Best Summer Reads for People Who Love to Get Lost in a Book
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There’s something about one day in the summer. You know the perfect day. Sun on your skin, a book in your hand, and time finally slowing down. That’s what this list is about: the summer reads you’ll love so much, you’ll forget to check Facebook, skip the news, and just get lost in a story that really supports your soul. Whether you’re craving a light summer read to take on vacation or searching for books that make life feel bigger, this list has the authors, reads, and unforgettable stories to match every mood. These aren’t just books—they’re the kind you’ll rate five stars, submit to your book club, and tell people about for months. If you’re here, you’re searching for your next best read, and I promise, this is where the love stories and once-in-a-lifetime reads begin.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally find that book—the one that stays with you long after the last page—this is it. These are the best summer reads worth your time, attention, and heart. Let’s dive into the books that feel like sunbeams, iced coffee, and everything you didn’t know your TBR was missing.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
If you haven’t added Beach Read to your reading list yet, now’s the time! This charming story brings together two authors—Augustus Everett, a literary fiction writer, and January Andrews, a romance novelist who’s lost her belief in happily-ever-afters. With both stuck in a creative rut and facing their personal struggles, they strike a deal to challenge each other’s writing style: Augustus will write something cheerful, and January will tackle the Great American Novel.
As they embark on summer adventures—ranging from quirky rom-com dates to interviewing survivors of a death cult—the chemistry between these two opposites is undeniable. The book beautifully captures the magic of finding love when you least expect it and reminds readers why a good summer read can bring both laughter and deeper reflections on life, love, and letting go. Add it to your list of must-reads because it’s the perfect blend of light-hearted romance and heartfelt moments—guaranteed to captivate you all summer long!
Genre: Romance, Popular Fiction
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley
If you’re a fan of mind-bending sci-fi with a blend of suspense, political intrigue, and romance, then The Mars House by Natasha Pulley is a must-read for your summer list. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Mars, where Earth refugees are treated as second-class citizens, this gripping novel follows January, an Earthstronger who is struggling to survive on a hostile planet. When a press interview with the xenophobic politician Aubrey Gale spirals out of control, the two hatch a plan to fake a marriage in order to save their futures—and their lives.
But what begins as a political ploy quickly escalates into something far more dangerous as January finds himself tangled in a web of conspiracy, personal betrayal, and high-stakes politics. Pulley’s world-building is impeccable, drawing you deep into the intricacies of life on Mars while exploring themes of survival, identity, and the unexpected forms love can take. The Mars House is a story about fighting for what’s right, and it will have you questioning what we’re willing to sacrifice for people and the future. Don’t miss out on this book—it’s the kind of summer read that will make you think long after the last page.
Genre: Science Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Queer, LGBT, Fantasy, Space, Dystopia
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
In The God of the Woods, Liz Moore crafts a haunting summer read that intertwines suspense, family secrets, and the echoes of a past that refuses to stay buried. Set in the remote Adirondacks in August 1975, the novel begins with the shocking disappearance of thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the influential family that owns the local summer camp. This isn’t the first time tragedy has struck the Van Laar family—Barbara’s older brother disappeared years earlier, leaving a long-standing mystery behind. As the search for Barbara intensifies, Moore delves deep into the intertwined lives of the Van Laar family and the working-class community surrounding them.
With each layer peeled back, the story reveals a complex web of secrets, unspoken tensions, and second chances. The God of the Woods is a gripping tale of loss, love, and the secrets we keep hidden, making it the perfect book for anyone craving an atmospheric mystery with rich, unforgettable characters. It’s a story that will keep you on edge and leave you reflecting on the thin line between truth and deception long after you’ve finished reading.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Historical Fiction
In the Woods by Tana French
If your ideal summer read leans toward the moody, the mysterious, and the deeply psychological, In the Woods by Tana French will have you absolutely hooked. Set in a quiet Dublin suburb during the summer of 1984, the story begins with the haunting disappearance of three children in the woods—only one is found, traumatized, and unable to remember what happened. That child grows up to become Rob Ryan, now a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad. When a young girl is found murdered in those same woods two decades later, Ryan is forced to return to the place that shaped—and shattered—his life.
This atmospheric, slow-burn book expertly blends crime, memory, and unresolved trauma into a narrative that’s as gripping as it is unsettling. Tana French crafts a rich psychological portrait of guilt, friendship, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive. Add this one to your list if you’re looking for a read that’s as intelligent as it is immersive. It’s not just a mystery—it’s a layered exploration of the human psyche.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Crime
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid delivers yet another unforgettable summer read with Atmosphere, a sweeping, emotional story that reaches beyond the stars. Set in the summer of 1980, the novel follows Joan Goodwin, a reserved physics professor whose quiet life is upended when she’s selected to join NASA’s groundbreaking space shuttle program. As she trains alongside a brilliant, complex crew—each navigating ambition, secrets, and personal stakes—Joan discovers not only the thrill of space travel but a fierce, unexpected love that reframes her entire life.
Reid’s ability to blend personal drama with rich historical detail makes this book feel both intimate and cinematic. The friendships forged in Houston’s Johnson Space Center, the internal battles each character faces, and the looming, tension-filled mission that will change everything—it’s all here, beating with heart and urgency. With themes of identity, sacrifice, and resilience, Atmosphere is a powerful addition to your reading list—perfect for people craving a novel that explores the unknown both out there and within ourselves. Don’t just read this one—feel it.
Genre: Popular Fiction, Literary Fiction, Fantasy
Hot Summer by Elle Everhart
If your reading list needs a dose of heat, sass, and reality TV chaos, Hot Summer by Elle Everhart is the summer read you’ve been waiting for. Think: Love Island meets queer romantic comedy with sharp wit and serious heart. Cas Morgan has spent years watching the hit dating show Hot Summer from her couch, never imagining she’d end up as a contestant herself. But when her company lands a juicy deal with the show’s producers, Cas finds herself thrust under the blazing Cypriot sun, cameras rolling, reputation on the line. Her goal? Survive eight weeks, charm the public, and land that promotion.
But when she meets Ada—a fellow contestant who’s stunning, sincere, and clearly looking for real love—Cas’s game plan starts to unravel. Suddenly, it’s not just about surviving eliminations or securing her career… It’s about the undeniable spark she can’t ignore. Elle Everhart delivers a story that’s equal parts hilarious, heart-tugging, and delightfully messy. Full of love, ambition, and the question of what it really means to be seen, Hot Summer is one of those books you’ll want to binge in one sitting, poolside or not.
Genre: RomanceLGBTQ+, Romance
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