The Summer Girl is the third installment in Elle Kennedy's Avalon Bay series. I really enjoyed the first two books, but I have to say I think this one is my favorite so far.

It's always fun to return to the small beachy town of Avalon Bay and this time we get to see the town through the eyes of Cassie Soul, a young woman who used to lived there but hasn't been back in years. She's there now to spend the summer with her grandmother and she also hopes to have a bit of fun and find herself a summer fling.

She has a pretty funny meet cute with local hot guy, Tate Bartlett, and immediately thinks he would be an ideal candidate for her fling. In a surprise twist, Tate turns her down but says he would love to be friends with her and to even serve as her wingman to help her find her fling.

If you enjoy a good friends to lovers story, you'll love this one because the chemistry between Tate and Cassie is just wonderful. There's tons of fun, flirty banter but they also connect on a much deeper level and I just enjoyed watching them get to know one another as the summer went on.

There's also an extra twist involving secrets and family drama just to add some dramatic flair and keep you turning those pages.

If you're looking for a perfect read to take with you to the pool or beach, grab yourself a copy of The Summer Girl. You won't regret it!

The audiobook version is also fantastic. I loved the narration from Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton as they brought these two endearing characters to life.

Thank you NetGalley for an Audio ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is my first book in the Avalon Bay Series. I definitely will be going back and reading the other two now though. I've been reading through the Off Campus Series recently, and love those books. So when I saw Elle Kennedy had a new book coming out I jumped all over it.

I'm still new to Elle Kennedy, but I love how this book references Briar University. All her books may exist in the same world, but this was something I wasn't expecting and loved!

This story is super cute and fun! Cassie and Tate have amazing banter. This I've noticed is common in Elle Kennedy books. The other friends Cassie makes during the summer are so much fun too!

The back story of Cassie though is heartbreaking. This book does an amazing job of showing off a narcissist actions of always having motive for themselves. The last fourth of this book broke my heart. I cried. I am so proud of Cassie for growing and for making the decisions she made.

There's also a Taylor Swift reference in here. So that's a bonus point!

The ending had a wild twist that I felt was rushed through a little. I didn't see it coming, but that also gave me an overwhelming feeling which I believe was the point considering how overwhelmed everyone was with that twist. The parents are definitely the drama in this story.

No Cheating. FMC dates another guy for a second before MC gets with her, but she only kisses him. No OW drama.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Summer Girl
By: Elle Kennedy
Book 3 Avalon Bay
Pub Date: 7/17/23
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

This one really surprised me. I’d been dragging my feet on reading it but found that I really enjoyed it.

Cassie Soul is in Avalon Bay for the summer. She grew up there until her parents divorced when she was 10 and she moved to Boston with her mom. Her mom got sole custody unfortunately, she's a huge narcissist, which has cost Cassie a lot of pain over the last decade of living with her.
While in town for the summer Cassie stays at her Grandmother's house, this is the last year for that, because at the end of summer, her grandmother is moving to Boston.
Tate is a sailing instructor at the country club and also works part time at his dad’s boat dealership. But during the summer he housesits at the house next-door to Cassie’s grandma’s when Cassie’s friend stands her up for a summer party, Cassie meets Tate for the first time. Cassie is looking for a summer fling and she thinks Tate is the perfect candidate. But Tate is very hands off. He just wants to be friends but will that stay that way?
This is the 3rd book in the series and there are some big surprises with all the parents involved. Definitely worth the time to read.

I truly enjoyed this fun easy telling of Cassie and Tate’s story. I was a little hesitant as this is part of a series and I haven’t read the first two books but I don’t feel like I missed anything having not read the other ones first. The banter and chemistry between the main characters was perfection. The family dynamics and the secrets uncovered throughout the r story add depth to the story. I also enjoyed the beach days competition which I know was a small portion but it really reminded me of like summer camp or events that only happen every summer.

This definitely makes me want to read the first two books of this Avalon series.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC, this is a voluntary honest review.

I have enjoyed this whole series and would love to visit Avalon Bay!

I absolutely adored both Tate and Cassie. I loved their first meeting and how you felt the sparks (and you know they did), but they tried to deny.

