Member Reviews

Such a sweet summer read! When a by-chance meeting creates an opportunity for a summer fling you gotta take it! The narrators were amazing…and I laughed out loud, got frustrated, giggled, gasped, and smiled my way through this read. So fun!

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4 stars!

I really enjoyed The Summer Girl despite not reading the first two books in the Avalon Bay series! (I'm definitely going to go back and read them now though! 😊

✨friends to lovers
✨the girl next door
✨Dual POV

This is such a fun summer beach read! The beach town setting and fun cast of characters made this an easy, quick & enjoyable read.

I think it can be read as a standalone without much confusion but I am excited to read more about the side characters in this one!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press & Netgalley for the ARC!

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4 stars
I very much enjoyed reading this book. The Avalon Bay series is fun and spicy, and this was my favorite of them, thus far. That being said, I'm not a fan of the male narrator on this audiobook. I thought the female was perfect, but the male did not sound like a young adult. Much too slick and polished for the character. Nonetheless, I enjoyed revisiting Avalon Bay and getting another opportunity to enjoy Cassie and Tate's story.

Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the chance to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

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I love this series and I have to say this was one if not my favorite of the series so far.

I loved the characters and the storyline plus it’s always great when we get to see previous characters and what’s been going on with them later in a series.

I loved how Cassie was connected through her grandmother to the Beacon hotel.

Tate and Cassie were so cute and I loved their relationship. However Cassie and her toxic relationship with her mom was horrible to listen to. I hated her Mom! I think Cassie could have and should have handled the relationship with her Mom differently but had she, it would have changed the story so….

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I received the audiobook arc through Netgalley for my honest review.

This was my first Avalon Bay novel and the first book of Elle's that wasn't with Sarina Bowen. I have been itching to start my Elle Kennedy era as a Canadian hockey lover for a while now. But, it is summer! And as a Canadian, I know that the warm weather is short-lived! So I figured I would really immerse myself into the summer vibes by kicking off with this arc:D!

Even though this is part of a series, it is 100% a standalone story. I never felt like I missed out on any of the plot or character developments by skipping the first two. (But you can bet once I read the cameos of the other couplings in the series, I had to add the other two books right onto my TBR.)

When I first started, I thought that I may be too old to be reading about a girl just about to turn 21 who is staying with her grandma and looking for a hot summer fling. But, I didn't let that stop me from continuing and I am glad I kept going!

As the story started to get more developed and I learned more about our main girl, I realized that even as someone older I could relate to her. She was actually a smart, fun girl who knew what she wanted. I liked her! Our MMC was also really likable and had me rooting for him from the beginning of their very awkward meet-cute. The banter, flirting, and sweet nothings between both of them were very wholesome and I adored them together. There was def spice there but maybe a 2.5/5?

The story had a lot of different twists and turns that I didn't see coming. The story is so much more than just a cute story of a summer hook-up. There was a ton of character development, real family dynamics, friendships, and a real coming-of-age feeling. The pacing was really good and I never felt anything was rushed or dragged.

Elle got me! Right in the heartstrings! I got far more emotionally attached to these characters and what happened to them. The story kept a hold on me right until the very end!

Finishing this story was bittersweet! While I loved knowing how the story ended, I am actually really sad that the story was over. I would have loved to see a longer epilogue, but I'm hoping for an Avalon Bay #4 ...

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Thanks so much for the arc!

I feel like I keep starting my summers with an Avalon Bay read! There’s something so charming and light about this Elle Kennedy series. I love that we run into characters from the first two books but they don’t take over. It’s not necessary to read these in order (but why not!)

Cassie is home for a bit and wants a summer fling. Avalon Bay is just the place for it. She propositions Tate- who turns her down. He’s her next door neighbor and first person she meets when she comes back.

After offering to be her wingman, Tate changes his mind. He can’t let her hook up with a random guy. The two try to keep it light but can they? They are also greeted with a huge bomb towards the end of the book!

