With school out and hopefully less stress on your plate, it's a perfect time to read, whether you are lounging on the beach or in your air-conditioned apartment.
These books, all from BookTok, which was created in August 2020 by users on the social media platform TikTok, are great reads to get you in that summer mood. From giddy romance novels to page-turning mysteries, these seven books will make sure to give you the reading bug.
"Beach Read" by Emily Henry
As the name suggests, this book, which follows two rival authors, is the perfect beach read. January Andrews, a romance author, moves to a beach town after a family tragedy to write her second book, where she comes face-to-face with her college nemesis Augustus Everett. This book is a great romance read that discusses deep topics like family betrayal and learning how to trust again.
"Malibu Rising" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
"Malibu Rising" is a fiction book with a romance subplot that shows the real family dynamics and struggles of someone you love being in the limelight. Nina Riva, the daughter of famous singer Mick Riva, and her siblings are known for throwing the party of the summer at their beautiful Malibu house. Set in the '80s, the story follows different perspectives and different timelines.
Reid always creates an amazing world that connects throughout her newer books, allowing the readers a sense of familiarity. If you have already read "Malibu Rising," check out more books by Reid such as "Daisy Jones And The Six", "The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo" and her upcoming book "Carrie Soto Is Back."
"The Summer I Turned Pretty" series by Jenny Han
The best-seller author of "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" series, Han's specialty is love triangles. Belly Conklin is ready to go back to her summer house and see her childhood friends, brothers Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher, but this summer is different for all of them. The series follows Conklin and her quest for love between the two brothers — one who's she's always loved and the other who's always loved her. This cute, fast-paced series is a nice escape from reality and is also new tv-series on Amazon Prime that dropped on June 17.
"The Spanish Love Deception" by Elena Armas
If you're into enemies to lovers, workplace romance and fake dating, this book is for you. Catalina Martín isn't ready to return to her hometown in Spain for her sister's wedding and face her ex alone. Aaron Blackford, her work nemesis, volunteers for the position. As their trip to Spain as a couple progresses, they learn more about each other, changing the way they feel. Armas' debut book has great representation, a leading man that will leave you swooning and will allow you to imagine yourself on that summer trip to Spain.
"Heart Bones" by Colleen Hoover
Hoover is the queen of fiction books that will leave you all night wondering what you read. "Heart Bones" is a young adult book that follows Beyah Grim, who goes to live with her distant father after her mother dies. With a new family and the summer before college to figure out her life, she meets Samson Bennett, a mysterious rich guy for whom she finds herself falling. "Heart Bones", like other Hoover novels, has a great plot twist and will leave you begging to find out the fate of Grim and Bennett.
"Meet Me In Paradise" by Libby Hubscher
One of the darker books on this list, "Meet Me In Paradise," follows two sisters, Marin and Sadie Cole, as they navigate life after their mother's death. Sadie, the outgoing adventurous, younger sister, is ready to give her sister, who's never seen the ocean, the vacation of her life. But when Sadie misses their flight, Marin goes on without her and learns a grim truth about her sister. This heartbreaking story about sisterly love is a great book if you are in the mood to cry.
"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave
Hannah Hall, newly married to Owen Michaels, is in over her head with his 16-year-old daughter Bailey. But when Owen goes missing, leaving a very anonymous note and copious amounts of cash, Hannah and Bailey now must follow the clues of Owen's disappearance. Dave's novel is a page-turning mystery that will keep you wondering about the true reason for his disappearance and a great summer read that doesn't revolve around romance.
These books can be found at stores like Russell House Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Target and even local bookstores such as Odd Bird Books.
Have a great summer and happy reading!