Take Me to the Beach: Summer Reading Guide | 2018

Summer Reading Guide to Quench Your Thirst

Summertime is here!  Put on your bikini, grab some sunscreen and head outside to soak up the sun.  What better way to fight off the rising temperatures than getting lost in a good book while sipping the perfect drink to quench that thirst.  So we’ve put together a list of some of our latest recommendations that will guarantee a fun day of reading.

Chills and Thrills

KEEP HER SAFE by K.A. Tucker

While we all want a lot of romance, all the time, any time, I love nothing more than reading a good mystery in the summer.  Something about the sweaty, hot days makes me want to pretend I have the skills to investigate crimes and unravel the clues hidden in a good thriller.  K.A. Tucker is a master at writing those and in her latest book she managed to throw in the perfect dash of romance to make this a great read for either a thriller or romance reader.   Pair this one with a nice iced caramel latte or if you are not a coffee drinker then go for an iced chai tea latte.  You’ll need the caffeine as any good detective to solve the mystery.

THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY by Ruth Ware

If you want a thriller that’s a little less heavy throughout on the thrills and a bit more atmospheric, then you won’t want to miss Ruth Ware’s latest book.  If you like Agatha Christie’s style, Ms. Ware is the author for you.  This is a unique story with a creepy setting and a pulse pounding ending.  Once it grabs you, you won’t be able to put it down.  Pair this with a refreshing Cape Cod.

 

Family Drama

HOW TO KEEP A SECRET by Sarah Morgan

Looking for the quintessential beach read?  Family drama and secrets, a small quaint town, and a few generations of women having to work through years of hidden truths.  Then just stop looking.  Even though this took a little bit of time to get going, once it’s got you hooked it won’t let go.  As you uncover the truths along with the characters and you get to know all these different women, you won’t be able to help being invested in their outcome.  And rest assured, a happy ending is in store for you.  This would be perfect with a Grapefruit Ranch Water with Jalapeno Infused Tequila.  Check out the recipe here.

RAINY DAY FRIENDS by Jill Shalvis

Lanie lost her husband and is obviously grieving his death. However, she realizes that she wasn’t the only woman in her husband’s life. Discovering that he was a serial adulterer has completely rocked her world and now, she has no idea what to think about her family and life. This story was unexpectedly charming and emotional. And although it’s marketed at a Women’s Fiction novel, you can expect to find a beautiful romance in it as well. You can enjoy this book with a strawberry wine punch.

 

Teenage Dreams

ONE SMALL THING by Erin Watt

This author duo writes some of the most addictive books and their latest release is no different.  While I admit I’m not the biggest fan of young adult contemporaries, I was all over this book.  Once you start reading it you literally can’t put it down.  Some of the characters actions made me cringe a little and I still kept going.  Maybe it’s the teenage characters, but this book would go great paired with a refreshing lemonade.  Or if you are looking for something more adult, try it with a Lynchburg Lemonade.

LOVE & GELATO by Jenna Evans Welch

I love summer! I love the sunshine and the overall carefree feeling of trying new things. It’s a time where you can let go of some responsibilities and venture out to experience and indulge. LOVE & GELATO by Jenna Evans Welch captures these feelings well. When Lina must spend her summer break in Tuscany, Italy, she has no idea what she will encounter. However, in addition to the beautiful sights, she also does something for the first time in her life – she falls in love. Whimsical and charming, this book definitely captures the essence of summer love perfectly. Both sweet and emotional, I’m sure many of you will find a lot to love about this book. To further enjoy yourself, try pairing this book with a light cocktail. Aperol Spritz is a bit more mature in taste than soda, but it still tastes sweet with the orange, rhubarb, and grapefruit mix, a perfect companion for this charming Young Adult read.

