The Best Books to Read to Feel like You're on Vacation
Anyone else craving a vacation? I’m currently writing this post on day 4 of a blizzard and waiting for another foot of snow to dump on us. While I do love the snow, I am very much ready for a little sunshine getaway. If you’re heading on vacation this Winter or just hoping to find a little fictional sunshine on these grey cloudy days, I put together a list of the Best Books to read to feel like you’re on vacation! After all, vacation is a state of ind, isn’t it?
When I go on vacation, I love to read books that are fast paced and pull me in immediately. I also love to read on theme, so I love to pick up a book that is set on a vacation or in a place I can’t wait to visit. While I am a Romance reader primarily, I know lots of people love to read mysteries and thrillers on vacation! Hopefully these satisfy all those needs.
If you have any perfect vacation reads, leave them in the comments!
ROMANCE
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
This is one of my most recommended books but I will always love it and it was my gateway into reading Romance! It’s an enemies to lovers Rom Com set in Hawaii.
Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore
A summery book set on Block Island and told from multiple POVs with a large cast of characters. It has family drama, a little second chance romance, and a coming of age story line.
The Summer of Broken Rules by K. L. Walther
As a New Englander, my ultimate vacation dream is two weeks on the Vineyard or Nantucket. This book takes you right to Martha’s Vineyard! A large family wedding, a budding new adult romance, and a beautiful depiction of living with grief.
Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage
Talk about escapism! I went through a whole Yeehaw era in 2023 and It’s still going strong for 2024. This is an enemies to lovers/brother’s best friend Romance set on a ranch in Wyoming. It’s a sexy slowburn and so freaking FUN to read, making it perfect for vacation or to escape for a couple hours at home.
Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler
If you’re heading on a road trip, this is the perfect book for you. A young woman is trying to reunite her elderly neighbor’s ashes with her one true love, who also passed away years previously. Her flight gets canceled and she links up with a handsome writer and they begin the long drive, slowly getting to know each other and sharing their stories.
The Art of Scandal by Regina Black
If you loved Scandal, you’ve got to read this book. It’s smart and sexy and enlightening. I highly recommend it!
A Caribbean Heiress in Paris by Adriana Herrera
If you love historical fiction and regency romances, you’ve got to try this series by Adriana Herrera! I loved it on audio.
Kismet by Becky Chalsen
I love books set in lesser known beach towns and this book is about a wedding on Fire Island! I had a friend growing up with a house in Point O’Woods and have such fond memories of it so I loved this book. It’s about twin sisters dealing with grief and a dramatic family wedding.
Better than Fiction by Alexa Martin
While I love beach vacations, the mountains have my heart. I loved this book set in Colorado! A young woman inherits her grandmother’s bookstore and a romance author takes her on dates to help her fall in love with reading. It’s got a great cast of characters and the perfect amount of spice!
THRILLERS & MYSTERIES
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
A richly dark Peter Pan retelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
A lot of people hate on Riley Sager…I am not one of them. I find his books to be SO FUN. This is set at a lake in Vermont and it’s chilling and ridiculous and fun.
Lying in the Deep by Diana Urban
A Semester at Sea inspired mystery set on a cruise ship!
The Villa Rachel Hawkins
Head to Italy…or don’t…
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Rich people problems are the ultimate escapist read, even if the characters are entirely unlikable.
You Shouldn’t Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda
Megan Miranda is one of my favorite thriller writers. Her backlist is extensive and you can’t go wrong with any of her books!
The Counselors by Jessica Goodman
YA summer camp murder mystery!