The Best Romance Books to Read if You Want More ‘Love Island’ ‘French Fries’ Confessional Vibes
From fake dating to enemies-to-lovers—these steamy books capture all the ‘Love Island’ heat
Key Takeaways
- These 8 romance novels capture the same spicy, island-vibes energy as 'Love Island.'
- Picks range from fake marriages to reality-show-style competitions for love.
- Bestselling authors Christina Lauren and Meghan Quinn both appear on the list.
We’re now three weeks into Season 8 of Love Island USA and there have been several viral moments fans can’t stop talking about. From Melanie’s “give me 10” line after her fight with Beatriz to Kenzie’s “I was definitely getting some French fries” confessional in the most recent episode—alluding to her physical relationship with Corbin—this season has been one for the record books. And if you’re anything like us, you’re probably searching for ways to extend the love, lust and summer joy the show brings. Enter books! We’ve collected the best spicy summer romance books that perfectly capture the vibes of Peacock’s Love Island USA. Keep reading for the full list.
Books to read if you love ‘Love Island USA’
From fake-dating tropes to the beloved enemies-to-lovers storyline, here are the best books to read if you love Love Island USA.
‘The Paradise Problem’ by Christina Lauren
This book by Christina Lauren, bestselling author duo behind countless swoon-worthy romances, delivers the love, lust and island vibes Love Island fans love. In college, artist Anna Green entered into a marriage of convenience with Liam “West” Weston—she desperately needed UCLA housing, and he…well, his reasons were a mystery. After graduation, Anna assumed she’d signed the divorce papers and moved on. But when West suddenly reappears in her life, he drops a bombshell: He’s about to inherit a fortune, but he can only claim it if he’s been married for five years. Now Anna and West must convince everyone on his family vacation that their marriage is real. The problem? Faking a relationship might just lead to real feelings.
What readers are saying: “I just reread this again and I loved it even more the second time! It feels like you are in a movie, between the plot twists, the location, the chemistry between Liam and Anna—it’s perfection!”
‘The Layover’ by Lacie Waldon
Enemies to lovers takes center stage in this much-loved book. Flight attendant Ava Greene is ready to quit her job, but when her last flight just happens to have former pilot Jack Stone as a passenger, things get complicated. She’s always hated him, and he just isn’t what she wanted to deal with on her last work trip. And if that weren’t enough, after takeoff a mechanical problem strands them in Belize for the weekend. But as the tropical weather gets hotter, so do their feelings for one another, and soon spice and steam ensue.
What readers are saying: “If you enjoy breezy island romances and want to feel the warm sand in your toes, then I recommend you add this book to your beach bag before the captain has turned on the fasten seatbelt sign!”
‘Along Came Amor’ by Alexis Daria
Steamy chemistry and sexy banter combine in this fan-favorite romance from Alexis Daria’s Primas of Power series. The plot follows newly divorced Ava Rodriguez, who is trying not to overthink everything. When she meets handsome hotelier Roman Vázquez, she decides to try that new motto out and vows to spend only one night with him. But when he arrives as a guest at her cousin’s engagement party soon after their secret rendezvous, she attempts to hide her feelings—and fails spectacularly.
What readers are saying: “Along Came Amor starts as a hook up, but becomes an incredibly romantic story. And steamy too! If you love characters who finally stop being their own worst enemy on the way to a fulfilling happily ever after, don’t miss Alexis Daria’s amazing romance.”
‘Taking The Heat’ by Kate J. Squires
Love Island fans know touching is one of the key parts of the Villa, but what if that weren’t allowed? This novel explores just that. After signing up for a new reality show called Erotic Island in the hopes of winning $1 million, Tara is shocked to see Chris, a hot barista she’s always had a thing for. Soon the two begin to bond, and the “no touching” rule becomes harder and harder to follow.
What readers are saying: “If you’re in the mood for a (mostly) light hearted, hysterically funny Love Island like competition with romance full of sexual tension this is the book for you!”
‘Shipped’ by Angie Hockman
Fans of workplace romances will swoon over this novel. Between her night classes and job as a cruise line marketing manager, Henley Evans has no time for romance—especially since she’s up for a promotion. The only problem? Her enemy Graeme Crawford-Collins is also up for the job, and her boss wants them to go to the Galápagos Islands and come up with the best marketing campaign. But upon their arrival, Henley and Graeme find themselves battling their feelings for each other, not for the job. Can they find a way to navigate both?
What readers are saying: “This was the first book in a long time that I’ve read and forgot that I was actually reading, simply because I became so engrossed in the story! It made me want to drop everything and book a trip to the Galapagos. I very much look forward to reading more from Angie Hockman!”
‘Attached at the Hip’ by Christine Riccio
Love Island meets Survivor in this sexy tale. After applying for a reality show centered around survival in the wild, Orie Lennox is shocked to learn they actually want her to go on the show. Even more shocking? The show is doing a romantic version this time around, and Orie’s high school crush Remy is one of the other contestants—and one of the challenges involves them being tied together for days on end. From there sparks fly, chaos ensues and Remy and Orie must find ways to navigate the island—and their feelings for each other.
What readers are saying: “Attached at the Hip is a clever rom-com dressed up as a reality show. There are all the usual Survivor tropes—eating bugs, starting a fire, finding shelter, making alliances and voting people off. Then there is the dating show of it, with the weird tether holding contestants together for days at a time. But these characters are strong and determined, and reading as they all played their best games was fascinating.”
‘Bridesmaid for Hire’ by Meghan Quinn
After escaping to Bora Bora, wedding planner Maggie Mitchell is ready for some R&R, but things take an unexpected turn when she runs into Brody, her brother’s infuriatingly handsome best friend. He’s there for the celebrity wedding of the season—and Maggie desperately wants in. The solution? A fake dating arrangement that benefits them both. But as sun-soaked days turn into steamy tropical nights, their pretend romance starts feeling dangerously real.
What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a vacation-themed romance that will have you giggling from start to finish then this is a must read for you. Meghan is my FAVORITE romance author, and I can’t stop recommending her books to anyone who will listen!”
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