Summer Reads 2022: The Hottest Books in Romance to Read this Summer
Looking for the best summer reads of 2022 to take to the beach or read by the pool this summer?
Then look no further for the hottest summer reads in romance you’ll want to add to your reading list this year.
Reading is the perfect pastime for any vacation or warm-weather weekend but I’ve picked out the best, hottest summer reads for you to devour in 2022 with this book list.
To make this summer’s reading even more FUN – I’ve created a summer reads BINGO card. Grab it below then play for your chance to win a prize!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Reading is always my go-to, favorite pastime any time of year, but there’s something about settling down with a good book on vacation or at the beach that I just love.
I’m all for basking in the sun, chilling with a great beach read, making it the perfect summer day!
How about you?
If you’re like me and love to devour books in the summer then I have the ultimate list of summer reads for 2022 in romance for you.
What Books Make the Perfect Summer Reads?
Romance books naturally already bring some spice to your summer reading, but to make this list, the book has to be wickedly hot or the perfect summertime story that makes it a wonderful beach read.
This summer reads book list is perfect for anyone who loves romance as it has a bit of everything.
You’ll find contemporary romance, historical romance, LGBTQ+ romance, paranormal and fantasy romance, new adult romance, and more!
So, whatever you are craving this summer while lounging on the beach, I’ve got you covered with a great book worth reading!
Play Summer Reads 2022 BINGO
This year I’m turning up the heat and making things extra fun for your summer reading pleasure with…BINGO!
Who wants to play?
Sure, you could just read some books or even check them off a list but why leave it at that when you could turn your beach reading time into a fun game?
I’ve made it super easy for you. I’ve placed each of the 25 summer reads titles on a BINGO card for you to easily download and keep.
Whenever you finish a book this summer, check it off. You only need to read five to call BINGO!
Play to Win the Romance Book Reading Journal!
If you join me in this year’s summer reads BINGO game, you’ll be entered to win a copy of my Romance Book Reading Journal!
The printable Romance Book Reading Journal has over 75 pages for you to track, plan and catalog all your favorite romance books. You’re going to love it!
For your chance to win, all you have to do is share a photo of you winning BINGO (only one row/column/diagonal of 5 in a row is needed) on the She Reads Romance Books Facebook page by September 1.
Look for the thread at the top to share your photo!
Download your BINGO card below:
Summer here starts a bit earlier than the official day of summer here in the northern hemisphere as this book list of summer reads covers books releasing this May through August.
Queue up your TBR list and get ready to read this year’s hottest summer reads.
Check out the Summer Reads Hub
After reading 2022’s summer reads, be sure to check out the Summer Reads Hub – your one-stop shop for all of She Reads Romance Books’ summer reads book lists!
Happy summering and happy reading!
The Best Summer Reads of 2022 in Romance
May’s Hottest Summer Reads for 2022
Book Lovers
by Emily Henry
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing May 3
Nora Stephens’ life is books—she’s read them all—and lands enormous deals for her clients as a cutthroat literary agent. Now she’s off to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina with her sister Libby who’s convinced she needs to become the heroine in her own story.
But instead of bumping into her own hero, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city.
If Nora knows she’s not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he’s nobody’s hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they’ve written about themselves.
Emily Henry’s books are always the best summer reads in my opinion.
Throw in a town called Sunshine Falls with this love story and it couldn’t be a more perfect beach read to check out this summer.
I’m hoping it lands on my best romance books of 2022 list!
Never Been Kissed
by Timothy Janovsky
A New Adult, LGBTQIA+ Romantic Comedy
Releasing May 3
Wren Roland has never been kissed, but he wants that movie-perfect ending more than anything. Feeling nostalgic on the eve of his birthday, he sends emails to all the boys he (ahem) loved before he came out.
Morning brings the inevitable Oh God What Did I Do?, but he brushes that panic aside. Why stress about it? None of his could-have-beens are actually going to read the emails, much less respond. Right?
Enter Derick Haverford, Wren’s #1 pre-coming-out-crush and his drive-in theater’s new social media intern.
Too bad he doesn’t feel the same way about the infamous almost-kiss that once rocked Wren’s world.
