You’ve already had that first-sip feeling with a PSL at Starbucks and you can’t help but browse the fall/spooky decor at Target, but you’re not quite prepared to say goodbye to the heat in favor of the chilly autumn air. Maybe you’re preparing yourself for a rewatch of Gilmore Girls or Harry Potter but you haven’t reached your peak fall mindset just yet. If you’re a bookworm who isn’t prepared to kiss the summer season goodbye—don’t worry, you’re not alone—here are three books you should read to hold onto that summer feeling a little while longer.
1. Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez
So much more than just your average rom-com, Just For The Summer explores themes like family trauma, personal growth, and learning to believe in love. While this may be on the heavier side of the romance genre, seeing the relationship bloom between Emma and Justin was nothing short of breathtaking. Pen-pals-turned-dating who are trying to overcome a dating “curse”, this is absolutely a must-read if you’re looking for a summer read with a lot of depth—don’t worry, it has a HEA (happily ever after)!
2. Every Summer After by Carly Fortune
Told in both the present and past tense and over the course of six years, Every Summer After is a heartwarming story that follows Percy and Sam, who navigate their undeniable connection over the course of six summers. If you’re looking for a book with summer vibes that also features a childhood friends-to-lovers romance that feels realistic and that proves love isn’t always easy, this is one you don’t want to miss before summer ends!
3. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
It Happened One Summer is a small-town romance featuring a grumpy fisherman, hilarious banter, and a romance you can’t help but swoon over—what more could you want? Tessa Bailey is a phenomenal rom-com author, always keeping you on your toes with the humor and writing a romance that has you yearning for more. If you want to see Piper and Brendan butt heads, banter with each other CONSTANTLY, and get up to some spicy escapades, this is the perfect end-of-summer read.