If you're looking for a very easy and romantic read this might be one for you. Brynn returns to Wildstone, where she grew up, after a bad breakup and ends up running into old friends from camp. Kinsey and Brynn never got along but share a secret that could change their relationship forever. Eli and Brynn shared a first kiss at camp - will the spark still be there? How will Kinsey's health and the relationships between these three affect them all living in the same house? It's a quick read, felt choppy at times, and I definitely thought some of the defining moments of the book moved too quickly or were glazed over. Plenty of open door steam. 2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC of this book.

One of my favorite authors, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint in her lates Wildstone book. I really love the concept of finding family with those you choose.

I requested this book because of the cover, it’s beautiful and screams SUMMER! I knew of the author but had never read any of her books. Write up was intriguing. What a pleasant surprise! Loved the characters and their development. So much baggage for this group ... enemies to frenemies to much more. I can hold a grudge (ask my husband) so I could relate to Brynn. I’m quite familiar with dialysis (sister was on dialysis for years) so I could relate to Kinsey. I loved that Ms. Shalvis puts a modern spin on family and the family we choose.

There were no great surprises in this story, but it flowed well. Just realized this is #5 of a series, but I read as a stand-alone with no issues. A easy, fast-paced romantic read for these dark times with a very important underlying message ... testing isn’t painful. Be the Match...you can save a life. I would definitely read this author again.

Thanks to Ms. Shalvis, Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

The Summer Deal is the latest novel set in Wildwood, California, by author Jill Shalvis. Brynn Turner has returned home to Wildwood after the relationship that took her to Southern California has imploded, leaving Brynn with only her car and a duffel bag. Her other belongings and dignity have been left behind.

Brynn has had a different upbringing with two adoring mothers that she absolutely adores in return. But they can be a bit much! When the opportunity arrives for Brynn to become a housemate at a beach house owned by Eli Thomas, a former acquaintance from summer camp, she accepts. What Brynn didn’t realize was that her biggest frenemy from camp, Kinsey Davis, is not only a housemate but they will also be sharing a bathroom.

As the story evolves, the reader learns that there is much that in reality is so very different from the appearance. Kinsey is brash, abrasive, and boisterous. In reality, she is sick and fearful. Eli is a marine biologist and avid surfer on the outside, but is actually a person who feels he has always been left behind by those that shouldn’t have done so. Deckard Scott appears to be out for a good time, but that is not the relationship he seeks. The web of half truths and white lies that is spun within the group is such that the reader is just waiting for the relationships to collapse.

This is a beautiful story of four young people from difficult backgrounds and how they learn to recognize the issues they have experienced together and the ways in which they can grow and put all that in their rearview mirrors. This heartwarming tale will make the reader anxious on the characters’ behalf and tearful as they each find their way. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Man, do these people have issues. It interesting how they all crossed paths as kids and then again as adults. I liked how things got resolved, how all the issues were worked out. Reading the last scene was worth going through all the drama. On a side note, the best part of this one was the two moms, loved how they were with Brynn and how they pulled everyone else into their orbit.

I have always enjoyed Jill Shalvis's books so I was excited to pick up The Summer Deal. Jill did not disappoint! I loved the focus on friendship as well as the romance between Brynn and Eli. I definitely recommend picking up this book this summer!

I usually think of Jill Shalvis as writing romance or chick-lit. Funny, feel good stories that bring a smile to my face when I finish reading them. The Summer Deal has some serious relationship issues along with the romance this time. Jill Shalvis writes a story with heart, heartache, forgiveness, love and friendship. It is a lot to put in one book but she does so in such a way that you come to care for the four characters, hoping that childhood hurts and grudges can be put aside for new beginnings, new family and new loves.

Some how this story maintains the light, funny, feel good vibe even as it handles the tougher stuff of life. It is a perfect beach read or even just sitting at home on the porch read.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After reading Susan's review of one Jill Shalvis's books, I've wanted to try them. I decided to start with her newest beach read The Summer Deal. While it leaned more towards chick-lit than I was expecting, I did enjoy the book.

The Summer Deal is the 5th book in the Wildstone series, but there are absolutely no references to earlier books so it can easily be read on its own.

With no job, nowhere to live, and in financial ruin thanks to a con artist boyfriend, Brynn Turner returns to her childhood home. She hopes to map out a better future, but first, she finds herself having to come to terms with her past.

