The 2022 Summer Reading Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…the Summer Reading Guide! It’s probably only me who feels this way, but after #ReadIntoSummer I’m always so ready to get the summer reading vibes going. This year, the Guide is PACKED. Like, I think this is the longest post I’ve ever written. We have new releases, past favorites, and new releases on my summer TBR. So, hopefully there is something for everyone! For the books with later release dates, I hope this helps you get on the lists at your libraries so you’ll be one of the first to read these fantastic books.
I’ve read most of these books but if I wasn’t able to read it before this went live, it is clearly marked. I’ll be sharing my thoughts all summer long with the #CampOutWithABook Reading Challenge! I’m seriously so excited for this summer and love how interactive these challenges are going to be.
As with all of my reading guides, I have linked books using affiliate links. That means that if you choose to purchase a book using one of my links, I make a small commision at no extra cost to you. It would mean the world to me if you chose to purchase through one of my links, as these guides take an incredible amount of work. I’m trying to keep my content free to consume, so this is a great way to support my work. It’s deeply, deeply appreciated.
Now, let’s get to the books!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
I’m going to tell you all right now: this is Emily Henry’s best. You know in all the Hallmark movies when the city slicker heads to the small town and leaves their significant other behind for a baker or teacher or inn owner? Nora is the one left behind and doesn’t think she’ll ever find her happiness because she’s so work obsessed (as a literary agent). She clashes with editor Charlie and winds up in a small town in North Carolina with her sister, only to discover that the city follows her in more ways than one. This is a smart, delicious, wonderful RomCom full of banter and book lover lingo. It’s SO GOOD and I say that as someone who didn’t love Beach Read. It’s going to be everywhere so just read it!
Every Summer After by Carly Fortune
I've been shouting about this book all month long but it truly was the perfect summer read. It’s a second chance, best friends to strangers to lover Romance that will make you want to stay up all night. And you’ll probably cry. It’s set in Barry’s Bay, cottage country in Northeast Toronto and it’s MAGIC.
The Italian Job by Kathryn Freeman
I didn’t get a chance to read this ARC yet, but it is also available on Kindle Unlimited! It’s a fake dating romance that takes place in an Italian castle on the shores of Lake Como. Dreamy!
Sweet Home Alaska by Jennifer Snow
Have not read the ARC yet!
A summery romance set in Alaska, need I say more? I’ve never read any Jennifer Snow but I know she writes a lot of sweet romances. It’s a second chance romance between the daughter of a Coast Guard and her high school sweetheart.
Something WIlder by Christina Lauren
Okay, looking for a book that is fun and adventurous? That’s this book. If you like the movies National Treasure and The River Wild, this will be for you. Also if you like the show Yellowstone, I think you’ll enjoy this second chance romance that is about falling in love, family, and a treasure hunt.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston
YA Casey McQuiston might be my new fav. While I didn’t love the overall structure of this book, I will be buying this book for so many teens and adults in my life. I loved the messaging behind it and once again, McQuiston creates a cast of characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. It’s 2022 queer take on Looking for Alaska with more lighter moments.
Rivals by Katharine McGee
Alright, all my American Royals fans. 1. How dare Katharine McGee. 2. HOW DARE SHE! Buckle up for another glamorous and drama filled journey with the Washingtons and their elite friends. Beatrice is hosting the League of Kings so we get to see the world expand and meet more international royals. I also finally feel like I understood Daphne (until the end, omg). Holy guacamole.
Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean
This is the sequel to Tokyo Ever After, which is the Princess Diaries esque story of Izumi, who learns that the father she never knew is actually the Crown Prince of Japan. You must read book one (and it’s a knockout, one of my favs of 2021) because this is a continuation of Izumi’s transition from normal Northern California teen into an imperial princess of Japan. It has everything I love about a royal story!
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
Available June 6, 2022
If there is one book that screams “Summer” it’s this book. It’s about a second grade teacher on vacation on the Cape with her brother when they discover there’s been a murder in their rental. Enter Myles, the giant sexy bounty hunter who can’t get enough of sweet Taylor. Or so she appears. It’s sexy—Tessa is known for her spice—but it is also atmospheric and fun. Perfect to read in one sitting and if you liked FInlay Donovan is Killing It! Though, do be warned, there’s a lot more spice.
Island Time by Georgia Clark
Available June 14, 2022
If you’re looking for a sweeping family RomComDram (romantic comedy with drama) set in a stunning, Island Time is the book for you. My favorite part of this book was the setting, a protected island off the coast of Queensland Australia. It has a modern commentary on motherhood and passion, with a sapphic love story at it’s center.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Available June 21, 2022
We know I don’t read a lot of thrillers, but for the last three years I have enjoyed Riley Sager’s books! Now, this book feels sleepy and snoozey for the first 50% but then things take OFF. I liked it! It’s set on a lake in Vermont and has lots of spooky vibes. I was surprised by the twists!
