The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is the third book in the Avalon Bay series.

Tate is a local boy who is laid back, loves to be on the water, and manages to stay friends with his hookups. He's not a relationship guy, and he may just be waiting for what his parents have. When he meets Cassie, he's intrigued by her wit and optimistic attitude, plus she's easy on the eyes. When they keep running into each other, it's hard to ignore his reaction to her. Turning her request down for a summer going might be the biggest mistake ever. As he tries to be a wingman, he's definitely in for a big surpise.
Cassie avoids conflict like it's her job, and she's always looking for the positive spin on things. Her goal when returning to Avalon Bay is to be one of the summer girls, and that means a summer fling. But she's not versed in the nuances and gets easily flustered. When she meets Tate, she feels he's too hot for her. But as they get to know each other, the option for a fling with him becomes a reality. With summers end looming, can they take this fling and make a relationship, or will other parties pull them apart?

I haven’t read the other two in this series, but I love Elle Kennedy and this one was good! It's a quick little spicy summertime read. I really liked the cast of characters and the angst. I recommend if you want something you can read in one sitting without too much brain power. Tate was a swoony MMC.

This might be my favorite Elle Kennedy book yet. I loved the characters and the plot and especially that the third act breakup wasn't super dumb or over played? I really enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to more in this series!

Loved this beautiful, witty, fun, passionate, and heartwarming friends to lovers romance that captured my heart and became my new favorite in this series.

Cassie Soul is back in Avalon Bay staying with her grandmother one last summer before her grandmother moves away. Cassie has decided that she wants to finally have a summer fling, here, where her friends experienced their summer flings over the years. She wants it all, the passion, the giddiness, the exhilarating love affair where you can’t keep your hands off each other. Now she only has to find a worthy candidate. So she goes to a beach party her first night to meet her best friend, and that is where she sees him!

Tate Bartlett has been living in Avalon Bay since he was in junior high. He is the fun-loving golden boy, a sailing instructor and lovable player of the bay and has just been dumped by his friend-with-benefits at a beach party. But then he turns around and sees a beautiful girl has witnessed the entire humiliating experience. But when he sees her again the next day staying next door to the Jackson’s house, where he is house-sitting he is intrigued. These two seem to keep running into each other everywhere, which just pushes the envelope for Cassie to finally ask him to have a fling with her. And his rejection is confidence-crushing.

“But that’s not to say I wasn’t attracted to you. I was. I still am.” “Really?”“Yeah.” There’s a beat. “You have no idea what you do to me.” “Show me.”

But soon, his attraction to Cassie becomes impossible to ignore. And the fling is game on. But as these two become friends with benefits they are in for a big surprise as some secrets of the bay come to light that might ruin everything? Or will they?

I Loved Cassie and Tate’s story! They were perfect together. You DO NOT want to miss this coupling. I swooned hard for Tate! He teaches her to stand up for herself, and how to be honest with people around her. But he also helps her see how beautiful she is inside and out. And the Summer Games of the bay were epic, as characters from past books in this series battle it out for the championship! Loved it!!

Thank you SMP publishing, NetGalley, and Elle Kennedy for the giving me an early copy and this is my honest review.

After all these years of reading Elle Kennedy 's books I DIDN'T SEE it coming. Under fascade of funny summer romance Elle's shattering my heart into million pieces... and I'm gladly letting her do it. The Summer Girl was that good.

Falling in love with Avalon Bay Series was so obvious for me, like breathing, this series is getting better with every next book. Of course they're no exceptions for The Summer Girl. The storytelling is addictive, thanks to Elle's writting it was so easily to slide into this world again- I couldn't put this book down. Tate and Cassie are delivering one of the best fake dating/ friends to lovers romance I've ever read. Action flows seamlessly, the steam is mixed with angst, plus let's not forget about incredibly banter. This book was really everything what I ever hoped for.

Tate is this sweet charmer I remembered from previous book. He's swoon worthy hero, and after reading so many dark romances his character is refreshing ! I adore him with all my heart. Cassie might be a little shy, but that's making her perfect for Tate. She's funny and little awkward. She reminded me a little Grace from The Mistake and I loved it !!!! She's totally my kind of girls, a little nerdy, but beautiful inside out.

