Summer reading recs
Eight joyful romance novels to heat up your summer.
Romance isn’t just my favourite genre, it’s also my favourite kind of book to recommend. That being said, I decided to compile a list of the best romance novels published this year (IMHO!). Whether you’re finally heading off on that dream vacation, cozying up on your couch or bed at home, or settling into your staycation, here are my favourite contemporary romances for all your summer reading needs.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
You know that career-oriented woman in every Hallmark movie who’s the opposite of the small-town heroine? That’s who you’ll be cheering for in this book as it upends several Hallmark tropes. When literary agent Nora Stephens visits Sunshine Falls, North Carolina on a sibling trip with sister Libby, she ends up running into her nemesis, brooding book editor Charlie Lastra. The wit, the sparkling dialogue, Nora’s relationships with Charlie and Libby—all of it left me very deep in my feels.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Hannah Brooks doesn't look like your typical bodyguard, especially not to A-list actor Jack Stapleton who she's been assigned to protect. Protecting a heartthrob doesn't seem like the worst job ever, but Hannah reluctantly accepts so she can get the gig she actually wants. I loved this role reversal rom-com version of The Bodyguard. Yes, please and thank you! The book is funny, hopeful and heartwarming. You’ll be rooting for both Hannah and Jack and just want the best for them.
On Rotation by Shirlene Obuobi
Ghanaian-American Angie Appiah has her life pretty together until it starts to fall apart, starting with a breakup, bombing her med school exam, and growing distant from her best friend. As she starts to question all her life decisions, Ricky Gutierrez enters the picture and he just happens to work at the same hospital. The book also touches on the sometimes fraught relationship we have with our immigrant parents as we try to honour the sacrifices they made for us, but also carve out our own path. A must-read if you're a Grey’s Anatomy fan.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
What could Alexis Montgomery —a wealthy, city-dwelling ER doctor—possibly have in common with Daniel Grant, a carpenter living in a small town who is ten years her junior? Turns out, a lot. The book is a nuanced, sophisticated take on your usual city-girl-meets-small-town-boy Hallmark romance. And since it’s written by Abby Jimenez, it packs plenty of heart.
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Written by my favourite “romcomoisseur,” the book follows Kiki Banjo who hosts the popular campus radio show, Brown Sugar where she doles relationship advice alongside her best friend, Aminah. She even warns fellow students to watch out for the new transfer student Malakai Korede until they end up fake dating. The word banter should be synonymous with Bolu Babalola, whose writing lights up like fireworks on every page.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Told in alternating timelines, the book follows Sam Florek and Percy Fraser over the course of several summers and their friendship as it unfolds and suddenly crumbles. When Sam’s mother’s funeral brings them back together, they must contend with their past. The book is one big nostalgia-soaked serving of summer with lovely descriptions of lake life in Barry’s Bay. It also beautifully captures that deep, deep feeling of childhood crushes and all the heady emotions that come with it.
Mad About You by Mhairi MacFarlane (out Aug. 9th)
Wedding photographer Harriet Hatley suddenly finds herself single, living with her ex (after she turns down his proposal) and in desperate need of a new home. She meets Cal Clarke who happens to have an ensuite bedroom available for rent. As the two become friends, they’re both forced to deal with things they’ve attempted to push aside from their past. Mhairi MacFarlane has this ability to make you snort with laughter and twist your heart with a knife at the same time. She does this while dealing with some heavy subject matter along the way.
Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
A love-averse TV doctor fake dates a lawyer who’s looking for love. What could possibly go wrong? Even though they have completely opposite outlooks on love, Kareena and Prem’s respective goals bring them together in this enemies-to-lovers romance. You definitely have meddling aunties in this book, but I love that they’re well-intentioned and serve to empower Kareena, being her biggest cheerleaders the entire way through.
If you read or enjoyed any of the book recommendations above, please share them with me! I would love to hear from you.