July is in full swing, and the oppressive summer weather has kept me from venturing outside for much more than early-morning outings to water my withering potted plants. On the other hand, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying a different kind of heat in a new batch of romance novels on my bedside table. From beachy romps to Vegas adventures, these are the books turning up the temperature in all the best ways.

*****

Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of Ibiza, R.S. Grey’s Our Secret Summer (Requited) delivers a workplace romance that balances flirty fun with surprising emotional depth.

After the loss of her beloved sister, Winnie, Isabel leaves behind her carefully planned corporate life to spend the summer in Ibiza completing Winnie’s unfinished bucket list. (Watching Isabel push herself outside her comfort zone is one of the novel’s greatest strengths.) As she embraces new experiences — and a new version of herself as “Elle” — her journey through grief, healing, and self-discovery gives the story a depth that elevates it beyond the usual summer-reading fare.

The romance is just as satisfying. Cristiano, Isabel’s wealthy, brooding, off-limits boss, is the perfect slow-burn love interest, possessive and tender in equal measure. Their relationship unfolds through witty banter, lingering glances, and plenty of delicious tension before finally giving way to a well-earned, swoony payoff. The workplace dynamic adds just enough forbidden steam to keep the sparks flying without overshadowing Isabel’s personal journey.

Grey also makes Ibiza feel like a character in its own right. Between its gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and yacht parties, the Spanish island provides an exquisite backdrop for a story about taking chances and embracing life. A memorable supporting cast rounds out the experience, adding humor and friendship to Isabel’s journey. Delivering both irresistible chemistry and an emotionally rewarding story, Our Secret Summer is an ideal addition to your beach bag.

*****

Jenn McKinlay’s The Summer Share (Berkley) is a heartfelt coastal romance that combines small-town charm, family secrets, and a solid love story.

After the death of her cherished Pops, travel influencer Hannah Spencer and her Great Dane, Dude, head to Cape Split, North Carolina, to claim the beach cottage he left her. She hopes the house will become the home she’s been searching for after years spent traveling the country in her van. Instead, she finds the place in far worse shape than she expected — and discovers she only owns half of it. The other half belongs to Simon O’Malley, who inherited his share from his Gramps. With a stipulation in their grandfathers’ wills requiring them to spend the summer at the cottage together, neither Hannah nor Simon gets the inheritance they expected.

Hannah’s hopeful, go-with-the-flow outlook couldn’t be more different from Simon’s practical, duty-bound approach to life. While she sees the cottage as a chance to finally put down roots, he views it as an albatross that must be sold. As they tackle repairs, process their shared grief, and begin unraveling the secret their grandfathers left behind, their initial friction gives way to friendship, trust, and a romance that develops at a natural, believable pace.

McKinlay gives Hannah’s and Simon’s emotional journeys as much weight as the romance itself, creating well-rounded characters whose struggles and triumphs feel authentic. And the delightfully goofy Dude steals nearly every scene he’s in — which is one more reason to adore this book! Brimming with love and hope, The Summer Share is an irresistible story about passion, second chances, and discovering that home is often found in the people who choose to stand by you.

*****

Who doesn’t love a Vegas wedding? In Winner Takes All (Emily Bestler Books), Emily Martin delivers a laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance that balances hijinks with heart.

Talent scout Eleanor Thompson arrives in Las Vegas determined to sign the hottest up-and-coming band, Dempsey. The stakes are high, and getting the band on board could save her job. The last person she expects to see is Adam Shaw, her former colleague and biggest professional rival, who’s chasing the same prize. After a night of competitive drinking and one-upmanship, they wake up married with no memory of saying “I do” — and just hours to undo the damage. They immediately set off on a frantic race across Sin City to retrace their steps, recover a missing ID, secure an annulment, and somehow still convince the band to sign with one of them before the clock runs out.

While the premise is delightfully over-the-top, the romance is grounded by two unexpectedly layered protagonists. Eleanor’s prickly exterior masks years of professional insecurity and judgment from her former workplace, while Adam is quietly burdened by the expectations that come with his famous family name. They slowly begin to see each other in a new light as they stumble from one increasingly ridiculous predicament to the next.

Martin expertly captures the chaotic energy of Las Vegas, making the city an essential part of the story rather than simply a backdrop. Fast-paced, funny, and packed with sharp banter and sexual tension, this is a wildly entertaining romcom that’s every bit as sweet as it is absurd.

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.