Light, fun, addictive books for poolside lounging, beach days, or pretending you’re on vacation.
Whether you’re heading to the coast or just dreaming of one, these books bring vacation vibes.
Beach reads aren’t always about the beach. They’re about feeling swept away. These picks are light enough to keep things fun but juicy enough to keep you turning pages. Whether you love romance, mystery, humor, or drama, these are the books to pack (or imagine you packed).
1. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Fake dating, enemies-to-lovers, and a free trip to Hawaii? This one’s breezy, hilarious, and unexpectedly spicy, making it a perfect sunny day companion.
2. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
A grieving daughter travels to Italy and unexpectedly reconnects with her mother, who is somehow a young woman again. A quick read with emotional depth and a magical twist.
3. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Two best friends take yearly vacations together… until things get complicated. Bittersweet, heartwarming, and full of longing, this one is ideal for a quiet moment by the water.
4. Beach Read by Emily Henry
A romance writer and a literary fiction author swap genres for the summer. Smart, snappy, and surprisingly emotional, it’s meta in the best way. And yes, the beach is involved.
5. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Schitt’s Creek meets small-town romance. A party girl gets exiled to a fishing town and falls for a grumpy (but very hot) local. Funny, spicy, and feel-good.
6. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Technically set in academia, but the rom-com vibes and fake dating plot make it a great fit for a lighthearted vacation read. You’ll fly through it.
7. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
A plus-size influencer is roped into a fancy beachside wedding. Mystery unfolds. Part beachy rom-com, part whodunnit.
Why These Are the Ultimate Beach Reads
- Easy to pick up and hard to put down
- Blend humor, heart, and romance
- Don’t take themselves too seriously — but still leave a mark
Want a surprise beach read chosen for you?
Let us pick a Blind Date With a Book from our Beach Reads collection — no spoilers, just vibes.