Cassie is visiting the bay, once her home, this summer and staying with her grandma. When her parents got divorced, Cassie moved away with her mother, but visits in the summer. Her dad is remarried and has two younger children. She feels his wife doesn't care for her. so stays with her grandmother.

Tate moved to Avalon Bay as a teen, after Cassie moved away. He works at a marina teaching sailing and also helps out at his family's business. He doesn't "do" relationships. But despite being a one night stand type of guy, he is sweet and kind and the ladies love him, even those former one night stands.

There is family drama. There is growth and coming of age. And there is some great friends to lovers romance.

I switched between the ebook and the audio and I will say, the audio was amazing!

Many thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for both an ARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Well this was such a fun story with a lot of depth! I instantly connected with both Cassie and Tate and honestly couldn't choose a favorite narration or POV. The audiobook narration was so well done and brought an extra layer of steam and emotion to this great story. This is a perfect summer read because of the wonderfully crafted friends-to-lovers story, with the additional layers of learning self love, toxic family relationships (and also enviable ones), laughs and a lot of growth for the characters. I didn't want to put this down and actually gasped, felt rage, felt joy, and shed a few tears as the story progressed. Elle Kennedy is a fabulous story teller!

⭐️ 4/5 | 🌶️ 3/5

Elle Kennedy is an auto-buy author for a lot of people, and I totally understand why. This book had so much fun banter in it that I just kept turning the page for my next laugh.

This friends-to-lovers small town romance features sweet main characters. Cassie in particular is kind in a way that a lot of FMCs are not.

The twist in this will have you on the edge of your seat!

This book is the perfect summer read! Beach town romance, boy next door, the banter, the chemistry, what more could you ask for? I loved the opening scene. I could totally see myself in that situation. Most of the characters felt relatable, even Cassie’s mom (squirm). Cassie’s character felt a little juvenile, but she did grow and develop as the book continued. I loved the dual POV and because I listened to the audiobook, the dual narrators. This was a quick read. I haven’t read the earlier one in this series, but I may have to go back and read them.

Ah- the best in the series so far! Cassie and Tate are so delightful together! This friends to lovers story is really sweet and bingeable. With a heroine who is so sweet, a hero with amazing golden retriever energy, and palpable chemistry, this is is such a dreamy beach read!

Our heroine Cassie is in Avalon Bay for the summer to visit her grandma as per tradition, only this summer isn't a normal summer. Her grandmother has sold their family hotel, the Beacon, after half a century of owning it. Needless to say, this summer will be different- but Cassie needs an escape for her daily life, including her toxic mother. What better to help take your mind off things than going away- and perhaps even having a vacation fling! Cue our delicious hero Tate, a serial dater who is just epically charming and likable. He's got a gig housesitting next door to Cassie for the summer, and the two strike up a lovable and engrossing friendship.

The friendship part of this story is what made it so great- it feels authentic and genuinely created. The relationship evolves so naturally- like OG Elle Kennedy vibes. They have an open and honest friendship, one that gives their relationship a real emotional underpinning. The chemistry is great! Tate is so dreamy and adorable- total teddy bear hero- and Cassie is cutely awkward and so lovable.

The characters are really endearing, their chemistry is beautifully created, and I loved the whole vibe. While there are some serious elements they deal with, it's mostly light and breezy. The best yet of the Avalon Bay world!

LOVED the narration too- it was a well performed and beautifully done audio.

This was a great narration duo. The audiobook followed the book closely and the male narrator is one of my all time faves. So very happy. The storyline is new adult (as is the series) and a virgin meets playboy trope.

This is the perfect summer beach read. Both Cassie and Tate are likeable and there is a good balance between romance and personal drama. The end definitely holds a bit of a shock as well. The dual narrators are also a nice touch in showcasing both perspectives of the events, though the narrator for Tate is a bit much. Overall, definitely recommend for a fun, light read!

This series has quickly become one of my favorites and there's something about Elle Kennedy's writing that I FLY through (reading or listening). Back in Avalon Bay, Cassie is in town to visit her Grandma when her path crosses with her neighbor, Tate. It has friends to lovers, tension, drama and I am obsessed. Like many others, I find that Elle Kennedy writes banter and tension like no others.

