20 Best Books For Summer (2023 Update)

This is the last book in a terrific series and I've more than enjoyed each one. I was sad when I finished the latest, Summer. Thoroughly recommended. 5 stars.New Traveller

10/10 loved every bit of it it's so cute and romantic and so sad at the same time i am team Jeremiah i must say but kind of morphing into team conrad and can't wait to read the second book. i love this series because of the love triangle and the summer feel you get when reading it. i loved the flashbacks to when everyone was younger to read what they were like growing up and everyone's friendships is something to cherishK

I absolutely loved the series!!! From start to finish. The writing style, the characters development, Every single part of it. It is an amazing summer read and I recommend this so so much< 3333Zaali

Read the book in a few days! Soooo good! The show so so good too! Definitely need to read book 2 3! So excited to read and watch the next seasons once they come out. If you’re looking for a summer show this is it!alexa.l

Interest: I heart this series and I had to read the final book. Title Thoughts: I love it. Cover Thoughts: I like it. It goes with the other covers and I like how it's just her. Because it all lies with Belly for the most part. WARNINGS: There might be a few cuss words. Trust me it does not matter with this series. You have to read it either way. I finished this book in a few hours went to bed woke up and had this insane urge to re-read it. This is one of those rare books for me where I want to re-read them as soon as I finish. I want to stay in these books forever. I want to get lost in them each and every time. I want to know them by heart. These are books that if I could only choose one series to read for the rest of my life these are the books I would choose without a moment of hesitation. In The Summer I Turned Pretty we see everything from Belly's point of view. In It's Not Summer Without You we see some of things from Jere's point of view. But in this one? We get a little bit of Conrad. I think that was really fantastic. Not just because I love Conrad but because we get to see his reasoning behind some of the things he had done. We see that Jere isn't as 'perfect' as Belly thinks which I really liked. Throughout all of the books we see that Conrad isn't perfect. He has flaws but we love him anyway. In this book we really see Belly see him as he really is: a person with flaws. But do those flaws fit together with Belly's? Or is Conrad and his flaws a better fit? Throughout the book I kept thinking Is this really happening? Please tell me it's not. Where is Conrad?! He needs to stop this madness!" While reflecting on the book I could see some things more clearly. I'll refrain from saying anything else on that train of thought for the sake of not having a spoiler. This is also one of those rare books for me where I'm actually content with the ending. I'm not talking about closure or being happy with the ending. Those things are there. I'm talking about being happy with imagining what could happen next. Usually I would want to continue and learn the details. Find out for sure what the author sees but I'm actually very happy with imagining it myself. Addict's Last Words: We'll Always Have Summer had my heart pounding my stomach in knots and I was on the edge of my seat with anxiety about who Belly would be with and if her and Jere would really go through with their plans. This is not a series you want to miss reading. To Buy or To Borrow: I hope you aren't having doubts about this. This series are clearly a buy. If you never use the buying links on JABA please use them for this series.You won't regret it. Favorite Quotes: "He didn't give me flowers or candy. He gave me the moon and the stars. Infinity" "I've only ever loved two boysóboth of them with the last name Fisher. Conrad was first and I loved him in a way that you can really only do the first time around. It's the kind of love that doesn't know better and doesn't want toóit's dizzy and foolish and fierce. That kind of love is really a one-time-only thing." "But just because you bury something that doesn't mean it stops existing.""Just Another Book Addict

Delivered even before estimated time which was more than delightful! The book is in perfect condition. Started reading it, couldn't stop reading 😀 I totally don't regret ordering from this company and look forward to order more! Thanks.mariagrik

I got this to read to my kids at school. They complain there aren't enough stories for them with black characters. I got this entire set. I hope they like them.kaycee329

Summer on the Bluffs was purchased for a gift. I read the first few pages and will keep it and continue to read it. Sunny Hostin, the author, is a beautiful spirit, daughter, wife and mother. I have read her autobiography and it is heart lifting.On the Bluffs