I struggled a little with the speed of the book & the “youth” of the characters. It is a fun beach read with a twist!

I enjoyed the narrators. I always appreciate having the male and female perspectives read by the matching gender! It was fun on audio!

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I just finished reading this book, and I really enjoyed it! I have not yet read the other books in this series, but I want to check them out. This book was fun with well-rounded characters, and the angst in the book didn't last too long. (Thank goodness!) I enjoyed the fun summer vibe of this book but appreciated the balance of the serious moments. The main characters and their friends were a lot of fun to read about.

It was so much fun seeing our main character Cassie Soul growing closer and closer to the lovable Tate Bartlett. The chemistry between them was palpable, and I loved how they grow together. The spiciness was fun as well!

I truly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance, and Elle Kennedy definitely didn't disappoint! The audiobook narrators were wonderful as well! I definitely recommend this book!

ARC received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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The Summer Girl follows Cassie and Tate through a summer in Avalon Bay, where Tate lives and Cassie grew up, while she visits for the summer. Cassie is looking for a summer fling and Tate seems like the perfect candidate.

I really enjoyed this book and the multiple different storylines that took place. We went back and forth between Cassie and Tate's points of view, and learned a lot about both of their families in the process. This book really explores relationships, secrets, and how we view people in our lives.

At times, I did think both main characters could be a little annoying, but I do think part of that was due to their ages. The characters were in their early 20s, with Cassie still being in college, which is actually not an age group I usually read about in romance books, and I really enjoyed reading about younger characters than I typically do.

This book would make a great beach read, or a great read when it's not summer to transport you somewhere warmer :)

I listened to the audio version of this book, and I thought the narrators did a really good job. Narrators can really make or break a book for me, but I enjoyed both of them for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Elle Kennedy for giving me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The Summer Girl will be out on July 18th.

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Read as either a standalone, or the third in the series, The Summer Girl by Ellie Kennedy is amazing. It's the perfect summer read: you will be laughing, tearing up a little, and racing to the nearest beach to enjoy sunshine, summertime, and The Summer Girl.

Cassie just wants a fling this summer, but where are the men who are worthy enough to have a fling with? Enter Tate. Tate has everything she wants in a fling: a good body, a darling personality, and the erm "equipment" to take care of her needs. Where will this fling, go though? Will it just stay a fling or develop into something more?

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Cassie is visiting Avalon Bay where she spent her summers as a child until her parents divorced and boy has she missed it. When her grandmother decides to sell the boardwalk hotel she decides to visit and send the summer soaking it all in and maybe have a little fun. And by fun she means finding someone for a summer fling. She meets Tate, the local guy who only does flings. And yet, he recognizes she isn’t fling material and friend zones her. Its a problem as he is seriously attracted to her so they decide to make a plan. A beginning and an end date. What could possibly go wrong! They have a great summer together, but when some secrets are brought into the light will they survive as a couple or even as friends? It’s wonderful ride to the end. A great summer (or anytime really) story. Wonderful characters, well written, easy to read and if you listen to the audiobook, wonderful narration.

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✨ARC Book Review: The Summer Girl✨

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Of all 3 books in the Avalon Bay series, this one may have been my favorite. It was much, much better than Bad Girl Reputation! It had less spice than the other two books which I also appreciated, and who doesn’t love reading about a fun summer competition?!

Here were my general thoughts:
😊 I love how Cassie Soul is always looking for a silver lining. She looks for the positives in any experience.
☀️ All of the couples in the series return to compete in a summer competition between all of the local businesses and it made me wish my town did this!
🏨 We finally see the grand opening of Mackenzie’s hotel! But through this event, drama erupts from Cassie’s family. Cassie is the granddaughter of the former hotel owner.
😲 Elle Kennedy threw a little twist into the plot that I wasn’t expecting. It added a little more depth that was missing from the second book.
🏝️ We as the reader see every other character from the perspective of Cassie and as she changes her views of those around her, I genuinely went from hating some characters to loving them. Cassie is a great example of a young protagonist who realizes there is more to a person than how they first appear.
🎧 A note about the audiobook: I wasn’t a fan of either narrator’s voice. It took me a long time to adjust to the male accent and higher voice of the female narrator. They read the book well, but they weren’t my favorite.

