Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to pack your beach bag with the essentials: sunscreen, snacks, and of course, a good book. Ah yes, the beloved beach read. It’s the perfect companion for lazy days spent lounging in the sun and listening to the sound of crashing waves.
But choosing the right book can be a daunting task – do you go for a juicy romance, a thrilling mystery, or perhaps a thought-provoking memoir? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best beach reads of 2024. So grab your favorite pair of sunglasses and get ready to dive into the world of beach reads.
More Beach Reads:
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
It’s time to book your stay at the St. Cecilia, a landmark hotel on the coast of Georgia, popularly nicknamed “the Saint.” In this sweeping summer escape, Traci Eddings becomes the unlikely owner of the hotel following her husband’s passing. Amidst financial troubles, a greedy brother-in-law, scandal, and a budding romance, Traci sets out to restore St. Cecilia to its former glory.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez always hits the mark and Just for the Summer is no exception. When a post goes viral on Reddit, Justin finds himself at the center of it all. After all, it’s all about his curse. The one where everyone he dates goes on to meet their soulmate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DM’s explaining that she has the same problem, they come up with the perfect plan to cancel out the curse: date each other for the summer and break up. It’s perfect. Right?
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Are you ready for a heart-pounding beach read? Look no further than One Perfect Couple, a thrilling tale that follows five couples stranded on an isolated island with a killer on the loose. Lyla and her boyfriend, Nico, are among the chosen contestants for the new reality show, but what starts as an exciting adventure quickly becomes a terrifying nightmare. Cut off from the outside world by a raging storm, the couples must fight for their lives against a lurking murderer.
The Summer Pact by Emily Griffin
After a devastating event, four college friends make a vow to always support each other no matter where life may Fast forward nearly a decade and that same promise reunites them, leading them on an adventure of personal growth and newfound revelations. Get ready to dive into this emotional and captivating tale, perfect for a lazy day at the beach.
The Summer Book Club by Susan Mallery
Bask in the summer vibes with Susan Mallery’s heartwarming beach read, The Summer Book Club. Laurel, Paris, and Cassie need an escape from life and what better way than with some heartwarming summer reads and, maybe, some unexpected romances.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
Enter the twisted world of Riley Sager’s newest thriller, where a man must confront the haunting disappearance of his childhood best friend after three long decades. But in the seemingly idyllic neighborhood they grew up in, sinister secrets lurk just below the surface.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
From New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune comes This Summer Will Be Different, a contemporary romance that follows a tourist who goes to Prince Edward Island for an escape and a local who never fails to show her a good time. However, this summer will be different. This summer, they won’t submit to temptation. After all, there’s a long list of reasons why they could never work, starting with the fact that he’s her best friend’s younger brother.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Looking for a single parent romance novel that will sweep you off your feet this summer? Look no further than Summer Romance. This captivating read follows a professional organizer whose life is anything but organized – and when a summer fling comes into the picture, things get even more chaotic.
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
Join the wealthy and drama-filled world of Nantucket as a new family makes their grand entrance, stirring up plenty of gossip and intrigue among the locals. But when one person suddenly disappears, the drama intensifies and the beach town is buzzing. With her signature style, Elin Hilderbrand delivers the perfect summer read for 2024 with Swan Song, a captivating tale filled with love, secrets, and scandal. Don’t miss out on this must-read beach pick!
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Eileen Merriweather loves nothing more than being swept away into a romantic world of perfect happily-ever-afters and swoon-worthy heroes. But when her car breaks down on her way to the annual book club retreat, she winds up in a place that’s too good to be true – Eloraton, the small town she’s only ever read about. Everything is exactly how it’s described in her favorite romance series, but it’s up to Eileen to ensure this town can finally get its own happily-ever-after.
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
In Casey McQuiston’s newest contemporary romance, exes Theo and Kit unwittingly decide to use the soon-to-be expired vouchers for the romantic European trip that never happened amidst the chaos of their breakup. To show just how over each other they are, they both agree to a wager as to who can sleep with their tour guide first which further escalates into a 14-day long European hookup competition. Let the games begin.
