The Romance Books Jenna Bush Hager Wants You To Throw In Your Summer 2026 Beach Bag

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Jenna Bush Hager has mastered the art of book recommendations, and she has some specific suggestions for summer 2026, based on her own favorite novels. "Abby Offsides," written by Anna McCallie, is Bush Hager's must-read of the season. But as any book lover knows, one is never enough, and this delightful novel reminded Bush Hager of other books she loved. "If you're into 'Off-Campus' or 'Heated Rivalry' like I am — 44-year-old mother of three — 'Abby Offsides' is gonna scratch some itches, if you know what I mean," Bush Hager told People in June 2026. 

Bush Hager also raved about Emma Brodie's "Into the Blue," an April 2026 Reese's Book Club pick, citing it as a fabulous beach read. When it comes to understanding what, exactly, qualifies as a beach read, the Read With Jenna book club founder offered some clarification. "Well, a beach read to me is just anything you're obsessed with on the beach," Bush Hager explained. Hey, she's the expert. In fact, there are several quality beach reads that prove a summer book can still cut deep, so just because a novel's great on the beach doesn't mean it's all fluff. And Bush Hager is sure to guide readers in the right direction.

Jenna Bush Hager knows a good read when she finds one, which is why we're paying close attention to her summer book recommendations for 2026. Anna McCallie's "Abby Offsides" will be particularly appealing to those who love sports stories intertwined with romance. "It's called 'Abby Offsides' and it's like... 'Ted Lasso,' a female-focused 'Ted Lasso' but with romance. So think, like, handsome soccer players again," Bush Hager told People in June 2026. For those whose ears are perking up, there are plenty of great sports romance books for your next read once you finish "Abby Offsides". 

Bush Hager's other recommendations are worthwhile as well. She noted the "Off-Campus" series by Elle Kennedy, which is an addictive book series all about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Not to be missed was Bush Hager's nod to "Heated Rivalry," the hockey romance by Rachel Reid that has taken the world by storm. (For those who have finished "Heated Rivalry" and want more, there are other books to fill the void.) Lastly, Bush Hager noted the incredibly popular "Into the Blue" by Emma Brodie. For those who have had enough sports romances, this will be a nice departure. The novel is about a small-town girl who moves to New York to pursue her dreams of writing for "Saturday Night Live" and falls in love with a Hollywood heartthrob. These four recommendations are sure to keep summer 2026 intoxicatingly steamy.