But as their hazy summer becomes consumed with a special project that may just save the struggling drive-in for good, Wren and Derick are drawn ever-closer…and maybe, finally, Wren’s dream of a perfect-kiss-before-the-credits is within reach.
Can anything be more perfect for a summer read than a book set at a drive-in?
I loved watching summer blockbusters on the big drive-in screen as a kid and I’m hoping this brings back some fun memories with an admittedly super cute love story.
Though I’ve yet to read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I love the premise of this LBGTQIA+ romance and hope it’s going to be a stand-out MM romance for 2022. My Review.
The Wedding Season
by Katie Birchall
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing May 3
Freya Scott is getting married. Her wedding to Matthew, her long-term boyfriend, is the first of eight in her calendar this year, and she’s intent on making it the perfect day to remember.
But when Matthew calls things off hours before they walk down the aisle, Freya’s entire life plan goes up in smoke. Humiliated and heartbroken, the last thing she wants is to attend a summer of other peoples’ nuptials on her own.
Fortunately, her friends have an idea: together they devise a series of outrageous challenges for Freya to complete at each event, designed to distract her from Matthew and what might have been.
From getting stuck in an old church bathroom and needing to be rescued by the vicar to making out with a barman at a French chateau, Freya realizes that despite herself, she might just be having fun.
By the time the final wedding arrives, she will discover that the road to a happy ending sometimes has unexpected detours, that “I do” is only the beginning––and that perhaps her own love story isn’t over just yet.
Summer is the perfect season for weddings, though if I had to attend seven weddings in one summer, I’m not sure what I’d do or how my bank account would survive.
Here’s hoping Freya lasts better than I would and finally finds her own happily-ever-after in this cute summer read for 2022.
Something Wilder
by Christina Lauren
An Adventurous, Second Chance Romance
Releasing May 17, 2022
Growing up the daughter of the notorious treasure hunter and absentee father Duke Wilder left Lily without much patience for the profession…or much money in the bank.
But Lily now uses Duke’s coveted hand-drawn maps to guide tourists on fake treasure hunts through the red rock canyons of Utah.
Now she’s forced to deal with the sight of the man she once loved walking back into her life with a motley crew of friends ready to hit the trails.
Leo Grady wants nothing more than to reconnect with his first and only love. Unfortunately, Lily Wilder is all business, drawing a clear line in the sand: it’s never going to happen.
But when the trip goes horribly and hilariously wrong, the group wonders if maybe the legend of the hidden treasure wasn’t a gimmick after all.
There’s a chance to right the wrongs—of Duke’s past and their own—but only if Leo and Lily can confront their history and work together.
Did someone say treasure hunting? I’m so in for this summer adventure and hope this romance book is a treasure in and of itself!
One of the reasons I love Christina Lauren’s books so much is that each and every one is so incredibly different.
I adore their storytelling and cannot wait to see what shenanigans Lily and Leo fall prey to in this hot summer read for 2022. My Review.
Meant to Be
by Emily Giffin
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing May 31
The Kingsley family is American royalty, beloved for their military heroics, political service, and unmatched elegance.
In 1967 Joseph S. Kingsley III inherits the weight of that legacy, but despite his best intentions, he has trouble meeting the expectations of a nation, as well as those of his exacting mother, Dottie.
Meanwhile, no one ever expected anything of Cate Cooper. She, too, grew up fatherless—and after her mother marries an abusive man, she is forced to fend for herself.
After being discovered by a model scout at age sixteen, Cate’s face is in magazines and on billboards. Yet she feels like a fraud, faking it in a world to which she’s never truly belonged.
When Joe and Cate unexpectedly cross paths one afternoon, their connection is instant and intense.
But can their relationship survive the glare of the spotlight and the so-called Kingsley curse?
Summer reading is the perfect time to get utterly lost within the pages of a compelling love story and if anyone can pull that off it is Emily Giffin.
It’s been too long since I read one of her novels but I love that this story is akin to the JFK Jr. and Caroline Bessette romance.
I’m hoping that it’s a balance of heavy and sweet and a perfect summer read for the year!
