My Top 10 Romantic Books of the Summer

By: Sarah J. Maas

“To the stars who listen and the dreams that are answered.” (Rhysand) – Sarah J. Mass, “A Court of Mist and Fury.”

“A Court of Mist and Fury” is the second book in the “Court of Thorns and Roses” series. It continues the story of Feyre Archeron as she navigates the complexities of her new fae body and life. The book delves into themes of trauma, healing, and empowerment and significantly expands the world-building and character development introduced in the first book.

The introduction of the Night Court and its enigmatic High Lord, Rhysand, added a new dimension and curiosity to the story. The contrast between the Night Court and the Spring Court was stark, and I eagerly turned the pages to learn what happened next. I liked the book’s pacing, a mix of action, suspense and character-driven moments that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Sarah J. Maas’s writing is evocative and vivid, bringing this mystical world to life. “A Court of Mist and Fury” is a beautifully crafted story of resilience and transformation. I recommend this book to anyone who wants an escape to a beautiful world filled with family, love and war.

P.S. Please read “A Court of Thorns and Roses” first.

By: Lucy Score

“You make broken things whole again. Me. You made me whole. And every time you smile at me, I feel like I hit the lottery again.” (Knox) – Lucy Score, “Things We Never Got Over.”

“Things We Never Got Over” is a contemporary romance novel that dives into themes of love, family and personal growth. The story follows Naomi Witt, who finds herself in a small town after her twin sister Tina leaves her in a difficult situation. Naomi, a city girl, must navigate the challenges of small-town life while dealing with her emotional baggage.

The characters in this book are well-developed and relatable. Naomi is a strong, independent woman who is forced to confront her past and make difficult decisions about her future. Knox, the male supporting character, is a rugged, brooding character with a heart of gold. Their chemistry is palpable, and their relationship evolves in a natural and authentic way.

I love the themes of starting over and finding oneself. Naomi’s journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and heartwarming. The small-town setting adds a charming backdrop to the story. I enjoyed the witty dialogue and the emotional depth of the characters. Lucy Score has a talent for creating realistic and engaging interactions that keep the reader invested in the story. However, there were moments when the plot felt a bit predictable, and some parts were pretty slow. Despite these minor flaws, the overall story is compelling and enjoyable. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with depth and charm.

By: Rebecca Yarros

“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” – Rebecca Yarros, “Fourth Wing.”

When I picked up “Fourth Wing,” I was immediately drawn into a world of intrigue, adventure, and complex characters. The story centers around Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant but is thrust into the elite and dangerous world of the Riders Quadrant. Violet’s journey is one of self-discovery, bravery and resilience as she navigates the treacherous political landscape and the perils of the Basgiath War College.

From the beginning, Violet’s character is strong, intelligent and determined, yet she also has vulnerabilities that make her incredibly relatable. Her growth throughout the book is so inspiring. I was rooting for her as she escaped death every chapter.

The world-building in “Fourth Wing” is exceptional. Yarros has created a rich, immersive setting that feels fantastical and grounded. The dragons are not just mythical creatures but integral parts of the story, each with their own personality and significance. The dynamics between the dragon riders and their dragons added an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

One of the aspects I loved most about this book was the intricate plot. Some twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the political intrigue added a layer of complexity that made the story more engaging. The pacing was perfect, balancing action, character development, and world-building. If you’re a fantasy fan with strong characters and intricate plots, I highly recommend reading this book.

By: Christina Lauren

“Got your lucky penny? Don’t need it anymore. I’ve got her.” (Ethan) – Christina Lauren, “The Unhoneymooners.”

In “The Unhoneymooners,” Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin, while her sister Ami seems to have all the luck. However, when everyone at Ami’s wedding, except Olive and the groom’s brother Ethan, gets food poisoning. Olive and Ethan are forced to take the honeymoon trip to Maui in their place. Despite their mutual dislike, they agree to a temporary truce to enjoy the vacation. As they spend more time together, Olive and Ethan’s animosity begins to fade, and they start to see each other in a new light. The trip becomes a journey of unexpected romance, creating a heartwarming and humorous story.

I thoroughly enjoyed “The Unhoneymooners.” The book is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments. Olive and Ethan’s chemistry is palpable, and their banter is witty and entertaining. The plot is engaging, with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked from start to finish. I appreciated how the characters evolved throughout the story, particularly Olive, who learns to embrace her luck and happiness. The setting in Maui adds a beautiful backdrop to the unfolding romance. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a charming, funny love story.

By: Ana Huang

“You and me against the world, princess.” (Rhys) – Ana Huang, “Twisted Games.”

“Twisted Games” is the second book in the “Twisted” series. The story revolves around Princess Bridget von Ascheberg, who is next in line for the throne of Eldorra. Her life turns unexpectedly when her new bodyguard, Rhys Larsen, enters the picture. Rhys is stoic, disciplined, and fiercely protective, initially clashes with Bridget’s independent and spirited nature. As they navigate the complexities of royal duties and personal desires, their professional relationship slowly transforms into something deeper and more forbidden. The story is a captivating journey of love, sacrifice, and the struggle between duty and desire.

From the beginning, I was drawn into the intense and forbidden romance between Bridget and Rhys. Their connection is electric and filled with tension and passion. I love how Huang developed their characters, making them relatable and complex. Bridget’s journey from a dutiful princess to a woman who fights for her happiness was particularly inspiring. With his protective nature and hidden vulnerabilities, Rhys made for a compelling love interest. I found the plot well-paced, with enough twists to keep me eagerly turning the pages. The royal setting added an extra layer of intrigue and glamour to the story. Anyone who enjoys a good love story with a touch of royalty and suspense, this book is for you.

