Ready to escape to sun-soaked beaches, charming small towns, and romantic getaways without leaving your couch? We’ve rounded up the best vacation romance books that will make you feel like you’re on a dreamy holiday, minus the sunburn and overpriced cocktails. Whether you’re stuck at home or just need a mental break, these love stories set in exotic locales are the perfect getaway. 

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Vacation Romance Books

Out of Office by A.H. Cunningham

A steamy vacation romance where overachiever Genevieve Raymond meets laid-back Adrián Nicolas in Panama. As Gen takes a break from her career-driven life, she explores the chemistry with Adrián, who has a different take on work-life balance. Their fling turns into something deeper, making Gen question her life choices. With stunning beaches and intense chemistry, this romance makes you wonder if a two-week getaway can lead to forever.

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Ever After Always by Chloe Liese

Freya and Aiden Bergman’s marriage faces a crossroads in this heartfelt second chance romance. After a dozen years together, they find themselves drifting apart, largely due to Aiden’s struggle with the pressures of starting a family. A Bergman family getaway forces them to confront their issues head-on. With plenty of emotional depth, this story explores love, anxiety, and the fight to reignite a once-passionate marriage.

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The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco by Talia Hibbert

Football star Nik Christou concocts a fake-dating scheme to win over the tough and witty Aria Granger. Despite her distrust of love, Aria reluctantly agrees to the plan, leading them to a Spanish villa full of playful deceit and growing feelings. Nik falls hard, while Aria struggles to believe he’s genuine. With sharp humor and sizzling chemistry, this romcom delivers a delightful blend of fake dating and unexpected love.

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Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras

Eden heads to a tropical paradise solo after dumping her cheating ex before their wedding, expecting to drown her sorrows in cocktails and sunshine. Instead, she finds herself sparring with Philip, a grumpy workaholic who challenges her every belief. Their unexpected connection grows stronger with each encounter, from beachside banter to late-night heart-to-hearts. But can a vacation fling turn into something real once the suntan fades?

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How to Honeymoon Alone by Olivia Hayle

Sara, a social media influencer dealing with family pressure and an eating disorder, fakes a relationship with Key West firefighter Luis when her boyfriend bails on a family vacation. Luis’s big Cuban family and Sara’s spunky nature make for delightful cultural exchanges and sizzling chemistry. As they navigate fake dating amidst beautiful island settings, real feelings begin to bloom. But will their romance last beyond the vacation? A heartwarming story with strong family vibes and a beautiful tropical backdrop.

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The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark

Drew agrees to join her ex-boyfriend Six on a family trip to Hawaii, hoping to rekindle their romance. But sparks fly in a different direction when she butts heads with Six’s hot-nerd brother, Joshua, who’s always been dismissive of her. As Drew navigates family dynamics and tropical adventures, she starts to see Joshua in a new light. This fun and feisty story explores the chemistry between unlikely pairs and the surprising twists love can take on vacation.

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If you want to hear more about How to Honeymoon Alone and The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, watch our Novel Nights: Summer Romcoms episode where Laura recommended these two books!

Roman Crazy by Alice Clayton and Nina Bocci

Avery Bardot heads to Rome, ditching her dull life and cheating ex in search of gelato, art, and a fresh start. But when she bumps into Marcello, the Italian architect she once loved, sparks fly faster than you can say “amore.” This whirlwind romance set against the picturesque backdrop of Rome is a delightful second-chance love story with plenty of laughs, luscious food, and the thrill of rediscovering yourself. Perfect for fans of fun, foodie adventures and rekindled flames.

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Smitten by the Brit by Melonie Johnson

English professor Bonnie Blythe, fresh from a breakup, swears off love until she meets Theo Wharton, a real-life Mr. Darcy with a British accent and a heart of gold. A summer in England turns into a steamy fling with the dashing Brit, but Bonnie soon finds herself in a plot twist straight out of her favorite novels. Can she write her own happy ending with Theo, or will their story end before it even begins? This charming romance is perfect for lovers of Jane Austen-inspired tales and swoon-worthy British heroes.

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For more travel to the UK, check out our favorite romance books set in London!

