I haven't read the others in this series, but didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved the beach town setting, and typically like Elle Kennedy, but this one wasn't for me! It was a quick read, but the drama and constant boob talk just didn't work for me.

That Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is a heartwarming romance. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their emotional journey unfolds naturally with a mix of witty banter and heartfelt moments. While the plot follows familiar romance tropes and can feel predictable at times, Kennedy’s writing shines through with relatable characters and a satisfying emotional depth. The story’s pacing is just right, making it an enjoyable, easy read for fans of contemporary romance. Though it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a charming and feel-good book that will leave readers with a smile.

Alright, let's talk about "The Summer Girl" by Elle Kennedy! I dove into this book looking for a breezy, fun read, and it absolutely delivered. It's the perfect kind of story to curl up with as the weather starts to warm up, promising lazy afternoons and sun-drenched adventures. Think of it as a delicious, slightly messy ice cream cone on a hot day – sweet, satisfying, and you'll definitely want more.
Cass, our main character, is a breath of fresh air. She's got that relatable mix of strength and vulnerability, and her struggles with family dynamics? Man, did they hit home for me. Like, really hit home. Without giving away too much, the way Kennedy portrays the complexities of sibling relationships and the sometimes-messy bonds of family felt incredibly authentic. There were moments I wanted to reach through the pages and give Cass a hug, and others where I was nodding along, thinking, "Yep, been there."
The romance is classic Elle Kennedy – steamy, engaging, and with just the right amount of tension. It's the kind of will-they-won't-they that keeps you turning pages way past your bedtime. The setting, too, is a character in itself, painting a vivid picture of summer and all its possibilities.
Now, why not a full five stars? Well, there were a few minor plot points that felt a tad predictable, and at times, I wished for a bit more depth in some of the side characters. But honestly, those are small quibbles. Overall, "The Summer Girl" is a delightful, escapist read that's perfect for anyone looking for a sweet, summery romance with a touch of heart. If you're craving a story that feels like sunshine and good vibes, this one's definitely worth picking up.

I previously read the others in this series, but no longer read this author so will not be finishing the book. I started it but didn't find myself intrigued and struggled with connecting with the characters. It just isn't for me anymore!

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is the perfect summer/beach/vacation read. It's a quick light hearted read. I love the banter between Cassie and Tate and their friends to lovers relationship.

I read this as a standalone. They were cute couple and I loved the beach town setting. I wasn’t expecting all the drama to come from the parents so that was at least something different. I also wasn’t expecting the size of Cassie’s boobs to play such a big role in the book. Don’t think I was a fan of that plot point. I do wish the last chapter was longer so we got to see more of that part fleshed out. Overall pretty solid but nothing groundbreaking. I think you’d enjoy this if you were looking for a fluffy summer romance and don’t mind some cringy moments

I adore Elle Kennedy. But for some reason this book just didn’t land for me like the rest of her books did

Elle Kennedy! My girl never disappoints. A fantastic summer read. Took this one with me camping. Will definitely tell a friend.

I am obviously not the right reader for this book. I got tired to the "f" word. I wish the author had been a little more creative in her words.

Everyone was haphazardly hooking up with everyone else.

Just not my kind of book.

Elle Kennedy’s The Summer Girl is a charming, swoon-worthy romance that effortlessly blends the warmth of a beach town with the excitement of a slow-burn relationship. Set in the picturesque Avalon Bay, a coastal haven where Cassie Soul returns after years of absence, the novel explores love, family, and the painful unraveling of long-buried secrets.

Cassie Soul is a relatable, down-to-earth protagonist with a sharp sense of humor and a lingering sense of displacement after her parents’ divorce. She’s back in Avalon Bay to spend the summer with family, ringing in her twenty-first birthday, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little summer fling. Enter Tate Bartlett—the classic golden boy with a carefree attitude and a reputation for short-lived relationships. Their chemistry is immediate and palpable, and while Cassie is initially on the lookout for a no-strings-attached fling, Tate, despite his player status, can’t help but see something more in her. He’s drawn to her intelligence, humor, and strength, and as the two dance between friendship and something deeper, the tension builds in a way that keeps readers hooked.

Kennedy’s portrayal of Tate is a delightful twist on the typical “player” character. While he initially tries to resist his growing feelings for Cassie out of fear of ruining their friendship, it’s clear from the start that he’s someone who values more than just a casual hookup. Watching his emotional journey unfold is one of the book's most satisfying aspects—his transformation from wary flirt to someone ready to risk his heart for something real feels earned and genuine.

Cassie’s own journey of self-discovery is another highlight of the novel. As she grapples with her feelings for Tate, she’s also reconciling her complicated relationship with her family, especially with her mother, who is still bitter over the divorce. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the story that elevates it beyond the typical summer romance.

