You know what time it is. Summer break is finally here (or quickly approaching), that means no more school and so much more time to read. It's the season of endless sunshine (or unbearable heat), iced rinks, and the excuse to finally dig into a stack of books you've been dreaming about all year.

Whether you’re lounging poolside, sprawled in a hammock, or just hiding from the heat with your favorite fan, the right book can turn any summer day into an unforgettable adventure.

So, I’ve curated six incredible books for your summer TBR, each one perfect for a different kind of mood- romance, fantasy, mystery, or heartwarming feels.

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Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Starting off strong, Just for the Summer is the ultimate summer book. It has everything a summer read should have: humor, romance, and heart-felt moments. Emma and Justin are two people who seem cursed in love-whenever they date someone, it ends badly for their partners afterward.

So they hatch a slightly ridiculous plan: date each other for six weeks, break up, and test if their “curse” cancels out and they can finally find the love of their lives. Guess who they find.

What makes this book pure summer gold is its quirky charm and genuine warmth. It’s like the perfect summer playlist, full of those moments where you laugh and kick your feet in the air. Plus, the way Abby Jimenez writes relationships feels real - not perfect but full of heart. If you’ve ever had a summer romance that felt like a beautiful mess or you're dreaming of one, this book will get you.

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The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Next, if you want a story that’s basically sunshine bottled up in a book, The Rom-Commers is a sparkling, witty dive into the world of romantic comedies- only this time, the story is about making the stories themselves. Emma Wheeler is a screenwriter stuck caring for her sick father, but she gets a shot at her dream job rewriting a romantic comedy script. Moving to LA for six weeks, she discovers that love and life are rarely as tidy as the movies she writes.

She starts working with Charlie Yates, who despises writing with anyone. Basically, a love story waiting to happen.

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It’s got all the laughs, awkward moments, and sweet sparks you want in a summer romance, plus Hollywood. Reading this is like watching your favorite rom-com on a lazy afternoon. If you want your summer to feel like a mix of laughter, ambition, and enough awkward moments to make you cringe, this one is for you.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson

Mood switch time. If your summer reading plan includes disappearing into another world, then Mistborn is a masterclass in epic fantasy. The story takes place in a dark empire ruled by an immortal tyrant, with suffering all around.

Enter Vin, a street-smart girl who discovers she can ingest metals to gain incredible powers - a twist on magic that’s fresh. This summary doesn't even scratch at the surface of what will happen in this book and the only way to find out what happens is by reading it yourself.

This book is perfect for summer because it’s an escape unlike any other. Sanderson’s world-building is so vivid and immersive that you’ll forget about the heat as you follow Vin’s journey. It's the perfect fit for those long, lazy summer afternoons where you need some stimulation. Mistborn will not disappoint.

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Now, if you’re in the mood for something darker and grittier but still deeply emotional, Angelfall delivers an apocalyptic story with a paranormal twist, because surprise angels! After angels unleash chaos on Earth, Penryn’s world is turned upside down. She’s a fierce, determined teenager willing to do anything to save her kidnapped sister- including teaming up with one of the fallen angels.

It’s a story packed with action, suspense, and an unusual romance that keeps you guessing. I remember when I first read the trilogy, I kept re-reading parts until I had them memorized.

Photo by Justine Camacho on Unsplash

Not everyone wants pool parties and pink cocktails. Some of us want a destroyed civilization, winged creatures from heaven (but like… not the nice kind), and a fierce, loyal girl navigating a messed-up world. Angelfall is the dark summer fantasy that lets you romanticize shadowy alleyways and post-apocalyptic survival while everyone else is posting beach pics.

Plus, the surivival trope fits into trying to survive the summer heat.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Sometimes, summer reading calls for a book that soothes and inspires instead of racing your pulse. Wonder is one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve finished. It tells the story of Auggie, a boy born with facial differences, and his journey navigating school, friendship, and acceptance. It offered a fresh-new perspective then most of the books I was used to reading, and it's definitely one of a kind.

Reading Wonder feels like a warm hug on a quiet summer evening. It’s gentle, hopeful, and incredibly human, perfect for when you want your reading experience to feel real. This book makes you think about empathy in a way that feels refreshing - great for growing your heart alongside your summer tan (or burn).

Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Last on the list is a book that’s a little mysterious, a little nostalgic, and totally clever. When You Reach Me follows Miranda in 1970s New York as she receives strange notes that seem to predict the future. This blend of coming-of-age story and sci-fi puzzle is quietly magical and beautifully written.

It’s a perfect summer read because it’s thoughtful without being heavy, like a secret waiting to be uncovered during those long afternoons when the sun is high and time feels endless. It challenges you to pay attention to the small things, making you realize how every moment could be connected in ways you never imagined. If you want your summer book to be both brainy and heartfelt, this one fits like a glove.

So, What’s the Summer Vibe?

Honestly, this list has something for everyone—and that’s what summer reading should be about. Sometimes you want the flirty chaos of Just for the Summer or the laugh-out-loud charm of The Rom-Commers. Other times, you crave the epic scope of Mistborn or the tense edge-of-your-seat adventure in Angelfall. And when the mood calls for reflection and heart, Wonder and When You Reach Me offer that beautiful balance.

Personally, I love mixing it up depending on my mood. One day I’m swooning over a quirky romance, the next I’m sneaking in some fantasy escapism or a thoughtful puzzle. Summer reading is not just about the stories- it’s about how they make you feel, and this list is full of feels, laughs, and maybe a few tears.