Love in the Stacks: Summer's time for beach reads and flicks

Summer is here! Despite the rain that many of us are experiencing, it's still that time of year where we pull out the sunscreen and flip-flops and make our way outdoors. Summer is probably my favorite season, as I love wearing shorts and having bonfires with friends at night. Nothing beats a day filled with s'mores and burgers from the grill, even if it's accompanied by 8,000 mosquito bites.

Summer is also the time of year when many people can finally pick up the books they've stockpiled throughout the year, thanks to family vacations and holiday weekends. I mean, who doesn't love the idea of sitting on a beach (coconut drink in hand) reading a good book? Can you say heaven?! The truth of it is, many people won't be able to hit up exotic destinations this summer and that's why I think we should bring a little of the beach to you.

Check out some great beach reads for the day and summer movies for the night ...

Be My Love: A Walker Island Romance by Bella Andre (book)

Written under Andre's "sweeter" pen name, Lucy Kevin, this story is perfect for your outdoor reading pleasure. Hannah Walker returns to her family's island in hopes of unraveling an old family mystery and making a documentary about it. She, of course, encounters Joel Peterson, aka Mr. Off-Limits, and quickly discovers they still share chemistry. The two must come together, in every way but their love, to unravel the mystery of Walker Island in this adorable contemporary.

500 Days of Summer (movie)

This movie stars the ever handsome Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so I'm not sure I need to really sell this to you, but if you've not seen this 2009 romantic comedy, it's certainly one to add to your list. Gordon-Levitt plays a man remembering various accounts of his relationship with Summer, played by Zooey Deschanel. I chose this movie not for its title, but because it's one of those romances that can truly pull at your heart strings and make you laugh at the same time. If you enjoy movies featuring a true gentleman, you're sure to like this one.

Beach Boy Billionaire series by Lexi Duval (book)

I must admit that I have not read these books, but they do sound super fun. Apparently, billionaires and the beach are a big thing, so if you're looking for additional reads, you're sure to find many titles. I chose this bundle because it's the classic romance set amongst a small coastal town with the hopes of starting a new hotel. Lacy Norton works tirelessly to prepare for the hotel's big launch and in doing so casts the affections of gorgeous Rafe aside. You can imagine her surprise when the billionaire mayor arrives on the big day with his son at his side …

Mama Mia! (movie)

Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, AND Colin Firth … what are you waiting for? Set on a Greek island with crashing waves and Abba songs, this movie will have you singing out loud. The story follows Sophie as she prepares for her wedding and the possibility of meeting one of her three potential fathers. Former lovers, family drama and true love make this film a hit.

Maid for Love by Marie Force (book)

For those of you out there who have not read The McCarthys of Gansett Island series, then I urge you to give this a read. Maddie Chester is done with her hometown of Gansett Island, but fate has other plans for her, such as being knocked over the handlebars of her bicycle by Mac McCarthy. Mac's back in town to sell his family's resort, and with a beautiful woman needing him to nurse her back to health, he has a reason to stay. Marie Force will blow you away with classic love that goes perfectly with a cold glass of lemonade.

Splash (movie)

I'll admit that this movie can be a bit cheesy, but mermaids just scream summer for me. This 1984 film featuring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah will have you believing in the magic of love again. Hannah plays a mermaid who is entrusted into Hanks' care while the threat of being exposed looms over their heads. It's very much The Little Mermaid tail (get it?) brought to life.

If you have any great summer reads or movie suggestions, please leave them in the comments below or tweet @HEAustoday or me (@author_sean). There are so many great titles that I know I'm not able to share, and I would love to add them to my own list.

As always, hit up your local library for book and movie rentals. Librarians love giving recommendations for summer-reading lists.

Sean Gilmartin (@author_sean) has always been in a world of fantasy and superheroes. It was his fascination with good vs. evil that kindled his love of reading. When he is not working as an award-winning librarian, Sean blogs more often than he likes to admit. Follow Sean's blog and his work as paranormal romance author Sean Thomas at www.seanthomasauthor.com.