The Anti-Smut Summer Reading List

I’ll never forget how sidelined and betrayed I felt when I was a teenager and picked up Ransom My Heart by Mia Thermopolis—yes, you read that right, the fictional princess in Meg Cabot’s bestselling The Princess Diaries series got a book deal.

I thought it was ingenious that Cabot would ghostwrite a book written by her most popular character, and I was excited to read what I thought would be a fun, overly dramatic historical romance. But only a few pages in and after one uncomfortably vivid scene that I did my best to overlook, I was hit with my first oral sex scene in a book. 

This leads me to always ask why books don’t have ratings like movies do. If I had any idea that this book—marketed in the young adult genre—would be erotica, I never would have picked it up. 

Escapism Vs. Erotica

Let’s face it—walking through today’s fiction section can feel like navigating a moral minefield. The covers alone sometimes feel too provocative to even look at in public, but more often than not it’s what’s inside those seemingly innocent cute book jackets that have us squirming. 

Too many popular summer reads blur the lines between escapism and erotica, offering stories that may be entertaining but leave readers feeling empty—or worse, compromised. If you’re a woman who values substance over scandal, beauty over explicitness, and strong characters over steamy clichés, you’re not alone. And thankfully, these recent releases deliver.

The following 10 books prove that modern storytelling doesn’t have to sacrifice depth, romance, or emotional resonance to sell copies. From sweeping historical novels to poignant contemporary journeys of hope and faith, these stories inspire without preaching, challenge without corrupting, and provide an affirming alternative to the typical beach read.

Whether you’re curled up on a hammock, packing a tote for vacation, or leading your book club this summer, these picks will give you something worth reading—and something worth remembering.

1. The London Seance Society by Sarah Penner (2024)

Genre: Gothic Mystery | Setting: 19th Century London

For fans of atmospheric historical fiction, this gothic mystery blends intrigue with themes of female empowerment and moral courage. A young woman navigates the dark world of seances and secrets while uncovering a deeper strength within herself. Suspenseful, elegant, and rich in character, this is a mystery that respects your values as much as your intelligence.

2. The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer (2024)

Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Theme: Hope & Healing

A heartfelt and whimsical story about a group of people competing in a mysterious game to win the life they’ve always dreamed of. Shaffer weaves a tale of loyalty, kindness, and second chances. It's charming without being cheesy, touching without being manipulative—and refreshingly free of moral compromise.

3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (2025)

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction

Sunrise on the Reaping is the fifth installment in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series, released earlier this year. This prequel delves into the harrowing experience of 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell, where double the usual number of tributes are selected. Themes of political manipulation, propaganda, and societal control under a totalitarian regime are central to the narrative. A film adaptation is already scheduled for release on November 20, 2026.

4. Silent as the Grave: A Molly Murphy Mystery by Rhys Bowen (2024)

Genre: Historical Mystery | Setting: Early 1900s New York

Rhys Bowen returns with another elegant entry in her beloved Molly Murphy series, blending period charm with clever sleuthing. With a brave, intelligent heroine navigating the social tensions of turn-of-the-century New York, this mystery delivers suspense without sensationalism. It’s a thoughtful, clean read that values courage, conscience, and a well-earned resolution.

5. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2024 Edition) by Rachel Joyce

Genre: Contemporary Fiction | Theme: Redemption & Reflection

This newly released edition of Joyce’s beloved novel captures a man’s emotional pilgrimage across England to make amends for a long-lost friend. Themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and quiet transformation make this a contemplative yet hopeful read—ideal for women who crave emotional honesty over melodrama.

6. The Women by Kristin Hannah (2024)

Genre: Historical fiction | Setting: Vietnam War 1965

The Women follows Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a young nurse who enlists in the Vietnam War. Confronting the horrors of combat and the challenges of returning to a divided America, Frankie’s journey highlights the overlooked sacrifices of women veterans.

7. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (2025)

Genre: Psychological thriller, contemporary drama

A missing child case exposes hidden family secrets and deep social divides in the Adirondacks. This tense, atmospheric novel explores trauma, resilience, and complex relationships, inviting readers to face difficult truths. This book has also racked up tons of rave reviews and awards, and it’s worth the hype. But a heads up: while it addresses sexual assault and domestic abuse with sensitivity with an emphasis on healing and survival, descriptions can be unsettling.

8. To Crown With Liberty by Karen Ullo (2024)

Genre: Historical romance, drama | Setting: Louisiana and France, Late 1700s

In 1795 Louisiana, a former lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette flees revolutionary France, trading a palace for the untamed swamps of a new world. This haunting, elegant tale explores the quiet power of tradition, the cost of survival, and the enduring strength found in grace, loyalty, and the boundaries that shape true freedom.

9. Chasing Beauty: The Life of Isabella Stuart Gardner by Natalie Dykstra (2024)

Genre: Biography | Art meets Boston Brahmin | Late 1800s

Who says a biography can’t be a beach read? Chasing Beauty tells the fascinating story of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a pioneering art collector who created Boston’s iconic museum. Navigating personal loss and societal misunderstanding, she crafted a unique legacy through her exquisite collection, blending grief, creativity, and resilience into a vibrant celebration of beauty and American originality. Her bold independence and passion for art inspire modern readers to pursue their own visions fearlessly and redefine success on their terms.

10. The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter (2025)

Genre: Contemporary romance

Maggie Reynolds returns to Seabrook, ready to move on from her late husband’s memory. When a mysterious stranger resembling him appears, old wounds and new feelings collide. Amid family ties and unexpected romance, Maggie’s journey explores healing, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace uncertain futures with hope and heart. This story highlights resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love and second chances in life’s summer moments.