Top Ten Tuesday | Top Ten Beach Reads

Top Ten Beach Reads

For me, there are only a few qualities that I look for in the ideal beach read: One, nothing too big. If it’s going to block my sun and hurt my wrists, it’s a no. Two, keep it as light as possible. Lots of contemporary romances here, friends. Because, three, I like my beach reads to be lighter on the deep, heavy thoughts, convoluted plots that require my attention, complex elements that might confuse me, or things that might make me cry. When I’m at the beach or the pool, I’m getting up and down, maybe falling asleep, etc. So as much as I ADORE it, OUTLANDER is the epitome of a book I WOULDN’T bring to the beach with me.

That being said, this list is a mix of all kinds of things: specific books that I do actually think I would enjoy reading at the beach, books that I haven’t read but think would be great beach reads, authors that scream “beach” and “summer” to me, as well as my go-to beach read genres. All over the place!

I’m definitely planning on bringing THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER with me if I ever get my ass to the beach this summer. It’s on my “read me really soon” list because I NEED to know what happens with Khalid and Shazi. This is about as serious as my beach reads will get, friends.

Stephanie Perkins’ contemps are some of my very favorites. I’ve reread Anna and Isla so many times (but never Lola…interesting). These two would be perfect beach reads, along with Stephanie’s edited volume, SUMMER DAYS AND SUMMER NIGHTS. 

If I want my beach read to be lighthearted, sweet, and feel-good from top to bottom, I’ll grab one of the Penderwicks books. They have this really timeless quality about them, and two of them take place in the summertime. I just love these sisters. 

Guys. This is an example of not only an author I’d take with me to the beach, but a whole genre. Jay Crownover’s books are hot and full of drama, and I love them. I’d also grab books by Cora Carmack, Christina Lauren, Elle Kennedy, or Kristin Callahan if I were in the mood for something similar. 

A stand-in for all Sarah Dessen books. PERFECT beach reads for me. Not only do so many of her books take place at the beach, but they are also the perfect balance of feel-good romance and emotional roller coaster. 

I’m reading this one right now, so if I went to the beach today, I’d bring this with me. Again, about as serious as I’ll get at the beach. But it’s got some great elements so far: Russia, magic, a competition. Feels like it’s got a good pace so far, and that’s something I look for in a good beach read as well. 

I do love a good Sherlock retelling, and I think mysteries are great beach reads. I always used to bring those to the beach with me. Captivating and fun, they made the hottest part of the day go faster. I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s got potential. 

Ahhh, the historical romance. This is my go-to genre for just about any reading issue I’m having. Slump? Historical romance. Need something that I’ll finish fast? Historical romance. Feeling YA burnout? Historical romance. Looking for something sassy for the beach? Historical romance. I LOVE Julia Quinn. Her Bridgertons series is one of my favorites, and I’m excited to start this new series about the Bridgerton’s mother. I also love Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series, and Lisa Kleypas to name a few others. LOVE this genre. 

I got the ebook of this as a gift from one of my previous secret sisters and I know that a ton of people loved it, so I really can’t wait to read this one. Sounds like an excellent beach read: romantic, dramatic, and obviously wonderful for a lover of British things.

Classic beach read. It’s got everything. Romance, road trips, feelings, playlists. I’d grab any Morgan Matson book aside from SECOND CHANCE SUMMER to bring to the beach with me. (There’s no crying in beach reading.) I’d also think about books by Jessi Kirby, Emery Lord, and Huntley Fitzpatrick.

What are some of your go-to beach reads?