One of the best parts of summer is finally having time for a good book. Whether you're stretched out by the water, settling in for a long train ride, or spending a lazy weekend on the sofa, the right novel can sweep you away in an instant.
This year there's no shortage of new releases and bestsellers to fall in love with — whether you're in the mood for a psychological thriller, a swoon-worthy romance, or a family drama woven through with secrets. Here are seven books worth tucking into your beach bag right now.
1. Colleen Hoover: Verity
If you want a book that's almost impossible to put down, Verity is the perfect pick. The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, who's hired to finish the unwritten manuscripts of a seriously injured bestselling author — until her research uncovers a hidden set of writings that completely rewrites everything she thought she knew about the family.
Colleen Hoover, the author behind hits like It Ends With Us, blends romance with a taut psychological thriller here, keeping readers guessing right up to the final page. It's no surprise the novel became a worldwide sensation.
Good to know: a film adaptation is also on the way, starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.
2. Emily Henry: Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry's name has become synonymous with heartwarming romance. This one tells the story of two best friends who, after years of vacationing together, are finally forced to face the possibility that their relationship may have always meant more than simple friendship.
Funny, tender, and nostalgic, it's a novel about second chances, self-discovery, and love all at once. A true summer read — and one that will almost certainly leave you itching to book a trip.
Good to know: a film version has already been released and is available to stream on Netflix.
If you love stories that make you want to pack a suitcase, you may also enjoy exploring more of our summer lifestyle reads.
3. Ali Hazelwood: Problematic Summer Romance
Ali Hazelwood's latest novel is a pure summer love story set against the backdrop of picturesque Sicily. At first glance, Maya and Conor's relationship seems complicated in every possible way — until a Mediterranean wedding sends their lives in an entirely new direction.
Alongside the romance, sharp humor, brilliant dialogue, and stunning Italian settings make this light yet emotionally rich story something special.
4. Fejős Éva: Hotel Capri
Capri's sun-drenched streets, sea views, and easy Italian charm are seductive enough on their own — but Fejős Éva's new novel offers far more than that. Hotel Capri is a romance, a family drama, and a gripping mystery all in one.
Sára's life is turned upside down when she falls for the charming Matteo, but as the wedding approaches, more and more secrets come to light. With its cinematic plot and Mediterranean atmosphere, this novel promises the ultimate summer escape.
5. Ludányi Bettina: Words Left Behind
This one is for readers who want deeper emotions and thought-provoking storytelling alongside their romance. Manila travels to New Zealand to uncover her mother's past, but instead of answers she finds only more secrets — while someone is determined to stop the truth from ever coming out.
The novel speaks with real sensitivity about trauma passed down through generations, self-discovery, and coming to terms with the past, all while leaving plenty of room for mystery and romance.
6. Freida McFadden: Dear Debbie
Fans of psychological thrillers won't be left out this year either. Dear Debbie centers on the author of a popular advice column — a woman who always has the answer to everyone else's problems, even as the question marks in her own life keep piling up.
Freida McFadden once again builds tension masterfully, surprising readers with twist after twist. Her name may sound familiar: she also wrote the global hit The Housemaid, which spawned a hugely successful film adaptation, with a sequel on the way next year.
7. Sarah MacLean: These Summer Storms
A family inheritance, a private island, and a strange game — Sarah MacLean's new novel hooks you from its very premise. Alice Storm turned her back on her family years ago, but after her father's death she's forced to return and take part in an unusual test tied to his estate.
Over one week of forced togetherness, old grievances, closely guarded secrets, and new feelings all rise to the surface. These Summer Storms is family drama, romance, and mystery rolled into one — a perfect choice for anyone craving a meatier summer read.
A good book is one of summer's best companions
Whether you want to shiver over a psychological thriller, unwind with a love story, or lose yourself in a novel full of family secrets, these books can make your summer even more memorable. One thing's for sure: slip any of them into your beach bag, and you may not look up from the pages until sunset.
What kind of summer reads are on this list?
The list covers a mix of genres, including psychological thrillers, romance, and family dramas woven through with secrets — so there's something for nearly every reader.
Which of these books have been adapted into films?
Colleen Hoover's Verity has a film adaptation on the way, and Emily Henry's story has already been made into a film that's available to stream on Netflix.
Are any of these good for readers who want more than romance?
Yes. Ludányi Bettina's Words Left Behind explores trauma across generations and self-discovery, while Sarah MacLean's These Summer Storms blends family drama and mystery for a more substantial read.
Which book is best for thriller fans?
Freida McFadden's Dear Debbie is a standout for thriller lovers, with the same tension-building style behind her global hit The Housemaid.
