Best Summer Books on Kindle Unlimited
Summer is prime reading season - life is slower, the days are longer, and there’s more time to fill with hobbies. While I never enjoyed the reading lists school assigned to you at the end of the year, summer reading still holds a fond space in my heart, and Kindle Unlimited has really allowed me to grow my hobby that much more.
Think of Kindle Unlimited as your own personal library: it’s a monthly subscription that grants you access to millions of books, and even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the app to your phone and read from there. You don’t have to worry about due dates or wait for a book to become available; it’s absolutely worth the $12 a month (and I’m pretty anti-subscription in general).
Today I’m rounding up some of the best Kindle Unlimited books to read this summer - thrillers, romance, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction favorites. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, need something to occupy your mind on a flight, or just want a fun book to read with a friend or book club, these are my top recommendations.
the best summer reads on kindle unlimited
romance
Always You and Me by Dani Atkins (5/5 stars)
It’s rare for a book to make me cry, let alone by the end of the first chapter, but this book really blew me away. Don’t let the emotional depth deter you from adding this to your summer reading list; it’s balanced - not emotionally-taxing or heavy - and the author paces the story perfectly from start to finish.
The overall plot might be a little predictable, but there were a few twists I didn’t expect that really made me appreciate this author. And unlike some other books that can be described as “heartfelt,” this one isn’t preachy in the slightest. The ending knocked it out of the park, and I know I’ll be rereading this again in the future.
Read it here.
Till Summer do Us Part by Meghan Quinn (3/5 stars)
A true summer romance, the creative spin on this “fake dating” plot is funny, heartwarming, and reminiscent of your favorite rom-com movie. While I thought it was a little too long (450+ pages), there is an epilogue that really brings the story full circle.
The adult summer camp vibes make this perfect for a summer beach read, and I enjoyed the witty banter. Lastly, there’s plenty of spice without feeling too contrived or overdone.
Read it here.
There’s Something about Mira by Sonali Dev (3.5/5 stars)
While the plot is a little predictable, this is worth reading for the cultural references and how it explores layered love in all forms (not just romantic). It’s heartfelt, the characters are well-developed, and the themes resonated a lot with the people-pleaser side of me.
There’s no spice, so this is a great book to pass around a family vacation, and there are book club questions included at the end to facilitate discussions.
Read it here.
Just for Summer by Abby Jimenez (/5 stars)
This is really cute, and there’s lots of charm sprinkled throughout, making it worth the high ratings and rave reviews. You know a book is good when it makes you imagine a different life path, which is what I did with the main character’s traveling nursing career.
There was more substance to this than most romance books (childhood trauma that leads to difficult adult parent-child relationships), which I appreciated, but enough levity to keep it from feeling heavy (loved the dating surveys). Definitely a sweet, fun summer beach read every 20- and 30-something will love.
Read it here.
Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy (4/5 stars)
A true summer beach read, it’s entertaining and fun even though it doesn’t reinvent the wheel. I really liked the characters, and especially loved the ambition and drive of the main character.
There’s a good balance of humor and spice and while I saw some complaints about the lack of an epilogue, the ending was solid enough to not need one.
Read it here.
contemporary fiction
Such a Good Family by Caitlin Weaver (5/5 stars)
From start to finish, the book holds your attention. It’s dramatic yet believable, and so well-done that it doesn’t rely on cheap, overdramatic twists. While I wouldn’t describe it as a coming-of-age novel, it does encompass “the in-between stage when you’re too young to fully understand the consequences of your choices, but old enough to be responsible for making life-altering decisions” (p. 344).
This is a perfect weekend read for those looking for a book with emotional depth, and would also be great for book club discussions. Telling the story from multiple POVs adds depth, yet it isn’t difficult to follow or differentiate between characters.
Read it here.
The Pelican Tide by Sharon J. Wishnow (5/5 stars)
This is a fictionalized account of the aftermath of the real-life Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and centers around a family and the hardships they face. The characters are real and imperfect, but you really root for them. I highly, highly recommend this book, and think it will resonate on some level with most.
Sometimes Kindle Unlimited books can feel a little unpolished, but this was essentially flawless. The author’s attention to detail is great; the main character is a chef, and the author went the extra mile to include recipes at the end, which I thought was fun.
Read it here.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah (5/5 stars)
You may know author Kristin Hannah from her popular books The Nightingale or The Women, but Night Road is underrated and one of the best books available with Kindle Unlimited.
This had me engrossed from start to finish; I was fully emotionally invested and couldn’t finish it fast enough. While the title/ book cover seems wintery, the main plot occurs in the summer just before high school graduation, so I think it’s worth reading before school starts up again as you won’t want to put it down.
Some of the themes are heavy, and it’s a slow burn, but the author captures the kaleidoscope of grief and the layers of complicated relationships so beautifully that you can’t help but lose yourself in the story. It’s a tearjerker in the best way, one of the top books I’ve read this year, and I can’t rave about it enough.
Read it here.
Olivia Strauss is Running out of Time by Angela Brown (3.5/5 stars)
As someone who loved the ‘hard work montage’ parts of movies as a kid, I find myself picking up a book about someone questioning their life’s purpose at least once a year without fail. The plot of this book isn’t unique, but it’s a nice, heartfelt book and will resonate with you if you’re a list-maker, planner, or perfectionist and I really like how it explored the balance between big dreams and the simplicity of daily life, as well as the complexities of grief.
That being said, the main character is not very likable. I think authors sometimes overemphasize flaws in the hopes of making their characters relatable, but they come across a little insufferable instead. Still, I prefer that over someone who is realistically polished. With stories like these, I want the main character to be normal, not someone living in a penthouse with an unlimited budget and everything figured out.
