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As the days get warmer and summertime beckons, it’s time to start daydreaming of beach vacations and building up your summer reading list. If you’ve been searching for the perfect way to escape into a new world, these are the top 10 beach reads of 2023 that offer something for everyone. From captivating thrillers to heart-warming romances, you’ll be sure to find a new favorite among these newest releases.
Whether you’re looking for a new story to captivate your heart or a bit of adventure to keep you on the edge of your beach chair, this list has everything you need for an unforgettable summer!
Happy Place by Emily Henry
In Emily Henry’s highly-anticipated new release Happy Place, a group of friends return to their happy place for one last hoorah but unbeknownst to all but two, the trip will be far from happy.
Harriet and Wyn are doing their best to keep their break-up a secret from their best friends, even if it means continuing their decade-long tradition of vacationing in the Maine cottage while pretending they’re still together. It’s a brilliant plan—or so they think. After all, who would suspect that the seemingly perfect couple would be anything different?
Queen of romantic beach reads, Emily Henry, presents her newest 2023 read: Happy Place. Fall in love all over again with this charming second chance romance and join her legion of devoted beach readers. Enjoy a lush, captivating tale that will undoubtedly become one of the summer’s best beach reads.
A Perfect Vintage by Chelsea Fagan
Lea Mortimer is living her dream. As an in-demand consultant that transforms French country estates into stylish hotels, Lea embraces her freedom as a successful single woman.
When her close friend and cousin Stephanie Bryce faces a turbulent divorce, Lea invites her and her daughter to the gorgeous Loire Valley for the summer. But then complications arise when Lea unexpectedly falls for the much younger son of her boss.
Filled with picturesque French scenery and a charmingly unexpected romance, Chelsea Fagan’s A Perfect Vintage is the perfect beach read for 2023. So, if you’re in the market for a captivating summertime story, this is the one for you.
Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan
Sam’s life is going according to plan. She’s engaged to a dreamy doctor, has the perfect job, and is about to tour a wedding venue near her parent’s Long Island beach house. Life is perfect. That is until she bumps into Wyatt, her first love and the one who stirs up all kinds of feelings that have no room in her life now. What could go wrong?
From the author of Nora Goes Off Script comes Same Time Next Summer, the ultimate summer romance about second chances and the power of first love. So make sure to pack this in your beach bag for a summer escape. It is one of the best beach reads of 2023.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
First impressions can make or break future relationships. In the case of Dr. Briana Ortiz and her co-worker Dr. Jacob Maddox, it destroyed all chances of respect, let alone friendship. That is until Jacob turns the tables by writing a surprisingly thoughtful letter that alters her initial perception of the promotion-stealing pain in her butt.
Soon the two are exchanging notes, eating lunch together, and becoming more than just co-workers. Then Jacob gives her the greatest gift – a kidney for her brother – making her question whether The One has been right in front of her this entire time.
Forget the same old beach reads this summer; Abby Jimenez’s Yours Truly is one of 2023’s must-read romance gems. Packed with passion, it’s the perfect summer companion for readers who love a love story. So make sure to add this one to your reading list for a memorable summer escape!
The Comeback Summer by Ali Brady
Hannah and Libby are in a pickle. Grandma’s PR agency needs saving, and the only solution is an eccentric self-help guru who demands their participation in her twelve-week ‘Crush Your Comfort Zone’ program. Hannah faces 12 blind dates, while Libby battles her fear of physical activity with a grueling obstacle course race. But when secrets come to light, will the sisters complete the challenge, or is the agency doomed?
Aly Brady’s The Comeback Summer is an uplifting beach read about family, love and the power of pushing boundaries. If you’re looking for a heartwarming summer read, pick up this page-turner for 2023. Perfect for an inspiring read on the beach, The Comeback Summer will fill your heart with hope.
Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
Ready for an unforgettable beach read this summer?
Step into Carley Fortune’s Meet Me at the Lake, a story centered on Fern Brookbanks, a thirty-two-year-old woman juggling her mother’s resort, her ex, and a lingering connection to a mysterious artist from her past.
Filled with passion and intrigue, this summer lover’s delight is one of 2023’s must-read romance gems. So if you’re looking for a memorable escape, make sure to add Meet Me at the Lake to your summer reading list!
The Sister Effect by Susan Mallery
Travel alongside Finley and Sloane in The Sister Effect, as they seek to patch up the past and ensure a brighter future for Finley’s niece and the daughter Sloane desperately wants to know.
With New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery’s beloved flair for emotion and the power of love, this spellbinding novel is the perfect summer escape for readers in 2023.