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June’s Hottest Summer Reads for 2022
Always Practice Safe Hex
by Juliette Cross
An Enemies to Lovers, Witch Romance
Releasing June 6
Livvy Savoie is a people person. Not only does she have the magical gift of persuasion, but her natural charisma charms everyone she meets.
She hasn’t met a person she didn’t like. Until her annoyingly brilliant competitor walks through the door. No matter how hard she denies it, loathing isn’t the only emotion she feels for him.
Grim reaper Gareth Blackwater is rarely, if ever, moved beyond his broody, stoic state. But the witch he’s partnered with in the public relations contest is destroying his peace of mind.
He’s convinced that the flesh-melting attraction he feels for her is merely her witchy magic at work.
But forced proximity proves there is more than magic sparking between them. Livvy learns this enigmatic grim’s abilities are beyond any supernatural she has ever known.
And when Livvy becomes the obsessive target of a dangerous wizard, Gareth proves just how powerful he truly is. Because no one is going to hurt his Lavinia.
First of all, I adore the title of this summer read! Plus, throw in an enemies to lovers, forced proximity story and I’ll be in heaven this June reading this wickedly good witch romance.
I have a feeling I’ll be circling back and binge-reading the entire series after this one.
Wicked Beauty
by Katee Robert
A Polyamorous, Modern Retelling Romance
Releasing June 7
Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into Olympus’ inner circle.
Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning.
Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize, nor for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way.
Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition effectively vying for her own hand in marriage.
Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her disposed of than lead the city. The only people she can trust are the ones she can’t keep her hands off—Achilles and Patroclus.
But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield?
Robert blew me away with the first two novels in the Neon Gods series and I have no doubt that she will deliver another scorchingly hot summer read with this one.
I love her modern retellings with Greek mythology characters and cannot wait to see how Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus get hot and heavy this summer. My Review.
How to Fake it in Hollywood
by Ava Wilder
A Fake Relationship, Hollywood Romance
Releasing June 14
Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen TV show has her (unsuccessfully) pounding the pavement again.
With a life-changing role on the line, she’s finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist’s scheme: fake a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity.
Ethan Atkins just wants to be left alone. Between his high-profile divorce, struggles with drinking, and grief over the loss of his longtime creative partner and best friend, Ethan has slowly let himself fade into the background.
But to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together, Ethan agrees to a gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress, even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
Though their juicy public relationship is less than perfect behind the scenes, it doesn’t take long before Grey and Ethan’s sizzling chemistry starts to feel like more than just an act.
A fake relationship between a Hollywood starlet and a reclusive A-lister sounds like the perfect summer read to escape into this year. I for one am hoping Wilder’s debut novel is a hit. My Review.
Fake It Till You Bake It
by Jamie Wesley
A Delicious, Fake Relationship Romance
Releasing June 21
Jada Townsend-Matthews is the most reviled woman in America after turning down a proposal on a reality dating show.
When she comes home to lick her wounds, Jada finds herself working at San Diego’s newest cupcake bakery, Sugar Blitz, alongside the uptight owner and professional football player Donovan Dell.
When a reporter mistakenly believes Jada and Donovan are an item, they realize they can use the misunderstanding to their advantage to help the struggling bakery and rehabilitate Jada’s image. Faking a relationship should be simple, but sometimes love is the most unexpected ingredient.
I adore fake relationship romance books and I love how this one has a heroine trying to recover from a less than stellar experience on a reality dating show.
Summer is the perfect time to indulge in a bit of sugar though I hope this summer read for 2022 also brings a bit of spice!
A Thousand Miles
by Bridget Morrissey
A Second Chance Romance
Releasing June 21
Dee Matthews is the cohost of the smash-hit podcast Did I Forget To Tell You?, where she interviews family, friends, and past lovers.
Nothing is off limits, except for one man (known on the show only as Name Redacted) who happens to be her high school best friend Ben.
During their senior year spring break, Dee and Ben took a road trip to visit Ben’s grandma. They buried a time capsule in her backyard, pledging to return in ten years to open it.
Then their friendship fell apart in spectacular fashion. They haven’t spoken to each other since.