Read it here.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (3.5/5 stars)
I’d describe this as a “semi-sweet” novel. It’s heartfelt yet not too sad, and the detail transports you to Italy without slowing down the pace. It’s perfect for summer vacation, but will also make you think about your own life (as slow summers always lead me to do).
I didn’t love the fantasy element and I wished the main character explored her independence a little more (Eat Pray Love, if you will), but the themes of codependency, closure, and decision-making will really resonate with readers.
“There is more to life than just continuing to do what we know. What got you here won't get you there.” (p. 175)
Read it here.
thrillers
The Tenant by Freida McFadden (3.75/5 stars)
Freida McFadden’s books are hit or miss for me; I’ve read most of them, and have found that I love one and then hate the next release - it really feels like an on-off pattern. This isn’t her best, but definitely better than her last few. It felt more stressful than suspenseful, and it was interesting to see her write from a male's POV this time around.
Overall, the book is true to her formula: short chapters, multi-POV, and a last-minute twist. It’s also an easy read; I finished it in about 2 hours, so it’d be a great pick to read over the weekend.
Read it here.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera (5/5 stars)
This (thankfully) lives up to the hype. It’s an entertaining, twisty thriller with a hint of comedic relief, but it doesn’t feel cheesy. The mixed media format (podcast transcripts) makes it a breezy, fast-paced read and while the plot doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s executed well and is one of the more polished Kindle Unlimited reads.
You can maybe guess the ending, and I definitely tried to, but this is one of those books where it’s better to just enjoy things as they unfold. Perfect for a day at the beach, I see the popularity of this book growing all summer long.
Read it here.
Don’t Believe It by Charle Donlea (4/5 stars)
Charlie Donlea is one of my favorite thriller authors; he always delivers clever twists that aren’t cheesy and layered stories that are still easy-to-follow. You don’t quite know how all of the pieces will fit together, but every question is answered by the end.
The tropical location and July timeline makes this a timely summer thriller, and it has the darker elements we all love without feeling too heavy. It’s not my #1 favorite thriller of his, but I always prefer books like his when I’m traveling over something I’ll finish in an hour or two. The documentary element leans into society’s true-crime obsession without feeling gimmicky; I really enjoyed this.
Read it here.
Imaginary Strangers by Minka Kent (5/5 stars)
An incredible psychological thriller, this hooked me from the beginning, and I could not put it down. If you love psychological thrillers, you won’t want to skip this one. The plot explores a sociopathic mother who will do anything to protect her young kids; the sociopathy angle was well-researched and believable.
This was perfectly paced, and the author blew me away with how she crafted an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty throughout. I read a lot of thrillers, but this one definitely kept me guessing.
Read it here.
Friends with Secrets by Christine Gunderson (4/5 stars)
If you want a fun, more lighthearted thriller, this is for you. Even with a longer page count (400+ pages), it’s funny, conversational, and a little overdone at times. I loved that the author embraced the characters’ flaws, but it was exaggerated to the point where they felt like caricatures at times.
Reminiscent of A Simple Favor, the focal point is on friendship and motherhood, with a hint of mystery to carry the plot forward.
Read it here.
nonfiction
The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku (5/5 stars)
A must-read in my book. It’s shorter (around 200 pages), but I mention that purely to encourage you to read it this summer. The book touches on the power of perspective as well as the importance of education, work ethic, and friendship. Even if you’re familiar with the Holocaust and have heard other survivors speak, this book is worth reading and there’s so much we can all learn from Eddie Jaku.
“If you have the opportunity today, please go home and tell your mother how much you love her. Do this for your mother. And do it for your new friend, Eddie, who cannot tell it to his mother.” (p. 70)
“Here is what I learned. Happiness does not fall from the sky; it is in your hands. Happiness comes from inside yourself and from the people you love. And if you are healthy and happy, you are a millionaire.” (p. 154)
Read it here.
Finding Me by Viola Davis (5/5 stars)
This was captivating and I finished it in a day. You’re used to seeing Viola be a storyteller on the screen, but she’s equally as gifted at bringing her story to page, too. Side note, she narrates the audiobook herself and I wish I had listened to it, although the print experience was still incredible.
Themes include privilege, struggle, and self-discovery. From growing up in a large family to creating her own path as an actress, you get a first-hand look at the paths Viola has walked to recognize who she is in the moment - not in juxtaposition to her past or any limitations. It’s a heartfelt, brutally honest, brave memoir - definitely one of my favorites.
Read it here.
How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera (4/5 stars)
This book went viral not too long ago, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it included with Kindle Unlimited. Topics include attachment styles, the mind-body connection to stress, trauma bonds, boundaries, the four pillars of reparenting, ego consciousness and inner child work. Each chapter has different exercises to help you implement the information shared, more than I expected.
A friend referred to this as addressing “little t trauma” instead of “big T trauma” and I do think that fits. I recommend this if you’re a self-starter, as the examples and exercises are purposeful and well-written, but I don’t think it will be as beneficial if you have more intensive, layered trauma to work through.
Read it here.
Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly by Evy Poumpouras (5/5 stars)
If I had to rank it, I’d consider this the best, most impactful book I’ve read so far this year. Consider it a must-read, as it’s full of practical advice for protecting yourself, loved ones, and your home, as well tips to be able to read people better.
The tone of the book is empowering and emphasizes self-sufficiency and personal competence. Reading this will make you more confident in your ability to navigate different situations and environments, especially as a woman.
Read it here.
