I had a long relationship (4 years) with a summer lover. It eventually ended but I think that's more than a fling. For me, autumn always feels romantic. Starting to bundle up, starting to cuddle up but before it's downright nasty out. ani

I've never had a summer relationship that lasted. I met my DH in the winter and most of the serious relationships that I've had were winter relationships. When I read a romance I don't really care what season it's set in. Summer romances have the sexy men with no shirts on and the sexy women with the barely there clothes on and, lots of fun at the pool or the beach. Winter romances have the snuggling by the fire with a glass of wine or playing in the snow and the warming up afterwards. Either one of those settings is alright with me. Lately I've found that most of the books that I read are set in the summer months but, it really doesn't matter to me what time of the year a story is set in. If the story is good, I'll read it. As for the season that represents lasting love to me, all of them if the person is the right one. Mads:)

maybe its just that the open air and warm bodies allows all those pheromones to work... and as we know, pheromones are all about breeding, chemical connection of compatible genes... nothing to do with personality and values and all those things you need to make a relationship work long term...

Although I met Mike in autumn, I love summer. I had summer romances as a teen, I remember meeting a guy on vacation in Cape Cod (maybe why this remains a romantic setting for me) and we walked through the dunes, made out, went to a movie in Provincetown, etc. My first french kisses there in the dunes. ;) It didn't last, none of the summer flings did, but they were wonderful for exactly that reason.

I think the heat, the lack of clothing, the sweating, the tanned bodies, everything blooming and so hot and fantastic in the summer is the best romantic atmosphere I can think of. I'm writing two books and editing one now that are in summer (and several of my books are set in Cape Cod and that general area, LOL), so it's obviously summer hands down for me.

Sam

I read romance any day of the week, any week of the year, any hour of the.....you get the picture. As far as settings, I love Christmas settings for some reason. Summer romance--When I was 14, I had my first "real" boyfriend ever. We met in the summer when I worked in my sister's repair shop. I did secretary work--he of course fixed cars. That was it I had the biggest crush. OMG did I ever flirt, wander out for any and every little thing, etc...Finally, he came over to "woo" me. It was love at first kiss. We dated the rest of the summer, then we corresponded and called and dated for the entire year. The next summer he went to Niagra Falls with my family and well we took the plunge . At the end of that summer, our relationship ended. He had met my cousin....Fast forward 3 years he calls..I freak out and hang up on him. Turns out he wanted to rekindle our flame (too bad I freaked looking back) Fast forward to last spring, he comes to Vegas, baby. With his wife. They had never flown before--all the way from good ole Miss. He calls, we meet for a drink (all 3 of us) we hit it off and spend the evening sight seeing, breakfast the next day, rides to the airport. Keep in touch. Last summer, the kids and I spent a week at their home with him, her and their daughter. Great times. Ironic times. We now are wonderful friends and no sparks at all. Debbie

I've never had a summer love that lasted (though had a few that went a couple years). Met my DH at the end of September, and we've been together 19 years total now. But I do love to read romance--or any book--in the summer.

Shirley

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
In Stores Now: MARRIED BY MORNING, Harlequin Romance
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”

Okay, I'm hearing John Travolta singing in my head LOL.

Jamie -my marriage was a summer romance! and it's still going strong :-)