Summer is here, and with the glorious downtime it (hopefully) brings comes the perfect excuse to dive into an amazing summer reading list! At LitJoy, we’re always on the hunt for books that transport us to new worlds, make us laugh out loud, or tug at our heartstrings. We’ve compiled some of our staff’s current and planned reads into a summer reading list filled with our current obsessions, guilty pleasures, and eagerly anticipated novels. So find your favorite reading spot and get ready to discover your next great read with our Staff Picks: Summer Reading List.
Abi is on a Green Brothers kick...
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
With the movie adaptation having released this spring on MAX, Turtles All the Way Down became the catalyst for Abi’s Green Brothers Summer Reading List! Turtles All the Way Downis a YA drama novel written by the award-winning, international bestselling author John Green. The story follows Aza Holmes, a teenager grappling with OCD, as she embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a missing billionaire, all while navigating the complexities of her own mind.
Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction, Drama
Ali is looking forward to a summer romance...
Funny Story by Emily Henry
A perfect beach read for your summer reading list, Emily Henry delivers a delightfully fun contemporary romance in Funny Story. Daphne, newly single and stranded in picturesque Waning Bay, Michigan, ends up roommates with Miles, her ex's fiancé's new fiancée's ex. That’s a mouthful of awkwardness! Their unlikely friendship and hilarious fake dating scheme make for a heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Alix is traveling to fantastical worlds...
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
Want to escape to the land of the fae? In The Darkest Part of the Forest , New York Times bestselling author Holly Black weaves a lush and spellbinding fantasy. Siblings Hazel and Ben live in Fairfold, where faeries and humans coexist. When a horned boy in a glass coffin awakens, Hazel must embrace her childhood role as a knight to face the ensuing chaos.
Check out LitJoy’s annotated special edition of this enchanting faerie tale!
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy
The Heart of the World by Amie Kaufman (The Isles of the Gods #2)
In The Heart of the World, Amie Kaufman’s heart-pounding sequel to The Isle of the Gods, magic and sacrifice collide as lovers and gods, enemies and allies vie for the fate of the world. The fight will take Selly and Leander from the gilded ballroom of the royal palace to the hallowed halls of an ancient library. Battle lines will be drawn, and bonds will break.
Can their love withstand the trials that await them?
Coming September 2024!
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Empire of the Damned by Jay Kristoff (Empire of the Vampire #2)
Published in February 2024, the New York Times bestselling author of the Nevernight Chronicle, Jay Kristoff, brings readers the much-anticipated sequel to the #1 international bestselling sensation Empire of the Vampire.
From holy cup comes holy light;
The faithful hands sets world aright.
And in the Seven Martyrs’ sight,
Mere man shall end this endless night.
Gabriel de León has saved the Holy Grail from death, but his chance to end the endless night is lost. Drawn into an uneasy alliance with the mysterious vampire Liathe, Gabriel must now deliver the Grail to ancients of the Blood Esani, and learn the truth of how Daysdeath might be finally undone. Empire of the Damned is perfect to balance all those light-hearted romance releases on your summer reading list!
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural
We love Jay! Watch the Jay Kristoff interview with LitJoy owners Alix and Kelly, then head to the LitJoy shop to explore our products inspired by Jay’s novels!
Amikka is all about the YA rom-coms...
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than the Movies is a delightful YA rom-com where Liz Buxbaum navigates teenage romance and unexpected feelings. Determined to win her forever-crush Michael’s heart and secure the perfect prom date, Liz gets close with her attractive, but extremely annoying, neighbor Wes, who is friends with her crush and anything but boyfriend material. In the process, Liz discovers that real love might not follow the script she imagined.
Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance
The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
In Lynn Painter's uproarious YA romp, The Do-Over, Emilie Hornby faces a nightmarish Valentine's Day. Seeking comfort, solace, and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s at her grandmother’s, she falls asleep on the couch only to wake up to relive the disastrous V-Day over and over again in some terrible time loop. Emilie must navigate the endless cycle of witnessing her boyfriend cheat and bumping into the mysterious Nick, questioning how long she can endure watching her life implode.
Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance
Betting on You by Lynn Painter
In New York Times bestseller Betting on You, Lynn Painter spins a captivating rom-com tale akin to She’s All Thatand 10 Things I Hate About You. Careful and well-behaved seventeen-year-old Bailey starts a job at a hotel waterpark, where she reluctantly befriends her old acquaintance Charlie, who has a touch of disregard for consequences or rules. Though they connect over being kids of divorce, they are polar opposites in every other way. However, their witty banter sparks a bet on coworkers' romances, leading to unexpected feelings and a secret that could jeopardize their budding relationship. Perfect for your summer reading list, as this one is best read poolside!
