The 5 Best Romance Novels To Read On Your Weekend Getaway
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Whether taking a solo trip to the coast or snuggling up by the fire in a cozy cabin, a weekend getaway is a perfect time to squeeze in some quality one-on-one time with your mental health. And what better way to release some stress than cracking open a romance novel and entering the world of mushy plot lines and steamy love scenes? With the rise of #BookTok — primarily composed of young readers who prefer passionate and emotional books that conjure a good cry sesh — romance novels have seen a massive uptick in sales within the last year (via NPR).
Whether you're a long-time romance novel fan or just dipping your toes in the genre, there are countless recommendations out there to spice up your weekend getaway. Curious about where to begin searching for the best one? We compiled a list of five of the best romance novels that you should definitely check out before making your final selection.
You're The One That I Want by Angela Britnell
If you suddenly started humming the "Grease" tune by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John with the matching title of this book — same. "You're The One That I Want" by Angela Britnell is a little different than that movie's plot line, though, except one thing is for sure: it's bound to make you feel all the warm fuzzy feelings and is highly recommended by several 5-star reviewers on Amazon.
When Sarah Agnoli wins an all-expense paid trip to Europe, the first person she thinks to go with her is, well, any man who will make her recent cheating ex-husband jealous (naturally). And how can Nashville businessman Matt Anderson say no? While the two embark on their European tour, pretending to be a real couple and posing for selfies together, something clicks. Perhaps they want the real thing instead?
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
True-crime lovers, this one's for you — except this isn't a gory horror or suspenseful mystery novel. You get the best of both romantically thrilling worlds with "My Killer Vacation" by New York Times best selling author Tessa Bailey. Exhilarating yet steamy, this POV novel told by both love interests is sure to spice up your weekend getaway.
Nothing ruins a relaxing weekend more than finding a corpse in your rental property. When Taylor goes on vacation with her brother, she wasn't expecting this — nor was she expecting the motorcycle-riding brash bounty hunter who arrives on the scene to be so sexy. Taylor is an amateur true-crime sleuth who demands she can help, and Myles, the bounty hunter, thinks she's full of it (but he has to admit, she is gorgeous). Can he solve the murder through the undeniable connection they share?
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Have you ever felt like you were just plain unlucky? Everyone around you seems to have it all while you live your life filled with mundane routines and comfortable loneliness? If the answer is yes, (first of all, sorry), you may enjoy reading "The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren.
The main character in this romance novel, Olive, can relate. When her sister gets married and forces Olive to spend the next 24 hours in the same vicinity as her sworn enemy and the best man, Ethan, she can't wait to return to her unlucky yet comfy life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, and only Olive and Ethan are unscathed, the all-expense-paid honeymoon in Hawaii is up for grabs. For the sake of a free vacation, they both agree to go. By the trip's end, Olive might begin to feel lucky for once in her life.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
Reminiscent of the film "The Holiday" starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, "The Holiday Trap" by Roan Parrish takes on an LGBTQIA+ twist, involving two single individuals who switch homes for the winter holiday, potentially finding love far away from home. Publisher's Weekly writes that Parrish "unabashedly embraces rom-com tropes in this charming if slightly overcrowded queer holiday romance," and we think it's the perfect addition for your holiday vacation.
Even though it seems like nobody in her life fully understands what it's like to be a lesbian in a small town, Greta loves her close-knit family and enjoys living in her small town in Maine. But one winter, Greta decides she desperately needs the space to figure out who she is, so she travels to New Orleans to swap homes with Truman, a recently single man who just found out his boyfriend was living a double life (complete with husband and child). What will come of this house swap, and what decisions will be made after they both inevitably find love far away from home?
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
If you are an active member of #BookTok, you know that Colleen Hoover has led the pack of romance novel authors everywhere. This is especially true when it comes to her New York Times bestselling book, "It Ends with Us," which is hands down the ultimate beach read that will keep you entertained your entire vacation.
Everything in Lily's life seems too good to be true: she graduated from college, moved to Boston, started a business, and met handsome neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. But of course, things don't stay perfect for long when Lily's first love comes back into the picture. Suddenly, her world is shaken, and Lily finds herself at a crossroads. Who will she choose? Much like any romance novel on this list, "It Ends with Us" will make even the most skeptical of romance novel critics swoon with butterflies.