Life • 05/22/2025
The Best BookTok Books to Read This Summer
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Your summer plans will be amazing, but if you love nothing more than curling up with a book, you’re likely looking for your next read. Don’t miss out on the best BookTok books taking over the internet right now. You’ll have fun in any of the genres because each novel captivates readers between summer camps, beach vacations and poolside cookouts.
1. The Mystery Guest
Cozy mysteries are overcoming book sales drops because they’re such entertaining reads. “The Mystery Guest” is no different. When Molly Gray finally achieves the job of Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, a famous mystery author dies on the property. She must unravel her history with the man while her arch-nemesis investigates the murder. Secrets practically leap off the page of this page-turning novel.
2. Fourth Wing
Rebecca Yarros quickly rose to the status of a legendary romantasy author with “Fourth Wing.” BookTok can’t stop raving about the first novel in the “Empyrean” series, thanks to the spicy enemies-to-lovers romance between Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson. This world has dragons, magic academies and a complicated world history that isn’t what it seems. Anyone looking for a multi-book, unfinished series should crack open a “Fourth Wing” copy this summer.
3. Iron Widow
A list of great summer books wouldn’t feel complete without “Iron Widow.” The fantasy series features Zetian, an Iron Widow who kills men to power the robot Chrysalises her people use to fight robots beyond the wall surrounding her city. When she teams up with Li Shimin to hone the mental strength required to fly Chrysalisis, Zetian starts uncovering why the machines require women to sacrifice themselves to achieve flight. If you want to read something empowering while exploring the world alone this summer, “Iron Widow” could be your next favorite read.
4. Powerless
Calling all “Hunger Games” fans — if you’ve missed arena death matches and class warfare, “Powerless” should be the next novel in your hands. Paedyn is a powerless Ordinary who accidentally steals from Prince Kai, pulling them both into the Purging Trials. She must hide the fact that she has no powers among contestants with Elite abilities, which becomes difficult when Prince Kai wakes up feelings she never thought she’d have.
5. Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry might be the queen of summer romance books. In her latest novel, “Great Big Beautiful Life,” two authors compete to write the life story of a legendary woman from one of the nation’s most scandalous families. While the woman toys with them during a month on Little Crescent Island, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson realize they might care more about each other than they thought when they arrived. Even if you’re reading this novel on a beautiful Philippine beach, the romance will warm you right down to your toes.
6. Hearts Still Beating
The next incredible sapphic, post-apocalyptic novel is here. “Hearts Still Beating” follows Mara and Rory as they navigate a virus-infected world inspired by “The Last of Us.” Mara survived an infection, but has to live with Rory during her recovery. The two shared a kiss before the world ended, so they spend the novel exploring the deep love they’ve always shared between fighting monsters and the people they thought had their backs.
7. Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Chaotic good is the driving force behind “Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute.” Bradley Graeme is a high school football player with OCD who’s easily distracted by his ex-friend, Celine Bangura. Celine moves fast, posting new conspiracy theories for her big social media following and wondering why her popularity doesn’t translate to her cafeteria. The two battle in an academic rivalry that’s a fast page-turner, especially when they have to compete in a survival course that changes their lives forever.
8. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
Calling all fans of “Mexican Gothic” — Silvia Moreno-Garcia is back with a new historical drama. “The Daughter of Doctor Moreau” is one of the best summer books because it creatively blends a vivid historical setting of 19th-century Mexico with science fiction creatures. When Eduardo Lizalde arrives with all his charm and wit, Carlota Moreau discovers that her father has been keeping more secrets than she thought.
Dive Into the Hottest Summer Books
BookTok never fails, especially when people start looking for summer reading lists. Jump into any of these novels to experience passionate love, thrilling mysteries and drama that makes your heart stop. You might not even be able to put your books down for late-night s’mores or firework shows.
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Author
Cora Gold
Cora's passion is to inspire others to live a happy, healthful, mindful life – by wholeheartedly convincing them that everyday moments are worth celebrating. Cora has spent 5+ years writing for numerous lifestyle sites - hence her sincere love for both life and the beauty of style in all things.
