Cassie Soul returns to Avalon Bay for the summer to spend time with family, looking for a summer fling. Enter hottie Tate Bartlett, surfer boy & player who decides to friend-zone her right away, because his attraction to her is instant, and he doesn't do feelings or relationships!

This book has all the great parts for an awesome beach read: Fun, friends, family. Water, sun and sand. Drama, sizzling romance, and lots of characters you will fall in love with. I love how the author wraps everything up at the end, pulling on so many heartstrings in so many beautiful ways.

The audiobook was an absolute treat to listen to. Caitlin Elizabeth does an amazing job with the French stepmom, and both narrators do an awesome job at bringing the different characters and stories to life.

4.5 ⭐ The characters shine in this Avalon Bay story. (You don't need to read the first two to enjoy this one!) The complex characters and character relationships really hit me in the heart with this one. Besides Cassie and Tate, I especially loved Cassie's grandma. I loved the whole story, but the ending had me tearing up. Totally loved this one!

[Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the Advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for the review.]

4.25/5

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. 

This was such a cute and heartwarming romance. I really enjoyed how this book was more than just a fluff piece and had true depth to the characters and plot.

This was the first book I have read by Elle Kennedy and I cannot wait to read more. This book can be read as a standalone, but I am now excited about reading the first two books in the Avalon Bay series. I really liked the relationship development between Cassie and Tate. This was a fun, spicy, lighthearted, summer friends to lovers romance. If you’re looking for a perfect beach read this summer, this is it.

Cassie is coming to visit her grandmother. Now that she is selling the Beacon Hotel, Cassie is coming back to say goodbye and have a summer fling while she is at it. When she meets Tate, she thinks he will be the perfect fling. Tate turns out to be her temporary neighbor while staying with her grandmother. When they land on staying friends, Tate helps find Cassie’s summer fling. The closer the become, the more the friend zone line blurs.

There’s lots of family drama, angst, twists and spice. I really loved this is a quick, steamy, New Adult Romance where the spice and plot are balanced well.

Title: The Summer Girl (Avalon Bay Series)
Source: Netgalley
Format: Audiobook
Narrators: Caitlyn Elizabeth & Teddy Hamilton
Plot: 4.25 stars
Narration: 4 Stars
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: 12 hrs 9 min

* I received this as an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book definitely had some steamy parts. I liked the dynamics between the couple and how the relationship just kept building up to the passion it finally exhumed. I appreciated how he respected her and made sure that she was taken care of. The family dynamics were a bit much but other than that I enjoyed this one.

🌀Synopsis
Cassie is spending the summer in Avalon Bay as her family prepares to sell their old business there. It’s the last summer she’s there with her grandma and things are on the verge of changing. Cassie is ready to ring in her 21st birthday and possibly find a summer romance while she’s at it.
Tate is a local guy, known for his non-serious relationships. He also happens to be house sitting at the house right next to Cassie’s. When she proposes a summer fling he initially turns her down but he finds her attractive and decides to take a chance.
It isn’t long before the two realize they have feelings for each other. The problem is their futures are going different directions and they aren’t sure they’ll be able to make it work.

My first book by Elle Kennedy and surely not my last. The author has a captivating way of balancing the fine line between breezy banter and deep conversations.

I'll be the first to admit that the first few chapters felt mindless while we get acquainted with the main characters, especially Cassie, who tends to float in the air with plenty of internal dialogue. My first impression of Cassie was that of a bratty teenager who wants it all her way, and her only agenda for her vacations is to have a summer fling and lose her virginity. But her portrayal evolves as we get to know her better with a beautiful character arc.

Tate didn't feel as much the MC as Cassie, but I instantly adored him, despite his image as a playboy or what was later referred to as a f*ckboi. I see him as a thoughtful, sensitive young man, someone desirable and a big green flag. His chemistry with Cassie was solid, and his caring interactions with her gave great insights into his personality.

No story is complete without excellent supporting characters, and Kennedy nailed that too! With quirky characters like Cassie's twin half-sisters and plunging into the depths of the bond with her stepmother, I was hooked on the story.

This brings me to a problem- the given ages of the characters didn't match my perception of them. In my mind's eye, I see both MCs as much younger, vulnerable teenagers, still exploring lust and attraction.

