Summer is made for getting away, even if you never leave your chair or the pool at your best friend’s apartment complex. Whether you’re bound for the beach, tucked into a mountain retreat or savoring a few quiet hours at home, the right book can turn any moment into a sweet escape.
With sun-soaked settings and sizzling-hot chemistry, these indie romance reads are the perfect companions for the season. We hope you enjoy these book recommendations that we’re hand-picked by our indie publishing team.
North Country
From USA Today and international bestselling author of The Simple Wild comes a sweeping second-chance, forbidden romance set against the rugged beauty of northern Ontario.
When her first love returns to their small town after 20 years in prison, a guarded police officer must choose between the life she’s built and the love she can’t let go in this sweeping second-chance, forbidden romance from USA Today bestselling author of The Simple Wild.
Perfect for readers who like forbidden romance and Western themes.
Ship Happens: A Dark Rom-Com
Love hurts, but I like the pain …
Pack your bags and grab your life vest, because all aboard means no one is safe in this dark romantic comedy. Get ready for savage banter, killer humor and a romance that’s anything but smooth sailing.
Ship Happens is book three in Biel’s Slaycation dark romantic comedy series that’s rocking the BookTok charts. Pack your bags, grab your life vest and book your ticket — Ship Happens is your next Slaycation!
Perfect for readers how enjoy dark humor with a touch of spice.
My Boyfriend Is a Swamp Monster
A struggling songwriter returns to her childhood summer camp and comes face-to-face with the imaginary boy from her past-and a second chance she never believed was real in this surprisingly sweet monster romance.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys monster romance books or wants to checkout this otherworldly subgenre.
Strung Together
She built her world stitch by stitch. He walked in and pulled a thread.
For a Harlem girl who grew up on public access puppet shows, landing a spot on Jellybean Junction was everything … until Rustin Hayes showed up. Can two passionate performers with clashing visions find common ground before the curtain falls, for good?
Perfect for fans of urban lit, diverse voices and Black romance authors.
You’ve Got Hate Mail: A Viral Sensation Romance
From USA Today and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author Pippa Grant — A funny romance perfect for readers who love protective book boyfriends and main male characters (MMCs), slow burns and epically awkward meet-cutes.
When Cricket’s wardrobe malfunction goes viral, she retreats to a closed winery with a community of women who’ve been there too. But she doesn’t expect to fall for the single dad and handyman living on the property in this heartwarming romance perfect for readers who love protective book boyfriends, found sisterhoods, slow burns, awkward meet-cutes and love conquering all.
Note: This book contains toxic family and references to bullying, suicide, abuse and the off-page cancer death of the hero’s first wife several years before the story begins.
Perfect for single moms and readers who enjoy small-town romance.
Down With The Ship
Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Katherine Center, Down With The Ship is a sharp, steamy romantic comedy for anyone who’s ever felt out of their depth.
Act civil? That ship has sailed.
For Stella Olsen, being forced to spend two weeks trapped at sea with her snooty in-laws sounds about as appealing as walking the plank. But if she wants to fit in with her sister’s shiny new family, she’ll have to learn to play nice — even if their infuriatingly gorgeous yacht captain seems intent on reminding her that she doesn’t belong. Pride and Prejudice meets Below Deck in this laugh-out-loud, enemies to lovers rom-com set on a superyacht in the sultry South Pacific.
Perfect for readers who enjoy a classic chick-flick.
Pink Sand Summer
Set on the dreamy shores of an island in the Bahamas, Pink Sand Summer is an immersive escape. Evens explores love in all its forms. Romantic. Platonic. And the kind that roots you to a place forever.
It’s a heartfelt, comfort-forward beach read for anyone who believes the right summer, with the right people, can change everything.
Perfect for romance fans craving a fun, light-hearted beach read.
Related: For more romance reads, check out these book lists.
