10 Best Summer Books You Need To Read This Summer

This post is all about the best summer books you need to read this summer

If you love to read, then you already know that there is nothing like reading a book in the summer. For some reason, it just hits different. Maybe it’s because summer is more of a laid back season, so reading and relaxing just come hand in hand. Or maybe it’s just the vibes in general. Sitting by the bool or the beach reading a book; there’s just nothing else like it.

Whether you like to read a physical book or like to read on your kindle (I love both) it doesn’t matter. Summer reading is something you can’t explain unless you’ve experienced. And although there are no rules as to what type of genre you should be reading this time of year, there are certain books that the summer vibes are so strong, they need to be read at this time of year.

If you are not a reader and you have been wanting to get into reading, there is no better than the present. Summer is the perfect time to start! This is the time of year when you may have more time for yourself to pick up a hobby. Reading is a great way to disconnect from the world and get lost in the pages. Reading can help us escape life’s stresses and get wrapped up in a story.

There are tons of books that give off amazing summer vibes out there. If you love romance then get ready because you are about get lost in some of these books. The books that I will mention below are some of my favourite romance summer books that are super popular on social media so I’m sure you have heard of them before. If not, I will give you a small snippet of what they are each about without giving to much away!

After my book recommendations, I will also recommend a few products you will love that will help your reading experience be more pleasant, especially in the summer.

Happy Reading!

Some of the links provided may be affiliate links, which means that by clicking on them, I could earn a very small percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you. Read full disclaimer here.

We’ll start with an easy one – probably the most obvious summer read out of the bunch. As you can infer from the title, ‘Beach Read’ by Emily Henry is definitely a great choice for summer or vacation reading.

‘Beach Read’ follows January and Augustus, who have known each other for many years and are polar opposites. They are authors in very different genres, both experiencing a slump in their writing. The reason this book is considered a summer read is because it takes place in a beach house in a small town. The summer and beach vibes are delightful, and the romance is genuinely cute. So, if you’re seeking a sweet rom-com with strong summer vibes, you should definitely pick this one up

Every Summer After was my absolute favorite summer read in 2022. The story unfolds in Ontario, in a small town called Barry’s Bay. Penelope and her family owned a summer home there, and they spent every summer in that quaint town. In the narrative, Penelope, now living in the city, finds herself hastily returning to the town she hasn’t visited in 10 years, encountering her childhood friend Sam, whom she had dated and subsequently broken up with. The reunion with him and the return to her hometown stir up a flood of memories.

One of the reasons I adore this story so much is because the author skillfully navigates between past and present, allowing readers to delve into the characters’ childhood experiences.

It’s a sweet romance that you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with, and there’s no better time to immerse yourself in it than during the summer months.

If you’re in search of a young adult romance novel, look no further than Heart Bones. This short romance book is suitable for all ages. In fact, I allowed my then 12-year-old daughter to read this book, and she loved it.

The story follows Beyah, a troubled young girl. After her mom passes away from a drug overdose, she has to go live with her dad, whom she barely knows. Her dad, who is very wealthy, resides on the beach. Now Beyah finds herself navigating her new life with a new family. Amidst this, a sweet romance blossoms, accompanied by a plot twist that will catch you off guard. This book is a perfect choice for summer or vacation reading.

As you can probably tell by the cover of this book, Malibu Rising is a perfect summer/beach read. It takes place in Malibu and follows a family that has weathered tough times. The oldest daughter, Nina, has taken her younger siblings under her wing but is dealing with her own troubles.

I love how this story seamlessly transitions between past and present, allowing readers to delve into their family history and all they’ve endured.

Personally, I fell in love with the character Nina. In my opinion, she was one of the most authentic characters I’ve ever encountered in literature. The summer vibes in this story are absolutely enchanting, making it the perfect book to pick up this time of year.

Another great summer read by Taylor Jenkins Reid, “One True Loves,” is one of those books you won’t be able to put down. It’s a heart-wrenching love story that you will never forget. This book was so popular in the book community that they made it into a movie, which I watched and loved, but the book is always better!

The story revolves around Emma and Jesse, high school sweethearts who get married and enjoy traveling together. The twists and turns in this book will leave you speechless and heartbroken. In my opinion, it’s a must-read, especially in the summer.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is the ultimate series to read this summer, especially if you enjoy young adult books. If not, then it’s a great series to purchase for your daughter. This series has now become a television series that has blown up! Teenagers everywhere are obsessed with this show not only because of the love story but also because of the summer vibes.

The story follows Belly. Every year she and her family spend the summer at Cousins Beach, and she looks forward to it every year. Her mom’s best friend and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, own a beach house there, and every summer from the time they were little has been epic.

