Getting cozy with a book in cold weather is a satisfying experience, but summer is also a great time to catch up on reading — and there is no shortage of exciting beach reads to check out in 2024. While summer reading can take place anywhere, lounging outdoors with a book is a great way to enjoy the warm weather (and 2024's most-anticipated titles). The beach is an ideal spot to dive into a new story, but beach reads aren't limited to one location. They can easily be devoured by the pool, on a camp site, or even in the comfort of one's own home.

Beach reads are known for being fast-paced and fun, which is why romances and thrillers tend to dominate recommendation lists during the summer. Fortunately, many exciting romance books have debuted in 2024, and there are lots of much-anticipated thrillers coming out as well. Anyone looking for gripping summer reads — especially those with seasonal themes, like vacations and tropical settings — has many options to choose from.

15 Just For The Summer By Abby Jimenez

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Fun Spin On A Common Romance Trope, Private Island Setting

One look at the title and cover of Abby Jimenez's Just for the Summer reveals that it's a beach read, and it's one worth diving into this summer. The third installment in the author's Part of Your World series, Just for the Summer has the highest average Goodreads rating of all three current books. If its 4.4 rating does nothing else, it should convince romance readers and fans of Jimenez's previous work to pick this up. Its use of the fake-dating trope and private island setting make it a great choice for a trip to the beach.

Just for the Summer follows Justin and Emma, two characters who have the same curse: every time one of them breaks up with someone, that person meets their soulmate immediately after. Hoping to outsmart this curse, Justin and Emma decide to date each other, which should allow both of them to meet their soulmates at long last. Naturally, their scheme concludes with them developing genuine feelings for one another. It's a fun spin on the fake-dating setup, and it makes Just for the Summer stand out among the many other romance books begging to be read this summer.

14 The Paradise Problem By Christina Lauren

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Island Setting, Lots Of Drama, Fun Romance Setup

Anyone hoping to visit a luxurious island setting during their next beach read should look no further than The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren. Christina Lauren's 2024 book whisks readers away using a hilarious premise that leads to plenty of drama — and a compelling central romance. The Paradise Problem follows Anna and West, who got married in college to secure affordable family housing. The two go their separate ways when their educations are over, but they're forced back together when West's inheritance depends on convincing his family they're a real couple.

It's almost like watching Succession, just with two characters readers can actually root for.

They're tasked with doing so at his sister's wedding, which takes place on a private island. As West's family is extremely wealthy, there's a lot of drama and dysfunction surrounding their grocery business and money. It's almost like watching Succession, just with two characters readers can actually root for. As Anna and West spend more time together, their fake relationship turns into something deeper. Of course, this leaves them to make some difficult decisions. Their journey is equal parts gripping and heartwarming, and it makes for a fast summer read.

13 One Perfect Couple By Ruth Ware

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Island Setting, Reality TV Focus, Fast-Paced & Gripping

Like several other 2024 beach reads, Ruth Ware's One Perfect Couple also has an island setting — but this seemingly luxurious backdrop turns sinister in her latest thriller. One Perfect Couple opens with Lyla's actor boyfriend convincing her to join him on a reality TV show, which will pit five couples against each other on a private island. Despite Lyla's initial hesitation, she agrees that it sounds like a good getaway. However, she's proven wrong when a storm rolls in, and she finds herself stranded on the show's remote island with people who are desperate and dangerous.

One Perfect Couple is a story about survival at its core, and it takes readers on an adrenaline-fueled journey. It feels different from Ware's previous mystery thrillers, but it makes for an equally gripping and fast-paced read. Because it's so hard to put down, One Perfect Couple is easy to read in just a sitting or two. Combined with its island setting and reality TV focus, this quality makes it an obvious book to lie on the beach with.

12 Middle Of The Night By Riley Sager

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Summer Setting, Features A Gripping Mystery

Riley Sager's Middle of the Night is another much-anticipated June 2024 thriller, and the book's summer setting and central mystery will leave readers feeling nostalgic for simpler times spent riding bikes around the neighborhood and camping in the backyard. Of course, the latter goes completely awry in Middle of the Night, which centers on a boy who goes missing from a tent in his best friend's backyard. That best friend returns to his childhood home 30 years later, and he finds himself becoming more and more committed to learning what really happened that night.

Middle of the Night's past and present storylines take place in July, and this gives Sager's latest thriller distinct summer vibes. Ethan's quest to uncover what happened to his friend is also fascinating, which makes Middle of the Night a page-turner. For those who enjoy reading thrillers and horror books in the summer, this one offers a great blend of both genres. It's a must-read 2024 release, and summer feels like the right time to pick it up.