When Ben’s grandma proclaims her dying wish- for him to stop doing what is safest and go after what he really wants, he starts by showing up on Dee’s doorstep with every intention of fulfilling their long-ago promise.
Despite her reservations, Dee can’t say no. This trip could be her chance to give her listeners the Name Redacted interview they’ve been begging for—and finally put her unresolved feelings for Ben to rest.
As the miles fly by, Dee and Ben’s friendship reignites. But the closer they get to reaching their destination, the more apparent it becomes that their attraction to each other cannot be ignored.
Their last adventure ended in disaster, and they’re about to find out if any hope of a future together is in the rearview mirror.
This summer reads plot couldn’t be a more perfect setup for a great beach read this year.
I cannot wait to go on a road trip alongside these two and hopefully see the sparks that are sure to ignite between these friends.
If you love second chance romance books, then this is the perfect summer romance for you to pick up this year.
Don’t Forget to Grab Your BINGO Card:
American Royalty
by Tracey Livesay
A Royal Romance
Releasing June 28
Rapper Danielle “Duchess” Nelson is on the verge of signing a deal that’ll make her one of the richest women in hip hop. But an incident with a rising pop star has gone viral, unfairly putting her deal in jeopardy.
A brilliant professor and reclusive royal, Prince Jameson prefers life out of the spotlight.
But with the Queen’s children involved in one scandal after another, she puts Jameson in charge of a tribute concert in her late husband’s honor.
Out of his depth, he takes the advice of a student and signs “Duchess” for the gig who’s anxious for the good publicity.
Too late, Jameson discovers the American rapper is popular, raunchy and not what the Queen wanted, although he’s having an entirely different reaction. Thrown together, they give in to their attraction flaring between them.
But as the glare of the limelight intensifies and outside forces try to interfere, will the Prince and Duchess be a fairy tale romance for the ages or a disaster of palatial proportions?
This book sounds SO, SO good and I cannot wait to read it this summer.
We seem to have an obsession with royals in this country and I love how Livesay is using the real-life romance between Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle as inspiration for this summer romance.
Nothing screams summer than a great concert and I love how this summer reads features a female rapper and a straight-laced royal.
If you love romance books with rock stars, this is definitely going to be the perfect beach read for 2022! My Review.
The Romance Recipe
by Ruby Barrett
A Sapphic, FF Romance
Releasing June 28
Amy Chambers will do anything to revive her ailing restaurant, including hiring a former reality-show finalist with good connections and a lot to prove.
But her hopes that Sophie Brunet’s skills and celebrity status would bring her restaurant back from the brink of failure are beginning to wane.
Sophie just wants to cook. She doesn’t want to constantly post on social media for her dead-in-the-water reality TV career, and she doesn’t want to think about what her attraction to her boss might mean.
Then, an opportunity: a new foodie TV show might provide the exposure they need.
An uneasy truce is fine for starters, but making their dreams come true means making some personal and painful sacrifices and soon, there’s more than just the restaurant at stake.
Reality TV seems to be a theme for this year’s summer reads and this one sounds too delicious to pass up.
I adore characters who are grumps and Sophie seems to fit the bill, but I think her desperation to ignore her attraction to her boss is going to make this one hot and heavy summer read for 2022.
Be sure to check it out if you are a fan of lesbian romance books!
July’s Hottest Summer Reads for 2022
For You and No One Else
by Roni Loren
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing July 5
Eliza Catalano has the perfect life. So what if it actually looks nothing like the story she tells online?
As a therapist, it’s part of her job to look like she has all the answers, right? But when Eliza ends up as a viral “Worst Date Ever” meme, everything in her Instagram-filtered world begins to crumble.
Enter the most obnoxiously attractive man she’s ever met, and a bet she can’t resist: if she swears off social media for six months, Beck Carter’ll teach her the wonders of surviving the “real world.”
No technology, no dating apps, no pretty filters, no BS.
It seems like the perfect deal—but something about Beck’s raw honesty speaks to Eliza in ways she never expected.
She knows he’s supposed to be completely hands-off…but as complex feelings grow and walls come tumbling down, rough-around-the-edges Beck may be exactly what Eliza needs to finally, truly face herself—and decide who she really wants to be.
