If you know me, you know I love to read, especially on a beach. As summer approaches and you start looking for your next vacation book, try out one of these fun romances that I loved!
- The Off-Campus series by Elle KennedyÂ
Okay, this is definitely a popular recommendation, but it stands the test of time! The Off-Campus series consists of four books following the romances of four friends on a college hockey team. If you’re trying to get into reading romance, I’d highly recommend this series. Make sure to read these in order, though, as characters from earlier books feature in later books of the Off Campus series and in Elle Kennedy’s spin-off series, Briar U.Â
My personal favorite is The Deal, which is the first book in the series and follows Hannah and Garrett. Their friends-to-lovers relationship is what got me into reading romance, and I can’t wait for the TV adaptation of their story to come out soon!
- Luna and the Lie by Mariana ZapataÂ
Luna and the Lie is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading…a lot. Two defining features of Zapata’s romances is that they are (1) slow-burns and (2) extremely long. Thankfully, I love reading, and Zapata’s writing makes the pages fly by. I’ve been obsessed with Luna and Rip’s relationship since I first read this book back in 2021, and I’m sure you will be too!
Here’s a quick overview for your convenience:
Luna is a mechanic working in Texas. A bright, bubbly person, she takes care of her three sisters and over the years, has found a family in her friends and coworkers. However, she has secrets: ones she can’t share with anyone, let alone her older, grumpy boss. But once she helps him out of a pinch, they begin to share a secret, and she realizes that maybe she can share her past with him—if he’ll open up to her, too.
- Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach
I read Not Here to Be Liked back in 2022, and it instantly became one of my favorite reads of the year. While Not Here to Be Liked does have romance, it also seeks to create conversation regarding feminism and the patriarchy. It specifically brings up how women of color are treated differently than white women within the feminist movement itself and offers commentary on the contradictory nature of certain feminists (i.e. calling other girls derogatory names while claiming to support all women through their feminism). The book serves as a positive way to celebrate feminism while also recognizing that feminism has many flaws. And, the side of romance keeps things even more interesting!
Check out the description below if you’re interested in Quach’s excellent read!
Eliza has spent her entire high school career preparing to be editor of her school’s paper. With years of experience, superb writing skills, and no one to oppose her, she makes the perfect candidate—until Len, a former jock, decides to run against her. When her frustrations are publicized in a viral essay, she accidentally begins a feminist movement and faces both praise and criticism from her peers. Forced to work with Len to demonstrate civility, Eliza finds herself caught between promoting her values and falling for the very boy she had claimed to be the face of the patriarchy.
- ANY Emily Henry book!
I’d consider myself to be a pretty critical reader. It’s not often that I’ll rate books above three stars on my Goodreads account. But I have never rated an Emily Henry book below four stars on Goodreads.Â
From Book Lovers to Happy Place, Emily Henry just gets it. There’s something about her romances that reels me in: maybe because I see myself reflected in her characters, or because I love her writing style. It’s an added bonus that one of my favorites, Beach Read, takes place in my home state of Michigan! You’ll never go wrong with one of her books, but the three I listed above are definitely some of my favorites.Â
Another fun fact: all of Henry’s books are adapted into movies or TV shows at the time of writing! People We Meet on Vacation has recently started filming, with Tom Blyth (A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) and Emily Bader (My Lady Jane) in starring roles. Start reading now so you can enjoy the movie when it comes out!