The Summer Girl might be sweet and funny but , somewhere between the pages the angst is overwhelming. Unexpected events change Cassie and Tate's life in a way, they cannot deal with. That did break my heart, HOWEVER HEA healed me. It was amazing !

Elle Kennedy is one of my auto read authors! I was obsessed with the Off Campus series so this was a must read for me and it’s based in a small town in the summer, how could it be more perfect

I’ve not read the first two in the Avalon Bay series but now I need to go back and read them after reading Summer Girl! I loved Tate and Cassie and how they got connected. I caught myself laughing out loud at their dialogues and banter. The drama in this book was also so entertaining! The spice had buildable tension with a good mix between plot and spicy scenes! I would recommend this book for an easy, summer beach read!

I couldn't really connect with the characters at all and I feel like we never really get to learn much about them. Cassie's character was okay; I appreciated her character development, though she was quite frustrating in the beginning. Tate, on the other hand, wasn't a very enjoyable character for me. He objectifies Cassie for nearly the whole book and I couldn't tell why they liked each other for anything other than physical reasons. It feels like this book pretty much only talks about Cassie's chest size and the voices were extremely immature and juvenile. Also, to put in plainly, I thought that conflict at the end was entirely random and it actually ruined the book for me. I already didn't love the characters but after that ending, it messed up everything that the story was building up to and it feels like that problem was thrown in just to have a problem for the book (it also made me actually hate certain characters and there was just no fixing it for me). Unfortunately, this book isn't for me.

This is my first Elle Kennedy book and I am a fan!!! This was fun, cute, and I could really feel the connection between Tate and Cassie.
The book kept me engaged and had me at the edge of my seat with the angst.

While I have historically been a huge Elle Kennedy fan, I have really struggled to connect with the Avalon Bay series. The first two books just didn't fire up for me, and I decided that maybe this series just wasn't for me. It happens.

I don't even know why I decided to pick up The Summer Girl - the third book in the series - but holy hannah am I ever glad that I did. This book was so good! This was the Elle Kennedy I've been looking for. The chemistry between Tate and Cassie was an instant connection for me, and I adored their flirty, fun, super sexy romance. Plus - summer vibes make it the perfect beach / summer vacation read.

Also - drama. I wasn't expecting the drama and it was actually a little hard to read in a very cringey way. And by that I mean that the situation - the conflict, if you will - was cringey. There was nothing off about the storytelling or the way it fit into the story. It was a little soapy, but I was here for every minute of it and I found it crazy satisfying.

I also loved the secondary family storylines. Cassie's family struggles really resonated with me, and I loved watching her find herself and carve out healthy family relationships. I also enjoyed Tate's family dynamic - and the bumps and bruises they all took along the way. There is a lot packed into this story - but it never felt like too much.

On top of that, it made me want to revisit the first two books in the series. I enjoyed the appearances by previous couples and the dynamic between them.

In the end, The Summer Girl was a flirty, fun, deliciously dirty summer read for me and I'm so glad I gave Avalon Bay another chance. Cassie and Tate were worth every minute spent between these pages!

5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️

I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to feel about this book heading in... I liked the first two Avalon Bay books, but they didn't have the same magic that her Off Campus series had. However, it feels like Elle got her groove back, because this book may be my favorite of hers! I absolutely loved the storyline and these characters. Add in the fact that Teddy Hamilton voiced Tate and this audiobook was an absolute dream to listen too. He did such a fantastic job (as always) and I really loved Caitlin Elizabeth too. She wasn't my favorite at first, but she quickly grew on me and I loved these two narrators together.

I loved that Tate wasn't a true playboy, not really. He enjoyed sleeping around prior to this story, but the truth was deep down he was just looking for a love like his parents had. I think it helped that this was a friends to lovers story too, we really got to know Tate before him and Cassy dived into their fling.

Cassy's issues with her parents about broke my heart. This one had me tearing up a little at the end as Cassy finally found out how a mom is truly supposed to act. Her mother is absolutely vile in the beginning of this story and it made me want to scream. The situation with her dad and stepmom also had me breaking, she just felt so unloved and unwanted for so long. She's a strong woman to go through what she had and be as amazing as she was.

I was not expecting the third act to go the way it did. But I really enjoyed how it all came back together in the end. These two were meant to be and their relationship was so special. This story had me laughing and tearing up so often, I just loved it and now I'm officially excited to head back to Avalon Bay again soon.