Doesn’t it sound so freeing to have a social media free summer? Imagine 6 months?!
I’ve loved each book in this romance series by Loren so I cannot wait to read this next new release which is sure to be one of this year’s top summer reads in romance.
I love how Eliza isn’t one to turn down a bet and how Beck’s interference may just bring about the honesty she needs in her life. My Review.
The Falling
by Anna Todd
A New Adult Romance
Releasing July 5
Twenty-year old Karina is a dutiful officer’s daughter, supportive sister to a troubled twin brother, and caring friend to her roommate, Elodie.
She always puts the needs of others ahead of her own, and prides herself on being a fixer of broken things.
Growing up around an army base, Karina knows the background noise that follows men and women home from war.
And when she meets Kael, a handsome soldier on the cusp of discharge, she’s immediately intrigued by his brooding presence and enigmatic silence.
As their uncertain and unexpected friendship starts to turn into something more, Karina tries to piece together Kael’s story: he is emotionally closed off, recovering from wounds and other trauma in the aftermath of two tours in Afghanistan.
Ultimately facing a crossroads, their relationship will be tested by the one thing that Karina cannot accept, forgive, or understand.
I’ve yet to read an Anna Todd romance so I’m thinking this summer read might be the one. If you’re a fan of new adult romance books, then you’ll want to check it out.
I personally love the soldier/veteran angle and really want to know Kael’s story.
It’s the first in a three-book series so be prepared that the story won’t be wrapped up by the end of this one.
Bet On It
by Jodie Slaughter
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing July 12
The first time Aja Owens encounters the man of her dreams, she’s having a panic attack in the frozen foods section of the Piggly Wiggly.
The second time, he’s being introduced to her as her favorite bingo buddy’s semi-estranged grandson.
From there, all it takes is one game for her to realize that he’s definitely going to be a problem. And if there’s anything she already has a surplus of, it’s problems.
Walker Abbott is counting down the days until his Gram heals and he can leave Greenbelt, South Carolina and get back to his real life. Just when he thinks his plan is solid, enter Aja to shake everything up.
A hastily made bingo-based pact is supposed to keep this…thing between them from getting out of hand.
Especially when submitting to their feelings means disrupting their carefully balanced lives. But emotions are just like bingo callers—they refuse to be ignored.
Well since this summer reads of 2022 list comes with its own bingo card (sign up to grab yours below!) I couldn’t resist adding this book with a bingo-based pact.
I have a weakness for romance books with characters struggling with mental illness and I cannot wait to see these two wounded souls find their happily-ever-after together.
From the Jump
by Lacie Waldon
A Friends to Lovers Romance
Releasing July 19
Liv Bakersfield is used to living her life in “shoulds.” An overworked graphic designer, she’s stretched so thin that she’s about to miss yet another vacation with her beloved group of college friends.
But when Liv finally decides to start saying no, it feels good…good enough to leap straight into quitting her job and hopping on a plane to join them in South Africa.
But such close proximity with her best friends makes everything more complicated, especially with the emotionally unavailable Lucas Deiss. Their friendship is the only thing in her life that’s still solid, and she vows to do anything she can to keep the group together.
But once they get back to LA, Liv discovers that her leap of faith has become a freefall, sending her crashing into Deiss’s arms.
With the trust of the people she loves most on the line, Liv must decide between doing what she should … and risking everything for what she shouldn’t want.
Yes, please take me on a “trip” to South Africa this summer even if it’s through the pages of this romance book!
Waldon has already taken readers to Belize in The Layover so why not take another adventure with this summer reads in 2022?
I’ve been trying to remove any “shoulds” from my own life and only focus on the “heck yeses” so here’s hoping this book gives me some inspiration!
If you like romance books that inspire travel, make this your pick for the summer.
The Accidental Pinup
by Danielle Jackson
Enemies to Lovers Romance
Releasing July 19
Photographer Cassie Harris loves her job—her company Buxom Boudoir makes people look beautiful and feel empowered with her modern twist on classic pinup photography.
Cassie’s best friend, Dana, is about to launch her own dangerously dreamy lingerie line and wants Cassie to shoot and direct the career-changing national campaign.
