Ah, summer—the season of sun-kissed skin, oversized sunglasses, and pretending your iced coffee counts as hydration. Whether you’re stretched out by the pool, toes buried in the sand, or hiding from the heat in the only shady spot you could find, there’s no better time to escape into a book that feels like a vacation. I’ve rounded up 15 breezy summer books that are perfect for lazy afternoons and golden hour vibes. From swoony romances and juicy thrillers to a touch of magic, this list has something for every kind of book-loving girlie.
Breezy Summer Books To Read in 2025
“Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez
Synopsis: Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez is a heartwarming romance that begins with a less-than-ideal first encounter between Samantha Diaz and veterinarian Xavier Rush. Their initial clash over a rescued kitten leads to an unforgettable date, only to be followed by the revelation that Samantha must relocate across the country to care for her ailing mother.
Why it’s perfect for summer: This novel is an ideal summer read, blending humor, emotional depth, and relatable characters. Its exploration of love, family dynamics, and personal growth offers both escapism and resonance, making it perfect for readers seeking a compelling story to accompany their summer days.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
Synopsis: This genre-blending novel intertwines romance, mystery, and historical fiction. When two writers compete for the story of a lifetime, both occupying an atmospheric island, they become professional rivals deeply attracted to one another.
Why it’s perfect for summer: This novel is an ideal summer read, seamlessly blending emotional depth with a captivating setting. The coastal backdrop, combined with the unfolding romance and layered storytelling, offers readers an engaging escape perfect for leisurely summer days.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
Synopsis: This debut novel intertwines the lives of a widowed aquarium cleaner and a fiercely intelligent, yet giant octopus. It is about love, loss, and unexpected connections. While the story is feel-good, it’s also remarkably tender and sensitive.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Set against the serene backdrop of a coastal town and an aquarium, it provides a refreshing escape into a story that celebrates the bonds between humans and animals, the healing power of friendship, and the surprises life can hold.
“Just For The Summer” by Abby Jimenez
Synopsis: This slow-burn romantic comedy follows a traveling nurse and a software engineer, who both believe they are cursed when their exes find true love promptly after dumping them. They think dating each other and breaking up will somehow end the curse. Instead, they stumble upon a connection much deeper than both could have dreamed.
Why it’s perfect for summer: This novel is an ideal summer read, offering a blend of humor, emotional depth, and a picturesque lakeside setting. Its exploration of love, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships provides both escapism and resonance, making it perfect for readers seeking a compelling story to accompany their summer days.
“One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune
Synopsis: This lakeside romance is both nostalgic and slow-burn with emotional depth. The story follows Alice, a Toronto-based photographer who, feeling unfulfilled and seeking a deeper connection, returns to her grandmother’s cottage after Nan suffers a hip injury. There, Alice reunites with Charlie Florek, the charismatic subject of a life-changing photograph she took during a summer in her youth. As they spend time together, their shared history and evolving relationship prompt Alice to confront her past and consider the possibilities of her future.
Why it’s perfect for summer: It gives the evocative charm of sun-drenched days by the lake. Its exploration of second chances and self-discovery provides both escapism and resonance. Breezy summer books like this one make readers fall in love with this season and the promise of great love.
“My Friends” by Fredrik Backman
Synopsis: This poignant novel intertwines past and present through the lens of art and enduring friendship. Louisa is an aspiring artist who becomes captivated by a painting depicting three teenagers on a pier. As she uncovers the story behind, she learns more about the teenagers during their transformative summer 25 years earlier.
Why it’s perfect for summer: Backman’s signature warmth and humor, paired with a coastal setting and a decades-old mystery, make this a deeply moving and thought-provoking companion for lazy beach afternoons or quiet nights on the porch.
“Done and Dusted” by Lyla Sage
Synopsis: A flirty, slow-burn romance set against the dusty charm of small-town Wyoming. Emmy Ryder, a tough-as-nails former rodeo queen, returns home after an injury sidelines her career. The last thing she expects is to fall for Luke Brooks—her brother’s best friend and the town’s broody heartbreaker. As old sparks reignite and secrets from their pasts surface, Emmy and Luke must figure out whether love is worth the risk in a town where everyone’s watching.
Why it’s perfect for summer: With its wide-open skies, cowboy swagger, and just the right amount of steam, Done and Dusted is pure summer escape. It has all the sun-soaked romance of a country love song—complete with slow dances, pickup trucks, and second chances. This book is tailor-made for readers craving a fun, heartfelt story with heat, heart, and a happily-ever-after under the stars. One of the best breezy summer books, but country-themed!
