Summer 2025 is wrapping up, but the heat from this season’s romance novels is still going strong. Whether you’re looking for a steamy beach read, a witty rom-com, a lush historical tale, or something with a bit more emotional depth, there’s a book on this list for you. We’ve rounded up our top six picks to help you find the best romance novels to read this summer 2025 and keep the good vibes going.
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa
Mia Sosa is an absolute master of wedding drama, and she delivers another addictive romp with When Javi Dumped Mari. This story follows the classic “friends-to-lovers” trope, with college best friends Javi and Mari finding themselves at cross-purposes years later when Mari gets engaged without even telling him. Their banter is absolutely delicious, filled with laugh-out-loud moments on nearly every page. Sosa expertly weaves in deeper questions of cultural identity and belonging as the characters navigate their careers and their connection. The dual timeline allows us to slowly understand why they’ve been too blind to see what’s obvious to everyone else. A classic rom-com with a modern heart, this is one of the best romance novels of summer 2025.
Heat Rating: Grade: A
Love is a War Song by Danica Nava
Danica Nava’s second novel is a true triumph. Love is a War Song is a layered and resonant story that follows pop star Avery Fox, who takes refuge on her grandmother’s ranch in Oklahoma after a cultural misstep. There, she meets ranch hand Lucas Iron Eyes, who can’t stand what she represents. However, as Avery learns about her family and Lucas realizes he misjudged her, they can’t help but be drawn to each other. Nava’s book is a moving examination of Native identity, offering a nuanced perspective that has long been misrepresented in fiction. Lucas is a swoon-worthy hero, not just for his good looks, but for his commitment to his principles and his dedication to helping Avery learn and grow. This book reclaims the “cowboy” romance, reminding us that the best romance fiction can fundamentally change a genre by offering happy endings where only ignorance has existed before.
Heat Rating: Grade: A
All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer
Kate Spencer returns with another rom-com delight, this time set in the world of pickleball. All’s Fair in Love and Pickleball is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story between Bex Martin, a woman trying to save her family’s racquet club, and Nikolaus Kraus, a former tennis star looking to rehab his image. Their chemistry is electric, and the banter is a joy to read. While the book is packed with hilarious puns and sexy scenes, Spencer also skillfully explores deeper themes like grief and the fear of failure. Amidst the fun, she probes the more vulnerable, wounded parts of her characters’ hearts, offering a powerful message of grace and empathy. This is another stellar pick among the best romance novels of summer 2025.
Heat Rating: Grade: A
Gabriela and His Grace by Liana De la Rosa
Liana De la Rosa concludes her Luna sisters series with a steamy historical tale. The rebellious Gabriela finds herself on a long sea journey with the Duke of Whitfield, Sebastian Brooks, a man she initially dislikes. Their sparring across two sea voyages and a sojourn in Mexico leads to a thrilling adventure as they each discover the other is not what they seem. He offers her awe rather than censure for her rebellious spirit, and she offers him the family he’s always dreamed of. De la Rosa expertly weaves in the rich history of 19th-century Mexico, bringing a vibrant new perspective to historical romance. While the third-act breakup feels a bit out of character, the rest of the book is so engaging it hardly matters.
Heat Rating: Grade: A-
The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
If you’ve ever hummed along to a certain animated film’s opening number, then The Gilded Heiress is for you. Joanna Shupe brings her trademark steamy love scenes and eye for historical detail to this Anastasia retelling. The novel follows street performer Josie, who is mistaken for a missing heiress by the handsome Leo Hardy. He plans to pass her off as the lost girl to collect a reward, but he doesn’t count on falling for her. Shupe meticulously brings the streets and tenements of the Gilded Age to life with electric vigor, focusing on the working-class in a genre so often dominated by the elite. The plot may be familiar, but Shupe makes the journey feel fresh, suspenseful, and utterly delicious.
Heat Rating: Grade: A
August Lane by Regina Black
Regina Black follows up her debut novel with a second-chance romance that powerfully captures the ache of yearning. August Lane splits its story between two timelines: the fleeting teenage connection between aspiring songwriter August and football player Luke, and their reconnection a decade later. August is still hurt by Luke’s betrayal, but she doesn’t know the years of domestic abuse he endured. Black’s writing feels as lyrically resonant as a country song, crafting a beautiful ode to second chances, healing from trauma, and the unsung heritage of Black artists in country music. August and Luke are broken people, but through their love, they find the strength to speak their minds and claim the lives they deserve.
Heat Rating: Grade: A
This list proves that whether you’re at the beach or at home, there’s a perfect book waiting for you. Which of these will you add to your reading list? Let us know in the comments which you think are the best romance novels to read this summer 2025. 📚