Sweet, sexy, and smart. SUMMERTIME PUNCHLINE is not only a great love story but also a lovely story of a young woman repairing relationships with loved ones she's been running from between her absent father and a crush gone wrong. With no job and walking in on her boyfriend doing the unthinkable, Delfina is back to the place she promised she would never return to: Evergreen, New Jersey. Delfina has to write all new comedy material before the big showcase, but how can she do that when she keeps running into the guy who did her wrong in high school but also happens to even more good looking than before?

A sucker for second-chance and one bed tropes, I was invested in Delfina and Eddie's story from the very beginning. I greatly enjoyed Delfina and Eddie's dynamic and seeing how the relationships differed from high school and now ten years later. They have both grown since then but still how wounds that need tending in order to make sure mistakes aren't repeated. Seeing Delfina have to navigate all the changes and the complexity in her life around her parents and Eddie, I thought brought such believability and depth to Delfina's character. I also admired how mature and responsible Eddie is the second time around.

I so loved the tension and chemistry between the two. Hard to believe this was a debut! So happy to have witnessed Delfina and Eddie's story and can't wait to read whatever the author grants us with next!

Much gratitude to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

second-chance romance... i thought that the writing was great and its a nice summer read. i wish i got to know more about eddie's character and why he is the way he is, but we only really get del's point of view. i really loved the build up of their relationship, i just had a few quips of the timing of everything though.

I recently finished reading Summertime Punchline by Betty Corrello, and it was a heartwarming and hilarious love story that left me feeling uplifted. The story follows Delfina Silva-Miller, who has always wanted to leave behind Evergreen, New Jersey and never look back. She's had enough of her deadbeat dad and her ever-temperamental crush, Eddie Rodriguez.

However, after years of hard work, Del has finally landed a spot at a huge comedy festival, where she plans to turn the often-tragic raw material of her life into comedic gold. But when she loses her job, boyfriend, and apartment in the span of a few hours, Del is forced to return to Evergreen.

Determined not to let her past distract her, Del is focused on perfecting her new comedy set and starting a new life. But when she runs into Eddie Rodriguez, she realizes that he's nothing like the boy she left behind ten years ago. As the comedy festival draws closer, Del is faced with the terrifying possibility that everything she's ever wanted might not be as far away as she once thought.

What I loved about this book was the way the author managed to create relatable and well-developed characters. Del's struggles with her past and her desire to move forward were poignant, and Eddie's transformation over the years was heartwarming.

The book also explores themes of love, friendship, and the complicated relationships that impact our lives. The setting of the Jersey Shore was vividly evoked, and I felt transported to the boardwalks and beaches of Evergreen.

Overall, Summertime Punchline is a hilarious and vulnerable love story that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming read that celebrates the complicated relationships that shape our lives.

This was a cute and easy read. While the plot was very predictable, I think most rom com readers will enjoy. The character are likable and engaging, however I was expecting a little more comedy given the title. And I definitely wanted to stick around for the HAE.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this advance review copy.

I really just threw this on my requests on a whim as I am trying to add more romance to our library collected but to my pleasant surprise it was so good! It was witty and funny and I love the comedy aspect from our main character Del. It will be a great summer beach read and made me nostalgic for my hometown. Will be purchasing for the library this summer!

I can’t believe this is a debut. It was so good. This couple and their romance gave me butterflies. It is a profoundly beautiful and gave me unparalleled reading experience and I certainly would be recommending it to almost all romance readers!