25 Beach/Poolside Reads to Make Your Summer Sizzle

Ah, summer. The season of sun, sand, and…a really good book. Who doesn’t love good beach or poolside reads?

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, escaping the heat in a hammock, or jetting off to an exotic locale, a captivating beach read is the perfect companion.

Here are 25 books across various genres that promise to keep you entertained all summer long.

Beach or Poolside Reads

• Funny Story: It’s no secret that I’m not a huge Emily Henry fan. Funny Story changed things for me though. She totally redeemed herself with this sweet story. Get ready for a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious.
• This Summer Will Be Different:  I have this one in my TBR stack for summer! A story of self-discovery and second chances, perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of a summer fling turning into something more.
• People We Meet on Vacation: This one is cute, and predictable. Two best friends, one unforgettable trip, and a romance that’s been years in the making.
• Every Summer After: This is a classic summer story that we can all relate to. A nostalgic look at a decades-long friendship and the summers that shaped it, with a touch of romance that will tug at your heartstrings.
• Same Time Next Summer: Another one in my TBR for the summer! A charming tale of young love, summer reunions, and the choices that define us.
• Just for the Summer: Abby Jimenez is one of my top three favorite authors. This is book three in a trilogy that I am obsessed with. Talk about a book hangover! A lighthearted and steamy read about a summer romance that might just turn into something more.
• After I Do: Taylor Jenkins Reid is another one of my favorite authors. This book was so relatable on so many levels. A book I think every married person should read. A thought-provoking exploration of marriage and the challenges that come with it, perfect for fans of “Me Before You.”
• The Paradise Problem: This one is sitting on my nightstand waiting to be read. A tropical island setting, a forbidden romance, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.

• The Silent Patient: I really enjoyed this book even though I feel like it’s pretty darn predictable. A psychological thriller with a twist you won’t see coming, this one will keep you on the edge of your seat.
• Daisy Jones and The Six: If you haven’t seen the series yet, read the book first. Wait! Actually, LISTEN to the book first. This is one of my all-time favorite audio books with an unbelievable cast narrating this story set in the 1960s. A captivating story of fame, music, and the dark side of success, told in a unique documentary style.
• The Unhoneymooners: Perfect summer read. A hilarious and suspenseful story about a fake honeymoon that turns all too real.
• The Guest List: If you love Agatha Christie, then you will love Lucy Foley. A whodunit set on a remote island during a wedding weekend, full of secrets and shocking twists.
• It Happened One Summer (Spicy!): This one is extremely spicy, be forewarned. A steamy romance with a suspenseful edge, perfect for those who like their beach reads with a little heat.
• None of This Is True: One of my favorite thrillers I’ve read in some time. So twisty and turny, you have no idea what’s even happening. A gripping psychological thriller about obsession, betrayal, and the dark side of social media.
• The Unmaking of June Farrow: If you loved Timeless, then you must read this book. A haunting mystery about a woman who unravels her family’s dark past while confronting her own demons.
• The Heiress: This book gave me Evelyn Hugo vibes, in the best way possible. A historical thriller set in the Gilded Age, full of intrigue, romance, and danger.

• One Italian Summer: This book has a really interesting storyline set in Italy. A poignant story of grief, love, and the power of family, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Amalfi Coast.
• Book Lovers: Another Emily Henry book I really enjoyed. Just steer clear of her book, Beach Read. This one is so much better! A charming rom-com about a literary agent who finds love in the most unexpected place.
• Nora Goes Off Script: Feels like a Nancy Meyers movie waiting to happen! A heartwarming story about a woman who finds her voice and her happily ever after.
• Tom Lake: A nostalgic and bittersweet novel about family, first love, and the secrets we keep. I highly recommend the audio version of this book, as it’s narrated by Meryl Streep. Her narration alone makes the book an absolute treat.
• Sylvia’s Second Act: If you love the Golden Girls and/or Sex And The City, then this book is for you. I found myself laughing out loud more than once and wish the book never ended. I didn’t love the ending, but the story itself is so delightful that I would read it again. A heartwarming story about a woman who rediscovers herself and finds love later in life.
• Love and Other Words: This book is My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets The Notebook. Easily my favorite book so far of 2024. A beautifully written novel with all of your favorite tropes: childhood sweethearts, second chances, fated mates… All while tying in the power of words.

• Better Than the Movies: This book is like every single Taylor Swift song rolled up into a happy little rom-com book that you will love. A sweet and funny YA romance that will make you swoon. Who doesn’t love a good fake relationship trope?
• The Hotel Nantucket: A charming and heartwarming story about a group of misfits who come together to save a historic hotel.
• Something Borrowed: A lighthearted and romantic comedy about a wedding gone wrong and the unexpected twists that follow. This is one of my all-time favorite movies too! Perfect for your poolside reads list.

Happy reading!