The Beach Read Guide
I promised more Summer Reading content would be coming! I hear the requests for non-new releases so that you aren’t on long wait lists at the library. So, I’m digging through my beach read past to find the best of the best as well as a couple new releases, in case you want to treat yourself. I’m going to break this down into categories; YA, True Romance, and Family Dramas + Rich People Problems. Plus, I decided to included some indie romances that are available on Kindle Unlimited for anyone who has a subscription!
YA
Meet Me at Midnight by Jessica Pennington
This is one of my all time FAVORITE Summer books. I read it during Summer 2020 and it will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it brought me joy and distraction during a difficult season. It’s about two families who always spend the Summer at their lake house. There’s prank wars, nostalgia for summers of your youth, and a sweet romance. It’s so good.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
I recommend this book all the time for people who are looking for a beachy read with substance. It’s set on Martha’s VIneyard and has the BEST cast of characters if you love big families. It’s also perfect for Taylor Swift fans because the MC is a Swiftie.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson
If you want a lakeside read that will pull at your heartstrings, look no further. This book made me SOB. TW for loss of father, cancer.
Camp by L.C. Rosen
What’s more summery than summer camp? Even better, this is a camp for queer teens. It has summer theatre, self discovery, and romance.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Queens of New York by E.L. Shen
This is a new 2023 release but I think it’s a perfect coming of age read for Summer! It’s about three friends who usually spend every summer break together, but this year they all have something that takes them away from home. It’s seems reminiscent of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
True Romance
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady
I love this book about sisters who don’t know about the others’ existence until their adulthood. It’s a little bit HGTV, a little Summer Romance, and a little bit of The Parent Trap. It takes place in Destin, Florida as well!
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
If you need a quite, spicy read that is pure fun, this is the book for you. It’s got a little murder mystery, a tattooed hero, a bubbly heroine, and it’s set on the Cape. It’s summer reading at its finest.
Amazon | Bookshop.org
The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
I adored this book set on a remote island in the middle of one of the great lakes! It’s about a single mom who loses her job at a hotel in Florida and ends up with a job at a small boutique hotel in Ohio. It’s got summery brewery vibes, a spunky little girl, and a sweet closed door romance.
Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory paved the way for the success of the modern Rom Com so you must add one of her books to your list! Drunk on Love is her latest releases (from 2022) and it’s set in Napa Valley. Say no more!
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
I think you only need to take one look at this cover to convince you to add it to your reading list.
Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan
One of my favorite books from 2022 that will have you wishing you had a tiny writing cottage on your property. It’s about a woman going through a divorce who typically writes scripts for a Hallmark-esque channel. But one of her scripts takes off and becomes an Oscar worthy project and the male lead leaps off the page and into her read life. It’s a famous person/normal person romance and it’s SO good.
Family Dramas + Rich People Problems
The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore
If you like to read Elin Hilderbrand, please please PLEASE read Meg Mitchell Moore’s books. I love this one most but her 2023 release is on my wishlist as well. It’s set on Block Island and has a little mystery to it as well!
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
If you know me at all, you know I recommend this book often. And it’s because I love it so dearly! It’s set in Palm Springs and it’s about an uncle who takes in his niece and nephew after their mother, and his best friend, passes away. He introduces them to brunch and West Coast living and they introduce him to joy again. It’s a tear jerker but also so witty and insightful about grief.
The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland
If you like season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel when they go to the Catskills, you will enjoy this book. It also has a historical fiction vibe if that’s what you reach for!
Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin
Sick of all the books set on Nantucket? Pick up this book set on Martha’s Vineyard instead!
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
A 2023 release that’s on my wishlist! Set on Fire Island, it’s about the wives of two lifelong friends who have summered together for years. But this summer, a body has washed up on the boardwalk It’s apparently “darkly comedic” and sounds quite juicy.
Montauk by Nicola Harrison
Another one for my historical fiction lovers! 1920’s Montauk, which is the very end of the Hamptons. A married woman feels trapped in her marriage until she discovers a Lighthouse Keeper and a massive storm threatens the small fishing town.
Indie Published
The Jamison Valley Series by Devney Perry
I think the Summer is the perfect time to commit to reader a series. Devney Perry is the queen of small town Romance and I highly recommend starting with the Jamison Valley series. It has a little mystery to it and is set in small town Montana, so if you love Yellowstone, you’ll love her books.
Vacation Wars by Meghan Quinn
I haven’t read this one yet but Meghan Quinn writes fun spicy romances!
In a Jam by Kate Canterbary
Set in coastal Rhode Island!
A Deal with the Devil by Elizabeth O’Roark
Angsty banter on the beach with a million. An escapist summer romance!
Our Scorching Summer by Kels & Denise Stone
Friends to lovers! Spice! That cover! Need I say more?