I really enjoyed this book. I have always liked Melissa's work and this one was no different. It was definitely funny and had some emotional turmoil in it. The characters were amazing, and I just loved them.

writer Girl and Dimple Dude! I loved Nicole and Declan. This was a lovely slow burn small town romance. Despite them both trying t resist each other Nic and Declan fell for each other, each being able to bring out the best in the other and to make them stop and take a hard look at their lives and be honest with themselves. Declan has so many people relying on him, so much on his shoulders, even if some if there because he chooses to have it there and chooses to carry his burden, but when he sees Nicole arrive with her friends he knows that she is different, and no matter how hard he tries to stay away, or tell her that he just doesn't have the time for a relationship, they both seem to spend a lot of time together, helping each other heal, grow and love again.

I loved seeing Nicole find herself again, finding her confidence and her new tribe of friends that listen to her, see her for herself and celebrate her for herself and not for what she does. Their get together beach barbeques and parties are lovely, and loved that they were a mixed group of friends from all ages.

All the adventures that Nic and Dec go on are amazing and I loved how they had so much fun together and laughed a lot, they had a strong friendship that oozed chemistry and when they did get together it was off the charts. I loved reading this and it left me with a huge smile on my face.

This story right here has it all and then some! Melissa wrote a beautiful story, with the most amazing main characters, and their story that will pull you in right from the start! 5 Hot Mess Stars, but it deserves so many more!
Nicole, on a whim, purchased a cottage in a New England fishing town, and has arrived with her two best friends to help her settle in for the week. Right off the bat she runs into Declan Miller, who catches her in the midst of being flirted with by the barista! And that's just the start of the sparks that fly between her and Miller! But after two failed marriages, she is just looking to spend her summer finishing her book, she doesn't have time for romance!
Miller is attracted to Nicole, or as he refers to her as writer girl! But he's got way to much going on in his life for anything, and he lets her know right off the bat. But the attraction these two share if off the charts hot!
Can she let her heart fall again, or can they keep this their own little hot summer mess? Grab this one and find out! I didn't want to put this one down! I loved every page of it!

I wanted to love this story. The premise was cute - Nicole is in a rut writing her romance book and she’s bought a remote cabin to hopefully cure her writers block. Her friends are wild and crazy - they encourage her to step out of her comfort zone. Declan is a sweet, layered MMC. I could have done without the many towns people awkwardly hitting on her constantly - just one too many encounter had me cringing.

Unapologetically herself - what every woman should aspire to be

I loved Nicole’s hot mess summer journey as she embraces and comes to love all the less than “ideal” parts of herself - all her wild curly hair, middle aged mom body, quirky dressing, joyful uniqueness. We are joyfully invited along on every weird, loving, fun, self-affirming and real part her path. I loved it all. Nicole’s story will give you all the big feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, fist raising, and cheering. Nicole is a twice divorced middle aged single mom and successful romance writer (though she currently is having a smidge of writers block). She buys a beach cottage, sight unseen, in a small New England town where she plans to spend the summer. The first week her besties will be with her but the rest will be just her. Having lost parts of her self during her last marriage, she is looking to reclaim those parts of herself and find a close-knit community that nurtures her. She is not interested in dating and is happy being single. As we follow Nicole through her summer, she meets many interesting secondary characters, some who are brief interactions and others who are recurring characters. All of them help define her for the readers as well as herself. The most prominent other main character is Declan, who also has several chapters from his point of view. He is a divorced single dad who also is not interested in dating as too many things are always clamoring for his attention. So they become friends and adventure buddies only despite their undeniable attraction to each other. But feelings rarely stay in the boxes we assign them to. The story was well written and included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline as shown in sweet moments, steamy scenes, laughs, supportive friends, messy families, painful pasts, baggage unpacking, growth, healing, and heart squeezing love. Chatemup is a town I would not mind visiting.

This is an effervescent book about two people who are done with love, thank you very much. Both Nic and Declan have complicated family situations, and they both intend to remain happily single. But then they meet and just can't stay away from each other. I loved their chemistry and banter. Their adventures were fantastic. I liked that Nic developed such a great group of friends in her new town. Lots of fun!

Nicole and Declan, and their beach and real families, made this such a fun read - especially the Girl Scout cookie adventure! I need to live in a place like Chatemup!!

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really like Melissa Foster. I love how her characters overlap in her books and how she has built a world of people who feel authentic and honest and like you would know in real life. Hot Mess Summer is the story of a romance writer who is not looking for love. She is looking for a place to be still and happy and for a break from her real life responsibilities. What she doesn't expect or even want is a dimpled charmer who sweeps her off her feet. This friends to lovers romance is steamy and fun and easy to read. At time harvest brain and a little slower burn than I am used to slowed me down, but the pay off was worth it. I loved the growth that both of them have and I loved seeing them find their way together.

Hot Mess Summer is temptation with heart. Foster pushes the boundaries of emotion with a wickedly, ironic sense of humor and a charming addiction to romance. Declan and Nicole are my favorite kind of love story. Small town romance with personality. I couldn't help but fall in love.

3.5 Stars-
"One Hot Summer" by Melissa Foster is a captivating journey that invites readers to rediscover themselves, reclaim lost strength, and embrace love, including the often-overlooked concept of self-love. Melissa Foster's storytelling prowess shines through, making it impossible not to be drawn into the narrative. In fact, you'll find yourself yearning to be a part of it. I'll admit, if I had the chance, I'd pack my bags and move to Chatemup without a second thought!

The small town setting adds depth to the story, with its warm and supportive community. The people Nicole encounters become her found family, and it's as though she was always destined to be there, finding happiness and belonging in this charming place.

