The waves are whispering, the sun is shining, and you’re blissfully stretched out on a beach chair with nothing but the sound of the ocean and the promise of a good book. But hold on—not just any book will do. Beach reads are a special breed, light enough to match the breezy vibe but engaging enough to keep you hooked between dips in the water. Whether you're after a romantic escape, a gripping mystery, or a laugh-out-loud comedy, here’s a curated list of books that deserve a spot in your beach bag.

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Looking for a juicy, glamorous novel full of old Hollywood drama? This one’s got it all. Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive movie icon, finally decides to tell her life story to an unsuspecting journalist. What follows is a tale of ambition, love, and heartbreak that’s as addictive as it is poignant. With an intriguing mix of scandal and emotional depth, this book is perfect for those who love characters with a splash of complexity.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: The pacing is irresistible, and between the glitz of Hollywood and Evelyn’s dramatic love life, you’ll find yourself flipping pages faster than you can say “sunscreen.”

2. People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

Romance meets wanderlust in this feel-good novel that’s tailor-made for vacation vibes. Poppy and Alex, two polar-opposite friends, used to spend every summer traveling together. But after a fallout years ago, they haven’t spoken since. Poppy decides to take one last trip to make things right. Will the trip rekindle their friendship or spark something more?

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s fun, flirty, and full of charming banter that will keep a smile on your face. Perfect for readers who love a wholesome friends-to-lovers story.

3. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Who says murder mysteries can’t be a light, beachy read? This one is as quirky as it gets. Four retirees in a peaceful English village form a “murder club,” meeting weekly to discuss cold cases. But when a local builder turns up dead, they find themselves suddenly solving a real-life mystery. Think cozy Agatha Christie vibes, but with a modern and hilarious twist.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s gripping without being too intense. Plus, the eccentric characters and witty dialogue make it endlessly entertaining.

4. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set against the backdrop of a sizzling Malibu summer in the 1980s, this story follows the Riva siblings as they throw an epic party that spirals wildly out of control. Packed with family secrets, surfboards, and celebrity drama, it’s a heady mix of nostalgia and intrigue that feels like a gossip column brought to life.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: Few things pair better with sandy toes than a summer novel set on the sun-drenched beaches of California.

5. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Yes, the title says it all. This enemies-to-lovers romance revolves around two writers at a lakeside retreat. January writes happily-ever-afters, while Gus writes broody literary fiction. When they swap genres to cure their writer’s block, hilarity and heartache ensue.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s clever, romantic, and has just the right balance of warmth and wit to make you feel like you’re drinking a piña colada in book form.

6. Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

If you’re a sucker for second-chance romance, this one’s for you. Matt and Grace were inseparable in college, but life drifted them apart. Fifteen years later, a chance meeting on a subway reignites questions of what could’ve been. This heartfelt story will make you believe in love, fate, and the magic of timing.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s brimming with nostalgia, emotion, and swoon-worthy moments that make it the ultimate waterfront read.

7. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Part revenge story, part murder mystery, and part lighthearted look at influencer culture, this book effortlessly blends humor with suspense. Daphne Berg, a plus-size influencer, gets roped into being the maid of honor for her former best friend’s extravagant wedding. But when a murder shakes up the festivities, Daphne finds herself at the center of the investigation.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s juicy, funny, and sprinkled with just enough mystery to keep you guessing between sunscreen reapplications.

8. The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Take a lavish wedding on a remote Irish island, add in a storm that isolates the guests, throw in some deep, dark secrets, and you’ve got a classic whodunit with modern flair. Told from multiple perspectives, this thriller expertly unravels its mysteries, keeping you on the edge of your deck chair.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: Short, intense chapters make it a tempting quick read, even as the suspense chills your sun-soaked skin.

9. Red White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

A romantic comedy with a political twist, this book tells the story of America’s First Son falling for the Prince of Wales. What starts as a fake friendship aimed at diffusing a PR scandal blossoms into something a lot more real (and complicated).

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: The witty dialogue and over-the-top yet heartwarming romance will have you laughing out loud and possibly googling “British royal gossip” during breaks.

10. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

For something a little quirky yet deeply touching, look no further. Eleanor Oliphant lives a solitary life that’s perfectly organized, but completely joyless. When an unexpected friendship blossoms, she begins to come out of her shell and confront her past.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: It’s funny, heartfelt, and quietly profound, making it perfect for readers who want more than surface-level fluff.

11. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Step into the glamorous, drama-filled world of Singapore’s elite. When Rachel Chu agrees to attend a wedding with her boyfriend, Nicholas, she has no idea he’s basically the Prince Harry of Asia. Scandal, gossip, and hilarity ensue.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: The sheer decadence, combined with sharp humor and heartfelt moments, makes it a wildly fun escape from reality.

12. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

Transport yourself to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast with this heartfelt tale of grief, love, and self-discovery. When Katy’s mother dies, she takes a trip to Italy they’d planned together, only to meet a younger version of her mom amidst the enchanting Italian landscapes.

Why It’s Perfect for the Beach: The vivid descriptions of Italy alone will have you booking your next vacation, but the emotional depth will linger long after the last page.