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Are you ready to relax and escape reality with some of the best books for the summer?
Whether you’re heading for a weekend getaway at the beach or sitting in your own backyard with a cool drink, there’s nothing quite like a captivating book to help you escape the hustle and bustle of life. From the latest gripping thrillers to feel-good romances and more, here are some of the best summer books to check out this summer.
Get ready to venture into a world of adventure and romance as you kick back and enjoy the warm summer days.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Poppy and Alex couldn’t be more different – Poppy is a spontaneous blogger with a passion for adventure, while Alex is a reclusive bookworm. So when fate brings them together during their freshman year of college, it’s only a matter of time before their paths diverge again.
For the next decade, Alex and Poppy continue to reunite each summer for a weeklong getaway. But on their last trip, everything changes.
People We Meet on Vacation is a romantic comedy full of witty banter, steamy moments, and emotional depth. Guaranteed to have readers swooning, it’s the perfect summer read for your next vacation! So grab a seat on the sand and get swept away in this friends-to-lovers story.
The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery
Are you ready for an unforgettable summer getaway?
Join single mom Robyn Caldwell on her sun-soaked journey to the paradise of Santa Barbara. With her daughter displaying bridezilla tendencies, her son refusing to go to college, and her best friend’s marriage on the rocks, Robyn seeks refuge with her great-aunt Lillian. But serenity proves elusive, as everyone decides to crash her vacation!
Susan Mallery packs this beach read with drama, self-discovery, and vivid descriptions of Santa Barbara that will leave you longing to explore its coastal beauty. Perfect for readers looking to escape the humdrum of everyday life, The Summer Getaway is the ideal companion for a relaxing day in the sun!
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos were childhood friends―until ten years of radio silence passed between them. Now, a chance encounter at a cafe brings them back together, and they must navigate their tumultuous memories as strangers.
Love and Other Words, a standalone from Christina Lauren, expertly captures the heartache and beauty of this second-chance, friends-to-lovers redemption story. It’s an unforgettable summer read that speaks to the power of forgiveness, friendship, and love.
Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Journalist Amelia Saxton is on the hunt for the story of a lifetime when she discovers an unexpected connection. A cluster of embryos belonging to her childhood friend Parker are being deemed abandoned, forcing Amelia into an impossible situation.
Under the Southern Sky is a mesmerizing beach read exploring loss, parenthood and love. With a captivating storyline and emotional undertones, it’s no wonder why readers can’t get enough. This gripping novel will have you turning pages until the very end.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When Emma Blair’s long-lost husband suddenly reappears on the eve of her wedding to another man, she’s thrust into an emotional whirlwind of uncertainty. Will she stay true to her current flame or succumb to the charms of her first love?
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s One True Loves is the perfect beach read to explore the themes of love, loyalty, and the ultimate impossible choice. Rich with suspense and captivating characters, this novel will guarantee you an unforgettable escape.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
When tragedy strikes his family, a former sitcom star finds himself unexpectedly taking on the role of caretaker for his niece and nephew over the summer.
In this heartwarming novel, Steven Rowley celebrates the power of love, understanding, and family in the face of adversity. Perfect for those who are seeking summer books with a powerful message, The Guncle is sure to tug on your heartstrings and provide an uplifting reminder of the impact of familial bonds.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Tired of ho-hum summer books? Dive into Big Little Lies and experience the enthralling intrigue of Monterey, California. This psychological thriller, with its refreshing wit, intense emotion and intricate layers of family, married and single life, is sure to tantalize readers who want something a little more than the conventional coast-side town.
Behind the picturesque facades and cookie cutter houses lies a story of deadly secrets, lethal lies, fracturing families, and outrageous scandals, as three moms traverse the precarious bridge of motherhood and school yard schadenfreude. Will they survive the gossip and the truth that’s lurking in the shadows? Find out in Big Little Lies, one of the best summer books you’ll ever find.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Persephone Fraser had no intention of ever returning to Barry’s Bay, the idyllic small town she had left a decade ago after making the biggest mistake of her life. But when she receives a call that has her racing back home, she faces the ghosts of her past, including Sam Florek, the man who once had her heart.
Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After is a stunning debut novel that captures the magic of first love against the sunny backdrop of summer. This New York Times bestseller is the perfect summer read for those looking for an escape and a romantic adventure.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora Stephens is an ambitious literary agent, renowned for her workaholic lifestyle. When her pregnant sister Libby invites her on a trip to the enchanting small town of Sunshine Falls, Nora reluctantly accepts. However, her dismay grows after learning her arch nemesis, Charlie Lastra, a powerful New York editor, is also visiting. Despite their efforts to stay apart, the two keep crossing paths.
Enriched with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and heartwarming moments, Book Lovers is the ultimate escape for beach-goers. Enjoy this romantic story and its unforgettable experience as you soak up the sun and relax poolside.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Summer is upon us, and readers looking for the perfect beach read need look no further than Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing.