Two Wedding Crashers by Meghan Quinn

What do you do when you’re a romance writer who’s lost her spark? Crash a wedding, obviously. Our heroine embarks on a wild cross-country trip for inspiration, only to find herself in the wrong hotel room—naked—with a handsome stranger. Oops. This hilarious and heartwarming story mixes mistaken identities, unexpected romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, as two unlikely characters find their spark in the most unconventional way. Perfect for anyone who loves rom-coms with a twist of fate.

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Racing the Sun by Karina Halle

Stuck in Capri, Amber MacLean lands a nanny gig, only to find herself battling with the kids’ hot, brooding older brother, Derio, an ex-motorcycle racer. With a crumbling villa, bratty kids, and her hormones going haywire, Amber’s Mediterranean detour turns into a steamy adventure. As she navigates Derio’s guarded heart, Amber must decide if she’s ready to risk it all for love or play it safe and return to the States. A sun-soaked romance with a brooding bad boy.

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Honeymoon for One by Keira Andrews

Ethan’s honeymoon turns into a solo adventure after his wedding is called off. Heartbroken and struggling with his hearing loss, he heads to Australia where he meets Clay, a charming tour bus driver starting over in his forties. What starts as a comforting friendship slowly ignites into a sweet and surprising romance, as both men discover that their unexpected connection might be just what they need. With a mix of humor and heart, this age-gap romance offers a journey from heartache to new beginnings.

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A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey

Georgie Archibald escapes her mother’s matchmaking by fleeing to Vernazza, Italy, where she meets Gianluca, a mysterious, sun-kissed recluse. Despite his initial reluctance, Georgie is captivated by the handsome Italian, who saves her in more ways than one. With gorgeous landscapes and plenty of gelato, this romantic comedy is a delicious tale of running away from your problems only to find unexpected love and passion. Perfect for those who believe in the magic of a summer fling.

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Below Deck by Tara Sivec

Luxury yacht, rich passengers, and a feisty romance on the high seas. Declan McGillis, a deckhand with a chip on his shoulder, and Mackenzie Armstrong, the not-so-spoiled princess, clash and spark in this steamy, off-limits fling. As they navigate yacht life and each other’s preconceptions, they might just find that beneath the surface, there’s more than just a holiday romance brewing.

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Along For the Ride by Mimi Grace

A cross-country road trip becomes a journey of unexpected feelings in this enemies-to-lovers romcom. Jolene and Jason have history, and not the good kind. Stuck together for a sixteen-hour drive, they bicker, bond, and confront unresolved tension. With detours that include car trouble and small-town adventures, their trip might just lead them to a surprising destination—each other’s hearts.

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The Billionaire’s Fake Fiance by Annika Martin

When a billionaire playboy needs a fake fiancée, he’s expecting someone bland and unimpressive. Instead, he gets Tabitha, his quirky hairdresser who’s anything but ordinary. With her pet hamster and love for Hello Kitty, she’s the perfect blend of annoying and endearing. As they pretend to be a couple on a yacht, fake kisses start feeling real, and Tabitha’s suspicions about the other guests grow. Could there be more to this charade than either of them anticipated?

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French Holiday by Sarah Ready

Merry DeLuca needs a fresh start after her sister marries the only man she’s ever loved. Enter a crumbling French castle and Noah Wright, the insufferable best man from the wedding. As Merry tries to enjoy pastries and vineyard strolls, Noah’s presence turns everything upside down. They agree to tolerate each other for the duration, but shared secrets and growing feelings make this holiday unexpectedly complicated. A charming enemies-to-lovers tale set against the romantic backdrop of the French countryside.

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My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

Taylor Bassey’s Cape Cod vacation takes a dark turn when she finds a corpse in her rental. Enter Myles Sumner, a gruff bounty hunter with zero patience for amateur sleuths. Taylor’s true crime podcast knowledge clashes with Myles’ professional expertise, but their chemistry is undeniable. As they hunt for the killer, sparks fly in this spicy, opposites-attract rom-com. Tessa Bailey delivers humor, heat, and a dash of mystery in this beach-read delight.

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The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

In this heartfelt LGBTQ+ romance, Joy is secretly in love with her best friend Malcolm, who’s head over heels for someone else. A weekend getaway with Malcolm, his girlfriend, and Fox—Summer’s ex-boyfriend—turns into an unexpected journey of self-discovery. Fox proposes a fake relationship with Joy to stir jealousy, but what starts as a playful ruse leads to genuine feelings. Joy learns what it means to be truly seen and loved, making this a sweet and uplifting read.

