As spring marches on, punctuated by a downpour or two, we’ve already begun dreaming of what to add to our summer reading lists for the beach.
In the romance category, there’s plenty of variety arriving now through the beginning of July, from an astronaut love story set during the space race to a contemporary road-trip affair literally titled after its trope.
Out of many new and upcoming romantic fiction books landing this year, here are 10 to consider:
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Out now
“Our Perfect Storm” by Carley Fortune (Berkley)
An angsty vacation romance, “Our Perfect Storm” sees Frankie and George, former best friends since childhood, trying to repair their relationship during a week at the gorgeous beaches and old-growth forests of Tofino. Of course, that involves the pair uncovering old secrets and admitting to buried feelings.
“The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire” by India Holton (Berkley)
This one’s a rom-com of the historical fantasy variety. Best friends and magical-antique professors Amelia and Caleb must pretend they hate each other to protect their reputations and their jobs at an alternative universe’s Oxford. A series of unfortunate events put their ruse — and feelings for each other — to the test. The third installment in Holton’s “Love’s Academic” series.
“The Night We Met” by Abby Jimenez (Forever)
This is the most recent offering from Jimenez, one of the most well-known contemporary romance authors writing today. “The Night We Met” follows Larissa, who chose to ride home with her now-boyfriend after a concert — even though she’s a much better match for his best friend, Chris.
“The Miseducation of Caroline Bingley” by Lindz McLeod (Carina Press)
What happens after Elizabeth and Darcy get together? Here’s one version of the aftermath of “Pride and Prejudice” from a pair of its side characters: Caroline Bingley, the original Mean Girl, and Georgiana Darcy, unlucky target of fortune-hunting rakes. Oh, and this retelling happens to be queer. Second in the “Austentatious” series.
“Ryder” by Jessica Peterson (Sourcebooks)
A Western! More specifically, the final installment of Peterson’s “Lucky River Ranch” contemporary cowboy romance series. Billie’s mission to become an expert barrel racer ends with an unceremonious fall in the arena. Picking herself back up might require an assist from Ryder, her brother’s best friend and the town heartbreaker.
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“Enemies to Lovers” by Alisha Rai (Avon)
This contemporary rom-com entwines Sejal, a conwoman, and Krish, a lawman who might also be faking his identity. They proceed to embark on a road trip together to find Krish’s missing FBI agent brother, who may have gotten entangled with Seja’s criminal family. Along the way, they … you know how the trope goes.
“Bromantasy” by Máire Roche
The title says it all, right? In this genre-melting comedic queer romantic fantasy, Juniper and Mo are on a quest to kill a monster. Except that Juniper might be in over his head compared to Mo, his calm, capable platonic best friend who seems to be inspiring some not-so-platonic feelings. Out May 26 from G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
June 9
“The Summer Girlfriend” by Kristina Forest (Berkley)
Noelle’s looking for easy money to pay her tuition. Jeremiah’s finally ready to face his responsibilities as heir to the family business. The answer to both problems? A stand-in girlfriend is hired for a high-stakes family vacation, and, despite the fake relationship, real feelings begin to grow.
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June 16
“Love Is a Contact Sport” by Frederick Smith (Bold Strokes Books)
This second-chance romance set in the Bay Area follows Renny and Brent, whose passionate feelings for each other never made it out of the closet. Decades later, they can finally be true to themselves, and maybe even finish what they started.
July 7
“An Infinite Love Story” by Chanel Cleeton (Berkley)
For those who avidly followed the NASA Artemis II mission and rushed to see “Project Hail Mary” in theaters, here’s a historical romance set amid the 1960s space race. “An Infinite Love Story” traces the romance between Joe, an astronaut who’s gone missing, and Vivian, his wife and biggest supporter. When the absent Joe is blamed for a mission’s failure, it’s Vivian who keeps the faith through revisiting the memories of their relationship.