10 Books For Your Summer Reading List
BookTok is losing its mind after Sarah J. Mass announced on social media this weekend that the first draft (drafts?) of ACOTAR 6 is complete. It’s been four years since Cassian and Nesta’s story hit bookshelves, and it’s THE topic of conversation as far as who the next installment will be centered around (Team Azriel, FTW!). We can all pray to SJM that the release be quick – perhaps an early 2026 date? One can only hope!
With our return to Velaris in sight, this news inspired us to put together a summer reading list of our own. Whether you’re staying home this summer and grabbing a few rays in the park nearby or taking a long getaway to a faraway island, bring one of these reads with you. We’ve got you covered whether you want to escape into another world or become inspired in this one. And to Sarah J. Mass, thank you for not making us wait five hundred more years for ACOTAR 6.
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To prepare for ACOTAR 6, coming soon, read → A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J. Mass
Raise your hand if the “ACOTAR” news has you starting from the beginning. Guilty! And if you haven’t joined the romantasy train, now’s the perfect time, as the hype around this book is about to be out of control. Truthfully, A Court of Mist & Fury is our favorite in the series so far, but if you’re one of the few people who has yet to start this series, A Court of Thorns & Roses is where to begin.
The story follows Feyre, a human girl who finds herself in a precarious position after killing a fae in wolf form. This split-second decision was made out of desperation to save her family from hunger during the harsh winter, but it ends up costing Feyre her freedom. The High Lord of the Spring Court breaks down the door to their home and demands she forfeit her life and come live with him in reparation for killing one of his people. And so begins the story of how Feyre becomes a vital figure in a decades-long war in Prythian. It’s hard to give a synopsis of ACOTAR without giving away spoilers (even though it’s been published now for ten years). Bottom line, Feyre is thrown into the thick of fae politics, has a love affair, and becomes the fae realm’s hope for the future. She meets many characters along the way, including Lucien, the Suriel, and Rhysand, among others. Many have claimed that “ACOTAR” is responsible for getting them back into reading, and it’s no wonder. The world-building is enjoyable rather than tedious, the characters are multi-faceted, the story is fast-paced without much (if any) filler content, and it’s genuinely a fun read.
If you’re looking to be inspired and motivated, read → Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
We’re big fans of Liz Gilbert around these parts and were pleasantly surprised to find Big Magic a more palatable read compared to most personal development-type books. Big Magic is for anyone who feels stuck, uninspired, or is struggling to tap into their creativity. Gilbert draws on her personal experiences and the insights of others to spark thought-provoking conversations about unlocking your creativity and navigating the challenges that come with being a creative person. A few things Gilbert challenges us to look at differently include the idea of the struggling artist and putting financial pressure on creative pursuits. She also poses interesting discussions around the power of consistency and the life force of an idea.
For a delightful, quick read that’s satirical with a dash of mystery and comedic danger, read → Chasing Cézanne by Peter Mayle
Goodreads begins the description of Chasing Cézanne with, “Hanky-panky on the international art scene is the source of hilarity and fizz in Peter Mayle’s new novel.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. This three-hundred-page novel from 1991 is a cleverly written mystery that will have you laughing out loud, even when the main character’s life is in danger. Andre Kelly is a photographer on assignment in the south of France when he captures photos of a Cézanne being suspiciously loaded into a truck while the owner is away. This discovery leads to Andre unveiling a rather involved white collar art scam among the rich and famous. The case takes him and a few friends from New York City to Provence, France, and even the Bahamas, as they investigate what’s really going on. It’s a fast-paced, funny novel filled with twists and turns, and the perfect amount of suspense.
If you love Greek mythology and following stories of women coming into their power, read → Circe by Madeleine Miller
If you’re familiar with Greek mythology and stories associated with ancient Greece, you will love this retelling of the goddess Circe. Known as the first witch in Greek mythology, Miller does a fantastic job of using Circe’s story to weave together multiple tales from ancient Greece. It begins with the conflict between the Titans and Olympians and the story of Prometheus, as we meet Circe when she’s a child. Miller takes us through Circe’s upbringing, coming to know key figures in her story, particularly her father Helios and siblings Aaetes and Pasiphae. Circe is the last of her siblings to live in her family’s halls when she discovers she has unique powers unlike anything the gods have seen before. After turning a crush into a god and a long-time bully into a monster (Scylla), Helios and Zeus agree to punish Circe with exile to a deserted island called Aiaia.
With her exile, Circe becomes determined to examine the lengths of her powers, discovering the range of abilities she has using potions, tinctures, and herbs. As word of her powers spreads to her siblings and other gods, Circe transforms from being used as a pawn into the powerful goddess she never wanted to be. She enters a tumultuous battle of wits with Hermes, the trickster god. Daedalus comes to her island by order of Circe’s sister Pasiphae, mother of the Minotaur, who they work together to trap until the day Theseus kills him. We’re on her side as she begins to turn men into swine after a particularly gruesome experience, and we understand her hesitation when meeting Odysseus. Each tale is woven throughout Circe’s history in a spellbinding way, keeping you lured in until the end. Through all of her trials, by men and gods both, the one constant is Circe’s love of humans and her ache to experience the fragility of being mortal.
For the perfect blend of fantasy and historical fiction with a dash of romance and no shortage of humor, read → The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
India Holton’s “Dangerous Damsels” series is a cleverly written trio of books that has mystery, excitement, sharp-witted women, and a touch of magic. The series kicks off with The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, introducing a world based in 19th-century England where witches and pirates are natural enemies. The League of Gentlewoman Witches continues the series with Miss Charlotte Pettifer coming on the scene to take possession of a powerful amulet that the League of Gentlewomen Witches insists they need to have. Unfortunately for Miss Pettifer, infamous pirate Alex O’Riley also has his eye on the amulet. It’s when they’re aiming to outwit each other that someone else steals it right out from under them, and hijinks ensue! Miss Pettifer joins forces with Alex to chase the madwoman who stole the amulet, and in the midst of said chase, they find they don’t hate each other as much as they initially thought.
