As summer rolls in, the quest for the perfect book to unwind with begins. In this post, we’ll explore clean romance novels that will make your summer reading list unforgettable.
About the Clean Romance Podcast
The Clean Romance Podcast is your go-to destination for all things clean romance. Hosted by Sarah Hickner and Tiffany Noelle Chacon, each episode dives into the world of books–from fun conversations about our favorite (and least fav) tropes, to tough topics like the dangers of smut addiction, and everything in between.
What Makes a Great Summer Read?
When it comes to summer reading, the vibe matters just as much as the plot. We believe a great summer read should evoke feelings of joy, adventure, and light-heartedness. It doesn’t necessarily have to be set on a beach, but it should transport you to a happy place. Here’s what we look for when selecting summer reads:
Good Vibes: Stories that make you smile and leave you feeling uplifted.
Engaging Characters: If she’s not a character we’d want to hang out with (or become), she doesn’t belong in summer. Summer is all about hanging with friends.
Strong Settings: A well-developed setting can feel like a vacation in itself.
The Official 2026 Clean Romance Pod Summer Reading Guide
Click on the book covers to see the book on Amazon (affiliate links)
Our Summer Reading Guide sponsor is:
Reverie by Drew Taylor
What if you could experience the love of a lifetime twice?
Beauty and the Beach by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
part of the Falling for Summer Series
Just let the first line of the synopsis pull you in. It definitely got us to click download!
Phoenix Park is the man I fantasize about…hitting with my car, that is.
Love on Deck: A Fake Dating Romance (Arcadia Creek Book 1) by Kasey Stockton
He calls it fake dating, but she calls it caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
Ship Fate: A Sweet Coastal Kisses Novel by Dulcie Dameron
A quirky marine archeologist and a grumpy jaded fisherman are forced to spend the summer together.
Or drown trying…
The Setup Man: A Forbidden Dating Sports Romcom (Catching Feelings)
by Kate Watson
She’s fake dating the wrong guy. Enter Mr. Right.
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley: A heartfelt and humorous story of overcoming loneliness and finding yourself by Courtney Walsh
She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.
Lights of Sugarberry Cove by Heather Webber
The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is a charming, delightful story of family, healing, love, and small town Southern charm by USA Today bestselling author Heather Webber.
By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings, book 1) by Jill Williamson
Wonderfully written with a superb plot, this book is a sure-fire hit with almost any reader. An adventure tale with a touch of romance and enough intrigue to keep the pages turning practically by themselves.
-from Voice of Youth Advocates
Claire Holloway Is Winging It: A High-Flying Romance by Angela Ruth Strong
“Romance takes to the skies, but will turbulence make it tumble
Spies, Lies, and Alibis: A low-spice, thrilling spy romance by Natalie Walters
They were each other’s first love. Now they might be each other’s last hope.
Brighter than Before: A feel-good novel about finding yourself and falling in love again by Courtney Walsh
Life has a way of changing your path–and Claire Karadec certainly didn’t plan on a fork in the road in her forties.
Movers and Fakers: a sweet college romance (RomCom University Book 3) by Annah Conwell
Available for preorder!
Can’t get enough clean romance? Neither can we! That’s why we post weekly episodes chatting about all things clean romance and always include five-star recommendations. These are clean romance reads we couldn’t put down, and we think you’ll love them, too. Be sure to check out our podcast on your favorite podcast player or Youtube.