The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren
This summer, readers looking for absolute beach read perfection should dive into The True Love Experiment. Esteemed romance novelist Felicity “Fizzy” Chen and successful documentary filmmaker Connor Prince have come together to bring us a Hollywood-style romance that has already earned itself a spot on the New York Times bestselling list.
The True Love Experiment is sure to be one of the hottest reads of summer 2023. It belongs on your beach read must-have list!
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
From the author of The Dead Romantics comes The Seven Year Slip, a story about a publicist who finds herself in an impossible situation when she falls for her temporary roommate…one who happens to live seven years in the past.
Readers looking for a summer escape will undoubtedly find that in Ashley Poston’s upcoming release. It will undoubtedly become one of the beach reads of 2023.
The Stolen Coast by Dwyer Murphy
Submerge yourself into Jack’s sleepy village of Onset, Massachusetts, where a Harvard-educated lawyer is quietly harboring individuals on the run from powerful enemies. When his past love Elena turns up in town, Jack’s regimented lifestyle is shaken up and he finds himself swept away in her latest, ambitious heist.
The Stolen Coast is an enthralling summer read, where morally ambiguous characters and elaborate heists create a thrilling and atmospheric story. Pick up Dwyer Murphy’s latest release and see what all the buzz is about. It will undoubtedly be the perfect beach read for 2023!
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
Curtis Sittenfeld flips the script with Romantic Comedy, a hilarious and witty tale of Sally Milz, a jaded Emmy-winning sketch writer for a late-night comedy show, and Noah Brewster, a global pop sensation with a reputation for dating models.
When yet another of Sally Milz’s fellow talented but average-looking writers, Danny Horst, lands a glamorous actress, Sally is perplexed and, quite honestly, frustrated by the phenomenon. As an outlet for her frustrations, Sally creates the Danny Horst Rule, a skit calling attention to the occurrence while pointing out how unlikely the reverse would happen for a woman.
Enter Noah Brewster, the A-list star with a sweet spot for models, who stars as the host and musical guest on The Night Owls. Charmed by his charisma, the two instantly click and bounce ideas off each other left and right. Even though sparks are flying and their chemistry is off the charts, Sally knows nothing can come of it. After all, this is not a romantic comedy.
For the best beach read of 2023, Curtis Sittenfeld’s Romantic Comedy is the perfect laugh-out-loud story of two unlikely star-crossed lovers.
The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy
Cassie Soul had been avoiding the beachside town of Avalon Bay ever since her family’s divorce had uprooted her to Boston. That is until she travels back for her twenty-first birthday. There, she reconnects with the nostalgia of her grandmother’s boardwalk hotel, and becomes enthralled by resident golden boy and player extraordinaire, Tate Bartlett.
Though he initially rejected her request for a summer fling, the two quickly become close friends, and the sparks between them leave Tate wondering if he made the right decision.
The Summer Girl is one of the most highly-anticipated romantic beach reads of 2023, and a must-have for your summer vacation book list!
Halfway to You by Jennifer Gold
Four decades ago, Ann Fawkes set off on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey that led to her breakout novel, an instant bestseller that made her a publishing sensation.
Now living a secluded life, Ann remains a mystery—until podcaster Maggie Whitaker comes calling. To get the full story, though, Maggie must swear to keep it off the record.
Jennifer Gold’s Halfway to You celebrates second chances, forgiveness, friendship, and family, and is the perfect beach read for 2023.
Things We Hide from the Light by Lucy Score
Amidst the stunning backdrop of Knockemout, Virginia, the dazzling sequel to New York Times bestseller Things We Never Got Over brings us an electrifying tale of love and secrets.
Things We Never Got Over ended with Police Chief Nash Morgan wounded in the line of duty. Now the beloved pillar of Knockemout is a shell of his former self. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks, Nash struggles to recover and move past that fateful day.
But a light appears in the form of Angelina Solavita, a commitment-shy insurance investigator who returns to town. What begins as a shock is quickly replaced by an all-consuming spark, giving Nash new hope. But Lina has secrets of her own. And if they come to light, it may be the end of their romance before it even starts.
The passionate Things We Hide From the Light is a breathtaking beach read perfect for romance fans. As one of the best new beach reads of 2023, readers can immerse themselves in this riveting tale of love and secrets.
That Summer Feeling by Bridget Morrissey
After her unexpected divorce, Garland Moore believes she’s done with magic. That is until an invitation to a week-long sleepaway camp changes everything. Garland soon finds herself reconnecting with a man from her past, while unexpectedly falling for his sister.