I really identified with Brynn. I was the awkward child who was often the target of the mean girls. Her thoughts and feelings were familiar ones and she felt like a realistic character. Her childhood nemesis, now adult roommate, Kinsey also felt like a believable character. I've heard mean girls are often that way because they are protecting themselves from being hurt first. If so, Kinsey embodied those qualities well. While I wanted to believe that there are guys like Eli, Max, and Deck in real life, I think they were more the stereotypical "chick lit" guy you wish you would find but will never find in real life. Eli especially seemed a little too good to be real.

When I could suspend belief regarding the guys, I really enjoyed the story about forgiveness, finding yourself, and letting others in. I can easily see spending lazy hours on the beach (or poolside) immersed in the book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday, June 4 - http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/06/the-summer-deal-by-jill-shalvis-review.html

This is a beautiful, sweet, funny, and heartfelt novel that is a perfect summer read. Brynne is home, embarrassed by her breakup and how her life is going. She wants to turn things around and try to be more in control. She has a hilarious meet cute with her long ago crush from summer camp, Eli. They can still feel the flutters that made them share a first kiss at camp too. Unfortunately he is still best friends with Kinsey, her frenemy from that same camp as well. But he is so charming, and sexy, and he convinces her to move in with him, along with Kinsey, and his brother Max, for the summer. Brynne is quirky, easygoing, and upbeat which is the total opposite of Kinsey who is grumpy, and snarky, but fiercely loyal and protective. They didn't get along as teens but now they seem to fall into a comradery that works for them. Eli has a way of collecting people and making an eclectic family that play, banter, fight and protect each other. Add in Kinsey's big, tatted boyfriend, Deck, who is so swoony with his calming yet adventurous spirit, and you have a great group of people I would love to be friends with. I really loved the dynamics between all six of them as well as Brynne's quirky mothers. The way that they formed their bonds, not easily as there were things they kept hidden at times, just felt so real and honest. I loved the peak at each of Brynne and Kinsey's summer camp journals that gave us a revealing look into both their lives growing up. I really just devoured this story. It was so easy to fall for all these characters and their lives that made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and made me swoon. I haven't read the other books in this series but really loved this funny, charming, and heartwarming romance. I will definitely go back and check out the other books in the Wildstone series!

Grab an iced mocha as Jill Shalvis takes us back to the coastal town of Wildstone with The Summer Deal. She treats us to not one but two heartfelt romances. Swoons, tears, laughter and summer await you…..

The Summer Deal is the fifth novel in the Wildstone contemporary romance series and each works as a standalone. It is unnecessary to read these in order.

Brynn Turner grew up with her adoptive Moms in Wildstone before leaving. Kinsey Davis never left. The two have a history and were both awkward girls at summer camp. But Brynn has moved back and is feeling pretty beat up after her world fell apart.

Eli is best friends with Kinsey and has supported her through some gruelling times. He knows all of her secrets, including the fact that the girl he crushed on at summer camp is Kinsey’s sister.

The story that unfolds was wonderful and heartfelt. All three have baggage. Eli is the fixer but never feels worthy, Kinsey has a hard, snarky exterior meant to keep people away and Brynn wants friendship and love but has met only disappointment leaving her battered and bruised emotionally.

I fell hard for these characters, even Kinsey because Shalvis did such an impressive job of allowing us to understand her harsh attitude. I wanted to hug Eli, and hold Brynn’s hand so she could be brave.

The author did a fantastic job with the issues tackled in this home, from serious illness to growing up in a non-nuclear family. It had heart and felt genuine.

The story shares not only the sibling story, but two romances. Deck, the man in Kinsey’s life was swoon-worthy, patient, and the most grounded character I’ve ever come across. Prepare to fall hard ladies! Eli is grounded despite his share of disappointments. He is a tender giving soul. I easily fell for his charm and wanted him to get the girl.

I loved the housing situations and hope we get Eli’s brother’s story. Brynn’s moms were a hoot, and I enjoyed page time with them. You’ll want to back your bags and move to Wildstone.

The Summer Deal is the perfect book to spend a sunny afternoon with. Shalvis delivered laughs, tears and swoons.

Kinsey have been cabin roommates in summer camp for years. Yet they never managed to get along. When they are reunited, Brynn reconnects with Eli who is Kinsey’s best friend and summer camp crush.

Who doesn’t love to get inside each character’s head? The Summer Deal is written from the three main character’s point of view. I love how you get each perspective. Shalvis does a great job of creating the atmosphere and making all her characters interesting. Each one had their setbacks but worked great together in the storyline. Eli and Brynn has amazing chemistry, the author did an amazing job of creating that angst. For a romance novel, this is key.

The connection that Brynn and Kinsey share comes out from the beginning. I liked that the reader was informed; it really let me feel part of the story. I felt all the emotions that go along with one of the characters being kept in the dark.

