Not everyone can book a flight to the Mediterranean each Aussie winter, so why not travel the world from the comfort of your own couch instead?

Whether you’re craving a flirty holiday romance, a gripping thriller to keep you turning pages by the pool, or a sweeping literary escape that captures the feeling of a long summer afternoon, we’ve curated the ultimate European summer reading guide, so that you don't feel too left out for not being there.

From sun-soaked coastlines to mysterious seaside towns, these are the books to pack for your next holiday, real or imaginary. 

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Flirty Holiday Romances: Romantic Summer Reads to Fall For

Nothing says summer quite like a little romance. These feel-good holiday reads are packed with missed connections, second chances and unexpected sparks, perfect for lazy afternoons, beach days and escaping somewhere new.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

When Sasha accidentally emails her entire company searching for the mysterious man she met on a flight to Paris, her missed connection becomes a globe-spanning search for love.

Eat Your Heart Out by Victoria Brownlee

An Australian food writer travels to the French Riviera for the opportunity of a lifetime, only to find herself caught between fierce competition and an unexpected romance.

So, I Met This Guy... by Alexandra Potter

After a charming conman steals her savings and disappears across Europe, one woman sets off on a cross-country chase that becomes an unforgettable journey of friendship, healing and self-discovery.

The Shippers by Katherine Center

When JoJo reunites with her childhood best friend on a destination wedding cruise, a plan to win back her first crush unexpectedly turns into a second chance at love.

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Gripping Poolside Thrillers: Suspenseful Summer Reads

For readers who like their summer escapes with a little more suspense, these twisty thrillers bring secrets, danger and plenty of page-turning tension.

The Writers Retreat by Victoria Brownlee

When a struggling Australian author joins a writers’ retreat in the South of France, she soon discovers the creative haven she hoped would save her may be hiding deadly secrets.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

A chance encounter with a mysterious man sets off a dangerous chain of events in this atmospheric thriller about obsession, secrets and the stories we tell ourselves.

The Drowning by Fiona Lowe

A summer escape turns sinister when hidden truths begin to surface, forcing one woman to question who she can trust and what really happened.

My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

When a woman returns home to find a stranger living her life, a chilling psychological thriller of identity, obsession and revenge begins.

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Sweeping Beachside Literary Escapes: Summer Books That Stay With You

Some books are made for slow, distraction-free reading by the glistening ocean. These emotional, character-driven stories explore friendship, love, identity and the moments that shape us.

My Friends by Fredrik Backman

A mysterious painting leads an artist on a journey to uncover the story of four teenagers whose summer friendship, heartbreak and dreams created a legacy that would last decades.

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

When a writer arrives in a charming seaside town and falls for a complicated romance, she’s swept into a summer of friendship, secrets and scandal.

Enough by Dawn French

A moving story of self-discovery and unexpected connection, exploring what happens when we finally decide what truly matters.

Loved One by Aisha Muharrar

After losing her first love and lifelong friend, Julia embarks on a journey around the world that forces her to confront the memories, secrets and people he left behind.

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European Summer Essentials: Books to Pair With Your Holiday

Every great summer read deserves the perfect setting. Whether you’re travelling overseas or creating your own Euro Summer at home, these books pair beautifully with a cold drink, sunshine and a little imagination.

Zoncello Limoncello Spritz

Noot Watermelon Marg 

Nuts About Peanuts

Bellina 

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Pack Your Bags, Pick a Book

Build Your Own Booxie

You might not be boarding a flight to Europe this summer, but the right book can take you there.

From romantic escapes and Mediterranean adventures to thrilling mysteries and unforgettable friendships, these summer reads are your ticket to somewhere new.

Browse our curated collection of books and create your own European escape, one page, one sip or one nibble at a time.