10+ Best Summer Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you ready to dive into the swoon-worthy world of summer romance books for 20-year-olds? Whether you're lounging by the pool or curled up in your favorite cozy nook, we've got a lineup of reads that'll whisk you away on romantic adventures that are just perfect for your age group. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections of summer romance books for 20-year-olds that are sure to add some extra sparkle to your sunny days!
Table of Contents
Fun Summer Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds
- The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- Synopsis: The story revolves around Belly Conklin, who spends every summer at Cousins Beach with her mother, brother, and her mother's best friend's family. This summer, everything changes as she finds herself caught in a love triangle that challenges her childhood friendships and her heart.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a light, engaging read that captures the essence of summer love and growing up. It resonates with young adults dealing with first loves and complex friendships.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy heartfelt, coming-of-age stories and romantic dilemmas.
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary
- Synopsis: January Andrews, a romance writer, and Gus Everett, a literary fiction writer, are polar opposites and college rivals. They end up as neighbors for the summer, challenging each other to step out of their comfort zones in their writing and in their lives.
- Why we recommend this book: This novel offers a fun and reflective take on life and love, blending emotional depth with witty banter. It's perfect for young adults exploring their passions and future paths.
- Perfect for: Anyone who loves stories about writers, challenges, and unexpected romances.
- You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
- Genre(s): Romance, Romantic Comedy
- Synopsis: Naomi Westfield and her fiancé, Nicholas Rose, seem perfect together, but as their wedding approaches, they start to annoy each other to the point of questioning their engagement. They end up competing in a hilarious battle of wits to avoid being stuck with the nonrefundable wedding bill.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a hilarious and heartwarming story that explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of finding someone who truly understands you.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a laugh-out-loud romance that also offers a genuine look at relationships.
- Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Lina spends the summer in Tuscany to fulfill her mother's dying wish of getting to know her father. Along the way, she discovers the magic of Italy, the art of gelato, and the secrets of her mother’s past.
- Why we recommend this book: This enchanting novel combines the allure of Italy with a sweet story of self-discovery and first love. It's perfect for those who dream of adventure and romance.
- Perfect for: Travel enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a sweet, scenic romance with a touch of mystery.
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- Genre(s): Romance, Romantic Comedy
- Synopsis: Olive Torres is perennially unlucky, but when her sister's wedding ends in disaster, she ends up on the honeymoon with the best man, Ethan, who she can't stand. What starts as a contentious trip turns into something neither of them expects.
- Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and engaging enemies-to-lovers story with plenty of humor and heart. Perfect for young adults looking to escape into a feel-good romance.
- Perfect for: Fans of witty banter, tropical settings, and stories where opposites attract.
Educational Summer Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary
- Synopsis: This novel follows Marianne and Connell from their high school days in a small Irish town to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. The book explores the complexities of intimacy, power dynamics, and the profound impact they have on one another's lives.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding complex relationships, social class awareness
- Why we recommend this book: Rooney's writing captures the subtleties of human relationships with a raw and realistic lens, making it a deeply moving read.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in psychologically rich narratives and character-driven stories.
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult
- Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, cultural awareness, historical context of the 1980s
- Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the thrill and sweetness of young love, along with the challenges that come with it.
- Perfect for: Those who appreciate nostalgic settings and stories about first love.
- Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
- Genre(s): Romance, LGBT
- Synopsis: A tender and profound story of a sudden and powerful romance that blossoms between an adolescent boy and a summer guest at his parents' cliff-side mansion on the Italian Riviera.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional depth, cultural appreciation, understanding of human desires
- Why we recommend this book: Aciman's exquisite prose and the intense exploration of feelings between two individuals make it a compelling and unforgettable read.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a deeply emotional and beautifully written love story.
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life. Now that she's starting college, she's completely outside of her comfort zone, struggling with her twin sister growing apart, her mother coming back into her life, and a charming classmate who wants to talk about words more than wizards.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of fan culture, development of personal identity, coping with change
- Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable and heartwarming story about growing up and finding your own voice.
- Perfect for: Young adults who love fanfiction, stories about fandom, and narratives that address the transition to adulthood.
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary, Humor
- Synopsis: Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner. But then he meets Rosie, who is everything he's not looking for, leading to an unexpected journey of love and self-discovery.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, understanding of social disorders, relationship dynamics
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a humorous, yet insightful look into the complexities of love and relationships through a unique protagonist.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy a mix of humor, romance, and psychological insights.