Set in a small town in North Carolina, this debut novel tells the story of Kya Clark, the mysterious ‘Marsh Girl’ believed to be the murderer of handsome golden boy Chase Andrews. But Kya’s story is more deep and complex than the townsfolk know, and starts with two young men who fell in love with her wild beauty and sensitivity.
Owens combines her lyrical prose and exquisite descriptions, to take readers on an emotional journey full of mystery, coming-of-age struggles, and a mysterious murder. Get lost in this breathtaking story and find out what really happened in the isolated marshlands.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Jenny Han
Spend your summer reading the YA classic, The Summer I Turned Pretty. Fifteen-year-old Belly eagerly awaits her visit to the beach house of her mom’s best friend, thrilled to reunite with Conrad and Jeremiah – the two boys who share her heart. Little does she know that this summer will bring moments of life-changing discovery and the possibility of a fresh start.
From author Jenny Han, who brought us the beloved To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, comes The Summer I Turned Pretty, an unforgettable summer read.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
TJ Klune’s best-selling YA fantasy, The House in the Cerulean Sea, is the perfect beach read for readers of all ages!
Join Linus Baker on an enigmatic assignment to the isolated island of Marsyas, where he discovers an orphanage filled with six extraordinary children rumored to hold the power to end the world. But Linus forms an unexpected bond with the orphanage’s master, Arthur Parnassus, and learns an invaluable truth – that true power lies in the power to love.
The House in the Cerulean Sea is an exemplary mix of enchantment, emotion, and adventure. It will undoubtedly captivate readers and have them wishing for more!
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Thirty-seven year old Carrie Soto is the undisputed queen of the court, reigning as the best tennis player the world has ever seen. That is, until Nicki Chan comes along at the 1994 US Open, stealing all of her records in her wake. Determined to reclaim her title and prove everyone wrong, Carrie makes the bold decision to come out of retirement. She turns to her father for help, and finds herself training alongside Bowe Huntley, the one man who once had her heart.
In Taylor Jenkins Reid’s remarkable novel, Carrie Soto Is Back, readers are taken on an exhilarating journey as Carrie battles the odds and rises to the top once more. Filled with inspiration, unforgettable moments, and an intensely competitive atmosphere, this captivating story is a must-read for any sports fan.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Mourning the loss of her sister eighteen months ago, Meredith Fox has been living in her own personal bubble. That is until this summer when the entire family heads to Martha’s Vineyard for the annual summer vacation.
Despite the fact that she is dateless, Meredith can’t wait for the family festivities, especially the traditional Fox family game of Assassin. But what she doesn’t expect is to form an alliance with a handsome groomsman, who might just put her in danger of losing more than just the game.
The Summer of Broken Rules is a perfect summer read for readers who enjoy romantic adventures with a hint of mystery. Filled with Taylor Swift references and endless family hijinks, it’s sure to keep you engrossed until the end!
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Divorced single mom Nora Hamilton is a gifted screenwriter of romantic comedies. When she draws on her own failed marriage to craft a screenplay, it grabs the attention of a major Hollywood studio. And who better to cast as her ex than Leo Vance, former Sexiest Man Alive.
Once filming wraps up, Leo unexpectedly turns up on Nora’s doorstep with a proposition that will make her $7,000 richer. With the paparazzi hounding him, Leo asks to stay an extra week in Nora’s tea house. And that one week proves to be life-changing.
Nora Goes Off Script is a must-read for beach-goers in search of a heartwarming and entertaining story. With witty humor and a swoon-worthy romance, readers will not be able to put this down.
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Harvard graduates Sam Masur and Sadie Green achieved multi-millionaire status by the young age of twenty-five. The childhood best friends’ creative genius turned their first blockbuster into stardom, leading them from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the sandy shores of Venice Beach, California. Spanning three decades, the celebrated duo experiences triumphs, betrayals, and realities that irrecoverably shape their future.
Discover Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow — an evocative story of friendship, love, and video games. Let this gorgeously-written beach read sweep you away and transport you to a world of adventure.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont, the first son of the United States, and Henry – the Prince of England – have never seen eye to eye. But when the countries’ relationship turns sour, they must put aside their differences to appear friendly. Little do they know, their fake friendship will soon become something much more.
Are you looking for the perfect summer books? Look no further than Red, White & Royal Blue, the critically acclaimed rivals-to-lovers romance from Casey McQuiston. Pick it up now and get ready to fall in love!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
When the Riva siblings reunite at their annual end-of-summer bash in Malibu, all eyes are on the hostess of the evening: the freshly split Nina Riva. Rather than be the center of attention, however, Nina might just be upstaged when secrets, drama and four sexy surfing siblings come together for one unforgettable night.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & the Six, brings us Malibu Rising, a captivating page-turner packed with everything a reader could want from a perfect beach read: intrigue, secrets, and sexy surfers, all set against a sun-filled backdrop. Summer may be ending, but the Riva bash promises to make it a memorable one.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
In Emily Henry’s Happy Place, a group of friends return to their happy place for one last hoorah. However, 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 pretending to be together during their trip to Maine. 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 books for the summer, Emily Henry, presents her newest 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 books.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
Set on the gorgeous, yet mysterious island of Meroe, Reckless Girls is a gothic thriller that will keep you captivated from the first page.
