Perfect Poolside Reads
Bask in the sun with a book!
It’s that time of year! Summer is on the way and temps are heating up. That can only mean one thing - hitting the pool and bringing a book! When you’ve had enough of the chlorine coolness, you can bask in the sun with a good read (and some sunblock, of course!). Today, we’re sharing a few perfect poolside reads - the ones you can dip in and out of and don’t require too much focus to enjoy the story. Sip on a cool beverage and dig in!
SARAH’S PICKS 🏊♀️
THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT by Carley Fortune - I know, this is an obvious choice and I just recently reviewed it in a weekly snapshot. But what can I say? Fortune knows how to get us into the summer mood with IMPECCABLE place setting. This one is about Lucy and Felix who meet on Prince Edward Island, not realizing that Felix’s sister is Lucy’s best friend. They swear nothing can happen but year after year when Lucy visits the Island, they can’t help but be drawn to one another.
FALLING by TJ Newman - An unconventional pick for me but if you want something that is going to suck you right in, look no further. A pilot has to choose between crashing his plane or saving his family being held hostage. I don’t think my heart has ever raced as much as it did while reading this book.
THE ARC by Tory Henwood Hoen - Romance with substance, that’s how I’d describe this one. We’re exploring the world of a super secret, select matchmaking service, The Arc, one who learns so much about you, through a 7 day stay in their facility, that they're able to match you with the exact right person for you. There is also commentary on inequality of women in business throughout. This made me really think of a service like this is possible, and if it is, would I want it?
THE CHARM OFFENSIVE by Alison Cochrun - A Bachelor style romance, but the bachelor, Charlie in this case, falls for Dev, his producer. Charlie is contracted to propose to a woman at the end of the show, has never suspected he likes men, and yet can’t seem to stop himself from falling for Dev. Mental health representation, lots of diversity, and a queer rom com? Yes, please. Sign me up! Plus, it’s Pride month!
MIA’S PICKS 🏊♀️
A WALK IN THE WOODS by Bill Bryson - This is one of my favorite nonfiction books because it’s laugh-out-loud funny in a slapstick comedy kind of way. Bill wants to hike the Appalachian Trail and his buddy, who is kind of a doofus, tags along. Neither one of them is truly prepared for how grueling the hike is and comedy ensues. I don’t prefer to read anything too serious when I’m relaxing by the pool and I think this is entertaining and one of those books you can put down and come back to.
NOTE: Sarah says I didn’t warn her that there was some history in the book about the National Park Service and the Appalachian Trail, so I’m warning you all. If you’re not interested in the history lesson portion, you can totally skim it and get back to the funny parts and it won’t detract from the story.
THE WEDDING GAME by Meghan Quinn - She’s one of my favorite romance authors because her stories are usually really funny. This one is about a jaded divorce lawyer who is guilted into participating in a wedding reality show by his engaged brother. On the show, he meets Luna who is a crafting, DIY genius. Grumpy vs sunshine trope ensues. It’s light and fluffy and an enjoyable quick read.
FAIRY TALE by Stephen King - This one is a little darker content-wise, but it’s NOT scary. It’s a fantasy retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, among other fairy tales, and it’s a good one that will take you on a journey from a shed in the backyard to… well, you’ll just have to read it. Basically, boy helps old man. Old man has a secret that he shares with boy in return. Boy and dog go on epic quest. It’s a big book, but I guarantee you’ll get sucked in.
IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover - Reading a CoHo book by the pool feels like a required summer activity to me. I know she gets a lot of flack for her books, but I really like this one. It’s a darker romance about a woman who falls head over heels in love with a neurosurgeon. It seems like happily ever after… but is it? Also, you gotta read this one before the movie comes out in August starring Blake Lively.
Tell us, what are some of your favorite books to read by the pool? Are there any genres you prefer for this activity?
Yay!! Thank you, I'm working on making a summer TBR list & need all the recommendations I can get! Reading outside makes my soul so happy in the summer months.
I love summer reading in the warm sunshine (but under an umbrella)! I like lighter reads this time of year. I still have The Charm Offensive is still unread on my shelf, this month would be a good time to pick it up. I recently read Birding With Benefits, a debut rom-com written by a librarian, and it was a great way to kick off this season!