One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak has Serenity Alston surprised by the results she received after submitting a DNA test to 23andMe. She learns that she has two half-sisters. The three women will be spending the summer together in Tahoe. It will give the three women a chance to get to know each other and try to identify their common link. Each woman is going through a rough patch. Serenity just finished testifying at her husband's trial after turning him in to the police. Lorelei discovered her husband cheated on her with someone unexpected. Reagan had a one-night stand with someone from work and cannot face returning to her job. Each woman will need to overcome their issues before moving forward. One Perfect Summer is a light read that touches on an interesting topic. Imagine taking a DNA test and finding out you have two siblings. I liked that the three women who were at an intersection in their lives. It was touching to see them go from strangers to true sisters. The point-of-view switches between the three sisters which can be confusing in the beginning until you get used to each ladies' voice. It does mean that there is a repetition of information. It does, though, allow us to understand what each woman is feeling and thinking. I wanted to find out how the three women were related and came to be separated. When the solution was revealed, I was surprised because it came out of left field. I liked Lorelei's daughter, Lucy and how she helped an injured man. I did find the pacing a little sluggish and there is foul language (too much) in this book. I was happy with the epilogue that showed the women rallying around Reagan for an important event. One Perfect Summer is a sweet story about sisterly bonds, second chances, overcoming the past, finding love, and family.Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader

This was my first Brenda Novak book. I always enjoy books about family relations, and this had the added interest of finding relatives through a DNA service. A very interesting read.JERI

This book was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and my golly it did not disappoint! This book is such a fun and heartfelt but also honest take of coming to terms with who you are and who you truly want to be with. And there are different timelines both in the present and the past that definitely amplify the story and get you sucked in. I highly recommend!Veronica

Cool for the Summer is a YA book that follows Lara, a high school senior, who finally catches the eye of the guy she swooned over for years. But after an amazing summer in the Outer Banks, she's grown to learn truths about herself which will effect how she handles Chase's affections. The story is told between alternating timelines, then and now as the reader learns that Lara fondness is for Jasmine. The story explores the challenges of gay youth and discovering ones sexuality. I found this book to easy going considering the subject matter. It all fell into place a little to nicely with only a little bit a High School drama. Cool for the Summer is an quick read.ShanKL

There was so much hype over this book! I couldn’t wait for my library to release a copy to me. Now, I’m a quarter of the way in and it’s draaaging. There is way too much word salad. The characters aren’t very interesting. How many times can we hear about Gus’s crooked mouth. And the dialogue is so confusing. I’m constantly having to back track to count paragons to see who is talking. I’m going to power thru and see if I enjoy it a tad more and will update my review rating accordinglylori.c

Just finished this book and it was one of my favorites! Kept me engaged, so invested in January as a character and the two main characters in general, always kept me interested and wanting to pick it back up. Thank you for putting these words down, Emily, even when you felt like nothing was there to come out of your brain. An inspiration to keep going even when we think nothing will come of it ✨ I live in Traverse City, MI, and Emily just know someone or have a connection to Northern Michigan because it felt like you were painting a picture of Grand Haven or Holland, MI! I’ve been reading non-fiction mostly and this was a GREAT break. Such a great read – love!clairec

"Here's the thing about writing Happily Ever Afters: it helps if you believe in them. Here's the thing about me: I did until the day of my father's funeral." Beach Read is the first adult novel by American author, Emily Henry. A year ago, January Andrews had a perfect life: "Perfect (cancer-free) parents who called several times a week, tipsy on wine or each other's company. Perfect (spontaneous, multilingual, six foot three) boyfriend who worked in the ER and knew how to make coq au vin. Perfect shabby chic apartment in Queens. Perfect job writing romantic novels- inspired by perfect parents and perfect boyfriend- for Sandy Lowe Books." Now: "I was miserable, broke, semi-homeless, very single, and pulling up to a gorgeous lake house whose very existence nauseated me." Having quit Queens, here she is, at her father's lakeside cottage in North Bear Shores, Michigan for the summer, trying to pack away and sell all trace of her father's infidelity, while overcoming writers' block: she has to get her fifth romance novel written or her agent will seriously lose it. But inspiration is lacking: how can you write about something you are no longer convinced about? While she's made welcome at the village bookstore, the (so-far) faceless interactions with her grumpy neighbour don't help. Worse still, she discovers it's Augustus Everett, writer of serious novels, whose disdain for her genre has been clear since college. And who also seems to be missing his muse. The other little fly in the ointment is the presence of her father's lover in the little town, an attendee at the bookshop owner's "Red Blood, White Russians, and Blue Jeans Book Club" to which January and Gus are invited. How does it come about that January and Gus swap genres? A bet, a dare, a recognition that a change might do the trick and shift their writing doldrums? For five days a week, they each write in the genre they've never tried; on the sixth and seventh days, they show how they research their own,Cloggie Downunder

