As summer is approaching and the last day of school is just around the corner, we start to realize that we have extra in our hands. Whether you are on vacation or spending warm, sunny days outside, you may feel inclined to pick up a book. Summer is the perfect time to read rom-coms, beach reads and thriller novels.

Emily Henry’s books should be enjoyed while lying on a blanket in the sand, listening to the waves crash. One of her most popular books is Beach Read, which is about January Andrews, a romance author, who connects with her college rival, Augustus Everett, an acclaimed fiction writer, in an old beach house. They struggle to overcome their writer’s block by challenging each other to write in the other’s genre. In the end, they fall in love. The characters are lovable and it is an easy read. Other books Henry’s written include People We Meet on Vacation and Happy Place, which was released this April. Her books are sure to warm your heart.

Another popular read is Malibu Rising, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her vivid writing and multi-dimensional characters will make this book unforgettable. It took place over one day, Aug. 27, 1983, in Malibu, California, before it ends in flames. The plot focuses on an annual party hosted by surfer and model Nina Riva and her siblings, Jay, Hud and Kit. The book switches time lines and perspectives to narrate how Nina’s parents met, as well as each of the sibling’s stories. This book was thrilling and interesting, however, it was hard to follow the different characters – especially the new ones as they were introduced near the end. I recommend this book to anyone, especially those who loved Reid’s other books.

Verity, written by Colleen Hoover, was probably one of the most thrilling books I ever read. With the fast pace and cliff-hangers at every chapter, I was able to read this in about two days. It follows Lowen Ashleigh, a writer, who is asked to finish the popular series written by Verity Crawford, who became paralyzed after crashing her car into a tree. While Lowen is starting to dig through her office, she discovers a manuscript written by Verity before her crash. It explains the deaths of her twin daughters and well as the secrets that Verity hid from her husband. As Lowen begins to piece together the details, she realizes that Verity isn’t who she thought she was. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, however, I thought that the romance was a bit distracting from the main plot. Hoover is known for her romance novels, but this psychological thriller is one of her best works in my opinion.

Many of these books have been popular to read during the summer. So next time when you plan on sitting outside to enjoy the sunshine or are packing your bags for an exciting trip, I recommend taking these books with you.