I felt like this book was very mid-level. I thought I would have enjoyed it more but I have slowly started expecting less and less from Elle Kennedy. I genuinely wanted to enjoy this book and love it, but it was not something I could get into.

Loved this book, and haven’t ever read an Elle Kennedy novel before. No need to have read the other ones in this series first, although I am going to go back and read the other 2. This story was a super quick read- fast moving and spicy! I would have loved to read it poolside or on a boat… seriously delightful slow burn.

First, let me start by saying that although I read the previous two books in the Avalon Bay series, you can read this story as a standalone as well.

Tate has been described as the playboy in Avalon Bay, but his world is turned upside down when Cassie comes to the bay. Cassie is the typical sweet girl next door but this summer she is looking to find herself a fling. Although, the two characters are total opposites, they find themselves becoming fast friends.

This book has a lot to offer: friends to lovers, playboy and the girl next door, surprises that take you for a loop, and family drama.

I honestly couldn't put this book down. This is by far my favorite one in the Avalon Bay series so far. I enjoyed seeing a different side to Tate that you don't expect from the meet up in the previous two stories.

Thank you Net Galley, St. Martin's Press, and Elle Kennedy for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Filled with great banter, Cassie and Tate are friends first, but maybe they can be more?

What I loved:
🩶 Banter was freaking top-notch!
🩶 We get all our friends from the first two books in this series
🩶 Grandma Tanner
🩶 The spice in this book is 🔥

Being back in Avalon Bay, with these characters, and of course all our friends that we've already met is so much fun. Every character is full of life, and that's no difference with Cassie and Tate.

Cassie is sweet and a little naive, but she doesn't lack any backbone. She gives as good as she takes, except when it comes to her parents. And that dynamic was the meat to the book. Seeing the relationship between her and her parents was what made this story have more conflict.

Tate is such a great guy! He's sweet but also so darn sexy 😍 He's everything she needs to be plus more. He's so down to earth and hard working but loves to have fun (much like all the other characters in Avalon Bay). The window scene... *Fans self*

Also, didn't see the twist coming so cudos to Elle for that!

Elle Kennedy is an auto buy author as I don't think she's ever written a bad book. Filled with banter and a sweet love story, I recommend this one to anyone who loves a romcom!

| RATING |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I'm new to the series but this wasn't a hinderance by any means. A quaint summer romance that had me wishing I was reading it on a beach. Overall loved this romance about a spicy first fling that unfolds into something more. Fans of the previous books will also enjoy the check-in's from old characters throughout the plot.

The Summer Girl is the third book in the Avalon Bay series. I have previously read Good Girl Complex.

This was overall just an okay read for me. I wasn't in love with the premise of the book, or with either main character. They seemed kind of shallow, and I didn't feel that there was much depth to their relationship.

I did enjoy the ending of the book, and the "twist" surprised me and kept things entertaining.

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy!

probably my favorite of the series so far? i don’t remember much of the other two books but i really liked this one. it had less of the sometimes harsh or cringey dialogue i do remember from the other stories. i liked cass, i sympathized with her, i related to her. tate was the perfect golden retriever type, the not-dickish hookup guy. the couple complimented each other. the pacing was great; third act was kind of dramatic but that’s the way these things go.

#netgalley

⛵️ ARC REVIEW⛵️
🌟 5/5
✍️ Elle Kennedy
📖 Pub Date- July 18, 2023

Thank you Elle Kennedy, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy!

Elle Kennedy has done it again! Literally-every one of her books I pick up, I can’t put it down😍

I think The Summer Girl may be my favorite of all of the Avalon Bay books (Good Girl Complex, Bad Girl Reputation and The Summer Girl). I immediately felt like I was visiting old friends, while embarking on a new adventure with Cassie and Tate (Gate😌).

I felt like I was living every experience! Elle Kennedy has such a magical way of writing. The Summer Girl was no exception. ✨✨✨

Elle PLEASE give us more Avalon Bay and a continuation of these amazing characters🤗

I was a bit apprehensive going into this book as I did not like the second book in the series at all. Thankfully, The Summer Girl took us back to the vibe of Good Girl Complex!

I thought that the premise of this book was very believable as many college students and young adults are looking for some "summer fun" rather than a serious relationship. That is how things start between Cassie & Tate, but when sparks start flying, the author avoids the typical trope(s) and allows their romance to bloom and feelings to be declared. There is an inevitable hurdle for the characters, but it was nothing that will make you think less of or have negative feelings about one MC over the other.

Note: I would recommend reading at least one of the two previous books in this series before starting this one so that you have some background on the town, the hotel, and the characters.

In true Ellen Kennedy fashion this book did not disappoint. I'm a big fan of Avalon Bay and the third book was just as sweet as the first two. When Cassie-who is notably a version-comes to spend the summer with her grandma she accidentally gets trapped overhearing a breakup, one between Alana and Tate. Tate, who is the hottest guy she has ever seen in her life. And then as she tries to flea the scene, he sees her and sparks instantly fly. Except Tate, while respectful to women, has never had a girlfriend because that's just not who he is. And Cassie is looking for a summer fling, but she seems like relationship material, the kind that Tate does not believe will not want to be his girlfriend. So naturally when she propositions him for a fling, he tries to keep it platonic despite one very passionate kiss. Not only does he keep it platonic, but he offers to be her wingman and help her find a good fling.