American Royalty by Tracy Livesay
Available June 28, 2022
For all my royal watchers, if you want a spicy fictional take on Harry and Meghan’s story, this Is the book for you. It’s one of those books that takes something familiar and creates a whole world around it. I didn’t spend the whole books being like “oh that’s William, that’s Kate, that’s Anne” which was refreshing.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
Available June 7, 2022
If you’re looking for a quick, fun, empowering read, this is it. It follows Nora, a newly divorced mom and two who is a screenwriter! She typically writes the formulaic romances for a Hallmark style channel, but after her husband walks out the family, she writes something without a happy ending. Enter the big wigs of Hollywood and a handsome, brooding actor who needs a dose of reality. It’s a quick read!
For the Love of the Bard by Jessica Martin
Available June 28. 2022
For all my fellow Shakespeare lovers, this is the small town Rom Com for you. It’s a closed romance about a writer (who uses a pen name) who returns to her hometown in order to find inspiration for her epic faerie fantasy series. She runs into the boy who stood her up on prom night, has to deal with her mother’s health issues, and direct one of the mainstage show’s for the town’s Shakespeare festival.
The Lifestyle by Taylor Hahn
Available June 7, 2022
I truly don’t think I could have predicted any bit of this book. It’s an Emma retelling…with swingers. Yes, you read that right. I was surprised but I found it to be a really enjoyable, thought provoking book. it was entertaining but also about what happens when we have everything that we want, but not that we need.
Fake It Til You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
Available June 21, 2022
This book is literally sweet. It’s about a football player turned baker who owns a cupcake shop who meets the latest star of a Bachelor esque show. Her reputation is in ruins because she rejected the proposal in the finale. So, they end up in a sticky situation to fake date and things escalate from there.
How to Fake It In Hollywood by Ava Wilder
Available June 14, 2022
Oh how I adored this book! If you’re a fan of The Unhoneymooners or The Love Hypothesis, add this to your list next. It’s a fake dating Hollywood romance that explores the characters beyond their relationships and into their mental health. It was swoony, steamy, and had me tearing up. I loved it!
The Summer of Christmas by Juliet and Keith Giglio
Available July 5, 2022
If you need an easy. cheesy, rom com this Summer, this fits the bill. Like Hallmark level cheese. It’s not usually my jam, but this is fun especially if you’re a Christmas lover like me. It’s pretty surface level but the concept is really fun!
The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken
Available July 19, 2022
Have not read the ARC yet!
Sworn enemies to lovers mixed with a little forced proximity in this romance about two friends who must co-parent after the sudden loss of their best friends, leaving their little one behind. My friend Mel read this book and really enjoyed it. She did say there was a slight God/religious aspect she could have done without but overall really enjoyed it.
No Funny Business by Amanda Askel
Available July 12, 2022
Have not read the ARC yet!
Two struggling comics work together to make their dreams come true! I’m always drawn to books about performers so I’m excited to read it!
Upgrade by Blake Crouch
Available July 12, 2022
Have Not Read the ARC yet!
Recursion Is one of my favorite books of all time so I am SO excited to dip back into the pool of Sci Fi. I don’t think I can do it justice but I find his writing to be incredibly accessible.
A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia
Available July 26, 2022
If you were a kid who loved magazines, who learned about self care and how to take of care of yourself mentally and physically, you are going to want to read this book. It’s The Devil Wears Prada meets Younger and The Bold Type but with a delightfully diverse cast of characters. It follows Noora, a first generation Iranian American who gets her supposed dream job at Vinyl magazine, only to learn that it’s not as glossy behind the cover.
Dream On by Angie Hockman
Available July 5, 2022
Have not read the ARC yet!
From the author of Shipped comes this silly, cinematic Rom Com about a woman who’s dream man literally comes true.
Twice A Quinceañera by Yamile Saied Méndez
Available July 26, 2022
Have not read the ARC yet!
A jilted bride doesn’t want to lose her wedding venue deposit so she decides to throw another party—a second Quinceañera to celebrate her independence, turning 30, and her achievements. But there’s a little second chance romance in there when the owner of the venue turns out to be none other than her college fling…
The Charmed List by Julie Abe
Available July 5, 2022
I love to read YA during the summer, there’s just something about it! A shy high school senior has lived her life on the sidelines but is tired of it. She creates an Anti-Wallflower list and a cute boy offers to help her check each thing off the list.
12 to 22 by Jen Calonita
Available August 16, 2022
Haven’t read the ARC yet!
I used to love Jen Calonita in high school! Her Secrets of My Hollywood Life series was one of my obsessions. And now, she’s back with a middle grade retelling akin to 13 Going on 30.