I recommend this novel to all romance lovers and those that like a little twist.

Brynn Turner is forever trying to get her life on track but life seems to have other plans for her. Things will start to look up but life gets in the way and she has to take several steps back and change directions. When her personal life takes a nose dive she decides it's time to go home back to Wildstone for a fresh start. On her first day back she has an anxiety attack, her mom's rushing her to the hospital thinking it is something worse. While there she runs into Eli, her childhood crush, he also happens to be best friends with her biggest foe Kinsey Davis. You see the three spent years going to camp together where Kinsey made it her job to make Brynn's life a living hell. Brynn soon realizes to make a fresh start she has to get out of her mom's house. Eli sets out a deal for Brynn hoping to help her make the changes she wants to make in her life. Brynn agrees but isn't sure how long she will last and if she can trust what Eli is saying. Follow along as Eli puts his plan forth hoping to make friends out of Brynn as Kinsey yet. Will he help both of them realize that they are what is best for each other? Can he get Brynn to truly see him? Will his plan work for the better? This was an emotional read that will take you on a roller coaster ride with ups and downs the whole way through.

This was a really cute book! the main characters had great chemistry and reminded me a lot of some of my friendships, and the secondary characters added some great texture to the plot. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

Jill Shalvis’ next book from her WildStone series revolves around family and what makes a family. There is so much emotion in this story with 2 half sisters who don’t quite know how to act with each other, a house owned by Eli where they all live, and his role in their lives. I don’t want to give anything away with this review, so just let me say that relationships were tough, feelings were hurt, and trust did not come easily. Oh, and then throw in Kinsey, one of the sisters needing a kidney transplant. It all gets messy and emotional, and Ms.Shlavis is a queen at these kind of stories. And for all that, i love her writing and her stories. This one is no exception. Run, don’t walk to get this book!

The Summer Deal is a breath of fresh air and sunshine on a cloudy day. Shalvis shines at developing characters you can’t help but fall in love with--faults, insecurities and all. From the two moms to adorable Mini every moment is well timed to wrap you up in an unforgettable hug and never let you go. The story is deep on relationships and looks at the bonds of the family we’re given and the one we make for ourselves. It pulled on my heartstrings and had me in stitches. It delivers on every level.

The Summer Deal is not to be missed. Eli, Max and Deck bring the sexy, sweet, and swoon while Brynn and Kinsey realize they both have something to learn about love, life, and not leaving.

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. 5 stars (Wildstone #6)

This is the latest visit to Wildstone, CA. In the opening chapters of this book we meet Brynn, Eli & Kinsey, three individuals that share a childhood history of summer camp. They were required to keep a journal at summer camp and we get excerpts from the journals at the beginning of some chapters. Brynn came home after being hurt in a relationship and finds a job teaching kindergarten. Kinsey is a school counselor and Eli is a marine biologist with a big house where he rents out rooms to cover expenses. There are secrets and complications from the past. On an added note, I have to say that I loved Brynn’s two moms, they are funny and loving, with some of best lines in the book.

I really enjoyed this book; there were times I laughed out loud, teared up and I applauded near the end. The epilogue made me laugh and I hope we find out what happens to Brynn in a future book. This is a great summer read and a respite from the craziness of current events.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins/William Morrow Paperbacks for this ARC.

Well, it's that time of year again! Here in FL summer has shown up full force which means I'm on the lookout for some good beach reads. They say don't judge a book by the cover but that's exactly what caught my attention and screamed "beach read!" at me. Jill Shalvis' newest release was exactly that. The book takes a look at two childhood enemies who find out in adulthood they are half sisters. Full of family dynamics and relationship struggles, mixed in with some humor. It's light, upbeat and a quick page-turner. Sometimes between some more serious reads I just need a cheerful bright palette cleanser and this fit the bill!

This book was my introduction to Jill Shalvis, and boy was it a doozie. In a good way.  The Summer Deal (fifth in the Wildstone series) sucked me in from the first page and charmed me until the last.  I love that there was not only one great love story, but two; add to that the “bombshell of a secret” twist promised by the blurb, and I was hooked.  Shalvis writes like the kind of friend you always want to have with you on a vacation – sassy, sweet, and sparkling.  Her characters are people you want to hang out with, flaws and all, because it’s so easy to see a bit of yourself in each of them.  And when the troubles come, you root for them wholeheartedly, all the while smugly smiling to yourself knowing there’s a HEA coming just around the corner.

