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5 summer reads you won't want to put down, according to a bestselling author

From a witty romance to a gripping true story, you'll want to add these picks to your summer reading list.

The official start of the summer months is finally here and while you're loading your beach tote with sunscreens and cover-ups, don't forget to throw in a thrilling new book to your packing list. With so many exciting new reads to catch up on, you may be wondering where to even start.

To help you sort through your summer reading list, bestselling author John Searles, whose latest novel is "Her Last Affair," stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to talk about what you should be reading for the beach season. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted romance or heart-wrenching memoir, Searles has a list of reads you won't want to put down. Plus a book recommendation that would make a perfect Father's Day gift.

Keep reading to see all five books you should add to your list this June.

Best summer romance read

"The Homewreckers," by Mary Kay Andrews

"This one has a good dose of colorful characters, a fun mystery and lots of details about home renovation for the HGTV set," says Searles. "Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want anything too deep for reading poolside or on the beach this summer, it is lighthearted and super fun."

In a synopsis shared by the publisher, widower Hattie Kavanaugh is a house-flipper determined to keep the family business alive. She takes on a new challenging project and fears the high-costs will be too much to handle. When a television producer shows up, her entire life changes. She's given a chance to star in a home renovation reality series, alongside a leading man that could possibly lead to a romance — or the opposite.

Best summer thriller read

"My Summer Darlings," by May Cobb

"It's about three women living in the same East Texas neighborhood, when a very handsome stranger moves onto their street, they all become very obsessed with him — and a wee bit competitive for his attention too," Searles said. "As it turns out, this guy has got a secret, well, lots of secrets. So what starts out as a playful page turner, ultimately turns into a twisty thriller about obsession and murder. Still it never gets too dark, at moments, is quite steamy — making it a perfect beach read."

Best book to give for Father's Day

"Freezing Order," by Bill Browder

This true story follows the murder of Browder's lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who was captured and beaten to death in a Moscow jail, and how the author exposes Russia's money-scheming campaign.

"He put aside his business career and made it his life’s mission to pursue justice for the man. His efforts uncover corruption schemes and more nefarious secrets, leading him to the top of Russia’s klepto-currency," Searles said. "A non-fiction book that reads like a thriller."

Best Pride Month read

"Punch Me Up To The Gods," by Brian Broome

"The remarkable memoir has just come out in paperback and wow what a read," Searles said. "Broom writes about what it is like to be gay as a Black man, and how that gets framed by societal constructs of masculinity and sexuality. The author keeps pivoting back to a moment when he found himself watching a father and son at a bus stop, juxtaposing moments of their interactions against memories of adolescence and adulthood."

What John Searles is reading

"Fellowship Point," by Alice Elliot Dark

Coming out in July and available for pre-order, the publisher shares that this novel follows a children's book author who is trying to secure her legacy, from finishing up her celebrated series to protecting a piece of coastal land. During this time, lifelong friendships are tested and secrets are revealed.

"It is very much an epic read, a book for readers who want to settle in for a story at a near whopping 600 pages by the author of one of my favorite short stories ever, “In the Gloaming," says Searles.

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