What New Top Beach Reads Are Trending This Year?

Trending beach reads this year lean into fun, fast-paced escapes. 'Summer Fridays' by Suzanne Rindell is a standout—a 1990s-set love triangle between editorial assistants with killer chemistry. I also adore 'Every Summer After' by Carley Fortune, a compact but emotional second-chance romance that’s been a BookTok darling. For thriller fans, 'The Last Word' by Taylor Adams offers a cat-and-mouse game between a book reviewer and a vengeful author—it’s unputdownable. And if you want pure fluff, 'The Summer Swap' by Sarah Morgan delivers ice cream–sweet vibes with its Cape Cod setting and family drama. Short, snappy, and sun-soaked—these are the books you’ll see piled on every beach towel.

This year’s beach reads are all about balance—light enough to enjoy under an umbrella but with enough substance to keep you hooked. I’m obsessed with 'Hello Stranger' by Katherine Center, a rom-com about a portrait artist who can’t recognize faces (including her crush’s) after surgery. It’s funny, tender, and unexpectedly profound. Another favorite is 'The Soulmate' by Sally Hepworth, a domestic thriller set by the cliffs where a couple’s marriage unravels amid a mysterious death.

For historical fiction fans, 'The Spectacular' by Fiona Davis blends 1950s Radio City Rockettes drama with a serial killer plot—glamorous yet gripping. And if you want pure joy, 'The Rom-Commers' by Katherine Reay (out later this summer) promises meta-humor about a screenwriter stuck rewriting a terrible rom-com script. These picks are trending because they’re smart but never stuffy—ideal for lazy afternoons with sand between your toes.

As someone who devours beach reads like candy, I’ve noticed a few standouts this year that are perfect for soaking up the sun with. 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry is dominating the charts with its bittersweet romance and nostalgic vibes—it’s about a couple pretending to still be together during their annual friend-group getaway. Another hot pick is 'Yours Truly' by Abby Jimenez, a witty and heartfelt rom-com featuring fake dating and pen-pal chemistry. For thriller lovers, 'The Only One Left' by Riley Sager delivers Gothic chills and twists that’ll make you forget the heat.

If you’re into lighter, feel-good stories, 'The Five-Star Weekend' by Elin Hilderbrand is pure escapism—a group of friends reconnecting over a lavish Nantucket weekend. On the quirky side, 'Romantic Comedy' by Curtis Sittenfeld reimagines modern love with a hilarious 'SNL'-esque backdrop. And don’t overlook 'The Celebrants' by Steven Rowley, a touching novel about friendship and second chances that’s both funny and profound. These books are flying off shelves for a reason—they’re the perfect mix of escapism and emotional depth.

I’ve been tracking this year’s beach reads like a hypebeast follows sneaker drops, and the buzz around 'The Summer of Songbirds' by Kristy Woodson Harvey is real. It’s a sentimental yet sharp story about four women saving their childhood summer camp, packed with friendship goals and juicy secrets. Another crowd-pleaser is 'Same Time Next Summer' by Annabel Monaghan, a second-chance romance set in a beach town that nails the 'sunburned nostalgia' vibe.

For something edgier, 'The Whispers' by Ashley Audrain (of 'The Push' fame) explores suburban scandals and motherhood myths—it’s like 'Big Little Lies' but with more psychological teeth. And let’s not forget 'The Paradise Problem' by Christina Lauren, a fake-marriage romp set on a private island that’s basically a cocktail in book form. These titles are trending because they’re addictive without being trashy—perfect for readers who want substance with their sunscreen.