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Barnes & Noble Summer List: My Picks + Opinions
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items Barnes & Noble dropped their summer reading picks, so naturally I went scrolling. Here’s a curated lineup of what caught my attention — from swoony romances and twisty thrillers to nonfiction deep-dives and underrated gems. I added my quick thoug...
Sections
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Summer Romance Reads
Nonfiction & History Vibes
Suspense & Thrillers
BookTok Favorites
Travel, Mystery & Drama
Niche & Quirky Picks
Summer Romance Reads
These are giving iced lattes, sundresses, and meet-cutes at the farmers market. If you’re craving something sweet, swoony, and serotonin-boosting, start here.
Back to Barry’s Bay we go! If you loved Every Summer After, this feels like the perfect beachy second-chance read to throw in your tote.
One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune
I’m just here for another Abby Jimenez book to wreck me in the best way. This B&N edition is exclusive — and you know I couldn’t resist.
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Oh this one looks so stinking cute!
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
A lighthearted romance with adorable awkwardness and bright summer vibes—think sunshine, banter, and all the feels.
Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
It’s Kennedy Ryan, so I already know I’ll cry. This romance looks powerful, sexy, and deeply emotional — exactly what I expect from her.
Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
I need to know what happened that summer to shape them (for better or worse)!
The Summer That Shaped Us by Lori Wilde
Nonfiction & History Vibes
Not my usual genre, but these titles had something that caught my eye — whether it’s bigfoot lore or sugar empires, these are the deep-dive reads that feel worth the detour.
Do I believe in Bigfoot? Yes. Will I be reading this book while camping? Also yes.
The Secret History of Bigfoot by John O'Connor
This true-crime meets high-seas adventure is rich in historical intrigue and danger—perfect for fans of nonfiction with epic storytelling.
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
Lately I've been on a weird kick with history books and this might be the next audiobook I listen to while quilting this summer!
The World of Sugar by Ulbe Bosma
Suspense & Thrillers
For when you're in the mood to gasp, spiral, and stay up way past your bedtime. Twists, creepy vibes, and morally questionable characters ahead.
Read this one when it first came out and I wasn't impressed… Go check out my review on YouTube because I was quite upset…
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
THIS ONE looks so spooky! Ugh I want to read it immediately!
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Based purely on the vibes from the cover says that when I read this one I will be hiding under my covers!
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
BookTok Favorites
The internet is obsessed — and I’m curious enough to find out if the hype is real. These are the buzzy, viral books that made me pause my scroll.
Loved this book because it gave urban getaway energy, full of romance and self-discovery set against a city backdrop I totally want to visit.
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Emily Henry’s signature warmth and wit shine again here—I laughed, I almost cried, and yes, it’s definitely the cozy read I needed.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
This has been on my TBR for a while now and people are really mixed about it. Either they love it or they could've passed.
Lightlark by Alex Aster
Travel, Mystery & Drama
A little bit dramatic, a little bit messy — and always intriguing. These stories feature movement, mayhem, and the kind of characters you want to eavesdrop on.
This one gives messy millennial energy in the best possible way. If you love sharp writing, complicated women, and a splash of chaos, this is for you.
Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
A multi-generational drama rich in family secrets and Mediterranean atmosphere—great for readers who love character-driven sagas.
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
On my TBR because who doesn't enjoy solving a mystery while on vacay!
Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
Niche & Quirky Picks
Sometimes the random ones are the best. This section is for books that stood out for being weird, whimsical, or completely different from my usual picks.
This one sounds like cowboys (love), romance (obsessed), and movie magic (give me the vibes)!
Love, Canter, Action by Kate Gilbert
Haven't read anything by him, but I've heard great things!
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Short fantasy with folklore vibes and lyrical writing—like drinking tea with a fairy tale.
The Sun Blessed Prince by Lindsey Byrd