10 fast and easy books to read even when you don’t have a ton of me time

Reading can be the ideal escape—book in one hand, coffee in the other…snuggled up with your favorite blanket or stretched out in the sun on the porch! Sounds like the ideal day, right? Even if that sounds like the biggest luxury, it’s important to carve out some me time.

I can only speak for myself, but sometimes (okay, most of the time), I’m craving an easy read that’s fun and low commitment. You know, something that lets me turn off my mind and dive into the pages of the novel for a couple hours of my day, or, something light to offset the last, heavier book I just read.

If you agree with that and are looking for a quick, page-turner to pick up, I have the perfect list of 10 books to add to your virtual shopping cart. This list is tried and true, and includes everything from romcoms, mysteries, actions and thrillers—so no matter what your book craving is, it has you covered!

1. The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger

This book is sports fiction meets fun, sexy romp. It follows Charlie, a reserved tennis pro who’s thrust into the Hollywood spotlight by her new, tough-as-nails and accolade-chasing coach. Through the novel we see Charlie make gossip headlines and win tennis matches, but also fall into romantic entanglements as she experiences the glam of the celebrity lifestyle for the first time in her life. There’s something incredibly captivating and fresh about the plot, and the way the novel explores Charlie’s new found relationship with fame.

2. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

The Worst Best Man dives into the crazy and entertaining life of Lina, a wedding planner who was left at the altar. Shortly after that seriously devastating moment, Lina ends up working with her ex-fiancé’s brother (who, by the way, would have been best man at her wedding!). It’s a serendipitously ironic premise, and it perfectly balances sweetness, humor, flirtiness, and wit. You won’t be disappointed by this classic enemies-turned-lovers storyline.

3. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum loses her car, her job, and can barely figure out how to make her upcoming rent payment. She’s desperate, and the only thing this sassy and energetic gal can think to do is become…a bounty hunter! For her first case, she decides to go after a deviant man who wronged her in the past, chasing not only a big payday but also her dignity and pride with a vengeance that you’re sure to smile at. Stephanie’s adventures in this light mystery will keep you captivated from cover-to-cover, and she’s sure to make you chuckle with her larger-than-life and quick-witted personality.

4. All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klehfoth

Years after her Mom mysteriously vanished, Charlie goes off to an elite and Gossip Girl-esque private school called Knollwood in New England. Charlie is still struggling with the collateral emotional damage she faced when her Mom disappeared, so in an effort to engage in something new she throws herself into Knollwood’s most popular crowd of students. This group—the A’s—is up to no good. They torment faculty, wreak havoc around the school, and force Charlie to go through a brutal initiation to prove herself. This novel is a gripping but topical thriller mystery, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

5. The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Despite not caring for glitz, glam, or fortune, Bex finds herself in love with Great Britain’s heir to the throne, Prince Nicolas. The Royal We explores Bex and Nick’s steamy relationship, Bex’s foray into high-society, and her struggle between longing for her old, normal partisan life versus this new one in the spotlight. If this sounds anything like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, you’re right—it definitely resembles that and wraps it into an entertaining plot with mischievous family members, glamorous trips and of course, messy romance.

6. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

This novel is classic workplace-enemies-turned-lovers. It follows Lucy, an ambitious good girl who truly believes hard work and a charming, likable personality will get her up the corporate ladder. Then we meet her coworker Josh, the only person in the office who Lucy doesn’t get along with. The twist? They’re both chasing the same promotion. As the book unveils you see their relationship change from fiery passionate hate to…fiery passionate adoration. The humor in The Hating Game is spot on, it’s flirty at all the right times, and it’s gripping from end to end.

7. How to Hack a Heartbreak by Kristin Rockaway

How to Hack a Heartbreak is about Mel, a hard-working girl who happens to be going through the turmoils of modern dating while simultaneously working at a male-dominated company. Needless to say, she’s surrounded by jerks. Between bad dates and being sent inappropriate photos by these men, Mel picks herself up and uses her technical genius to anonymously build an app called JerkAlert. JerkAlert’s an instant success, which makes Mel proud, but she’s now faced with the tough dilemma of telling her coworker and kinda boyfriend, Alex, whether she’s the founder of the viral app or not. This novel wraps tech, romance, comedy, and workplace relationships into a bundle of joy, laughs and sweetness, making for a light, easy read.

8. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a heartwarming novel set in Africa with a female protagonist you’ll want as your BFF, older sister, mentor, and aunt…yes, she’s that lovable and wise! Precious Ramotswe sets up the only—but best—female-run detective agency in Botswana after she’s asked to track down a lady’s missing husband. That initial case turns into her being hired for another, and another, and another…and soon enough, we’re following Mme. Ramotswe’s journey as she solves tougher and tougher cases. The best part? If you enjoy this novel, there’s 20 more in this easy-to-consume mystery series.

9. Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm

Where are my reality TV fans? This novel is for you! Dylan has spent her entire life feeling overshadowed by the ultimate it-girl in town…who happens to be her older sister, Dusty. And in true Dusty fashion, she competes in a Bachelor-type reality show and wins (duh). The prize is having her hand in marriage to a soon-to-be Scottish laird, which means the entire family must attend a wedding in Scotland that will be filmed. The trip brings tons of funny and entertaining moments, including family squabbles and a charming groomsman who may just be Dylan’s type (wink, wink!). Prince in Disguise is sure to make you smile from cover-to-cover with its quirky anecdotes, charismatic characters, and whimsical rom-com spirit.

10. The Three-Day Affair by Michael Kardos

This crime thriller is about three old college buddies who get themselves into a scary life or death situation after one of the trio forces the others to commit a robbery and kidnap a girl. The trio hides out at a recording studio and has a fourth friend, a lawyer, join them, and the novel takes a dive into the three days they’re given to make choices that’ll dictate their future. The Three-Day Affair isn’t just a well-written and fast-paced novel, it’s also one that’ll hook you from page one and keep you reading until you’re done.