12 Perfect Beach Romances You Probably Haven’t Read Yet
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There’s just something magical about a good rom-com that goes beyond the laughs. The kind that makes you smile and feel something, especially when you’re relaxing on the beach or soaking up the sun poolside. If you’ve already devoured the latest bestsellers, this list is for you. These backlist romance reads are underrated gems with heart, humor, and a dash of women’s fiction or commercial fiction vibes that make them hit a little deeper.
From whirlwind road trips and fake dating to career drama and second chances, these stories feature big emotions, clever banter, and love that surprises both the characters and the reader. Whether you’re craving a tropical escape, a bookish love story, or a little drama alongside your HEA, you’ll find something here to fall in love with.
Let’s dive into these feel-good favorites!
Lucy on the Wild Side by Kerry Rea
Quick Summary: Zookeeper and primatologist Lucy is laser-focused on spotlighting her beloved gorillas when a wildlife docuseries lands at her zoo, along with its charming, frustrating host, Kai. Sparks fly and plans unravel in this workplace rom-com.
Why You’ll Love It: Animal lovers will swoon, and fans of grumpy-meets-sunshine with career goals on the line will love the chemistry and emotional growth.
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Wanderlust by Elle Everhart
Quick Summary: London writer Dylan wins a dream trip around the world—with a catch: she must bring a random phone contact as her travel buddy. Enter Jack, a stranger with serious tension.
Why You’ll Love It: This rivals-to-lovers travel rom-com serves major Emily Henry meets The Holiday vibes, with viral fame and slow-burn chemistry.
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Breathe In, Cash Out by Madeleine Henry
Quick Summary: Allegra’s plan is simple: survive Wall Street long enough to cash out and open a yoga studio. But pressure mounts—and a forbidden fling plus a tempting spiritual path complicate things.
Why You’ll Love It: Think The Devil Wears Prada with a yoga mat. It’s a smart, breezy read for anyone who’s ever daydreamed about quitting their 9-to-5.
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Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit
Quick Summary: Naomi, a brand consultant, and Dev, a reluctant heir, fake-date to help save his family’s business—and her cultural identity.
Why You’ll Love It: A rich cultural backdrop, foodie vibes, and heartfelt exploration of family and heritage—this one’s warm and spicy in the best way.
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The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary
Quick Summary: Addie and Dylan, once lovers, are forced to share a car ride to a wedding. With a messy group of passengers and unresolved feelings, old wounds resurface.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re into emotional depth with your romance and love a second-chance arc that unfolds on the open road, this one’s for you.
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Shipped by Angie Hockman
Quick Summary: Henley and her annoying remote coworker are up for the same promotion. A work cruise to the Galápagos forces them to collaborate—and maybe connect.
Why You’ll Love It: A sunshine setting + workplace enemies-to-lovers = pure summer bliss. Perfect for fans of The Hating Game on the high seas.
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You With a View by Jessica Joyce
Quick Summary: Noelle finds an old love letter in her grandma’s belongings and embarks on a honeymoon road trip that never happened—with her high school rival, Theo.
Why You’ll Love It: Deeply emotional with viral TikTok energy, this one blends grief, family secrets, and swoony road trip moments into a standout read.
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Booked on a Feeling by Jayci Lee
Quick Summary: A burnt-out lawyer and a small-town brewer team up to save a failing bookstore—and maybe their own dreams in the process.
Why You’ll Love It: If you love books about books, small-town charm, and friends-to-lovers romance, this one’s a cozy win.
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The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
Quick Summary: A romance-loving teacher finds her world upended when royals move in next door—with a gruff bodyguard who’s definitely not here for her podcasting or her vibes.
Why You’ll Love It: Bodyguard romance + royalty + island escape = a delightful rom-com with a side of royal scandal.
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One Star Romance by Laura Hankin
Quick Summary: Natalie and Rob meet again and again over the years despite a disastrous one-star review he left on her debut novel.
Why You’ll Love It: A layered, time-spanning story about enemies, misunderstandings, and the evolving journey toward love.
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The Bump by Sydney Karger
Quick Summary: Soon-to-be dads Wyatt and Biz hit the road before their baby arrives, navigating relationship bumps, emotional revelations, and unexpected joy.
Why You’ll Love It: Found family, heartfelt humor, and tender LGBTQ+ representation make this road trip romance a must-read.
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The Design of Us by Sajni Patel
Quick Summary: Bhanu and Sunny are rivals for the same job—until a fake dating twist during a wedding week in Hawai’i changes everything.
Why You’ll Love It: Grumpy/sunshine, wedding chaos, and tropical vibes? It’s giving The Proposal meets The Kiss Quotient.
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Looking for More Book Recommendations?
- Loved White Lotus? Check out these Killer Vacations!
- Traveling to Nantucket? Check out our Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket Novels Ranking
- Check out a previous Beach Reads Guide with even more backlist titles!
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Save These Rom-Com Gems for Your Next Beach Day
Whether you’re packing for a real vacation or simply taking a staycation on your couch, these backlist rom-coms are perfect for unplugging and escaping into stories full of heart and humor. Sometimes the best reads aren’t the buzziest new releases—they’re the ones waiting patiently on your TBR to surprise you.
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