11 Summer Romances and Where to Read Them
Feeling inspired by your latest beach read? Want to explore the romantic coves and cozy towns of your favorite author’s books? We’re highlighting the settings of this summer’s hottest love stories, because there’s no better way to bring the magic to life than visiting these destinations for yourself.
Crack open one of these swoon-worthy reads on your next trip and settle in at a beach, lake, or café of your choosing to experience the story while you’re immersed in the real-life setting (and maybe have a whirlwind romance along the way, if you’re lucky).
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
New Hampshire
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For those seeking summer camp dreaminess
Embrace nostalgia with this story about a group of friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp. Follow Clara and Mack as they splash through lakes, sit around fires, and slowly transform from old camp rivals into something more.
While Pine Lake Camp is fictional, New England has plenty of real natural beauty to explore that will make it feel like you’ve stepped right into the pages of this book. Reminisce about your own summer camp days or experience something brand new via the countless campsites and day hikes scattered throughout the spruce trees and rivers.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Southern California
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For those seeking balmy beach evenings
In this fun yet tender story, Samantha moves home to help with a family crisis and tries to avoid the pull of a doomed-to-fail long-distance relationship with the man she left behind. But when Xavier comes to visit, they spend a weekend in the California sunshine—struggling and failing to fight their connection.
Take this book with you on a road trip along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and experience standout scenes from this book for yourself: ride the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, walk along Venice Beach, and listen to the waves crash as you motor down stunning Highway 1.
The Near Miss by Lily Joseph
Capri, Italy
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For those seeking Italian cliffside connections
Buckle up for this whirlwind of almost meet-cutes, where Nick and Wren embark on a string of near-death experiences that wind them closer and closer to meeting each other. When they both venture to the precarious cliffs of Italy and are finally thrown together (in yet another chaotic escape from harm), the sparks fly.
Tear through this exciting read in between strolling the streets of Capri Town and taking in the breathtaking views of the famous Faraglioni rock formations. Enjoy plates of seafood, pizza, gelato, and more as you flip through page after page of this action-packed love story.
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks
Rodanthe, North Carolina
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For those seeking cozy, stormy nights
Sink into this heartfelt story, where two recent divorcées meet at an inn as an intense storm begins to brew. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Outer Banks, Adrienne and Paul spend a weekend grappling with both of their losses and potential futures.
If you’re also looking for some introspection, make your way to the coast of North Carolina and find miles of secluded beaches and charming seaside villages. This is the perfect place to get comfy at a nearby inn or settle in next to the waves with this book. Then, get out to see the sights and sign up for a wild horse tour to meet the majestic OBX residents who roam the sandy coast.
Love in Focus by Lyla Lee
San Francisco, California
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For those seeking playful second chances
Get ready to squeal and kick your feet as you enjoy this bubbly sapphic romcom, featuring two exes who get thrown together in a bid to save both of their careers. With an unmistakable connection still boiling between them, Gemma and Celeste struggle to keep their relationship strictly professional—all while interviewing couples across San Francisco for their article about modern love.
Take a trip to this famously moody, artistic city and trace these characters’ steps: have clam chowder on Fisherman’s Wharf, bar hop in North Beach, or go for a beautiful hike with a view of SF’s fog-topped skyline. Make sure to bring a camera and snap some aesthetic pictures of trolleys and towering redwoods, just like Celeste!
Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli
Maui, Hawaii
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For those seeking tropical rivalries
This story, which will scratch that classic enemies-to-lovers itch, follows two workplace rivals attending a corporate leadership retreat in Hawaii. When Trishara and Rafe find themselves mistakenly booked together in the honeymoon suite, they must balance their continued competition with the new feelings they’re starting to develop for one another.
Snag a copy as your next beach read, and pick one of the many world-class beaches lining Maui’s coast to lay out on while you flip through pages of this slow-burn love story. When you’re done relaxing, try out some team-building outdoor adventures like hiking through the rainforest, scuba diving, or surfing.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
New York City
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For those seeking steamy concertos
Swoon and sigh your way through this deeply romantic read about a classical violinist and a rock star cellist who are forced to put their differences aside and compose music together. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, Gwen and Xander are both members of the Manhattan Pops Orchestra—and as they perform their songs for the masses, both their fame and their electric chemistry continue to grow.
Step into this musical story and attend a concert at famed Carnegie Hall to experience the grand, moving pieces like those played by the main characters. Afterward, wander among the many nearby iconic landmarks of the Big Apple, but make sure to check out small, local establishments (like Mabel’s indie music shop) along the way!
Mistakes We Never Made by Hannah Brown
Road Trip
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For those seeking tension-filled open roads
Join Emma and Finn as they chase down a runaway bride in a hijinks-filled road trip across state lines. As they’re sent bumbling through a patchwork of roadside adventures, they try (and fail) to keep a lid on the tension resulting from years of their on again, off again situationship.
This fun, fast-paced story will make you want to hit the road too, from diners and funky curiosities to nearby rivers and state parks—you can mimic Emma and Finn’s chaotic route or chart a brand-new one. Embark on a journey across America’s two-lane highways, and maybe call up that “friend” you have unresolved feelings for to see if they’ll come with you.
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Takes One to Know One by Lissette Decos
Puerto Rico
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For those seeking idyllic reggaeton beats
Dive in to this angsty, banter-filled story, where a label rep is sent to clean up the scandalous image of an international reggaeton singer. They butt heads on the sizzling island of Puerto Rico—but steeped in its music, community, and culture, Rene and Daniela’s initial hatred for one another slowly morphs into something else.
Plan a trip to paradise and read this book from the comfort of a beach or in between snorkeling trips and plates of mofongo. The Island of Enchantment has every type adventure you can think of: learn to surf, explore San Juan’s cobblestone streets, and of course, find a reggaeton club and dance the night away like Rene!
Yin Yang Love Song by Lauren Kung Jessen
Whidbey Island, Washington
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For those seeking wilderness escapes
In this charming romcom, an herbalist who works at her family’s healing retreat for the broken-hearted meets a famous musician who offers her a deal: agree to fake a relationship (and subsequent breakup), and in exchange he will promote her business. What starts out as a mutually beneficial plan quickly get complicated, as Chryssy and Vin realize there’s an unexpected bond growing between them.
The Wildflower Inn may be fictional, but you can still have a relaxing, rejuvenating stay on the very real Whidbey Island, or one of the many other coastal gems in the San Juan Islands. Take a stroll along a pebbled beach and look for orcas along the shore or kayak through tranquil teal waters. Soak in the peaceful calm all around you—and you just might start to feel your shen balancing out.
Reel by Kennedy Ryan
Hollywood, California
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For those seeking glitzy dramas
Pick up this heart-searing epic romance about a Broadway understudy’s run-in with a famous film director and her sudden plunge into the Hollywood spotlight. Neevah’s whole life changes in the blink of an eye as she navigates stardom, scandal, and a forbidden attraction to the fascinating Canon.
Steep yourself in the dramatic, sparkling setting of Los Angeles, from strolling Hollywood Boulevard (see if you can spot any off-duty celebrities) to sampling street tacos on Sunset and touring popular movie sets at Universal Studios. Take in all the sights the City of Angels has to offer from way up above at the Griffith observatory, or bike along the LA River and Venice beach for a breezy tour of this one-of-a-kind metropolis.
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