But company politics and Dana’s complicated pregnancy interfere, and Cassie finds herself—a proud plus size Black woman—not behind the camera but in front of it.
Though she’s never modeled herself, Cassie’s pretty sure she can handle the lingerie. She’s not sure she can work so intimately with the chosen photographer, her long-time competitor in the Chicago photography scene, Reid Montgomery.
Their chemistry is undeniable on set, however, and feelings can develop faster than film.
I cannot wait to read this one! I love enemies to lovers books but I am over the moon that this romance book is about body positivity.
I can only imagine how the forced proximity of posing Cassie in her lingerie will get Reid’s motor running.
This is sure to be one of the top summer reads of 2022 for sure!
The Bodyguard
by Katherine Center
A Fake Relationship Romance
Releasing July 19
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than a bodyguard. Her latest assignment: protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton.
Jack Stapleton has been out of the public eye and off the grid, but when his mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out.
Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about the danger following him or his bodyguard. That’s why Hannah finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover.
But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak.
Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.
First off, I just love the cover of this book! The colors pop and unless you read the book blurb you may have the wrong impression as to who is actually protecting whom!
Let’s all swoon for Jack who wants to be there for his mother in her time of need, but I cannot wait to meet Hannah.
I love how she’s the bodyguard in this scenario which is why it’s also on my list of best bodyguard romance books.
If you’re looking for a fun, fake relationship romance, this is the summer reads romance for you!
August’s Hottest Summer Reads for 2022
Thank You for Listening
by Julia Whelan
A Contemporary Romance
Releasing August 2
For Sewanee Chester, being an audiobook narrator is a long way from her old dreams, but the days of being a star on film sets are long behind her.
When she arrives in Las Vegas last minute for a book convention, Sewanee unexpectedly spends a whirlwind night with a charming stranger.
On her return home, Sewanee discovers one of the world’s most beloved romance novelists wanted her to perform her last book—with Brock McNight, the industry’s hottest, most secretive voice.
Sewanee doesn’t buy what romance novels are selling—not after her own dreams were tragically cut short—and she stopped narrating them years ago.
But her admiration of the late author, and the opportunity to get her grandmother more help, makes her decision for her.
As Sewanee begins work on the book, resurrecting her old romance pseudonym, she and Brock forge a real connection, hidden behind the comfort of anonymity.
Soon, she is dreaming again, but secrets are revealed, and the realities of life come crashing down around her once more.
If she can learn to risk everything for desires she has long buried, she will discover a world of intimacy and acceptance she never believed would be hers.
I couldn’t keep a romance novel about a romance audiobook narrator off this list of summer reads for 2022!
I’m actually really interested in Sewanee’s backstory and her journey of self-discovery along with her budding romance. I hope it’s a summer hit.
Husband Material
by Alexis Hall
An MM Romance
Releasing August 2
Luc and Oliver met, pretended to fall in love, fell in love for real, dealt with heartbreak and disappointment and family and friends…and somehow figured out a way to make it work.
Now it seems like everyone around them is getting married, and Luc’s feeling the social pressure to propose.
But it’ll take more than four weddings, a funeral, and a bowl full of special curry to get these two from I don’t know what I’m doing to I do.
This is going to be the best summer reads for fans who adored Hall’s Boyfriend Material.
It was a wonderful opposites attract love story between Luc and Oliver, but in this one we can actually see what happens to their relationship when the pressure to marry is thrown in. Will we have a summer engagement or wedding?!
Here’s hoping this summer reads (which was also one of my most anticipated romance books of 2022) will be one of the best romance books of 2022. My Review.
The Hookup Plan
by Farrah Rochon
Enemies to Lovers Romance
Releasing August 2
Successful pediatric surgeon London Kelley just needs to find some balance and de-stress. According to her friends, what London really needs is a casual hookup. A night of fun with no strings.
But no one—least of all London—expected it to go down at her high school reunion with Drew Sullivan, millionaire, owner of delicious abs, and oh yes, her archnemesis.
But now London has found out the real reason Drew’s back in Austin: to decide whether her beloved hospital remains open. Worse, Drew is doing everything he can to show her that he’s a decent guy who actually cares.
