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readers_sea's review against another edition
funny
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
5.0
LOVED CASSIE AND TATE SO MUCH!!!
This summer fling friends to lovers romance was seriously so much fun! I loved the summer vibes and the banter between Cassie and Tate. The friendships between the side characters were also so much fun. Cassie and Tate had a spark from the beginning and when Tate decides a friendship would be better, he impulsively offers to be Cassie's wingman for the summer. As things start heating up, Tate realizes that is not what they want at all and agrees to a summer fling with Cassie. Cassie is only here for the summer and is heading back to school afterward, so she wasn't looking for anything serious but her connection with Tate completely shocked her.
This book was so fun and easy to read! I was fully engaged the whole time and looking forward to where the characters would end up next. Their connection and ease together had me swooning! The drama was also giving! There were moments that truly had my jaw on the floor and I loved every minute of it.
Such a fun read and cannot wait for more in this small town.
This summer fling friends to lovers romance was seriously so much fun! I loved the summer vibes and the banter between Cassie and Tate. The friendships between the side characters were also so much fun. Cassie and Tate had a spark from the beginning and when Tate decides a friendship would be better, he impulsively offers to be Cassie's wingman for the summer. As things start heating up, Tate realizes that is not what they want at all and agrees to a summer fling with Cassie. Cassie is only here for the summer and is heading back to school afterward, so she wasn't looking for anything serious but her connection with Tate completely shocked her.
This book was so fun and easy to read! I was fully engaged the whole time and looking forward to where the characters would end up next. Their connection and ease together had me swooning! The drama was also giving! There were moments that truly had my jaw on the floor and I loved every minute of it.
Such a fun read and cannot wait for more in this small town.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Abortion
giulia_acobac's review against another edition
4.0
If The Deal and The Mistake had a baby it would be this book. I absolutely loved the story! I devoured in one day š¬
The banter was amazing. Both Cassie and Tate were so open and honest with each others. It was nice to see all the other characters in Avalon Bay.
Iām actually excited for the next one!
The banter was amazing. Both Cassie and Tate were so open and honest with each others. It was nice to see all the other characters in Avalon Bay.
Iām actually excited for the next one!
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
kelsimitchell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Perfect ending to a perfect Avalon Bay trilogy. Loved these people and their stories!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Abortion
booksbytheglass's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
3.5
this was probably my least favorite from the avalon bay series, but I still absolutely loved every moment between cassie and tate!! š„°
what I loved most about GOOD GIRL COMPLEX and BAD GIRL REPUTATION was the blend of drama between the āclonesā and the natives - along with the general antics of the bay, of course
this one took a different turn with cassie, a ācloneā only around for the summer, wanting a summer fling with one of the boys. it was sweet and romantic and completely drama-free (until the end of course š³), and I almost wanted more!
I wanted more of cassie interacting with the rest of tateās crew - the beach games chapters were definitely among my favorites due to seeing her with evan, cooper, mac and gen! and beyond all of that, cassie and her family just didnāt pack the same emotional punch that mac and gen did for me
however!! I absolutely adored her relationship with her grandmother and step-sisters! it gave off such a heart-warming vibe that set the tone for the book š„¹
while the drama in this one surrounded cassieās toddler mother (literally sheās the worst), I didnāt get the sense of urgency for the third act breakup (š) and the reasoning behind the drama in the first place
I cannot thank st martins press and netgalley enough for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I took my time with this one!!!!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: provence rosƩ
what I loved most about GOOD GIRL COMPLEX and BAD GIRL REPUTATION was the blend of drama between the āclonesā and the natives - along with the general antics of the bay, of course
this one took a different turn with cassie, a ācloneā only around for the summer, wanting a summer fling with one of the boys. it was sweet and romantic and completely drama-free (until the end of course š³), and I almost wanted more!
I wanted more of cassie interacting with the rest of tateās crew - the beach games chapters were definitely among my favorites due to seeing her with evan, cooper, mac and gen! and beyond all of that, cassie and her family just didnāt pack the same emotional punch that mac and gen did for me
however!! I absolutely adored her relationship with her grandmother and step-sisters! it gave off such a heart-warming vibe that set the tone for the book š„¹
while the drama in this one surrounded cassieās toddler mother (literally sheās the worst), I didnāt get the sense of urgency for the third act breakup (š) and the reasoning behind the drama in the first place
I cannot thank st martins press and netgalley enough for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I took my time with this one!!!!
rating: 3.5 stars
wine pairing: provence rosƩ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Gaslighting
Moderate: Miscarriage
abookwanderer's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Revisiting Avalon Bay is always a nice way to spend a day or two. And The Summer Girl, the third installment in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy, was everything I wanted it to be and more! Fun, romantic, and surprising, I didnāt want Cassie and Tateās story to end.
