June has finally arrived, which means it’s time to get ready for summer! As the weather turns and the sun makes its seasonal debut, I’m here to provide the best summer book recommendations to get you ready for the sunny season! Varying from fantasy to romance to thriller, these books are sure to get you ready for sun, smiles, and stories!
Fantasy
“House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
This whimsical story follows Linus Baker, a caseworker who takes his job very seriously. Linus visits an orphanage located on a remote island rumored to be full of mysteriously dangerous supernatural children. As he bonds with the children and staff within the orphanage, his priorities slowly shift. This novel includes the found-family trope, minor LGBTQ+ romance, and is a fun story to start your summer.
“To Kill a Kingdom” by Alexandra Christo
Christo’s gripping standalone novel involves an abundance of magic, mystery, and sea lore. This enemies-to-lovers tale follows Lira, a siren princess, and Elian, a siren hunter. The two are forced together to complete a quest, traveling through a seaside landscape. Christo uses the perfect amount of banter and chemistry to create an unbeatable duo. Both characters are destined to kill one another, but the question is…will they be able to when the time comes? Put on some sunscreen and sit by the water, because this enchanting oceanic novel is sure to draw you in!
Thriller
“The Fury” by Alex Michaelides
Searching for your next psychological thriller recommendation? Look no further! The Fury takes place on a Greek island where a group of wealthy friends gathers. But when a storm strikes the island, the group begins to panic, and disaster strikes! A member of the group is mysteriously killed, and suddenly, readers won’t be able to trust anyone. In an attempt to reveal the murderer, the group uncovers massive secrets and shocking twists. The island’s ambiance and the chilling narration are the perfect ingredients for a summer thriller read.
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
Similar to Michaelides’ novel, The Guest List takes place on a remote island, but the story is told from a variety of perspectives, making it difficult for readers to unravel. A large group of people gathers for a wedding, but before the night ends, a body is discovered. The plot swiftly turns into a “whodunit” story as guests attempt to find the person behind the murder. As the perspectives shift, readers discover secrets about past relationships and dark pasts.
Romance
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
Han’s instant best-selling romance trilogy follows Isabel (Belly) Conklin as she matures from girl to woman. This feel-good, coming-of-age story swiftly takes a turn when Belly finds herself caught between the two Fisher brothers, infatuated with both of them. Every summer, Belly, her family, and the Fisher family gather at a large beach house on Cousins Beach, spending every waking moment making memories and creating drama. This trilogy is an ideal summer pick as the summer romance trope unfolds.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
In Beach Read, rival authors January Andrews and Augustus Everett wind up housing next to one another in neighboring beach houses on Lake Michigan. As they both struggle with writer’s block, they agree to switch the genres of their novels to spark inspiration. The two writers spend all summer together, discovering secrets, pushing each other outside their comfort zones, and growing closer. Henry’s addictive, fluffy romance is the perfect book to open this summer because of the wonderfully detailed beach setting and the personal growth of the characters throughout the summer months.
Contemporary Fiction
“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Reid specializes in creating complex characters and unique plots, and Malibu Rising is nothing short of that! This story follows four famous siblings: Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit Riva, as they throw an end-of-the-summer party that ends in a disastrous fire. As the story unfolds, Reid reveals the Riva kids’ childhoods living in the shadow of their famous father and how they were shaped into the individuals they became. Reid incorporates a handful of family secrets and drama as readers travel from 1983 to 1960.
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