When the temperature climbs and the AC’s working overtime, there’s nothing better than finding a shady spot and diving into a great story. Maybe it's the beach breeze flipping your pages, or a cold drink sweating on your side table, but we think summer is the perfect time to slow down and escape into a different world. 

Whether you’re jet-setting, staycationing, or hiding from the heat indoors, we’ve rounded up 10 unforgettable reads that’ll transport you far from the scorching sidewalk. Bonus? Some of these have surprise gifts in our Once Upon a Book Club boxes that make the experience even cooler (literally and figuratively).

Why We Love Escapist Summer Reads

There’s something magical about summer and storytelling. Maybe it’s the slower pace or the longing for adventure and connection. Escapist reads give us a passport to new places, juicy drama, unexpected romance, and thrilling mysteries, all without leaving the lounge chair. 

As Danny Anderson says, “Reading is not an escape from life, but a deeper immersion into it”. So go ahead and pack that book bag because you’ve got stories to experience! Speaking of packing that bag, we have some fabulous summer accessories that every bookworm just has to have! 

Check out our beautiful sun hat and beach mat combo, and don’t forget about the best bookish beach towel around!

 

10 Books That Are Perfect for Summer Relaxation

Upon a Starlit Tide by Kell Woods

A fairytale-inspired fantasy that blends The Little Mermaid and Cinderella into a historical tale of magic and rebellion. Set in 1758 Saint-Malo, this story follows Lucinde, a girl who dreams of the sea and finds herself entangled in smuggling, magic, and mysterious destinies. With lush settings and sea-sparkling twists, it’s like salt air in book form.

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

What’s better than a weekend with your four best friends on Nantucket? Unless, of course, old flames show up, secrets bubble over, and your grief turns that vacation into one unforgettable self-discovery journey. This Hilderbrand gem is perfect for fans of sun, sand, and drama served with a side of charcuterie.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Married for college housing, divorced (sort of), and unexpectedly back together for a hundred-million-dollar inheritance? Yep, Christina Lauren delivers another sizzling, funny, emotionally layered romance between a buttoned-up professor and his wildly creative “ex” wife. Perfect for poolside giggles and swoons.

 

Wild About You by Kaitlyn Hill

A sunshine-y reality show contestant and a grumpy bear of a hiking partner thrown into the Appalachian wilderness? This opposites-attract rom-com set in the great outdoors is brimming with humor, heart, and just enough tension to keep you flipping pages into the wee summer hours.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Two writers, one iconic woman’s biography, and a month-long competition on a charming island — what could go wrong? With equal parts mystery, wit, and slow-burn romance, this is the kind of story that unfolds like a perfect beach day. Sit back, let the waves crash, and enjoy the storytelling magic only Emily Henry can deliver.

 

Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Méndez

What if your soulmate was prophesied in a dream… but your real-life relationship doesn’t match the initials? Set against the rich, colorful backdrop of Puerto Rico, this beautifully romantic novel—a Once Upon a Book Club special edition exclusive you won’t find anywhere else—explores fate, second chances, and the courage to rewrite your own love story. It’s a tropical cocktail of heart and hope.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

He’s cursed. She’s cursed. Together, they’ll break up and find true love—simple, right? This laugh-out-loud romance delivers the emotional depth we’ve come to expect from Jimenez, set against a dreamy lakeside backdrop. Pack tissues, a cold drink, and maybe a fan, because the chemistry is HOT.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

A sun-kissed second-chance romance set on Barry’s Bay, this nostalgic and tender story is for anyone who’s ever revisited a place (or person) from their past. With swoony boat rides, grandmothers with wisdom, and a heroine learning to see herself clearly, it’s a perfect lakeside escape.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster

A writer with a deadline. A billionaire bachelor neighbor. An enemies-to-lovers setup with New York as the backdrop? Yes, please! This sparkling debut romance is as fizzy as a rooftop Aperol Spritz and as addictive as late-night texting. Bonus points if you read it while people-watching in your favorite café.

 

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

Dual timelines, wartime intrigue, an island with secrets, and a modern-day book club uncovering a buried past—this sweeping historical fiction is the very definition of “beach read with substance.” Sip an iced tea and get lost in a story where women hold the power, and books may just save the world.

Create a Summer Reading Ritual

Now that your TBR list is fully loaded, why not create a little reading ritual? Set aside a quiet hour in the morning with coffee on the porch. Bring your book box to the beach, paired with our Beach Bookworms beach towel.

Or invite friends over for a themed book club picnic, complete with chilled rosé and literary trivia. And of course, subscribing to an OUABC Book Box means the fun just keeps arriving, surprises and all. You bring the snacks, we’ll bring the stories.

 

Your Summer Escape Starts Here

Whether you’re escaping to a lake house, the coast, or your own backyard hammock, these summer reads promise all the heat of adventure and romance, with none of the sunburn. From magical realism to flirty banter, from tearjerkers to triumphant finales, there’s a perfect match waiting for every reader under the sun. 

Ready to pack your book bag? Browse our Adult Book Subscription Boxes or scoop up one of our Ready-to-Ship Boxes before your next getaway. Because no matter where you go this summer, there’s always room for one more book.

Interested in the latest trending genres? Have a look at our blog Trending Genres for Adult Readers.

 

Sources

Anderson, D. (n.d.). The power of reading. Danny Anderson. Retrieved June 2, 2025, from https://www.dannyanderson.net/the-power-of-reading/