I loved this storyline! I read Bad Girl Reputation last year and it was not my favourite (I still need to read Good Girl Complex), so I’m glad this one has helped me with loving Avalon Bay. The characters are still extremely young (it’s New Adult and they’re college age, with a virginity plot line), but I did get into it pretty quickly.

There was sooo much going on here - major family issues, selling family homes and businesses and spending one last hoorah on the island, learning about long-ago infidelity and that parents perhaps are real people with real feelings, too. Some are good people, some are irredeemable.

There’s a ton of character development as we go through this one - both main characters are on great personal journeys and I really enjoyed how much they grew up and learned about themselves in such a short summer. While there was drama and heartache involved, it wasn’t a tearjerker to get to the end and I appreciated the whole experience.

A definite recommendation and I of course recommend the audio version, as always! Narrated by Caitlin Elizabeth, who was a great Cassie Soul, returned to her hometown for the summer (aka The Summer Girl), and the magnificent Teddy Hamilton as Tate Bartlett, the playboy neighbour. Teddy was brilliant, as always!

I received an advance read and listen copy from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (St. Martin's Griffin), and Macmillan Audio, and this is my honest feedback.

Elle Kennedy is one of my favorites - she always provides fun, spicy reads that have plenty of depth. And I appreciate that. I was beyond excited when I got The Summer Girl because I adored Good Girl Complex. Don’t ask me which was better because that’s just impossible.

The fact that Cassie had deep seated issues that stemmed from her parents and had some serious issues she needed to work through made this read even more likable. And Tate cautiously helping her through them? My heart is so full.

I struggled their push and pull, it was either to the extreme or too chill, and for some reason that really bothered me. But when it was good, it was great!

This is an easy, sweet summer read that is MOSTLY lighthearted.

This book has everything you want. Family drama. Fun friendships. Great banter. A hot summer fling. And so, so much more. You won’t regret reading Cassie and Tate’s story.

A return to Avalon Bay and boy is it good to be back!

I LOVEEE summery books and this one has it all! The beach setting, lighthearted romance and sweet banter and chemistry.

This may be my favorite of the series so far, especially because I loved the secondary family drama plot! But the romance is A+ as well!

Can be read as a standalone, but some characters from the previous books in the series make an appearance so I’d recommend reading the previous 2 books! (and they’re also great!)

The Summer Girl is, as the name may suggest, a great summer read. I continue to be entertained by this Avalon Bay friend group and their dynamic. The late-night bonfires, bar hopping, and banter are just so very fun and summery, it's absolutely perfect! I also loved seeing how the couples from the first two books have grown together as we get snippets of them throughout this book, as well as how their professional endeavors have progressed.

Cassie was a fun main character. I loved her energy- from her silver lining outlook to the more vulnerable parts of her relationships that forced her to see the silver lining in the first place. She was such a relatable character to me, or at the very least she felt real and like someone I'd be friends with for sure. She and Tate really complemented each other, from when they were "just friends" to when their relationship developed into something more. They legit had me smiling almost the entire time I was reading. I loved getting into Tate's head in this book. I was growing more and more curious about him throughout the first two books, so it was great to finally learn more about him. He's such a sweetie and was so fun to read.

The families in this book are definitely complex. Cassie's mom's behavior had me dropping my jaw every time she was on the page. That woman is a real piece of work, and Kennedy did a great job of making me simultaneously hate and pity her, painting her as a real, flawed person. Still hate her, though, make no mistake. It was so lovely to see Cassie's relationship with her dad and stepmom develop throughout the book. I absolutely loved those vulnerable moments and seeing her free herself of the weight of her buried feelings. Tate's relationship with his family was also interesting to see change. I wasn't expecting that side plot, and though it felt like it was wrapped up fairly quickly, I didn't hate it.

Kinda spoilery here: this book contains a third act breakup. Normally I absolutely hate these, but with the side plot mentioned above, it actually kind of makes sense for once. Normally these breakups are caused by the main characters not voicing their feelings or a simple miscommunication, but that was not the case here. It was actually kind of cool to see how these characters wanted to do as they perceived was right, and also to see how they developed while they were apart. Still not my favorite writing device, but it actually felt like it fit in and wasn't used just for the sake of causing conflict.

