Best 13 Clean Romance Books for Your Vacation Escape
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Planning your next getaway and need the best vacation romance books to toss in your bag? Whether you’re team ebook, paperback, or prefer an audiobook for those long flights, I’ve got you covered.
Trust me, I’ve read hundreds of books every summer, and when it comes to picking the perfect stories for a relaxing getaway, I know exactly what works. Nothing beats getting lost in a swoon-worthy romance while lounging by the ocean or jet-setting to your dream destination.
There’s something truly magical about sweet romance novels that whisk you away—taking you to sandy beaches, charming small towns, or the glamorous world of a celebrity romance.
If you want closed door reads that pair perfectly with sun-soaked afternoons or cozy flights, you’re in the right place.
I’ve curated a list of 13 vacation romance books—many of which are available on Kindle Unlimited or in audiobook, so you can grab your next great read instantly and start before you even board your flight!
What type of books should you read during vacation?
When it comes to vacation reading, it’s all about easy, enjoyable reads that can help you unwind and escape. Personally, I love diving into contemporary romance novels, historical fiction, and anything with a hint of mystery.
These genres are perfect for vacations because they’re engaging without being overwhelming.
Both genres make for perfect companions as you relax by the pool or curl up in a beach hammock.
3 favorite books for vacation
Looking for a quick book club idea or eager to dive into reading right now? Here are my top 3 picks for perfect beach reads!
Rocky Road by Becky Wade
✅ Opposites attract mixed with the fake dating trope
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
✅ Swoon worthy regency romance with all the feelings
A Cross-Country Wedding by Courtney Walsh
✅ Perfect mix of the one bed trope and a road trip romance
List of the best travel romance books
1. Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.04 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Mystery | ✅ Read it!
Nate Webber, unable to read, joins the Civilian Conservation Corps in Yellowstone, hoping to transform himself and help his family. Elsie Brookes, a park ranger’s daughter, dreams of college but struggles to save enough money.
She takes a second job teaching at the CCC camp, where she meets Nate. As their friendship turns to romance, suspicious fires threaten their dreams and Nate’s job. They must find answers before everything goes up in smoke.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This is book 3 in the Vintage National Parks series, and I just loved reading about Nate and Elsie! The whole series makes for a great vacation romance read, with strong characters, faith themes, and intriguing mysteries all set in the stunning national parks.
“What I need is life. Life around me. Light inside me. Air to breathe. Laughter to lift my soul from the darkness.”
― Karen Barnett, Ever Faithful
2. The Nature of a Lady by Roseanna M. White
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.26 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Mystery | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
Lady Elizabeth “Libby” Sinclair, escaping societal disfavor, spends the summer in the Isles of Scilly. There, she uncovers secrets about the previous tenant, also named Elizabeth, who mysteriously vanished.
Oliver Tremayne, a gentleman and clergyman, seeks his sister Beth and joins forces with Libby. Together, they navigate ancient legends, pirate wrecks, and hidden betrayals, all while discovering a mysterious love.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
I absolutely adored this beach read and its characters! The plot kept me hooked, and I loved seeing how the characters developed over time. The themes of identity and God’s love for us were beautifully done.
You can read my full review here.
3. A Cross-Country Wedding by Courtney Walsh
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.99 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Romantic Comedy | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
Maddie and Simon have been lifelong friends despite their contrasting personalities—Maddie is outgoing, while Simon is reserved. Their friendship thrives on these differences, with Simon rescuing Maddie from failed romances and Maddie urging Simon out of his comfort zone.
Needing a plus-one for her best friend’s wedding, Maddie asks Simon to join her on a week-long, cross-country road trip, hoping their bond will endure the close quarters and shared experiences.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This book features some of my favorite tropes—forced proximity, one bed, and road trip romance. It’s like the clean version of People We Meet on Vacation. A must-read for any contemporary romance lover!
4. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.76 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Romance | ✅ Read it!
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good and magical happens between June and August during summer break. Winters are just a time to count the weeks until the next summer, away from the beach house, Susannah, and most importantly, Jeremiah and Conrad.
