The Ultimate 2024 Beach Reading Guide
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Looking for the perfect books to toss into your beach bag this summer? Whether you’re headed to the coast, your local pool, or simply lounging in the backyard, this curated list of 2024 summer reads—originally featured on the What to Read Next podcast—is filled with fresh releases that deliver romance, escapism, and page-turning drama.
From spicy rom-coms to magical realism, these titles will help you escape into storylines filled with swoons, scandals, and sun-soaked moments. Let’s dive in.
For Romance Readers Who Crave a Slow Burn
Ready or Not by Cara Bastone
Premise: A woman navigating an unexpected pregnancy finds connection and comfort in a slow-building romance that takes its time.
Why You’ll Love It: This is for fans of realistic love stories with emotional depth. If you love Mariana Zapata-style slow burns, this is a must-read.
Buy on Amazon: Ready or Not
Wild Love by Elsie Silver
Premise: When a billionaire sperm donor discovers his 14-year-old daughter on his doorstep, his world is flipped upside down.
Why You’ll Love It: Small-town charm, found family, and sizzling chemistry. Perfect on audio for long summer walks or road trips.
Buy on Amazon: Wild Love
Laugh-Out-Loud RomComs for Poolside Reading
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Premise: A golf pro and his sunshine-y caddy form a reluctant bond while touring together.
Why You’ll Love It: Tessa Bailey brings the banter and chemistry in this sports romance that’s light on golf and heavy on fun.
Buy on Amazon: Fangirl Down
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Premise: A fake marriage from college becomes very real when a massive inheritance is on the line.
Why You’ll Love It: This is sexy, tropey fun in an island setting. Think The Unhoneymooners but spicier.
Buy on Amazon: The Paradise Problem
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Premise: Two dumped exes become roommates—and maybe something more.
Why You’ll Love It: Smart, snappy, and emotionally resonant. If you love Emily Henry, this one won’t disappoint.
Buy on Amazon: Funny Story
Women’s Fiction with Depth
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
Premise: A forbidden romance with your best friend’s brother, set on stunning Prince Edward Island.
Why You’ll Love It: Summer nostalgia, complicated relationships, and delicious setting details make this Fortune’s best yet.
Buy on Amazon: This Summer Will Be Different
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Premise: Two people cursed in love try to break the streak by dating each other.
Why You’ll Love It: A blend of fun, vulnerability, and family trauma. Expect tears and laughs.
Buy on Amazon: Just for the Summer
The Rule Book by Sarah Adams
Premise: Exes are forced to work together when she becomes his sports agent—and one wild night in Vegas changes everything.
Why You’ll Love It: A spicy surprise from a typically closed-door author. Perfect for a weekend binge.
Buy on Amazon: The Rule Book
Romance with a Dash of Magic
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Premise: A Texan screenwriter teams up with a romcom expert to save a script—and maybe find love.
Why You’ll Love It: Meta, sweet, and heartwarming. Perfect for fans of Beach Read with a twist.
Buy on Amazon: The Rom-Commers
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
Premise: A grieving woman discovers the magical town from her favorite book might be real.
Why You’ll Love It: Haunting and hopeful with magical realism woven through a romantic narrative. One of Poston’s best.
Buy on Amazon: Another Love Story
Love Magical Realism? Check out our beginner’s guide, women’s fiction and romance magical realism recommendations.
For Fans of Rockstar Romances and British Chick Lit
Under Your Spell by Laura Wood
Premise: The daughter of a disgraced rockstar is hired to keep an eye on a pop icon in hiding.
Why You’ll Love It: A hidden gem perfect for readers who loved The Idea of You, featuring sisterhood, fame, and self-discovery with a British twist.
Buy on Amazon: Under Your Spell
Love Books Featuring Celebrities? Check out some of our celebrity romance lists from romcom and cozy mysteries.
Escapist Fiction with Heart
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
Premise: Uncle Patrick takes his niece and nephew on a whirlwind European trip.
Why You’ll Love It: Sarcastic wit meets heartfelt parenting and a touch of wanderlust. Bonus: a tiny bit of romance.
Buy on Amazon: The Guncle Abroad
Looking for similar books like The Guncle? Check out our Smart Beach Reads post!
One Last Trip to Nantucket
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
Premise: Beloved characters return for Hilderbrand’s final Nantucket novel.
Why You’ll Love It: A beautiful sendoff filled with luxury, scandal, and nostalgia. Perfect for longtime fans—and a great place to start for new ones.
Buy on Amazon: Swan Song
Love Elin’s Nantucket books? Check out our Top 10 Ranked Best Nantucket Summer Books
What to Read Next
Need more summer picks? Try these next:
Final Word
Whether you’re craving swoons, slow burns, or sisterhood, this 2024 Beach Reading Guide has something for every kind of reader. For more curated picks, behind-the-scenes podcast chats, and weekly recs, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter or follow along on Instagram and Substack.