I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: (But I’m Going To Anyway) by Chelsea Devantez
Looking for a laugh-out-loud memoir to devour during your next beach day? Look no further than Chelsea Devantez’s hilarious and candid book, I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: (But I’m Going To Anyway).
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Get ready for a spine-tingling beach read experience with Lucy Foley’s latest release, a must-read for lovers of dark secrets, nail-biting thrills, and murder. As the opening weekend of a luxurious resort takes a deadly turn, the perfect vacation quickly becomes a nightmare. With an intriguing murder mystery at its core, this is the ultimate beach read for those who love a good dose of suspense and intrigue.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
In the latest release from Christina Lauren, the heir to a hefty fortune turns to his not-so-ex-wife to fake their nonexistent marriage in order to receive a massive one-hundred-million-dollar inheritance.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Get ready to be on the edge of your beach chair with this thrilling summer camp story. It starts off like any other fun-filled adventure, but when thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar suddenly disappears in the dead of night, the camp is sent into a frenzy. The Van Laar family, who own the camp, are no strangers to missing children — Barbara’s own brother vanished fourteen years prior. As the search intensifies, buried secrets are unearthed, adding even more suspense to this already gripping tale.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Emily Henry kicks it out of the park again with Funny Story, a sweet romance rich with depth and humor. Daphne and Miles never imagined they would become roommates. But when Daphne’s fiancé leaves her for his best friend who also happens to be Miles’s girlfriend, they find themselves in a unique situation.
Hot Summer by Elle Everhart
Summer is here and for reality TV enthusiasts, that means one thing: Love Island has arrived. If you’re a fan of the show, you won’t want to miss out on Hot Summer — a lighthearted, queer romantic comedy loosely inspired by the hit show. Get ready for a sizzling read that will transport you to paradise.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
When Lucy is found drenched in her best friend Savvy’s blood, the townsfolk condemn her as the killer. Despite her best efforts to move on years later, her past resurfaces when a wildly popular true-crime podcast, “Listen for the Lie,” decides to delve into the unsolved murder of Savvy for their second season. Now, Lucy must confront her past and return to the very place she swore never again to set foot in if she wants to uncover the truth behind her friend’s tragic demise.
For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery
Looking for the perfect beach read? Look no further than For the Love of Summer by Susan Mallery. This heartwarming tale explores family dynamics, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters. It’s a must-have for any summer book list.
The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb
The Hollywood Assistant follows a young woman as she delves into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood’s elite. Serving as an assistant to a renowned director and his actress wife, she quickly finds herself swept up in a world of privilege and temptation. But as the facade begins to crack and a mysterious death shakes the foundations of this seemingly perfect life, she must navigate the dangerous truth lurking beneath the surface.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
First Lie Wins is a high-stakes thriller about Evie Porter, a girl who has it all. There’s just one problem: Evie Porter does not exist.
The Summer We Started Over by Nancy Thayer
Nancy Thayer delivers a poignant beach read about the power of family and love in the face of past hurts. Eddie and Barrett, two sisters with a tumultuous history, come together to confront their painful memories, find new romance, and embark on a journey of healing.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Looking for your next beach read? Look no further than Lies and Weddings, the latest page-turner from the bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians. Follow along as a forbidden affair explodes in spectacular fashion at a ritzy wedding. With witty humor and juicy drama, this is the perfect book to take with you on your next seaside adventure.
The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Daphne and Amber Parrish, the deceitful and highly entertaining characters from The Last Mrs. Parrish, make a comeback in the highly-anticipated sequel to the best-selling Reese’s Book Club pick.
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
Meet Georgia and Eli, two estranged exes who must work together to save their best friend’s wedding from a series of unfortunate mishaps. But as they navigate the chaos, they begin to realize that the feelings they thought were long gone may still be present. Get ready for a heartwarming story of second chances and unexpected reunions in The Ex Vows.