It’s the end of summer which means one thing: If you haven’t found a beach read, it’s not too late.
Romance novelist Ana Huang stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY on Aug. 6 to share her recommendations.
Huang is the bestselling author of new adult fiction, including the “Twisted” series, which took off on TikTok in 2020.
Best Romance
“Love Arranged” by Lauren Asher
This is the third and final title in Lauren Asher’s Lakefront Billionaire Series. “Readers of past books will love seeing their old favorites, while new readers will instantly fall in love with this warm and accessible world,” she says.
“Lily and Lorenzo have incredible chemistry, and readers of the two past books will have already witnessed it teased earlier in the series. And the relationship at play in this book only builds on this chemistry — delivering a swoony, satisfying romance,” she says.
Best Book to Screen
“The Hunting Wives” by May Cobb
“The Hunting Wives,” currently a smash hit on Netflix, is based on a 2018 novel — with a different ending that will keep you guessing.
“This book is deliciously written, brilliantly paced and perfect for anyone who likes small-town scandals. The women in the book are both believable (who hasn’t crossed paths with a small-time queen bee?) and thoroughly entertaining, even when we know their choices will only lead to drama,” she says.
Best Thriller
“Coded Justice” by Stacey Abrams
The third book in Stacey Abrams’ Avery Keene series, Huang likens this novel to “Black Mirror,” but for political thrillers.
“Stacey Abrams is the queen of writing a strong female lead who is equal parts intelligent and relatable. Readers will admire and adore Avery in equal measure,” Huang says.
Best Romantasy
“Tusk Love” by Thea Guanzon
This novel started as a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired web series and morphed into a classic road trip novel set in a vivid fantasy world, Huang says.
“The world building is really fun, with great descriptions to really put the reader in the scene and help them escape to a charming fantasy realm,” Huang says. “The overall tone is a great mix of sweet and heartwarming with a healthy dose of spice and steamier moments.”
Best historical fiction
‘Typewriter Beach’ by Meg Waite Clayton
This is a character-driven novel flips back and forth between 1950s era Hollywood, where a blacklisted screenwriter and an actress hit it off, and the present day, where his granddaughter learns more about who he really was.
“The dual timeline works so well in the story, giving texture, historical context, and a fascinating family mystery that is begging to be unraveled. The research is well done as well, but it doesn’t overwhelm the story, which shines in the emotional, atmospheric writing,” Huang says.
“Readers are treated to cinematic writing and a beautiful, deep love story,” Huang continues.
About The Author