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Love, Lists and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Jo Walker, a yacht stewardess, is on a mission to complete her bucket list by her thirtieth birthday. After her nephew’s death, Jo’s list takes a backseat until her nieces show up for the summer and reignite her drive. Enter Alex Hayes, the handsome stranger who makes her rethink her safe approach to life. With romance and adventure, Jo learns that sometimes diving into the deep end is the best way to live.

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The Layover by Lacey Waldon

Flight attendant Ava Greene is ready to retire, but her final flight throws a wrench in her plans when she’s stuck with her nemesis, former pilot Jack Stone. A mechanical issue turns a quick flight into a weekend layover in Belize. As Ava and Jack spend more time together, Ava begins to see a different side of him. Under the Caribbean sun, Ava must decide if she’s ready to keep her feet on the ground or take a chance on love.

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The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Theo and Kit, estranged exes, accidentally book the same European food and wine tour. As childhood friends turned lovers, their breakup was brutal, but time apart has made them stronger. Now, trapped together for three weeks in romantic Europe, they challenge each other to a hookup competition. Amid stunning views and luscious flavors, Theo and Kit discover that sometimes what you crave most is the one thing you can’t have.

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Here with Me by Samantha Young

In the Scottish Highlands, Ardnoch Estate is as exclusive as its enigmatic owner, ex-Hollywood star Lachlan Adair. Enter Robyn Penhaligon, a Boston cop seeking answers about her estranged father, Mac. When Robyn discovers Mac is entangled in a dangerous plot, she teams up with Lachlan, despite their mutual dislike. Sparks fly and secrets unravel as they delve deeper into the estate’s mysteries, forcing Robyn to confront her past and Lachlan to face his painful history.

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Perfect Strangers by J.T. Geissinger

Olivia Rossi, an author haunted by tragedy, escapes to Paris to find inspiration and heal. Enter James, a mysterious stranger who sparks an intense affair. They agree to keep things simple, sharing only first names, but Olivia soon realizes there’s more to James than meets the eye. As their passionate fling deepens into something more profound, Olivia must navigate the murky waters of her own emotions and the secrets James may be hiding.

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Hooking Up by Helena Hunting

Amalie Whitfield’s wedding day turns disastrous when her groom is caught cheating—mid-reception. Mortified, she impulsively flings herself at the first available man, only to be rejected. Seeking solace, she heads to her honeymoon destination alone, only to find her would-be rebound guy there too. Their chemistry is undeniable, but as they agree to keep things casual, the lines between lust and love start to blur. Amalie must decide if she’s ready to let go of her past and embrace a new future.

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If you’re in the wedding mood, we have even more wedding themed romance books and even destination wedding romance book recommendations.

Love at First Fight by Carrie Aarons

Summer in the Hamptons wasn’t supposed to include living with your ex’s best friend who hates your guts. But for our heroine, it’s a reality. Smith Redfield, the restaurant-owning alpha, takes pleasure in making her life miserable. But as they clash and bicker, the line between hate and something hotter starts to blur. Midnight run-ins and heated glares turn into unexpected sparks, making this a sizzling enemies-to-lovers summer fling. Sometimes, hate really is just love in disguise.

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Taming His Princess by Mari Carr and Lexxie Couper

Annie flies to Sydney to meet Dylan, the sexy cowboy she met online, only to find out he’s in New York. Enter his twin brother, Hunter, who takes her back to the family ranch. Sparks fly between city girl Annie and rugged cowboy Hunter. But with Dylan still in the picture, things get complicated. Will this vacation romance last beyond the Outback, or will family ties and mistaken intentions get in the way?

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Vacation Wars by Meghan Quinn

In Santorini for her sister’s wedding, Tessa is blindsided by her sister’s mission to find her a soulmate before the big day. Enter Myles, her childhood crush who now works at the resort. As they dodge family pranks and navigate their own emotional baggage, Tessa and Myles find their old sparks rekindling. With beautiful beaches and family drama as a backdrop, this rom-com delivers all the feels, proving that sometimes love needs a second chance to get it right.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed our list of vacation romance books as much as we enjoyed putting it together! Now, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite vacation romance book? Drop a comment below and share your top picks with us. And if you’re looking for more bookish getaways, don’t forget to check out the other lists linked below.

Read More

• Wedding themed romance books
• Destination wedding romance books
• Read around the world with romance books

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