Katy's mother, Carol, was everything to her, so she when passes away from cancer, her life comes crashing down. It makes Katy rethink her own marriage on what she wants in life. Katy and Carol were supposed to take a trip to Italy when she recovered from her Cancer, which never happened. So Katy decides to take the trip on her own, which her husband agrees. He feels it will be a trip to help her grieve. Katy doesn't expect to run into a younger version of her mother in Italy. This brings a little confusion to Katy on why this can be? She hangs out with her and even dines with her. Will this this trip bring clarity to her life that she desperately needs? A unique and entertaining story that will keep you turning the pages to find out Katy's fate! I loved the ending! I felt that even though this story was a bit unrealistic, it was still an entertaining book that takes you to the Amalfi coast. I could see this book made into a mini-series! This would make a perfect beach read!Akbaird

One of the best summer reading books ever. I felt like I was in Italy with Katy! Make sure you put on your sunscreen before you begin reading. I couldn't put the book down. The story has so many amazing twist and turns. I thought I had it all figured out, then wow, another twist!!Nanci loves Italy

With 'Summer Bird Blue' Akemi has confirmed her place as one of my favourite authors. Rumi is one of the most acerbic characters I've loved in a long time. She's angry, she's confused, she's mean, she feels guilty as hell. Lea, the good sister, daughter, friend, human being, died in an accident and Rumi is left to try to figure out how to do life without her best friend. Rumi's grief is so palpable that I needed to take a few breaks from reading just so I could breathe for a while without inhaling pain. The portrayal of grief in this book was brilliant – visceral, uncomfortable, painful and so real. People were shown to be grieving differently in this book; there wasn't a one size fits all portrayal. I hope this book makes its way into the hands of young people who need to know that they're not alone, that their feelings are valid and that it's okay to need help. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when I learned one of the characters in this book was asexual. The representation was realistic and the reactions of other characters when they discussed it was everything I hoped it would be. It was never portrayed as a weakness or something to be ashamed of and I loved that kissing an attractive person didn't magically change this person's sexuality. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ink Road, an imprint of Black & White Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book. I want to recommend it to everyone!Schizanthus Nerd

Yes Please! This book is hands down my new favorite book from Tessa. This incredibly written book is so much more than a romance. It's a story about moving forward, building relationships, and finding yourself. I'd forgotten how much this kind of story fills your heart with warmth. It was a much-needed read. I'll be highly recommending this one to anyone who will listen. I'm already counting down for Hook, Line, and Sinker.K's Secret Books

I bought this about a month ago and I have to be honest, I didn’t know if I could get into it but WOAH I WAS WRONG. Piper is a young girl who loves to party and spends her step dads money and we see that at the beginning of the story which adds so much character development later. She is told to go to Westport as a punishment for her behaviour and Westport is where her dad died. The town is mostly populated with fishermen and a lot of them new and respected her dad. She meets Brendan Taggert there who finds her irritating at first but can’t seem to shake the sudden sexual attraction for her but believes it to be nothing else until he falls in love with her hard. Piper also feels attraction for Brendan and has to make the decision of staying in Wesport as she has matured a lot or going back to her wild party life. I LOVED THIS BOOK because Tessa Bailey rights it so well and at a good speed so none of it is rushed or too slow. It has good spicy scenes and a good balance of smut and overall such a good read once you get into it.Booklover27

Not terrible but not that good. It’s more like a cheap harlequin type romance. A lot of unnecessary cheap graphic portions that sound like a guy wrote it and less of the romantic parts I was expecting. Also, the main character never endeared to me.drc