Thanks so much to Elle Kennedy, Macmillan audio, and Netgalley for the advanced audiobook of The Summer Girl! I love Kennedy’s Off-Campus and Briar U series, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. I enjoyed reading Cassie and Tate’s love story. Friends to lovers typically isn’t my favorite trope, but I was surprised how well it worked for me in this story. I really felt for her during her struggle with her mom, and some of the conflict was tough to read. If body-shaming is a trigger for you, look into some more spoilers and reviews. Like the Hartley brothers in the first two books, Tate was such a sweet (and spicy 👀) book boyfriend! The Summer Girl is the epitome of a fun beach read, and I enjoyed binging it. Catch me deep in Elle Kennedy’s backlist for the rest of the summer!

GENRE: Summer, Romance, Spice

RATING: 4/5

SPICE: 3.5/5

So, I want to start off by saying that I came into this book very negatively. By this I mean, I already had a preconceived notion of my opinions of Elle Kennedy’s writing because I absolutely LOATHED “The Deal” - specifically how the novel addresses SA and being supper abrasive with the language. Someone who has experienced SA would not be so BLANTANT in the language and would not forget to add a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel… that being said… THE SUMMER GIRL was an amazing read. It really changed my opinion of Kennedy as a writer and I am now going to be more open to her works in the future.

While there were a few ICKs at the beginning of the novel (namely Cassie basically admitting to excusing Tate’s repulsive/pervy behaviour because he is attractive). SIDE NOTE: This book comes out tomorrow (JULY 18, 2023) and I think that it may have been a better option not to use the name TATE for our love interest… no matter what happened all I could picture was Andrew Tate (barf!) As the novel progresses, you forget the unfortunate fact of his name, and his shitty behaviour at the beginning of the novel because Tate becomes overall a very great and fun love interest.

Without giving spoilers here are some aspects of the novel I loved:

- Window Scene - makes me think of Taylor Swift’s You Belong With Me music video if it was featured on Porn Hub.
- Her toxic relationship with her mom (not that I liked it but that it was relatable and well portrayed). Also the idea that one needs to forgive people who hurt us JUST because they are family is addressed and appreciated!
- THE.DRAMA.

It is a really fun read, its got a lot of spice but nothing kinky and it isn’t overtly spicy in order to label this as erotica.

If you need something fun and romantic and quick to read this summer, you should defs pick up THE SUMMER GIRL by ELLE KENNEDY.

“Every part of me is yours.”

Elle Kennedy strikes gold once again with her scorching, small town, new adult romance, "The Summer Girl." Whether you're diving into the series or starting fresh, this standalone novel is a must-read. Follow Cassie's journey as she returns to Avalon Bay, seeking refuge from her critical mother and craving a summer fling. Enter Tate, the irresistible playboy and sailing instructor who becomes her unexpected wingman.Yet, as fate would have it, the magnetic pull between them becomes too strong to resist. Prepare for some fireworks.

This story will have you laughing, blushing, and reminiscing about those youthful nights of sneaking into someone’s room. The chemistry between Cassie and Tate is electric, and their love story will leave you breathless.

I was swept away by the idyllic setting, the steamy chemistry between Cassie and Tate, and the heartwarming moments that made me me feel like I’m in university again. With a palpable sexual tension and a captivating small-town romance, "The Summer Girl" is a book you’ll want to add to your beach reads.

If you've read the previous books, you'll be thrilled to catch up with Tate's friends in some fun scenes that add an extra layer of enjoyment. But don't worry, if you're new to the series, you won't be confused!

If you like audiobooks, then you’ll definitely enjoy this one narrated by the mesmerizing voices of Teddy Hamilton and Caitlin Elizabeth. They made this passionate romance even more delightful (and be prepared to put your volume on low).

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Summer Girl is the latest gem in the Avalon Bay series, and boy, did it deliver! 🙌💎 With each book, I fall more in love with this interconnected world and the return of beloved characters. 😍💕
Our leading lady, Cassie, is in town for a visit with her grandma, but little did she know that her world was about to be turned upside down by her charming new neighbor, Tate! 😄🏡 Their meet cute had me laughing out loud, and their banter throughout the story was 🔝notch! These two are a dynamic duo of wit and chemistry! 🔥⚡
Out of the three books in the series, The Summer Girl easily snagged the title of my favorite! 🏆🌟 The way the story unfolds is as refreshing as a cool breeze on a scorching summer day. 🌬️💦 Elle Kennedy has once again captured my heart with her delightful writing and captivating storytelling. 💖✒️
If you're planning a beach getaway 🏖️🌴, don't forget to pack this book! It's the perfect companion for your sandy adventures, as it will make you laugh, swoon, and fall head over flip-flops in love! 😂
Highly recommended! Grab your shades, slather on the sunscreen, and dive into the enchanting world of The Summer Girl!

