5 Unmissable Stories To Read This Summer

Whether you’re tanning on a beach towel, curled up during a lazy afternoon or sneaking in a few chapters before sunset, these five books are perfect companions for the summer holidays. From a chilling island mystery to a thorn-filled fantasy romance, these stories invite you to pause, unwind and let the magic of summer carry you somewhere new and exciting.

The Last Encore by Rebecca Heath

A REMOTE ISLAND. It’s been eighteen years since the accidental explosion that killed The Cedrics Band lead singer Jonny Rake, and a special documentary is bringing the rest of the band back to play together for the first time. With Jonny’s daughter, Monet, stepping into her father’s role, and a private island secured as the perfect reunion backdrop, it’s set to be a special occasion. A REUNION CONCERT. But everyone remembers what happened on that fatal night differently, and as questions are asked about the band’s rise and sudden tragic fall, not everyone likes the answers. Old wounds reopen and tempers flare… Then a body is found. A KILLER ON STAGE. They’re trapped on the island together until help arrives, but that might be too late. Because Jonny’s death wasn’t an accident, and someone wants revenge.

Buy a copy of The Last Encore here.

Seven Deadly Thorns by Amber Hamilton

Viola Sinclair has hidden her shadow magic her whole life. Discovery means certain death, for in the Kingdom of Aragoa dark magic is forbidden. When the Queen finds out Viola’s secret, she sends her royal assassin to kill her. He is given a cursed tattoo: seven thorns on his arm for the seven days he has to complete his deadly task. If he fails, he will be the one to die. The assassin is Roze Roquelart–entitled prince, arrogant fellow student at Vandenberghe Academy, and Viola’s mortal enemy. The chance to strike Viola down is at Roze’s fingertips. But he needs something from Viola. And he’s willing to spare her life to get it. Forced to work together, Viola and Roze uncover terrible secrets, sinister threats . . . and an irresistible attraction. Can they learn to trust each other in time to save themselves–and bring the light back to Aragoa? HER WORST ENEMY. HIS ONLY CHANCE.

Buy a copy of Seven Deadly Thorns here.

The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done by Clare Stephens

It’s an ordinary Tuesday morning when Ruby Williams’ name starts trending online. She’s uploaded an interview that has outraged journalist Felicity Cartwright, a social media personality who has built her profile by policing exactly what women are allowed to say and how they’re allowed to say it. Ruby is at the centre of a brutal public shaming, watching on in horror as her reputation is torn apart. At first Ruby thinks she can get on top of it if she can just explain herself better. But she soon realises she’ll never be able to placate the tsunami of strangers baying for her blood. The vitriol pouring in through her phone cracks open a visceral, personal shame from her past that she’s refused to face. Because the worst thing Ruby’s ever done is not defined by this interview, but by a single, chilling scream. With skilful empathy, Clare Stephens holds a mirror to online personas versus actual lives, exploring what is truly important in a noise-ridden world competing for our attention.

Buy a copy of The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done here.

Hidden Treasure by Jessie Burton

For the people who live on the banks of the Thames, the river is a living, breathing thing. It can take your treasures. It can hide your treasures. And, sometimes, it can give them back. Bo and Billy are two children who have never met. Billy is an orphan. Bo’s dad died when she was small and now her brother is off to war. Both children are poor, but they have each found half of a priceless treasure, given up by the river. A treasure which – when the pieces are reunited – holds the power to give back to one of them the most precious thing they have ever lost. But should the treasure be put back together again? And why has the river given it up now?

Buy a copy of Hidden Treasure here.

Twist of Fate by Karly Lane

At twenty-nine years old, single, living in a very small country town, and working in the same job she’s had since she left school, some would say Bel Buckley’s life is mediocre at best. But Bel is content and always escapes to her beloved romance novels whenever she feels a bit lonely. No matter how hopeless a situation seems, there’s always a hero to swoop in and save the day with a happily-ever-after at the end. Despite her best friend, Emma, trying to set her up with every eligible man in town, no one holds a light to Bel’s perfect hero: Jax Lexington. Bel owns every book in the outrageously romantic series and loves them. Emma is concerned about her obsession, but Bel knows the line between fantasy and reality . . . until the day Jax Lexington arrives in town. Her fictional hero is real – and he’s best man at her cousin’s wedding.