If you need an escape this month, the best romance reads of August have you covered. This month’s selection of must-read love stories includes not just one, but two books with royal run-ins, a journey into the Alaskan wilderness, and a story about starting over in Scotland. Add in much-anticipated new books from Helen Hoang, Farrah Rochon, and Julie Murphy, and it becomes clear August is absolutely stacked with romance reads that will have everyone buzzing. And that’s good news for anyone who just wants to lose themselves in a light and swoon-worthy read (or 11 of them). Read on for our picks for the best romance releases of August, and if you’re looking for more romantic reads, don’t forget to check out July’s picks, too.
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The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
An alcohol-fueled game of truth or dare leads to an unexpected dating pact in Jayci Lee’s sweet and sexy The Dating Dare. Despite swearing off serious relationships for good, Tara Park accepts Seth Kim’s proposal that they go out on four no-pressure dates before he leaves for Paris. Unfortunately for them both, keeping their hearts from getting involved won’t be nearly as easy as they imagined.
Out Aug. 3
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If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
Cinderella gets a 21st-century update in If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy. When her new design degree doesn’t lead to job opportunities, plus-size fashionista Cindy moves back into her stepmother’s house just in time to join the cast of her stepmom’s reality TV show, Before Midnight. Overnight, Cindy becomes an icon, but now she’ll have to navigate haters, the other contestants, and her growing feelings for the show’s prince charming if she wants to make it out of the season with her heart intact.
Out Aug. 3
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So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park
So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park is a mood booster in book form. After Jessie Kim is laid off from her job as an investment banker, she moves back to her parents’ home in Tennessee. Though the move isn’t ideal, it does lead Jessie to restart her YouTube cooking channel and reconnect with her childhood nemesis, who isn’t quite as terrible as she remembers.
Out Aug. 3
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Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain
Bridgerton fans will love Suzanne Allain’s slyly funny Regency comedy of errors Miss Lattimore’s Letter. As her cousin’s chaperone in the social scene, Sophronia Lattimore sees everything – including when a gentleman is about to make a bad match. Still, she never imagined one letter would turn her into the talk of the town and put her on the path toward finding her own true love at long last.
Out Aug. 10
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Wait For It by Jenn McKinlay
Wait For It by Jenn McKinlay is a warm, moving story about new beginnings. When her dream job takes her to Arizona, Annabelle Martin is excited to have a fresh start, though she’s curious about her new grumpy landlord. She’s entirely unprepared to discover the landlord in question, Nick, is actually the same age as she is. Nick is in a wheelchair after a stroke, and although there’s no medical reason he can’t walk, he simply isn’t ready to reenter the world. And although she knows she shouldn’t get involved, Annabelle can’t help but feel that she and Nick might just be perfect for each other if they can only process their respective baggage.
Out Aug. 10
Amazon.com
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Missing The Great British Baking Show? Then Battle Royal by Lucy Parker is a must-read. Four years ago, Sylvie became a star thanks to the reality competition series Operation Cake, where she charmed everyone except for the cranky judge Dominic De Vere. Now, Operation Cake wants her back on the show to compete for a chance to bake a cake for Princess Rose’s wedding, but in order to win, she’ll have to beat Dominic.
Out Aug. 17
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The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon
The Boyfriend Project author Farrah Rochon is back with The Dating Playbook, a steamy fake dating story that will leave you grinning. Taylor Powell is an excellent personal trainer, but she’s still strapped for cash. That’s why she simply can’t say no when a former football player enlists her help to get him back in the NFL, and pose as his girlfriend so no one will suspect what he’s up to.
Out Aug. 17
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The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn
Let The Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn whisk you away on an adventure in Scotland. After being fired from three jobs in a row, Bonnie St. James and her best friend apply to run a small-town coffee shop. When they land the jobs, Bonnie quickly discovers she loves everything about the town . . . except for the gorgeous but perpetually grumpy handyman.
Out Aug. 24
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The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang
Helen Hoang fans, rejoice! The Heart Principle is finally coming your way this month. In the book, Anna Sun is hit with a double whammy: she’s dealing with serious burnout, and her boyfriend isn’t sure he wants to commit solely to her. But if her boyfriend isn’t ready to settle down, Anna isn’t just going to wait around. Instead, she embarks on a series of one-night stands which leads her to Quan Diep, the last guy she ever expected to steal her heart.
Out Aug. 31
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The Name Curse by Brooke Burroughs
A wilderness adventure leads to hilarity and heartfelt moments in The Name Curse by Brooke Burroughs. Since her father died, Bernie hasn’t been sure what to do with herself, which leads her friends to suggest she go on an adventure in the wilds of Alaska. She agrees, and ends up paired with a screenwriter who loves the idea of roughing it way more than she does.
Out Aug. 31
Amazon.com
The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
If you’ve ever fantasised about living next door to the royal family, then prepare to fall hard for The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle. Piper leads a quiet life until actual royalty rent the house next to hers. When her new neighbors cause a stir, Piper has a run-in with their handsome bodyguard, ensuring her life won’t be quiet for much longer.
Out Aug. 31
