Best Beach Reads of 2022: Top 30 Books to Bring While on Vacation

When the days start to feel a little warmer, you know that means the summer season is upon us! For many, it’s the perfect time to take a vacation. Arguably, the ideal kind of a summer trip would be somewhere near the sand and sea. This calls for a list of activities to try, from scuba diving in the clear waters to playing volleyball on the sand. Until someone accidentally kicks sand into your book and disrupts your summer reading list. 

Sometimes, you want a vacation just to relax. That’s how we end up curling up with a good book at the beach. It’s peaceful, you get your alone time, and you can get your mind off the things you don’t want to think about. Book recommendations are perfect for this. When beach-reading sounds like the perfect getaway for you, here are the 30 best summer reads in 2022 to bring on vacation. 

In case you’re revisiting your summer reading list from the comfort of your own home, we’ve also included some book-inspired travel destinations. 

Adult contemporary books to read on vacation

1. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Set in: Lake Michigan, United States

Beach Read is a contemporary romance novel that’s one of the best summer reads in 2022. While it can be lighthearted, there are times when it can get solemn. For those who are vacationing at a lake cabin or a nature retreat, this one’s for you.

Romance writer January Andrews moves into her late father’s lake house in Michigan to write a book. There, she meets her broody — but infuriatingly handsome — former college rival, Augustus “Gus” Everett, as her next-door neighbour. Suffering from a case of writer’s block, she confides in him and he suggests a solution: They swap literary genres for the next book they write. Whoever sells their book first wins. As for the loser? They have to promote it. 

When you’re reading Beach Read, you’ll fall in love with January and Gus. You’ll fall in love with the way how they grew as characters and as love interests. Writers, in particular, might realise they can relate to the elements of beating writer’s block and the process of writing a book. 

2. Bellinger Sisters series by Tessa Bailey

Set in: Westport and Seattle, Washington; Alaska; Los Angeles, California, United States

The Bellinger Sisters series by Tessa Bailey is a contemporary rom-com duology that focuses on sisters Piper and Hannah Bellinger. The books in the series are It Happened One Summer and Hook Line & Sinker. If you’re a fan of Schitt’s Creek, then you should love this series. We’ll tell you why it’s one of the best summer reads in 2022

It Happened One Summer is Piper’s book. One fateful night in n Los Angeles, bubbly Instagram-socialite Piper has to face the repercussions of a couple of bad choices. Her stepfather exiles her to move to Westport with limited funds. Her sister Hannah volunteers to go with her for a whole summer. Together, the sisters manoeuvre around finding independence while learning more about their late father’s legacy in this quaint fishing town. 

In Book 1, Piper finds love in Westport with a grumpy king crab fisherman captain (Brendan Taggart). But in Hook, Line & Sinker, her sister Hannah ends up falling for his best friend, Fox Thorton, aka Westport’s resident casanova. 

Book 2 focuses on Hannah’s story. To sum it up, she’s back in Westport to help shoot a movie, and she’s got a crush on the director. In order to get that director’s attention, she asks Fox for a little help. Little does she know, that the more time she spends with Fox, the more she starts to fall for him. 

If you ended up loving It Happened One Summer, we’d be happy to share that it’s getting its own movie! Tessa Bailey herself revealed the announcement earlier this week and we couldn’t be more excited!

Also read: 4 Memorable & Diverse Destinations to Complete Your USA Travels!

3. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Set in: Palm Springs, California; Croatia 

People We Meet on Vacation is a contemporary romance novel perfect for Love, Rosie fans. It follows the story of best friends Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen. In fact, Emily Henry has described the book as an ode to Nora Ephron’s movie, When Harry Met Sally (1989). 

Anyway, let’s talk about the plot. The book follows the course of a 12-year friendship between the main characters. Poppy and Alex are what you define as “opposites attract.” They met in college, so you’d get to witness how they grew as friends who travel a lot together. Every year, they have “The Summer Trip,” which consists of vacationing on a tight budget. The book follows an alternating timeline between the “then” (past summers) and “now” (their summer in Palm Springs). 

