Packing for a getaway isn&rsquo;t complete without a few summer books to tide you over&mdash;from contemporary romance novels to beach reads, here are 8 books for 2025.

The sun is finally out and hoards are flocking to the beaches of Europe. Armed with a wide brimmed hat and the chicest cover up, everyone is looking forward to a week of beachside drinks, out-of-office messages, and long awaited rest and relaxation. But for many of us, the hours of lounging in the hot summer sun are not complete without a summer book by our side, the perfect non-fiction beach read, or a contemporary romance novel.&nbsp;
The specific genre of books to read while on a beach vacation, or any vacation for that matter, can be a rather temperamental pick. Many want something light, a story to fill the time between Aperol Spritzes and the reapplication of sunscreen. Some are looking for a little summer romance set on the Italian coast to spice up a solo trip &agrave; la Elena Ferrante. Whatever the initiative, beach reads are a category of literature that include a likeable protagonist, an interesting plot, and a few steamy scenes all while not going over 400 pages. So sit back in your chaise lounge, order that margarita, and check out our 8 summer book recommendations for 2025.

Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry, follows the unconventional relationship between optimistic Alice Scott and stormy Hayden Anderson. The irresistible energy between the two of them puts them in a tricky position when they are both given the task of writing a tragic biography of an elderly heiress. Just as Henry's 20 other novels, this one has raving reviews of a contemporary romance between two opposing personalities.&nbsp;
Great Big Beautiful Life, Emily Henry, $32.27, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0241740614/?bestFormat=true&amp;k=great%20big%20beautiful%20life%20emily%20henry">Amazon</a>

"Great Big Beautiful Life", Emily Henry.

'Great Big Beautiful Life'

My Friends, by Fredrik Backman, is an excellent summer beach read for 2025. It tells the story of a teenage refuge in the sun and sea, and a mysterious painting that leads to a journey to discover the details behind the artwork. Complicated personal lives, dreams, and the trials of growing up are wound together in this summer story of friendship and rebellion.&nbsp;
My Friends, Fredrik Backman, $28.99, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982121653/?bestFormat=true&amp;k=my%20friends%20fredrik%20backman&amp;ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_6&amp;crid=1YD0DO9F2RCHH&amp;sprefix=my%20fri">Amazon</a>

My Friends, Fredrik Backman.

'My Friends'

Sunny Side Up, by Katie Sturino, is a romantic comedy beach read that follows Sunny, a freshly single thirty-five year old who is reentering the dating world, but not without a few flukes. A returning ex, charming crush, and dream guy collide in this masterful novel that centers around a lovable protaganist.
Sunny Side Up, Katie Sturino, $19.58, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250344204/?bestFormat=true&amp;k=sunnyside%20up">Amazon</a>

Sunny Side Up, Katie Sturino.

'Sunny Side Up'

Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, follows the journey of a woman striving to become an astronaut and the connections she makes with fellow lovers of the infinite beyond. Set in 1980, the gripping story tells the expanse of love across galaxies and proves the sheer talent of Jenkins Reid.&nbsp;
Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid, $21, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Atmosphere-Story-Taylor-Jenkins-Reid/dp/0593158717/r">Amazon</a>

Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid.

'Atmosphere'

Don't Open Your Eyes, by Liv Constantine, is a psychological thriller following a mother struck with vivid dreams that soon turn into reality. For those who have had enough of the contemporary romance novel, this gripping mystery has enough twists and turns to keep even the most absent reader interested and make any beach day just that much more exciting.
Don't Open Your Eyes, Liv Constantine, $27, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Open-Your-Eyes-Novel/dp/0593875206/">Amazon</a>

Don't Open Your Eyes, Liv Constantine

'Don't Open Your Eyes'

The Love Haters, by Katherine Center, is a romance set on the shores of paradise, enough to spice up your own vacation. A tale full of lies, secret kisses, and long awaited truth-telling, this is a heart-warming romance that perfectly sets the tone for the ensuing week off.&nbsp;
The Love Haters, Katherine Center, $17.26, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1398723339/">Amazon</a>

The Love Haters, Katherine Center.

'The Love Haters'

Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy, is a captivating beach read of a small island off the coast of Antarctica. The chilling location is compounded by the mysterious arrival of a woman on the shore, setting off a chain of events when secrets begin to be unveiled. In an icy background that hopefully offsets your beach location, this story draws each reader in.&nbsp;
Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy, $14.99, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Dark-Shore-Charlotte-McConaghy-ebook/dp/B0D12WJTBY/r">Amazon</a>

Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy.

'Wild Dark Shore'

The Retirement Plan, by Sue Hincenbergs, is a witty telling of a group of women who have their plans of retirement foiled by an investment gone wrong, leaving them to take matters into their own hands. The dark humor and playful schemes allow for a sharp portrayal of these hilarious characters.&nbsp;
The Retirement Plan, Sue Hincenbergs, $24, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Plan-Entertaining-Deliciously-Debut-ebook/dp/B0D4LY4T45/">Amazon</a>

The Retirement Plan, Sue Hincenbergs.

'The Retirement Plan'

One Golden Summer, by Carley Fortune, is the perfect summer read taking place on a picteresque lake through the lens of the young Alice. A true heart wrenching romance, the summertime painted by Fortune is one to hope for, and dreamt about.&nbsp;
One Golden Summer, Carley Fortune, $25.47, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Golden-Summer-Carley-Fortune-ebook/dp/B0DCG9WG3H/">Amazon</a>

One Golden Summer, Carley Fortune.

'One Golden Summer'

Don't Let Him In, by Lisa Jewell, tells of a startling discovery and search for the truth after an old friend reappears following a recent death. The mystery and suspense continues to build throughout the story and the truth builds into something perhaps more sinister than expected.&nbsp;
Don't Let Him In, Lisa Jewell, $20.98, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Him-Lisa-Jewell/dp/1668033879/">Amazon</a>

Beach Reads So Good, They’re Worth the Baggage Fees

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