Sizzling Summer Reading Recs!
Hey hi hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog, and to summer!
So summer is my least favorite season. I don't think that's much of a surprise, considering I live in Phoenix and it's 110 degrees here on a good day. I don't care that it's a dry heat, it freaking sucks. There aren't many options of what to do during the summer either. You can either swim, which sometimes really sucks because the water feels about as warm as the air outside, or you can sit inside in the air conditioning and read. Three guesses on what I do all day?
Yep, I get most of my reading done in the summertime. Not only is it too hot to do anything else, but I'm also off school so I have a lot more downtime on my hands. It's both a blessing and a curse, however, because I'm a very seasonal reader, and most books on my shelves aren't what I'd classify as "summer reads".
So, here are ten books I would recommend you to pick up in the summertime!
1. Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
A fun, lovable, quirky new release that I only recently just read myself, Don't Date Rosa Santos is all about a girl living in a south Florida town who is cursed by the sea. Trying to balance college, family, and a secret love life all at once, Rosa Santos quickly realizes that there is more to her Cuban-American life than meets the eye.
I absolutely adored this book (Read my review here!) and am recommending it to pretty much everyone I talk to for more than a minute. If you like good descriptions of food, fun and sassy Cuban grandmothers, and a hint of brujeria, this is the read for you!
2. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
After losing her mother to cancer, Carolina Emerson packs up her life and moves to Florence, Italy, where her estranged father lives. Determined to only spend the summer there, Lina ends up questioning how well she knew her mom as one of her old journals lands in her life, the very journal that her mother had while living in Florence herself. Soon Lina is traipsing all around Italy with a new friend, who may or may not be a little something more?
So I just finished this book today, and wow did I fall in love with it. It was just the sort of goofy teenage romance that for some reason I crave in the summertime. Plus it's a super quick read, I found myself flying through it and finished in maybe four hours after I started. You would like this book if you enjoy cheesy romance, Italian architecture, and fun family dynamics!
3. Geekerella by Ashley Poston
A modern-day Cinderella story, but make it fandom. Elle is a geek. A very passionate geek. When her favorite show is remade into a movie, starring pretty-boy actor Darien, she thinks the only way to save her beloved fandom is to reclaim the con that her father had started over twenty years ago. And Darien is just as much of a die-hard fan as Elle is, only he can't show that side of him to the cameras.
A dual-POV story that I really enjoyed (Read my review here!), I think Geekerella is a perfect book for fans of Star Trek and happily ever afters.
4. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Monty is about to inherit his father's title as Lord of the house, but before he sets aside his trouble-making rapscallion ways, he plans on going out in style. Accompanied by his younger sister Felicity and his best friend Percy (whom Monty is not so secretly in love with), he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of Europe filled with mystery, pirates, buried treasure, and definitely a little snogging.
I read this book last year and despite its problems (and yes, there are problems, every book has them) I was thoroughly entertained. If you like chaotic bisexuals, historical fiction, and European tours, then this might just be your new favorite read!
5. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
A hundred years ago, three sisters were drowned in the bay of a sleepy Oregon town under the accusation of witchcraft. Ever since their deaths, the ghosts of these three sisters have returned from the deep to take hold of a teenage girl's body, using them to lure young men to their deaths. Penny has never really believed in the tale of the sisters, but when a mysterious boy comes to town demanding answers, Penny is forced to look at the ocean a little more carefully.
This book is perfect for those who want a little creepy brought into their summer. This was one of my favorite reads from last year, completely living up to the hype it got when it was released. I think The Wicked Deep is a great read for someone who is looking for a little magic in their lives.
6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Twelve year old Percy Jackson has never had an easy life. From inadvertently causing trouble at school and being forced to move to a new one every year, to having to deal with his abusive stepfather at home, he's about ready to just give up. Until one day he receives some unbelievable news: his father is actually an Olympian god, and it's up to him to save the world!
Really, how could I not go with a classic like this? The entire series is perfect for summer, really, but The Lightning Thief just really encapsulates summer to me.
7. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Based on the classic tales of 1001 Nights, this book follows headstrong Shazhrad as she volunteers to become the Caliph's new bride. The Caliph of her kingdom, however, is notorious for murdering his brides the day after they are wed. Determined to stay alive long enough to figure out why he brings so much death. Shazhrad placates the Caliph, Khalid, with a never-ending story, waiting out the dawn with her voice.
I absolutely adored this duology, it was by far one of the best books I had read in 2018. Shazhrad is such an incredibly strong character and I found myself becoming more and more invested in hers and Khalid's relationship. Plus, this book takes place in an ancient Arabian kingdom, where it's literally summer all year long (that must suck). If you like Aladdin, enemies-to-lovers, and tales of the desert, and a hint of magic, this is the book for you.
8. Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
In this political romance, we follow Alex, the First Son of the United States. Since his mother's inauguration, Alex has had beef with Henry, who just happens to be His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of England. After a highly publicized scandal, Alex and Henry are shipped off together to make nice. Well, a lot more comes from becoming tabloid-friends. Now caught in a secret affair, Alex and Henry have to decide what is more important to them: their countries, or each other?
I've talked this book to death on my blog already, but surprise you have to hear it all again. After flying through this book in a day (Read my review here!) all I wanted to do was go back to the beginning and read it all over again. This was one of the most romantic books I have ever read, and it jump-started my contemporary binge that I've been on for the past month.
9. Pride by Ibi Zoboi
A Pride and Prejudice retelling taking place in modern day Brooklyn, Pride follows Zuri Benitez, whose neighborhood is on the brink of collapse, making way for new, bright and shiny houses and condominiums. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street from her apartment, Zuri only sees everything that's wrong with gentrification. However, as her last summer in her neighborhood progresses, Zuri begins to realize that Darius Darcy isn't the worst thing in the world to come to Brooklyn.
I received this book in an OwlCrate subscription box, and it was nice to read something so eye-opening. I truly feel we need more Own Voices books out in the world, talking about the problems of America that no one else wants to talk about. Ibi Zoboi is also just an incredible author, and I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
10. The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk around DisneyWorld after hours? When everyone, even the cast members, have gone home? Have you ever wondered what the park is like when no one is watching? Finn and his friends have been chosen to be Magic Kingdom's newest attraction: hologram renderings of the kids as virtual tour guides. The only problem is, Finn falls asleep in his Orlando home, and wakes up inside the park, now his own hologram. And even worse, the characters in the parks come to life at night, and Maleficent has an evil plan up her sleeves.
This series to me is another classic, along with Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. As a Disney obsessed kid, these books felt so incredibly magical to me. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of the biggest franchise on earth? Plus, the books have plenty of DisneyWorld information and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout them, for that extra Disney touch.
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Okay, that's all I have for you guys! I hope you were able to find a book in this list that you want to pick up now! As for me, I'm going to pick up Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno, as part of my WitchAThon TBR.
Until next time!
So summer is my least favorite season. I don't think that's much of a surprise, considering I live in Phoenix and it's 110 degrees here on a good day. I don't care that it's a dry heat, it freaking sucks. There aren't many options of what to do during the summer either. You can either swim, which sometimes really sucks because the water feels about as warm as the air outside, or you can sit inside in the air conditioning and read. Three guesses on what I do all day?
Yep, I get most of my reading done in the summertime. Not only is it too hot to do anything else, but I'm also off school so I have a lot more downtime on my hands. It's both a blessing and a curse, however, because I'm a very seasonal reader, and most books on my shelves aren't what I'd classify as "summer reads".
So, here are ten books I would recommend you to pick up in the summertime!
1. Don't Date Rosa Santos by Nina Moreno
A fun, lovable, quirky new release that I only recently just read myself, Don't Date Rosa Santos is all about a girl living in a south Florida town who is cursed by the sea. Trying to balance college, family, and a secret love life all at once, Rosa Santos quickly realizes that there is more to her Cuban-American life than meets the eye.
I absolutely adored this book (Read my review here!) and am recommending it to pretty much everyone I talk to for more than a minute. If you like good descriptions of food, fun and sassy Cuban grandmothers, and a hint of brujeria, this is the read for you!
2. Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
After losing her mother to cancer, Carolina Emerson packs up her life and moves to Florence, Italy, where her estranged father lives. Determined to only spend the summer there, Lina ends up questioning how well she knew her mom as one of her old journals lands in her life, the very journal that her mother had while living in Florence herself. Soon Lina is traipsing all around Italy with a new friend, who may or may not be a little something more?
So I just finished this book today, and wow did I fall in love with it. It was just the sort of goofy teenage romance that for some reason I crave in the summertime. Plus it's a super quick read, I found myself flying through it and finished in maybe four hours after I started. You would like this book if you enjoy cheesy romance, Italian architecture, and fun family dynamics!
3. Geekerella by Ashley Poston
A modern-day Cinderella story, but make it fandom. Elle is a geek. A very passionate geek. When her favorite show is remade into a movie, starring pretty-boy actor Darien, she thinks the only way to save her beloved fandom is to reclaim the con that her father had started over twenty years ago. And Darien is just as much of a die-hard fan as Elle is, only he can't show that side of him to the cameras.
A dual-POV story that I really enjoyed (Read my review here!), I think Geekerella is a perfect book for fans of Star Trek and happily ever afters.
4. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
Monty is about to inherit his father's title as Lord of the house, but before he sets aside his trouble-making rapscallion ways, he plans on going out in style. Accompanied by his younger sister Felicity and his best friend Percy (whom Monty is not so secretly in love with), he finds himself on a whirlwind tour of Europe filled with mystery, pirates, buried treasure, and definitely a little snogging.
I read this book last year and despite its problems (and yes, there are problems, every book has them) I was thoroughly entertained. If you like chaotic bisexuals, historical fiction, and European tours, then this might just be your new favorite read!
5. The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
A hundred years ago, three sisters were drowned in the bay of a sleepy Oregon town under the accusation of witchcraft. Ever since their deaths, the ghosts of these three sisters have returned from the deep to take hold of a teenage girl's body, using them to lure young men to their deaths. Penny has never really believed in the tale of the sisters, but when a mysterious boy comes to town demanding answers, Penny is forced to look at the ocean a little more carefully.
This book is perfect for those who want a little creepy brought into their summer. This was one of my favorite reads from last year, completely living up to the hype it got when it was released. I think The Wicked Deep is a great read for someone who is looking for a little magic in their lives.
6. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Twelve year old Percy Jackson has never had an easy life. From inadvertently causing trouble at school and being forced to move to a new one every year, to having to deal with his abusive stepfather at home, he's about ready to just give up. Until one day he receives some unbelievable news: his father is actually an Olympian god, and it's up to him to save the world!
Really, how could I not go with a classic like this? The entire series is perfect for summer, really, but The Lightning Thief just really encapsulates summer to me.
7. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
Based on the classic tales of 1001 Nights, this book follows headstrong Shazhrad as she volunteers to become the Caliph's new bride. The Caliph of her kingdom, however, is notorious for murdering his brides the day after they are wed. Determined to stay alive long enough to figure out why he brings so much death. Shazhrad placates the Caliph, Khalid, with a never-ending story, waiting out the dawn with her voice.
I absolutely adored this duology, it was by far one of the best books I had read in 2018. Shazhrad is such an incredibly strong character and I found myself becoming more and more invested in hers and Khalid's relationship. Plus, this book takes place in an ancient Arabian kingdom, where it's literally summer all year long (that must suck). If you like Aladdin, enemies-to-lovers, and tales of the desert, and a hint of magic, this is the book for you.
8. Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
In this political romance, we follow Alex, the First Son of the United States. Since his mother's inauguration, Alex has had beef with Henry, who just happens to be His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of England. After a highly publicized scandal, Alex and Henry are shipped off together to make nice. Well, a lot more comes from becoming tabloid-friends. Now caught in a secret affair, Alex and Henry have to decide what is more important to them: their countries, or each other?
I've talked this book to death on my blog already, but surprise you have to hear it all again. After flying through this book in a day (Read my review here!) all I wanted to do was go back to the beginning and read it all over again. This was one of the most romantic books I have ever read, and it jump-started my contemporary binge that I've been on for the past month.
9. Pride by Ibi Zoboi
A Pride and Prejudice retelling taking place in modern day Brooklyn, Pride follows Zuri Benitez, whose neighborhood is on the brink of collapse, making way for new, bright and shiny houses and condominiums. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street from her apartment, Zuri only sees everything that's wrong with gentrification. However, as her last summer in her neighborhood progresses, Zuri begins to realize that Darius Darcy isn't the worst thing in the world to come to Brooklyn.
I received this book in an OwlCrate subscription box, and it was nice to read something so eye-opening. I truly feel we need more Own Voices books out in the world, talking about the problems of America that no one else wants to talk about. Ibi Zoboi is also just an incredible author, and I'm looking forward to reading her other works.
10. The Kingdom Keepers: Disney After Dark by Ridley Pearson
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk around DisneyWorld after hours? When everyone, even the cast members, have gone home? Have you ever wondered what the park is like when no one is watching? Finn and his friends have been chosen to be Magic Kingdom's newest attraction: hologram renderings of the kids as virtual tour guides. The only problem is, Finn falls asleep in his Orlando home, and wakes up inside the park, now his own hologram. And even worse, the characters in the parks come to life at night, and Maleficent has an evil plan up her sleeves.
This series to me is another classic, along with Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. As a Disney obsessed kid, these books felt so incredibly magical to me. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a part of the biggest franchise on earth? Plus, the books have plenty of DisneyWorld information and Easter eggs sprinkled throughout them, for that extra Disney touch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Okay, that's all I have for you guys! I hope you were able to find a book in this list that you want to pick up now! As for me, I'm going to pick up Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno, as part of my WitchAThon TBR.
Until next time!
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