Before you ask why the book is the way it is, it’s intentional for a reason: two summers ago in Croatia, something happened and it disrupted the whole friendship. As a result of what happened in Croatia, they didn’t talk for two years. Until Poppy reaches out to Alex with a trip to Palm Springs to salvage the friendship. 

People We Meet on Vacation should be on your next summer reading list for good reason. It’s great for people who are feeling lost, career-wise. The book will remind you to take a step back and remind you of where your passions lie. 

Also read: Digital Nomads Can Now Apply for a One-Year Permit to Work in Croatia!

4. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Travel inspo for Book Lovers: North Carolina, United States

Book Lovers is a recent contemporary romance release by Emily Henry, and worth one of the best summer reads in 2022. Nora Stephens is a literary agent with a competitive streak when it comes to her job. Though many might admire her for her work ethic, her peers have often referred to her as a “shark.” Yeah, she’s that driven. 

Okay, back to the summary breakdown. When her (very pregnant) younger sister Libby begs for a sisters’ getaway in Sunshine Falls, Nora agrees. The plan was simple: Experience the small-town life through a carefully planned itinerary. Instead, Nora keeps bumping into a certain face of her past — editor Charlie Lastra. 

Though the book is worthy of Nora and Charlie’s relationship (rivals to lovers), it tends to focus more on the familial dynamic between Nora and Libby. When we tell you this book is for the older sisters, we’re not kidding. Older sisters with younger sisters may resonate with the book on a deeper, emotional level, and reading Book Lovers could almost be described as looking into a mirror. 

It is also secretly a homage to small-town romances and common tropes that come with it. We could tell how much fun Emily Henry was having while writing the book, and we love her all the more for it. 

5. The Bride Test by Helen Hoang

Set in: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Kiss Quotient trilogy by Helen Hoang is a contemporary romance series of interconnected standalone novels. It starts off with The Kiss Quotient, followed by The Bride Test, and concludes with The Heart Principle. Altogether, they make three of the best summer reads in 2022. But for this article, we’re only going to be highlighting the second book. 

In The Bride Test, Khai’s mother flies to Vietnam to personally find her son a bride. In Ho Chi Minh City, she stumbles upon Esme Tran. Esme accepts her offer to fly to America to potentially marry Khai and ensure a better life for her daughter. The catch is that she’s got three months to seduce Khai. 

The series as a whole is commendable for a number of reasons. To begin with, the series features characters on the autism spectrum — Stella, Khai, and Anna. With her series debunks stereotypes around autism, it brings forth meaningful conversations about autism rep in the media and debunks the stereotypes. On top of that, the book has great Asian representation, with portrayals of Vietnamese culture. 

Also read: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh: Which City in Vietnam Is Perfect for You?

6. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Set in: Brooklyn, New York; Spain

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas is a steamy, slow-burn romance read that’s bound to make you giggle and swoon during the summer. If you’re on BookTok a lot, you might get why this book’s been listed as one of the best summer reads in 2022. 

Catalina Martin desperately needs a date for her sister’s wedding. Aaron Blackford, a colleague she despises offers himself up to be her date. After going back and forth on her decision — and a string of events you might want to take note of — she agrees to take him on… as a fake boyfriend. Awkward!

The Spanish Love Deception is a summer read you should not miss. You’ve got a swoon-worthy love interest, undeniable chemistry, and several notable romance tropes you’d enjoy! (*Coughs* Grumpy-sunshine, one-bed trope, office romance, and fake dating *coughs*). Since the book is on the thicker side, it’s definitely a great option if you want to kill a lot of time. 

Also read: 6 Most Charming Villages in Spain That Await You on Your Next VTL Trip!

