55 Exciting New Romance Books to Read in Summer 2025

When former tennis star Niko crashes into Bex’s world (and her struggling racquet club), a high-stakes pickleball tournament leads to fake dating—and real sparks. It’s a flirty, fast-paced rom-com perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers and sports romances with heart. It’s a great choice if you love The Love Hypothesis or The Cheat Sheet!

Fake dating your high school nemesis on a chaotic reality show? Not ideal—especially when there’s a murder to solve on set. This rom-com-meets-murder-mystery is perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties and anyone who loves reality TV drama with a sharp, twisty edge.

Two rival bookstore managers. One summer-long competition. Josie and Ryan couldn’t be more different, but when their stores are forced to merge—and only one can stay—it’s war … with a side of flirtation. It sounds like the perfect book for fans of You’ve Got Mail, especially with the bookish banter, anonymous online friendships, and a feel-good romance you’ll root for.

A grumpy London barista and a sunshiney traveller agree to a no-strings summer friendship—but the more bucket list adventures they share, the harder it gets to keep things casual. The Friendship Fling is perfect for fans of opposites attract, slow-burn romance, and anyone who fell hard for The Flatshare or One Day.

It wouldn’t be a complete list on The Contented Reader without a book by Meghan Quinn! To impress her boss, Scottie pretends to be married—only to get roped into a couples retreat with her “husband,” improv-obsessed Wilder Wells. One shared cabin, plenty of awkward bonding, and undeniable chemistry make this the perfect summer rom-com. If you’re a fan of steamy romance, quirky humour and fake dating, you need to pick this one up! Meghan Quinn is one of my auto-buy authors, and I’m just SO excited for the summer vibes in this one.

Worth Fighting For is the next book in the Meant to Be series. Jesse Q. Sutanto puts a modern, hilarious spin on Mulan in this sharp romantic comedy set in the high-stakes world of private equity. Disguised as her ailing father, Mulan heads to a whiskey ranch retreat to close a deal—only to clash with skeptical CEO Shang. Between cattle wrangling and romantic tension, she’ll have to decide if pretending to be someone else is worth the risk. This sounds like it will be another perfect Disney reimagining!

When Elfreda’s archaeological dreams are dashed, the last person she wants help from is her scandal-prone childhood rival, Georgie Redmayne. But a joint hunt for Viking treasure leads to unexpected chemistry, buried feelings, and a lot more than either bargained for. If enemies-to-lovers with a historical twist is what you’re looking for, this charming queer romance totally delivers.

She’s fighting for a promotion. He’s her biggest competition. But when flirty anonymous texts turn into unexpected chemistry, Emmy’s biggest distraction becomes the one man she’s sworn to beat. If you love rivals-to-lovers with a secret identity twist, this You’ve Got Mail–meets–The Hating Game romance will be a hit!

From the author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers comes another swoon-worthy romance. Never Been Shipped follows Micah and John, former bandmates who reconnect while their band reunites on a themed cruise. It’s the perfect option for those who love second-chance romance and unexpected moments. I’m really excited to pick this one up—it sounds like the perfect mix of romance and cruising, two of my favourite things!

Roommating is an upcoming forced-proximity romance that features one apartment, two roommates and a whole lot of tension. Sabrina’s carefully balanced life is thrown into chaos when her roommate’s estranged and undeniably attractive grandson moves in. With forced proximity and sizzling chemistry, this is guaranteed to be a sweet rom-com with heartfelt moments.

Slow Burn Summer follows a ghostwriter with a broken heart, a fake author living a lie and a book tour that neither of them expected. This charming rom-com unfolds in unexpected ways as two strangers navigate a lie, all while finding a connection and learning to write their own stories.

When aspiring writer Ziya Khan gives up on her dreams, her fictional muse Aashiq magically comes to life to reignite her creativity—and maybe her heart. As they grow closer, Ziya must choose between holding on to the love she never saw coming or letting him go to embrace her future. Perfect for fans of whimsical, heart-filled rom-coms with a dash of magic and a whole lot of soul.

If you love Formula 1, you need to pick this one up — it has slow-burn tension and romance with adrenaline. Journalist Natalia Evans thought her biggest challenge this racing season would be landing the next big scoop—until her newest assignment puts her face-to-face with Klaus Franke, the brooding F1 team principal she once had a steamy one-night stand with. As sparks reignite and a scandal brews, their chemistry might outpace the track itself.

