Sun, Sand And Sex: Books You Can Devour In Just Over An Hour

You’ve gathered all the necessary essentials for your day of relaxation. What a better way to spend the day dozing under the warm sun than with a quick flirty read? Our book friends offer you the best of the romance novellas—those stories that you will finish before your sunscreen needs reapplying. Here are the sweltering 17 standalone recommendations to add to your beach bag.

Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye

Trisha “Pickyme” Schmitt / Via amzn.to

What is your biggest fear? What happens when you are trapped for four hours? A moment of distraction and the lights are out. Beware: hot things can occur in tight places.

“I read Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye. It was short, but packed a punch. Loved it!"

- Soccer Mom Writer

Published 5/19/2013

Making It Last (Camelot series) by Ruthie Knox

Anne Rockwell / Via amzn.to

He’s a sexy, confident man. And he has just bought her a drink. Is she willing to take a chance he can make her island dreams come true?

“This is part of her Camelot series! It's a great novella about a wife and mother needing more and her husband helping her have it. Love this author!"

- Travel Via Stories

Published 7/15/2013

Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover

Sarah Hansen / Via amzn.to

If you are only guaranteed to be with someone for one hour, you have to make it worth the memories… Can these lovers find their way back?

“This book is CoHo hilarious! It is a companion to Hopeless and Losing Hope but you don't have to read either one. It is about a different couple, is a standalone and best of all it's FREE."

- SoCali Reader

Published 3/18/2014

Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson

Anne Rockwell / Via amzn.to

As children, everyone believes he is special and she just thinks he is intriguing. This is what happens when they have grown up and feelings run deeper.

“Such a beautifully written boy meets girl love story that is so much more than just that. It's about acceptance, it's about seeing more than just a person’s 'label'. It's truthful and it's pure. As a mum of 2 little girls on the spectrum it gives me hope that there are many more Lillys in the world, and that 'extraordinary' people like Colton are seen as a person, not a diagnosis. Different not less."

- Little Lamb Reader

Published 6/29/2014

Off Duty (The Off series) by Sawyer Bennett

Big Dog Books / Via amzn.to

The city of New Orleans offers some of its magic for this couple. Will this firefighter gets a second chance after being burned?

“I don't always love these but Off Duty by Sawyer Bennett is one I adored. I think the second chance romance aspect added to the believably; the single Dad aspect warmed my heart and the diversity theme woven into the story proved yet again love is love. I loved the diversity aspect, how it played into the final happy... sometimes it takes losing love to know you have to fight for your heart... Author Sawyer Bennett I think showed that in spades in this one.”

- Puck Mom

“Yes!!! Off Duty was Fantastic.”

- Cuban Capo

Published 7/17/2015

Healing Touch by Brenda Rothert

Brenda Rothert / Via amzn.to

It’s not just the electrical in her office that is sizzling. The sexy maintenance man who ends up frying her wiring, he’s pretty electric too.

“Healing Touch by Brenda Rothert short and sweet and you feel like you're getting a whole story. It’s available as audiobook. By the way, more of Healing Touch can be found on Wattpad. Brenda added a bit more to the story.”

- Cuban Capo

“I definitely second Healing Touch by Brenda Rothert. It's amazing.”

- Fashion Forward Teacher

Published 8/3/2015

Area 51: Pucked Series Deleted Scenes & Outtakes by Helena Hunting

Melissa Ringuette, Monark Designs / Via amzn.to

Hockey players are tough… except when it comes to the women who steal their hearts. Then, it’s all fun and games.

“A brief catch up on her cast of hot hockey players. It was funny, amusing and so entertaining. A quick yet awesome read. Absolutely can be read as a standalone."

- Angel Lover

Published 6/3/2016

Stepdaddy Savage (Savage People series) by Charleigh Rose

Charleigh Rose / Via amzn.to

If taboo storylines are what you need in your life, then this sexy MOFO is not to missed. Step-daughter dearest maybe in for more than she negotiated.

“Savage People novellas. Gritty, edgy and deliciously smutty with smoking hot, protective alphas! Need I say more? These books are incredible."

- Broadway Wannabe

Published 8/24/2016

Fling by Jana Aston

JA Huss / Via amzn.to

Brother’s best friend? No. My best friend’s brother? Nope. Still my best friend’s boss, but what can be the harm in a little sex between acquaintances?

“One of the few novellas I've read! It's part of her Wrong, Right, Trust series, but absolutely can work as a standalone! If you've read any of Jana, you'll need no more convincing! It's sexy, funny and a fun, quick read!"

- Gin, Tonic and Novels

Published 11/1/2016

The Irishman’s Christmas Gamble (Wager of Hearts series) by Nancy Herkness

Rogenna Brewer / Via amzn.to

Are couples with a bit more experience in life a book you are willing to score? A famous soccer player comes to the US and finally in the line of sight of the one who has been at arm’s length for years. Can they gamble on love?

