What I’m Currently Obsessed With:
Summer and Cocktails.
Hmm, technically these are two things I’m currently obsessed with, but for me, summer requires an amazing cocktail in hand. Think fresh fruit, herbs, plenty of ice, and the opportunity to try something outside your normal taste limits. It’s a time to lay back on the lounge chair with a juicy novel and sip a cold drink that makes you sigh with pure contentment.
Chefs have been pairing food with wine or tequila or (insert your liquor here) for years to help balance flavors.
Why not books? And how about I share one of my fave go-to drinks all my friends beg me to make them?
Even better? You don’t need a blender.
1. The Pool Read
The chlorine smell mixes with hot dogs from the snack bar, and once your kids are settled, it’s time to sit back on the lounge, grab your book, and sip this little beauty.
The Genre:
The Rom Com.
Yes, my loves, the romantic comedy is back and setting fire to Kindles everywhere. Who doesn’t adore this genre full of warm-hearted emotion, humor, and a sigh worthy ending? Netflix is pumping out movies for the rom com addicts, and Crazy Rich Asians threw us into a whole new world for both books and movie goers.
Jen’s Book Picks:
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
The Prenup by Lauren Layne
Fixer Upper by Tessa Bailey
The Drink:
White Sangria – Now, I’m normally a red girl, but it’s hot out and I crave something lighter. Dump some Pino Grigio in a pitcher, lots of ice, a splash of Triple Sec, a ton of flavored seltzer, and add the fruit. Fresh berries work amazing for this – strawberries in particular, with raspberries and blueberries. Try to let it soak for a few hours so all those flavors begin to mix. Make sure to keep your slotted spoon handy and dump all that yummy fruit into every glass.
2. The Beach Read:
The Genre:
Women’s Fiction.
What summer is complete without a beach read? This is when books shine – those big, juicy women fiction novels take center stage. Mulit-layered, usually family filled drama with just the right touch of romance, pack these babies in your stylish beach bag, settle under an umbrella, and let the lifeguard watch the children.
Jen’s Picks:
The Lemon Sisters by Jill Shalvis
Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcello
The Drink:
Rose’ All Day:
Oh, how I love a good Rose in summer. Whispering Angel is my favorite, but I also love the frozen Rose’s at the beach bars that give me the necessary brain freeze I need to remind me I’m still in summer mode. There is no wrong way to drink a Rose, my peeps.
3. The oh my Lord When do my Kids Go Back to School Read
The Genre:
Contemporary Romance
My fave genre, there are so many small town, quirky characters, delicious heroes and sizzling sexual tension that make this a perfect end of summer binge.
Jen’s Picks:
All It Takes by Kristen Proby
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Wild Crazy Hearts by Melissa Foster
All Roads Lead to You by Me**
**Authors Note: Yeah, this is mine. But I must tell you how much I adored writing this book full of rescue animals, a hot Irish hero, and a stubborn heroine who heals a broken horse and wants to see him return to glory.
The Drink:
Here it is, my loves. An easy peasy drink that will please everyone in your crew!
Jen’s All-Time Fave Summer Drink:
Whipped Cream Vodka
La Croix Lime Sparkling Water
2 Fresh Limes squeezed
Tons of Ice
Stir like crazy.
Yep. That’s it. Proportions are all up to you!
Have a beautiful summer everyone and Happy Reading!
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All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst, out today!
Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.
After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.
How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll only be there long enough to break it?
So Harper and Aiden agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.
