Member Reviews

"Summer lovin' happened so fast. Summer lovin' had me a blast". And yes...we meet a girl that may just be crazy for him and a boy that's "cute as can be." This book is the perfect summer read and starts out pretty light without much drama. This is the third book in the Avalon Bay series which revolves around different local friends and their love interests. You don't need to read the first two books which was about twin brothers but I did and found this story was quite a step away from the vibe in those books.

Tate, our local H, we're told is quite good looking and gets around while Cassie arrives for the summer before her last year in college. Her parents are divorced and she stays with her grandma who happens to live next door to a house that Tate is watching for the summer. They meet up and shy Cassie finds him quite good looking while Tate isn't immune to her either. What I found endearing is that Tate seems to find some self control when it comes to Cassie and the first half is mostly about their friendship developing. I don't want to spoil anything but it was nice(if not dramatic) to see them develop a platonic relationship first. I thought this first half was a little slow but definitely had some lol moments.

Then the second half revs up a bit and things change...quite a bit. Elle Kennedy can definitely deliver with some drama and although this one is a less spicy than the first two, I really liked it. I stayed up until 3 am to finish this book from about the 50% mark. I definitely don't want to spoil anything but will say I thought I had some scenarios predicted but I was caught off a bit in what transpired. The ending was satisfying but I felt like alot did happen the last few chapters. It's mostly realistic but I did think some of what occurred was pushed into the ending to wrap things up. Overall it's a nice summer read or the type of book to read between others when you want a break but still feel satisfied.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Elle Kennedy for the ARC of this book. Definitely will be buying the paperback to match my other two in this series when it's released.

Was this review helpful?

We enjoyed the first two of this series more than this follow-up - it almost feels as though the friend group is regressing, which is an odd tone. It would be nice to see more group dynamics and movement, and more maturity from the characters.

Was this review helpful?

Thanks, NetGalley, for this ARC! I was in the mood for a summer romance novel and I was not let down! Admittedly, I am an Elle Kennedy fan - all of the books I have read from her have resulted in some pretty serious book boyfriends for me. The Summer Girl is no different! I loved the characters in this and enjoyed the plot. This is the perfect summer read for the beach, on a patio or by the pool! I will be recommending to my friends.

Was this review helpful?

This is Elle Kenndey’s latest book”The Summer Girl.” This had me nervous since I had read the off-campus series and was worried I wasn’t going to enjoy this one since it wasn’t a sports romance but I was proven wrong

This follows the story of Cassie, a girl who is spending the summer with her grandma in Avalon Bay and hopes to reconnect with her dad’s world while also finding a summer fling.
Upon her first party in town she is alone and witness a guy get dumped and then has to play it cool. However, she cannot do such a thing and to make matters worse discoveries they are next door neighbours by looking through her bedroom window and finding him in a compromising position.
Cassie is in her last year at Briar University and intends to finish. While Tate her neighbour has a life in Avalon is working to take over his family’s business and follow his dreams.

Cassie has a complicated life with both parents of never feeling good enough and believes there is always a silver lining. Even though her mother is a narcissist and her dad created a new family.

I rated this book 4/5 stars and really my only issue comes from the 3rd act breakup where there was no fight. It was mutual, and although I understand it. It felt out of character for new Cassie. I also didn’t like Cassie’s boobs being mentioned so often, like I didn’t understand why it was brought up while talking about the summer games.

Tropes: Next door Neighbors, forced proximity, wingman, small beach town and friends with benefits.

Tate and Cassie are a cute couple that grows and learns from one another throughout the story, and it is that personal growth that sticks with me. There is a ton of references that happen in the beginning that wrap around to the end.

I also appreciated the nod to briar university that it is also where Cassie goes to school. Feels nostalgic for me.

This can be read as a standalone or you can read the series, I personally only read this one but I think I’m going to go back and read the other two to finish the series

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

It’s never a good sign when you say “What the actual fuck is this book?” out loud.

Solid premise and solid main characters! i wish we would had more intimate moments between Cassie and Tate! Yes, the chemistry was there but it felt a little surface level for my taste.

The third act conflict is so goddamn stupid i could not handle it!

Overall, I would only reread the cute/sexy moments between Tate and Cassie. Not my fav my Elle Kennedy, but it was worth to pass the time! (definitely better than the first two in the series)

Was this review helpful?