11 One Of Us Knows By Alyssa Cole

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Remote Island Setting, Gripping Mystery

Alyssa Cole, the author of When No One Is Watching, is back with One of Us Knows in 2024. Like Ware's new thriller, Cole's novel puts a scary spin on a remote island setting — and the darker things get, the more readers will want to keep turning the pages. One of Us Knows follows Kenetria Nash, a woman whose career is hanging by a thread after a breakdown lands her with a diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. Kenetria jumps at the opportunity to become a caretaker on Hudson River Island, but a storm turns this new dream into a nightmare.

If readers want a beach read they'll positively breeze through, One of Us Knows is a strong contender.

Kenetria soon finds herself stranded on the island with a bunch of strangers, including one she has a negative history with. When that person is found dead, Kenetria faces suspicion for the crime. Things heat up from there, and One of Us Knows' central mystery and unreliable narrator keep things interesting all the way through. If readers want a beach read they'll positively breeze through, One of Us Knows is a strong contender.

10 This Summer Will Be Different By Carley Fortune

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Summer Setting, Compelling Love Story

Returning to romance reads that are perfect to carry around this season, Carley Fortune's This Summer Will Be Different is another title to add to the TBR pile. Fortune is known for writing summer romances that are impossible to put down, and the author's 2024 title is no different. On the heels of Every Summer After and Meet Me at the Lake, This Summer Will Be Different weaves a forbidden love story set on Prince Edward Island. This is where the novel's leads — Lucy and Felix — get together every time Lucy visits.

However, Lucy is determined to stay away from Felix this time around. Predictably, that plan doesn't play out as intended. The two can't deny the chemistry between them, and they're unable to stop feelings from forming as well. A sweet read with a relaxing summer setting, This Summer Will Be Different lives up to its title. It's a book that demands to be brought to the beach in 2024.

9 Funny Story By Emily Henry

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Fun & Sweet Romance

Emily Henry's romance books are all great choices for the beach, but Funny Story is the author's newest title — and anyone who hasn't checked it out should make it a point to do so this summer. Funny Story opens with the novel's heroine, Daphne, getting dumped by her fiancé after he realizes he's in love with his longtime best friend, Petra. This devastating revelation finds Daphne looking for somewhere to live — and she winds up becoming roommates with Petra's ex-boyfriend.

Daphne and Miles can commiserate with one another as roommates, but as any seasoned romance reader would expect, their bond quickly develops into more than that. Henry's humorous setup paves the way for a heartwarming and fun love story. It's the perfect sort of narrative to bring to the beach, and it makes a nice addition to Henry's lineup of beloved beach reads.

8 The Midnight Feast By Lucy Foley

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Fast Pacing, Gripping Central Mystery

Lucy Foley is another author who writes fast-paced thrillers that make perfect beach reads, and The Midnight Feast continues this trend. Set during the grand opening of a trendy resort called The Manor, The Midnight Feast sees the influencers staying there clashing with the locals angry about their presence. These tensions culminate in a fire and deadly encounter, raising questions about whether people are behind the attack on The Manor — or if something far more sinister is at play.

The Midnight Feast unfolds quickly, and its short chapters and solid pacing make it easy to fly through.

Told in multiple perspectives, The Midnight Feast unfolds quickly, and its short chapters and solid pacing make it easy to fly through. Such qualities make it an ideal beach read, in addition to being one of June 2024's most exciting new thrillers. Anyone looking for scares over love stories should keep it on their radars as the summer continues.

7 The Housemaid Is Watching By Freida McFadden

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Easy To Fall Into, Full Of Twists

Freida McFadden's books are all easy to fall into and full of twists, and the author's Housemaid series is her most popular to date. With The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret gaining so much traction on BookTok, it's no surprise that The Housemaid Is Watching is one of the biggest titles hitting shelves this summer. As it's bound to feature more thrilling surprises, it's a great sequel to read during a trip to the beach. And seeing Millie taking on a new role in McFadden's story is even more reason to pick up this installment.

The Housemaid Is Watching sees Millie moving into her own home in the suburbs, a far cry from where she started in The Housemaid. Unfortunately, Millie's past comes back to haunt her in McFadden's latest novel. Even her new house and family can't distract her from the signs that someone is watching her. This setup promises a cat-and-mouse game different from its predecessors. Fans of The Housemaid won't want to wait to pick up this June 2024 release.

6 Lies And Weddings By Kevin Kwan

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Trip To Hawaii, Entertaining Premise

Kevin Kwan is best known for writing Crazy Rich Asians, but the author's 2024 release is getting attention this summer — and the warmer months might be the best time to pick up this book. Lies and Weddings has a stunning cover that screams summer, but its premise is equally exciting. Kwan's latest follows Rufus Leung Gresham, the Earl of Greshambury, as he heads to Hawaii to search for a suitor. The catch? Despite coming from a wealthy background, Rufus no longer has a family fortune — and his mother wants him to find someone who can restore their finances.

