Summer Romance Novels

August has a special hold on those of us who are incurable romantics. Somewhere between daydreaming in the sun and gazing at the Perseid meteor shower at night, we chase the last glimpse of summer in swoon worthy romance novels. 

From the tales of love as gentle as the fluttering of butterfly’s wings to the stories of torrid passion as destructive as a hurricane, these riveting books encapsulate the promise of eternal summer, only hot romance can give.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

“Imagine you can get this one perfect flat to live right in London’s expensive core. Only thing, you share one bed with your flat mate – just at different times. Would you not get curious? But how do you ever get to meet when you are using the flat at different times? Well… There is a way and Beth O’leary has used it to create one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in ages.

But she did even more. In the most gentle way she describes one shady character who will pull any triggers in survivors of emotional abuse. She found a kind way of rising awareness without using force. It’s not only a sweet story but a wake up for those who are in odd situations which they can’t pinpoint.”- K. Schreiber

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My Map of You by Isabelle Broom

Life cannot get any more complicated for Holly Wright, a troubled woman who prefers a life of a hermit following her mother’s death. An unexpected inheritance from an aunt, whom Holly has never met, lures her to the Greek Island of Zakynthos feeding her curiosity. Much to her surprise, the heroine uncovers the family secrets that have been buried away from her for many years. Here, in the Land of Gods, a twist of fate throws Holly together with Aidan, a handsome new neighbour who offers his assistance for the next two weeks. Breathtakingly realistic, the chemistry between two characters is described in a dynamic and passionate way turning the book into a spellbinding summer treat. Isabelle Broom deftly captures the life on the island with its secluded tavernas, local delicacies and wandering tourists where dazzling sunlight and heady summer air seep through the pages.

Breathe The Sky by Michelle Hazen

“Mari was digging herself out of financial ruin, all the result of a relationship that ended very badly. She was hurting for money, for self-confidence and a place in the world she could feel safe and comfortable. Jack ran his work site with a lot of skill, much yelling and a reputation that preceded him… Underneath that blustery exterior, however, was a soul yearning for acceptance and understanding. As the last sacrificial biologist of the team, Mari had to take her turn working with him, and what they both received was incredible…”- Diducky

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

In 1811, Sense and Sensibility- an intriguing new novel by a lady, who would not reveal her true identity- was published in London. Shortly after, the news of a literary phenomenon spread through the city like wildfire. This was the first of many novels by Jane Austen that would fascinate the generations of readers around the world. Seasoned with a fair share of heartbreaks and sprinkled with witty remarks, this rich feast of romance is layered with a range of conflicting emotions, financial uncertainties and social conventions in Victorian society. The story of Dashwood sisters in their tumultuous pursuit of happiness resonated with young progressive aristocracy and literary gatekeepers alike, encouraging the author to continue her writing career.

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Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence

One of the most risqué novels of its time, this tale of forbidden love was considered the best kept secret in romance fiction. Having returned from the World War I paralysed and impotent, Clifford Chatterley begins to suspect his beloved wife of adultery. Stranded in a passionless marriage, Connie finds consolation in the arms of a gamekeeper Oliver Mellors, embarking on the most scandalous extramarital affair that can potentially lead her to downfall. Sensual and stimulating, this delicious guilty pleasure will soon become your little secret, living on the top shelf of your bookcase.

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And Then You Loved Me by Inglath Cooper

“A many layered tale of how actions and decisions and young love affect lives many years into the future. The characters are ones you can fall for – even Martha, who seems so rigid and disapproving, the silent, ailing Emmy whose tragedy is locked up inside her and the stoic Aaron, who also has his breaking point. The story unfolds in segments of 18 years ago and their lives now, the question is if they can undo some of the mistakes of the past, will they be able to move forward and be free of the secrets and lies that have bogged them down.

When Matt’s grandmother dies and he comes home for the funeral, will he and his first love Becca be able to reconcile or will Becca stay with the husband she has never loved the way she loves Matt?”- Fiona P

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The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

This beautifully written, evocative novel has the power to capture your mind and keep your heart a prisoner to the very last page. After 40 years of marriage, Arthur Pepper is struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death. Little, seemingly irrelevant things evoke the memories of his beloved one reopening the old wounds. One day, as the widower sorts through his wife’s possessions, he happens upon a mysterious charm, which brings him on an exciting quest half way across the world. Determined to get to the bottom of the truth, Arthur learns about the secret life his wife led before their marriage and discovers the healing potency of love. Funny and poignant, this summer read will appeal to both hopeless romantics and wild adventurers alike.

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Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

By turns macabre, moving and highly unsettling, this Gothic tale is told in a series of flashbacks by a lodger, reflecting upon his recent visit to Wuthering Heights. His story spins back in time, slowly revealing the dark history of the Earnshaw family, who open their doors to an orphan found on the streets of Liverpool. In spite of being raised as an equal member of the family, Heathcliff is reduced to working in a stable by Hindley Earnshaw, who lets the hatred for his less fortunate brother take the better of him. Having been denied a chance to marry his adoptive sister, the young man ventures out into the big wide world in order to prove his worth to his beloved Cathy. As Heathcliff returns to The Heights an eligible bachelor, once delicate bond between the siblings blossoms into a hurricane of emotions, turning everything they touch to dust.

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When We Collided by Emiry Lord

Looking for a romantic getaway? Why not explore Californian shores in a new novel by Emiry Lord? This heartfelt story revolves around seventeen-year olds Vivi and Jonah, whose lives change irrevocably as their worlds collide. While Jonah has to face the harsh reality assuming responsibility for the family upon his father’s death, brighter-than-the-ray-of-light Vivi lives her life on the edge! Her carefree spirit and a genuine sense of adventure captivate Jonah inviting him to an alternative universe where they can let go of the little things that hold them back. But will the relationship survive in the shadows of bipolar disorder and unbreakable family bonds? 

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

“The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude.”

Controversial, at the time of its publication, The Awakening gives an honest description of female infidelity. Chopin portrays a woman, who seeks passionate physical love in the arms of her new admirer, Robert, whom she met on an island. Tragically, after reclaiming the dreams of her youth, Edna abandons her family.

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The Professor by Charlotte Brontë

When William Crimsworth -an unlikely hero who disavows his family legacy -sets off to seek his fortune in Belgium, little does he know that the foreign land will soon alter his soul. A compelling melange of power, intrigue and redemption, the story weaves an intricate web of intoxicating infatuation, where the only way to escape it is to look beyond the glitz and glamour of deception. Inspired by the author’s continental education, The Professor challenges many preconceptions of romance, religion and societal values circulating in nineteenth-century Europe. Having been published posthumously, this underrated work in Charlotte Brontë’s “long apprenticeship in writing” certainly deserves a wider audience.

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Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

Set in the English village of Weatherbury, a bittersweet love story follows the life of Bathsheba Everdene, a beautiful, financially independent and high-spirited young woman, who finds herself in the centre of a love triangle. Bathsheba is pursued by three suitors: a devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak, a seductive and reckless Sergeant Troy and a wealthy reclusive farmer William Boldwood. But despite her magnetism, she is yet to learn that the path to true happiness is paved with broken hearts, scandal, and betrayal. Famous for lush descriptions of nature and romantic entanglements, Thomas Hardy creates a timeless tour de force that depicts tranquil countryside against the personal transformation of each character.

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