As the summer sun warms UK gardens and holiday resorts, many British readers are reaching for romantic fiction to accompany their rosé and poolside lounging. Romcoms, with their blend of joy, comfort and escapism, have become a staple of the season. To help you build your summer reading list, ten romance authors have shared the books they are currently falling in love with.
Mike Gayle recommends Main Characters by Bobby Palmer, while Claire Daverley is turning pages on Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor. B.K. Borison suggests Star Shipped by Cat Sebastian, a sci-fi romance, and Ashley Poston is enjoying A Date With Death by Kelly Creagh. Elizabeth O'Roark picks If Not For My Baby by Kate Golden, and Lucy Score recommends Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis.
Grace Reilly is reading Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances, while Lindsey Kelk recommends The Brave And The Fearless by Dilan Dyer. Jasmine Burke suggests Here For A Good Time by Pyae Moe Thet War, and Kate Eberle is recommending In Every Possible Way by Alicia Thompson. The list spans cowboy romances, sports-inspired love stories and contemporary fiction, offering something for every taste.
For UK travellers packing for a holiday abroad, these books are lightweight and easy to carry. Whether you are flying from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester to destinations like Spain, Greece or Portugal, a paperback or e-book can be a perfect travel companion. The Foreign Office advises checking travel insurance for lost or damaged items, and e-readers are often covered under standard gadget policies. Most UK airports offer bookshops with a wide selection of romantic fiction, but pre-ordering from online retailers can save money – typically £7.99 to £12.99 per paperback.
With summer holidays in full swing, these author-approved romcoms could be the ideal addition to your suitcase. As the days grow long, a good love story might be all you need to unwind.