Reviews

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

klmoose's review against another edition

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4.0

Elle Kennedy really did it AGAIN with this book!!
This is the third book in the Avalon Bay series and it might just be my favorite one yet. This is an interconnected series that can be read as stand alone shut reading them in order really enhances the experience.
There were so many points in this book that I laughed
SO loud because the dialogue and how the author described things were so hilarious.
I feel like the author did an amazing job describing relationships between characters and hit some very hard subjects, like narcissistic parents and step-family.
This one hit home for me because I shared some of the same feelings Cassie did about her divorced parents.
I loveddddd Cassie and Tate's relationship § seeing them grow not only as a couple but as individuals was fun. I'm a sucker for characters who push the other to be the best versions of themselves.
I won't spoil it but the end?? Between Cassie and Tate's mom? Literal tears a I had no idea how much I needed that until I read it.
Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for this
ARC! I've been lucky enough to get an ARC for all 3 in this series and I hope to get the next one as well!

sarahanne_65's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to NetGelly for the ARC of this!

This is my first book by Elle Kennedy, and although this is technically part of a series, it was also fine as a standalone! This was a nice beach read. I really liked Cassie and Tate both as a couple and individually. I like how even though Cassie is sweet she isn’t naive. And Tate isn’t all bad boy, he’s actually so sweet and caring. There was a good amount of spice but it wasn’t so much that it took over the story.

arwombat's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

aridd1's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

alyssamathews's review against another edition

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2.0

I so so badly want to love EK’s non hockey related books, and I keep thinking that the next book in this particular series is going to be the one that does it for me, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem to be working out ☹️

This book had soooo much potential!! The meet cute in the first chapter was unbelievably charming, but by chapter 4 I was already over how many times the fmc’s massive rack had been mentioned (it had to be /at least/ 10 times

julesjustreads's review against another edition

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4.0

The Summer Girl was an easy read about a summer fling that develops into a bit more. It’s a standalone in a series so even though it’s part of the Avalon Bay series, you can read it without having read the others. (I appreciated that because I haven’t read either of the first two books, but I intend to now, though!)

This book started off hilariously with Cassie involuntarily eavesdropping on Tate getting dumped by his current “buddy”. The entertainment continues as Cassie’s new neighbor is none other than Tate. And she’s convinced he’d be the perfect summer fling. The Summer Girl was cheesy cute and witty with just enough drama (especially around the 85%-ish mark). I adored Cassie’s grandmother and her sass but Cassie’s mom can kick rocks. I really wanted more of an ending though. I’m a sappy, full ending lover and this fell a bit short. I’d still give this a 4 stars and recommend if you’re looking for a cute summer read!

Contemporary Romance
Dual POV
Spicy

tbartonfronzaglio's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted

5.0

Didn’t realize this was part of a series when I bought it at the store but it was so good! Quirky, cute, spicy, sweet, and deep!

khoyle29's review against another edition

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4.0

Back in Avalon Bay for the third book, The Summer Girl, we get to know the granddaughter of the former owner of The Beacon Hotel. Cassandra is spending the summer with her grandmother, and hoping to have a fun summer fling.
Tate is the son of a local business owner, and the hot guy looking for good times, no strings attached. Seems like he might be the perfect choice for Cassie, but he friend-zones her.
Despite that, their relationship grows every time he tries to be her wingman to help her find a suitable summer fling.

This series gets better with every book! The character development is wonderful. The plot is an emotional roller coaster-with nervous new friendships, some steamy encounters, family drama, and first love.

I can not explain how much I loved this book! I laughed. I blushed. I cried. Then, finally got the HEA. I would definitely enjoy this book at the beach or pool.
I loved Cassie’s strength. I think some people might say she’s a people pleaser at the beginning, but after the trauma she has lived through, it’s a survival skill. This book did such a great job of showing the effects of certain childhood traumas, without trauma being the main plot.
Tate’s self awareness and ability to kindly communicate with Cassie on what she deserves is so beautiful.

I do think that there should be a few trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. While the author handled situations really well, I would have liked to have a little warning. I don’t want to put any spoilers in this review, so I’m not going to list them now. I will add to my reviews after publication day.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Elle Kennedy for the digital galley in exchange for an honest review.

ashley_po's review against another edition

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4.0

Elle Kennedy is a master of the new adult fiction. I was enthralled by the the Avalon Bay series - who doesn't love books set on the shore in the summer? And this one was no exception. Great read.

elliebee54's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0