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.

I’m afraid I did not finish this book. I found it hard to relate and empathise with the main lead Nicole and found her and her friends quite unbelievable . I’m sure I will be in the minority and it will do well, but it was not for me this time. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. Nicole somewhat impulsively buys a cottage with plans to move for the summer. When she gets there, she meets a fanatic group of neighbors, which including Declan. They have an instant connection but neither are looking for a relationship so they try to fight it. I loved that this was a more mature story and group of characters, but still brought heat. Definitely recommend this book.

I loved this book! Nic was such a relatable character, in my opinion. Dealing with a lot of insecurities that moms, and divorced moms deal with. But Declan was just just so wonderful! They really brought out the best in each other. Who doesn’t need an adventure buddy:)?!

A heartwarming story of finding love when you least expect it. Nicole and her besties come to a small coastal town to get away from everyday life and for Nicole to find the inspiration to get out of her writer's block. Along the way Nicole and Declan become friends and take their buddy/buddy relationship into lovers - giving them both what they needed but never expected. With great characters and a light hearted enjoyable storyline this will become another Melissa Foster favorite.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Nicole (aka Nic) and Declan had amazing chemistry together. The cookie caper had me laughing so hard! I loved their adventures! This was a great start to a new series. I am curious who else will get books.

Hot Mess Summer is yet another amazing Melissa Foster book. It is a sizzling summer read about new beginnings .
Nicole, an author who is looking for a change buys a summer house on a whim so she can find some writing inspiration. She quickly find a group of friends and a hot older guy who becomes her “adventure buddy” . She quickly learns that she needs to enjoy her life instead of worrying about her grown daughter and her mom all the time.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an arc for my opinion.

The charm of Cape Cod spoke to Nicole as she imagined starting over in a new place where no one knew her business and it didn’t take long for her to find the perfect cozy cottage for her summer getaway.The peacefulness of the area was the perfect setting for her to begin working on her new book. I love Cape Cod and I can see why Nicole was drawn to all that the Cape had to offer. My dream has always been to have a house on the Cape and with Ms. Foster’s new book. “Hot Mess Summer” I was able to live vicariously through Nicole as she made new friends, explored her new town and fell in love.

Nicole and Declan met at a time in their lives when they both needed a friend. Nicole had recently been divorced and wanted to find herself before jumping into another relationship. Declan’s life was filled with running his own business and taking care of various family members who always called him for help. He was drawn to Nicole’s carefree personality, her adventurous spirit and her ability to make him wish for things he couldn’t have.To me, Declan could be the leading man in any romance novel. He is handsome, thoughtful, and plays a mean guitar; what more could a woman want? Nicole was mesmerized by Declan’s mischievous nature, his charming personality and the ease at which they quickly became friends. Their connection only grew stronger and to me, romance was in the air as the ocean breezes caressed them while they relaxed on the deck, gazing at the stars. Nicole and Declan’s story will stay with you long after the sun has set over the shores of Cape Cod.

Hot Mess Summer begins with Nicole moving to her new summer cottage in Chatemup. Nicole is finally on the healed side of her divorce and is ready to start new in a place that doesn't include her ex-husband and all of his friends. What she finds is a loving, embracing community that makes her feel a part of something that she hasn't felt in a long, long time. Add to that a friendship with Declan that turns into something more and you really do have a wonderful love story by Melissa Foster. I usually skip sections of books that don't hold my attention - I did not do that with this book. It did have a slower start, but by 25% I was very invested in Nicole and whom she might end up with as a fun times buddy-since she wasn't wanting a relationship after her divorce. I highly recommend this book and give it a strong 5 stars. So very good!

The hot mess express has rolled into the station and collided with a secondary hot mess express. Loved it. I LOLd, I felt the feels, there was some spicy moments that were so appreciated!

I want an adventure buddy like Declan. I’ve read a lot of Melissa Foster books and Declan is one of my favorite Melissa Foster heroes. Top 3 for sure, and just might be #1. I enjoyed reading a story about people with life experience and complicated family relationships. Finding YOUR people means so much - never underestimate that! I highly recommend this book - 5 stars!

If you've ever been divorced, separated, or been in a relationship where your entire sense of self is destroyed through a death of a thousand tiny cuts, you need to read Hot Mess Summer! It's uplifting, inspiring, and totally swoony.

Nicole and Declan are the perfect Adventure Buddies. She recently fell back in love with herself after a soul-crushing failed marriage, and he's a perpetual bachelor who loves to help the people from their small community.

They have a meet-cute involving coffee, a younger man, and dimples, and their friendship builds slowly but steadily, creating a stable foundation for romance.

<i>“You are my greatest adventure.”</i>

I love that Nic and Declan were friends first. So few books show how difficult it is to rebuild yourself after a failed marriage, and Nic needed the extra time before she jumped into a relationship. I also love how the physical aspects of being an older mother (she's almost 40 which is practically ancient in Romancelandia) are discussed. Our bodies don't magically go back to how they were after having a kiddo, and seeing Nic struggle with those insecurities made her even more relatable.

Hot Mess Summer is one of my top reads this month. It has a robust cast of side characters you'll love, and a seriously loveable cinnamon roll hero who refuses to act his age.

Thank you, Melissa Foster and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an absolute delight from start to finish! From the moment I dove into the pages of this book, I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Foster has proven her talent for crafting heartfelt and steamy romances that capture the essence of summer.

The story is a perfect blend of romance, humor and personal growthy. The characters are incredibly relatable and endearing, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journeys. The chemistry between the protagonists is scorching hot, and the banter between them is both witty and charming. I found myself laughing, swooning, and even shedding a tear or two as I followed their adventures.

This was a five-star gem that I definitely recommend to romance enthusiasts and anyone in need of a perfect summer escape. Foster really shines as a romance author, and this book is a perfect example of her talent.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this story for a honest unbiased review!