4 road trip romance books to read in summer 2022

Being on vacation can sometimes mean a road trip. In a lot of ways, road trips are the perfect formula when it comes to romance books.

For the most part, road trips are used a lot in historical romances. It makes sense as you were essentially forced together if you want to go on any type of long journey. However, in contemporary romances, road trips can work equally as well.

There is something about the two people being stuck in the car and it breeds such delicious tension especially if the two are trying to fight their attraction. Coupled with the myriad of variables in the car including the radio, amount of stops, and conversation taking place, road trips bring much more to the table than just a car ride together.

Since the summer is when most of us take a vacation, it’s only right to recommend a few road trip romances to read whether you’re traveling or not.

These 4 road trip romance books are solid if you love the forced proximity trope.

The first is actually the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Managed by Kristen Callihan is a unique twist on this trope. This book follows Gabriel Scott who is the manager of a famous rock band and the romance he has with Sophie. The catch between these two is that Gabriel can’t sleep without her so she’s basically summoned to his bus to cuddle and sleep. It’s as cute as it sounds but also creates lots of sexual tension they give into as well.

If steam isn’t your thing, then Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson might be for you. This is a young adult romance between Amy and Roger who are road-tripping together to get Amy to her new home. While the two have a plan, things quickly detour and they’re able to open up to each other. This book deals with a lot of grief including losing a parent and the guilt from that. Regardless, this book is perfect for summer and a classic from Morgan Matson.

These last two books are actually both f/f romances. The first is No Rings Attached by Rachel Lacey. This one follows Grace and Lia who fake dates for Lia’s brother’s wedding and then go on a road trip to help Grace find out more about her family. This book deals with Grace’s grief over losing her parents and the trauma/guilt she’s been holding onto. While this book is intense, the road-trip element was unexpected but a lot of fun.

Last but not least is Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters. This is a romance between two former friends who are going on a road trip for their mutual friend’s wedding. The book starts in Florida and they’re traveling to Canada so it’s a lot of traveling, but this book does an excellent job of creating such delicious tension and lust between the two characters. Of all the books on the list, this one is on the shorter side if you’re only going on a day trip.

Regardless of which route you decide, road trip romances are perfect to listen to while you’re driving to your destination. If anything, it makes you feel less alone especially if you’re by yourself or you can always share the story with your traveling companions. Either way, hopefully, one of these romance books will help perk you up before summer ends.

Do you have a favorite road trip romance? Be sure to share some of your favorite romance books featuring road trips below.