The Best 8 Yacht Romance Books for Summer Escapism

I’ve been on a bit of a maritime romance bender lately. Something about rich people drama, stuck-on-a-boat tension, and salty sea air just works for me. It’s giving luxury, it’s giving slow burn, and it’s giving no one can storm off when the vibes get weird because…well, the whole ocean’s in the way.

If you’re in the mood for a little romantic escapism with champagne problems, passive-aggressive brunches, and more sexual tension than a season of Below Deck, these yacht romance books deliver.

Before we jump in, you can also check out the full list of boat romance books featuring cruises, sailing, and shipwrecked disasters.

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Best Romance Books Set on a Yacht

The Ruthless Gentleman by Louise Bay

A broody billionaire. A determined stewardess. Tension simmers between them aboard a luxury yacht, where class differences and hidden identities make everything more complicated and hotter.

Grab The Ruthless Gentleman on Amazon

Moti on the Water by Leylah Attar

Moti’s summer getaway on a Greek yacht involves wedding chaos, overbearing family, and a hot chef who wasn’t part of her original plans. Think meddling moms, forced proximity, and laugh-out-loud moments with a warm and heartfelt payoff.

Grab Moti on the Water on Amazon

Broken French by Tasha Boyd

When Josie takes a last-minute nanny job on a mega yacht in the South of France, she doesn’t expect her boss to be a hot, broody single dad. This one leans slow burn and emotional, with major escapist vibes.

Grab Broken French on Amazon

Love, Lists and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

Jo’s a yacht stewardess with a bucket list and a lot of grief to process. But a surprise guest on board shakes up her plans. A reflective and romantic story with sisterhood, healing, and new beginnings.

Grab Love, Lists and Fancy Ships on Amazon

Falling Overboard by Sariah Wilson

This one’s got a fake relationship, yacht setting, and closed-door kisses. When the heroine ends up as a private chef for a tech billionaire, pretending to be engaged turns complicated and cute.

Grab Falling Overboard on Amazon

The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée by Annika Martin

A quirky artist agrees to fake an engagement with a billionaire on his luxury yacht. Banter-filled and funny, with over-the-top antics and real emotional depth.

Grab The Billionaire’s Fake Fiancée on Amazon

Close Quarters by Kandi Steiner

After being dumped, the heroine ends up on a billionaire’s private yacht and, surprise, he’s her new boss. Forbidden tension, proximity, and angst make this a staple for Steiner fans.

Grab Close Quarters on Amazon

Hooked on You by Ada Barume

Two people with very different worldviews clash on a superyacht but their chemistry is impossible to ignore. Expect banter, travel, and a splash of enemies to lovers.

Grab Hooked on You on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Yacht romances hit that sweet spot between fantasy and forced proximity with just the right amount of heat and emotional unraveling. I’ve been loving how many variations exist in this niche, from funny to angsty to super soft. Let me know your favorites, or if you’ve got a dream yacht romance I should add to my TBR.

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