Gloves Off, the next book in the Vancouver Storm series, is a grumpy-sunshine fake marriage romance guaranteed to bring sass and slow-burn tension! Georgia and Alexei’s arrangement may be for convenience, but their chemistry is anything but. He’s a broody NHL enforcer, and she’s not-so-secretly swooning despite herself. With laugh-out-loud banter and tender moments, this spicy sports romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers with a twist.

Magical realism meets heartfelt romance in this whimsical story of music, memory, and second chances. Burned-out songwriter Joni returns home and hears a mysterious melody—and a voice in her head that might not be imaginary. When her mind’s duet partner appears in real life, they must finish their song and confront the feelings it brings. I’m positive Ashley Poston will deliver another cozy, romantic gem.

The Ripple Effect blends fake dating fun with emotional depth in this quirky opposites-attract rom-com. Stellar Byrd is a jaded ex-doctor stuck working at a relationship therapy camp, while Lyle “McHuge” McHugh is a sunshiney psychologist trying to salvage his business reputation. Their fake engagement might save the camp—but it also might open the door to real love? With smart banter, heartfelt moments, and a charming summer camp setting, this one is full of heart.

Treasure hunting meets second-chance romance in this swoony, big-hearted rom-com from Sarah Adler. When Nina, down on her luck and a little lost, reunites with childhood crush Quentin to finish the eccentric treasure hunt that ended their friendship seventeen years ago, it’s not just gold they’re searching for. Packed with small-town charm, old wounds, big feelings, and witty banter, this book is a total delight. If you love enemies-to-lovers vibes with a nostalgic twist, this is perfect for you.

Look Before You Leap is the second hilarious and heartwarming novel in the Miss Prentice’s Protégées Regency series, where Lord Guy Harrowby’s mother stages a house party to find him a wife before his thirtieth birthday. Lottie Travers, a wild former governess trying to tame her habits and save her family farm, is thrust into the mix—and the only spark in the house is between her and the grumpy lord.

In this feel-good rom-com from Hannah Brown, Sybil Rain’s vacation gets interesting when she runs into three ex-fiancés and a surprise run-in with the one that got away while on vacation. With fake dating, mistaken identities and hilarious messiness to keep things fun, you’ll love this one! I think it will be perfect for fans of Forgetting Sarah Marshall or Anyone But You.

When newly single Hope and broody chef Felix meet on a luxury cruise, a no-strings fling turns into something more—until a blowout fight leaves them stranded in paradise. Forced to share a bed and face their emotional baggage, these two opposites must decide if their unexpected spark is worth the detour. Total Dreamboat is a swoony, slow-burn romance perfect for fans of vacation love stories, grumpy/sunshine pairings, and second chances at happily ever after.

When Javi Dumped Mari is the next romance by bestselling author Mia Sosa. It follows Javier and Marisol, best friends who promise to never date someone the other doesn’t approve of. Ten years later, Mari is getting married, and Javi needs to tell her he’s secretly pined for her for years. Since Mari has moved on, Javi has eight weeks to convince her that her marriage is a flop. This sounds like it’ll be such a fun friends-to-lovers romance!

When debut author Gemma Stanton’s spicy Highlander romance goes viral, readers quickly connect her brooding hero to real-life hockey star—and her high school crush—Mason Moretti. A surprise reunion turns into a fake dating scheme to boost both their careers, but the more they pretend, the more real their chemistry feels. Writing Mr. Wrong is a flirty, feel-good second-chance rom-com perfect for fans of sports romance, viral fame tropes, and redemption arcs with heart.

When her life in Boston suddenly unravels, Chelsea takes a summer job in a quirky Irish hostel—complete with rainy days, shared bathrooms, and one very charming tour guide. What starts as a temporary escape slowly turns into something much more in this heartfelt, wanderlust-filled rom-com perfect for fans of Sophie Cousens.

All Holly wants is to land her dream job—and escape her ex by relocating to Scotland. But to win the role, she’ll have to team up with the grumpy (and unfortunately very attractive) office photographer to create a calendar full of hot guys and adorable puppies. It sounds like it will be equal parts chaos and charm with a slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you in the best way!

Two rival divorce lawyers agree to keep things casual … until feelings start messing with the arrangement. Set in Austin’s legal world with just the right amount of steam and sass, this enemies-with-benefits romance proves that love doesn’t always follow courtroom rules. I’m currently reading this one and loving it!

I got to read an early copy of Save Me, and it’s SO good! At Maxton Hall, scholarship student Ruby Bell wants nothing more than to stay invisible—until she uncovers a scandal that puts her directly in the crosshairs of swoony bad boy James Beaufort. Full of tension, secrets, and slow-burn chemistry, this international bestselling romance (finally in English!) is Gossip Girl meets The Royals with an academic twist. If you haven’t watched the show on Prime yet, you must—it’s addicting!

