⭐️: 4.25/5
🌶️: 2/5

Okay I thought I would like this, and I was RIGHT. I regret to inform you that I’m an avid Love Island watcher (despite not being able to explain why it’s so addicting??), so I ate this up. I ALWAYS root for the queer couples, and this book finally scratched the itch for me. Now, the conflict toward the end was a little non-sequitur. It needed some more development. But the things I enjoyed far outweighed that.

I thought Cas was super relatable, very real, and it made me think that the author definitely interviewed people who were on the show. The setting was SPOT ON. I could easily picture absolutely everything happening inside my head, and that really helped me get into the story. I loved the side characters, and wanted to see them succeed!

I just really liked this. It was a fast read, I knew it’d be my jam, and I’m so happy it was just the sapphic story I needed.

This was a fun one, dramatics and all.

Hot Summer follows Cas Morgan, who suddenly finds herself planted into a dating show as one of the contestants, with the promise of a promotion if she makes it to the end. But all her carefully laid plans fly out the window when she finds herself drawn to another contestant, Ada. As sparks fly between them, it becomes harder and harder for Cas to stick to her original strategy…and it might just all blow up in her face.

Plot-wise, this book is a little hard to hammer down because I feel like it oscillates between being down-to-earth and very dramatic. The set-up is a little convenient and required me to suppress my disbelief a bit, but once I got past that it was interesting and refreshing to see how the characters have time to breathe in between the craziness of what the show asks for. Ada and Cas have some really great, more quiet moments, and the bits of friendship we see with the side characters are really great, though it took me a while to warm up to them. Still, there are a few parts of the book that are a little overdramatic and soapy for my liking, like a cartoonishly mean side character. It’s not a huge part of the story, but it still feels a little jarring.

I have mixed feelings on the main conflict of the story. It’s exactly what you’d expect from the beginning; this isn’t bad by any means, but the way it plays out is another way that sometimes feels very over-the-top and contrary to the good communication the characters had before. While I think there’s still a genre and an audience for this more drama-filled type of rom-com, I think going the other way — delving deeper into Cas’s brain and why she wanted the promotion so much, or just giving Ada a deeper backstory — would’ve pushed my rating higher.

Even if this book doesn’t do that, it’s still a solid contemporary romance, and a solid 3 stars.

This book was such a fun ride! Inspired by Love Island—one of my all-time favorite shows—it was light, hilarious, and felt like watching the drama unfold on screen. Cas, the main character, was so relatable, and her personal growth throughout the story was so satisfying to see. Her connection with Ada was a highlight, with their steamy moments adding just the right spark. The supporting cast was hilarious, and their antics made the story even better. If you’re looking for a quick, charming romcom, this one’s a must-read!

Hot Summer by Elle Everhart is about a reality show just like Love Island but called Hot Summer. The show, just like Love Island, is very heteronormative in setup. Show participants play games, often separated between men and women, and pair up into couples. Though it's not technically against the rules to pair up with the same sex, it almost never happens. I am a big fan of Love Island, which is why I requested Hot Summer, and every season I hope to see a queer couple. This book was cute, and I did like the side characters and the friendships and even the romance, but I think my expectations were high. The show in the book was lacking in drama, which is the main focus of Love Island or really any similar reality show (aside from sex appeal). Also, the NDA made sense, but it was kind of frustrating and almost seemed like Cas was doomed from the start. I'm glad the ending was happy though. Overall, I just wanted more from this book.

You will like this book if you like: Love Island (to a tee), the phrase “here for the right reasons”, bisexual panic, and less banter more vibes ❤️‍🔥🇨🇾

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

This is book was literally written for me!! Queer people in love island!!! Sign me up!!! I enjoyed every second of this book because it read like real love island episodes and I ate it up!!!! So I’m so glad I was able to get an early copy of this fun book!!!

I love a reality TV show setting! I don't watch them much IRL, but something about being behind the scenes is always fun to read. I haven't even watched Love Island, but liked this book nonetheless. Maybe I'll have to give it a try? This was the perfect summer poolside read (and not just because of the gorgeous cover). While Wanderlust matched my personal interests more than Hot Summer, I thoroughly enjoyed both books by Elle Everhart and look forward to more.

This was a DNF for me but not far bad reasons at all! I just realized while reading this that the dating show aspect isn't really for me so it was a gentle DNF. Just a personal preference! Please don't let this put you off in any way from reading this book.

Thank you to the publisher for my arc!

If you're looking for a perfect queer, sapphic, hot romance for the summertime - well, LOOK NO FURTHER.
PArticularly if you love watching dating shows and reality shows such as Love is Blind or Too Hot to Handle or Perfect Match, BUT, here the characters have brains and are multi-faceted and sweet and will make pine alongside them and you will absolutely fall in love.

Side effects: you'll get to see the ins and outs of how a reality show works, so if you think that what you're watching when you're watching reality shows is real and natural and not scripted at all and you don't want that bubble to be burst... maaaybe skip this one. Except don't, it's too good to be skipped. Just accept reality and enjoy this awesome romance!

**Rating: ★★★☆☆**

I was drawn to *Hot Summer* by Elle Everheart because of its Love Island-inspired plot and was excited to dive into a queer romance. I really enjoyed the concept and the representation, and I definitely felt a connection with the characters. The romance was sweet and engaging, which kept me hooked.

