No matter if you're jetting off on vacation or enjoying downtime in your backyard, a good book is your ticket to a refreshing escape. While rom-coms have their charm, the right summer read can truly whisk you away from reality.

From thrilling adventures to steamy romances, these selections are all about living in the moment and following your heart. Each one guarantees enjoyment for as long as it lasts.

image above from our interview

books that feel like summer fling

10 Books That Feel Like a Summer Fling

The Layover by Lacie Waldon

When flight attendant Ava finds herself stuck in Belize with her rival pilot, sparks fly amidst the tension. This delightful enemies-to-lovers story captures the essence of Caribbean sunshine and personal growth, proving that love can blossom when you least expect it.

The Layover by Lacie Waldon

$9.36 at Amazon

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

Piper, a glamorous social media star, faces a wake-up call when she's sent to a small beach town by her stepfather. There, she meets Brendan, a no-nonsense sea captain, and their opposites-attract dynamic leads to unexpected romance.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

$8.60 at Amazon

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This latest release from Taylor Jenkins Reid transports readers to the thrilling world of 1980s NASA. Follow Joan Goodwin, an aspiring astronaut, as she navigates love and ambition amidst the challenges of her groundbreaking career.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

$17.95 at Amazon

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

When screenwriter Nora's memoir gets a Hollywood adaptation, she finds herself entangled with a charming A-list actor playing her ex. This witty tale of second chances is filled with humor and small-town charm.

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

$8.31 at Amazon

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

Set in the 1950s, this story weaves a fictional tale around the rumored engagement of John F. Kennedy and Polish refugee Alicia Corning Clark, revealing secrets and a love that was never meant to be.

The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable

$8.98 at Amazon

Rivals by Jilly Cooper

In this entertaining saga, TV mogul Rupert Campbell-Black navigates a cutthroat world of wealth and rivalry in the 1980s. Expect drama, romance, and lots of intrigue as relationships are put to the test.

Rivals by Jilly Cooper

$18.59 at Amazon

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

For a moody escape, this tale hops between 1999 and the 1920s, centering on a tragic event from a summer party. Grace, the sole witness, revisits her past, unveiling long-hidden secrets and lost loves.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

$10.69 at Amazon

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

This charming story follows book editor Lily as she reaches out to her favorite author, only to find herself in a bind for her sister's wedding. Enter her neighbor—a potential savior with a secret of his own.

The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

$12.29 at Amazon

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

When Maya meets the complicated Conor in Sicily, sparks fly at her brother's wedding. This sizzling romance features witty dialogue and stunning Italian scenery, blending humor with heartfelt moments.

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

$12.98 at Amazon

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Adrienne's summer in Nantucket takes a turn when she lands a job at the renowned Blue Bistro. However, she soon discovers that the restaurant—and its enigmatic chef—holds more surprises than she bargained for.

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

$10.61 at Amazon