Read This Next with Emily Darlow
Some of my favourite romance reads from 2025
There is something about summer that makes romance novels especially irresistible. They are easy to sink into, emotionally satisfying and perfect for long days when you want to escape into a good story without too much effort. These picks are not all brand new releases, but they are some of my favourite romance and relationship driven novels I have read over the past 12 months.
Each one brings something a little different to the table. Some lean into banter and chemistry, others explore second chances or long friendships, but all of them are deeply readable and ideal for beach days, poolside afternoons or quiet evenings on holiday.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Great Big Beautiful Life follows Alice Scott, an upbeat celebrity journalist who lands what feels like the assignment of a lifetime: the chance to write the biography of Margaret Ives, a famous, elusive heiress whose name has been tangled up in glamour, headlines and long running speculation. Alice travels to Margaret’s private coastal island in Georgia expecting a straightforward sit down and a good story, only to find that Margaret is not giving anything away easily.
There is a complication, of course. Alice is not the only writer invited. She is competing against Hayden Anderson, a highly respected, serious biographer with a very different approach and a very different energy. Margaret sets the rules, controls access, and keeps them both guessing, while Alice and Hayden circle each other professionally and personally as the story deepens and the stakes rise.
This is Emily Henry doing what she does best: smart dialogue, genuine emotional tension, and a romance that unfolds alongside a plot with real momentum. If you like love stories with ambition, rivalry and a big, juicy mystery at the centre, this one is an easy recommendation for your beach bag.
Buy it here
Swept Away by Beth O’Leary
Swept Away begins with two strangers waking up on a houseboat after a spontaneous night out, only to discover they have drifted away from shore with no idea how to get back. What could have been a fleeting encounter suddenly becomes a situation neither of them expected.
As they navigate being stranded together, personal histories, fears and emotional baggage come to the surface. The romance unfolds under pressure, which gives the story momentum and keeps the pages turning.
Beth O’Leary blends humour, tension and genuine emotional connection with ease. This is a fast paced and engaging read that feels perfect for summer, especially if you enjoy romance with a little drama woven in.
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He Would Never by Holly Wainwright
He Would Never follows a close group of families who have spent years holidaying together at the same coastal camping spot, a tradition formed when the mothers first met in a post natal group. Over time, the annual trip has become a cornerstone of their lives, full of shared history and familiar routines.
When something unsettling occurs during one of these holidays, long held assumptions about trust and friendship are quietly challenged. As the story moves between past summers and the present, cracks beneath the surface of these relationships begin to show.
This is not a traditional romance, but it is deeply relational and very readable. Holly Wainwright captures the humour, tension and emotional complexity of long term friendships, making this an absorbing beach read with plenty to think about.
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The Road Trip by Tricia Stringer
This novel brings together two people who once imagined a future together but ended up taking very different paths. Years later, circumstances place them on the same road trip, forcing them to spend time together and revisit the choices that shaped their lives.
As the journey unfolds, old feelings resurface alongside unresolved questions about love, timing and regret. The romance develops gradually, grounded in reflection and emotional honesty rather than instant sparks.
Tricia Stringer delivers a warm and character driven story that focuses on second chances and personal growth. It is an easy and satisfying read that suits summer perfectly.
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The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris by Evie Woods
Set in Paris, this novel follows a woman who unexpectedly inherits a bakery and finds herself immersed in a new life filled with tradition, community and possibility. As she settles into the rhythm of the city, the bakery becomes a place of connection and healing.
Romance weaves naturally through the story as the protagonist rebuilds her confidence and opens herself up to new relationships. The Parisian setting adds charm and atmosphere without overpowering the emotional heart of the book.
This is a comforting and feel-good read that still offers depth. It is perfect for summer if you enjoy stories about fresh starts, gentle romance and a strong sense of place.
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Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Say You’ll Remember Me follows Noah, a man whose life is forever changed after a car accident leaves him facing an uncertain future. Struggling with the reality of his injuries and the emotional toll they bring, Noah is determined not to be defined by what he has lost. When he meets Evangeline, a vivacious and compassionate woman who brings light and laughter back into his life, he finds himself drawn into a connection that feels both uplifting and terrifying in its intensity. Their relationship blossoms through shared moments of joy, vulnerability and honest conversation, but the backdrop of Noah’s recovery and the questions it raises about what it means to truly live adds an emotional weight that keeps this story grounded. Evangeline’s warmth helps Noah rediscover hope and purpose, and Jimenez’s deft writing ensures their journey feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. This novel blends heartfelt emotion with humour and warmth, making it a poignant and absorbing read that lingers long after the final page. It is perfect for readers who enjoy romances that balance feel-good moments with depth and character growth, ideal for summer reading sessions that are just as touching as they are immersive.
Buy it here
Whether you are reading with sand between your toes, by the pool or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, these books are made for switching off and settling in. They offer romance in all its forms, from witty banter and slow burn connection to long friendships and second chances. Sometimes the best beach reads are the ones that stay with you long after summer ends, and these are well worth making space for in your reading pile.
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