However, I did have a few issues with the book. It felt like some major plot points were skipped over, making the story feel rushed at times. Additionally, if someone were to read this without being familiar with the Love Island format, they might feel lost. There wasn't enough explanation of how the show works or what the dynamics of the competition are, which could confuse readers unfamiliar with the concept.

Overall, *Hot Summer* was cute and had potential, but it could have benefited from a bit more depth and context.

This is an adorable sapphic beach read. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. Thanks to net galley I have another to favorite author.

absolutely love this story it was very refreshing and great to read even in the fall lol ! Great book to go read on the beach during a hot summer vacation day. I absolutely can not wait until it is released so I can add it to ,y shelf!! Thank you Neutrally for the opportunity to read and review this anticipated summer read..

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

If you love dating reality TV, this is the book for you. And then to make it sapphic??? ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!!! I was captured by this book from the second we meet Cas and getting to follow along on her journey of going on the show Hot Summer was so fun. Not only do we get to see a romance blossom between Cas and Ada, but we also get to see friendships developing throughout the villa. The friendships formed between the characters was one of my favorite parts because they really added depth to the story. Overall, I loved this book and would absolutely recommend.

Before this book came out, it immediately caught my interest, and it definitely lived up to expectations.

The story follows Cas Morgan, an event host for a dating app, who’s offered a shot at a promotion—if she's willing to join the reality show Hot Summer. Cas signs on for the challenge because she’s determined to win over the viewers and perform well on the show. But romance isn't for her and what could possibly go wrong?

I really enjoyed this book. It has both drama from the reality dating show, and a slow-burn romance between Cas and Ada. The third act breakup did however seem avoidable which was annoying. I still really recommend this book!

A big thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

While I am not a fan of watching all of the “reality” dating shows, I am a fan of reading about fictionalized versions. Or at least I am when there is a great romance involved.

I really liked Cas, even when the public didn’t, because she was completely real. She wanted to be genuine, but was trying to protect both her heart and herself. I felt like she was kind of pushed into the situation she was in on the show (and don’t get me started on how that whole situation turned out), but she truly cared about the people she met there.

The relationship between Ada and Cas was perfect. It started with instant attraction (on both sides), but built slowly through a growing friendship before they finally got together. Ada broke through Cas’s walls, but Cas still carried baggage from past hurts. Ada had her own baggage as well.

I also really loved the relationship between Cas and Femi and the friendship that they developed. And when the drama from the situation occurred, I was so happy that he continued to have her back and knew there was more to the story that what they were being told. Cas also had some really great friends outside of the show.

I loved the ending as well!

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hot Summer is a standalone queer romance novel. It follows Cas Morgan onto a dating show called Hot Summer so that she can secure a partnership for the dating company she works for and get a promotion.

Upon reading the description, I was immediately interested in this book. I am guilty of watching Love Island every year, so obviously I was hooked from the start! This book’s Hot Summer tv show is a fun spin on the real life show! I also really liked our main female character Cas. Knowing how things go on shows like this, it’s really hard to know what a persons true intentions are. Her journey was really understandable.

The love interest, Ada Hall, was so lovable! I felt like she was always understanding and sweet. She gave me puppy dog energy but also sometimes lethal woman vibes. I loved it! I also really enjoyed how Cas just melted at everything Ada did, it was so cute!

I did expect some things here and there because as I mentioned, I’ve watched the show similar to Hot Summer, but I felt like it was more of a wink nudge at those who have watched it. I actually liked that the parts when we see the producers talking with the contestants were focused on, and the fact that not everyone and everything is how they seem from tv to real life. It gave an extra bit of realness to the story.

This one is for the tv lovers, my queer/bi/pan girlies, and anyone under the sun 😉. 4.75/5 Stars

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read that was perfect for a lazy day. I loved the premise and felt that it tackled some great subjects well.

This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph on October 7th, 2024. Links provided.

Cas Morgan never thought she would end up on a reality dating show but with a potential promotion on the line, she is hand picked by her company to participate after they partnered with the show’s production team. Since she won’t receive any special advantages while on the show, she knows she has to be liked to stay on as long as possible to get her promotion. As she steps into the beautiful villa, her strategy of just being liked and staying on as long as possible without actually developing feelings for anyone quickly becomes more difficult when she meets Ada, a fellow contestant who seems genuinely interested in forming a real connection. Captivated by Ada’s charm and beauty, Cas struggles to navigate her feelings, torn between her budding romance and her ambition, leading her to be unsure of whether she should follow her heart or stick to her original game plan.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I felt the writing was great and the story was very enjoyable. The author did a wonderful job developing the characters and, because of that fact, I really grew to love them and was invested in their story. I loved the slow burn of their friends to lovers storyline and thought it was very sweet. If you love sapphic stories based off of reality tv shows with a sweet romance, some spice, and summer vibes, then I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to an ARC of Hot Summer in return for my honest review.

Huge thank you to #gpputnamsons and @netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This was a fun one, especially if you are Love Island obsessed like I am! Cass had spent years watching Hot Summer (AKA Love island) but when she needs to choose between business and love she’s in a real predicament. This was a quick read, with a cast of characters I loved and overall a good time!