If youāve read the previous two books in the seriesāGood Girl Complex and Bad Girl Reputationāyouāll recognize many of the characters. While Cassie is a new addition, Tate has appeared as a side character in the other books. And our lead characters from the first two books are here, as well, since this group of friends is a close one. But like Cassie, we have several new side characters, who only enhance the story. I canāt help wondering who the next book will be about when a side character makes an appearance in a scene. While reading the previous books is not necessary, I highly recommend them!
I adored the setting of The Summer Girl. Not only the setting of Avalon Bay with itās beachside campfires, but having Cassie and Tate be neighbors for the summer. It led to so many romantic encounters, including one particularly steamy scene that will remain quite memorable.
In this dual point of view romance, Cassie and Tate are beautifully flawed, enigmatic characters. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and they just make sense together. Cassie is kind, to a fault, and Tate, try as he might, canāt resist Cassie. I enjoyed their push and pull, and watching as Tate battled with himself. Itās a sweet friends-to-lovers story!
There is a surprise twist I didnāt see coming, mostly because I was just reading for enjoyment, not thinking too hard about where the story was heading. I wasnāt too sure how I felt about it at first, but Kennedy weaved it so expertly into the existing story, it made the ending that much more satisfying.
Thereās plenty to love in this one: beachside parties, late-night chats, magical boat rides, and a local Beach Games event that had me cheering for the characters. If youāre a fan of Elle Kennedy or simply a fan of summer romances, youāll enjoy The Summer Girl!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martinās Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my review and playlist at A Book Wanderer
If youāve read the previous two books in the seriesāGood Girl Complex and Bad Girl Reputationāyouāll recognize many of the characters. While Cassie is a new addition, Tate has appeared as a side character in the other books. And our lead characters from the first two books are here, as well, since this group of friends is a close one. But like Cassie, we have several new side characters, who only enhance the story. I canāt help wondering who the next book will be about when a side character makes an appearance in a scene. While reading the previous books is not necessary, I highly recommend them!
I adored the setting of The Summer Girl. Not only the setting of Avalon Bay with itās beachside campfires, but having Cassie and Tate be neighbors for the summer. It led to so many romantic encounters, including one particularly steamy scene that will remain quite memorable.
In this dual point of view romance, Cassie and Tate are beautifully flawed, enigmatic characters. Their chemistry leaps off the page, and they just make sense together. Cassie is kind, to a fault, and Tate, try as he might, canāt resist Cassie. I enjoyed their push and pull, and watching as Tate battled with himself. Itās a sweet friends-to-lovers story!
There is a surprise twist I didnāt see coming, mostly because I was just reading for enjoyment, not thinking too hard about where the story was heading. I wasnāt too sure how I felt about it at first, but Kennedy weaved it so expertly into the existing story, it made the ending that much more satisfying.
Thereās plenty to love in this one: beachside parties, late-night chats, magical boat rides, and a local Beach Games event that had me cheering for the characters. If youāre a fan of Elle Kennedy or simply a fan of summer romances, youāll enjoy The Summer Girl!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to St. Martinās Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.
Check out my review and playlist at A Book Wanderer
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Abortion
nutmegvotour's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This is a great friends to lovers beach read. The MCs have great chemistry and both have their own unique personality and back story. I will be honest and say I didnāt love the Male MC but I loved the two together. You can definitely enjoy this book without reading and other Avalon Bay books. I had not read the others in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and I will be checking out other books by Elle Kennedy.
The audiobook is lovely and I found that I did enjoy the performances of the narrators both at regular speed and at 1.25 which I accidentally had it on for a while.
Thank you MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for The ALC.
The audiobook is lovely and I found that I did enjoy the performances of the narrators both at regular speed and at 1.25 which I accidentally had it on for a while.
Thank you MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for The ALC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, and Abortion
Minor: Biphobia
momma_needs_to_read's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was definitely a change from Bad Girl Reputation for me. I thought this was a good book and a great audiobook too. The storyline was so fun and sweet. I loved Tate and Cassies' friendship/relationship. They very clearly had a strong connection and great chemistry. The way their relationship developed was written so well. I also really liked how all, but one, of the characters were in this. Cassieās mom is a list of horrible words. But everyone else was great. I think Elle Kennedy did a great job writing the new and former characters from the other two books. It was nice having those little updates of their lives without focusing too much on them.
My heart broke for Cassie and her strained relationship with both her parents. I know what itās like being a child of a divorce, especially when itās bitter, but her experience was so difficult and emotional.
There was a huge plot twist that I in no way saw coming. All Iāll say is wow.
The narrators were amazing. At first I wasnāt sure, but once I got more into it, they really fit the characters well and they did a great job with voice changes for other characters and conveying the emotions. They really brought the characters to life and made me feel like I was hearing the story right from the characters themselves.
Thank you to St. Martinās Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
My heart broke for Cassie and her strained relationship with both her parents. I know what itās like being a child of a divorce, especially when itās bitter, but her experience was so difficult and emotional.
There was a huge plot twist that I in no way saw coming. All Iāll say is wow.