7. Dirty Air series by Lauren Asher

Set in: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Australia; Bahrain; Shanghai; Brazil; Lake Como and Monza, Italy; Spain; France; Canada; Baku, Azerbaijan; London, England; Monaco

Formula 1 fans, this is your time to shine! What if we told you that there was a contemporary romance series involving your favourite racing sport?

Still don’t believe me? The Dirty Air series features interconnected standalone novels revolving around the lives of four fictional F1 racers. Each book is dedicated to one driver, and there’s enough drama and romance to last your summer. 

Also read: 15 Reasons to Travel to London At Least Once in Your Lifetime

Throttled follows Noah Slade and his rival’s sister, Maya Alatorre. Set in the same timeline or so would be Collided, which follows Liam Zander and Sophie Mitchell (the daughter of a racing team principal). The third book, titled Wrecked, is Jax Kingston and Elena Gonzalez’s (his PR manager) story. Finally, you’d end the series with Redeemed, which is Santiago Alatorre’s and Chloe Carter’s book. 

Why should you read Dirty Air? Sports romance is a niche in contemporary romance and an unforgettable one at that. When you’re in the world of Dirty Air, you’d get a taste of competition, the thrills of racing, and tumultuous romance. It’s fast-paced, and you won’t be able to put it down. Get into four of our best summer reads in 2022 now!

Plus, if you’re a major F1 fan, you’d be able to pick out real-life references. The series does feature actual Formula One tracks, as well as certain terminology you’d get. One more thing…the racers in the series may or may not remind you of the famous racers you know and love. 

8. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Set in: Hawaii, United States

The Unhoneymooners is a great addition if you want to explore more fake dating on your summer reading list. Olive Torres has always considered herself unlucky. As in, most of the things in her life tend to go wrong. In the wake of her twin sister’s wedding disaster, Olive Torres might have found some luck for the first time. Her sister’s unfortunate predicament leaves Olive to take up the non-refundable, non-negotiable, and all-expenses-paid honeymoon vacation in Hawaii. 

As the package is a table-for-two moment, Olive has to spend it with the groom’s brother, Ethan Thomas. He’s not exactly her favourite person, but they both agree to enjoy their time separately at the resort. But when Olive runs into her future boss and Ethan meets his ex, the pair have to ditch their plans to play pretend. 

The Unhoneymooners is great if you want a funny vacation-centred read. Given the fake-dating trope, you’d relish the forced proximity between Ethan and Olive. Compared to The Spanish Love Deception, the spice is much less but the sultry moments are still there. Live out your Hawaii-vacation dreams with one of the best summer reads in 2022. 

Also read: 17 Unique Things to Do in Hawaii Besides Surfing and Beach-Hopping

9. Dreamland Billionaires series by Lauren Asher

Set in: Walt Disney World, Florida, California; Chicago, Illinois, United States; South Africa

So, Lauren Asher wrote a romance series around Formula 1. This time, we’re here to get you on a series that centres around a fictional theme park that’s just as magical as Disneyland. In the Dreamland Billionaires series, three (billionaire) brothers have to fulfil the conditions that are stated in their late grandfather’s will. Their romances will make some of the best summer reads in 2022, and for a good reason. 

The Fine Print is the first book in the series. Rowan Kane is tasked with becoming the Director and figuring out to improve his grandfather’s park, Dreamland, within a six-month timeline. An annual submission puts Dreamland employee Zahra Gulian onto his path. 

Terms & Conditions is the second book, following his oldest brother Declan Kane. For Declan, he has to marry someone and get them pregnant in order to become CEO. After a turn of events at the start, he marries his secretary Iris. 

Unfortunately, their brother Cal’s book is currently being written. In the meantime, you can catch up with the first two books. The Fine Print genuinely feels like a fairytale in so many aspects. That is, you might be reminded of the times you went to Disneyland. On the other hand, Terms & Conditions is a great, fast-paced office romance that has a marriage of convenience. 

Also read: A Frozen-Themed Park Is Coming to Disneyland Paris in 2023 — Here’s What We Know So Far

10. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in: Malibu, California

Malibu Rising follows the story of the four Riva siblings — Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit and an annual summer party held by Nina. They’re the children of Mick Riva, a famous, yet fictional singer. While the book is set in 1983, it takes place over the course of one day leading up to the party. 

But there’s a fire at midnight and this poses the question: Who started the fire that burnt down the Riva mansion? Malibu Rising reflects on themes of family, fame and parenthood. To say the book is intricate would be an understatement. 

Flashbacks of Nina’s childhood are woven into the plot, alongside births, deaths, and marriages. In the present, Malibu Rising is a time-ticking countdown to the fire, and it’s the reason why it’s one of the best summer reads in 2022. Untold secrets will be revealed, chaos will ensue and you might know how this ends. Add this to your summer reading list and your life might change!

11. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Set in: San Francisco, California

If you liked People We Meet on Vacation, then you should add Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words to your summer reading list. Like the former, there are two alternating timelines between the past and present:

In the past, Macy Sorensen is grieving the loss of her mother. For one summer, she and her father look for their vacation home. She meets Elliot Petropolous, the boy next door. In the present, Macy reunites with Elliot after eleven years of no contact. 

Love and Other Words is a great read for the summer, but it won’t be as lighthearted as you’d think. As a reader, you’d get to see Macy and Elliot grow from friends to lovers, and from teenagers to adults. In between, you get to see how they spend their weekends and summers together. It’s a beautiful story, but be prepared to cry on vacation! For what it’s worth, Elliot and Macy are worth one of the best summer reads in 2022. 

Also read: Where to Get the Best Coffee in San Francisco, According to Locals!

12. My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

Set in: Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States

Imagine this: You and your brother have taken a vacation for the summer. You’ve already rented a house in Cape Cod and everything is swell. You’ve got a fancy bathtub you’re excited about, and the beach is nearby. 

Sounds good? What if I told you that during one of your baths, you discover something unusual? One thing leads to another and bam! You stumble upon a literal dead body. My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey is that kind of story. After Taylor Bassey’s encounter, her vacation home turned into an active crime scene. 

My Killer Vacation should be one of your best beach reads in summer 2022 for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s short (less than 300 pages), and it’s an easy read. It’s fast-paced, filled with mystery and humour, and there’s spice. What more could you ask for?

13. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in: Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; New York City; Paris, France; Spain

Following on the Taylor Jenkins Reid train, allow me to present to you, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. This beach-worthy read tells you the story of Hollywood Golden Age star, Evelyn Hugo. At 79, she gives one last interview to Monique Grant, a magazine reporter. 

To Monique, the assignment is to cover the auction for Evelyn’s famous dresses, as it’s a fundraising initiative for a breast cancer charity. But Evelyn, later on, reveals that she’s not interested in what the magazine has to offer. Instead, she wants Monique to write her biography. 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a beautifully written book. It reflects on Evelyn Hugo’s rise to stardom, and fall from it. Evelyn is known for the seven husbands she married throughout her life and judging by the title, you might think that way as well. As the story progresses, you’ll come to understand, that the book is about her instead. Plus the things she never revealed to the public, like her relationship with Celia St. James. 

Fans of Citizen Kane and other classical Hollywood films would be intrigued to read this book. It’s not your typical Hollywood scandal, but rather, a book about loyalty, betrayal, loss, sacrifice, and tragedy. Evelyn is a profound character that will teach you valuable lessons in life and love. When you finish her story, you’ll be left feeling empty and wishing she were real. 

Also read: 15 Most Majestic Filming Locations to Visit Around the World

14. Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Set in: Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California

When we tell you that Dial A for Aunties is absolute chaos, you have to believe us! Jesse Q. Sutanto’s book is a little bit of everything — mystery, comedy, horror, and romance — and it’s perfect for the summer. 

Here’s a breakdown: Meddy Chan has accidentally killed her blind date. In a wave of panic, she turns to her four aunts and Mum for help. Burying a body is already hard, but when you’ve got a billionaire wedding to run, the stakes are worse. Convenient timing, right? Well, add an ex popping up into the mix, among other things we can’t mention. 

When there’s a wedding in question, everything’s bound to be crazy. Reading Dial A For Aunties is a wild ride because there are tons of jaw-dropping scenes and funny moments. The representation of an immigrant Indonesian-Chinese family was notable, and the aunts definitely ran the show. And from what we know, it has been picked up for a film adaptation! 

15. Seven Days in June by Tia Williams

Set in: Brooklyn, New York City; Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is one of the best beach reads out there. It’s humorous and touching and explores observations of Black life and themes of motherhood. That is why it’s one of the best summer reads in 2022. 

Eva Mercy is a successful author of a long-running erotica series. But when the deadline for a 15th book comes close, she admits she’s a little stuck. For the sake of her daughter, she can’t give up the series. Therefore, she shelves her idea and dreams of writing about the Louisiana Creole women that are also her ancestors. 

At a Brooklyn literary panel, however, she reunites with Shane Hall, a famous literary author. His appearance surprises everyone because Shane’s known to be a recluse. The reunion between the two writers catches the eyes of their peers. 

If only they knew that Shane and Eva had a week of deep, intimate connection back in high school. While they pretend that feelings are not being stirred at the moment, they can’t deny something else: Shane and Eva have been secretly writing to each other in their books for the past 15 years. 

16. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reads

Set in: Glasgow, Scotland; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Daisy Jones & The Six is another Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that follows a fictional rock band during the 70s. The book follows a unique journalistic format through a biographical interview among several band members. 

Daisy Jones is what you could describe as a party girl. Since her arrival in Los Angeles at age 14, she gets swept up in the lives of Hollywood socialites, sex, and drugs. However, nothing compared to her love for rock and roll. By the time she turned 20, she was starting to get noticed and The Six was getting formed. They got a record deal early on, leading to lead signer Billy Dunne’s and Daisy’s paths crossing when a producer puts them together.

As the book is set during the peak of the rock and roll era in the United States, many would argue that this book is fun. The characters are young, talented, and free in nature, and each page is filled with life. You get to witness people make music and live their lives and make fame out of it. The women in the book — Camila, Karen and Daisy — are exemplary strong leads, which reflects on the themes of feminism and empowerment within the plot. 

Note: A TV series adaptation of this book is currently in the works on Amazon Prime. 

17. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Set in: Washington DC, United States; London, United Kingdom; Myddfai, Wales; Paris, France 

On the note of book-to-film adaptations, Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue is definitely one of many books to read on vacation. It’s witty, a bit of a wild card, and fun to read. We’ll tell you why it’s a bit of a wild card. 

It’s a romance between, get this: the First Son, Alex Claremont-Diaz, and Britain’s royal prince, Henry of Wales. After an incident at a royal wedding, Alex has to pretend to be good friends with Henry so it doesn’t affect Alex’s mother’s election bid. 

Over time, the two actually become pretty good friends, and soon enough, they grow romantically involved. Now they have to protect their secret relationship on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Red, White & Royal Blue was a memorable read solely for Alex and Henry’s relationship. It developed nicely, with a sprinkling of good banter and cute moments.

Also read: When in Wales: What to Do & Where to Go Around Snowdonia

18. You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Set in: New York City

You Had Me at Hola is a story between two telenovela actors who have to play bitter exes while on set. If you’re a huge fan of Jane The Virgin, then you’d certainly love this book!

Soap opera star Jasmine Lin Rodriguez has gone through a breakup that ends up pretty public. In the wake of the tabloids’ mess, she travels to New York City to film a bilingual rom-com. She’s already got a plan in place to swear off men and focus on herself, but when her co-star Ashton Suárez comes into the picture (pun intended), her plans get cut short. 

When a first bad impression threatens both of Jasmine and Ashton’s careers, they agree to rehearse in private. A romance starts to develop off-screen, which leads to rumours, and now the media’s bound to ruin everything.  book is everything you might love in a telenovela, minus the tragedy and cliffhangers. It’s steamy, dramatic, and has great Latinx representation. 

Also read: 2-Day New York City Itinerary for First-Timers

19. Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma

Set in: Jersey City, New Jersey, United States 

Here’s the thing: Kareena Mann (the main character) wants a love life like her parents, but she’s not that interested to take the initiative to find one. But when her father announces he’s going to sell her mother’s home, she proposes a deal: If she can get engaged within four months, she can get the house. 

On the other hand, Dr. Prem Verma wants to build a local community health centre. He’s the host of a viral show, which grants him enough donors to help him out. But when his argument with Kareena floods the Internet, his funds have been limited. In comes Kareena’s aunties who provide a solution: Convince Kareena he’s her soulmate and they’ll provide the funds. 

Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma can definitely be one of your books to read on vacation. Other than having great Desi representation, the book is equally steamy as it is hilarious. Like with Dial A For Aunties, Kareena’s aunts are the star of the show. They make every scene better, but even with their meddling tendencies, you know they mean well. You’ve also got a kick-ass main character, a swoony love interest (who I heard wears a black kurta in the book) and the chemistry between them? Off. The. Charts. 

20. Shipped by Angie Hockman

Set in: Galápagos Islands 

After The Unhoneymooners, you might want to consider Shipped by Angie Hockman. It has the ambience of the same enemies-to-lovers trope, with a splash of a vacation setting. But in this case, they’re vacationing on a cruise. 

Marketing manager Henley Evans is a workaholic, and when there’s a promotion for the job of her dreams, it all seems to be worth it. Until her work nemesis, Graeme Crawford-Collins, happens to be fighting for the position. Funnily enough, their claw fights have been strictly online and neither of them knows what they look like. 

In order to get promoted, both Henley and Graeme have to come up with a proposal for boosting bookings in the Galápagos. So they take a cruise to the islands, and they meet for the first time in person on a ship. While they explore the islands together, Henley starts to warm up to Graeme, and starts to see him in a different way. Their work rivalry starts to dissipate, and Henley starts to question her life choices. 

Also read: These Are the World’s Most-Searched “Bucket List” Travel Experiences!

Best young adult beach reads in 2022

21. The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han

Set in: Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

The Summer I Turned Pretty is a contemporary young-adult romance trilogy by Jenny Han. It’s one of the best summer reads in 2022. You may recognise this author, as Han is famous for the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before series. 

Every summer, Isabel “Belly” Conklin takes a trip down to Cousins Beach with her mother and older brother. For the whole season, Belly spends time with her mother’s best friend Susannah Fisher and Susannah’s sons, Conrad and Jeremiah Fisher. As the days go by, a love triangle between the Fisher brothers and Belly starts to seep in. 

Arguably, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a coming-of-age story filled with heartbreak, first love, and learning how to be self-independent. Book 1 starts when Belly is fifteen years old, and throughout the series, you’d get to see how she grows into adulthood. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty’s film adaptation was recently released on Amazon Prime. Best believe we’ll be binging the show tonight! 

22. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

Set in: Tuscany, Italy

Jenna Evans Welch’s Love and Gelato novel should be considered one of your best beach reads this summer. The film adaptation is coming out on Netflix soon. But in true bibliophile fashion, do read the book first.

To fulfil her mother’s dying wishes, 17-year-old Lina Emerson decides to spend a summer in Tuscany, Italy. Flying halfway across the world, she stays with Howard, her mother’s best friend. The story picks up when Howard passes Lina her mother’s journal to read. It documents the adventures Lina’s mother had when she studying was in Tuscany. 

