We’ve got long-time crushes, second chance romance, fake dating, friends-to-lovers, and rivals falling in love. A lot of last month’s themes are back in July: the one-of-us-is-famous love affairs, the family-pleasing antics, the foodies, the trying-to-make-your-dream-happen-and-finding-love-along-the-way plot line. Note that there aren’t as many noteworthy LGBTQ+ romances as we usually like to include. This is likely because many of them are published during or just before Pride Month. But plenty more will be on the shelves in August — watch this space! In the meantime, throw one of these in your beach bag along with your suncream, make yourself comfortable on a poolside sunlounger, head to the shade of a tree in your favourite park, or crank up that air conditioning and make yourself cosy at home. Light the scented candles; pour the wine; grab some reading-friendly snacks; put on a feel-good playlist; run a bath. I’m pretty sure there’s something for you on this list whatever you’re into, and, after the last couple of years, don’t we all deserve some self care? Need more romance in your life? Check out 8 New Romance Novels You’ll Fall in Love With in 2022 and The Next 12 Books Like the Love Hypothesis. (Note that this book was previously erroneously included in a June romance roundup.)
