If you’ve already binge-read the trilogy, you know the post-book sadness is real. You miss the smell of salt air and the sound of Cousins Beach. The good news? There’s a whole shelf of books that give you that same swoony, sun-drenched vibe. Think of them as your emotional summer playlist, but in print.
These stories aren’t just for teenagers. They’re for anyone who remembers the feeling of a first kiss under the stars, or the way a song can smash you back to a specific July afternoon. They remind us that growing up is messy, but it’s also lit up by golden light and the scent of coconut sunscreen.
The “Beach House” Vibe
Start with “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren. Imagine you’re stuck with your annoying brother’s best friend—the one who always stole your fries. Now imagine you win a free trip to Hawaii with him. It’s not exactly cousins’ beach house, but it has that same forced proximity and electric tension. You know, like when you have to share a blanket because the AC is too strong, and suddenly everything feels awkward in the best way.
For a more direct hit, try “Along for the Ride” by Sarah Dessen. This one is pure gold. It’s about a girl spending the summer with her dad and a new group of friends at a sleepy beach town. There’s a boy with a mysterious past, a late-night diner, and the feeling that this summer might just change everything. It’s like stealing a bike ride at sunset with someone who slowly becomes your favorite person.
Books like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty': Try these romances next
When the Love Triangle Hits Different
Let’s be honest: the love triangle in The Summer I Turned Pretty is a whole mood. If you crave that angst, pick up “The Love that Split the World” by Emily Henry. No, it’s not a typo. It’s about a girl who starts seeing visions of a mysterious boy, and they have a complicated, time-bending romance. It’s weird, it’s beautiful, and it makes you wonder if love can defy the universe itself.
Another gem is “The Unexpected Everything” by Morgan Matson. This one feels like a best friend telling you a story over iced coffee. The main character’s summer plan completely falls apart, and she ends up dog-sitting and falling for a boy who works at a coffee shop. It has that same sunny, bittersweet energy—the kind where you laugh and cry before you even finish the page.