For a classic with summer vibes set in Europe, read → Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
You might consider Tender is the Night as the original summer read. This novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows the American couple, Dick and Nicole Diver, on a trip to the French Riviera in the 1920s. If you know anything about the Fitzgeralds, there are many similarities between them and the Divers, from Nicole’s mental health struggles to Dick’s self-appointed role as her psychiatrist. While on vacation, Dick meets a young actress with whom he begins a torrid affair. While indulging in this affair, his marriage (unsurprisingly) unravels, along with his life and reputation. Like most of Fitzgerald’s novels, Tender is the Night is full of beautifully written prose and tells a story that entraps you from the very beginning. If you’re new to the Fitzgeralds’ love story, we encourage you to start with Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald listed further down, and follow it with Tender is the Night.
For easy reading with an emotional punch to the gut and a small pup that serves as comedic relief, read → The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez
The Friend Zone is a nice departure from standard modern romance novels because it isn’t the smooth ride to a happily ever after that many of them have. There are real-life issues that the characters face, and the way they handle them is relatable because it’s not perfect. The main character, Kristen, has her own business designing pet accessories and is in the thick of helping her best friend plan their wedding. In the middle of wedding planning chaos, she’s been putting off a serious medical procedure that will have a significant impact on her future. The book begins as they’re getting closer to the wedding, and the best man, Josh, arrives in town, not just to visit but to live. Josh and Kristen have insane chemistry. He wants a big family, but she knows that’s not in the cards for her. Here begins the standard push and pull most rom-coms come with, including a dull ex-boyfriend, and one fiery four-legged creature named Stuntman Mike.
We love Abby Jimenez around these parts for her ability to write a great modern-day romance novel that’s easy to read but still has depth. Kristen is facing a monumental procedure, and because of it, she takes it upon herself to decide whether she’s worth entering a relationship with or not. Josh is headstrong and determined, and on top of that, a first responder. So aside from the crazy chemistry they have, he knows there’s something wrong that she’s not telling him, and he’s determined to help her through. Amidst all of this, their friend group is rocked by tragedy (bringing in the gutwrenching element). You might cry, but we promise there are plenty of laughs along the way and a happily ever after at the end.
For a classic rom-com, enemies-to-lovers style, read → The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
The Spanish Love Deception follows two coworkers who make a deal to be each other’s dates to upcoming events. Catalina needs a date for her sister’s wedding in Spain, and Aaron needs a date for an upcoming fundraiser. After eavesdropping on a conversation between Catalina and a friend, Aaron suggests that he could accompany her to the wedding and pretend to be her boyfriend in exchange for her attending an event of his own. Desperate, Catalina eventually agrees and off they fly to Spain for a trip with her family. The animosity soon turns into heated chemistry, and they realize that maybe this doesn’t need to be fake after all. The Spanish Love Deception is a fun, light read to enjoy while soaking up the sunshine and sipping a margarita.
For the holy grail of romantasy (but really just fantasy), read → Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass
With the risk of turning this into an SJM appreciation article, we’d be remiss to leave the book that started it all off the list. Throne of Glass is a gateway into a seven-book series, but it is quite possibly one of the best fantasy books we’ve ever read. It’s been labeled under the romantasy umbrella, but the “Throne of Glass” series is action first, spice last - don’t come for us. The world-building is spectacular, the characters are dynamic, and the story is gripping every step of the way. Yes, it is heartwrenching, and yes, you will cry and scream and want to throw several of the books across the room multiple times (we’re looking at you, Heir of Fire). But it’s worth it. The story of Celaena Sardothien and Aelin Galathynius is one of grit, sacrifice, grief, and rising above. There are so many messages that resonate with the world we live in today. If you pick up Throne of Glass, it’s a commitment, but we promise it’s one you won’t regret.
SJM is rumored to be setting up all three of her worlds to crossover. It’s already been done with the “Crescent City” and “ACTOAR” series in the most recently published House of Flame and Shadow. However, if you read the “Throne of Glass” series, there are too many references to ignore that have a connection to the other worlds and vice versa. Besides, it seems the entire fan base is dying to see Rhys and Aelin in action together, along with Amren and Manon. Those team-ups alone would be worth the wait between releases. Don’t you think?
To travel back in time to the flapper era and experience Paris in the 1920s, read → Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler
The Fitzgeralds are one of literature’s favorite couples. The combination of their passion and toxic relationship is captivating, especially knowing it inspired several of America’s greatest novels. For years, Scott was revered for his talent, and Zelda was relegated to being the “wild child” who indulged in a glamorous lifestyle. She became known for her mental health struggles while Scott was recognized for his brilliance. As the years passed and more became known of their private life, it became clear that Zelda was more than just Scott’s muse…she was greatly responsible for the completion and success of many of his famous pieces of work.
Fowler does an excellent job of telling the story of Scott and Zelda through Zelda’s point of view. Her poignant recollection of their years together is at times idealistic but often heartbreaking. While Fowler did her homework and told the story as accurately as possible, she shared that creative liberties were taken to fill in some of their story, but you wouldn’t be able to tell where. It’s beautifully tragic, reeling you in at the beginning with the story of a girl who dared to dream of more for herself than the life she was born into could ever imagine.
