Swoony, Sunny, and Maybe a Little Messy: 15 Romances I’m Considering for the Summer Guide!
Friends-to-lovers, fake dating, second chances, and more—these 15 romances brought the feels. Which ones are guide-worthy?
The Journal: On Tuesdays, dive into personal essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from my bookish and personal life.
📚💖 Behind the Scenes of the Summer Reading Guide (Romance Edition)
Hi Bookish Besties,
We’re getting closer to the reveal of The 2025 Summer Reading Guide, and this week, I’m sharing the genre that’s guaranteed to bring the swoons, the butterflies, and all the messy, joyful feelings: romance. You can expect everything from slow-burn small-town love stories to big, bold second-chance swoonfests I’ve been vetting for the guide.
If you’re new here (welcome!), every other week in The Journal, I’ve been sharing early book reviews for a specific genre I’m considering for the guide. These are personal, behind-the-scenes notes, and so far, we’ve done:
Mystery & Thriller: These Mystery & Thriller Books Are SO GOOD… But Are They Guide-Worthy?
Literary Fiction: 13 Literary Fiction Books I Might Put in the Summer Guide (But Should I?)
This week, I’m sharing my early romance picks, with 15 books I’ve read and loved so far—and spotlighting my top 5 favorites from the list. From friends-to-lovers to secret identities and fake dating (my weakness!), these stories delivered big feelings—but will they make the final cut?
Keep reading for:
My review style and vetting criteria for summer-ready romances.
Early reviews of 15 books I'm considering for inclusion.
What kind of reader each book is perfect for.
Why it might (or might not) fit the Summer Guide vibe.
A poll where YOU can vote on what sounds good to you—basically what pitch has you interested.
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