This summer, we’re levelling way up. Whether you’re yacht-hopping through Mykonos, sipping espresso in a shaded Parisian alley, or simply draped across a lounge chair in your chicest kaftan your summer deserves better. And by better, we mean books that are smart, stylish, and packed with plot twists juicier than a peach Bellini. From space-age love stories to hot vax-era flings, literary scavenger hunts to scandalous heiresses, this list is packed with stories that beg to be read in oversized sunglasses and SPF 50. These aren’t just books they’re conversation pieces, emotional support companions, and straight-up fashion accessories.
Great Big Beautiful Life
by Emily Henry
Start with royalty. Emily Henry delivers a sparkling literary rom-com as two rival writers are commissioned to tell the twisted tale of a reclusive heiress. Think sharp wit, magnetic tension, and moments that tug at your soul all wrapped in her signature magic.
Atmosphere: A Love Story
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
From the author who made us cry over old Hollywood and rockstars, comes a sweeping 1980s love story set against the backdrop of the U.S. space shuttle program. Ambitious, cinematic, and emotionally rich this one is destined for your favourites shelf and your group chat.
Deep End
by Ali Hazelwood
STEM-queen Hazelwood dives into elite athletics, following a whip-smart heroine caught between academic ambition and the thrill of competitive swimming. Expect chemistry that sizzles and dialogue that snaps poolside never felt so passionate.
Say You’ll Remember Me
by Abby Jimenez
Think swoony Greek-god vibes meet emotional depth. A perfectly chaotic meet-cute, veterinary drama, and Jimenez’s signature mix of laugh-out-loud humour and heartstring tugs. Just try not to finish it in one sitting.
One Golden Summer
by Carley Fortune
The author of Every Summer After returns with another gorgeously nostalgic story of friendship, missed chances, and a pact that changes everything. Dreamy and tender this one practically begs to be read by the lake.
It’s a Love Story
by Annabel Monaghan
A former teen star turned Hollywood producer must fake a romance until it starts to feel dangerously real. Hilarious, heartfelt, and surprisingly self-aware, this one is perfect for fans of smart rom-coms with a meta twist.
Drop Dead
by Lily Chu
A sharp, stylish mystery with sizzling enemies-to-lovers energy. Two rival journalists are forced into collaboration in a gothic mansion as they investigate a reclusive author’s secrets. Chemistry, clues, and cleverness galore.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts
by Lucy Gilmore
This one’s for the romantic readers. When a librarian discovers love notes tucked in a rare volume, she embarks on a decades-spanning literary scavenger hunt and maybe finds love next door. Cozy, charming, and quietly brilliant.
My Friends
by Fredrik Backman
Details are hush-hush, but Backman never misses. Expect profound friendships, humour laced with heartbreak, and characters who nest in your heart like old companions. A thoughtful break from romance — but no less moving.
The Love Haters
by Katherine Center
Career meets chaos as video producer Katie Vaughn must profile a dreamy Coast Guard swimmer with just one problem: she can’t swim. A brotherly rivalry, banter for days, and big rom-com energy await.
Total Dreamboat
by Katelyn Doyle
What happens when a Type-A woman and a recovering workaholic end up on the same luxury cruise ? Ten days of sun-drenched flirtation and some unexpected emotional waves. Perfect for fans of found love and salty sea breezes.
Can’t Get Enough
by Ryan (Skyland Trilogy, Book 3)
The final instalment of this fan-favourite series sees Hendrix Barry navigating fame, love, and identity in Los Angeles. Vision-board vibes, juicy drama, and a dreamy finish to a binge-worthy trilogy. You feel every plot twist like a late-night voice note from your bestie. And this summer? You’re reading for pleasure, for power, and for pure, unfiltered fun.