While the story isn't laden with angst, it is filled with valuable lessons about self-discovery and understanding others.

In the end, "One Hot Summer" proves that even amidst the chaos of a scorching summer filled with complex individuals, it only takes one season to transform everything. It shows that you are worth it, and you always have been. It is a slower burn but is on par with Melissa Foster's writing style. It is a great entry point to check out the author since this is a new series. It does read on the lighter side and leaning heavy on Nicole Journey. If you are looking for a lower stake in spice romance this is a title to check out.

Nicole and Declan meet in a town called Chatmeup (really?) and fall in love. She's been through too many men, especially for a romance novelist and Declan, well he has his own issues,. This is trope-y and snarky funny, making it a read that might be love it or hate it for some. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC,

4 1/2 STARS!

Melissa Foster continually delivers on a new set of best friends just when we need them! HOT MESS SUMMER is heartfelt, steamy and laugh out loud funny. I loved every minute of Nicole and Declan's story, but for this to be a standalone book, there was a ton of characters to try to keep straight. In all honesty with the world building and character development involved in this one book it could easily become a series out of her two best friends, her daughter, his sons, their parents, the various guys who flirted with her, etc., etc., etc. A tad confusing sometimes, but wholeheartedly enjoyable nonetheless!

Declan ... OMG ... I wish he would follow me home! Nobody tell my husband alright?!?! Seriously though, he's just the sweetest, sexy guy around. I adored him even with all of his drama.

Nic is so much fun. She learns to live again and it's gorgeous to see.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quirky town that is just as much a key part of the story as the main characters as drama, love and angst steal the show.

I've read most of Melissa Foster's books and I guess I was expecting more of the same, but this is most definitely different than her other books. After reading it and then reading the acknowledgments at the end of the book, I found out that this story is loosely based on this author's own experiences and most likely that was the reason why it read differently for me. It wasn't my favorite, but it was an "ok" read. Maybe because my brain cells don't work the way they use to, but there were just so many characters being introduced at the beginning of the book, that I had to keep going back and forth trying to figure out who was who and which characters were connected to each other. I did enjoy reading Declan's POV during those chapters and when it was just Nic and Declan toward the end of the book, the story was enjoyable even if it wasn't my favorite. I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this book through NetGalley.

I enjoy reading a romance where the characters are more mature and have lived a bit of life. It makes a nice change and makes them more relatable to me.

I think the communication between the two characters is good and definitely helped by them being more mature. I genuinely believed the friendship between them before anything more developed.

Declan seems like a great guy - he was genuinely interested in Nicole and wanted to learn more about her and I enjoyed that their attraction felt like it was based on more than just physical. Plus the dirty talk from this man was something else!

This was a perfectly enjoyable romance but at times I found it a bit slow going. It’s very much a character and script led story rather than plot and that made me want to speed it up a bit. Overall an enjoyable read but just a few pacing issues for me.

Thanks @Netgalley for the chance to read and review.

Writer Girl & Dimple Dude!!

This whole strontium start to finish is one giant fun filled adventure. So many great laughs and a mature couple story that you won’t want to miss.

Nicole Ross bought a summer cottage in Chatemup, Massachusetts. As a romance writer she needed to get away and find her muse again.

“I’m not picking up guys. I swear, coming to Chatemup has made me some kind of hot mess magnet.”

Declan is a large part of this small community. A handsome older man with a outgoing adventurous personality.

This is a slow burn wonderful romance that just keeps the pages flying. So many quirky characters and dialogue that is laugh it loud amazing.

Hot Mess Summer is a fantastic read. I loved this one so much. Nicole is simply wonderful. She is taking her summer to get to know herself after a couple failed marriages and to get her writing on track. I love the connections she makes with her neighbors in this small waterfront town. Everyone Nicole pulls into her circle is a delight and will put a smile on your face. Declan has a hot mess of a life he is trying to juggle from his father to his ex wife. You cannot help but get pulled in as Declan and Nicole build this beautiful friendship. I love how the sparks build between Nicole and Declan as they navigate their families and friends. There is plenty of laugh out loud moments to go with the sweet and a little drama that will take your heart. I love Nicole and Declan so much. I could not get enough of this one. You need to meet them today.

Hot Mess Summer is a story about finding love when you least expect it. Nicole and Declan have a chemistry that is undeniable and their connection starts off as a much needed friendship. There are a lot of hilarious moments, plenty of witty banter and the passion and fire between these two grows as their relationship evolves into something more than friendship. This storyline is something slightly different from this author but still thoroughly entertaining.

I loved everything about this hot mess couple and how they seemed to be able to work thru the hot messes and is truly a steamy delight for those of us at or over the 50 year mark. Almost makes me want to TRY looking again…lol ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️

This is my 4th Melissa Foster book and maybe my least favorite. It was an easy read, I just didn’t feel like it was an exciting storyline. Declan was great, but you could tell his character was written by a woman. Everything he said was what a woman wants a man to say. It wasn’t a bad book, just wasn’t my favorite.

Nicole is escaping drama/trauma from her past and starting a new beginning in a new town. She meets so many amazing people along the way who become part of her family.

Declan is a good man, does so much for others and ultimately puts everyone above himself. He’s not looking for romance but Nicole comes crashing into his world.

I love how Melissa writes these characters. Their blooming friendship is beautiful and their love story is amazing. The cart of characters added so much to the story.

I loved how they helped one another find love again, find confidence to stand up to those taking advantage and the courage to take a chance on one another.

Fantastic, fun and delightful read.