Summer Reading Recs

+ Bonus Decision Tree

From someone that has read 300+ book in 3 years. Before you ask how… audiobooks, the library, and delusional procrastination.

My favorite genres are fantasy, mystery, romance and crossovers of the three. To me summer is for entertaining beach reads that don’t use too many brain cells but keep me engaged enough to want to binge the whole book.

Stay tuned for the decision tree at the end!

Romances

The epitome of summer reading is the romcom.

Just for the Summer: The book of summer 24’ (according to me). The premise is two people that connect through Reddit because their exes continuously go on to find their soul mate. This book is so much more than a romcom so buckle up... Disclaimer it is part of an interconnected standalone series but I really enjoyed it and am now reading the previous two works. I have no idea why I waited so long to pick up an Abby Jimenez, she is a mastermind.

Nora Goes off Script: No words do this book justice, it was my favorite romance last year. This book follows Nora, a screenwriter and single mother that channels her recent divorce into a very successful script. Unfortunately, its to be shot at her lovely 100 year old home and the star insists in staying in her guest house. Annabel Monaghan is the queen of a beach read. Her books are unputdownable, have idyllic settings, and the heroines are smart adult women. I cannot wait to read her most recent release that came out June 4th.

Mr. Fixer Upper: Lucy Score is quickly becoming a go to author for me. This is not one of her more popular books but I had such a great time with it. Its set on a HGTV style remodel reality TV show. The story line follows the field producer Paige and surly star Gannon. Lucy Score books are a lot longer than standard traditionally published romances because they were originally self/indie published. This is for girlies that like a guy that is manly and little possessive.

Mine Till Midnight: For fans of Bridgerton. This is the first in a regency romance series that follows the Hathaway family. Mine Till Midnight follows Amelia the eldest sister of the Hathaway siblings that have recently lost their parents but received an inheritance that elevated them into London Society. I had such a fun time going through these last summer and think many others would too. Lisa Kleypas is my queen for historical romances. I’m currently working on the Wallflowers series.

The Hating Game: My top book of 2022. This is an office romance where two assistants rival for a big promotion at their publishing company. I read this camping and it had me kicking my feet and giggling. It has amazing banter and such genuine connection. This book was super popular when it came out and its time it recirculated.

If romcoms aren’t your style I have a few other suggestions!

Thrillers

Thrillers are for summer and mysteries are for fall. I recommend going into thrillers blind so I’ll keep these to blurbs.

Local Woman Missing: Over a decade ago a string of women and children went missing from a suburb. Now one has turned up. This is a page turner following flawed people and their secrets. I highly reccomend everyone try this one.

The Golden Couple: A seemingly perfect couple goes to unconventional therapy to get through an affair. A great domestic thriller.

Final Girls: Slasher vibes but not too scary. There is a a reason Riley Sager is popular. 10 years ago Quincy was staying in a cabin with her friends when everything went wrong. Years later the pot is being stirred.

Fantasy Romance

The Bridge Kingdom: Badass FMC was raised with her many sisters to be an assassin, marry a king, infiltrate, and overthrow the bridge kingdom. This duology will build you up, kick you down, and then bring you back to life. It is also free on audible. Since it is being traditionally published I am not sure how much longer that will hold true. Get in on the ground floor before Danielle L. Jensen Blows up.

A Court of Thorns and Roses: Known by fans as ACOTAR. This is a perfect introduction to fantasy romance but be prepared to become addicted. Fae, curses, and mystical creatures. I actually recommend you go into this blind if you have managed to avoid spoilers thus far. The world Sarah J. Maas has created is a true gem you can get lost in.

Other

Taylor Jenkins Reed.. absolutely love these two

Daisy Jones & The Six: This is the book that got me back into reading in 2021. The rise and fall of a 60’s rock band told through interviews many years later. The band mates have a lot of conflicting memories but “The truth often lies unclaimed in the middle”.

Malibu Rising: For the hangover that will follow Daisy Jones. This book is connected through a minor character to Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Malibu rising is centered around a family of beach bum siblings in 83’.

And now for the fun part. Enjoy!