THE ACCIDENTALS by Sarina Bowen

Yes, another YA!  Because really, summer is the perfect time to sink your teeth into a young adult contemporary.  This is Sarina Bowen’s first book in this genre and it is full of everything you would expect from this author.  Great story and swoon-worthy romance.  But this reads more like the story of our main heroine than just a romance.  She has to find herself, discover her past and deal with the emotions that all that is bringing forth now.  And yes, did I mention the swoony part?  The hero is to die for perfection.  You can’t help but fall in love.  Pair this with a Pineapple Ginger Sparkler

 

All the Tears

ALL YOUR PERFECTS by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is a talented storyteller, there’s no question about that.  But she excels at digging deep into human emotions and making you connect with her characters in ways you didn’t think possible.  Beautifully broken, this story will take you on a journey of love, heartbreak and healing along with a couple struggling through marriage problems.  Sip on an Old Fashioned while this book tears your heart open.  Oh, and have a box of Kleenex handy.

NEXT YEAR IN HAVANA by Chanel Cleeton

I’m so excited that so many people are discovering the beauty of this book and I couldn’t not include it here on this list because it’s one of my faves of the year and quite frankly a perfect beach read.  If you like your beach reads a little sad that is.  Don’t worry, you’ll still get an HEA!  This is a must read.  It gives you a different perspective on the Cuban culture especially Cuban Americans, the sacrifices, the loss, the yearning for their land and the past they had to leave behind.  And Ms. Cleeton’s words are truly magical.  They’ll transport you and move you.  And yes, be prepared for the tears.  Lots of them.  Pair this with a mojito!

 

Fun and Flirty

THE BILLIONAIRE’S WAKE-UP CALL GIRL by Annika Martin

I have Annika Martin making me reach for a fan and she’ll have you doing the same. Martin spins us a hilarious enemies to lovers tale with her signature quirky style.  It will have you overheating in more than one way.  If you’re looking for a romantic comedy that has some fantastic writing and a hero who knows how to talk dirty then you need to give this one a try. And you’ll want to pair this with something that will definitely keep you cool.  Ice will be a must.  A Frozen Dark & Stormy sounds divine here.  Cool and spicy at the same time, just what you’ll need.  Maybe a bag of ice to cool yourself down with as well.

THE KISS QUOTIENT by Helen Hoang

Don’t let the cute cover fool you.  Ms. Hoang’s debut novel is sexy and flirty.  I loved the diversity in this novel because it felt completely fresh and like nothing I had read before.  I fell in love with the characters.  All of them, not just the main ones, the family as well.  If you want cute and sexy overload, then put this on your list!  Pair this with a Peach Bellini.

THE ONLY THING by Marie Harte

Sexy, fun and flirty! This book holds all these things and more! A perfect summer read, it is sure to make you laugh and make you fall in love. I would totally recommend reading the rest of this series as well, since all the books follow some amazing characters. Pair this with a pineapple rose sangria and you’ll be all set for the hot, summer days!

 

Southern Charm

SWEET TEA & SYMPATHY by Molly Harper

There’s something about the south that screams summer to me!  Maybe it’s the fact that there’s no snow in sight here?  Molly Harper captures that southern charm in this series perfectly and she does it with her signature humor.  This book has just the right dose of romance, an understated romance maybe, and plenty of family vibes.  When it comes to southern charm, you can’t do better than the Southern Eclectic series.  I couldn’t pair this with anything else other than a tall glass of sweet tea!

AIN’T HE PRECIOUS? by Juliette Poe

If you are looking for something short and sweet, then look no further than Sawyer Bennett’s sweet pen name.  When she writes as Juliette Poe the sexy times are much lower (or missing) but the charm is way up high.  And this second chance romance is the perfect little morsel to get you started.  Pair this with a mint julep!

 

So whether you want something that will make you swoon, laugh or cry but addictive and consuming this summer, give any of these a try.  Guaranteed unputdownable summer fun.

Check out our summer recs video!

 

Want more summer reading recs?
Check out our reading guides for previous years!
2017 | 2016 | 2015 |  2014 | 2013 | 2012

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