Challenging Summer Romance Books for 20-Year-Olds
- One Day by David Nicholls
- Genre(s): Romance, Contemporary
- Synopsis: The novel spans 20 years, capturing the lives of Emma and Dexter who meet during their graduation and decide to revisit each other on the same date each year. It explores their changes, dreams, disappointments, and the evolving love between them.
- Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of time, change, and the impact of life choices on personal relationships, requiring readers to contemplate the long-term effects of their actions.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a poignant and reflective look at relationships over time, providing mature insights into love, friendship, and personal growth.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a realistic and thought-provoking exploration of love and life's unpredictable nature.
- Atonement by Ian McEwan
- Genre(s): Historical Romance, Drama
- Synopsis: This novel follows young Briony Tallis who, after a misunderstanding, accuses her sister's lover of a crime he did not commit, which changes the course of all their lives forever.
- Why this book is challenging: It uses intricate narrative structures and delves deeply into themes of guilt, redemption, and the subjective nature of truth.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, emotionally intense novel that challenges readers to consider the consequences of their actions and the possibility of atonement.
- Perfect for: Those interested in a complex narrative that combines romance with significant historical and ethical questions.
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
- Synopsis: Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are trained from childhood to compete in a magical duel within the confines of a wondrous and enchanted circus, only to fall deeply in love with each other, a complication that jeopardizes their fates and the lives of everyone involved in the circus.
- Why this book is challenging: It features a non-linear narrative and richly detailed magical elements that demand careful reading and engagement with the text.
- Why we recommend this book: This book captivates with its magical realism and deep romance, offering a unique and immersive reading experience.
- Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy and romance woven together in a complex, beautifully crafted narrative.
- Possession by A.S. Byatt
- Genre(s): Historical Romance, Literary Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel intertwines the stories of two modern scholars and the Victorian poets they study. Discovering their letters, journals, and poems, they uncover a compelling connection filled with mystery, romance, and scholarly intrigue.
- Why this book is challenging: It is densely packed with literary references, poetry, and a dual narrative that spans different time periods, requiring significant intellectual engagement.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a richly textured novel that offers a deep dive into Victorian and modern literary studies, providing a compelling mix of romance and intellectual challenge.
- Perfect for: Literature enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of romance, poetry, and academic pursuit.
- The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Romance
- Synopsis: This unconventional love story centers on Clare and Henry, who has a rare genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably. Their love is defined by separation and reunion, providing a unique perspective on time and love.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel’s complex plot involves non-linear time travel that challenges the reader's perception of time and causality.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of science fiction and romance, exploring deep questions about love, fate, and the effects of time on relationships.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy a mix of romance with speculative elements, and stories that offer a new take on conventional narratives.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! Diving into summer romance books is like taking a mini-vacation filled with love, sun, and adventure. If you're around 20 and looking to build some solid reading habits while enjoying these stories, I've got some cool exercises for you. These will not only enhance your reading experience but also help you retain and reflect on the sweet narratives you'll encounter.
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how many books or pages you want to read each week or month.
- How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your reading list.
- Tips: Start small and gradually increase your goal as you get more comfortable.
- Read at the Same Time Every Day
- What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day exclusively for reading.
- How it helps: Creates a routine, making it easier to incorporate reading into your daily activities.
- Tips: Morning or bedtime are popular choices as they are generally quieter moments.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
- How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
- Tips: Look for local clubs or online groups that focus on romance or genres that interest you.
- Use Social Media Wisely
- What it is: Follow book bloggers, join book-related groups, and participate in reading challenges on social media.
- How it helps: Keeps you engaged and informed about new books and trending discussions.
- Tips: Set specific times to check these platforms to avoid getting too distracted.
- Create a Cozy Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner in your home where you can read comfortably.
- How it helps: Enhances your reading experience by making it more enjoyable and relaxing.
- Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and perhaps a small shelf for your books.
- Reflect on What You Read
- What it is: Spend some time thinking about the book after you finish it.
- How it helps: Deepens understanding and appreciation of the story and characters.
- Tips: Write down your thoughts or discuss the book with a friend.
- Swap Books with Friends
- What it is: Exchange books with friends who also enjoy reading.
- How it helps: Saves money, expands your reading selection, and strengthens friendships.
- Tips: Set up a monthly swap meet or create a shared online document to track who has which book.
So, why not kick off this summer with these fun and effective reading exercises? Whether you're lounging by the pool, chilling at a café, or just relaxing at home, these tips will surely make your summer romance reads more engaging and fulfilling. Happy reading!