The Summer Girl is book 3 in the Avalon Bay series and it’s definitely my favorite of the series so far. I loved Cassie and Tate - the banter, the chemistry and the angst between them was soooo good!

This one has a friends to lovers, I’ll be your wingman vibe that I was totally into. Tate is determined not to be Cassie’s fling for fear of hurting her. Instead, he vows to help her find the perfect fling. Cue all the angsty moments and sizzling chemistry between them that refuse to be ignored. Sprinkle in some family drama - y’all I seriously detested Cassie’s mom so much. That woman was pure venom. Cassie and Tate had to deal with some big emotional issues while navigating their relationship. The balance between fun, sexy, emotional and tender was spot on in my opinion throughout this book.

The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton. I binged my way right through this narration, unable to put it down once I started listening.

The Summer Girl is packed with chemistry and drama. I was expecting the chemistry, but not the angst. Elle Kennedy deals with the ramifications of parental divorce and how it doesn’t matter the age if the heart is not tended to. Kennedy also throws in parental emotional abuse regarding everything, but heavily focused on body image. Cassie also deals with neglect and the feelings of second families being made and loving and hating it at the same time.

Tate’s story focuses on the idea of parental dreams versus the child, or in the case the new adult’s dreams. Tate’s dad envisions leaving his business to Tate and has been training him to take over. Since Tate is now available, he and his wife are ready to start living their lives even though Tate is in his early twenties. Tate hasn’t had a chance to live his dreams yet and already he is being told that they need to be shelved so his parents can live theirs. Then the dream of a lifetime gets offered to Tate and difficult discussions need to be had.

In the midst of all of this is the seduction of Tate and then Cassie as each tries to have a friends-with-benefits relationship. There is lots of humor, misunderstandings, and steam before we get to any action.

Caitlin Elizabeth and Teddy Hamilton perform this story with perfect inflection. I just love the interchanging chapters and individual voices of Tate and Cassie. This story flew by with these two narrators at the helm. I would definitely listen to them again.

This is my first visit to Avalon Bay and I had a great time. If Elizabeth and Hamilton are narrating the others, then I will definitely visit again.

Cassie is returning to Avalon Bay after many years as her grandmother is planning to sell the hotel that’s been in their family for five decades. She’s planning to have an amazing time and hopefully find herself a summer fling. Tate is a sailing instructor and well known player, but loved by everyone. Tate and Cassie have an immediate connection their feelings only grow despite them trying to deny so.

“As Cassie and Tate walk the line between friends and lovers, they’re about to discover that their situation is the least complicated part of this equation. Because Avalon Bay is full of secrets—and their relationship might not survive when those secrets come to light.“

Elle Kennedys writing is a favourite of mine and The Summer Girl was no exception. The banter and tension in her books is unmatched. I enjoyed every part of this book from the friendships to dealing with family issues, and seeing the characters work through any issues and them growing stronger because of it. Cassie and Tate had an undeniable pull and chemistry from the very beginning and it only grew as their story went on, another incredible book from one of my favourite authors!

This romcom is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Summer Girl follows Cassie as she visits her grandma in a southern beach town for the summer and tried her hand at her first summer fling.
Where Cassie is shy yet optimistic, her love interest, Tate, is confident and endlessly charming. I love the way, their initial traction turned into a real friendship which then developed later into more. It felt real and believable, and their dynamic was just so enjoyable to read.
I also love that the story didn’t stop short at just giving us the romcom aspect, both Cassie and Tate had complex relationships with their parents. The honesty and vulnerability of diving into the imperfect relationships between parent and child gave the story the extra sparkle that took it from entertaining to a truly enjoyable read.
I’m not the typical romcom reader (I’m usually more of a romantasy reader) but I would recommend this to all of my friends looking to giggle and kick their feet at some cute banter.