Beach Reads 2023 Novels & Stories

She glanced up at the touch and the flour on her cheek caught the light and I thought about telling her it was there and decided not to because it was perfect exactly as it was. “Any plans today, darling?” I asked. “Beach,” Alec said immediately. “It’s October.” “The beach is still the beach in October,” Alec said, with irrefutable logic. Laura looked at me over his head, that specific expression that meant ‘this is your child so you best handle it and leave me out’. “Beach,” I said. “Sure.” And just like that, we went to the beach. It was cooler than the summer visits—the sea was grey-green and the wind carried something northern—but Alec didn’t care and after twenty minutes neither did we.

The next morning, the beach in front of the Reed family mansion was alive with activity. Chloe had invited a few close family friends and cousins over for the first big summer beach party. Music played from a portable speaker, colorful umbrellas dotted the sand, and the smell of barbecue and sunscreen filled the air. Lisa looked elegant even in her swimsuit and cover-up, chatting happily with some of the guests. Gray was already in the water with a group of guys, laughing loudly. I tried my best to act normal.

Chapter 3: Beach Punishment The private beach on the eastern cove was Elena’s favorite escape. Turquoise water lapped gently against powdery white sand, framed by dramatic rock formations and tall palms that swayed in the warm breeze. No guards in sight this morning. Perfect. She’d slipped away right after breakfast while Rafe was on a video call. Dressed in the skimpiest red bikini she owned, the one that barely covered her nipples and disappeared between her cheeks — Elena spread a large towel on the sand and lay back, letting the sun kiss her oiled skin.

Hopefully the Heat would fare better. As his steak cooked, he gazed out across the beach to the waves that crashed onto the sand. There was a storm out at sea. Lightening flashed in the distance, though it was too far out to hear the thunder. The wind was whipping up the surf into a white froth. He wondered vaguely whether his colleagues would be called out tomorrow to transport swimmers caught up in rip currents, and he sighed, glad to be off for the next twenty-four.

FLASHBACK FIVE YEARS AGO ~ NIGHT ~ ~ LAKE VIEW BEACH ~ A young-looking June stood in front of the beach, she had walked up to this part of the beach this late in the night because she knew no one would be there by this time and no one would stop her from doing what she needed to do. The snow was falling, the air was chilling and the water was cold, it was just the right temperature, she walked into the water with both tears dripping from her eyes and melting into her skin, with each step she felt no regret as she pulled off her jacket, her cloth, and underwear until she was naked.

On our way to the beach, he kept trying to engage me in conversation but I was too sad to respond. "Is this about George?" He asked, startling me. I sighed and fiddled with my wooden bracelets. "No, it's just work stuff. Nothing serious.” It was a five minute drive and we got to the beach. I instantly loved the crash of waves and the fizz of foam sweeping ashore and spreading across the sand. Kids were still in school and it wasn't evening yet so the beach was empty. Ziah got us coconut drinks, salty chips and popsicles. When he lay next to me, my hand went to his crotch. I could feel his erection growing and it made me feel good.

I planned to read, reminisce, and fortify my hatred for Lance. The beach was perfect. The sand, the heat, the waves, and the lack of rules made it the perfect escape. I spread my blanket, lay on the sand, and simply observed. A mother in a purple swimsuit chased her daughters across the shore, their shrieks of laughter carrying in the wind. A couple, entirely too comfortable with PDA, rubbed lotion onto each other like the world didn’t exist. Surfers glided across the waves, and palm trees swayed under the weight of coconuts. There was so much to take in that I barely touched my journal. After two hours, I felt refreshed and headed back to the castle. Just as I neared my quarters, I heard my

Sometimes she wondered— why was her body always aching to be one with his? "What do you say?" he prompted, searching her face. "Let’s go then." She slipped her hand into his. "Let’s walk on the beach." Phillian clasped her hand firmly and led her toward the back of the beach house where a narrow path wound down to the private shore. Everyone in town knew the beach was off-limits; no fishermen or locals ever wandered into that part of the coast. It was theirs and theirs alone. Within minutes, they reached the shoreline. Debris littered the sand— fallen branches, driftwood, and scraps the waves had dragged in during the storm. The tide was calm now, the sea hushed, with no fishing boats bravin

The waves crashed with a steady rhythm against the darkened beach, louder than usual tonight. The tide seemed restless, as if the ocean itself had caught the scent of unease that hung thick in the night air. The faint lanterns that lined the resort’s beach path flickered, casting pools of light and deeper shadows between the clusters of decorative palms and sculpted shrubs. Graham’s boots sank slightly into the sand-packed walkway as he halted, shoulders squared, his gaze scanning the darkness.

I needed to be alone, to visit the one place where I felt closest to her—the beach where we had spent so many of our happiest moments together. ************** I arrive at El Matador beach, a hidden gem tucked away along the Malibu coast. It wasn’t the usual crowded stretch of sand that people flocked to; instead, it’s a secluded paradise, with rugged cliffs and rock formations that gave it a wild, untouched beauty. The beach hasn’t changed much since those days. The same gentle waves lapped at the shore, the sun casting a warm golden glow over the sand. Looking into the beach space, it’s as if I could almost see us there, laughing and chasing each other through the surf, her smile brighter t