Sun’s out, thongs are on, and your only real responsibility is deciding which book makes it into your beach bag.
Whether you’re reading between swims, under an umbrella with a melting ice-cream, or pretending you’re “just resting your eyes,” these are the kind of stories that you lose yourself in.
From juicy romances to emotional autobiographies, these ten beach reads are basically summer in book form:
The Heir Apparent, Rebecca Armitage
A fun twisty story written by ABC journalist Rebecca Armitage that gives royalty-in-hiding vibes.
The plot is a modern fairy tale about a British princess who must decide between her duty to her family or her own heart.
You know the suss.
You can purchase here.
Swept Away, Beth O’Leary
True to its title, this one sweeps you into an irresistible romance with salty air stitched into its narrative.
The hilarious and spicy plot follows Zeke and Lexi- a one-night stand couple swept away to sea together.
What ever will happen?!
You can purchase here.
The Dirty Version, Turner Gable Kahn
Packed with unfiltered humour and bravado, it’s ideal for those long, lazy afternoons where only something daring will do.
The plot follows the classic enemies-to-lovers trope as a cynical author and handsome intimacy coordinator are thrown together to write steamy new scenes for a TV series.
*Quickly adds to basket*
You can purchase here.
Cover Story, Mhairi McFarlane
Another utterly unputdownable enemies-to-lovers romance about two journalists who must fake a relationship in order to land a huge story.
Perfect for an easy read on the beach.
You can purchase here.
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old, Brooke Shields
Generational icon Brooke Shields’ memoir flips the script on the idea of what it means for a woman to grow older in Hollywood.
Clever, candid, and laugh-out-loud funny, this book is the physical embodiment of Brooke herself.
You can purchase here.
The Look, Michelle Obama
In this book, Michelle Obama shares how her approach to dressing has evolved throughout her life- particularly throughout her time in the White House.
From cardigans and brooches to denim and braids- the former First Lady touches on all of her most famous looks.
You can purchase here.
The Woman in Suite 11, Ruth Ware
This dark mystery novel sees a middle-aged journalist invited to the opening of a luxury hotel on Lake Geneva.
There, Lo Blacklock meets a woman claiming to be the mistress of the hotel’s billionaire owner and she claims her life is in danger.
You will not be able to put this down!
You can purchase here.
Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth
Sally Hepworth’s novel depicts the life of Mabel, Australia’s youngest person ever to be convicted of murder at just 15-years-old.
The story is hilariously funny and deeply sad, and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat!
You can purchase here.
The Secret Year of Zara Holt, Kim Wilkins
Steeped in history, heart, and hidden stories, this narrative explores love and identity between Zara Dickins and Harry Holt.
Set in 1927, Melbourne, the story is beyond lovable.
You can purchase here.
The Lost Baker of Vienna, Sharon Kurtzman
A moving novel about survival, loss and love based on the experiences of the author’s own family after the Holocaust.
The book is a testament to the courage and defiance of women throughout those tragic years.
You can purchase here.
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