In the meantime, both are dealing with certain family issues and pressures. Cassie is also dealing with insecurities engendered by her mother. These issues have only brought these two friends together, but what will that mean for them?

I really enjoyed this one! Very steamy (which is always a good thing), light, and captivating. I normally don't read YAs because I feel like I don't relate to that age group anymore, but Elle Kennedy is the one exception, and her books always put a smile on my face.

The only "issue" I had with this book, is there is a family event that happens later on in the book and I felt like it got wrapped up a little too quickly, but that could just be my style as a reader. Overall loved this book and highly recommend!

CW: infidelity, abortion.

eARC received for review from Net Galley

2.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5

I’m sad to say that I was a bit disappointed by the newest installment of the Avalon Bay series. The writing had a more juvenile feel, in style definitely not in content, that the previous two books. If you have been following the series rather than reading The Summer Girl as a standalone, I think you’ll see what I mean when I say that this book felt disconnected. Yes we see previous characters play large roles but I think since the fmc, Cassie, is an outsider of the friend group, it just didn’t bring back any of the nostalgia from Good Girl Complex or Bad Girl Reputation.
As someone who has experienced some of the things Cassie did, I did enjoy her character development. I loved seeing her finally grow a backbone. Tate, however, I cannot say I’m the biggest fan of. Tate’s first POV he quite literally objectifies Cassie and makes a few other misogynistic remarks and for someone who preaches treating women with respect it was laughable how much of a hypocrite he was… like father like son I guess.
I think the last thing worth mentioning is that this book is probably more Chick-Lit than romance as the romance plot kinda took a back seat to all the drama that ensued.

I’ve never read anything by Elle Kennedy before so I was skeptical. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were developed so well that I felt like I knew them, and this wasn't just the main characters. The detail made it feel like I was there as an onlooker in the different scenes. This book balanced the right amount of romance and steamy scenes to keep it at an appropriate level in my opinion. This book was very memorable and make me want to keep reading. This book is definitely a read and I can’t wait to see what else Elle has written.

This one was the best of the series. Tate and Cassie had good chemistry and the plot was enjoyable and kept me engaged.

Cassie is in town before her senior year of college and she’s looking for some fun. She’s immediately taken with Tate but he’s not interested.

As these two grow together, we get a deeper looking at their past, their family dynamic, and where they want to go. It’s emotional and angsty in all the best ways.

I was so happy to jump back into the world of Avalon Bay. from the past two books, I already got to know Tate a little and how he is known as the good guy. It was nice to learn more about him, and see his relationship with Cassie. their banter and compassion towards one another just kept me wanting them to admit their true feelings for each other. it was also great to see how the other characters of the past books are doing. this friends to lovers story is steamy and drama filled, and I loved it. I hope there is more Avalon Bay books to come!

I really enjoyed this read! Now that spring's finally here, it definitely set the mood for this book. I felt so warm and cozy watching the characters grow throughout the story. While they did have their own challenges to face, the romance still played a heavy part of the plot, which I really appreciated. Elle Kennedy has a knack for writing lovable and quirky characters. Cannot wait to read more from her!

This was my favorite Avalon Bay book yet. Elle Kennedy really brings this story to life with so much spice from the start! I loved it so much, and loved that Cass and Tate built a solid friendship starting out.

I laughed, I cried....I felt the emotions right along with the characters with revelations of love and betrayal amongst families. It was nice to get flimpses of Mac and Cooper as well as Evan and Gen. I want to know more about Cass and Tate, but maybe if there's another one.

Be sure to check it out when it releases in July, 2023!

Elle Kennedy does not miss. I know every single time I pick up one of her books that I will be in for a treat. She knows how to write characters to swoon over and worlds you want to dive into. Love her and this book.

This was probably my favourite book of the Avalon Bay series. I liked Tate and Cassie a lot - they had good banter, and a good setup - it was cute. I didn't find the book overly spicy, apart from 1 or 2 scenes but it was still a good read. I thought that the dramatic elements kept the book interesting. I enjoyed it a lot!

This is the first Elle Kennedy book I have read. I will definitely start reading her books after this as her dialogue and story was really easy to read. Fun beach read for sure.

Story is basically young, college-aged people doing what they do in the summer. Lead character Cassie was slightly immature but I usually don’t read stories with characters that young so that might just a preference thing for me. Tate was a good male lead. Again, very on par for a 23 year olds behaviour during summer. I liked that he was responsible, hardworking and witty though. Only moment I didn’t like was him discussing Cassie being a virgin with his friend at the bar. That’s just a “yuck” for me and felt a bit out of character for him seeing as everyone sings his praises for being a “good guy” and how he hates anyone else talking about her out of turn. I don’t feel like discussing a woman’s virginity and that he has a “thing” for it is a gentleman thing to do and I’m not a prude at all. I Just felt like it wasn’t something that character would discuss with someone else. Discussing that it was a “phone sex” situation fine, and it was vague how he mentioned it, no details. Then allowing your friend to deep dive into talking vulgar about how it would go if you did proceed to have sex with your virgin friend…no. Just a heads up for other writers of romance that women don’t want to be talked about between friends. No details and your friends are not allowed to discuss “scenarios”. Tate should have put a stop to that if he were such a stand up guy.

Otherwise, Plot was easy to follow, I didn’t have to read the previous two books to catch up to the surrounding characters . All around fun summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley & St.Martins Press for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.

A perfect beach read. It can easily be read as a stand alone.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.