As an avid reader I look forward to taking advantage of my extra free time in the summers to catch up on books that I have been dying to read. With college comes so many other distractions and I often find myself lacking in the area of pleasurable reading. Below I have provided you all with a list of some of the books that I have either read (and loved) or plan on reading this summer! I hope a few of these books spark your interest and will end up on your to-be-read list for the summer!!

1. "The Selection" series by Keira Cass

This book series obviously had to be at the beginning of the list because it by far the most phenomenal book series I have ever read! "The Selection" series mixes romance and action to create the perfect plot line. The novel is set in a country by the name of "Illéa" that is divided into a caste system that is ruled by the King and Queen. Maxon, the prince, is required to hold a selection that consists of 35 potential brides that he must choose from. The main character, America, is chosen to be a part of this process. Though against her will, she decided to take a trip to the palace in order to help her family. The first three books take you on a journey through America's time at the palace as her heart pulls her in many directions. During this time, there are also many action thrilling scenes that will make your heart pound!

2. "The Wrath and The Dawn" by Renée Ahdieh

Next up we have "The Wrath and The Dawn" by Renée Ahdieh which is another one of my favorites. This book is set in northeast Persia and allows you to learn the intriguing story of a boy-king, Khalid. Khalid has somehow managed to kill each of his wives the morning after they’ve married. Shahrzad, the next in line for marriage, wishes to seek revenge on Khalid for killing her best friend. After marrying the king and managing to stay alive night after night, she finds herself slowing falling in love with a murderer. Can the love she has for him defeat the hatred Shahrzad holds for the acts committed by the man she loves? This book holds the story of mystery, murder, and love to create an intriguing twist on the everyday romance novel.

3. "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks

This next one is a great read when you're at the beach or around the pool. The novel's main character, Erin, finds herself in Southport, North Carolina after running away from her abusive husband. To protect herself, she changes her name and identity and attempts to begin a new life. She starts to have feelings for one of Southport's townies and is introduced to a very friendly neighbor. Erin, now called Katie, finds herself living her days in fear that her husband will find her. This book takes you through Erin's whirlwind of a life! It is the perfect book to read with your toes in the sand.

4. "The Summer I Turned Pretty" series by Jenny Han

This series is another one that is perfect for by the pool or on any vacation! These books are definitely an easy read for anyone to enjoy! The series is centered around summers at a lovely beach house. For Belly, the summer means being with her mom, brother, best friends, and her crush Conrad. The summer to come will include new and terrifying things. As everyone is growing up, will Belly still be able to hold onto the relationships she cherishes the most?

5. "Passenger" by Alexandra Bracken

These next two books are ones that are on my to-be-read list for this summer! I am excited to read "Passenger" because it sounds like nothing I've ever read before. This novel follows Etta Spencer, a violin prodigy, that gets in a terrible accident. After this unfortunate situation, Etta has a unique violin performance that causes her to go back in time to 1776. The master of a privateering ship, Nicholas Carter, has been instructed to deliver Etta to a powerful family of the Colonies in order for her and the master to be able to return to their time period. Will the two be able to find their way back home, or will they be stuck in 1776 for the rest of their existence?

6. "Tiger Lily" by Jodi Lynn Anderson

If you enjoy retellings of fairy tales you will definitely enjoy this novel. Set in the enchanting Neverland, "Tiger Lily" gets her name from the beautiful flower. As a young girl she excels in running and archery, both of which she could beat any boy at. Because of this, no boy has any interest in her. She eventually finds herself falling for Peter Pan. Pick up this novel if you want to find out what comes of this love affair!