Summer Lovin' - 9 reads to get you in the mood for a holiday romance

Whoever said you can’t have a passionate holiday romance right here in the UK? Karen Swan's book The Last Summer is the first sweltering romance in her new The Wild Isle series. 

Effie Gillies has lived her whole life on the quiet Scottish island of St Kilda. When Lord Sholto visits, they spend one glorious week together, falling head over heels in love, but are torn apart by a terrible storm that devastates the island. Three months later, they are reunited, but the difference between their realities has never seemed greater, even as the simmering tension between them mounts.

If you’ve dreamed of touring Europe, this heart-racing story is perfect for you. Maggie Kelly has always followed her mother's advice and played it safe, especially when it comes to men. But when her own 'dependable' husband lets her down, Maggie decides to follow her sense of adventure and embarks on a whirlwind trip visiting Rome, Paris, London and Monaco. And who should she come across on her travels but the irresistible thrill-seeker she's spent thirty years trying to forget.

Ask anyone, France is the most romantic country in the world and this might just be one of the most romantic books. Steph, Jo and Meredith are three best friends who are trying their best to transform a run-down French château into the perfect wedding venue. And in the idyllic local village perhaps they'll find a little romance of their own. You're sure to fall head over heels in love with this charming and uplifting read.

When Calli's relationship comes to an end, it feels like her world has fallen apart so when she is offered to write a magazine article about the Greek Island of Ikaria, it seems the perfect escape. Arriving in Crete, reunited with her family, Calli comes to realise there is more to discover than spotless beaches and local tavernas. Uncovering family secrets of love, betrayal and revenge, Calli's life will forever be changed for the better.

This utterly romantic holiday read probably has the best meet-cute of all time! Hugo and his girlfriend are about to embark on a dream holiday - travelling across America by train. But when she unexpectedly dumps him, he's stuck with a non-transferable, non-refundable ticket, booked under her name. Hugo has no choice but to place an ad, looking for another Margaret Campbell to take the adventure of a lifetime with him . . . and along comes Mae.

This hilarious and heart-warming LGBTQ+ novel with a message of body positivity is guaranteed to melt your heart. Lily Rose is used to people preferring her gorgeous, thin twin Daisy. So when Cal, a gorgeous, sweet New Zealander (who just happens to be Daisy's summer crush) seems to prefer Lily, they're both baffled. But Lily's just not into him, instead, all she can think about is her best friend Cassie.

It’s time for the summer holidays, and in Cornwall Lorna’s cottages are fully booked. Three women have planned what they hope will be the perfect getaways, but not everything goes quite to plan.

Em has planned a holiday with her new boyfriend Greg, but with their children coming along, can their romance survive? Maggie is hoping a holiday will help fix her relationship with her daughter, but then her ex turns up out of the blue . . . And Olivia is looking for an escape, but the past always catches up with her. Will this holiday be a scorcher, or just too hot to handle?

This sizzling summer read is perfect for fans of the 'rivals to lovers' storyline. Nora is a literary agent at the top of her game and Charlie is an editor with a knack for producing bestsellers; they also happen to be each other's work nemesis. So when Nora finally takes a long-deserved month-off in search of a little romance, it's an absolute nightmare when she bumps into Charlie . . . or is it?

What could ruin the holiday of a lifetime in paradise? Having to go with your worst sworn enemy. Olive’s twin sister Ami is marrying the man of her dreams, it’s just a pity that the best man, Ethan, is such a jerk. When the entire wedding party - except for Olive and Ethan - fall ill and a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon in Hawaii is up for grabs, the two have no choice but to take it and pretend to be loving newlyweds. But, it doesn't take long before they’re not pretending anymore.