By: Lauren Roberts

“For every girl who has ever felt powerless” – Lauren Roberts, “Powerless.”

In the realm of Ilya, only the extraordinary thrive—the Elites, empowered by the Plague. Born Ordinary, Paedyn Gray disguises herself as a Psychic among the Elite to survive. After saving a prince, she is thrown into the Purging Trials, a deadly competition showcasing the powers that she lacks. If her opponents don’t end her life, the prince she’s falling for might if he discovers her true identity as completely Ordinary.

I found “Powerless” to be an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking read. Paedyn’s character is beautifully crafted, and her struggles are relatable and inspiring. The world-building in the novel is rich and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the pages. What I appreciated most about the book is its exploration of what it means to be truly powerful. Paedyn’s lack of magical abilities forces her to rely on her instincts, courage and determination, ultimately making her a stronger and more compelling character. If you are looking for a story of fantasy and a strong-willed protagonist, I would give “Powerless” a read.

By: Kiera Cass

“Love has a sound. It sounds like a thousand heartbeats happening at the same time” (Annika) – Kiera Cass, “A Thousand Heartbeats.”

In “A Thousand Heartbeats,” we follow the lives of Annika, a princess bound by duty, and Lennox, a soldier driven by loyalty. Annika’s life is one of privilege but also constraints, as she is expected to marry for political alliances rather than love. Lennox is committed to his cause and has little time for matters of the heart. Their worlds collide when Annika is thrown into a situation that forces her to flee her kingdom, and Lennox is tasked with finding her. As they journey together, they discover that their hearts beat in unison, leading to a love neither expected.

“A Thousand Heartbeats” is an enchanting book. The lush and detailed world-building creates a vivid backdrop for the characters’ journey. Kiera Cass has a talent for weaving emotional depth into her narratives, and “A Thousand Heartbeats” is no exception. The themes of love and sacrifice are beautifully explored, making this a heartfelt and memorable read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy. It has well-developed characters and a captivating plot.

By: Lucy Score

“Losing is never the end of the world. Losing is where the learning starts.” (Jake) – Lucy Score, “Rock Bottom Girl.”

“Rock Bottom Girl,” follows the story of Marley Cicero, a woman who finds herself at a crossroads in life. After losing her job and her boyfriend, Marley returns to her small hometown to regroup and figure out her next steps. She takes on a temporary job as a high school gym teacher and soccer coach, roles she feels completely unprepared for. As Marley reconnects with old friends and family, she also crosses paths with Jake Weston, her high school nemesis turned charming principal. Through a series of humorous and heartfelt events, Marley discovers that hitting rock bottom might just be the best that ever happened to her, leading her to unexpected love and a renewed sense of purpose.

I was captivated by this book, Marley Cicero is such a relatable and endearing character. Her journey from feeling lost and defeated to finding her footing and rediscovering her passions. The small-town setting adds a cozy, nostalgic feel to the story, and the supporting characters are wonderfully quirky. Jake Weston, the love interest, is a charming man, making the romance between him and Marley so heartwarming. I laughed so many times reading this book. I recommend this book if you want a feel-good romance with a strong, relatable heroine.

By: Lauren Asher

“Turns out I’d rather build a home with you than a thousand houses by myself” (Julian) – Lauren Asher, “Love Redesigned.”

In “Love Redesigned,” we follow the intertwined lives of Julian and Dahlia, Dahlia is a talented interior designer who has recently faced many setbacks, including a failed relationship and a stalled career. Determined to turn her life around, she takes on a high-profile project that could make or break her career. Enter Julian, a successful but emotionally guarded architect who builds homes in their hometown. Despite their initial clashes and differing visions, Dahlia and Julian find themselves drawn to each other, uncovering hidden secrets.

“Love Redesigned” is a random book I picked up at Target and it easily became one of my favorites. Dahlia’s determination to rebuild her life and career after facing numerous setbacks motivated me. On the other hand, Julian is complex with a guarded heart, and watching his wall come down as he interacts with Dahlia is so satisfying. Their actions are filled with tension and tenderness. The high-stakes project they work on together adds an exciting backdrop to their evolving relationship. Lauren Asher’s writing is engaging and emotive, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. If you are looking for a book with personal growth, second chances and the transformative power of love, I would read this book.

By: Lucy Score

“I wasn’t looking for you. But I still found you.” (Dominie) – Lucy Score, “By a Thread.”

“By a Thread,” a story following Dominic Russo and Ally Morales. Dominic is a successful but grumpy executive at a fashion magazine, while Ally is a spirited and hardworking woman who recently lost her job. Their paths cross when Dominic’s mother, the CEO of the magazine, offers Ally a job after a chance encounter. Dominic and Ally are forced to work together, leading to a series of humourous and heartfelt interactions. Through their journey, both Dominic and Ally learn to let go of their pasts and open their hearts to love.

I was completely engrossed in the story of Dominic and Ally. Ally’s resilience and determination to rebuild her life after losing her job are truly inspiring. Dominic with his gruff exterior and hidden depths, who’s growth throughout the story is beautifully portrayed. The chemistry between Dominic and Ally is palpable, and their banter adds a delightful layer of humor to the narrative. Lucy Score’s writing is engaging and emotive, making connecting with the characters easily. The exploration of themes like personal growth, overcoming past traumas, and finding love in unexpected places adds depth to the story. This story is filled with humor, emotion and love and I recommend you give it a read.