Books to read if you love The Summer I Turned Pretty

If you’ve been following the love triangle between Jeremiah, Conrad, and Belly since the summer of 2022, you’ll soon get to find out how their story ends in the upcoming final season of the hit TV show, The Summer I Turned Pretty!

Readers of the popular book series by Jenny Han have been waiting even longer for their favorite characters to hit the small screen (Book 2, It’s Not Summer Without You, came out in 2010 and Book 3, We’ll Always Have Summer, in 2011). With the premiere of Season 3 upon us and summer vibes in full swing, readers will want all the books possible to emulate the feeling of being on Cousins beach!

Here are some recommendations for similar YA romance reads that you can borrow from your library through the Libby app. While they might not all contain love triangles and a killer soundtrack, they DO deliver plenty of yearning, romance, and gorgeous settings.

August and Everything After by Jennifer Doktorski
🎧 Audiobook

Quinn has just graduated from high school and is feeling lost. How is she supposed to know what she wants to do with her future already? Feeling misunderstood and lonely, Quinn heads to the Jersey Shore to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to figure things out, or just escape the drama of her hometown. When Quinn meets Malcolm, a musician, she starts to realize maybe, just maybe, second chances and love are possible!

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
🎧 Audiobook

Emma doesn’t know much about her mom, who died when Emma was 12. When summer rolls around and she’s unexpectedly sent to North Lake to spend the summer with her mom’s family, Emma has the chance to learn more about her parents and how she fits into their history. Reunited with her family, Emma’s also thrown back into the orbit of the boy who was her childhood best friend, Roo. Sparks fly! History is shared.

This is the perfect, big-hearted romance that highlights the magic of summer.

This Time It's Real by Ann Liang
🎧 Audiobook

Eliza writes an essay about meeting the love of her life and doesn’t expect it to go viral. Immediately seen as cooler and more popular amongst her classmates, Eliza has a big secret to keep. She totally made up the essay.

In an effort to save face, Eliza strikes a deal with a classmate, Caz, who happens to be a famous actor. If she helps him with his college applications, he’ll act as her fake boyfriend. What happens when fake feelings become real?

Betting on You by Lynn Painter
🎧 Audiobook

Bailey starts a new job for the summer at a local water park. What are the chances that her new coworker is someone she doesn’t get along with? Bailey and Charlie met a year ago on a flight back home to Omaha, where Bailey is based after her parents' divorce.

Charlie’s cynicism didn’t exactly pair nicely with Bailey’s attempt at positivity and even temperament. Now they have to spend the summer working side by side. To make things interesting, they decide to make a bet on their coworkers who keep flirting with each other. Bailey thinks those two are just friends, and Charlie thinks there’s more to the flirtations.

Toss in some fake dating, secrets, and family drama, this is an entertaining rom com that will keep you captivated all the way through!

*Title availability may vary.

Looking for more beach-y reads?

Listen to the lively conversation on the Book Lounge by Libby podcast as authors Clémence Michallon, Jonathan Parks-Ramage, Megan Miranda, and Sara Hamdan chat about the art of crafting a summer page-turner. From thrillers to romances and everything in between, they unpack what “beach read” really means, how they keep readers hooked, and—crucially—their go-to writing snacks.

Watch the video version below or listen wherever you get your podcasts!