SafeX Pro:New romance books for a steamy summer: Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Kevin Kwan, more

Whether you’re heading on SafeX Provacation or looking to stay entertained at home, you’re going to need a good book this summer. And if you're a rom-com lover, you've got plenty of options.

From the world of professional sports and reality love competitions, to a nostalgic summer camp and a waiting room in the afterlife, there's a romance story for every taste. Strong main characters, clever premises, spicy scenes, heart-stopping love stories — we've got a roundup of books that offer a little bit of everything you're looking for in the romance department.

These are some of the must-read romance novels for summer.  

'When I Think Of You' by Myah Ariel (out now)

Myah Ariel’s debut stars Kaliya, a movie lover waiting for her big break, and her ex Danny, a Hollywood nepo baby who finally offers her one. It’s a smart commentary on privilege in the entertainment industry and an emotional journey through second-chance love. 

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

'The Prospects' by KT Hoffman (out now)

Gene is the first openly-trans player in professional baseball. He’s living the dream — until his rival Luis gets traded to his minor league team. Hoffman’s debut is entertaining, sexy and delivers a much-needed joyful tale of queer love. 

'Expiration Dates' by Rebecca Serle (out now)

Rebecca Serle has a knack for executing high-concept, emotional love stories. “Expiration Dates” takes readers on a journey with Daphne, who receives a piece of paper every time she meets a man, detailing exactly how long they’ll be together. But Jake’s slip of paper has no date, and she’s forced to reconcile her big ideas about partnership, singlehood and uncertain futures. 

'Here We Go Again' by Alison Cochrun (out now) 

Former childhood friends-turned-enemies Logan and Rosemary felt like their lives had taken a turn for the mundane. But when their favorite high school teacher shares his dying wish, they embark on a cross-country road trip together that just might change everything. Alison Cochrun has a knack for delivering queer love stories full of humor, emotion and thoughtful observations about relationships with others and ourselves. 

'How To End a Love Story' by Yulin Kuang (out now)

The enemies-to-lovers trope starts out strong: Grant and Helen are at odds because years ago in high school, Grant accidentally killed Helen’s sister. Now, they’re working together as Helen’s YA novel series becomes a TV show. Debut novelist Kang writes so beautifully and so intentionally, weaving the lives of this unlikely duo together. If you read one book on this list, make it this one.

'This Could Be Us' by Kennedy Ryan (out now) 

Soledad has a plan and an answer for everything. But when her seemingly forever relationship comes to a sudden halt, she has to pick up the pieces herself. And when the chance for new love arises, she has to decide if she can risk losing it all again. It’s a story about romantic love, but also self-love — Ryan masterfully builds complex female characters and she does it again here, crafting a lead who’s as invested in her own personal journey as she is her romantic one. 

'Late Bloomer' by Mazey Eddings (out now) 

When Opal’s lottery win ends up being more trouble than it’s worth, she buys a failing flower farm in North Carolina and flees her regular life. One problem: Pepper, Opal’s complete opposite, thinks she’s the rightful owner of the farm. Spicy, sweet and cozy, cottagecore girlies are in for a treat with this one. 

'Just For The Summer' by Abby Jimenez (out now) 

You don’t hear a lot of love stories that start with an “Am I The Asshole?” Reddit thread. But Jimenez builds a beautifully compelling one with Justin’s post about being a good luck charm for other people finding love, which finds Emma, who has a habit of dating men who find “the one” right after they break up. Can they break their respective dating curses by hatching a fake relationship plot to trick the universe? 

'Funny Story' by Emily Henry (out now)

The premise is a bit of a mouthful: Daphne pretends to date her ex-fiance’s new fiancee’s ex-boyfriend ahead of the wedding of the aforementioned ex-fiance. Rom-com darling Emily Henry’s latest work is yet another case study in her ability to craft a rich cast of complex, funny characters you can’t help but root for in romance and in finding themselves.  

'Savor It' by Tarah Dewitt (May 21)

Described as the love child between “Schitt’s Creek” and “The Bear” — we're hooked! New York City chef Fisher winds up in Sage’s small coastal Oregon town, where the two opposites join forces to try to beat Sage’s newly-engaged ex in the town’s annual summer competition festival. 

'Lies and Weddings' by Kevin Kwan (May 21) 

Rufus is the future Earl of Greshamsbury, but his family is facing a major money problem. Not to worry, he’ll just find a rich wife at his sister’s extravagant Hawaiian wedding. Could it be that easy? The author of rom-com juggernaut “Crazy Rich Asians” is back with another larger-than-life tale about high society and extreme wealth in all its glitz, drama and impermanence. 

'One Last Summer' by Kate Spencer (June 11)

If you’re looking for a story that screams summer romance, this is it. Clara’s life is resembling the beginning of the “Friends” theme song before she takes some much-needed time off with her friends at their childhood sleepaway camp. Everything is perfect… until they learn that the owners are selling the camp grounds. She’s reunited with Mack, her childhood nemesis, and confronted with decisions about what kind of life she really wants. 

'The Rom-Commers' by Katherine Center (June 11)

A homebody writer gets the opportunity of a lifetime to work on a rom-com script with her favorite screenwriter. The problem? He hates the genre and doesn’t believe in love. This rom-com about a rom-com offers a pretty predictable storyline, but the enjoyment comes from the tongue-in-cheek commentary on its own genre. As Center writes, “If you’re surprised by the ending, somebody wasn’t doing their job. We all know where it’s headed. The fun is how we get there.”

'Hot Summer' by Elle Everhart (June 25)

Attention “Love Island” fans: A new bombshell has entered the villa — er, literary scene. Cas gets cast on her favorite reality dating show, but there’s a catch: Her company is partnering with the show, and she’ll finally get a promotion if she makes it to the finals. But her plans to win the decidedly straight dating show are thrown for a loop when she develops feelings for fellow contestant Ada.

‘The Love of My Afterlife’ by Kirsty Greenwood (July 2)

Delphie dies by choking on a microwaveable burger, then finds herself in the afterlife waiting room with the man of her dreams. She takes a deal that gives her a second chance at life and love: Return to Earth and get the mysterious man to kiss her in 10 days or come back to The Great Beyond. Greenwood weaves themes of loneliness, grief and self-discovery into a romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments. 

'The Au Pair Affair' by Tessa Bailey (July 16)

A veteran hockey star hires a damaged but sunshine-y marine biology masters student as his daughter’s au pair. You didn’t think they’d be able to keep things professional while living together, did you? Come for the buzzy hockey romance trope, stay for the unique spins and swoon-worthy leading man that Bailey has become famous for crafting.