Every August, I find myself caught between wanting summer to slow down and craving the fresh start that fall always promises. I’m ready for a little more routine — and shiny new notebooks! — but I’m also determined to squeeze every last bit out of these long days, especially when it comes to reading. These are the romance novels I’d recommend curling up with before summer ends. Happy reading!

*****

Chelsea Curto takes readers into the eye of the storm in In Stormy Weather (Atria), a smart romance that pairs hurricane chasing with lots of romantic tension.

Quincy Monroe has worked hard to become one of the most respected young meteorologists in the field. With a Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences and her wildly popular online program, “The Rainy Day Show,” she’s built a loyal following by making weather both fascinating and accessible. In fact, she just hit a million followers on Instagram. She’s not just chasing hurricanes, though: She’s chasing her biggest career goal yet — a coveted position with the National Weather Service. The only problem is that her longtime rival, Sebastian Dunn, is competing for the same job. 

Sebastian has spent years competing with Quincy professionally, but he’s also spent those years quietly admiring her tenacity. A successful TV meteorologist — and Quincy’s best friend’s brother — he brings charm to their rivalry, which quickly gives way to undeniable chemistry. Watching them talk forecasts, chase hurricanes, and slowly lower their defenses made for a romance that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining.

I especially loved seeing a smart, ambitious woman in STEM take center stage, and Curto thoughtfully explores both Quincy’s passion for meteorology and the challenges of succeeding in a male-dominated profession. The storm-chasing scenes are exciting, the science feels authentic without losing sight of the romance, and Florida’s hurricane season provides a fresh backdrop unlike anything I’ve read lately. This is a perfect rainy-day read.

*****

Kayla Olson is back with another fun, flirty, adventurous romance in The Great Outdoors (Atria).

After her boyfriend dumps her for being too “high-maintenance,” Sadie Whitlock decides she’s going to prove him wrong in the most dramatic way possible: She signs up for a grueling backpacking trek through California’s High Sierras. The problem is, Sadie is very much an indoors person who prefers luxury hotels to sleeping bags and who has absolutely no idea what she’s gotten herself into. What starts as an attempt to prove something to her ex quickly becomes a journey of self-discovery as Sadie realizes she’s stronger, braver, and far more capable than she’s ever given herself credit for. She tackles every new challenge with determination and is never afraid to laugh at herself along the way.

If Sadie is completely out of her element, expedition leader August Thorn is exactly where he’s meant to be. The mountains have always felt like home to him, and helping others safely navigate them is more than a job — it’s who he is. Thorn is patient, dependable, and infinitely swoony, but he also knows getting involved with a client is against the rules. But that doesn’t stop the sparks from flying. Their easy banter, growing respect for one another, and slow-building attraction make this romance feel wonderfully earned, and the dual points of view let readers fall for both characters as they each begin questioning the lives they’ve carefully built.

I loved Olson’s The Lodge, and she delivers in The Great Outdoors another outstanding romcom with unforgettable characters, a breathtaking wilderness setting, and a supporting cast that adds plenty of humor and heart to the journey. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone like Sadie (or, honestly, me) who considers air conditioning an essential part of life, this one is the perfect end-of-summer romance.

*****

Fans of summerween will be enchanted by Kelly Creagh’s spin on the grumpy/sunshine trope in A Date with Death (Gallery Books).

Helena Hart is a children’s librarian whose Halloween night goes from bad to worse to completely off the rails. The only person willing to listen to her complain is a mysterious stranger dressed as the Grim Reaper. Except he isn’t just dressed as Death — he’s the real deal. But instead of collecting Helena’s soul, Grim saves her life and vanishes, leaving her to wonder if she imagined the whole bizarre encounter.

Grim has always done what he’s meant to do: reaping souls, following the rules, and keeping his emotions firmly under control. But after failing to collect Helena’s soul, he finds himself continually drawn to the one person who should be completely off-limits. Grim is exactly the brooding, emotionally repressed hero you’d expect from Death himself, but Helena has a way of cracking through his carefully guarded exterior. Watching this tormented soul-collector grapple with very human emotions is equal parts funny and surprisingly touching, and their dynamic is utterly irresistible.

Creagh’s imaginative Netherworld, along with Grim’s quirky coworkers, add even more charm to this already unique premise. With its perfect mix of spooky atmosphere, humor, and romance, A Date with Death is an ideal read for anyone craving a little Halloween magic before fall officially arrives. As someone who loves paranormal romance and spent years working in the children’s department of the public library, I would totally swipe right on A Date with Death.

Kristina Wright lives in Virginia with her husband, their two sons, two Goldendoodles, and a ginger cat. She’s a regular contributor at BookBub and a lifelong fan of romance fiction. Find her on Bluesky at @kristinawright.