From perfect beach reads to gripping thrillers, classic love stories to unexpected twists – we’ve got it all covered with our top books this summer. Whether you’re jetting-off somewhere sunny, or want something to read on your lunch break, check out our top 6 summer scorchers.
The Fever – Megan Abbott
An unidentifiable virus sweeps through an American high school, targeting the prettiest, most popular girls. Is it the recent HPV vaccine? Or the town’s creepy, forbidden lake? And why is quiet Deenie unaffected? A great thriller – the plot rockets along, and the twists and turns are fresh and unexpected. Bound to be a bestseller this summer!
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
Pure reading pleasure. Morgenstern cleverly combines magic, reality and illusion in a powerful cocktail that will have you gasping in surprise until the last page. Follow Celia and Marco outcompeting each other with magical feats and daring illusions at Le Cirque des Reves – unaware their actions have deeper consequences than they could ever imagine.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor
What if an angel and a demon fell in love? Taylor takes what could be a fairly corny concept and cleverly blurs the boundaries between worlds to create this beautiful novel (think Romeo and Juliet, but with attitude!). Love and tragedy, with a good dose of danger and suspense – you’ll not be able to put it down! Luckily, it’s the first in a trilogy, so we can’t wait to read the next instalment!
Fame – Tilly Bagshawe
Trashy, escapist chick-lit at its best! This is the perfect beach-read love triangle – a bratty, glamorous movie star; a handsome, brooding male lead; a down-on-his-luck nice guy, and plenty of hot, steamy sex scenes. Grab a cocktail and your sunglasses and enjoy!
We Were Liars, E. Lockhart
Meet the Sinclairs. Privileged, glamorous, good-looking – they spend every summer on their own idyllic private island. But a tragic incident shatters their perfect world and Cadence Sinclair – heir to the vast estate – has no memory of what happened. Cadence’s slightly pious tone can get irritating, but stick with it because this book is well worth reading for OMG-out-loud moment at the end!
The Lemon Grove – Helen Walsh
Jenn and Greg’s peaceful summer holiday is disrupted by the arrival of their hormonal teenage daughter, and her brooding, rebellious new boyfriend, Nate. Jenn finds herself drawn to 17-year-old Nate, and her rapidly-developed obsession and his cruel arrogancy make a chilling combination. The sex scenes get a bit…ummm…graphic, but it’s refreshing to read from the perspective of an older female protagonist.
So there you have it – our top books for some escapism this summer!
What are you reading? Share your faves with us @tweetjanes