"The Summer Girl" is one of those books wherein the narration adds so much value! Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton did phenomenal jobs as voice artists, though I do feel that Hamilton's voice didn't suit Tate's character as well as I'd want it to. Elizabeth was brilliant in her narration of all the characters throughout the story, but I must say that every time the twins came on, my heart just melted!

I hope I convinced you to read this novel (better if you listen) because you don't want to skip this beauty. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it too! Feel free to comment or get in touch @_bookguru on Instagram.

Many thanks to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sweet and spicy new adult romance from Elle Kennedy! Super cute, some witty banter, and identifiable traits of yourself as a young-twenty-something.
Overall worth the read/listen, but some themes were juvenile and the ending was rushed. Maybe a little too much gratuitous profanity to be realistic.

Love Teddy Hamilton as a narrator! Smooth voice to listen to at any speed. (Damn, that sounded dirty. Didn’t mean for that to happen.)

The fact that I listened to this right after Fourth Wing and Teddy Hamilton is the narrator in both books just made it that much better. 😅 I still am not over it.

On to the story! I didn’t know this was part of a series until I hopped onto GoodReads, and just from reading Summer Girl, they have to all scream summer beach read at their finest. A small coastal town romance and despite it being the third in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone. I was shocked to say as frivolous and fun that this story is, I cried!

I was smitten with this book the moment I opened it. It has all the summertime feels wrapped in one delightfully spicy romance.

Tate is the epitome of a summer boy. He’s the guy I wish for during my summers. He’s the playboy that lives in swim trunks with a devilish grin and oozes charm, but he’s has the biggest heart. There’s no other author who can write a playboy as well as this one can.

It’s rare for me to enjoy a lead female character as much as the male, but with this book I was so bewitched with Cass. She was so endearing, kind, and aloof. I enjoyed that the author didn’t make her the unrealistic stereotypical naive, virginal girl. She’s quirky, funny, and owns her sexuality. She was written like an actual 21 year old and I appreciate that the author made her into more than a character in a book.

Having Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton narrate this book only made me love it so much more. I wouldn’t have dreamt up a better combo to bring this story to life. They were Cass and Tate and each brought a unique quality to the characters that reading alone didn’t capture.

The way this story is written it captures the realities and intricacies of life and love. This book doesn’t sugarcoat the complexities of love, growing into adulthood and carving your own path, and the complications of family relationships. There’s a lot more to this book than just your typical summer romance. This book will not only entertain you with its witty dialogue, but also capture your heart with well thought out characters and plot. Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for this ALC

Elle Kennedy does it again! I loved that the world of Avalon Bay and Briar University crossed paths through the story of Cassie and Tate. I adored seeing this side of Tate and meeting Cassie. Learning more about Mrs. Tanner and the hotel was wonderful and such an uplifting side story. Tate was so endearing and I love that he helped Cassie realize her value, learn to speak up and helped heal some painful relationships in her life. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

Giving this a 3 out of 5 stars. It's definitely not my preference when it comes to romance. No strings attached two people looking for casual sex and then falling in love it's not fo me. Too explicit for my taste, but did enjoy the family drama/dynamics and our main character's journey with writing as well as the love interest and his passion for sailing.

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

This is book 3 of the Avalon Bay series. Cassie is visiting the bay for the summer and staying with her grandmother. She grew up here, but once her parents got divorced, she moved north. Around the time Cassie left, Tate's family arrived. Tate teaches sailing lessons and helps run his family's business. He's a bit of a playboy, but also a sweet and sunshiny character.

I love both characters it was a fun and relaxing read. This one was my favorite so far in the series. It is a great beach read for the summer. It is hard to have just a fling and Cassie being a virgin and just wanting a summer fling. In comes the handsome Tate who doesn't commit to women he just likes having fun. Did Tate meet his match with Cassie?

I highly recommend this one it is a solid romance novel, and most romance lovers will be swooning over Tate and Cassie's relationship. Narrated by Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton who really does a good job bringing Cassie and Tate alive as well as the other members of the Avalon Bay community. This is a four-star read for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio as well as St. Martin's Press for a free copy of The Summer Girl for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

The Summer Girl is the third book in the Avalon Bay series. This was not my first trip to Avalon Bay but if it is yours you will enjoy this book just fine without having knowledge of the other books. Of course, you will have more attachment to some of the supporting characters if you’re not new to the series but that’s really it, it is a complete standalone story.

