My Summer Reading List 2024: Contemporary Romance Edition

Dust off your favorite beach chair and get ready to sink your toes in the sand because it’s about time to curate your summer reading list for 2024. But we’re not just talking about any old beach read. We’re diving into swoon-worthy, contemporary romance novels that are keep you up until the wee hours of the night, page-turners. You know, those fully fleshed-out characters that take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride of chemistry, vulnerability, love, and angst…oh, and a sprinkle (or spoonful) of spice to keep things interesting.

Without further ado, here are the top 5 books on my summer reading list for 2024:

1. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

2. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

3. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

4. Seven Summers by Paige Toon

5. Funny Story by Emily Henry

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Kicking off my list is Carley Fortune's latest gem, This Summer Will Be Different. I’ve been a huge fan of Carley’s writing ever since her debut novel Every Summer After. Her ability to immerse readers into the world of her characters with down-to-earth summer settings and real-life emotions has captivated me. Based on the snippet I had the privilege of reading from her newsletter, I anticipate This Summer Will Be Different, won’t be any different. 

The story follows Lucy, who has a rendezvous with Felix during her vacation on Prince Edward Island. She doesn’t realize that Felix is her best friend’s brother. When she finds out she vows to avoid a repeat of their encounter. Every year she returns to PEI with her best friend Bridget, she can’t resist the pull toward him. Will Lucy be able to resist the temptation this summer? 

Read a full synopsis of This Summer Will Be Different. 

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Next up is Yulin Kuang’s debut novel, How to End a Love Story. When I read the synopsis I immediately marked ‘want to read’ on my GoodReads app. 

The story follows Helen, a screenwriter, who after 13 years, unexpectedly reunites with Grant, a man from her past that is linked to a tragic accident. As they find themselves working in the writers' room of the same TV show, unresolved tensions resurface. Can they reconcile their past while navigating the challenges of the present?

Read a full synopsis of How to End a Love Story.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan 

After warming my heart with Same Time Next Summer, Annabel Monaghan returns with Summer Romance, just in time to set the mood for the season. 

The story follows Ali Morris, a professional organizer and recent divorcee who lost her mom 2 years ago. Regardless of her profession, her life is a complete mess until she unexpectedly meets someone from her past who leads her down the path of rediscovery. 

Read a full synopsis of Summer Romance.

Seven Summers by Paige Toon

I learned about Author, Paige Toon, last year when I took a writing class on Domestika. I appreciate her writing style and take on emotional stories. Looks like this summer she plans to take us all on yet another emotional rollercoaster.

In Seven Summers, Liv and Finn vow to meet up every summer for the last 6 years for as long as they are single. This summer Liv finds herself drawn to a newcomer in town named Tom who she starts to fall for. Now she must confront her feelings and face a difficult decision.

Read a full synopsis of of Seven Summers.

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Last but certainly not least is Funny Story by Emily Henry. So, I have a confession to make. I’ve never read an Emily Henry book before. I know, how is this possible? With the buzz surrounding this novel, my curiosity has been piqued. I’ve heard many great things about her novels, so you better believe after I read this one I will be catching up on her other titles. 

This story seems to be full of unexpected connections as Daphne's life takes a turn when her fiance Peter realizes he is in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. This realization comes after they move to Michigan to begin their lives together. Daphne, who is now stranded in a new place, oddly enough becomes roommates with Petra's ex-fiance, Miles. A friendship and connection strikes between the two in an unlikely way.

Read a full synopsis of Funny Story.

Are any of these titles making their way onto your summer reading list in 2024?

Share your picks in the comments below!

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