This series was pretty “meh” for me. There was too much spice overall and I personally enjoy reading other authors in this summer romance genre.

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for an advanced copy of this book!

#junereads #bookstgram #books #2023reads #bookrecs #readingchallenge #readinggoals #goodreadschallenge #booksofinstagram #alwaysreading #buddyread #bookclub #bookstagramchallenges #bookstagramer #instabooks #netgalley #netgalleyreviews

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⭐4/5 stars⭐

did this book make me question my dream to move to NYC and instead, move to a cozy, beach town where I can fall in love with a handsome stranger whose breakup I inadvertently witness? yes, yes it did. all the summer vibes you could possibly imagine were placed between these pages. I wanted to be on the sand, playing supervising beach games, and going out to dinner on the boardwalk with the Avalon Bay gang.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this and how much it made me feel. this book deals with a narcissistic parent, a slightly broken home, and a jaw-dropping scandal that will make your head spin. when I tell you the TEA WAS SPILT!! I could not stop reading after that point; I had to see what happened.

I haven't read the first two books in the Avalon Bay series but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of this book at all. I loved reading about the side characters and could definitely see myself going back and reading the previous ones! I did, however, read The Off-Campus series and you can tell how much this author has grown in the last few years. the writing is more mature and the dialogue is incredible. I have to thank the narrators for that as well. the delivery, especially in the emotional scenes, was impeccable. I shed a tear during one of the final heart-to-heart scenes. while there were some intense moments for these characters, I would also consider it a light-hearted read with a definite HEA! there was a significant balance between the intensity of the issues the characters faced and the easygoing aspects of a romantic, beach read we all love.

if you're looking for a relaxing summer read with a very cute sailor and a nostalgic beach town that will have you running to trip advisor, you've found it.
🌶️3.5/5 stars (the WINDOW SCENE!!??)🌶️

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4.3 ⭐️


Thank you to NetGalley and Elle Kennedy and St Martin’s Griffin for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Summer is in swing and it is time again to warm up not only our hearts with this fun summer read but our sheets. As always Kennedy is a master of the witty banter and sassy couplings. That is a staple in almost all of their books.

The Summer Girl does not disappoint. Cassie is spending one last summer with her grandmother in Avalon Bay before the family business and grandparents' home is sold. What would be better than spending that time with a summer fling.

In comes Tate, or rather he is dumped into Cassie’s life (on more than one front). Tate is renowned for not only his “skills” but his no nonsense when it comes to treating his partners.

As an audiobook lover I feel like Teddy Hamilton is one the current “ IT” narrators and it was nice as I have only heard them in dark romances and fantasy. This audiobook was dual narration ( each narrator reads all their characters POV) and Caitlin Elizabeth was definitely not overshadowed but brought the nervous bubbliness of Cassie to life. It is so nice that MOST of Kennedy’s books have unique narrators; it adds to the individuality of each couple and book.

The Summer girl was so light and fun. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Honestly I have not read the first two books in the Avalon Bay series but I am not new to Elle Kennedy’s works, as I have read both the Off campus and Briar U series.

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As a summer girlie, I really enjoyed this book. This was my first book by Elle Kennedy and definitely won’t be my last. I loved how the spice and relationship drama didn’t over power the overall story, which was more about her relationship with her parents than Tate. TATE. I loved him and how sweet he was to Cassie and his mom. Both our main characters were easy to like. This is a fun, spicy, and past paced summer romance novel that I would recommend to anyone needing a new couple to fall in love with.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook!

