The Reading Lounge: A Summer Reading List from Pretty Little Bookshelf
Morgan Menzies (Pretty Little Bookshelf) is a Washington, D.C.-based literary enthusiast and community builder with a passion for bringing stories to life beyond the page. Through her platform, she’s cultivated a vibrant online and local community where book lovers connect through storytelling, shared experiences, and dynamic bookish events. In 2025, we collaborated with Morgan on a summer event series called The Reading Lounge. Read along with Morgan with a book list inspired by the series.
As your book bestie and someone who considers recommending books the ultimate act of friendship, I’m sharing these incredible books that I cannot stop talking about and need you to experience too. Consider this your official summer reading list, with a little something for both adult and young readers looking for a much-needed literary escape.
Romance
The Love Lyric, Kristina Forest
Romance series featuring sisters are the best, and The Greene Sisters may be my favorite trio. Iris is starting over after losing the love of her life, and The Love Lyric will have you pining and feeling all the feels.
Kristina Forest is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on July 27, 2025.
Sex, Lies and Sensibility, Nikki Payne
This book is a Jane Austen retelling filled with electric chemistry and witty banter that will have you laughing out loud. Nora’s whole life implodes when she finds out she’s her father’s secret child AND she inherited a random beach house in Maine. But Maine proves to be the getaway she needed to rediscover her purpose and meet a gorgeous man who may have Nora reconsidering her ideas on relationships.
Nikki Payne is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on July 27, 2025.
When Javi Dumped Mari, Mia Sosa
This book is the reason why I love the friends-to-lovers trope. Javi has been in love with Mari for ten years but has convinced himself he’s not good enough for her and Mari has moved on and refuses to look back. I mean, there’s never a good time to tell your best friend you’re in love with them, especially not when they’re about to marry someone else — but no time like the present, right?
Mia Sosa is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on July 27, 2025.
Only for the Week, Natasha Bishop
If you like your romances spicy and a little messy, then Only for the Week is for you! Janelle is the maid of honor in her sister’s wedding, and the groom is Janelle’s ex-boyfriend. To say I was immediately hooked is an understatement.
Natasha Bishop is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on July 27, 2025.
Back to School
The Gilded Ones, Namina Forna
I need to clear your schedule for the entire weekend because once you immerse yourself in this world there’s no going back. Deka thinks she’s cursed when her blood runs gold instead of red during her village’s ceremony, but it turns out she’s part of this incredible army of near-immortal girls who are the only ones who can save the empire.
Namina Forna is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on August 31, 2025.
Serwa Boateng’s Guide to Vampire Hunting, Roseanne A. Brown
Serwa is twelve years old and cooler than I will ever be. She’s a vampire slayer who gets stuck in suburban Maryland and has to pretend to be a “normal” kid — until vampires show up at her school. This captivating series is the perfect reminder that you’re never too old to enjoy middle grade books.
Roseanne A. Brown is a featured author at the Reading Lounge on August 31, 2025.
Wellness
How We Heal, Alexandra Elle
This book came into my life exactly when I needed it most. Alex Elle equips you with tools and practices you can use daily. She shares insights from her own journey alongside wisdom from other incredible voices to remind you community is key in your healing journey.
Alexandra Elle is a featured author at the Reading Lounge in September 2025.
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