This summer, escape with Bridget Morrissey’s romantic novel, That Summer Feeling. Perfect for those seeking solace, laughter, and a touch of romance, this is one of the best beach reads of 2023.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams
This summer, indulge in a book you won’t soon forget! Sarah Adams’ Practice Makes Perfect is the perfect beach read for romantics everywhere, with a sweet and sexy small town romance, full of chemistry and spice.
Annie Walker is ready to find her soulmate, but in the small town of Rome, Kentucky there are zero prospects. When sexy, tattooed bodyguard Will Griffin shows up in town, Annie enlists him to help her search for Mr. Right. Through steamy “practice” sessions and chemistry-infused educational dates, their friendship slowly evolves into something neither ever could have foreseen.
Don’t miss out on this must-read romance gem for 2023. Practice Makes Perfect will fill your summer days with passion and serve as the perfect escape for a memorable summer.
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore
Amy, a former inspiring playwright and current high school English teacher, hopes to mend family rifts by taking on the role of production manager in her brother Timothy Fleming’s play. Meanwhile, her daughter Sam, a former Disney child star, returns home, but opts to stay with her uncle on Block Island. As the family works together, they must put their differences aside and figure out what they want from their future.
This summer, stay close to home with the captivating family drama of Amy Trevino’s Summer Stage. Brimming with drama, secrets, and love, this page-turner is sure to be one of the best beach reads of 2023.
Once More with Feeling by Elissa Sussman
For CrushZone fans looking for their next great beach-read diversion, Kathleen Rosenberg’s story of love, fame, and redemption should be at the top of their list.
Formerly a celebrated pop star and wildly famous for her public relationships, Katee Rose was starting to buckle beneath the weight of fame and her relationships’ fame-fueled demise.
When she unexpectedly reunites with Cal Kirby, the man whose relationship with her ended her career, they decide to put their differences aside and star together in a Broadway show. Despite their rocky past, the two feel a palpable attraction.
All the Days of Summer by Nancy Thayer
If you’re looking for a cozy beach read that will make you feel like you’re experiencing a charming Nantucket summer, then Nancy Thayer’s All the Days of Summer is for you.
Heather Willette has had enough of Concord, Massachusetts and her dead-end marriage, prompting her move to a quaint cottage in Nantucket. Her son, Ross, follows suit and takes a job in his girlfriend’s family’s construction business.
Kailee Essex is thrilled to have Ross move to her hometown. However, she is a lot less thrilled about his mother’s relocation, what with their rocky relationship. But as the summer unfolds and both families adjust to their new lives on the island, they may find that a little sun and sea breeze can heal old wounds and bring them closer together.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Nisha Cantor is used to a certain kind of life until her husband asks for a divorce and cuts her off. Despite her determination to keep her glamorous lifestyle, she soon finds herself struggling to keep her wits, especially when her expensive bag disappears.
Sam Kemp is fraying at the seams. It is when she is at her lowest that she accidentally grabs the wrong bag at the gym—one containing a luxurious pair of Louboutin heels. After putting on Nisha’s heels, Sam is filled with a newfound confidence that completely transforms her outlook on life.
From NYT bestseller Jojo Moyes comes Someone Else’s Shoes, a story of second chances and change. For a heartwarming beach read, look no further than this beautiful page-turner.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand
Elin Hilderbrand’s latest novel, The Five-Star Weekend, is the perfect beach read for summer 2023.
Hollis Shaw’s seemingly perfect life—a thriving food blog and a loving marriage—unravels when her husband dies in a car accident. Strained relationships with her daughter and her first love arise as Hollis escapes to Nantucket for a weekend getaway. Through this journey of family, love, loss, and healing, readers will be swept away on a heart-warming summer escape.
The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
The tenth anniversary of a tragedy that claimed the lives of numerous students and teachers arrives, and the survivors gather in the Outer Banks for the reunion of a lifetime.
The Only Survivors is a chilling mystery perfect for your next poolside escape. It is undoubtedly one of the best suspenseful beach reads of 2023.
Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay
Samantha Gale’s summer in Martha’s Vineyard was supposed to be spent resurrecting her career as a chef, not ferrying her half-brother Tyler to the library. After all, if there is any place that Sam hates most, it’s the library. And to add to her misfortune, the library’s interim director ends up being the hot bookworm whose book she accidentally drowned on the ferry ride to the island. Let’s just say it will be a summer Sam will never forget.
From Jenn McKinlay comes Summer Reading, the perfect beach read to crack open poolside for your summer reading.