In the Event of Love by Courtney Kae
Available August 30. 2022
Haven’t read the ARC yet!
If you need a little winter romance during the hot days of Summer, this sapphic and steamy winter romance will fit the bill!
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Available August 30, 2022
TJR is back with her messy Hollywood world. Carrie Soto was a character we met in Malibu Rising. All of her latest books connect in some way. but I do think you can enjoy them as stand alones. I love Reid’s writing so I can’t wait to be sucked into another intoxicating read.
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Available August 3, 2022
From the author of The love Hypothesis comes her next “STEMinist” Romance novel. If I’m being honest, I didn’t love the three novellas she released this year so I hope that I enjoy this rivals to lovers romance.
Husband Material by Alexis Hall
Available August 2, 2022
If you were charmed by Boyfriend Material, you will be so excited to return to the world!
Thank You for Listening by Julia Whelan
Available August 2, 2022
Julia Whelan is one of the most talented audiobook narrators in the business. But she is also an incredible writer! Her debut, My Oxford Year, wrecked me in the best way so I can’t wait to read her next book! Here’s the blub: “From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.” —NetGalley
Sounds like everything I love!
How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine
Available August 30, 2022
I don’t read a lot of thrillers and mysteries, but I’m intrigued by this book! If you’re a mystery lover, I hope you are too!
The Missed Connection by Denise Williams
Available June 21, 2022
How much do I love Denise Williams, let me count the ways….and her adorable novellas. The airport novellas are so fun and have been released via audio first but the ebooks are coming this summer!
Love in the Time of Serial Characters by Alicia Thompson
Available August 16, 2022
Is this only on my list because the main character’s name is Phoebe? Yes. Does it sound fun? Also yes. It’s about Phoebe Walsh, a true crime obsessed PhD candidate, who is spending the summer cleaning out her childhood bedroom and grieving the father she didn’t really know…convinced the next door neighbor is a serial killer.
Kit McBride Gets a Wife by Amy Barry
Available August 23, 2022
What do you get when you combine a group of unwed brothers, a sister fed up with caring for them, and the employee of an eccentric widow who answers a mail-order bride call? This hilarious book. And it’s set in Montana, so all my fellow Yellowstone fans can anxiously await this one with me!
Love and Other Great Expectations by Becky Dean
Available June 14, 2022
100% obsessed with the cover of this book and that’s what caught my eye! An injury causes Britt Hanson to change her dreams of playing soccer in college so she seizes an opportunity to travel abroad. She meets very bookish and British Luke on their scavenger hunt to the locations of famous novels. In order to win, Britt must outwit and outsmart the three other competitors who aren’t afraid to play dirty.
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady
Available June 14, 2022
A book and author friend of mine is one half of the Ali Brady duo! I can’t wait to read this Parent Trap esque retelling of two best friends who meet at camp only to discover they’re half sisters. They break off contact until their father dies and he’s left them a joint inheritance: a beach home in Destin, Florida.
Set on You by Amy Lea
Available May 10, 2022
The love interest in this book is based on Chris Evans. Need I say more? But it’s also about a curvy fitness influencer and I am OBSESSED with that. We need more about that representation in Romance.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Available June 28, 2022
I’m noticing a trend that there was a push for books about books/book lovers/writers…and now we’re moving into books about ghostwriters. What a fun concept! A ghostwriter for a romance novelist goes through a bad break up and decides she no longer believes in love. There’s a burley editor, a small town, and literal ghosts. I think this is gonna be a fun one!
Maggie Moves On by Lucy Score
Available June 21, 2022
My friend Mel told me I had to read this book and most of Lucy Score’s backlist. So, I will be doing that for sure because I totally trust her opinion! But this book looks so fun. It’s about Youtuber/House Flipper.
The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
I read this book back in March and it felt like Summer. It’s a closed door romance about a single mom who loses her job at a hotel in Florida. She then finds a new position…on a remote island in the middle of a lake in Ohio. It’s sweet, special, and a delicious summer read.
Meet Me at Midnight by Jessica Pennington
I read this book in 2020 and if you’re an avid follower, you know I talk about this book CONSTANTLY. It’s a YA novel about two families who share a lake house property. When Sidney and Asher’s prank war goes to far, they have to work together to save the memories their parents have built and begin to build a relationship of their own. It’s so nostalgic and fun!
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Similar to the book above, this was a book that totally surprised me with how much I loved it. It’s set on Martha’s Vineyard with a large, diverse family as they prepare for a wedding. It deals with grief, first love, and family fun. It’s so wonderful! Also, if you love Taylor Swift, you will appreciate a lot of the references in this book!
Kisses & Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Another delightful YA that feels like Summer. A young ballerina is spending the summer in Paris dancing her heart out at an elite company. But the City of Love is intoxicating and soon she may have to choose between the two halves of her heart.