Meet Brynn and Kinsey, polar opposites and childhood enemies.  Brynn just stumbled her way home to Wildstone after coming off a brutal relationship with a  jerk who not only stole her bank account but also her ability to trust herself and others. Defeated and licking her wounds, she goes back to the one place she feels safe, only to run right into her past – in the form of tall dark and handsome Eli.  She clams up immediately and pretends not to remember him, though she has the stolen kiss they shared as teenagers on replay in her head.  Determined not to get herself tangled up in yet another romantic disaster, she tries to extricate herself from the situation.  Eli doesn’t make it easy for her by dangling in front of her the one thing she desperately needs right now: a place to live that’s cheap and away from her hovering mother. Unfortunately, the deal comes with a slight string attached, in the form of her arch nemesis, Kinsey Davis, who happens to also be a roommate in the house.

Kinsey, a no-nonsense, ice-pick of a woman, whose every comment stings, doesn’t like the situation any more than Brynn does, particularly because she knows something Brynn doesn’t – they are actually half-sisters, and Kinsey has no intention of telling her.  Kinsey has her own Prince Charming, a hulking tatted-up nurse named Deck, but can’t seem to take the final leap and commit to him.  And between the two sisters stands Eli, Kinsey’s best friend and Brynn’s crush. The history the two share is unfolded piece-meal with entries from each of the girls’ Summer Camp journal entries.  We also learn that tough, sarcastic Kinsey has been battling with disasters of her own, and could really use a sister right now.

All of the relationship dynamics here are spot on: Kinsey and Brynn fumbling towards each other while simultaneously wondering which one will scream chicken first.  The immediate attraction/denial between Eli and Brynn sparks like the Fourth of July, and the tender interactions between our heroines and the supporting characters are just the right balance of sappy and meaningful.  By the end, you feel like even if these people weren’t related by blood, they would still be family.  At this time where so much is unknown, and people seem so separated, it was lovely to feel surrounded by their normalcy.

The Summer Deal was pure sunshine to read.  Put it into your beach bag immediately.

~ Jill Cluff

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I’m new to Jill Shalvis’s books, and this is my third of hers so far this year. My first - Almost Just Friends, the fourth book in the Wildstone series of standalones - was an excellent start both to her writing and to the year. I went to Shalvis’s Cedar Ridge next with Nobody But You, and now I’ve returned to Wildstone with The Summer Deal. It's safe to say I'm officially in love with Ms Shalvis’s books, particularly the Wildstone series.

The Summer Deal was about love in all its many messy forms. It was about friendship and family - the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose for ourselves.

I loved the characters in this book. Brynn was always different and was often alienated, but it didn’t stop her from having a big heart. Her moms helped with that; their unconditional love and support, while at times bordering on smothering, taught Brynn to have an open heart and mind. Kinsey masked her pain and fear with a prickly personality, and kept people at arm’s length for their own good since she knew it was only a matter of time before her kidney gave out. She’d been best friends with Eli forever, so she let him love her, along with Eli’s younger brother Max, but other than that, she kept her distance from people, thinking she was saving herself and others a lot of unnecessary pain. She had trouble keeping her distance from Deck, though. The big, sexy nurse and father of an adorable little boy started out as a ‘friend with benefits, minus the friends’, but quickly turned into much more. He was so kind and caring, and he saw beneath Kinsey's tough exterior and fell for her even though he knew she didn’t want any attachments. And finally, there was Eli; he was patient, understanding, easy-going, and incredibly sexy. These characters were perfectly imperfect, relatable, and so much fun to read about.

I wanted to move into the beach house with Eli, Max, Kinsey, Brynn, and their big goofy dog Mini. They were all misfits in a way, they’d all experienced hurt and trauma, but their shared history - even though it left a rift between the girls - created a connection that couldn’t be broken. Their dynamics made for an entertaining, frustrating, hilarious, heart wrenching, heartwarming read. I loved the sibling relationship between Eli and Max, the tentative, budding sibling relationship between Brynn and Kinsey, and I also really loved the platonic friendship between Eli and Kinsey. The book I read immediately before The Summer Deal (Always a Bridesmaid by Cindi Madsen) had a great male-female friendship, and it made me realize how those friendships are lacking in romance. Ms Shalvis did a fantastic job of showing Eli and Kinsey’s bond, their affection for each other, and the deep connection they shared.

The Summer Deal made me laugh out loud, tear up, and swoon. It was such a lovely story about unconditional love, healing and forgiving past hurts, and allowing yourself to love and be loved.

I can't say enough good things about this book, I loved it. It's the 5th book in the Wildstone series, but I think it could be read as a standalone. If you know the characters, you've followed them from their time at summer camp to the present, where they are grown up, falling in love, and creating families.

It is the very definition of a "summer read/beach book", and I couldn't put it down! 5 stars.

Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.