Fenny’s life is on the rise—until she meets not one but two versions of the same man: one who swept her off her feet last weekend, and one who just stole her job. In this dreamy, time-slip romance with a twist of mystery, love gets complicated when it spans timelines, secrets, and second chances. I’m excited for this one!

He’s the bad boy with a motorcycle and a camera. She’s the brewery manager who doesn’t do flings. But when sparks fly and small-town meddling begins, even the best-laid plans can’t stop what’s brewing between them. This one’s full of charm, chemistry, and a whole lot of heart. Lucy Score is popular for a reason—and this re-release (and the whole series) is totally worth picking up this summer!

Soccer star Luke Wolfe is grumpy, guarded, and suddenly very taken—on paper, at least. When Hollywood actress Abigail finds out their buzzy romance was part of a PR stunt, she plots sweet revenge with over-the-top PDA and viral chaos. But the more she tries to get under his skin, the more she sees the man behind the façade. Ted Lasso meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (my absolute fave!!) in this hilarious and heartfelt fake-dating romance.

Briony was supposed to save her people—but when the war ends in defeat, she’s sold into enemy hands and stripped of her magic. In this lush, high-stakes romantic fantasy, she must outwit her captor, survive a new world of twisted power, and decide whether the spark between her and her enemy might be the key to her kingdom’s last hope.

Forbidden romance fans will love Juniper’s struggles to avoid the irresistible Macabe brothers, especially the one she really shouldn’t want. With plenty of steamy moments and small-town charm, this sultry story is guaranteed to be full of swoons and temptation. This upcoming release definitely deserves a spot on your TBR!

From the author of Funny You Should Ask comes a moving, small-town romance about grief, healing, and second chances. When widowed single mom Lauren crosses paths with charming actor Ben Walsh on her brother’s movie set, what starts as a fling turns into something deeper. As the past and present collide, Lauren must decide if she’s ready to let love back in—and make space for the woman she’s still becoming.

When a hurricane destroys her beloved library, Tansy Perkins is forced to move into a botanical garden—and work alongside Jack, the grumpy gardener who’d rather prune roses than talk to people. With spring festival prep underway and sparks flying in more ways than one, this sweet, slow-burn romance is full of charm, second chances, and quiet growth.

A kindergarten teacher joins a suspiciously sparkly skincare MLM to make ends meet—only to fall for the journalist out to expose it. With sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a fierce heroine who knows her worth, this rom-com is a total page-turner with heart and heat. I just finished reading this one and loved every minute of it!

I will always pick up a book by Lynn Painter, and this one does not disappoint! When a cleaning woman “borrows” her absentee boss’s penthouse for a week and ends up posing as his girlfriend to fool his parents, what could go wrong? Turns out … everything—and maybe also nothing, because sparks fly in this fake-dating, opposites-attract rom-com that’s as swoony as it is hilarious. I read an early copy, and it’s great!

I always devour Farrah Rochon’s romance books—they’re so fun! In this companion to Pardon My Frenchie, Evie’s perfect life crumbles overnight—no fiancé, no job, and no idea what’s next. But when her college crush reappears and they’re thrown together to save their hometown animal shelter, old sparks begin to flicker. Sweet, second-chance romance meets puppy love in this feel-good read for fans of Abby Jimenez.

What starts as a flirty poker lesson between a chaotic resort worker and an adorably awkward scientist quickly spirals into a tropical whirlwind of secrets, revenge plots, and irresistible chemistry. Jean and Charlie’s opposites-attract romance sounds like it will be wild, witty, and full of surprises.

She came to Sparrow Falls to disappear—but falling for the single dad next door was never part of the plan. With danger closing in and emotions rising fast, this emotional small-town romance delivers broody heroes, slow-burning tension, and just the right amount of suspense. Chasing Shelter is the next book in the Sparrow Falls series and it’s not to be missed!

Childhood best friends. Wedding season. One final summer to get it right. Told in dual timelines and brimming with emotion, Friends to Lovers is a nostalgic, swoony friends-to-lovers romance for fans of Emily Henry and Annabel Monaghan—with a picture-perfect beach house backdrop and plenty of longing stares.

What happens when the treasure you’re really hunting for is the person who broke your heart? A salty, swoony second-chance romance set on a summer treasure hunt—this beachy page-turner is packed with sizzling chemistry, adventure, and heartache in all the right places. If adventure romance is something you enjoy, definitely give this one a try!