Six thrill-seeking twentysomethings embark on a fun-filled getaway, but the sunny beach days take a terrifying turn when one of them goes missing and another turns up dead. Stranded in paradise, the four survivors must unmask the sinister secrets lurking beneath the island’s idyllic surface before they are pulled under by its chaotic tides.
With suspenseful twists, nail-biting moments, and a nightmarish paradise, Reckless Girls is the perfect beach read to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
When Eva Mercy and Shane Hall, two bestselling authors with a shared past, reunite at a literary event, their week-long affair comes to life again.
Seven Days in June is the ultimate beach read, transporting you away to a thought-provoking tale of motherhood, generational trauma and reignited love. Dive into this captivating page-turner and you won’t soon forget it!
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Grieving the sudden death of her mother and the end of her relationship, Executive Protection Agent Hannah Brooks is beyond ready for a change.
Enter Jack Stapleton, a Hollywood star, and the polar opposite of everything Hannah stands for.
The Bodyguard is the perfect beach read for readers looking to embark on an unexpected journey full of heart and humor.
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
As Mallory’s son Link answers his dying mother’s last request, he finds himself speaking to Jake McCloud, the husband of presidential candidate Ursula DeGournsey. Little does Link know that Mallory and Jake have been involved in a secret 28-year love affair that started on a Labor Day weekend in 1993.
Elin Hilderbrand’s 28 Summers delves into the bittersweet story of their yearly rendezvous, taking readers along for the journey. Through marriage, children, and careers, Mallory and Jake’s connection has stayed strong through the years. However, life has a way of throwing a wrench in the best-laid plans.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Gather your swimsuit and detective hat: a mystery lies ahead on a remote Irish island.
When the wedding party arrives, things quickly turn deadly after a body mysteriously turns up. Paranoia takes hold, and it’s now up to the guests to figure out who the murderer is.
Join in the suspenseful hunt for the killer with The Guest List, an intriguing summer read that’s sure to satisfy readers looking for a thrill on their summer vacation.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Rebellious wild child Piper Bellinger has achieved fame and notoriety through her dangerous exploits and high-spirited lifestyle. But when she finds herself incarcerated, her stepdad sends her to Westport—a cozy seaside town—with the mission to recover her roots and seek out her destiny.
There, Piper meets Brendan, a hardened fisherman unimpressed by her frivolous and superficial characteristics. But as the days pass, Brendan discovers that there is much more to Piper than the party-girl image she presents to the world.
It Happened One Summer is a captivating romantic comedy that blends classic elements of the grumpy/sunshine trope. With lots of spice and excitement, this book is perfect for readers in search of the best books for the summer.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Get swept away in the sensational story of Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Join her on her fifty-year journey from obscurity to stardom, as her intriguing past and colorful love life unfold revealing seven husbands.
Reid’s captivating writing will make you feel like you’re living in the whirlwind world of Hugo and other vivid characters. Experience it for yourself and discover why this is one of summer’s best books!
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Katy’s life is thrown into disarray when her mother, Carol, passes away. But when Katy decides to go on the planned mother-daughter trip to Positano—the place where Carol spent a summer before meeting Katy’s father—she begins to feel her mother’s spirit drifting along the Amalfi Coast. That is, until she literally bumps into her mother—young, tan and carefree—just thirty-years-old. Though it’s impossible to explain, Katy gets to spend one last summer with her mother in the place that meant so much to her.
One Italian Summer is the perfect beach read that will transport you to the Italian coastline and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the summer. Book your flight now and create your own Italian summer!
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
When British billionaire Xavier Darling sets his sights on an abandoned hotel in Nantucket, town sweetheart Lizbet Keaton finds herself in the unlikely role of general manager. With help from the locals and a dynamic staff, Lizbet is determined to breathe new life into the Gilded Age relic. But restoring the hotel’s tarnished image and dealing with its rumored supernatural guest will require more than a fresh coat of paint.
Immerse yourself in The Hotel Nantucket, a delightful beach read about love, laughter, and a spooky surprise or two.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Unearth the secrets of the past in We Were Liars, an unputdownable YA psychological thriller. When summer comes around and the heat rises, Cadence Sinclair returns to her family’s private island to uncover the secrets that wiped her memory and shattered her bond with her group of friends, affectionately nicknamed the Liars.
With lies, betrayals, and deadly secrets lurking in wait, readers can expect a wild ride with mind-boggling twists and spine-tingling turns.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Escape the everyday with Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas, two enemies-turned-lovers on an unexpected honeymoon!
When everyone in the wedding party falls ill on the day of the nuptials, the bride’s twin sister Olive and her future brother-in-law’s brother Ethan are “volunteered” to go on the non-refundable honeymoon trip instead.
At first they plan to simply ignore one another, but that plan falls to the wayside. Things take a shocking turn when an elaborate ruse ends with them in a fake marriage.
With sharp wit and plenty of hilarity, The Unhoneymooners is the perfect beach read for a romantic escape.