Genre: YA, Contemporary Romance
Amy is delving into a range of romance...
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (Ruinous Love Dark Romance Trilogy #1)
***Content/Trigger warning: This book is not for the faint of heart. Please check the content warnings on this book. It is a dark romance. The triggers are considerable, and we want you to take care of yourself.
Every serial killer needs a friend.
Every game must have a winner.
We all have a dark side. Is yours this dark? In Brynne Weaver's dark romantic thriller Butcher & Blackbird, rival serial killers Sloane and Rowan forge an unexpected bond, delving into a deadly game spanning from West Virginia to California. As their relationship deepens amidst bloodshed, they face vengeful spirits and a perilous love. Can they survive the haunting consequences of their twisted partnership, or will their own darkness consume them?
Genre: Dark Romance, Dark Comedy, New Adult, Thriller, Horror
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Looking for a romance a tad less…serial killer-y? Christina Lauren, the instant New York Times bestselling and “reigning romance queen” (PopSugar), returns in The Paradise Problem with a delicious new romance between the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they fake their relationship in order to receive a massive inheritance. Fake marriage turns very real love story? Count us in!
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Courtney is looking forward to sequels and...seadragons?!
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver (Ruinous Love Dark Romance Trilogy #2)
Again, please check trigger warnings for this book.
In Leather & Lark, book two of Brynne Weaver’s gripping dark romantic thriller trilogy, contract killer Lachlan Kane seeks solace in leatherwork, until singer Lark Montague offers him freedom in exchange for a deadly task…and marriage. Despite their mutual disdain, secrets and danger intertwine, blurring the lines between pretense and passion. As they confront personal demons and an ominous threat, their bond deepens, threatening to unravel them both. If you loved book one, you'll need this dark romance on your summer reading list for sure!
Genre: Dark Romance, Dark Comedy, New Adult, Thriller, Horror
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
In the old tales, it is written that the egg of a seadragon, dragonfruit, holds within it the power to undo a person’s greatest sorrow. But as with all things that offer hope when hope had gone, the tale came with a warning.
Every wish demands a price.
Head to the sea in Makiia Lucier’s Dragonfruit, an enchanting fantasy following Hanalei of Tamarind who is seeking redemption after her father’s theft of a seadragon egg leads to exile. Meanwhile, Prince Sam faces a dilemma in his matriarchal society: marry or find a cure his mother’s illness. As they navigate treacherous seas and mythical quests for the fabled dragonfruit, their intertwined fates unfold against a backdrop of ancient prophecies and deadly adversaries.
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure
Erin's picks span contemporary and historical reads...
The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
Escape to Europe with exes Theo and Kit in this made-for-summer reading lists beach read romance! Casey McQuiston's The Pairing invites readers to follow exes Theo and Kit, who accidentally book the same European food and wine tour. Trapped together for three weeks, they challenge each other to a hookup competition to prove they're over their relationship. Amid stunning views and romantic escapades, they realize their old flame might still be burning. Will their playful bet reignite their love?
Grab LitJoy's stunning hardcover edition of The Pairing while you still can!
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ+, Travel
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
For a summer reading list addition that mixes science, wit, and social change, dive into Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry. In the 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott shatters stereotypes, not only in the lab but also as a single mother and the surprising star of a cooking show. Her unique approach inspires women to challenge societal norms.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Eliza can't wait for this YA romance...
XOXO by Axie Oh
Axie Oh's novel XOXO follows Jenny, a talented cellist focused on her dreams, who finds herself entangled with K-pop star Jaewoo. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst the glittering world of K-pop, forcing Jenny to navigate between her aspirations and love. As they defy the odds, Jenny must weigh the risks of pursuing a relationship that could jeopardize everything they've worked for.
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Haley is in their Stephen King era...
Fairy Tale by Stephen King
Add Stephen King's Fairy Tale to your summer reading list for a mesmerizing escape. In this spellbinding novel, 17-year-old Charlie Reade inherits a portal to a parallel world where good and evil clash. Tasked with saving this realm, Charlie faces monstrous leaders, exiled royalty, and deadly games.
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Thriller, Suspense, Paranormal Fiction
The Stand by Stephen King
Stephen King's The Stand presents a riveting apocalyptic vision of a world ravaged by a super-flu, killing 99% of the population. Survivors face an elemental struggle between good, represented by the kind 108-year-old Mother Abagail, and evil, embodied by the malevolent Randall Flagg. As they gather followers, the survivors must choose sides, ultimately determining the fate of humanity.
