everyday issues— classism, domestic violence, parental expectations, depression—into the plotlines of her novels, and she does that deftly here, with help from a diverse supporting cast of characters who are complex yet relatable. But she keeps the romance front and center as she answers the question readers will want to know: can Daniel and Alexis overcome their issues and lean into their romance? —Kami Tei, Amazon Editor
I devoured this paranormal romance in one sitting (bad werewolf/vampire pun intended), and I couldn’t have had more fun. In a world where humans, vampires, and werewolves tensely coexist, vampire Misery agrees to a political marriage to stranger and Alpha Werewolf Lowe, in the hopes of keeping the peace between the two species. But Misery has a deeply personal ulterior motive for agreeing to this precarious arrangement. As Misery and Lowe warily begin to trust each other and work together to solve a mystery, the attraction between them becomes as undeniable as it is forbidden. This story is filled with longing, passion, and intrigue. Misery is a witty heroine you’re rooting for from page one, and Lowe will make you temporarily forget (and resent?) mere mortal men. My only warning–prepare to lose sleep reading this book. It’s worth it. —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor
The perfect book marriage between the US and UK is none other than Red, White, & Royal Blue. In this royal rom-com, there’s no love lost between Prince Henry and his US equivalent, Alex—each basically thinks the other is an utter ass, though in completely opposite ways—but after they’re pushed together for the sake of diplomacy, they find they have a lot in common, including their mutual chemistry. A witty, smart story of being yourself and finding true love, this novel gets raves from both sides of the pond. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
Every Summer After sparkles like sunshine on lake water, which is exactly where Sam and Persephone meet when they’re both 13—on a lakeside dock near Percy’s parents’ new summer cottage. Flipping between now (they haven’t seen each other in 12 years) and then, the book follows them over six summers as they—and their love—grow, and they move from nerdy best friends to a college-bound couple, until the incident that proves that even the kind of love that’s meant to be can shatter. By turns heartfelt and funny, sweet and steamy, and sad and nostalgic, this gorgeous, sweeping romance is the summer read you’ll want to pass around. —Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Editor
I’m a baseball fan and love any story with the diamond at its center (A League of Their Own, Bull Durham, Money Ball). You Should Be So Lucky is now officially on that list. It’s 1960, and handsome professional baseball player Eddie O’Leary is in the worst slump of his career on a new team that hates him. Mark Bailey is not a sports reporter but has been assigned to report on Eddie for his struggling newspaper. This grumpy-sunshine romance caught me by surprise with its tenderness as Mark and Eddie slowly lower their defenses and take a huge risk in falling for each other. And at the heart of it all is this game that makes us crazy but we just can’t quit (much like love). A home run of a romance! —Abby Abell, Amazon Editor
Looking for more to read? Check out:
