Ultimate beach reads: Your Summer 2025 guide

If you’re in the western hemisphere, warm weather has finally arrived. When the temperatures rise, we start to hear talk of the elusive perfect beach read.

“Beach read” is a general term we tend to toss around during the warmer months of the year. So, for the purposes of this guide, a beach read is anything you’re in the mood to take with you on vacation or just to enjoy during your leisure time. This varies wildly depending on the reader, so here’s a category breakdown to make it easier to find a book that will match your vibe!

All of these new beach reads are releasing this summer from your local library on the Libby app. Add them to your tote bag and let your beach days be booked solid.

Mystery & Thriller

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware
July

Lo Blacklock, from Ware’s mega-hit The Woman in Cabin 10, returns to attend the opening of a luxury hotel only to become embroiled in a breakneck race across Europe.

King of Ashes by S. A. Crosby
June

Crosby's latest is a fast-paced Southern crime thriller with inspiration taken from The Godfather and a lot of family drama.

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
June

Jewell’s quick and addictive thriller follows one man and three women caught in a web of lies and destruction.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
June

It’s 1975 and two teens are found dead in their home. The only survivor is their sibling, Vincent. Fifty years later, Vincent is finally ready to talk about what happened and he wants his only daughter, Olivia, a ghostwriter, to tell the story.

Romance

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
June

Two rival bookstore managers compete for the same job in this You’ve Got Mail inspired romance.

Seven Year Itch by Amy Daws
June

Looking for a summer romance with enemies to lovers? Small town romance? A meddling family? What happens on vacation stays on vacation? Run to your library and grab this book.

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson
June

A band reunion on a themed cruise brings bandmates Micah and John back together for the first time in years. Will they get things right this time around or will they let whatever is between them pass them by?

Audiobooks

Caught Up by Navessa Allen
June

Fan favorite narrators Teddy Hamilton and Kasi Hollowell pair up for the latest book in the Into the Darkness trilogy. The narration is the perfect match for Nico and Lauren’s second chance, spicy romance.

Onyx Storm, Part 2 by Rebecca Yarros (GraphicAudio version)
July

If you, somehow, haven’t given the Empyrean series a try, now’s the time to check it out! The second half of Onyx Storm is out now so you can get caught up on the action-packed, dragon-filled, fantasy romance sensation.

The Housemaid’s Wedding by Frieda McFadden
June

This short story bridges the gap for readers between McFadden’s hit Housemaid series books 2 and 3 (The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching). You’ll devour the audiobook in one afternoon.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab
June

With full cast narration by Julia Whelan, Marisa Calin, and Katie Leung, listeners are transported through time and place as they follow the stories of three lesbian vampires as they navigate immortality and hunger.

Literary or Historical Fiction

Slanting Towards the Sea by Lidija Hilje
July

Part love story and part coming-of-age tale, this Croatia set, debut novel follows Ivona, her ex-husband, and his new wife. When a new love interest for Ivona enters the picture, the dynamic between all three shifts and sets off a ripple effect everyone must deal with.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
June

Set in the 1980s, Joan pursues her dreams of becoming a NASA astronaut while navigating life, love, and challenges.

The Compound by Aisling Rawle
June

This debut novel is what would happen if you combined Love Island with a dystopian setting. Compelling literary fiction perfect for your beach bag!

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
June

A sweeping tale that spans France during different times, readers will enjoy Colette, a jewel thief, as she uncovers secrets from her family’s past.

Young Adult

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid
July

Return to the lush and fantastic world that Ava Reid established in A Study in Drowning. The stakes are even higher in this dark academia fantasy novel.

The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang
July

In a world on the brink of war, the future Empress Fei is torn between princes, all the while, hunting a mythical tiger. Destiny and prophecy may change the fate of their world as they know it.

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
July

Sequel to The Grandest Game. Readers of The Inheritance Games and all its spinoffs will enjoy the latest installment!

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales
June

A disgraced princess, Rose, is sent to a new all-girls boarding school where she falls in love with a new student, Danni. Star-crossed lovers from different worlds have to keep their relationship a secret or risk the interference of palace minders and the press.

Fantasy

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
July

Looking for a cozy fantasy with a witch main character trying to get her powers back and a dash of romance? Look no further!

Rose in Chains by Julie Soto
July

Soto’s romantic fantasy debut follows a princess, Briony, sold at auction in a war-torn world as she navigates life owned by the cruel Toven. Even with the grim state of things, not all hope is lost...

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley
July

Two enemies, a healer, and a money for hire assassin are forced to work together in this new fantasy series. Despite their differences, sparks fly the more time these two spend together.

Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
August

A dark reimaging of Snow White will compel readers with its twists and medical spin.

A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena
June

Vasalie, a former dancer turned spy, is swept up in royal court politics between two brothers.

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
August

Kemmerer's adult fantasy debut has everything! Warriors, princesses, assassins, slow burn romance, magic, adventure, and danger. Fantasy readers won’t want to miss this August release.

*Title availability may vary.

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