If you’re anything like me, when a long weekend rolls around, the first thing you pack isn’t clothes—it’s your book stack. And this month's new releases delivered exactly what my beach bag needed: three fresh, funny, and heart-fluttering rom-coms, each perfect for reading by the pool, lake, or lounging under the string lights on your back porch. ☀️📚

Whether you’re a sucker for a grumpy-sunshine romance, a fan of workplace tension, or in your enemies-to-lovers era, this trio of books has something for everyone:

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The Love Haters by Katherine Center

If Katherine Center’s name is on the cover, I’m already in. But The Love Haters might just be my new summer fave. Think: a sunshiney video producer stuck in Key West with a grumpy (and extremely hot) rescue swimmer… who also happens to be her boss’s brother.

It’s got:

  • Grumpy x Sunshine energy
  • Forced proximity (yes, they’re stuck together!)
  • First responder MMC
  • Full-on vacation romance vibes

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It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

Annabel Monaghan is back with another hilarious, heartfelt rom-com that balances swoon-worthy romance with real-life relatability. This time, it’s two rival creatives stuck working together, and trust me—this one has banter for days.

Expect:

  • Grumpy x Sunshine (again? always.)
  • Rivals to Lovers (but make it cozy)
  • Single POV that pulls you right into her head
  • Forced proximity in the workplace

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Love Sick by Deidra Duncan

New Author Alert! Deidra Duncan’s debut rom-com, Love Sick, is the perfect mix of heartache, humor, and sizzling slow-burn romance—all with a side of professional chaos. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to survive medical residency and fall head over heels for someone completely wrong for you (or so you think), look no further!

This one features:

  • Enemies to Lovers
  • Slow Burn
  • ADHD MMC + Social Anxiety FMC
  • Medical Rom Com (written by a doctor)

No matter where you’re reading from this weekend—on the road, on the sand, or curled up in a hammock—these three rom-coms will keep you smiling, swooning, and turning pages. And hey, we deserve a little joy between sunscreen reapplications and snack runs. 💕

🎧 Want to bring the rom-com vibes to your earbuds too?
Whether you're road-tripping, pool-floating, or folding laundry, these hilarious, heartwarming reads are just as good on audio. Try them FREE with a 30-day Audible trial—no strings attached!
👉 Get your free trial here

Have you read any of these yet? Which one is going in your beach bag first?

👇 Let me know in the comments or DM me on Instagram @inkandimaginings!