3.5/5 Stars 2/5 Steam Rating Alternating Timeline After hearing all of the rave reviews this summer, I had expected a little bit more from this story. To me, this book read a lot more like Women’s Fiction than a true romance. The author had her work cut out for her, she had to cover six years worth of feelings within 320pgs. Did I go to like the characters? Yes. Did I FEEL the love they had for each other? No, not really. I just wanted to feel the connection they shared and get lost in those feelings with them, unfortunately there was just so much of those six years left untold. With all that said, it was a decent story. I can definitely see this read as a light “beach read”.Rhi

I absolutely loved this book! It’s cute, it’s intriguing, you will not want to put the book down. I’m someone who usually reads a book over a few months but I finished this book in one week! I’m so sad it’s over and hope the author is writing again!kennie

I literally could not put this book down, I read it in under 24 hours! In love with this story and these characters. It instantly became a favorite.melbizzle

This is a sweet story. I found the characters captivating. Nicole was so sweet and tried to do what was expected of her as a friend and employee. With each challenge thrown her way she shows her strength of character. She is intrigued with the history and architecture of the city. She tries to acclimate to southern living. I just loved her. Alex was appealing until his true character became obvious with how he dealt with Ryan and his daughter. I would recommend anyone who loves a good, clean romance with a few twists.KatrinaE

Under a Summer Sky: A Savannah Romance by Melody Carlson. I thoroughly enjoyed this lite read. It had a great storyline and was full of the rich history of Savannah. The characters were lively and unique except for the rumor of a ghost or two. I highly recommend this 5-star book. It has filled me with a desire to visit the city of Savannah in the near future. I am sure all readers will find this book to be a great summer read.inspiremichelle

This book has been on my pile of books for a long time but for some reason, I never picked it up to read, until now. I’m so glad I did! It’s a story of finding purpose, and love. It’s sweet, romantic and full of interesting events. This book also dealt with some pretty real issues in people’s everyday lives. The fears and struggles many of us face. I enjoy reading books written by Melody Carlson because her stories flow in an easy smooth way. This one has that Southern calm and sweetness to it, as well as some snark. Her description of this Southern town sounds like a place I’d love to visit or even live in (except, maybe not for the heat and humidity.) I felt all the emotions that the characters experienced and could relate to the struggles of finding purpose. This was a perfect book to read as a summer get-away. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend you pick it up to read. I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.MF Literary Works

I've read this book every year since my sister showed it to me. The characters take on their own life in the most endearing and frustrating ways. Be warned, not everyone likes the ending (I think it's perfect).PEZ

I love real books, its like brand new and I also recommend they make this book into a movie also!! Summer Sisters By Judy Blume received it sooner then was told also. 100% Happy!!!tammnolasc-0

I've been in live with this book since I was about 16 or 17. Bought this copy for my best friend for Christmas. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read about women's friendships over the years.pinupghoul82

Cedar Ridge – I want to live there. Second Chance Summer is the first book in Jill Shalvis's Cedar Ridge series and what a great start to it. This book is about Aidan and Lily Aidan is a fireman a search and rescue team member and he works at his family resort too and Lily was the love of his life that left town 10 years ago after a tragic event that made Lily feel so guilty that she left him behind in her dust. Now she is back and Lily is still wrecked with guilt but she has come to the aid of her friend Johnathon who needs her to cover maternity leave and until she can find herself another job and she can leave Cedar Ridge once again. On arriving back in town Lily calls at the grocery shop to get herself some comfort food and ends up having an accident on leaving and drops her purchases and her car keys she picks up her shopping and exits the shop. Aidan is in the queue and sees all this happen and the cashier asks him to aid her by taking her her keys that she has lost- this is the first time that he comes to her aid and he realises that she is STILL the one he wants. Lily tries to resist Aidan but with their amazing chemistry that leaps out of the pages – she has not got a chance. This story goes on to show you how Lily comes to terms with her guilt how Aidan tries to win her love once again and show her she belongs in Cedar Ridge with him. So as you can probably gather I can not wait now for the next story in this series as I am hooked with the story that I know will follow of all the inhabitants of this mountain town. This is a definite must read for all alpha romance lovers out there.Caitlinallycesmum

I loved this book. Lots of BIG small town characters, romance, laughs, a fireman hero, a lost soul heroine. Lots of fun. Sexy chic lit romance.SS

Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis is the 1st book in her new Cedar Ridge series. Shalvis recently ended her successful Lucky Harbor series but I am happy to say Second Chance Summer will allow us to smoothly transition to a new town Cedar Ridge Colorado and discover wonderful new characters to fall in love with. Jill Shalvis is one of the best in contemporary romance and she proves it once again with the start of the Cedar Ridge series. Lily Danville is our heroine as she returns to Cedar Ridge after 10 years. A terrible tragedy caused Lily to leave and now that she desperately needs a job she returns to accept a job offer from her friend Jonathan. Lily successful worked in a high profile salon catering to the rich and famous until her boss asked her to leak some private information and when push came to shove he let Lily take the blame. She then goes home where she ran away from years before unable to face her tragic losses. Aidan Kincaid is our hero and a fabulous one at that. He is not only a gorgeous sexy hunk he is also a do gooder. Aidan is always on call to help rescue people as a member of the Colorado Wildland Firefighters and the Search and Rescue team which puts him into dangerous situations often. Aidan's family owns the town resort which is struggling to make a large payment that will be due within a year. We get to meet his brothers sister sister in law mother which gives us a look into the future of this series. Aidan has never gotten over Lily and has given up trying to find her. To his surprise he finds out accidently that Lily is returning home and within a short time he sees her arriving. As will happen a few times Aidan ends up being in the right place at the right time to help Lily out of a precarious spot and the two of them realize they still have strong feelings for each other. Aidan makes it known; he wants Lily back though he doesn't understand why she left without talking to him. Lily has memories of those tragic events that she can't get past. Her twin sister who was always in friendly competition with her accidently slipped on the mountains to her death. At the funeral her father had a heart attack and died. Blaming herself she ran away to escape the memories and now that those same mountains are so close she tries to come to terms with her guilt. It is Aidan and others who will try to convince that it wasn't her fault as her sister loved the competition and it was an accident. Aidan and Lily slowly rekindle their romance which is hot and steamy. We watch Lily struggle with her feelings for Aidan becoming stronger but her fears escalate with his firefighting/search rescue situations that he will break her heart again. Will Lily be able to get past the guilt she feels? Can she accept her love for Aidan despite the danger Aidan always seems to be in? Second Chance Summer is a sweet romantic and wonderful story that is a little heartbreaking as we feel Lily's pain. I loved Aidan and Lily together and Shalvis has once again created a fabulous group of secondary characters that were totally delightful. I cannot wait for the next book. Jill Shalvis has another winner with the Cedar Ridge series. Do not miss reading Second Chance Summer which promises to be a wonderful series.Barb - The Reading Cafe

This cunningly paced and well-crafted book resonated for me like the thrum of a well-struck tuning fork. It sucked me right in and held my rapt attention as I felt I knew and understood this endearingly flawed characters inside and out. Cleverly and deftly narrated by two women over three timelines, I never felt confused or lost but held suspended in an eager and avid state of curiosity. I was engaged, engrossed, and intrigued by the characters, their history, and the prickly unfolding story of their present. I over-identified with the character of Laura at every age, but I took great pleasure in her clever stealth and ingenious efforts to carve out a modicum of privacy for herself, away from her stridently religious mother's stifling control. Laura devised secret hiding places for her diary and prized possessions and an intricate level of subterfuge was required for even the smallest acts of rebellion such as using lip gloss, eating pizza, and having a true friend in the real world who would not meet her judgmental mother's stringent expectations. I wanted to fist pump when Laura finally spoke up. I was frequently awed by this intensely talented author's insightful and deft handling of the characters thoughts and observances, as well as their understanding or misunderstandings of the unusual events at various ages and levels of assimilation. The storylines were unique, beguiling, and captivating as were each and every one of the characters. I now need to sleep for a week as I had a hard time putting this one down. The writing was extraordinary, intricate, and arresting. I was more than satisfied by the ending but would have happily read another 384 more pages. Amy Mason Doan has crazy good word voodoo.Honolulubelle

I loved this! What a nice surprise. It is a beautiful story about a life-long friendship, kind of like Beaches in spirit, in looking back and forth at the young and adult years of two women. I read it on one long weekend. Recommend.Monica C