When I think about summer reading I think about books that soak me into the story, typically romance, women’s fiction and thrillers. I’ve put together a list of my favorite summer books and books I’m excited to read this summer. I’m splitting this list into three categories: Backlist Summer Books, New Summer Books and Books with a Summer vibe. I really wanted to include some older books because all of the summer reading guides I see are of books that are coming out soon, and they are not necessarily what I consider “summer books”.
I asked on Instagram what you think of when you think of Summer Books and what kind of books you like to read in the Summer and these were the answers I got:
- An “unputdownable” book
- A quick page turner
- Light and fun books
- Light, steamy and full of drama
- Books with a beach setting
This is pretty consistent with my kind of summer books so the books in this all have some of these characteristics. I hope you find some great books to read this summer here and that you read along with me!
Backlist Summer Books
This category includes older books (books that came out in 2019 or earlier) that I have read and loved. All these books are “unputdownable” in my opinion and I have read them all.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
This is one of my all time favorite romances! I loved the banter and the depth of the story, I was invested in this couple from the beginning. I listened to the audiobook and I definitely recommend it. There are two POVs (Tiffy and Leon) and each has its own narrator with amazing British accents.
My Rating: 5 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? When I think of summer reading I think of romances and this is one of my favorites!
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my all time favorite authors. I’ll read anything she writes, even her grocery list if I could! I read this book while I was on my 30th birthday trip to Jamaica last year and it was all I wanted and more. The writing is different, it is told in an interview format and it transports you to the 1970s.
My Rating: 5 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? It will transport you to the 1970s and for me it was a page turner.
The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker
Have I told you about The Simple Wild? I think this is my most recommended romance, I can’t recommend it enough. While the location is not “summery” this is a book where you can escape to Alaska. The couple in this book is one of my favorite fictional couples.
My Rating: 5 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? You can easily transport yourself to Alaska and fall in love with these characters. Jonah is one of my favorite book boyfriends.
American Royals by Katharine McGee
Are you a royals fan? Imagine if America had a monarchy. This book is delightful and a quick read. It gave me gossip girl vibes. This is the first book in a series but the next one comes out in September. If you read this one now you won’t have to wait much for the sequel.
My Rating: 4 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? This is a juicy book full of drama and a page turner. If you are into gossip girl type drama you’ll like this book.
Wild Game by Adrienne Brodeur
A daughter’s tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity. This is a non-fiction book that reads like fiction. You can easily read this book in one sitting by the pool. It is full of juicy drama and you’ll have to constantly be reminded this is true story.
My Rating: 4 Stars. Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? It is short, reads like fiction and I just couldn’t get enough of this story.
The Light we lost by Jill Santopolo
I am including this book because I personally read this by the pool in 2 sittings! I love Jill Santopolo’s writing. It is a story about choices with relatable characters. I was invested in the love story from the beginning! It is heartbreaking so maybe don’t read the end in public.
My Rating: 5 Stars! I read this before I started writing reviews, maybe I should read it again this summer.
Why is this a good summer read? It is a page turner and I personally read it in the summer by the pool with a drink. The writing is what makes this a good summer book!
New Summer Books
This category includes new books (books that came out or will come out in 2020) that I think are great for summer reading. I’m including some books I’ve read and some that I am super excited to read in the upcoming months. I’ve indicated whether I’ve read the book or not in the summary.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
This book had great banter between the characters, I was invested in the love story and I loved that they were both “broken”. There is none of “the woman is lost and found a guy and now she’s fixed” that typically happens in romances. This is a heavier book than your typical romance but I loved it!
My Rating: 4 Stars. Review coming soon!
Why is this a good summer read? I mean its in the name! I read this book at the beach recently and it was perfect!
The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz
This is a story of three generations of women and the dress that connects them. Even though this is a historical fiction book it is not a heavy one which is great. This book was so easy to read and it grabbed my attention right away. I loved being transported to Paris in the late 50s, NYC in the 80s and NYC now.
My Rating: 4 Stars. Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? This book will transport you to a different place. Its easy to read and there is an element of suspense.
Well-behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave
This is a mother-daughter story about three generations of women who struggle to define themselves as they pursue their dreams. It has great reviews and has been described as easy to read in terms of the writing. Saumya Dave is a debut author and I’m excited to read her work.
Publication Date: July 14, 2020. Pre-order it here.
Why is this a good summer read? Complicated family relationships tend to be page turners for me. I’m excited to read this book!
One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London
Are you a fan of The Bachelor? This may be for you. I just started reading this one and it is one of my most anticipated books of the summer. This book is about a plus sized fashion blogger who becomes the lead on a reality show like The Bachelorette. It looks like the season of The Bachelorette we are all waiting for so I’m here for it!
Publication Date: July 7, 2020. Pre-order it here.
Why is this a good summer read? Any book similar to The Bachelor has to be juicy right? I can’t wait to finish this one!
What you wish for by Katherine Center
I love Katherine Center so much. Her books bring me joy. I haven’t read this one yet but I’ve read her two previous books How to walk away and Things you save in a fire and loved them both. She writes books with relatable characters and that would capture your heart.
Publication Date: July 14, 2020. Pre-order it here.
Why is this a good summer read? I trust Katherine Center to give us a story that will keep us engaged and that will leave us with a smile on our face. I’m so excited to read this.
