10 Books To Read In The Summer
Summer is the season of possibility—long, lazy afternoons by the pool, sunlit adventures that stretch into warm, breezy nights, and the perfect excuse to lose yourself in a book that whisks you away to another world. Whether you crave a whirlwind romance, a thrilling mystery, or a sun-drenched escape, there’s a book for every kind of summer day.
So grab your sunglasses, pour yourself an ice-cold drink, and dive into these 10 must-read books that will make your summer even more unforgettable.
1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
For Fans of: Glamour, forbidden love, and tantalizing secrets
Set in the shimmering world of old Hollywood, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a whirlwind of opulence, heartbreak, and high drama. The legendary actress, Evelyn Hugo, invites a struggling journalist to write her memoir, revealing her seven marriages, the love of her life, and the deep, hidden truths behind her most scandalous choices. This is a tale of forbidden passion and a love that transcends time, with a twist that will leave you breathless.
💋 Why You’ll Love It: This book is a slow burn, simmering with passion and mystery, and filled with twists that will have you turning pages long after the sun has set. If you love the golden-age Hollywood glamour and the intoxicating allure of forbidden love, Evelyn’s world is your perfect escape.
2. Beach Read by Emily Henry
For Fans of: Enemies-to-lovers, writers with secrets, and sunlit rom-coms
In Beach Read, two authors—Augustus Everett, a cynical literary writer, and January Andrews, a bubbly romance novelist—are stuck in neighboring beach houses for the summer. Despite their very different approaches to writing, they strike a deal to swap genres and help each other with their books. But as their creative rivalry turns into something more, the chemistry between them is undeniable—and irresistible.
☀️ Why You’ll Love It: This is the perfect balance of heartwarming romance and witty humor, with a dash of emotional depth that will tug at your heartstrings. It’s like the perfect summer cocktail—light, refreshing, and with just the right amount of kick.
3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
For Fans of: Epic love stories, Greek mythology, and soul-shattering romance
This lush, reimagined tale of Achilles and Patroclus, set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, is a love story for the ages. From the first moment they meet, their bond grows into something profound and unforgettable, as they navigate battles, betrayal, and fate itself. Their love is tender, tragic, and truly eternal, and the story will leave you breathless long after you turn the last page.
⚔️ Why You’ll Love It: If you’re craving a romance that’s sweeping, profound, and achingly beautiful, The Song of Achilles offers a rare and unforgettable experience. The intense chemistry between Achilles and Patroclus will leave you yearning for a love that transcends time.
4. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
For Fans of: Family drama, summer vacations, and second chances
Daphne, a popular Instagram influencer, is invited to her former best friend’s wedding in a lavish beach house on Cape Cod. But when old wounds resurface and a dead body is found, Daphne’s picture-perfect vacation spirals into a mess of secrets, lies, and long-buried feelings.
🌊 Why You’ll Love It: Big Summer combines intrigue and family drama with a stunning setting, creating the perfect beach read for those who love a little mystery alongside their sunshine. It’s a guilty pleasure that doesn’t skimp on emotional depth.
5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
For Fans of: Friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, and perfect summer escapes
Alex and Poppy have been best friends for years, but after a falling out, their relationship is on the rocks. To try and repair it, they take one last summer vacation together—an unforgettable trip that forces them to confront not only the past but the simmering feelings that have been growing between them for years. This is the quintessential friends-to-lovers story with a dash of drama, humor, and sizzling chemistry.
🌞 Why You’ll Love It: A perfect blend of lighthearted fun and emotional depth, People We Meet on Vacation is the ultimate summer romance read. The push and pull of Alex and Poppy’s relationship will have you flipping through the pages, hoping for a happy ending that feels earned.
6. One Day by David Nicholls
For Fans of: Love that lasts a lifetime, fate, and bittersweet moments
On the night of their graduation, Emma and Dexter share an unforgettable night. From there, we follow their lives, meeting them on the same day every year—July 15th—watching them grow, change, and navigate love, loss, and everything in between. The romance between them is undeniable, but life’s timing is never perfect, and the twists will leave you wondering if they’ll ever get their happily-ever-after.
🌅 Why You’ll Love It: This is a summer read with more depth, a love story that unfolds over time and leaves you questioning the course of fate. It’s a perfect blend of joy, heartbreak, and beautiful moments that stay with you long after the last page.
7. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
For Fans of: Quirky characters, love with a side of humor, and unexpected romance
Professor Don Tillman is a brilliant but socially awkward geneticist who decides to find a wife through a very scientific approach—an extensive questionnaire. But when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited bartender who doesn’t fit any of his criteria, his world is turned upside down. Their unlikely bond grows into something neither of them expected.
💖 Why You’ll Love It: If you love quirky, endearing characters and a romance that sneaks up on you, The Rosie Project is your perfect read. It’s funny, heartwarming, and incredibly sweet—just like that unexpected summer fling you never saw coming.
8. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
For Fans of: Unlikely roommates, slow-burn romance, and heartwarming humor
Tiffy and Leon share a flat—but they’ve never met. Leon works night shifts and stays at the apartment during the day, while Tiffy occupies it at night. As they leave notes for each other and slowly begin to connect, a tender and funny romance blossoms between these two mismatched souls.
💫 Why You’ll Love It: This is the kind of summer read that is both lighthearted and profound. The charming dynamic between Tiffy and Leon, along with their quirky, heartfelt conversations, will keep you smiling all summer long.
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
For Fans of: Parisian charm, teenage romance, and finding yourself in a new city
Anna Oliphant is sent to boarding school in Paris, and while she’s less than thrilled at first, the magical city, combined with a crush on a charming and complicated boy named Étienne St. Clair, soon turns her world upside down. A story about love, self-discovery, and the thrill of a Parisian summer, this book will sweep you off your feet.
🍷 Why You’ll Love It: If you’ve ever dreamed of a romantic summer in Paris, Anna and the French Kiss will transport you there. It’s sweet, swoony, and full of youthful passion that will make your heart race like a first love.
10. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
For Fans of: Opulence, tragic romance, and the roaring twenties
Set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby is a tale of obsession, unrequited love, and the opulent excesses of the 1920s. Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, spends his days throwing extravagant parties in hopes of winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. But the story of love gone awry is tinged with tragedy and heartache that lingers long after the final page.
🌟 Why You’ll Love It: This timeless classic will make you yearn for the glamour of Gatsby’s lavish world, all while reminding you of the darker side of passion and obsession. It’s a perfect summer read that will make you reflect on love, loss, and the cost of desire.
Which Book Will Steal Your Summer?
These 10 books are an irresistible mix of romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters that will sweep you off your feet and into worlds of summer magic. Whether you’re looking for a beach read that makes you laugh, a heart-racing romance that makes your pulse quicken, or a tale of forbidden love that lingers in your mind, these books will make your summer unforgettable.
So, what’s your ultimate summer read? Which book will you be devouring this season? Share your favorite summer book picks below! ☀️📚