“Curvy Girl Summer” by Danielle Allen
Synopsis: Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen is a sassy, feel-good rom-com that serves confidence, chaos, and chemistry in equal measure. Aaliyah James is smart, successful, and done with everyone treating her love life like a group project. When she invents a fake boyfriend to silence her meddling family ahead of her big 30th birthday bash, she launches into a whirlwind quest to find a stand-in man. But between dating app disasters and cringe-worthy meet-cutes, Aaliyah doesn’t realize the bartender watching it all unfold—Ahmad—is quietly stealing the show (and maybe her heart).
Why it’s perfect for summer: Curvy Girl Summer is exactly what it promises—bold, flirty, and full of hot girl energy. With sunlit rooftop bars, playful banter, and a heroine who knows her worth, it’s the perfect poolside companion. Danielle Allen brings the heat and the hilarity, making this story a celebration of self-love, second glances, and the kind of romance that doesn’t play by the rules.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
Synopsis: This delightful romance follows January Andrews and Augustus Everett, two writers with a serious case of writer’s block. To overcome their creative hurdles, they swap genres for the summer. January tries her hand at literary fiction, while Augustus dives into romance. As they help each other, they discover a fine line between love and hate.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: This book is one of the best breezy summer books—not just because of its title, but because it captures the essence of summer love and personal growth. It’s light, funny, and heartwarming, making it an ideal companion for a sunny day.
Personal Anecdote: I read this book last summer while on a beach vacation. I found myself laughing out loud and grinning ear to ear. It was the perfect escape, and it left me with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a good romance can provide.
“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren
Synopsis: When Olive’s twin sister gets food poisoning at her wedding, Olive is offered the all-expenses-paid honeymoon trip to Hawaii that her sister can’t use. The catch? She has to go with Ethan, her sworn enemy and the groom’s brother. As they pretend to be a married couple to avoid suspicion, they start to realize they may not hate each other as much as they thought.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: This book is laugh-out-loud funny with a healthy dose of enemies-to-lovers romance. The Hawaiian setting is vibrant and the chemistry between Olive and Ethan is sizzling, making it a perfect book to dive into on a hot summer day.
“Big Summer” by Jennifer Weiner
Synopsis: This novel follows Daphne Berg, a plus-size Instagram influencer, who is invited to be the maid of honor at her estranged best friend’s glamorous Cape Cod wedding. The story dives into themes of friendship, self-discovery, and a bit of mystery, all set against the beautiful backdrop of a summer wedding.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: “Big Summer” offers a perfect blend of humor, romance, and a dash of mystery. The Cape Cod setting is beautifully described, and Daphne’s journey is both relatable and inspiring.
Personal Anecdote: I read “Big Summer” on a rainy weekend, and it transported me to sunny Cape Cod. The vivid descriptions and engaging plot made me feel like I was right there with the characters.
“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Synopsis: This book centers on the Riva family—famous surfer siblings who throw an epic end-of-summer party in Malibu. The story spans 24 hours, filled with secrets, drama, and the bonds of family, all leading up to the party that will change their lives forever.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: Taylor Jenkins Reid masterfully captures the essence of summer with her evocative descriptions of Malibu. The family dynamics and the unfolding drama make it a compelling read.
Personal Anecdote: I devoured this book in one weekend. The detailed storytelling and the summer party atmosphere had me completely hooked.
“The Last Mrs. Parrish” by Liv Constantine
Synopsis: Amber Patterson is tired of being a nobody. She craves wealth and power, which she finds in the glamorous life of Daphne Parrish. Amber befriends Daphne, with a plan to steal her life, but soon realizes that not everything is as perfect as it seems.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: This psychological thriller is packed with twists and turns, making it impossible to put down. The glamorous settings and high-stakes plot are perfect for an edge-of-your-seat summer read.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
Synopsis: Every summer, Belly goes to the beach house with her family and the Fisher boys. This summer, however, everything changes as she finds herself at the center of a love triangle and discovers more about herself.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: The setting and the coming-of-age themes make it an ideal summer read. The story captures the essence of teenage summers filled with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Personal Anecdote: I read this book during a family beach vacation. The setting was so relatable, and it brought a nostalgic feeling of those carefree summer days. It’s definitely one of the best breezy summer books!
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
Synopsis: Linus Baker, a caseworker for magical children, is sent to a mysterious island orphanage. There, he meets Arthur Parnassus, the caretaker, and six magical children who change his life forever.
Why It’s Perfect for Summer: This heartwarming and whimsical fantasy is a perfect escape. The enchanting world and the lovable characters make it a delightful read for a summer day.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to relax and indulge in some fantastic reads. Whether you’re looking for romance, suspense, inspiration, or fantasy, this list has something for everyone. Grab one (or more) of these breezy summer books and let yourself be transported to different worlds and stories. And don’t forget to share your favorite summer reads in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for new recommendations!