"This holiday gem is fantastic for SO MANY REASONS. It features an older couple—in romance terms, that is—where the heroine is older than the hero. It's a second chance romance, so hopeful and passionate. And it's a fantastic side-step in the Wager of Love series, which can be read standalone, and that series is *emoji hallelujah hands*”

- Not a Bored Panda

Published 11/30/2016

Coastal Elite by Kate Canterbary

Anna Croswell of Cover Couture / Via amzn.to

This former Navy Seal has a boatload of problems. A getaway to Montauk may be the solution he's after—but it upends her plans.

"I can't say much with SPOILERS, so I'll stick with this—Coastal Elite is a quick read that feels full. Full of action and action (*wink wink*), a glimpse of Walshes if you're a reader of that particular series—though you don't have to be—and Kate’s signature wit and detail. In short, an excellent read, set by the beach to boot."

- Dedicated Groupie

Published 3/5/2017

SomeHow, Some Way (1001 Dark Nights) by Jennifer Probst

Triple J Publishing / Via amzn.to

What happens when an alpha man looks to renovate a house his way? He gets more than he bargained for, especially when it’s more than the electrical throwing sparks with a gorgeous co-worker.

"Jennifer Probst is one of my go-to authors, and I just LOVE the way she writes. This quick read is so, so good. Brady and Charlotte are the epitome of opposites attract, and their enemy-to-friends-to-more romance is addictive. I adored this novella, and I LOVE this series.”

- Snarky Aussie

Published 5/30/2017

The Baby Clause: 2.0 (The Contract series) by Melanie Moreland

Melissa Ringuette, Monark Designs / Via amzn.to

What happens when the man who thinks he has everything under control falls apart at the tiniest crook of a finger? Follow this new father into joys of fatherhood.

“My bagel face is a reformed man, a family man. I love seeing him so out of his element and so adorable."

- Cuban Capo

“I love to see a bad boy fall, and Richard VanRyan has fallen harder than most. Seeing him embrace the role of daddy is just magical."

- Fashion Forward Teacher

Published 5/31/2017

Imperfect Love: Twisted (Kindle Worlds) by Mandi Beck

Ryann Kerekes / Via amzn.to

Three friends walk into a bar… sounds like the start of a joke. How about walking out of the bar with a hot Scotsman instead?!

“The books I read as part of the Imperfect Love Kindle World were excellent. Left me wanting more, but not needing it. Twisted by Mandi Beck was one of my top favorites.”

- Late Night Reader

Published 6/4/2017

Too Close To Call (1001 Dark Nights) by Tessa Bailey

Evil Eye Concepts, Inc. / Via amzn.to

This football player is looking to score the big win off the field. Let’s just hope his high school sweetheart is braced for the tackle.

“Football star comes home to win back his high school sweetheart before leaving for the NFL. Kyler is literally my perfect man.”

- Fashion Forward Teacher

“Oh, hells yes! So much this! I absolutely adore Tessa Bailey, and this hot little standlaone in the Romancing the Clarksons series was scorching. Kyler is… perfection.”

-Snarky Aussie

Published 6/13/2017

All I Am: Drew’s Story (A This Man Novella) by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Elizabeth Turner / Via amzn.to

Doting single Dad by day. Hot dominant by night. No wonder ovaries exploded everywhere.

“I just read a great novella: All I Am by Jodi Ellen Malpas. I don't think you need to have read This Man Series to enjoy it. Drew was always a mysterious man and in this novella I loved reading why he was the way he was with relationships and what a wonderful single dad."

- Aussie Hockey Recruiter

“Even if you haven't read the This Man series, it's got heat, drama, an appropriate amount of angst, and an adorable 7-year-old who steals the show."

- Fashion Forward Teacher

“Once again, Ms Malpas endears your heart to the dirtiest and swooniest of alpha males. And I will say Drew's story stole the show.”

- My Own Bookshelves

Published 6/18/2017

The Unseen (The Complex series) by A.B. Bloom

Anna Bloom / Via amzn.to

If fantasy worlds get your sci-fi loving heart tripping, this new offering may shoot to the top of your TBR. A family takes a gamble in living amongst the humans. What they didn’t plan on was their daughter falling in love.

“I've just read The Unseen by A.B. Bloom - YA/NA fantasy and to be part of a series (The Complex) written by different authors. I want more from this world, so I'm looking at what some of the other authors have written."

- Crafty and Classy

Published 6/27/2017

These reads have got us ALL worked up

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Now that we have re-lived our favorites, it’s time to find some surf and maybe a cute companion to help us get wet. But we are always looking for those reads we can enjoy and finish on a relaxing summer’s day, so drop your favorite romance novellas in the comments!