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Somebody smarter than me might have already said why this is a thing, but I genuinely love summer.
It always feels like the season where you can do anything, be anything, and go anywhere.
And honestly, isn’t that when the best romance stories begin?
In this post, I’ve put together my favorite young adult summer romance books.
These books are perfect for reading on the beach or wherever the summer takes you.
And, they are the cutest and most wholesome summer romance books with teen characters, and I loved every moment of compiling this list.
Romance is my soft spot (in case you’re new around here), and I can tell you for a fact that all of these books are simply lovely.
You’re going to enjoy every single one of them.
Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
This book is such a fun and creative take on the what if kind of story.
Natalya has to decide – summer with Dad in New York, where the girl she likes is, or summer with Mom in L.A., where they might finally reconnect.
But instead of choosing, we get to see both versions of her summer unfold.
I loved how each side of her story brought out different parts of her personality and heart.
Whether it’s the girl she’s dreamed of or the guy she never expected, Natalya’s journey feels honest, relatable, and super romantic.
Two summers, two cities, and lots of swoons.
Hot Dutch Daydream by Kristy Boyce
This one made me smile so much.
Sage is super organized and focused – she’s got her internship lined up in Amsterdam and even agreed to be a nanny to pay her way.
Everything’s going smoothly until Ryland, her boss’s artistic and completely chaotic son, shows up.
Their deal to help each other out is hilarious and sweet, and watching Sage try to stay on track while falling for Ryland (just a little) is such a summer treat.
It’s a light, funny, and heartwarming story about finding a little magic when you least expect it.
The Falling in Love Montage by Ciara Smyth
Saoirse doesn’t believe in love stories or forever, not with her mom suffering from early-onset dementia and the same risk hanging over her.
But Ruby – with her playful spirit and one blue freckle – offers a summer romance full of classic movie-style dates and a deal to walk away at the end.
You already know where this is going, right? The feels!
The slow build of emotions is so genuine, and watching Saoirse try to protect her heart while it quietly opens up is both beautiful and bittersweet.
A gem for rom-com lovers with a little ache.
The Summer of Impossibilities by Rachael Allen
I really loved how this story brought four very different girls together for one unforgettable summer.
Forced to spend time at a lake house thanks to their moms’ friendship, these girls aren’t exactly thrilled.
But through bonfires, joyrides, secrets, and laughs, they start to form something real.
There’s a crush that goes up in flames (literally), some sweet LGBTQ+ romance, and lots of messy, real-life feelings.
The friendships grow so naturally, and it’s lovely to watch how much they all change by the end.
It’s a quiet but powerful kind of story – warm, real, and full of heart.
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
Celine and Brad used to be best friends, but now they’re more like rivals with a lot of history.
When they end up on the same survival course (yes, mud and bugs included), they’re forced to work together.
I loved how their banter slowly turned into something softer and sweeter.
Watching them reconnect was like peeling back layers of misunderstanding and finding that spark again.
It’s clever, funny, and still manages to be full of emotion.
If you love second chances and enemies-to-lovers, this one’s such a treat.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
This book is such a sweet, funny love story with a dash of culture and a whole lot of heart.
Dimple is ambitious and so not interested in romance, especially the arranged kind.
Rishi, on the other hand, is a total sweetheart who’s all in on tradition and when they meet at a summer tech camp, it’s awkward and adorable.
I loved watching their bond grow from bickering to something deeper.
The way they challenge and support each other is so lovely.
It’s a joyful mix of rom-com charm and real emotional growth.
Dimple and Rishi totally stole my heart.
Never Vacation with Your Ex by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka
This author-couple duo have a permanent place on my auto-buy list and this is one of my favorite books from their backlist.
Kaylee is a rising volleyball star trying to live up to a big legacy, and she just broke up with her boyfriend Dean – right before their yearly family vacation together.
Her plan is to help him move on using her own rules for getting over an ex.
What could go wrong, right? Everything, of course.
I really felt for Kaylee, trying to juggle her dreams, expectations, and still-fluttering feelings.
The second chance romance is swoony and emotional, and I was rooting for them the whole way.
It’s funny, heartfelt, and so summery.
The Edge of Summer by Erica George
Coriander (Cor) is dealing with the heartbreaking loss of her best friend while still chasing their shared dream – saving whales through a marine biology internship.
She heads to Cape Cod, trying to heal, when she meets Mannix, a charming lifeguard.
Their bond is sweet and complicated, and I really felt Cor’s struggle to balance her grief with the excitement of new love.
This story gently explores how hard it can be to move forward while still honoring the past.
It’s emotional, honest, and has a beautiful message about love and letting go.
The Secret Summer Promise by Keah Brown
Andrea is finally ready for her Best Summer Ever, and I was totally rooting for her.
She’s got a bucket list full of fun plans – concerts, paintball, thrift pop-ups – and she’s not letting anything stop her.
Especially not her feelings for her best friend Hailee.
But falling out of love is easier said than done, especially when a cute boy named George keeps popping up.
This book is so full of joy and heart, with amazing friendships and such a lovable main character.
Andrea’s voice is vibrant and real, and I wanted so badly for her to have the summer she deserves.
Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner and Brittany Cavallaro
Jude and Florence meet on the last night of their summer art camp and share something magical.
Jude finds peace behind his camera, while Florence is struggling to let go of her dance dreams due to a health issue.
They make a pact: no contact after that night.
But as the years pass and Sunrise Night returns, so does their connection.
This book is beautifully written with short verses and conversations that feel so intimate and real.
It’s about growing up, finding love, and making space for the things that matter most.
Let me know which of these young adult summer romance books you’re adding to your reading list – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
