Best Beach Reads for 2023

Choosing the perfect page-turning beach book

The key to finding the perfect beach read for yourself is to choose something that really speaks to you. Take some time to browse different genres and styles, and think about what kind of story engages you the most. Whether you’re looking for an emotional journey or an adventurous escape, with a bit of patience, you’ll find your perfect summer reading short story or book in no time. Here is a list of our 14 best beach house reads to add to your summer reading list in 2023.

14 Summer reads perfect for relaxing on the beach

Whether you are ready to relax on the beach this summer or travel the world with a good book in hand – Speechify audiobooks has you covered. With so many diverse audiobook choices, it can be difficult to pick out the best books to listen to. Whether you’re into classic literature or the newest thrillers, wild romance or historical fiction, we’ve got you covered with our 14 best beach reads for 2023.

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

In this book authored by Taylor Jenkins Reid, who is also known for the perfect must-read summer novel Malibu Rising, Carrie Soto is back in Malibu, and this time she’s determined to make it work. Carrie’s journey takes her down a path of self-discovery, as she learns to forgive herself for her past and embrace the possibilities of the future. With the help of her best friends and family, Carrie learns to trust herself and take risks, ultimately discovering what it means to be truly happy.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

People We Meet on Vacation tells a story of two estranged friends, Poppy and Alex, who reunite for a week-long vacation in an attempt to rekindle their friendship. Along the way, they meet a variety of people who help them reconnect and learn more about themselves. Through their experiences, Poppy and Alex discover that true friendship can survive even the longest of distances.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

“The Spanish Love Deception” is a romantic fiction novel that revolves around a young woman named Sofia, who moves to Spain and falls in love with a charismatic artist named Diego. But as she gets to know him better, she realizes that he is not who he seems, and she must navigate the web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth about their relationship and about herself.

One Italian Summer: A Novel by Rebecca Serle

“One Italian Summer: A Novel” by Rebecca Serle is a contemporary romance novel that follows the journey of Lina, a young woman who travels to Italy for the summer to work as an au pair for a wealthy family. While there, she discovers a summer romance, love, heartbreak, and the true meaning of family in the beautiful surroundings of the Italian countryside.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

“The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley is a historical fiction and mystery book that takes place in Paris and follows April, an American antique dealer, who discovers an abandoned apartment filled with precious antiques and mementos. As she dives deeper into the history of the apartment and its former owner, April uncovers a dark and tangled web of secrets, love, and betrayal. Listen to Lucy Foley’s “The Paris Apartment” with Speechify audiobooks here.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

“Beach Read” by Emily Henry goes through the journey between two estranged writer friends, Augustus Everett and January Andrews, who decide to spend the summer living next to each other and writing in opposite genres to each other’s usual style. As they work on their writing, they also navigate the ups and downs of their relationship and their own personal struggles, ultimately leading to a summer filled with growth, self-discovery, and love.

The Bodyguard: A Novel by Katherine Center

“The Bodyguard: A Novel” by Katherine Center is a story that follows Helena, a high-powered political strategist, and her unlikely relationship with her bodyguard, Callahan. As they work together to protect Helena from a potential threat, they also navigate their growing feelings for each other and the challenges of their differing worlds. This page-turning love story explores themes of love, trust, and self-discovery.

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island

“The Invisible Husband of Frick Island” by Colleen Oakley is a romantic comedy that follows Lenny, a young woman who is struggling with the single life in a small town, and her unexpected marriage to a man named David, who she believes to be the perfect husband. However, as she gets to know him better, she realizes that he is not who he seems, and she must navigate the challenges of their unconventional marriage while also figuring out who David truly is.

Heartbreak for Hire: A Novel by Sonia Hartl

“Heartbreak for Hire: A Novel” by Sonia Hartl is a rom-com novel that tells a story of a woman named Ava, who starts a business breaking up relationships as a way to help people avoid heartbreak. However, as she carries out her job, she also begins to question her own beliefs about love and relationships, leading to unexpected consequences and a journey of self-discovery. This novel explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the search for happiness which is a perfect story for book lovers.

The Homewreckers by Mary Kay Andrews

“The Homewreckers” by Mary Kay Andrews is a mystery and women’s fiction novel about a woman named Amber, who returns to her hometown to help her sister after her husband is suspected of having an affair with a local real estate agent. As Amber investigates the situation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threatens not only her sister’s marriage but also her own future. The novel explores themes of family, friendship, and the search for the truth. Listen to “The Homewreckers” by Mary Kay Andrews narrated by Kathleen McInerney with Speechify audiobooks here.

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner

“The Summer Place” by Jennifer Weiner is a women’s fiction and contemporary romance novel. The story follows two women, Gray and Finley, who are both struggling with their own personal challenges as they navigate their summer at a beach resort. Through their interactions with each other and with the other guests at the resort, they learn important lessons about love, friendship, and what truly matters in life. The novel explores self-discovery and the search for true happiness.

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

“Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a historical fiction and women’s fiction book that follows a legendary Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, as she recounts her life and her many marriages to a young magazine reporter. Through Evelyn’s story, the book explores love, heartbreak, fame, and self-discovery. The book provides a rich and captivating portrayal of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the people who lived and loved there. Listen to “Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” with Speechify audiobooks here.

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

“The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren is a romantic comedy story that follows two rival siblings, Olive and Ethan, who find themselves on a luxury Hawaiian honeymoon after the rest of the wedding party becomes ill. As they navigate their time on the island, they begin to fall for each other and must decide if they are willing to put aside their differences and embrace a chance at love. The novel explores love, family drama, and second chances. Listen to “The Unhoneymooners” with Speechify audiobooks here.

The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand

“The Perfect Couple” by Elin Hilderbrand is a murder mystery and women’s fiction novel. The story takes place during a summer wedding on Nantucket Island, where a groom goes missing the night before the wedding. As the investigation into his disappearance unfolds, the secrets and lies of the close-knit community are exposed, leading to surprising twists and turns. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the consequences of our actions.

Find your next heartwarming summer beach audiobook with Speechify audiobooks

In 2023 and beyond, nothing can quite beat binge-reading your favorite audiobook in one go – especially when you’re lounging around with nothing else to do! From action-packed thrillers to young adult rom-com successes and memorable fantasy sagas – there is no shortage of fantastic series waiting to be discovered and added to your beach bag. So listen to some of your best summer beach books with Speechify audiobooks.