It’s my favorite time of the year — the time where I share all my favorite beach reads recommendations focusing in on new beach reads for 2026 and the books that were the highlights of my beach reading from last summer.
This year I’m doing things a little differently — I normally make a huge beach read guide to share with everyone. This summer, if I’m honest, I’m just not feeling it. Things have been busy and I’m still very much grappling with what I shared here.
It’s a difficult landscape to take so much time to create content that people would rather either a) get from socials b) ask some AI bot OR…make content that Google just takes for their own AI.
So this summer I decided I’m scaling back and sharing what books I have planned to read whilst at the beach and pool this year. This is where my reading whims are this summer rather than doing all I do to research, read and compile an exhaustive guide.
This is what I, as a real reader with different reading moods and whims, am packing and a little blurb why instead of my usual more thoughtful summary and thoughts on who might enjoy it.
Anyways, we’ve got an exciting summer already shaping up — lots of pool days and a beach trip!
I just know that, regardless of where I’m at – whether it is lounging on the beach or just enjoying the sunshine from my backyard – I have a rotation of frothy summer reads to suit whatever mood I’m in.
Summer is my favorite season for reading since I love to be outside and I love making my summer reading lists & guides every year — definitely feels like a throwback to all the years in school when I’d excitedly dive into the school summer reading list. Though I feel like my list is a bit more fun!
If you’ve poured over my beach reading lists before you know that, while I think ANYTHING can be a summer read/beach read and it’s super subjective based on what you like to read, there are certain types of books I personally gravitate to during beach reads season.
For me it is those light & easy reads of all genres, romance novels, books set in a summery destination, fast-paced thrillers that I can’t put down and just anything super juicy and unputdownable.
I know I’m not the only one that gravitates to those type of books when they are looking for good books to read on the beach. So just know that my lists tend to revolve around those particular vibes — from the frothiest of frothy reads to books that fit the vibe but pack a little more substance and everything in between.
Wanna catch up on my past beach reads posts? Check out 2023’s post, 2022’s post, 2021’s post, 2020’s post, 2019’s post, 2018, 2017’s list, 2016’s list (if you search hard enough you can find some REALLY old ones but the posts are really ugly haha)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info
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Ungodly Rich by Katharine McGee
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I mean a juicy family drama but the family in question is the Greek Gods masquerading as a family of billionaires. This will be a fun re-imagining of Greek mythology into modern times! Plus I loved this authors American Royals series!
Summer People by Sally Blakely
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: Last summer Sally Blakely’s Friends to Lovers was one of my favorite beach reads and this summer romance – set on a yearly friend vacation – is giving me some Happy Place vibes and is just screaming to be read on my upcoming vacation.
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I keep recommending Pineapple Street to people in my life looking for a juicy beach read that isn’t necessarily romance and this one is giving me the same frothy – yet substantive – summer beach vibes. It surrounds a tight-knit group of friends who live in a wealthy seaside town and there’s plenty of history and current drama to untangle for a newcomer to the island.
The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: Kristina Forest is a go-to for me for romances and this is a fake dating summer romance about a woman who accepts a stand-in girlfriend gig for a weekend that turns into a summer of more.
Girl’s Girl by Sonia Feldman
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I feel like every year I always pick a lit fic book that just feels perfect to read while pool/beach side.. This one feels like girlhood and the nostalgia of teenage summers.
Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: This is actually my current read and the vibe so far is proving exactly why this author is a staple in my beach bag/summer reading list. She always brings exactly what I’m looking for — great characters and story plus a romance (this time fake dating) and a great setting.
All my audio people — highly rec on audio! Another Julia Whelan winner!
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I mean ever since Every Summer After’s debut, Carley Fortune has fast become a summer ritual. Never fully summer until I’m reading one of her books! She knows how to write the perfect beach read for me.
Nantucket Second Chances by Pamela Kelley
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: It feels like every summer I always have ONE book set in Nantucket so why ruin this streak? This year’s pick is this one which feels like a lower drama story about a woman starting over where she grew up in Nantucket after divorce.
Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I think you’d be more shocked to NOT see a Kristy Woodson Harvey on my beach reads list, yeah? She needs to be one of the big dogs of beach reading because she never misses for me. Her coastal settings, the small time vibes — they are just what I need! This one is a small town coastal Carolina setting and about a town – and woman’s- shaken up after an abandoned baby is discovered.
I will say I’m a LITTLE nervous because I’m seeing some less than favorable reviews of this one (especially compared to her others) but I’m going to stick with this author and throw this in my beach bag! If you want to wait and see if I approve of this one, read her backlist in the meantime. I whole-heartedly recommend them!