They are the boys Belly has known since her first summer—her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one both terrible and wonderful summer, things change, yet everything ends up just as it should.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
If you’re into YA travel summer romance, you might want to check out this book! It has a love triangle—definitely not my top trope, but pretty common in YA. The story is set in a beach town, giving it that perfect vacation feeling.
5. Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.18 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Historical Romance | ✅ Read it!
Kate Worthington vows never to marry and dreams of traveling to India to escape her family. However, her mother demands she first secure and reject three marriage proposals.
At Blackmoore, with the help of her childhood friend Henry Delafield, Kate tries to fulfill her bargain. Amidst the wild landscape, she confronts the truth that could free her heart.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
Kate and Henry’s love story is one of those that sticks with you long after you close the book. This regency romance has a fantastic setting, great character arcs, and a swoon-worthy romance. Julianne manages to evoke a wide range of emotions, making this book an amazing read.
“I can never look at a bird without thinking of you,” he said. “I wonder what you will do with your wings once you have found them. I wonder how far away they will take you. And I fear them, for my sake, at the same time that I hope for them, for yours.”
― Julianne Donaldson, Blackmoore
6. My Favorite Color is Your Something Blue by Eva Austin
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.92 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: YA Romance | ✅ Read it!
Morgan reluctantly attends a wedding in a small town before school starts, hoping for a relaxing getaway. She meets Will, the groom’s younger cousin, whom she previously encountered under messy circumstances.
Despite their awkward past and her vow to avoid dating until college, the bride and groom attempt to set them up. Morgan is determined not to be interested. Or is she?
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
Looking for a sweet small-town YA romance set around a picturesque lake? This short book is perfect for younger readers craving a cute, contemporary, swoony love story.
7. When in Rome by Sarah Adams
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.90 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance | ✅ Read it!
Amelia Rose, a pop star known as Rae Rose, escapes her high-pressure life by driving to Rome, Kentucky. There, she meets Noah Walker, a pie shop owner who reluctantly lets her stay until her car is fixed.
As they spend time together, Noah sees Amelia’s true, kindhearted self, and they grow close. Amelia experiences the charm of small-town life, but she knows she must eventually return to her glamorous career.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This opposites-attract, grumpy x sunshine romance really warms my heart. I’m all about the celebrity romance! The characters are a blast, and the plot is perfect for keeping you entertained while on vacation.
8. Hopeful in Hawaii by Regina Walker
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 5 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
Amelia Metcalf books a trip to Hawaii to prove she can have fun without a relationship. Despite some mishaps, she meets Devon Reed, a former corporate worker now running a food truck, who welcomes the distraction of her company.
As their vacation romance blossoms, they face the challenge of their long-distance situation.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This book has that classic vacation romance trope that I absolutely adore. I couldn’t get enough of this delightful, lighthearted read.
The romance had me hooked, and let’s not even get started on the stunning tropical island backdrop – it just added that extra charm to an already amazing story!
9. Sadie and the Bad Boy Billionaire by Emma St. Clair
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.24 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
Sadie, a government cybersecurity expert, must hide after a failed hacking attempt. She finds refuge on Oakley Island, staying on billionaire Benedict King’s yacht.
Despite her intentions to resist him, she starts seeing his softer side. A sea voyage with two government agents tests her resolve, challenging her to let Ben into her heart, a battle tougher than any cybersecurity threat.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
I totally fell for the main character in this book and loved their growth throughout. The CEO billionaire with a fake dating trope was just the perfect kind of fun.
Their dialogue was absolutely hilarious, making it the perfect read while lounging on the beach in your imaginary yacht. 😉
10. Kiss Me Now by Melanie Jacobson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.93 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
Ian, a devoted grandson and private investigator, is determined to expose his grandmother’s new neighbor, Brooke, whom he suspects of being a gold digger. Meanwhile, Brooke is enjoying her life away from the city, renovating her inherited house and bonding with Ian’s grandmother, Miss Lily.
Tensions rise as Ian makes accusations and delves into Brooke’s past, but chemistry between them complicates the situation.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This is a hilarious, enemies-to-lovers romance that’s just written to perfection. The plot moves at a great pace, and the romance is packed with swoon-worthy moments, and of course a happy ending.