Cassie is looking for a summer fling before going back to Boston to finish her senior year of college. She was not looking for anything more than just some summer fun. At her first party she meets Tate and is instantly attracted to him. Cassie and Tate were both extremely strong characters by themselves, and their chemistry is incredible when they are together.

They both go through a lot throughout the book and give each other the strength to get through it. Their love story was definitely not perfect but it was such a heartfelt and sweet story.

This is a rare book where not only do I love all the main characters but this is full of well developed side characters. The Avalon Bay series is great so start at the beginning, or just start here, you won't regret it.

This is the perfect summer beach read, which I ended up liking a lot more than I had anticipated. It has a fun cast of characters, excellent banter, and the steam... PHEW! I really enjoyed the dual POV and the narration was amazing. This is by far my favorite book in the Avalon Bay series. Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio & Elle Kennedy for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had previously read the first book in this series and just wasn't in love with it, however, this book renewed my interest in the series and I may have to go back and read the second book! It did take me a bit to get into this book because I tend to struggle when the MCs are so young (our FMC is only 20) but she had maturity and intrigue and her story arc kept me invested. Also, as a note: I'll listen to almost anything Teddy Hamilton narrates and I enjoyed Caitlin Elizabeth as well!

3,5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the e-arc/ audiobook for an honest opinion.

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

I actually listened to the Audiobook, and I liked it! Here was the thing for me, it started of
f great, till we got to the middle that kinda bored me (felt it was kinda predictable), after that it ended with a BANG! This did have everything I liked, like slow burn? SIGN ME UP! I did relate to Cassie’s character a lot, so that’s saying something.

Also shoutout to the narrators because I liked both, they were a great choice.

Out of the 3 Avalon Bay’s books is this one my favorite for sure. Hope we are getting more books!

When I first joined Bookstagram, everyone was talking about how good Elle Kennedy's Off Campus series was and I have to say the Avalon Bay series, imo, may be even better! Hot, blue-collar heroes and women who are either locals to the South Carolina beach town or are from wealthy families.

The Summer Girl is about Cassie, who is a virgin who wants a summer fling. She picks Tate, but he thinks she's the type of girl who wants a relationship and offers to be her friend/wingman, which doesn't last long because they get close and talk and one thing leads to another...

This is THE PERFECT summer romance! Beach setting, great characters, fun group of friends, town beach games...it's everything!! And the steam...woooo!

I love Elle Kennedy's writing and her Avalon Bay series does not get enough hype. Tate is by far my favorite MMC from this series and I think I can also say that Cassie may be my favorite FMC for this series as well. The banter is top notch - the spice is immaculate - the tension is chefs kiss. The twist at the end I DID NOT see coming and even though Im not always a fan of the third act break up I think it made sense in the story and I liked how the two got back together in the end. The story is beautifully narrated - Teddy Hamilton is the GOAT at male narration.

This ended up being better than I initially thought. I initially hated the male leading character and thought, despite his better qualities, he reminded me of Danny Zucco from Grease. Initially, I also felt the female character was trope-y and not very bright. The book proved me wrong, and I ended up really enjoying it. It is a romance, so just know that before you start. A good summer read.This ended up being better than I initially thought. I initially hated the male leading character and thought, despite his better qualities, he reminded me of Danny Zucco from Grease. Initially, I also felt the female character was trope-y and not very bright. The book proved me wrong, and I ended up really enjoying it. It is a romance, so just know that before you start. A good summer read.

Absolutely enjoyed this book. I enjoyed both narrators and the dual POV. I loved Cassie and her crazy babbling when she gets nervous and Tate's easy going personalities. Perfect for anyone looking for something laid back and funny to enjoy while at the beach or sitting pool side ⛱️ ☀️ 🌊

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook, provided in exchange for an honest review.

This series delivers yet another sweet, pretenseless love story.

I was not expecting the third act twist. (view spoiler)

Audiobook: 5/5 - I would listen to Teddy Hamilton reading the dictionary tbh.

Spice: 4/5