June kicked off in a wave of activity. We're making sure you have everything you need to start your Summer of reading. So take a stroll through our summary to make sure you didn't miss a thing. 

Ride off with a western romance. Immerse yourself in a simmering sporting scandal. Discover moving memoirs and empowering non-fiction. Grab electrifying, entertaining debuts. Whatever you pick, shop knowing your money goes directly to getting more books into schools. 

LoveReading's June Genre Picks of the Month

Hot weather, cold drinks, and a genuinely gripping book. June's genre picks deliver on at least one of those. From inventive techno-thrillers to subtly powerful literary treasures, this month's selection covers every reading mood. Whether you're horizontal on a sun lounger or making the most of a British Summer from the sofa, you're sorted.

Our Sci-Fi / Fantasy Pick of the Month

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver - "Taking in the climate crisis, pertinent issues around AI, and global political corruption, this inventive techno-thriller blends apocalyptic future-world context with murder mystery intrigue."

Our Literary Pick of the Month

Other People's Lives by Kathleen MacMahon - "Exploring midlife shifts and female friendship through a duo of lifelong friends, this character-driven novel is a subtly powerful literary treasure."

Our Crime / Thriller Pick of the Month

Scandal by Kelly Mancaruso, Kristina Mancaruso - "A simmering scandal in the world of football, shocking secrets and a final whistle you’ll never see coming - strap yourself in for one hell of a match."

Our Romance Pick of the Month

Fever Dream by Elsie Silver - "With romance at the core of its wildly beating heart, this relationship tale is set on a reality dating show called Romance Ranch."

LoveReading's June 2026 Fiction Books of the Month

If your Summer reading list needs filling, June's fiction picks are an excellent place to start. We've got compelling historical action, vividly immersive speculative fiction, heartwarming family stories and more. Something for every kind of reader and every kind of Summer. Come for one recommendation. Leave with several - and a boost for schools. 

The Subtle Pleasures of Indiscretion by Alexander McCall Smith - "This thoughtfully observed contemporary Scottish novel explores kindness, morality and human relationships with its beautifully strong female lead attempting to solve the problems life can throw at us."

Bane of Bernicia by Matthew Harffy - "This compelling novel thunders through difficult missions, full-on battles, and the twists and turns for political survival in Anglo-Saxon Bernicia."

The Sisters of Hope Square by Faith Hogan - "This heartwarming novel set on an island off the Atlantic Coast in Ireland, gives hope that it is never too late to learn how to greet and live life again."

A Flood of Memories by Nadia Mikail - "A richly layered exploration of the realities of climate change, and the complexities of confronting family secrets and adolescent trauma."

The Tomorrow Project by H. Critchlow - "A vividly immersive slice of speculative fiction where children are removed to secret locations by the Government in a bid to prevent a deadly virus from wiping out the world."

LoveReading's June 2026 Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Great non-fiction doesn't care what season it is, it just demands to be read. June's picks are exactly that: a call to arms, heartfelt memoirs, and inspiring and empowering reads. Whether you're poolside or on the commute, these books will make the time disappear.

A British Childhood by Frank Cottrell Boyce - "Part memoir, part social history, part manifesto, this is the story of our children today. Infused with the warmth, humour and humanity of one of our most treasured storytellers, this is a call to arms."

Land Beneath the Waves by Nic Wilson - "A searingly honest and heartfelt memoir about living with a chronic illness and how mental and physical health can be affected by the natural world around us."

Namaste Motherf*ckers by Cally Beaton - "A witty, empowering and timely reminder that some of the most rewarding adventures begin when we decide we're far from finished."

Aura Power by Sushma Sagar - "Warmly inspiring and full of interesting and helpful information, this book focuses on the energy that surrounds us, and gently introduces awareness and connection to our auras."

Ninety-Six Hours by Christine Dawood - "Written by the widow and mother of two Titan submersible victims, this moving memoir is at once a stirring story of love, and an inspirational account of resilience."

Wild at Heart by Jules Hudson - "A beautifully warm and inviting memoir that tells of a fascinating life with history, nature, friends and family at its welcoming heart."

NEXT: Leading Through the New Realities by Alain Bejjani - "This is not leadership in theory. This is leadership as it is actually practised – in volatile markets, across cultures, under pressure, in real time."

LoveReading's June 2026 Debuts of the Month

New season, new names to know. This month's debuts are thoughtful, all consuming, electrifying and hilarious. New names, but not for long. Place your order and you'll be introducing more books to young readers too. 

The Wildness by Anne Keer - "Thoughtful and powerful, this beautiful historical novel carries our natural world at its heart as it examines the brutal reshaping of a gentleman’s parkland from a woman’s perspective."

Boy Friends by Kai Spellmeier - "Soulmates, secrets, and all-consuming love, this multi-layered LBGTQ+ romance is a paradigm of page-turning “will they, won’t they?” YA fiction."

A Strange Way to Die by Rosamund Pearl, George Bamford - "With its protagonist conjured from a James Bond liaison, this high-energy espionage thriller whisks readers on an electrifying ride in a glamorous gunmetal Bentley."

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn - "Fans of Georgia Nicolson and Bridget Jones, meet Patch Simmons – a dramatic gay teenager who stars in one of the funniest novels I’ve ever read."

LoveReading's June 2026 Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month

June has been filled with long days and great fiction. Our Editorial Expert Liz Robinson has had the difficult task of choosing her particular favourites from amongst this month's contenders. The result? Some enchanting, exquisite, compelling and provocative recommendations for your Summer list. Read her reviews below, add to your basket at the bottom of the page and support UK schools with your Summer purchases. 

Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer - "This enchanting and whimsical literary novel contains themes of friendship, love, and understanding-of-self as it explores Tuscany, coming-of-age and aging with a knowing yet empathetic pen."

An Unlikely Visitor by Joanna Cannon - "Just gorgeous! This exquisitely written and beautifully balanced story dwells within grief and loss yet keeps company with gentle humour and an abundance of hope."

Two Sisters by Laura Dockrill - "This beautifully entertaining and poignant novel detailing the lows and highs of life for two sisters hits all the right notes."

Maiden by Georgia Leighton - "Appealing to those who love feminist fantasy, this retelling of the myth of George and the Dragon sees three women turning on the centuries old tradition of sacrificing a maiden to the Great Dragon."

Uprising by Tahmima Anam - "Provocative yet thoughtful and empathetic, this short emotionally intelligent novel about a small island of sex workers is incredibly powerful."

I Want You to Be Happy by Jem Calder - "A compelling dive into the pain of a modern dating relationship, this is uncomfortable, unsettling, and absolutely fascinating."

LoveReading's June 2026 Star Books

If you only read a handful of books this Summer, make it some of these. June's Star Books are the titles that genuinely stopped our team. The reads that delivered on every level - and then some. These come with our strongest recommendation, for what is shaping up to be a very good reading season.