Whether you’re spending summer by the beach, staying up way too late on vacation, or looking for a way to unwind after a long work day, there’s nothing better than finding the perfect book to get lost in. From summer romances and contemporary fiction to twisty thrillers – here are some of my top recommendations across genres to add to your summer TBR.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune, the queen of feel-good summer romance, just dropped this one on May 5. Our Perfect Storm follows two people who are forced to spend a week together in the coastal town of Tofino, years after a past that neither of them has fully moved on from. It’s the perfect new release to kick off your summer reading era.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
This romance follows two writers who reconnect years after a teenage fling that completely altered their lives. It’s layered with grief, chronic illness representation, and second-chance tension. Basically, if you want a romance that also punches you in the gut a little, this is it.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Imagine showing up to a fancy seaside hotel at rock bottom and accidentally getting adopted by a chaotic wedding party. That’s The Wedding People — it’s funny in a very dry, “I shouldn’t be laughing but I am” way. It’s the perfect, edge-of-your-seat contemporary fiction book to read on a hot summer day.
My Policeman by Bethan Roberts
Set in the coastal town of Brighton, England in the 1950s, this book follows a forbidden love triangle that is equally beautiful and heartbreaking. It centers on three emotionally intertwined lives, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a story that lingers after you finish it. As a bonus, Amazon Prime’s movie adaptation of the novel stars Harry Styles.
One & Only by Maurene Goo
A Read With Jenna pick, this romance follows a woman working on a K-drama set in Seoul who unexpectedly finds herself falling for a rising actor. It plays with rom-com tropes in a very self-aware way, while still delivering all the charm and slow-burn tension you could ever want from a lighthearted romance.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Yes, this book is about a woman working at an aquarium and her unlikely friendship with an octopus. And yes, it somehow makes you cry. Recently adapted into a Netflix movie, this novel tackles grief, loneliness, and unexpected connection. It’s a unique and beautiful story set in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest.
She Gets the Girl by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick
This young adult sapphic romance follows two college freshmen who start out as unlikely teammates with a shared mission: helping each other get their respective crushes during their first year of college. It’s guaranteed to have you yelling “just kiss already” at the pages (at least, that’s what happened to me).
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
Ever left a bad Goodreads review and thought, “what if the author saw this”? This thriller says: yeah, bad idea. What follows is a tense, slightly unhinged thriller where fiction and reality blur. It’s full of twists and impossible to put down once it gets going. For the best experience, read this one by a campfire.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
A Reese’s Book Club choice that feels like grief, love, and memory all wrapped into one devastating love story. It centers a woman forced to revisit her past after a tragedy exposes old relationships and buried truths. The novel is set in the cozy English countryside and has alternating timelines exploring the consequences of past choices.
The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
Grab tissues. Seriously. This military romance starts with letters and ends with your emotional destruction (in a good way, I think). It follows a woman who forms a deep connection with a soldier overseas, and let’s just say… Rebecca Yarros truly does not believe in letting you leave a book unscathed.
You, With a View by Jessica Joyce
This is a road trip romance with grief, healing, and unexpected chemistry all packed into one very scenic emotional journey. It’s about two people traveling across the country who slowly realize they might be traveling toward something they’re not ready for — feelings included. It’s the perfect summer-coded read to bring along to any vacation this season.
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
The title alone already sells it. This book follows a messy, complicated relationship set against a sunny summer backdrop, filled with banter, tension, and very bad (but fun) decisions. As expected from acclaimed author Ali Hazelwood, it’s smart, self-aware, and packed with chemistry that builds throughout the novel.
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
This novel flips the true crime narrative by focusing on the women impacted by a series of violent crimes in the 1970s. Instead of centering the perpetrator, it centers survival, memory, and what gets lost in the retelling. It’s a sharp and powerful read to add to your TBR this summer.
Only For the Week by Natasha Bishop
This is a flirty, fast-paced romance about a short-term arrangement that quickly starts to blur into something much more complicated. It captures that “just for now” feeling that never actually stays temporary, especially when emotions get involved. It’s steamy, chaotic, and optimal to binge on a long summer day.
Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
This thriller is told like a true-crime documentary, with interviews, scripts, and media pieces that make it feel like you’re watching everything unfold in real time. A cold case gets reopened, secrets come out, and suddenly nothing is as it seems. It’s immersive and very bingeable — best read with a flashlight in the middle of a summer night.