Although Rufus heads to Hawaii with that mission in mind, he's actually got a thing for his neighbor. But chasing after a doctor won't please his family, and his trip gets even more complicated when secrets come out and a volcano threatens to erupt. Needless to say, Kwan's new novel is juicy enough to read at the beach — and it may cause readers to spend the whole day there. It certainly sounds like a worthy follow-up to Crazy Rich Asians and the author's other books.

5 The Guncle Abroad By Steven Rowley

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Travel To Italy, Fun Characters, & Lots Of Chaos

For more chaotic vacations, readers can dive into the second installment in Steven Rowley's The Guncle series, which began back in 2021. The author's 2024 release is titled The Guncle Abroad, and it sees Patrick being summoned for uncle duty yet again. When his brother decides to get married in Italy, Patrick embarks on a trip to Europe — and he tries to help his niece and nephew understand why their father is marrying someone new. His efforts are sweet, but Patrick soon finds himself swept into all kinds of other wedding drama.

The Guncle Abroad will take readers on vacation while immersing them in a world full of lovable characters and messy scenarios. Rowley's latest sounds like the perfect combination of entertainment and escapism. It's bound to make a great beach read, just as much as its predecessor.

4 The Last Murder At The End Of The World By Stuart Turton

Why It's A Great Beach Read: High Stakes, Bizarre Premise, Island Setting

One of 2024's most-anticipated sci-fi reads, The Last Murder at the End of the World is a rare addition to the genre that makes for a solid beach read. Most sci-fi and fantasy books are lengthy, complex, and have dark themes — all qualities that don't lend themselves to lighthearted summer fun. And while lighthearted may not be the right word to describe Stuart Turton's 2024 release, The Last Murder at the End of the World is bizarre and intriguing enough to be an exception.

It could be the fact that The Last Murder at the End of the World blends the sci-fi and thriller genres, but it really does make for a fun and engaging read.

It could be the fact that The Last Murder at the End of the World blends the sci-fi and thriller genres, but it really does make for a fun and engaging read. It's set on an island after humanity has mostly been wiped out, and the last remaining humans find themselves threatened when the island's security system is triggered. Unless the people on the island can determine who murdered one of the scientists there, they'll all be exposed to the deadly fog that destroyed their world. Needless to say, the stakes are high and will keep readers flipping the pages.

3 The Partner Plot By Kristina Forest

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Trip To Vegas, Fun Central Romance

Another romance book to read at the beach in 2024 is Kristina Forest's The Partner Plot, which features a second-chance romance and a marriage of convenience, two popular tropes that help it stand out among 2024's most-anticipated romance books. The Partner Plot follows celebrity stylist Violet as she decides to focus on her career — a choice she questions when she runs into her high school boyfriend, Xavier, on a trip to Vegas. After a wild night together, they wake up to discover they're married. And the pair opt to keep it that way when they realize it could benefit their careers.

As romance readers might expect, the pair finds other upsides to their newfound marriage as well, as they start to realize why they dated in the first place. A story about rediscovering someone from the past, The Partner Plot will take readers on vacation and give them a fun time. It's the perfect escapist beach read, even if the central couple is forced to question whether their marriage will truly work.

2 Expiration Dates By Rebecca Serle

Why It's A Great Beach Read: Unique Premise & Twists

After breaking readers' hearts with One Italian Summer, Rebecca Serle is back with a novel that blends romance with magical realism. In Expiration Dates, readers follow Daphne Bell, whose dating life is fairly predictale. That's because every time Daphne meets someone, she inexplicably receives a piece of paper telling her how long they'll be together. This leads to surprise when she goes on a blind date with a man named Jake — and doesn't receive her usual expiration date.

Although it seems like Daphne and Jake are meant to be, Expiration Dates finds her grappling with the truth of the notes and whether she and Jake can truly last. It's not the happiest beach read for summer 2024, but sometimes readers need something a little more emotional and surprising. And its unique premise and stunning cover are more than enough to convince readers to pick it up this summer. There are also some exciting twists that will keep them invested.

1 The Art Of Catching Feelings By Alicia Thompson

Why It's A Great Beach Read:

Summer is baseball season, so there's no better time to pick up The Art of Catching Feelingsby Alicia Thompson. Thompson's 2024 sports romance chronicles the relationship between a professional baseball player and the woman who heckles him at a game. When Daphne finds Chris on social media to apologize, she forgets to mention who she is. The two develop a relationship that leaves Daphne wondering if she should reveal her true identity at all. Doing so would risk their love, but failing to would mean their relationship is based on a lie.

The stakes are high for Daphne and Chris, and their story will appeal to casual romance readers and sports fans alike. Anyone taking a break from baseball to head to the beach can still appreciate the sport by picking up Thompson's latest. It's one of many books that's perfect to dive into in summer 2024.