If you’re unsure about the books, then you must watch the series in the summer. Whether you choose to read or watch this series, it will be something you won’t regret.

As you can probably tell from the cover of this book, it’s definitely giving off some vibes. “Happy Place” by Emily Henry is a book about love, friendship, and honesty. Emily Henry is known for her romantic comedies, but in my opinion, “Happy Place” is her best book so far.

The story revolves around Harriet and Wyn. They have been the perfect couple since college but have now broken up. Along with their friend group, they all go on a vacation to a cottage in Maine every year, which is always epic. Although Harriet and Wyn are no longer together, they have not told their friends about their breakup. So, during their yearly vacation, they must fake that they are still together.

This is a great book to read by the pool or while you’re on vacation. I love the found family aspect in this book; it is what makes it so special.

“Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren is probably one of my favorite books. The trope is childhood friends to lovers (my favorite), and this is another one of those books that transitions from past to present. So, you get to know the characters and their relationship as the story unfolds.

Macy is a pediatrics resident, engaged to an older, financially secure man, and seems to have her life together. Until she bumps into Elliot, her first and only love of her life. In this book, you will see how she starts to question her whole life after just one conversation with him.

This is an absolute must-read in the summer. It will end up being one of your favourite books.

“Maybe in Another Life” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a book like no other. Have you ever wondered what would have happened to your life if you had made a different decision? For example, if you had a really big decision to make, depending on what path you chose, would your life be completely different? Well, this is exactly what this book is about.

The story follows a young girl named Hannah who is not exactly sure what to do with her life. After moving back to her hometown in Los Angeles, she bumps into her high school sweetheart, Ethan. At the end of the night, he asks to take her home, and this is where the story splits up. There are two versions of this story: what would have happened if she said yes, and what would have happened if she said no. This is when you get to see two different scenarios of how different her life turned out just because of that one decision.

This is a really cute, summery rom-com that you will not be able to put down.

“A really cute rom-com about two best friends, Alex and Poppy, who have taken 10 vacations together. However, two years ago, they had a falling out and haven’t spoken since. Now, they are taking one more vacation together to fix everything.

The vacation vibes are perfect, and the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope is super interesting. This book is a great vacation read to enjoy while lounging on the beach. The cover alone is aesthetically pleasing and perfect for summer.

In this next section, I will give you some recommendations on book products that you must have if you either love to read or want to get into reading. All of these products can easily be found on Amazon.

If you’re an avid reader, having an e-reader can seriously upgrade your reading game. Not only is it super convenient to have a Kindle packed with an endless library of books, but the reading experience itself is top-notch. With anti-glare features, waterproofing, and a texture that mimics real paper, it’s like holding a traditional book in your hands. One of my favorite perks? Being able to read in bed without disturbing anyone, thanks to the option to turn off the lights. And let’s talk about Kindle Unlimited – for just $10 a month, you get access to a vast selection of titles, which is a steal considering how pricey books can be!

Honestly, there’s no downside to getting a Kindle. Even if you’re a die-hard fan of physical books, I guarantee you’ll be won over once you give e-reading a shot.

When it comes to making your Kindle your own, decking it out is half the fun. It’s all about personal flair. Check out the pic of my Kindle – I went all out with some super cute, girly bookish stickers, paired them with a clear case for that sleek look, and topped it off with a flower pop socket. But hey, the sky’s the limit! Get creative and jazz up your Kindle however you want to showcase your style – whether it’s bold, minimalist, or anything in between. Here’s the link to the stuff I used, but feel free to mix it up and make it totally you!

If you’re someone who would rather read a physical book, then you know the struggle with reading at night, especially if you are sharing a room with someone. This reading light is really comfortable to use and has different settings so that you can have warmer lighting.

Every bookish person needs a cute bookmark. You can choose something specific like a book quote or simply opt for something really cute and simple. There are tons of options available at your local bookstore or on Amazon!

A book sleeve is a great way to travel with your latest read. Instead of tossing your book into your purse or school bag, a book sleeve will protect your book from bending. I love that you can also carry anything else you’d like, such as lip gloss or your phone. The picture below is my own personal book sleeve that I love to carry, especially when traveling. I chose an ACOTAR theme sleeve because it is my all-time favorite series.

I have included a Printable Book Journal Download that I have created. You can print it out and create your own personal book journal. It’s great to keep record of all the books you read. You get to rate them, add your favourite quote and add your own personal notes. That way when you look back on it, you can always remember what the book was about and what you were thinking when you were reading it.

Reading can be so much fun, especially in the summer! You just need to find the right book that you will love. The books I have mentioned above have the perfect summer feel and are great for taking to the beach or reading by the pool.

What books are on your TBR for this summer? Let me know in the comments!