When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I don’t know if it’s just me but Beatriz Williams is an author I always reach for when it comes to my summer reading list. ESPECIALLY if I’m wanting a beach read that isn’t a rom-com or something. This one looks like it has a little family drama/secrets, historical elements, a treasure hunt and romance.
Make Nice by Ryan Effgen
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I ALWAYS need a fun family drama on my beach reads list. Not a depressing or traumatic family drama but one more on the fun, juicy side. And this one seems to be a humorous one where generations of one family descend on a wealthy Lake Michigan vacation island.
The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: Christina Lauren are a staple in my beach reading life! Plus I’m a sucker for a romance that has a speculative/time-travel element….you know it always gets me if you are a long time reader of this site!
Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: A summer romance set in Ibiza while the FMC is trying to complete her late sister’s bucket list. I’ll be transported and cry a little probably. My kind of beach read.
*currently on Kindle Unlimited
Five Star Summer by Sarah Morgan
Why it’s going in my beach bag this summer: I’ve enjoyed books by this author before but the promise of a cozy small town summer vibe (maybe even a little Stars Hollow-esque??), a Cornwall setting, friendship & romance and saving a failing hotel? Definite add for a more cozy beach read feeling.
What new releases are you packing on your trips this summer or for a lazy pool day?
Need some other summer reading ideas?
Check out this list of books like The Summer I Turned Pretty
Armchair vacation to Italy with these books set in Italy!
Get lost in the setting of one of these summer camp books!
Or maybe you are looking for new YA books written by Black Authors.
Need a bingeworthy YA book series?
Best Book Club Books: Ultimate Guide
My Favorite Audiobooks I Recommend The Most
PIN IT FOR LATER
Bev says
So many wonderful books! thanks for the list – will definitely be reading a few of them!
When I read your info and the first part of your post, I was struck by the similarity of you and my daughter. Bioth new mothers, both babies named Riley (your daughter)/ Riely (my dau’s son), and you both cooling off/summering in your backyard kid pools!
Hena Tayeb says
These all look great.. going to add some of these to my TBR.
Andrea C says
I had no idea Jennifer Weiner had a new book! I am so excited to check it out. I was so happy to come across this list! I think it’s a great idea to have books set aside as “beach reads.” My beach read recommendation is 100% “ENDLESS: A Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance” by Kaylene Winter (https://rockerromance.com). This was such an addictive fun & sexy read and I think you would really enjoy it. I love a contemporary romance novel with a “tortured/damaged” leading male with a heart of gold (lol… I can’t help it!). Ty comes from a rough childhood and is now the lead singer of a popular band. He meets Zoey, educated bookworm who comes from a totally different world from him and they have a fiery (but QUICK) romance before he goes on the road and she heads to school. She knows that she has to end things because she has to stay focused on her career in law but instead of talking to him about it she ghosts him… this is obviously super damaging for Ty and he goes on a bit of a bender (sex and access) on tour until they reconnect 8 years later. I don’t want to give away the whole plot but I am sure you can guess their reunion is a bit of a rollercoaster and there are a lot of dramatic twists and turns. This is book 1 of the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Happy summer reading everyone! Stay safe
booker talk says
I’m going no further than my garden either ! I don’t tend to change my reading interests according to the seasons but you’ve persuaded me that Last Train to Key West would be a good choice – I’ve twice booked a holiday in that part of Florida and had to cancel so at least if I read the book I can feel a bit closer to actually getting there
Hasini @ Bibliosini says
I love how long this list is! Such good options and an endless selection! Thanks, Jamie! 😀
Jamie says
You are welcome! I really had to narrow it down too because it was even longer lol
Deborah S says
I cannot get enough contemporary romance lately so “True Love Experiment” and “Book Lovers” have been added to my TBR pile (thank you!). I look forward to reading what you think about them. My book club was looking for something to shake things up a bit last month and we came across author Lisa Battalia and her Midlife Romance Series (only two books so far). We finished book 1 “Awake” and let me tell you I purchased book 2 “Second Chances” before I had even finished the first one. The leading lady Lori is witty, relatable and definitely not your typical “damsel in distress.” If I had to give it a quick elevator pitch, I would say it’s a sexy novel that celebrates women over 40! Recently divorced (husband UP and LEFT) leaving her with the kids and career on hold because of her growing family. Although her marriage had reached an obvious level of complacency and routine, she never expected that she would have to start over again. Luckily, an old friend (and old flame) Brandon is also divorced and their paths cross once again. This is such a fantastic story because it’s not easy or perfect, it’s messy, it’s life! Both Lori and Brandon have their own real-world problems they have to deal with while trying to make a long-distance relationship work. Lori has to think about her children and can’t just pick up and leave on a romantic trist. Did I mention the sex scenes are 10/10???
But really – You care about these characters, and you want it to work! If you end up giving it a chance, PLEASE let me know (or post about it!)
Happy Reading!