The side characters are wonderfully developed too, and I absolutely loved how the author wove in more emotional depth into the perfect rom-com.
“We all have to get through the learning curve. Everybody hates it, but you’ll do fine.”
― Melanie Jacobson, Kiss Me Now
11. How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.67 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance | ✅ Read it!
Finn Masters, a successful screenwriter, lands his dream job on the sitcom Neighbors. However, he’s wary of working with the show’s beloved star, Lavender Rhodes, who he believes ruined his life years ago.
Determined to get revenge, Finn plans to sabotage her character, but his schemes backfire spectacularly. As chaos ensues, Finn starts to see Lavender in a new, possibly even loving, light.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This book just hit the shelves in April 2024, and it’s already buzzing in different Facebook groups! I adored how it blends a workplace romance with an enemies-to-lovers vibe.
The dialogue is sharp, and the plot moves at a great pace. It’s the perfect romance read for your vacation!
Buy on Amazon | Buy on Libro.fm | Read on Bookshop.org
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12. The Best Summer of Our Lives by Rachel Hauck
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.91 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Romance | ✅ Read it!
Summer Wilde’s best summer of ’77 was derailed when a prank sent her and her friends to Tumbleweed, Oklahoma, as camp counselors. Arriving with hidden secrets, their lives were forever changed by the events of those two months.
Now, in her thirties and abandoned by her band, Summer returns to Tumbleweed. She discovers the town offers a chance for healing, reconciliation, and embracing love.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
I absolutely love a good dual timeline novel (1977 and 1997), and this one nails it perfectly! It follows four friends, each from their own POV, which I really enjoyed. The story has an amazing slow build that’s all about friendship, a second chance, and light romance.
13. Rocky Road by Becky Wade
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 4.25 out of 5 Stars | 📚 Genre: Christian Romance, Mystery | 💝 On Kindle Unlimited | ✅ Read it!
FBI Agent Jude Camden is assigned to pose as the boyfriend of perfumer Gemma Clare, a creative and bold woman who challenges his strict professionalism.
Despite the FBI’s rule against workplace romances, Jude finds Gemma increasingly irresistible, making it difficult to maintain his self-control. Their partnership promises to be a tumultuous journey.
Why should you dive into this vacation romance?
This is such a swoony romance with tons of laugh-out-loud moments! I absolutely loved the opposites attract mixed with the fake dating trope, and the plot moved at the perfect pace. Seriously, it’s the perfect read for any vacation time!
FAQs about books about travel and romance
Do these books only focus on romance, or are there other elements?
While romance is a central theme, clean romance books often include other elements like mystery, adventure, historical settings, or inspirational themes. This variety keeps the stories engaging and multidimensional.
What are popular tropes found in a vacation romance book?
Popular tropes in vacation romance books include forced proximity, where characters are brought together in close quarters; grumpy x sunshine trope, highlighting the chemistry between contrasting personalities; second chance romance, revisiting past love; holiday romance, set during a getaway or festive trip; and fake dating, where a pretend relationship sparks real feelings.
Are these books suitable for teens or young readers?
Yes, most clean romance books are generally suitable for teens and even younger readers. They focus on building relationships and often include positive messages about love, respect, and personal development.
What makes a romance book clean?
A clean romance book typically avoids explicit sexual content, strong language, and graphic violence. The focus is on emotional and romantic connections, making them enjoyable for a wide audience, including young adults and readers looking for a wholesome love story.
Did you discover the best books to read this vacation?
There’s no better time to get lost in the pages of an unforgettable romance than on vacation. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, cozying up in a cabin, or simply lounging at home, these clean romance books can take you on an emotional and exciting adventure — no passport required!
Why wait? Start downloading your favorites now so you’re all set when relaxation time rolls around. And hey, don’t forget to bookmark this blog post!
You’ll want to come back next time you’re planning your escape into the ultimate romantic getaway, one book at a time.
Happy reading!
Need more recommendations? Check out this list of vacation books made on Goodreads.
Want more romance book recommendations?
Check out my other romance book lists!
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