By Courtney Warren
Jesus, have mercy on some of the books that have been hitting the shelves lately!
Now, I am not one to yuck anyone’s yum, but let this be a public service announcement to all parents out there about the importance of vetting what their children are reading.
There have been so many times where I have seen parents buy any books for their children simply because they are so excited their child is reading. Me, too! However, it’s important for us to realize that “Young Adult” does not mean what it once did.
Young Adult has begun to include “new adult” style content, from explicit language to open door sexual content. There have been several times where I have had parents reach out and ask for help in finding appropriate books for their children. Oftentimes, I ask them what their main concerns are and then go from there.
With the recent Amazon Prime series hit about hockey romance, we’ve seen an uptick in those book sales. Now, I have read them all and can assure you they are not for teenagers by any means.
Firstly, the main characters are in college, and secondly, the language and spicy content could make a sailor ask for a wholesome alternative. However, these books have gotten super popular and, due to the covers depicting a cutesy romance, people pick it up unaware. Again, I am not here to yuck your yum—I will slightly judge you if you are handing these books to anyone younger than 21, but that’s content for a different column. With the love of a beach read and the need for something that you can read without hiding the cover, here are some fun alternatives.
Summer of Yes – Courtney Walsh
This one is so fun! I am a big Courtney Walsh fan, because she has a great way of writing romance that will make you get super excited for the characters, but it’s clean at the same time.
A carefully-planned summer takes an unexpected turn when saying “yes” becomes a way to step out of grief, control and fear. What starts as a list of small risks slowly grows into something much bigger, like healing, courage and a second chance at joy. It’s a story about learning that sometimes the best moments come when life stops going according to plan.
The Summer of You and Me – Denise Hunter
Needing more mystery and less smooching? This one might be for you.
Two people with complicated pasts find themselves tied together during a summer that forces both honesty and vulnerability. As old wounds surface and new feelings grow, they must decide whether protecting their hearts is worth missing out on something real. It’s a tender, emotional romance about timing, trust and the risk of love.
If All Else Sails – Emma St. Clair
I am a sucker for an enemies-to-lovers story, PLUS this one has a cute dog sidekick.
A reluctant partnership on the water turns into something neither of them expected as forced proximity leads to plenty of sparks and even more chaos. Between misadventures, humor and heart, they discover that running from the past doesn’t work nearly as well as facing it together.
It’s a light, witty romance about surrendering control and letting love steer the course.
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