Sunkissed Stories: 5 Irresistible Summer Reads You’ll Want in Your Beach Bag

Srsly Rachel

Jun 11

3 min read

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What are the best summer books to read in 2025?

If you’re craving a romantic escape, a laugh-out-loud story, or a journey of self-discovery, this summer’s top books have you covered. From the breezy charm of It Happened One Summer to the heartfelt journey in The Summer of Yes, these stories are made for hammocks, airport lounges, pool floats, and everything in between.

We’ve pulled the best quotes, given each book a star rating, and even added a drink & snack pairing, because what’s a summer read without a little something to sip on?

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

“Piper, you’re not ‘nothing.’ You never have been. You’re everything.”

Bailey delivers a sparkling, sexy opposites-attract romance featuring a glam L.A. influencer dropped into a rugged seaside town. It’s swoony, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Total rom-com perfection.

Perfect If You Like: Schitt’s Creek, spicy romance, grumpy/sunshine tropes
Drink & Snack Pairing: A spicy margarita and kettle chips with jalapeño hummus.

🔗 Grab Your Copy of It Happened One Summer

Beach Read by Emily Henry

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

“When I watch you sleep,” he said shakily, “I feel overwhelmed that you exist.”

A clever and unexpectedly emotional story about two writers—one of literary fiction, the other of romance—who challenge each other to swap genres. Think enemies-to-lovers with a side of soul-searching.

Perfect If You Like: Literary tension, witty banter, second chances
Drink & Snack Pairing: An iced lavender latte and dark chocolate covered almonds.

🔗 Grab Your Copy of Beach Read

The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

“Maybe saying yes wasn’t about recklessness—it was about living with purpose.”

An uplifting, charming novel about a woman who decides to stop saying “no” to life. This one is tender, relatable, and quietly brave. A feel-good read that will leave your heart full.

Perfect If You Like: Clean romance, Hallmark vibes, self-discovery arcs
Drink & Snack Pairing: Raspberry iced tea with lemon shortbread cookies.

🔗 Grab Your Copy of The Summer of Yes

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

“People come to Italy for all sorts of reasons, but when they stay, it’s for the same two things: love and gelato.”

A light, wanderlust-fueled story about grief, mystery, and first love set against the backdrop of Florence. It’s sweet without being sugary and might just have you booking a flight.

Perfect If You Like: YA coming-of-age, travel journals, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Drink & Snack Pairing: Lemon spritz and a scoop of raspberry sorbet.

🔗 Grab Your Copy of Love & Gelato

My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

“Sometimes the place you’re running from is the only place that can truly heal you.”

An evocative southern drama with all the charm of the Low country, tangled family roots, and the kind of summer secrets that make for delicious reading. Add to cart if you love stories steeped in place and tradition.

Perfect If You Like: Southern settings, multigenerational stories, Elin Hilderbrand
Drink & Snack Pairing: Sweet tea with fresh peaches and a buttery biscuit.

🔗 Grab Your Copy of My Magnolia Summer