She’s a pop star in PR crisis. He’s a cowboy with a cause. Sparks fly on the ranch in this opposites-attract rom-com filled with culture, chemistry, and one unforgettable summer. A fun, heartfelt read that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe cry a few times too.

Crashing a duke’s matchmaking party wasn’t exactly in Rosalie’s plan—but neither was being courted by three wildly different (and wildly attractive) suitors. With witty banter, slow-burn tension, and scandal simmering beneath every social nicety, this spicy historical is perfect for Bridgerton fans looking for something bolder.

She’s a Korean drama star returning home. He’s the boy she left behind. This heartfelt Persuasion retelling brings together second-chance romance, complicated families, and a wedding reunion neither of them saw coming. Angsty, swoony, and deeply satisfying.

Anywhere With You sounds like the perfect blend of heart, humour, and second chances. When Charley Beekman’s sister plans a spontaneous elopement, Charley jumps into a camper van with her longtime best friend, Ethan. He’s charming and entirely off-limits until sparks start flying in the Minnesotan wilderness and Charley begins to wonder if love is worth a second shot.

The next book in the Blue Moon series follows a romance novelist on the run who clashes with a too-hot, too-honest sheriff who’s determined to uncover her secrets. Eva’s only plan was to lie low—not flash the sheriff or spark small-town chaos. But as Donovan starts digging into her past, neither of them is prepared for the sparks—or trouble—that follow.

I love reading Emma St. Clair’s romance books, so I’m really looking forward to picking this one up! If All Else Sails is an enemies-to-lovers summer romance that follows school nurse Josie, who is tricked into sharing a crumbling Virginia cottage—and a sailboat—with her grumpy nemesis, hockey player Wyatt Jacobs. She’s there to help him recover from injury, not fall for him. But close quarters, unexpected chemistry, and one unforgettable trip down the coast might just change everything.

In this sequel to The Blonde Identity, two ex-lovers wake up handcuffed together with no memory of how they got there. With danger closing in, they must rely on each other to survive—and maybe face the feelings they’ve spent years trying to outrun. If you love second-chance romance, this is a great option to pick up!

In Mason Deaver’s charming adult romance debut, a journalist stuck in a dead-end job agrees to coach his hilariously awkward blind date on how to be boyfriend material—all for a secret article that might finally earn him a promotion. But as Eli teaches Peter the ropes of dating, their fake lessons start to feel a little too real. I feel like this one will be the perfect mixture of sweet and steamy, perfect for fans of slow burns and second chances.

This sharp second-chance romance follows Eva Kitt, a jaded talk show host, as she’s roped into filming a series of redemption dates with the ex who ghosted her—now a reformed internet darling. She’s only in it for the career boost until fake dating starts to feel a little too real. It sounds like it’ll be a great read!

When zombies attack, teaming up with your grumpy vampire neighbour might be the only way to survive. In this witty and action-packed paranormal romance, Edie just wants to save lives—not fall for a sword-wielding immortal with a secret bunker and a protective streak. But as sparks fly and the undead rise, they’ll have to fight for humanity—and maybe their hearts—before time runs out.

I really enjoy Emma Lord’s books, so I’m excited to pick this one up! In this second-chance romance, Mackenzie and Sam are thrown back into the spotlight for a high-stakes comeback album. But between unresolved feelings, secret identities and a surprise son, their reunion might just be the most dramatic performance for them both.

In this steamy second-chance romance set at an Irish castle wedding, cancer survivor Lo Valdez has no interest in forgiving the ex who broke her heart—no matter how many love songs he writes about her. But when fate throws her and Aidan O’Toole back together as maid of honour and best man, old feelings resurface fast. This one sounds like it will be full of chemistry, and the fact that it’s set in Ireland? Sign me up!

Love at First Sighting is a quirky romantic comedy with a sci-fi twist. Influencer El Martin is chasing clout when she accidentally captures a UFO on camera—along with the attention of a very attractive (and serious) government agent. Carter Brody’s job is to keep alien sightings under wraps, not fall for the woman sharing them online. I can’t wait to pick this one up!

She finally meets the perfect guy—only to find out he’s not there for her. Jessie spends one magical day with a charming stranger after a chance encounter in a London Whole Foods, only to lose him before they can exchange numbers. Weeks later, fate brings Cal back into her life, just not in the way she hoped. Because this time, he’s holding roses—and they’re meant for someone else.

When Jules returns home to save her family’s crumbling bookshop, the last thing she expects is a rival store opening across the street—run by her childhood nemesis. With the centenary celebration approaching and the future on the line, it’s a battle of old vs. new, heart vs. hustle—and maybe, enemies to something more.