The setting of Avalon Bay feels like a character in itself—Kennedy beautifully captures the laid-back, nostalgic vibe of a small beach town with all its quirks and secrets. The boardwalk hotel, a place steeped in family history, plays a significant role in Cassie’s emotional arc, symbolizing both the comfort of home and the inevitability of change.

However, the novel isn’t without its twists. As Cassie and Tate’s relationship deepens, it becomes clear that Avalon Bay is full of secrets—secrets that might just threaten their budding romance. While some plot points are a bit predictable, the emotional payoff feels satisfying, and Kennedy does a great job of balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth.

The secondary characters are also well-developed, adding richness to the narrative without stealing focus from the main romance. Tate’s friends, Cassie’s family, and even the people of Avalon Bay all feel real and contribute meaningfully to the plot.

In conclusion, The Summer Girl is a feel-good, heartfelt romance that will appeal to fans of slow-burn love stories and beachside settings. Elle Kennedy’s writing is engaging and effortlessly pulls readers into Cassie and Tate’s world. It’s a perfect summer read for anyone looking for a story about love, family, and the complexity of finding your way back home.

A likable f*ckboy who changes his ways for a chronic yapper? Yeah count me in.

In all honesty this book was cute and I'm so glad I decided to read the previous books before reading this one. Elle Kennedy is an auto-buy author for me and I love everything she outs out. I am convinced every character she writes is lovable and I want nothing but the best for them.

Cover? 10/10
Premise? 10/10

The fact that I read a friends-to-lovers book and LIKED IT???? 1000000000/10.

Love the setting in the same way I love Happy Place, it feels like a change of pace that is so tangible that I immediately open AirBNB upon closing the book.

I love this book. I have not read the other books in this series, but I definitely will. I love the FMC so much, I feel so bad for her for how her mom treated her. But it now makes sense after the revelation of her mom's past. I'm glad she found her happy ending and built the courage to walk away from the narcissistic mom. I will definitely read more by Elle Kennedy.

Elle Kennedy’s The Summer Girl is an absolute delight—a perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and small-town charm that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.

This third installment in the Avalon Bay series introduces us to Cassie Soul, a relatable, warm-hearted protagonist who returns to Avalon Bay looking for a fresh start and a bit of summer fun. Kennedy skillfully weaves Cassie’s journey with her budding romance with Tate Bartlett, a swoon-worthy hero who’s as grounded as he is irresistible. Their chemistry feels natural, full of spark and banter, yet layered with depth that goes beyond a typical summer fling.

What truly sets The Summer Girl apart is Kennedy’s ability to create characters that feel real. Both Cassie and Tate wrestle with relatable challenges—family dynamics, figuring out what they truly want in life, and learning to be vulnerable in love. The emotional beats hit just right, balancing humor, heartache, and joy.

The setting of Avalon Bay is another highlight. Kennedy paints a picture of this coastal town so vividly that it feels like a character itself, with its sun-drenched beaches, close-knit community, and a bit of drama to keep things interesting. Fans of the series will enjoy the cameos from familiar faces, but new readers can easily dive into this book without feeling lost.

Overall, The Summer Girl is a perfect summer read—romantic, heartfelt, and utterly captivating. Elle Kennedy has crafted a story that’s as refreshing as a sea breeze and as comforting as a warm sunset. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a book that celebrates love, growth, and the magic of summer!

Such a great summer read. The characters are not problematic and you actually want to root for them. Friends to lovers is a classic and this book does it beautifully. I’ve read all the books in the Avalon series and this was my favorite.

I love Elle’s spicy romances, and the Avalon Bay series, Tate and Cassie were unputdownable. They made the book go by so quickly and I missed them when it was done!

This was such a feel good read! I absolutely loved the embarrassing funny moments, which were so realistic it was refreshing to see. The romance was so sweet, and a bit spicy, but written so well. I absolutely have to read the rest of the books in the series now!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this eBook arc for an honest review. This was a lighthearted easy read. The Summer Girl had a bunch of drama, romance, Summer vibes and dual point of views. The only thing that I felt was off was the quick resolution/ending.

Oh a family saga! Secrets to uncover. Family drama for sure. And she wants a summer fling. Tate captures her eye but he is not willing to participate or is he? I like the setting and the hotel sounds wonderful. So much going on in the book that pulled me in and kept me reading way too late in the night. I just love a good page turner.

I love returning to the world Avalon Bay! Tate with his golden retriever energy and Cassie finding exactly what she’s always been looking for, with a sprinkle of drama. I couldn’t put the book down, much like the other 2 in the series. The only thing that threw me off a little about this book was how some of the characters would just disappear no mention for 100 pages and then all of the sudden pop back up for one short scene. Other than that the vibes were all there. Thanks NetGalley for the arc!

I love any and all things Elle Kennedy and this one did not disappoint. Prefect mix of content. Funny and lighthearted.