Editorials15 Must-Read Beach Books for 2024: Get Ready to Dive In!

15 Must-Read Beach Books for 2024: Get Ready to Dive In!

Written by Ella Anderson & Likewise Pix | Sep 03, 2024 From sizzling romance to tantalizing thrillers, uncover the stories that will make your beach days unforgettable this year.

1. Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

Come and Get It cover
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From the celebrated New York Times bestselling author of Such a Fun Age comes a fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant navigating complex relationships with a professor and three unruly students. Kiley Reid delivers a tension-filled narrative about money, indiscretion, and bad behavior, making Come and Get It a highly anticipated read of the year.

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2. Just for the Summer by Abbi Waxman

Just for the Summer cover
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This instant #1 New York Times bestseller and Good Morning America Book Club Pick offers a witty, slow-burn rom-com that's ideal for the beach. Follow Emma, a traveling nurse, and Justin, a man with a quirky romantic curse, as they fake-date in Minnesota. Their plan to break each other's curse goes hilariously awry as they navigate unexpected feelings and complicated familial responsibilities.

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3. Funny Story by Emily Henry

Funny Story cover
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Emily Henry's latest novel is a joyful narrative about opposites with an unforeseen shared connection. When Daphne's fiancé leaves her for his best friend, she ends up living with the only person who understands - her ex's ex. Their unlikely friendship evolves into something deeper amidst the charming turmoil of small-town life in Waning Bay, Michigan.

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4. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

This Summer Will Be Different cover
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Carley Fortune crafts a captivating story of forbidden summer romance between Lucy and Felix. Returning to Prince Edward Island with her best friend Bridget, Lucy swears off Felix, but his new, intriguing demeanor makes it hard to resist. Themes of best friends, off-limits love, and summer heat make this a must-add to your reading list.

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5. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

Swan Song cover
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Elin Hilderbrand’s final Nantucket novel weaves a suspenseful tale filled with extravagant parties, a mysterious fire, and the disappearance of a personal assistant. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash postpones his retirement to solve the case, intertwining the lives and secrets of Nantucket’s community in this sun-soaked drama.

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6. The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

The Midnight Feast cover
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Lucy Foley returns with a locked-room murder mystery set during the opening weekend of a luxurious manor. Amidst extravagant amenities and an infinity pool, old secrets resurface leading to a body found and a brewing storm of betrayal. This thriller promises dark turns and chilling revelations.

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7. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Listen for the Lie cover
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Amy Tintera brings a gripping tale of mystery and redemption. Lucy, accused of murdering her best friend Savvy, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth while grappling with her past. As a true crime podcast stirs old memories, Lucy must confront her demons to clear her name.

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8. Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood

Not in Love cover
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Ali Hazelwood’s latest rom-com delves into the high-stakes world of biotech as Rue and Eli navigate a secret affair amidst a corporate takeover. With professional loyalty tested against undeniable attraction, Not in Love is a thrilling exploration of romance in the workplace.

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9. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

The Paradise Problem cover
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Christina Lauren offers a delicious romance where ex-lovers find themselves in a love-hate collaboration to secure their inheritance. Anna, a struggling artist, and West, a Stanford professor, must navigate their past to create a believable future of a happy marriage. Sparks fly in this tension-filled and heartfelt story.

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10. The Rom-Commers by Anne Stuart

The Rom-Commers cover
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Emma Wheeler’s dream to be a screenwriter brings her to an improbable partnership with Charlie Yates, a screenwriting hero with a disdain for love stories. This hilarious and touching novel explores how opposites attract in unexpected and chaotic ways, turning life-turning moments into real romance.

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11. How to End a Love Story by Helen Hoang

How to End a Love Story cover
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Helen Zhang, a bestselling author and Grant Shepard, a screenwriter with movie star looks, are tasked with adapting her books for TV. Despite a troubled past, their shared endeavor evolves into a love-hate relationship filled with sparks and drama, questioning whether they can find a happy ending in real life.

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12. First Lie Wins by Ashley Winstead

First Lie Wins cover
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In a gripping thriller by Ashley Winstead, Evie Porter’s quest for identity leads her to a small town where her undercover persona is put to the test. Juggling new relationships and lurking threats, Evie must outsmart those who threaten her true self in this fast-paced, high-stakes narrative.

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13. The Hunter by Tana French

The Hunter cover
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Tana French returns with a gritty tale set in rural Ireland where retired Chicago cop Cal Hooper faces old threats and new dangers. As past vendettas resurface, Cal must protect those he’s grown to love in this atmospheric novel that delves into loyalty, revenge, and the cost of conflict.

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14. Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo's Got Money Troubles cover
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Rufi Thorpe’s bold and humorous novel follows Margo, a young mother who turns internet fame on OnlyFans into a solution for her financial troubles. With her estranged father and a colorful cast of characters, Margo grapples with the complexities of modern life, love, and finding her own narrative.

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15. One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

One-Star Romance cover
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In this fresh romantic comedy, a struggling writer and her best friend’s groom clash over a scathing book review. Laura Hankin offers a charming story of evolving relationships, from maid of honor duties to navigating milestones, proving that even the harshest critics can become perfect matches.

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Conclusion

With these must-read beach books, you’re all set for a summer filled with unforgettable stories, compelling characters, and endless entertainment. Whether you lean towards romance, mystery, or thrilling adventures, there's something in this list guaranteed to make your beach days brighter.