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Chanel Cleeton is one of my favorite authors. I loved Next Year in Havana and When we left Cuba so much so I’ve been waiting for her next book since I finished When we left Cuba over a year ago. The premise of this one is: In 1935 three women are forever changed when one of the most powerful hurricanes in history barrels toward the Florida Keys.
Publication Date: June 16, 2020. Pre-order it here.
Why is this a good summer read? Its set in the Florida Keys and her previous books have been great summer books.
Books with a Summer Vibe
These are books that are set at beach locations or during the summer. I have not read many of these but I will be reading them soon. For the books I haven’t read I’m linking to the goodreads pages so you can read more about these. I’ve included a mix of backlist and new books.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
This is my favorite Christina Lauren book. I love the premise and it is a great ‘enemies to lovers’ book. I listened to the audiobook last year but I recommend reading the physical book better. The banter is great and it is set in Hawaii.
Goodreads Rating: 3.99 stars. Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? I loved the setting in Maui and the romance was perfect for the summer. I could see myself reading this by the pool.
Peachtree Bluff Series by Kristy Woodson Harvey
I love Kristy Woodson Harvey as a person and I am currently reading her latest book Feels Like Falling and loving it. This series follows the journeys of three sisters and their mother and a secret from their past that has the potential to tear them apart and reshape their very definition of what it means to be a family.
Goodreads Rating: 3.98 stars. Check out reviews here. Get the book here.
Why is this a good summer read? This book is set in a fictional southern town called Peachtree Bluff. As you can see in the cover it gives a “beachy” vibe.
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
I asked on Instagram what are your favorite summer books and a lot of you mentioned Elin Hilderbrand. I haven’t read any of her books but I am super excited to read this one.
Goodreads Rating: 4.04 stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? The book is set in the beaches of St. John in the Caribbean. I have personally been to St. John and loved it. I’m excited to transport there via this book this summer.
East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter
This book just came out and the cover is giving me all the summer vibes. This book is set in Montauk and its about 4 childhood friends that have drifted apart and reunite in Montauk one last time. There is an element of mystery to it.
Goodreads Rating: 4.24 stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? The book is set in Montauk and look at that summery cover! Its gorgeous.
Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews
Mary Kay Andrews has been described as “The Queen of Beach Reads” so obviously I had to include one of her books. This is her latest book and it is set in a small beach town.
Goodreads Rating: 4.19 stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? The book is set in a small beach town in Florida and this it’s in the name!
The Second Home by Christina Clancy
A debut novel set on Cape Cod that centers on a beloved family home and the summer that changed the lives of three siblings forever. This book comes out June 2!
Goodreads Rating: 4.02 stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? The book is set in Cape Cod, I’ve read a few books set in Cape Cod this year and loved that setting.
Summer Books by Black Authors
These are books that fall under any of the above categories and are written by Black authors. I made a category for these to highlight these books.
The Idea of you by Robinne Lee
I included this book in my last post but I wanted to officially include it here. This book is sexy, genuine, honest and I’d describe it as a sophisticated romance. The writing style and the character development make this much more than your typical romance book. I don’t think this book is for everyone (there are some very steamy scenes) but if you like a well written romance that will make you feel something for this couple this is for you.
My Rating: 5 Stars! Check out my review here.
Why is this a good summer read? You’ll get invested in this couple and won’t be able to put it down.
The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory
I just gave this book as a gift to all my bridesmaids on my “bridesmaids proposal boxes”. I am so excited to read it this month! I read The Wedding Date by Jasmine and loved it. This is an enemies to lovers romance book centered around a wedding so I’m here for it!
Goodreads Rating: 3.76. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? Jasmine Guillory write the perfect rom coms so I automatically thought of her books for this list.
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
This is the first book in a new series about three young women who become friends when the live Tweeting of a disastrous date leads them to discover they’ve all been duped by the same man. I’ve seen great reviews of this one and I’m looking forward to reading it this summer.
Goodreads Rating: 3.65 Stars. Check out reviews here.
Why is this a good summer read? Based on the synopsis this sounds like the perfect summer read.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
I included this book in my last post but I wanted to officially include it here as well. This is not a romance but the writing of this book makes it a good summer book for me while at the same time addressing some important topics like race. I’ve read this book twice and I’d read it again!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars. Check out my review here.
What makes this a good summer read? The writing! It is so “readable” and I can’t recommend it enough. It is also a great book club pick.
With the fire on high by Elizabeth Acevedo
This is a YA novel about a teen mom in Philadelphia who uses her passion for food in order to build a better life for her and her daughter. This book is described as a mix of friendship, teenager motherhood, travel, and cooking. I’ve heard great things about Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing and I can’t wait to read this one.
Goodreads Rating: 4.25 Stars. Check out reviews here.
What makes this a good summer read? I don’t know why but the fact that food is a central part of this book makes me think of summer. I’m so excited to read this one.
Tiny Imperfections by Alli Frank & Asha Youmans
A contemporary fiction story about the admissions process at a private school in San Francisco. This book has been described as “The Wedding Date meets Class Mom in this delicious novel of love, money, and misbehaving parents.” I haven’t read this one yet but I’m so excited to read this debut novel.
Goodreads Rating: 3.81 Stars. Check out reviews here.
What makes this a good summer read? This story includes funny commentary on parents at a private school which makes for an entertaining summer read.
I hope this post helps you find some great books to read this summer! I put together a Bookshop.org list with all the books in case you want to buy them. Check it out here. Let me know what you think of them if you read them.