This was my first book by Elle Kennedy & it won't be my last. I received an ARC through Net Galley. I was a little hesitant because this was the third book in the Avalon Bay series, however, I didn't feel like I missed anything & it does make me want to read the other books in the series. This was a great summertime read! It took me back to my high school/college days & all the fun I had at the beach.

The two main characters are Cassie & Tate. Cassie is a "Summer Girl" being that she's only visiting for the summer & Tate is the town playboy. I went in blind with this story. I had no clue about the premise or anything in this series & it seemed like a great summer read, which was what I was hoping for & I got it! I related so much to Cassie, even with her internal dialogue & the things she struggles with. Both characters were very mature & I think everything was handled very realistically. This book surprisingly brought out many emotions for me from giddy, swoony, & steamy to anxiety & heartbreak then back to swoon. I definitely recommend reading this book & I really loved it!

Was this review helpful?

I am a sucker for summer-themed books. As we're approaching summer, this was the perfect story to set up this season! I need to find me my own sensitive and hot sailor that's for sure. It's lighthearted, fun, sweet, and jaw-dropping. This is part of a series but can definitely be read as a standalone.

Cassie is visiting her grandmother for the summer in Avalon Bay. She is also on the lookout for a summer fling. She meets Tate, a gorgeous sailor, living next door to her! Tate doesn't agree to be her fling, but instead chooses to be her wingman. Obviously this doesn't go well and they turn into flings anyway!

I thought Cassie was adorable. I really enjoyed her character. Little oblivious at times but definitely not naive. I also adored Tate. He was sweet and sensitive. He cares so much and puts a lot of love into the things he cares about. This book also discusses Cassie's complicated relationship with her mom, who is truly a piece of work and very dislikable! The ending absolutely threw me for a loop. I quite literally dropped my jaw, which is how I knew this book impacted me!

I give this book a 4.5/5. I really enjoyed it although some parts of the story felt like it was dragging on and could've been resolved way faster.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

This was my first Elle Kennedy read, and I really enjoyed her writing style. (Plus this absolutely holds up as a standalone!)

THE PREMISE:
Cassie is visiting her childhood town, Avalon Bay, for the summer and is looking for her summer fling. She meets Tate, who is somehow both a f*ckboy and a golden retriever, and despite instant attraction, they decide it’s best to just be friends to avoid accidental feelings. They battle that tension as they juggle both friendship and chemistry.

MY REVIEW:
I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought this was going to feel more YA-esque, but it was delightfully not. The characters are in their early 20’s though, so don’t expect 100% maturity. There was character growth and communication, which I love to see in contemporary romance. Minus ½ star because the ending and the ‘secrets’ that were promised in the book blurb felt rushed. But overall, I loved Cassie and Tate’s banter and friendship-turned-relationship. I would 100% pick up the rest of the Avalon Bay series after reading this one.

Huge thanks to Elle Kennedy, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one.

Was this review helpful?

I am ready for all things summer after reading Elle Kennedy’s The Summer Girl! I really enjoyed this book and its characters. The Summer Girl is the third book in The Avalon Bay series and it is definitely my favorite!

Cassie is in Avalon Bay for the summer staying with her grandma. She’s ready for a summer fling and who better to fling with than Tate, the boy house sitting next store and fling extraordinaire? Cassie and Tate move back and forth through friend zone and fling territory and might be moving into *dangerous* territory before the summer is up!

Cassie was so fun to get to know! She has a difficult family and it was awesome to see her start to stand up for herself and express her feelings. Tate was so sweet. Him calling his dogs his children was so relatable and cracked me up. I loved the banter between Cassie and Tate, and getting to see some banter from Mac/Cooper and Gen/Evan!

Overall, a great read for me!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishing team for this ARC!

I've always been an Elle Kennedy fan, but the series' first two books did not win me over. In fact, I was debating whether I'd bother with this one or not but so happy I did! It's a 3.5~4 out of 5 for me.

I loved getting to know Cassie and Tate. Cassie was hella endearing from the start and I love me a "fuckboy" who is actually just MMC with golden retriever energy. They both had great backstories and a sweet connection to the town. It's definitely a fun summer read that includes coming-of-age topics for your 20s.

