2024 Summer Reading Guide: New Releases
It’s here it’s here, my favorite time of year!!! Summer reading season!! It’s probably strange that I hold so much nostalgia in this season, but I always feel like I get my personality back the second we hit 75 degrees. Summer reading is full of everything I need as a human being to thrive: sun, a body of water, and endless hours to get lost in a book.
This year, I’ve read so many new releases that I simply loved and can’t wait to share with you. As always, I’ll be rolling our different reading guides for the season as we approach the Summer Solstice. From this new release guide, to the beach read guide, to thrillers, and literary fiction. I can’t wait to share them all and I hope they make it in your beach and pool bags or keep you company on a road trip or fill the hours on a plane or make your backyard feel like a Summer Time Oasis.
OUT NOW
Happy Medium by Sarah Adler
Probably one of my favorite books of the year. I love this author so much for how individual her romances are. This is about a woman who has conned people into believing she’s a medium. When one of her regular clients asks her to perform an exorcism for a family friend’s farm they’re preparing to sell, she vows it will be the last time. Until she gets there and finds a very handsome, grumpy farmer and a ghost she can actually see greeting her.
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
The Guncle was one of my very favorite books in 2022. I cherish those characters so much! This is the sequel so you do need to read the first book but it’s well worth it to follow Grant and Maisie on some European adventures with their GUP.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
If you love an emotional romance, Abby Jimenez is the author for you. This is set on an idyllic lake in Minnesota and follows Justin and Emma as they both worth through some different family trauma as they fall in love, seemingly just for the Summer.
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
Another emotional romance that will have you crying behind your sunglasses and swooning at the same time.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Emily Henry does it again with this fake dating, bookish love story. Daphne and Miles both get dumped, end up sharing an apartment, and decide to fake date to make their exes jealous. But soon, fake feelings turn real.
Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter
I love to read YA in the summertime and I fell in love with Marisa Kanter’s characters as they navigate love, heartbreak, identity, and passion during a sweaty NYC summer.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
This book will have you booking a trip to Prince Edward Island in a heartbeat! As Carley is so good at, we follow two characters in the past and present as they fight the pull that brings them together. It’s a best friend’s brother, second chance romance that is so summery and perfect!
JUNE
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Annabel Monaghan has quickly become a favorite author of mine because she is able to do and say so much with so little. There’s no “fat” in her books, every sentence has a purpose. This follows a woman as she grapples with finding herself again after losing her mother and going through a divorce. It’s heavy at times but it is also so much FUN. It really captures the feelings of Summer and has a older character at the center. Not all romance happens in our teens and twenties!
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Katherine Center is an author that can be hit or miss for me but this was definitely a hit. I loved the Hollywood setting and found the characters to be very enjoyable to spend time with. Great on audio!
Serendipity by Becky Chalsen
Becky Chalsen returns to Fire Island with Serendipity! I think her first novel was stronger but they setting is still great. Definitely one I’d recommend trying from your library first!
Finding Mr. Write by Kelley Armstrong
I’ve been reading a lot of books about writers lately and this one was so fun. The first half of the book is set in the Yukon area so it’s cozy and rural and everything I love about the mountains. It’s about a frustrated author who, after one two many rejections and too much wine, adds a male sounding pen name to her manuscript. THe book goes to auction and now she needs an actor to play the male version of her. It addresses a lot of issues in the publishing industry and I really liked the romance.
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
A group of friends return to the Summer camp they all met at as kids before it is sold to a hotel company. It’s full of maturing, second chance romance, and reconnecting with the people who made us.
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Ashley Poston writes the most creative romances in my opinion. This is another story about a writer and reader and I think it will make so many readers feel seen!
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
If you’re not reading TJ Alexander, you’re doing it wrong. I LOVE their books and I’m excited to read their latest queer rom com, this time dipping into the world of polyamory.
One Star Romance by Laura Hankin
Laura Hankin has such a fun, readable quality about her books. This one definitely hit me with the feels and I loved the premise of it! A writer has to walk down the aisle at her best friend’s wedding with a guy who rated her novel 1 star.
JULY
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
The final book in the Lovelight universe follows Charlie (!!!!) and Stella. It’s an opposites attract, one night to forever, secret relationship small town romance.
Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell
In the summer time, I want to read something that totally pulls me in and makes me want to do nothing but read. Book 1 in this series did that for me!! It’s got action, romance, and is totally clever. It’s the sequel to a YA rom com about a girl on her study abroad who ends up trying to outrun a meteor heading towards Earth with the Prince of England.
Hearts Overboard by Becky Dean
I saw “Alaskan Cruise” and immediately added to cart.
The Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez
ummm this book!!! A librarian and an former NFL player are in love with two people who don’t love them back. So, the obvious solution? Fake dating!
The Game Changer by Lana Ferguson
It may not be hockey season, but there’s always a good time for a hockey romance.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
I’m sorry, this cover is all we need to see your honor. But it’s also fake dating!!! An elite trope in my mind.
The Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
Second chance romance at a wedding in Napa Valley? Yes please.
AUGUST
The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava
A workplace rom com by an Indigenous author that is so swoony and also tackles some difficult familiar topics.
On My TBR:
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
It’s not Summer without a new C.Lo!
Haunted Ever After by Jen Deluca
An August release that will be the perfect transition to Fall (i don’t want to think about Fall yet though).
Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren
A rom com retelling of Rapunzel!
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
I’ve heard this is Ali Hazelwood’s best and I can’t wait to read it!
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
I haven’t read an Eli Hilderbrand in a while, but her books are a very special connection I have with my mom so I want to read this last Nantucket novel.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
I don’t read a ton of thrillers, but I always look forward to Riley Sager’s new book. He has a tongue and cheek tone to his books lately that I love.
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
It’s not Summer without a little Lit Fic! This is one of the most talked about books of the year and I can’t wait to relish it this Summer.
When I Think of You by Myah Ariel
Another book that had a lot hype this spring that I can’t wait to read!
Lies and Wedding by Kevin Kwan
Crazy Rich Asians is one of my favorite comfort films and I love a juicy, drama filled book for summer.
Kindle Unlimited
Say You Mean It by Megan Reinking
This cover is giving The Simple Wild and seems to deal with some similar themes.
One Summer on Mackinac by Alana Robin
This is pitched for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty and Gilmore GIrls sooooo sign me up.
One Night Only by Catherine Walsh
I’ve loved Catherine Walsh’s charming romances. This one is set in Ireland and they’re usually on the less spicy side if that’s your vibe!
Recipe for Second Chances by Ali Rosen
This cover just screams Summer!
My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey
I had a blast reading this Cape Cod set romance with a dash of murder mystery. It’s so fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously!
Off to the Races by Elsie Silver
If you’re looking for a yeehaw moment this Summer, try Elsie’s first series!
What’s on your Summer TBR? Stay tuned for all the summer reading goodness coming your way all season long!