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror
The Gunslinger by Stephen King (Dark Tower #1)
And last on Haley’s summer quest to read all of the Stephen King they can is The Gunslinger. With The Gunslinger, King launches readers into an epic quest across a desolate world and introduces us to one of his most powerful creations, Roland, the last gunslinger, as he pursues the enigmatic Man in Black. Driven by an obsession to reach the Dark Tower, Roland’s journey intertwines with the fate of his world and ours.
Genre: Western, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror
Kirstyn is genre-hopping this summer...
Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson
Summer escapism, anyone? Set in a world cloaked in ash and mist, Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, an epic fantasy saga, blends intricate magic, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Mistborn delivers a gripping tale of rebellion, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom—a must-read for fans of immersive fantasy.
Genre: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Science Fiction
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
In Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah weaves a tale of an enduring friendship that began in the tumultuous summer of 1974 between Kate, who craves an ordinary life, and Tully, a driven TV journalist haunted by abandonment. Spanning decades in the Pacific Northwest, their bond faces tests of jealousy, betrayal, and love. This poignant novel explores the complexities of womanhood, ambition, and the unbreakable ties that define us.
Genre: Historical Fiction
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
Elin Hilderbrand’s 28 Summers is a captivating and bittersweet tale for your summer reading list that unfolds a decades-long secret love affair. When Mallory Blessing’s son, Link, follows her deathbed instructions to call a mysterious number, he's shocked to reach Jake McCloud, whose wife is the frontrunner for the upcoming Presidential election. Spanning from a chance encounter in the summer of 1993 to the bittersweet present, this novel explores love, loss, and the complexities of relationships.
Genre: Romance, Realistic Fiction
Kearstie is reading through her TBR pile...
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
In Amy Tintera's gripping thriller Listen for the Lie, Lucy's life unravels when she's found covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood. Years later, with no memory of the crime, Lucy's new life in LA is disrupted by a hit true crime podcast investigating the murder. Forced to confront her past in her small Texas hometown, Lucy must uncover the truth—even if she's guilty.
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #14)
Cool off this summer with Patricia Briggs’ Winter Lost, a Mercy Thompson novel and instant New York Times Bestseller! Mercy Thompson, a shapeshifting car mechanic, and her werewolf mate, Adam, must prevent a global catastrophe. Trapped in a storm-lashed lodge in the wilderness, they uncover ancient magic that threatens the world's end.
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Contemporary Romantasy
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
In Sydney J. Shields' enchanting debut, The Honey Witch, Marigold Claude, bound by a curse that prevents her from finding true love, embraces her role as the Honey Witch of Innisfree. But when skeptic Lottie Burke arrives, Marigold is determined to prove magic's existence. As dark forces threaten, Marigold must protect her home and heart in this spellbinding, cozy fantasy romance.
Genre: Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Romantasy, LGBTQ+, Historical Fantasy
If you’re into cozy cottagecore witchy vibes, check out our Cherry Wallis Green Witch Collection in the LitJoy shop, plus search the shop for witch and find so much more!
Lacey is feeling the dark academia vibes...
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake (The Atlas #1)
Knowledge is carnage. Destiny is a choice. Power is taken.
Magical schools and libraries, count us in! In Olivie Blake's, The Atlas Six, first in The Atlas trilogy, six magicians vie for coveted spots in the Alexandrian Society, masters of ancient knowledge and magic. As they navigate trials of impossible subjects under Atlas Blakely's scrutiny, alliances form and secrets unravel. With only five initiations granted, one will be eliminated. A gripping tale of ambition, power, and the arcane.
Genre: Fantasy, Dark Academia
Robin is solving a murder mystery...
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah's The Women captures Frankie McGrath's transformative journey from sheltered Southern California to the front lines of the Vietnam War as a nurse. Amidst chaos and loss, Frankie navigates a changing America, confronting the harsh realities of war and the challenges of coming home. This poignant novel explores courage, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of women who served during a turbulent era in U.S. history.
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Unwedding by Ally Condie
In The Unwedding by Ally Condie, a recent divorcee's vacation at a luxurious Big Sur resort turns deadly. Ellery Wainwright, traveling solo on what was supposed to be her 20th anniversary celebration, stumbles upon the dead body of a groom on the day of his wedding. As a mudslide traps the guests, secrets unravel, and danger looms. This thrilling mystery, where The White Lotus meets Agatha Christie, is the perfect choice for your summer reading list to keep you on the edge of your beach chair!
Genre: Murder Mystery
Whether you're lounging by the pool, enjoying the warm beach breeze, or simply enjoying the air conditioner inside, these books promise to transport you to new worlds and adventures. Don't forget to visit the LitJoy shop to discover our one-of-a kind special editions and bookish gifts for readers while you plan your summer reading list. Dive into the magic of storytelling and make this summer full of unforgettable reads!