The book is a light-hearted read for the beach, but it also has its solemn aspects. While reading the journal, Lina processes her grief and emotions after her mother’s passing. We learn more about her mother through Lina’s eyes, but also as the reader. 

Love & Gelato’s story doesn’t stop there though. It’s the first of a series of interconnected standalone novels. Love & Luck is a story set in Ireland, and involves Addie who’s visiting her aunt in the country. On the other hand, in Love & Olives, Liv films a documentary about Atlantis in Santorini, Greece. Pick up these three books if you want some of the best summer reads in 2022!

Also read: 8 Hidden Beaches in Italy That Only Locals Know About

23. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Set in: Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is great for fans of rom-com junkies. It is an adorable, light-hearted book if you want to branch out your list of the best summer reads in 2022. It’s funny, the main characters are lovable, and they’ve got humorous banter. You should read it. Hands down. 

Liz Buxbaum’s crush, Michael, has returned to town after years of being away. In her attempt to craft the perfect happily-ever-after moment. She also wants him to be her prom date, and she’s determined to get closer to him. Unfortunately, that means befriending her next-door neighbour and nemesis, Wes Bennett. 

Wes is friends with Michael, so Liz thinks it’s the perfect opening. Despite their differences, Wes and Liz team up to get Michael’s attention. As they spend more time together, Liz starts to realise Wes is not that bad after all. 

24. Kisses and Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau

Set in: Paris

After travelling to Italy in Love & Gelato, touch down in France for Kisses and Croissants. This little love story is set in the City of Love, and it’s perfect if you love Netflix’s Emily in Paris. You won’t regret one of the best summer reads in 2022. 

17-year-old Mia Jenrow has always dreamed of becoming a professional ballerina. She believes that one of her ancestors was one, dancing ballet at the Paris Ballet Opera. When six weeks of preparations pay off, she snags a chance to go to a summer ballet program in Paris. On top of that, Mia gets the lead in Swan Lake. 

In Paris, she meets Louis who’s determined to be her city tour guide. He takes her on a series of romantic adventures. As her summer program ticks away, Mia starts to find it difficult to balance her ballet and the boy she has feelings for. 

Besides the travel aspects and the summery feel, Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau’s book shows that there’s more to life than love. It talks about dreams, friendships, and family. It’s everything you need in one of the best summer reads in 2022! 

Also read: Best ‘Emily in Paris’ Filming Locations in Season 2 You Need to See IRL

25. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Set in: Seattle, Washington

Rowan Roth and Neil McNair have been academic rivals throughout high school. Extracurriculars, class tests, and everything in between… you name it. Even though Rowan is anxious about the future, she takes a chance to beat Neil one last time. 

A senior class game is her window to execute her plans. Until she finds out the other seniors have targeted her and Neil for the night. For a while, they team up to be the last people standing, and only then they can get back to hating each other. But in one night, perspectives and feelings take a turn for the better. 

Today Tonight Tomorrow is a great book, especially when you’re about to graduate high school. It’s a refreshing read for the summer, and many may relate to the anxiety around college applications. Rowan and Neil’s relationship is refreshing in so many ways because they challenge each other. As individual characters, they’re relatable and you can’t help but fall in love with them.

26. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

Set in: New Smyrna Beach, Florida, United States 

Summer is definitely lost without a love story between penpals. In Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett, Bailey “Mink” Rydell has been crushing on Alex, a film geek she met online. They’re separated by coasts. But when Mink’s Dad asks her to move to the surfing town is in, their coastal distance is shortened. 

Upon her move, she debates whether or not to tell Alex that she’s here in the same town as he is. Or that she’s been working at a local museum where her nemesis Porter Roth likes to push her buttons for fun. Despite herself, she starts to like Porter. As the summer progresses to an end, Mink is faced with the ultimate decision to choose between Alex and Porter. But what if we told you that they’re both the same person?

If the film, You’ve Got Mail, is your favourite movie, definitely take this one with you on your vacation. The book has the same feel as a 90s romance film, and it’s an easy read to occupy your beach time. No wonder it’s one of the best summer reads in 2022!

27. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

Set in: Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Step aside film junkies, because we’ve been told this book is inspired by Taylor Swift songs! Every summer, Meredith Fox goes to Martha’s Vineyard. But for the first time, she will be going to the vineyard without her sister. There’s going to be a wedding but she won’t have a date since her boyfriend dumped her prior. 

But here comes another family tradition — the game of Assasin. It will take place in the same week as the wedding. It’s all fun and games until her target is one of the handsome groomsmen (Stephen Witry) attending the wedding. A target like him will cost her the game and her heart. 

Walther’s The Summer of Broken Rules is an emotional read for your summer vacation. It teaches you how to find happiness after the loss of someone important in your life. Nonetheless, there are also still light-hearted moments in the game antics and who could say no to a slow-burn romance? 

28. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Set in: Boston, Massachusetts

The Inheritance Games is another book series that has taken BookTok by storm. It’s fast-paced, full of mystery, and the riddles will make or break you. It’s exactly the perfect recipe for one of the best summer reads in 2o22!

Avery Grambs is just your ordinary girl trying to live her life. She wants to graduate high school, get a scholarship and leave. That’s it. When billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies, he passes his whole inheritance to Avery. Avery doesn’t know who he is, or why she’s the receiver of a great fortune. 

Fans of Knives Out might just love this book. You’ve got a house full of riddles and secrets, and a crazy family. As Avery figures out the mystery behind her inheritance clause, she finds herself entangled with brothers Jameson and Grayson Hawthorne. 

29. Sunkissed by Kasie West

Set in: Highgate Springs, Vermont, USA

This summer book recommendation takes place at a summer camp. After being betrayed by her best friend, Avery is set out to make her summer epic. But her dreams of the perfect summer get disrupted when her family drags her to a family camp for two months. There’s no Internet connection, leaving her to spend time with close ones and nature. 

What seems to be a disaster turns into paradise when she meets camp staff Brooks. He’s handsome but totally off-limits. When he offers up one adventure of a lifetime, she agrees to finally figure out what she wants. 

Sunkissed by Kasie West is perfect for your summer reading list, and it’s even more perfect if you adore stories set at some kind of summer camp. You get to see the characters grow over the course of several weeks. The book is also a great reminder to disconnect yourself from your phone and go for what you want. 

Also read: Camping Guide for Beginners: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

30. Loveboat, Taipei by Abigail Hing Wen

Set in: Taiwan

Likewise with Loveboat, Taipei, the story takes place in a summer camp in Taiwan. Everett “Ever” Wong’s parents have signed up their daughter for a Mandarin language and Chinese culture program. She sees it as less than ideal, but when she arrives at Chien Tan for the first time, she sees why the place has been nicknamed “Loveboat.”

What her parents didn’t know was that Chien Tan was actually a place for people her age to meet up and party. In Taiwan, Ever gets sucked into a handful of forbidden activities while taking ballet classes. She also ends up in a love quadruple with three people: Xavier, Rick, and Sophie. 

Abigail Hing Wen’s novel is a summer read you’ll never forget. Loveboat, Taipei has the same style as popular Taiwanese TV dramas, down to the crazy plot twists. As one of the best summer reads in 2022, the book also addresses Asian-American identity, immigrant family expectations, and self-discovery. In fact, there’s a movie adaptation currently in the works!

Also read: 10 Books That Will Inspire Your Next Vacation to Europe

That’s all folks! These are some of the best 30 summer reads in 2022. You’ve got everything you need to power your summer, from the swoony romances to the sad books. All of these books are amazing in their own ways, and they’re guaranteed to last the summer season. Okay, maybe two, since there’s so much to read. 

Let’s just hope your bank account doesn’t dent from all of these book purchases. Have fun reading! 

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Featured image credit: Chen Mizrach | Unsplash