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College student Cassie is back in Avalon Bay for the summer, ready for a whirlwind fling and out on the prowl against her better judgement. After some initial annoyance with the main character's naivety of self (omg my chest is so big and I'm so tiny, how could a guy ever find me attractive?!) I leaned into the frivolity and was along for the ride.
Spicy, funny, and a quick read, The Summer Girl gives exactly what you want in a Summer read.

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I love the Avalon Bay series! Each one just keeps getting better and better. This was such an interesting spicy romance. There were lots of crazy side plots and I became really invested in these characters. Cassie is just looking for a fling when she returns to Avalon Bay for the summer. Instead, she got a whole lot of drama and romance.

I loved Tate's character. He oozes confidence and has never wanted anything serious until he met Cassie. Even if he has a reputation for sleeping around, he treats Cassie with respect and I really enjoyed that. They are such an adorable couple and had so much chemistry throughout the entire book!

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I really loved this audiobook! Not only the story kept me engaged but the narrators brought it to life and made me love it even more. Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton are fantastic. (Teddy is one of my all time favorites so this was a no brainer). They’re both great at doing different voices, even those of the opposite sex. And it feels like they’re telling you a story and not just reading. Their voices fit the characters.
I really liked the characters in this book as well. (Except for the heroines mother who is a narcissist whom we aren’t to like.) But I actually liked how her character was woven in. She isn’t a character I’ve read before. So many romance books have similar characters and situations but this one felt unique and fresh. The MC’s were mature and yet did growing. I really liked how this was written. One of the better romance books I’ve read in a long time.
Thank you to Macmillan Publishing and Net Galley for this audiobook to honestly review.

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The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is definitely my favorite of the three released so far in the Avalon Bay series.

Cassie Soul hasn't spent time in Avalon Bay in a long time, not since her parents spilt up when she was a teen. Now, since her grandmother is selling the family hotel, she is down for the summer helping tie up loose ends. The potential for a summer fling is also high up on her list.

Tate Bartlett, boat instructor, loves to have a casual fling. Yet, he's hesitant to be with Cassie as she is everything that he isn't. Until he grabs his head out of the sand and realizes that she may just be someone he wants to "hang out" with and check that summer fling off her list with.

Cassie and Tate are fast turning from friends into lovers with some complications. Will Cassie be just "that summer girl" to Tate?

Dual point of view made this book a hit for me and I enjoyed the pacing of both character. Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton did a great job of bringing both characters to life. I smiled while listening when characters from the previous novels were mentioned! However; this book can be read as a standalone.

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I had heard so much about Elle Kennedy, I'm so happy I finally got my hands on this!

Let me start with saying that I do not read new adult. I don't typically enjoy your classic chick-lit sparkly summer la-di-da. This must have landed in my hands at just the right time, it was like a warm welcome to summer fun.

I enjoyed that this was more than fluffy summer fling, Cassie has some serious family drama to sort through. Her handsome new friend with benefits can help her out with those heavier emotions and help her lose that pesky virginity.

Tate is a very good water hottie. He is sun-kissed and capeable to driving whatever watercraft you give him keys to, but I did not think he had a whole lot of character development.
My biggest complaint is how crass Tate's perspective is. Of course, I was expecting dirty thoughts and fun sexiness... but I found his internal voice to be very un-sexy at times.

Ultimately, I think that Tate delivers on the promise of eye candy and Cassie does her part as the self conscious beauty very well. Throw it in your bag with a towel and lay out on the sand, this is a beach read to the core.

Thanks to MacMillan audio and NetGalley for my ARC.

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This was such a sweet friends to lovers romance with all the summer vibes!

I loved all the summertime activities and the friends group. Also Tate was just the sweetest book boyfriend ever! Good guy with a dirty mouth 🥵

Cassie returns to her hometown Avalon Bay to spend the summer with her grandmother and maybe experience a summer fling! She meets surfer Tate and they blur the lines between just friends and more!

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