The one thing I didn't like was the third-act breakup because it happened then was resolved so quickly that it felt pointless. Instead of the breakup, they could've just given each other space and been fine but I get why it went the way it did.

Overall, entertaining and easy read! Out of the series, this is the one that felt most like Elle Kennedy's Off Campus writing. Also, shout to Cassie for going to Briar U lol.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good one! I think it might be my favorite in the Avalon Bay series. The main characters had a great backstory and I loved the interconnection of their family and friends throughout.

Was this review helpful?

This is the best book to have when you are chilling at the beach with a cocktail in hand. It will make you want to be a summer person. I honestly feel like these books get better with each new addition. You have the "hot girl summer" vibes, the sun, the sand, and the beautiful spice and you get so immersed you don't notice it's the end!

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely love Avalon Bay and the characters! I am so grateful to have recieved this ARC! The Summer Girl is a perfect summer read with a great plot! I love getting to see how the past characters are doing. If you have read any of the previous books you get to see the Beacon come to life! Tate and Cassie's story starts off funny and I love their playful banter. I think Elle does a great at storytelling and captivating her readers. I honestly didn't see the twists and turns, but enjoyed them none the less. The Summer Girl can be a standalone, but if you read the previous two book it will enhance the story!

Was this review helpful?

This book was fine for me. Lots of spice which is great in my book, but at times felt a bit on the younger side for me. It was an easy and quick read overall, but misses the relatability aspect personally. It's the 3rd book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Not sure if I personally would continue the series just due to the 'young' vibes.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. It's the first one I've ever read by the author and I didn't feel like I was missing anything even though this is the third book in the series. It can definitely be read as a standalone though I might go back to read the rest of the series too.

Cassie comes back to her childhood home for the summer and is on a mission to find a fling. She meets Tate on her first night and they hit it off right away. Tate is the local golden boy who isn't a stranger to flings. Instead of jumping into a fling, they decide to be friends. Obviously things evolve and conflicts arise.

The one thing that was never really in question and what I think I enjoyed the most was Cassie and Tate's feelings for one another. I liked that they were secure in their relationship even though this could've easily been a book about miscommunication and expectations. I didn't buy into the entire premise, hence the 4 stars, but it was an enjoyable read that also had complex situations involving family and different types of relationships.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

3-3.5⭐
A book for 20 something's who are looking for a good beach read. Summer flings, summer houses, and navigating toxic relationships. Elle Kennedy brings us an easy to read novel about a young woman that is out to find a summer fling this summer and ends up finding so much more.

I think I would have enjoyed this more 10 years ago, so my review might not be your review if you are in your 20s! 😉

Thanks to netgalley for an eARC to review in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

My first thoughts when reading this book was it gave ice breaker vibes. This is the 3rd Avalon bay book but my first one I’ve read, and I quickly understood who was the past focus but I didn’t miss anything not having read the last two books. That being said I am not familiar with Elle Kennedy writing style I can only assume she does this kind of formula with her books I am not upset at it at all. lol loved this book it was that sun kissed salty wind warm breeze you want from a summer beach vibed book but had the spice, the romance, the drama and the warm and fuzzy happily ever after.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy of The Summer Girl.

Was this review helpful?

This is a cute, dual POV, friends to lovers read. I did not realize that it’s the third book set in Avalon Bay but you can absolutely read this as a stand-alone.

There were a few reasons I only gave this one a 3. At times (especially in the first ~30% of the book), the writing felt forced and juvenile for characters that are meant to be seniors in college. I did not appreciate that Cassie was reduced to being a hot girl with huge boobs for most of the book - especially since I thought she had great character development throughout. Finally, Tate’s character did not work that well for me. He’s meant to be a player but also supposedly extremely respectful of women? It just didn’t seem realistic or like it always worked.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I thought this was a YA book when I requested it from NetGalley. It's not and it's pretty porn-y, which is fine but the cover really misled me on the content. <i>The Summer Girl</i> is fine for a quick beach read, but it mostly requires a willing suspension of disbelief unless you know a bunch of 23 year olds that own luxury hotel. That's my review: mostly harmless, definitely porny and more than a little ridiculous.

Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This book was interesting. But I felt as if the characters were more like high schoolers instead of young adults. The twist with the mom was eye opening indeed. But I felt as if the story line was not enough love story for me.


Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

Was this review helpful?