But London’s not falling for it. Because while sleeping with the enemy is one thing, falling for him is definitely not part of the plan.
Seems like summer is the perfect time for a no-strings-attached hookup, or at least that was supposed to be the case for London.
I love how these two characters find each other at their high school reunion so it’s a bit of frenemies to lovers.
I cannot wait to check out Rochon’s latest as one of this year’s summer reads in romance!
Luck and Last Resorts
by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
A Second Chance Romance
Releasing August 9
Ten years after fleeing home, Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity, single by choice, and perfectly content with how life has turned out.
But Nina’s ex-coworker and old flame, Irish chef Ollie Dunne, isn’t so happy with the status quo.
One year after leaving yachting, he’s returned as the Serendipity’s chef with an ultimatum: if Nina continues to deny she’s in love with him by the end of this charter season, he’ll go back to Ireland for good.
Nina and Ollie’s shared secret from their past threatens to shipwreck not only their relationship, but the entire boat.
But as their connection grows amidst chaotic guests and crew drama, could there be smooth sailing in their future?
Who’s ready to set sail on a yacht this summer with this second chance romance?
If Ollie can’t sneak his way back into Nina’s heart with his cooking, then I hope the forced proximity can seal the deal.
This will be my first Ruiz book, and I hope it proves to be one of the best summer reads of 2022.
Pen Pal
by J.T. Geissinger
A Dark Romance
Releasing August 22
The first letter arrived the day my husband was buried. It was postmarked from the state penitentiary, and contained a single sentence: I’ll wait forever if I have to.
It was signed by Dante, a man I didn’t know. Out of simple curiosity, I wrote back to ask him what exactly he was waiting for. His reply? You.
I told the mystery man he had the wrong girl. He said he didn’t. I said we’d never met, but he said I was wrong.
We went back and forth for a year, exchanging letters every week that grew increasingly more intimate. Then one day, the letters stopped. When I found out why, it was already too late. Dante was at my doorstep.
And nothing on earth could have prepared me for what happened next.
Nothing can keep me from reading Geissinger’s latest! I’m hoping this is going to be one of the hottest summer reads of 2022 or even the entire year.
One’s things for sure, it’s definitely one of this summer’s hottest book covers!
There’s just something about her writing and the characters she creates but I LOVE the mystery behind this love story and am counting down until August!
Love on the Brain
by Ali Hazelwood
Enemies to Lovers Romance
Releasing August 23
Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project, Marie would accept without hesitation. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.
Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school—archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.
Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle.
But now she seems to see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas…devouring her with those eyes.
But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there’s only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?
After falling completely in love with Hazelwood’s debut novel last year, The Love Hypothesis, there was no doubt that her second novel was going to make this list of summer reads!
If you have a hankering for STEM-focused romance books and smart, witty heroines, then this is a must-read this summer.
Related: Ali Hazelwood Books: The Ultimate Guide
Heartbreaker
by Sarah MacLean
A Historical Romance
Releasing August 23
Raised among London’s most notorious thugs, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower without anyone recognizing that she’s the Matchbreaker- using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.
Henry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom.
His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.
When the two find themselves on a journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it’s impossible for Clayborn to resist this woman who both frustrates and fascinates him.
But late-night carriage rides make for delicious danger, and soon Adelaide is uncovering Clayborn’s truths, throwing his well-laid plans into chaos, and threatening to steal his heavily guarded heart.
Why not round out this year’s summer reads with a historical romance from none other than Sarah MacLean?
I not only love historical romance novels, but adore those with strong heroines and I have no doubt that Adelaide is going to be one tough cookie!
Will she change her path after falling for Henry? I’m going to have to read this one to find out.
Don’t Forget to Grab Your BINGO Card:
Related Book Lists to Explore:
- The Summer Reads Hub
- Best Beach Reads to Fall in Love With
- Best Books About Summer Romance
- Best Summer Reads of 2023
- Best Summer Reads of 2021 in Romance
- Most Anticipated Romance Books of 2022
- Hottest Summer Reads of 2020
- Romance Books that Inspire Travel
- Hottest Summer Gifts for Readers
- June 2022’s New Romance Book Releases