I will continue reading the Avalon Bay series and anything else Elle Kennedy writes, as well as recommending her books to anyone who will listen. That's it, the end.

Steamy, sassy, and tender!

The Summer Girl is a cute, sweet, delightfully charming rom-com featuring the kind, dependable Cassie Soul, who, after returning to Avalon Bay for the summer to celebrate her twenty-first birthday, spend some time with her maternal grandmother, visit with her father, and perhaps have a little fling, quickly discovers that as time goes on, and secrets are uncovered she may have more than just a passing fancy for life on the island and local boy Tate Bartlett.

The writing is witty and smooth. The characters are easygoing, supportive, and dependable. And the plot is an enchanting mix of life, friendship, tension, chemistry, self-discovery, emotion, familial drama, special moments, summer fun, happiness, taking chances, and unconditional love.

Overall, The Summer Girl is an amusing, lighthearted, perfect summer read by Kennedy that can definitely be picked up as a standalone novel, but as someone who absolutely adores this Avalon Bay series, I highly recommend you read them all.

Calling anyone and everyone who's in their small town, boy next door, or friends to lovers era!! This is a MUST read for summer. I am an Elle Kennedy lover but this is in my top 5 favourites from her and the best in the Avalon Bay series. Cassie and Tate have an effortless banter and such a natural relationship development. This beach town is the perfect small town back drop that highlights the need for community, loyalty, and friendship.

This story follows Cassie coming into her own and realizing that she doesn't have to please everyone or let them dictate her life. After her parents messy divorce, Cassie has become a people pleaser trying to avoid any conflicts and always looking for the silver lining. Even with some of the really horrific comments she gets from her mum, this girl is trying to be optimistic. The dynamic between Cassie and Tate is so complimentary and really allows to show both of their growth. Content warnings for verbal abuse, parental bullying, miscarriage (mentioned briefly), and abortion (mentioned briefly).

Cassie is headed back to Avalon Bay to spend the summer with her grandma as the family hotel, the Beacon, has transferred hands to Mac Talbot and will be reopening at the end of the summer. Cassie is looking for a fling to help her get over her lack of experience in the romance world and meets Tate, Avalon Bay's play boy. Tate however, isn't the typical playboy. He just hasn't had that spark with anyone yet.

I feel like Elle Kennedy always manages to get you with the fluffy feels! This one was by far my favorite out of the Avalon Bay books and I think it's because it was just so adorable. I'm a huge fan of friends to lovers and even though this was rejected fling-to friends-to lovers, it was done in such a fun way! Elle Kennedy is a favorite, for sure!

We return to Avalon Bay where the locals are smokin hot and the clones are rich. Third in the series and this is my favorite so far! Cassie returns to Avalon Bay for the summer with plans to lay low and hang with her grandmother and find a fling that’s willing to take her v-card. NBD nothing to see here. Enter Tate, her smoking hot local neighbor that’s too hot for words causing Cassie to babble nervously around him constantly. Don’t worry her awkwardness only adds to her ginger charm. After a lust filled kiss when she first arrives in town, Tate gets the vibe that’s she’s a relationship type of girl and friend zones her because he’s a fling only type of guy. But the more time they spend together he’s convinced that maybe they can fling. Especially after the window scene. 🥵
When they fling progresses and they both start to catch feelings a blast from their famililies’ past explodes and threaten any chance for a future together.
Tate is the epitome of a summer guy. He’s blonde, tanned, and gorgeous while also hilariously charming and sexy af. He further won me over with all of the lessons in sharing feelings and standing up for herself that he taught Cassie. Definite cinnamon roll material. I loved the chemistry between him and Cassie especially as she babbles her face red frequently around them.
This is definite summer read material and if you’ve read the other AB books then you’ll definitely enjoy this one. This is my favorite of the series!

College student Cassie summers in Avalon Bay, spending time with her grandmother and hoping for a summer fling. She meets Tate, sailing instructor and good-time boy. He's strongly attracted to Cassie but senses her innocence. He friend-zones her at first, but can't resist their growing attraction. Then, family secrets arise that test their relationship.

Cassie is adorable, and Tate is swoony. Together, the chemistry between them is explosive. Cassie is dealing with a lot, given her often absent father and her narcissistic mother. Tate helps her learn to stand up for what she needs. I love how smart, fun, and emotional this book is.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.