Just in time for your weekend beach road trips, here are some romantic titles perfect to throw in your beach bag or download to your kindle or nook, so you’ll be ready to read on the road while heading to your favorite beach or while your feet sink in the sand once settled!
1. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. For the poets, for the dreamers, for those who love words, the placement of words, the words we add and erase from our minds, the words we choose to say, choose to believe, choose to live by… Tahereh Mafi will take you on a magical journey with her words. She’s a wordsmith through and through and her creativity is beyond. You’ll know on page one if her writing style is for you. If it is, you’re welcome. If it isn’t, keep reading. Fall in love with it slowly. Because you will fall in love with it. Enjoy this trilogy and the transformation of the writing style as the characters and story and relationships grow. There is a love triangle but don’t run away from this one, it’s executed in such a magnificent way. Boy, does it get steamy. Chapter 62. That’s all I’ll say about that.
Shatter Me is the story about a girl whose touch kills and the people who have captured her to use her was a weapon. It is one of the most moving stories that will really be a punch in the gut but in the best way possible. Don’t say I never told you.
2. The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
David Levithan will quickly become an auto-buy author for you if you are not yet familiar with his work. All of his books are so unique, so extraordinary… ingenious, really. This is no different. This book is a love story told in the style of dictionary entries. So if you start reading this on your way to the beach, you might actually finish it by the time you get there. This love story just may wreck you so, go ahead, read it on the way… and then share it with your girlfriends on the beach. Impromptu book club, here you come.
3. Bone Gap by Laura Ruby
Bone Gap is a fantasy unlike any other. If you don’t typically read fantasy or have certain ideas about what fantasy is, read Bone Gap and be amazed at what else is out there in the genre. Finn sees a girl named Roza get kidnapped and when he tries to tell the town, no one will believe him. If you’re looking for a novel with a mix of fantasy, mystery and more, prepare to be captivated by the the heartbreakingly beautiful story of Bone Gap.
4. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.
This is not your typical beach read. Not a straight romance either but there’s romance and there’s so much more in this young adult sci-fi that will capture your heart early one and grip you on every page after. Published in 2006, this Noughts & Crosses tells a timeless story about race that is not easy to read but worth every second. Hope you’re ready to cry.
5. 37 Things I Love (in No Particular Order) by Kekla Magoon
37 Things I Love (in No Particular Order) is a beautiful LGBT love story that’s perfect for the beach. It takes readers on quite the roller coaster of emotions – don’t let the light cover fool you – as Ellis finds happiness in one of the most unexpected places during a time when her life seems to be falling apart. This is a solid read about family, best friends, and new love perfect to check out this summer.
6. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
First in a trilogy with the possibility of a fourth novel in the works, Perfect Chemistry puts its own twist on the star crossed lovers trope we all know and love. It begins in chemistry class on the first day of senior year when Brittany Ellis is paired with gang member, Alex for lab. Alex makes a bet. Then he realizes that bet may not have been such a great idea. If you want a slightly grittier story of She’s All That, pick up Perfect Chemistry.
7. Hooked by Liz Fichera
Kirkus gave Hooked a starred review, saying, “Not just a Romeo and Juliet story, the book examines the conflicts of white versus Indian and rich versus poor, giving it far more heft than the average romance. Bravo.” If you enjoy Hooked, you’ll love its sequel, Played as well so be sure to pick them up before your road trip to the beach!
What romantic reads are you putting in your beach bag?
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