Normally we'd be thinking about which books we'd like to take with us to read poolside or on a flight to some exciting destination. But just because we'll be spending this summer closer to home, doesn't mean that there aren't new books to be read.
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If you're anything like me, you'll no doubt have been escaping what's going on currently by transporting yourself somewhere completely different with a good book. You can always see what I've been reading over on my Goodreads page. And since I shared my top reads for summer 2019 last year, I thought that I would share some of the new book releases that you need to know about this summer.
And here they are;
Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan
The daughter of an American-born Chinese mother and a blue-blooded New York father, Lucie has always sublimated the Asian side of herself and she adamantly denies having feelings for George Zao. But several years later, when George unexpectedly appears in East Hampton, where Lucie is weekending with her new fiancé, she finds herself drawn to him again. Soon, Lucie is spinning a web of deceit that involves her family, her fiancé and ultimately herself, as she tries to deny George entry into her world – and her heart.
The author of the bestselling Crazy Rich Asians trilogy is back this summer with his new book; Sex and Vanity. Expect the same over the top decadence, luxurious escapism, fun and drama. Let it transport you to Italy, New York and more. And if you ever wondered who the Taipei Plastics Chus are, that many confuse Rachel of being related to in the Crazy Rich books, you'll find out all about that in this new release.
The Lion's Den by Katherine St. John
When Belle is invited by her old friend Summer on a luxurious girls' getaway to the Mediterranean aboard her billionaire boyfriend's yacht, the only answer is yes. But once aboard the opulent Lion's Den, the dream holiday quickly turns into a nightmare. Belle and the other six women Summer has invited are treated more like prisoners than guests by their powerful host, locked into their cabins at night, their every move controlled - and Belle finds Summer herself is no longer the girl she once knew. Pulled into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, Belle realizes she must keep her wits about her if she is to make it off the yacht alive...
Another novel to transport you to somewhere other than your back garden, we have The Lion's Den. This is easily one of the best books that I've read this year and a true page turner. I could not get enough of all the drama and twists in this. And it's so much more than your typical beach read.
True Story by Kate Reed Petty
After a college party, two boys drive a girl home: drunk and passed out in the back seat. Rumours spread about what they did to her, but later they'll tell the police a different version of events. Alice will never remember what truly happened. True Story is a campus novel, psychological thriller, horror story and crime noir, in one.
Now I can quite safely say that I have never read a book like True Story before. And that is a good thing. I didn't know what to expect next, either in terms of the way the next chapter would be written (with screenplays, traditional prose, unsent emails and draft college application letters all rolled into one book) or what would happen to the characters next. I know they say never judge a book by its cover. But I wish I had paid a bit more attention to the cover before I started this, as it does clearly show you some of the places this one book will take you.
Pretending by Holly Bourne
April is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can't seem to get past date five. If only April could be more like Gretel. Gretel is exactly what men want - she's a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems. The problem is, Gretel isn't real. And April is now claiming to be her.
I've been meaning to pick up some of Holly Bourne's previous work but if you're already a fan, I've got a feeling you will love her first foray into adult fiction too. This is about life and love, as well as dating after trauma and is powerful, honest and so refreshing to read.
The Switch by Beth O'Leary
Ordered to take a two-month sabbatical after blowing a big presentation at work, Leena escapes to her grandmother Eileen's house for some overdue rest. Newly single and about to turn eighty, Eileen would like a second chance at love. But her tiny Yorkshire village doesn't offer many eligible gentlemen... So Leena proposes a solution: a two-month swap. Eileen can live in London and look for love, and Leena will look after everything in rural Yorkshire.
Even though it wasn't quite as good as Beth's first book, The Flat Share (see my review of that here), it is still a lovely read. If you're looking for something easy to read, with a great concept, definitely give this a chance this summer.
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a 'take me home' look in his eyes is about to change everything. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: he wants Tucker back. Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection.
Get ready to laugh, cry, swoon and smile throughout this brilliant book. The plot is fantastic and doesn't go as you might think it will. Plus, the characters are so well formed you actually feel like you know them. If you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid's work, I would certainly recommend giving this and the prequel, The Friend Zone, a read.
The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish
One day you're commuting to work by riverbus with your charismatic neighbour Kit in the seat beside you. The next, Kit hasn't turned up for the boat and his wife Melia has reported him missing. When you get off at your stop, the police are waiting. Another passenger saw you and Kit arguing on the boat home the night before and the police say that you had a reason to want him dead.
I've had a few of Louise Candlish's other books on my TBR list for quite some time now. But this one immediately drew me in. There are twists galore in this and you can't really trust anyone as you're reading. If you love those kinds of books, definitely check this one out.
The Shadow Friend by Alex North
The victim was his friend. So was the murderer. Twenty-five years ago, troubled teenager Charlie Crabtree committed a shocking and unprovoked murder. For Paul Adams, it's a day he'll never forget. The most unsettling thing about that awful day twenty-five years ago; afterwards, Charlie Crabtree was never seen again. Now a copycat killer has struck and Paul's mother insists there's something in her house.
Fans of Alex North's debut novel, The Whisper Man (see my review here), will be over the moon to discover that he has a new book out this summer. Promising the same creepy and taut storytelling, I cannot wait to delve into this over the warmer months. Certainly one to pick up if you like really well written and thought out crime and thrillers.
The Love Square by Laura Jane Williams
Penny Bridge has, historically, been very unlucky in love. But when difficult circumstances mean that Penny’s uncle must hand over the kitchen of his beloved restaurant in Derbyshire, she finds herself stepping into a new life in a new town. And as luck would have it, she’s suddenly confronted with one remarkable man who wants to date her, followed by another. And then another.
I've still to read Laura Jane Williams hit from last year; Our Stop. But The Love Square immediately caught my eye this summer. It's so much more than traditional chick-lit and is just such an easy, light read. I'll definitely be reading this with my Kindle in one hand an an ice lolly in the other.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
January is a hopeless romantic who likes narrating her life as if she's the heroine in a blockbuster movie. Augustus is a serious literary type who thinks true love is a fairy-tale. But they actually have more in common than you'd think: They're both broke. They've got crippling writer's block. They need to write bestsellers before the end of the summer. The result? A bet to see who can get their book published first. The catch? They have to swap genres. The risk? In telling each other's stories, their worlds might be changed entirely.
Perfect for some summer escapism whilst spending it at home, we have Beach Read. Something that can't always be said for books like this one; the characters were not only relatable and realistic but they were actually likeable. I loved the chemistry between the two of them and it had me wanting to read more. Plus, what a great idea it was to have the two main characters be writers.
What have you been reading recently? Do any of these books sound like ones that you would like to read? And what kind of books/stories do you usually gravitate towards?
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