Well Met by Jen DeLuca
Since I first read this book in 2019, it has remained a Summer favorite. It’s very Gilmore Girls esque with a small town that hosts an annual Renaissance Faire. This is the first book in the series and it’s a delicious enemies to lovers RomCom.
Well Watched by Jen DeLuca
And the second book in the series has extra Gilmore Girls vibes! This is the story of April, a single mother, who is coerced into fake dating the sexy, kilted (during the Faire) town gym teacher, Mitch. And we know what happens with fake dating…
The Royals Next Door by Karina Halle
We know I love a royal romance! And this is a fun, easy, summery one at that. It’s based loosely on Harry and Meghan, when a prince and his new wife leave England to spend the Summer on a remote island and decide what they want for their future. They end up on a large estate where Piper lives in the guest house. And they brought with them a very sexy bodyguard…
Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin
If you’re looking for something besides Romance but also want a contemporary story, I LOVE this book about motherhood and friendship. Jude, an influencer, and Lauren, a single mom, are best friends who live together and are raising Lauren’s five year old. The dream, right? Except things get messy when they start being more vocal on the choices the other is making.
The Charm Offensive by Allison Cochrun
If you love The Bachelor but have wanted it to be more inclusive of all kinds of love, you will LOVE this book. It’s about the lead on a reality TV show and his handler when sparks fly. It’s utterly charming, as the title suggests.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Have I recommended this book enough? It’s truly so much fun. A writer is pitching her next book to her agent and is overhead…by someone assuming she’s a contract killer. Who wants to hire said writer. Who desperately needs money. It’s a WILD ride and will have you laughing out loud.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory’s books just keep getting better in my opinion. This book, a Hollywood romance, is glamourous and heartfelt with the perfect California setting for a trip to the beach.
It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
We know I love Tessa Bailey and this book took the internet by storm last year. It’s billed as Schitt’s Creek in book form and there’s a lot that true to that statement! Small town, a banished heiress, and a grumpy fisherman. It’s also VERY spicy for those who like open door romance!
The Passing Playbook by Issac Fitzsimons
This book stole my heart last Summer! It’s about a high school soccer player at a new school where it seems he has it all. But no one at the school knows he is trans and when a discriminatory law tries to keep Spencer off the field, he’s forced to make the unfair choice between cheering his team from the sideline or coming out to everyone, including the boy he likes.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Another delightful Summery family drama that will have you laughing and crying on the page. Patrick is an actor who’s long running show ended. He plans on retreating to Palm Springs to decide his next move, when his best friend and sister in law passes away. Her husband, Patrick’s brother, needs him to care for their two children for the Summer, even though he knows nothing about kids. It’s glamorous and heart wrenching, a lovely depiction of grief and moving forward.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
I read this 500 page book in one sitting last Summer. It’s THAT good. It’s a YA/New Adult-ish Thriller set in an Indigenous community in Michigan. It confronts the opioid crisis in these communities and is packed with important information amongst the thrilling story telling. I loved it.
Float Plan by Trish Doller
The cover of this book screams Summer! It’s another story of grief, but this time a widow decides to sail her husband’s boat after he dies by suicide in order to process being young and alone. It takes you to exotic locations and introduces her to a charming Irish sailor.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
Okay, apparently I read a lot of Summery books about grief? This is YA book set in a lake town in the Poconos. Taylor hasn’t been back since she left abruptly four year ago, but her father wants to spend the summer together, after receiving devastating health news. This book does deal with cancer so only read it if you’re in the head space!
Montauk by Nicola Harrison
For all my historical fiction lovers, want to know what the Hamptons were like before they were The Hamptons we know today? Then this is the book for you!
The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore
I love Meg Mitchell Moore’s book and this one is set on Block Island!
The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo
If you’re a Disney fan, you can’t go wrong with the book about the behind the scenes of working at the most famous theme park in the world.
I See London, I See France by Sarah Mylnowski
If you ever wanted to go backpacking with your best friends between high school and college, you will have a great time reading this book. it’s another I read in a day!
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
I read about one thriller a year and it’s been reserved for Riley Sager the last three years. If you’re looking for a creepy haunted house ghost story, this is a great book to try!
Survive the Night by Riley Sager
The pacing of this book was what really made me enjoy it because the main character and story will have you screaming “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, YOU IDIOT” the whole time.
The Ice Twins by S.K. Tremaine
I think this is the first thriller I ever read and it has stayed with me. It does deal the death of a child, so proceed with caution.
Still not enough? Here’s the link to last year’s Summer Reading Guide!
I’m exhausted from scrolling. I assume you are too. But I hope you found plenty to keep your beach and pool bags full this summer! Happy Reading!