Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - The Summer Girl

Tate is that perfect kind of popular, goofy, kind and extremely sweet guy that I just knew I would love after about 10 pages. Cassie started out a bit too “quirky” but the more the book went on the more her character developed and she became more realistic. Their story was sweet, full of summery energy, and had the feeling of youthful freedom. The least spicy of the 3 books.

Cassie’s mom is a narcissistic bitch who has a serious mental illness and needs actual help. I’m glad Cassie broke contact with her and the book didn’t end with them reconciling.

Content Warnings

readers_sea's review against another edition

Go to review page

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.

Content Warnings

kelsimitchell's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

booksbytheglass's review against another edition

Go to review page

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!! 🥰

what I loved most about GOOD GIRL COMPLEX and BAD GIRL REPUTATION was the blend of drama between the “clones” and the natives - along with the general antics of the bay, of course

this one took a different turn with cassie, a “clone” 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 😳), and I almost wanted more!

I wanted more of cassie interacting with the rest of tate’s 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 didn’t 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 🥹

while the drama in this one surrounded cassie’s toddler mother (literally she’s the worst), I didn’t get the sense of urgency for the third act breakup (😐) 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 rosé

Content Warnings

emccosky's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

Content Warnings

abookwanderer's review against another edition

Go to review page

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 didn’t want Cassie and Tate’s story to end.

If you’ve read the previous two books in the series—Good Girl Complex and Bad Girl Reputation—you’ll 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 can’t 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 it’s 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, can’t resist Cassie. I enjoyed their push and pull, and watching as Tate battled with himself. It’s a sweet friends-to-lovers story!

There is a surprise twist I didn’t see coming, mostly because I was just reading for enjoyment, not thinking too hard about where the story was heading. I wasn’t 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.

There’s 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 you’re a fan of Elle Kennedy or simply a fan of summer romances, you’ll 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. Martin’s Griffin and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy.

Check out my review and playlist at A Book Wanderer

Content Warnings

nutmegvotour's review against another edition

Go to review page

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 didn’t 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.

Content Warnings

booksandcoffeewithlexi's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5

Content Warnings

More...