The narrators were amazing. At first I wasnāt sure, but once I got more into it, they really fit the characters well and they did a great job with voice changes for other characters and conveying the emotions. They really brought the characters to life and made me feel like I was hearing the story right from the characters themselves.
Thank you to St. Martinās Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Infidelity and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Miscarriage and Abortion
tswanson103's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.5
Tate and Cassie are everything you want from a summer romance. Loved every second of this edition to Avalon Bay.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Infidelity
Minor: Miscarriage and Abortion
chemistryreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Elle Kennedy just does not disappoint! Cassie is The Summer Girl; Tate being the local boy all set in Avalon Bay. Cassie is very down-to-earth even though she has a very wealthy grandmother. Raised well, but wanting some fun over the summer, she encounters Tate. Tate is a local beach boy, loving sailing and looking for a love like the one his parents have. The chemistry of off the charts with Cassie even saying āChemistryā¦thatās all you need.ā Obviously, this is referring to the romantic chemistry! Although quick and slightly over the top at times, the romance and storyline is wonderful. There is really strong character development and I love the journey Cassie has. Past characters are well engrained into the story (but not necessary for understanding this story). This book brings me to the ocean and is a perfect summer read! The audiobook is well done and it was a pleasure to hear (but maybe make sure you listen in private). 4.5āļø, 3.5š¶
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Panic attacks/disorders
arthur_ant18's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
3.25
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an eARC of The Summer Girl in exchange for my honest review!
As a fan of Elle Kennedy's romance novels, I was excited to dive into The Summer Girl, her third entry in the Avalon Bay series. The romance between Cassie and Tate started out charmingly enough, their chemistry and the breezy atmosphere making it all pretty fun. But then I noticed how the narration repeatedly refers to Cassie's apparently massive breasts, doing it in a way that almost made me feel like this aspect was the only significant thing about her character. It gets toned down as the book progresses, but it's still not something I cared for.
Another element that bugged me even more was the book's deployment of the virgin trope. Cassie is a virgin when she gets together with Tate, so there's a whole bunch of talk about how concerned they are (though the concern is more on her side) when it comes to her having sex. The thing is, Kennedy falls back on an incredibly outdated portrayal of virginity that claims you're a virgin untilāwell, how shall I word this hereāthe P enters the V. If you do anything else, the book seemingly doesn't consider those things as giving up your V-card. It was frustrating to read about, considering how much virginity persists to live in our world as a social construct, its prominent roots in purity culture, and the misogyny it helps to perpetuate. This whole aspect was enough for me to knock my rating down half a star.
I know I just spent a good chunk of this review criticizing the book's usage of the virgin trope, but I want to make it clear that I did like quite a bit about this book. It isn't just for the romance, either. I also appreciated its handling of the relationships that Cassie and Tate each have with their own parents. I can't really say that much more without dropping spoilers, but I'll just praise Kennedy for adding heart to the story by exploring some interesting nuances in those dynamics, especially in the third act.
Overall, I'm landing on a score of 3.25 out of 5 for The Summer Girl. If I were to recommend a Kennedy romance to a friend, I wouldn't necessarily rush to pick this one, but I'm still glad I got the chance to read an eARC of it. I'll definitely continue to pick up more of Kennedy's work.
As a fan of Elle Kennedy's romance novels, I was excited to dive into The Summer Girl, her third entry in the Avalon Bay series. The romance between Cassie and Tate started out charmingly enough, their chemistry and the breezy atmosphere making it all pretty fun. But then I noticed how the narration repeatedly refers to Cassie's apparently massive breasts, doing it in a way that almost made me feel like this aspect was the only significant thing about her character. It gets toned down as the book progresses, but it's still not something I cared for.
Another element that bugged me even more was the book's deployment of the virgin trope. Cassie is a virgin when she gets together with Tate, so there's a whole bunch of talk about how concerned they are (though the concern is more on her side) when it comes to her having sex. The thing is, Kennedy falls back on an incredibly outdated portrayal of virginity that claims you're a virgin untilāwell, how shall I word this hereāthe P enters the V. If you do anything else, the book seemingly doesn't consider those things as giving up your V-card. It was frustrating to read about, considering how much virginity persists to live in our world as a social construct, its prominent roots in purity culture, and the misogyny it helps to perpetuate. This whole aspect was enough for me to knock my rating down half a star.
I know I just spent a good chunk of this review criticizing the book's usage of the virgin trope, but I want to make it clear that I did like quite a bit about this book. It isn't just for the romance, either. I also appreciated its handling of the relationships that Cassie and Tate each have with their own parents. I can't really say that much more without dropping spoilers, but I'll just praise Kennedy for adding heart to the story by exploring some interesting nuances in those dynamics, especially in the third act.
Overall, I'm landing on a score of 3.25 out of 5 for The Summer Girl. If I were to recommend a Kennedy romance to a friend, I wouldn't necessarily rush to pick this one, but I'm still glad I got the chance to read an eARC of it. I'll definitely continue to pick up more of Kennedy's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
Minor: Abortion and Alcohol