The arrival of summer brings the perfect opportunity to dive into some captivating reads. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or unwinding by the pool, the season invites a host of highly anticipated novels from beloved authors, promising an ideal escape into relaxation.
Among the exciting releases, Bachelorette alum Hannah Brown is back with her third novel, Reasons to be Loved By You. This story follows Nikki Bennet and intriguingly draws inspiration from Brown’s own experiences.
Explore the eagerly awaited books of summer 2026:
‘Rules for the Summer’ by Meghan Quinn
Celebrated for her spicy romances, Meghan Quinn returns with Rules for the Summer. This tale delves into the dynamics between Renley Gossage and Theo Williams, who become summer neighbors under unique circumstances. (available now)
‘Payback’ by Elizabeth Rose Quinn
Set in a unique minimum-security prison called Pay to Stay, where the elite serve weekend sentences, Elizabeth Rose Quinn’s Payback unfolds. The story takes a turn when seven inmates must solve the mystery of their guard’s death to avoid severe consequences. (available now)
‘The Burning Side’ by Sarah Damoff
Sarah Damoff presents The Burning Side, a follow-up to The Bright Years. April and Leo’s lives are upended when their house burns down, prompting them to return to April’s hometown with their children, where they confront trauma and a new beginning. (available now)
‘A Pair of Aces’ by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Eunice Carter, Manhattan’s pioneering Black female prosecutor, is determined to bring down infamous gangster Lucky Luciano in A Pair of Aces. With the help of madame Polly Adler, they aim to topple one of New York’s most notorious crime families. (releasing June 2)
‘The Kennedys and the Windsors’ by Caroline Hallemann
Caroline Hallemann’s work examines the parallels between two renowned families in The Kennedys and the Windsors. (releasing June 2)
‘Reasons to be Loved by You’ by Hannah Brown
Hannah Brown’s novel centers on Nikki Bennet, a former pageant contestant who returns home only to discover her brother is engaged to the woman who was involved with her ex-fiancé. As Nikki schemes with Cara’s brother to stop the wedding, an unexpected romance develops. (releasing June 23)
‘Crash Into Me’ by Robinne Lee
Robinne Lee offers a poignant follow-up to her 2017 novel with Crash Into Me. The story of Cecilia Chen, caught in a complex marriage, reunites her with Anouk Ferrand after two decades, sparking a second-chance romance. (releasing July 7)
‘Helpless’ by Jessica Knoll
Jessica Knoll’s Helpless unfolds as Faye revisits her college campus after a professor’s death, only to be kidnapped by an ex-boyfriend. The novel reveals Faye’s week-long captivity and the challenges she faces from her captor, Henry. (releasing July 7)
‘The Romance Revival’ by Christina Lauren
In The Romance Revival, Christina Lauren explores Emery Finch’s journey to help her husband Luca rediscover their shared past after a tragic accident. Married after just one night, their story unfolds three years later. (releasing July 14)
‘With Friends Like You’ by Amy Chozick
Amy Chozick’s psychological thriller, With Friends Like You, follows Emily, a new Manhattan mother, on her quest to find her missing college roommate Daisy. As Daisy reemerges, Emily faces a barrage of questions. (releasing July 21)
‘Tempest’ by Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard presents a gripping pirate love story in Tempest. Follow Cat Rose as she fights to protect her empire and confronts her greatest adversary—the only man she has ever loved. (releasing September 8)
