I love enemies to lovers so I was really excited to be able to read/listen to this one. From the start, the tension between the Sawyer and Palmer families crackles, and the banter between Gemma and Beau is sharp and thoroughly entertaining. Gemma's struggle to balance her love for her grandmother (who is a hoot) with her desperation to escape Sunset Harbor feels real and relatable, while Beau’s charm and persistence make him impossible to resist. Their forced alliance quickly turns into something more, and watching their relationship evolve is both swoon-worthy and heartwarming.

Beyond the romance, the book shines with its quirky small-town setting, unforgettable side characters, and the kind of humor that keeps you grinning from start to finish. If you love enemies-to-lovers romances with a touch of family chaos and a whole lot of charm, this is the perfect beach (or anytime) read!

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job with all of the characters. I received an audiobook from Dreamscape Media Paradigm Press via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was my 6th read in this series of 7 books and I have enjoyed them all so far. I love that authors are teaming up and creating these series where characters are the same throughout. You really start to know them all after a few books and I’m always excited when they meet up in the book. It’s like having coffee with an old friend.

The family guess on this small island are plentiful in this series. But I do adore the spicy older generation that keeps creeping into the books. They are excellent comic relief and I can picture them as my grandparents on golf carts driving around town. Love this series and will definitely be recommending all 7 books!

I LOVED this book series. It was perfect for summer! And the audiobook was awesome! Martha Keyes does such a great job weaving an intriguing story that readers will fall in love with like I did!! I would highly recommend this read to anyone who loves romance books!!

Gemma returns to Sunset Harbor to help her grandmother move into the retirement center on the island. She never wanted to go back but making sure those dastardly Palmers didn't take advantage was something she just couldn't ignore. Unfortunately, Beau Palmer is a bigger thorn in her side than even she could have expected.
Gram is the best character! I will never say no to a meddling, humorous and cranky older woman in the cast. She stole the show for me. I wish we'd seen a little more of Beau's persona that is present in the other books of the series but I appreciated his attitude in juxtaposition to Gemma (who was not at all a delight). I had some pretty high hopes for this series. I think having a dual POV would have given me more to love in this book.
The narrator, Ariel Royce, was fine. I think she fit Gemma's personality fairly well but I would have liked to have more characterizations and intonation out of her performance.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.

This was fun to read and part of a broader multi-author series thiscouple was a fun addition. And the book is one you read and then move on from.

Martha Keyes’ Summer Tease is a delightful addition to her much-loved series, blending romance, humor, and family dynamics into an irresistible summer read. Like its predecessors, this book masterfully delivers all the heart, charm, and tension that fans have come to expect, while standing firmly on its own as a standout story.

At the heart of the novel is Gemma, who returns to her hometown to help her feisty and lovable Gran prepare to sell her house. Right away, she’s thrust back into the long-standing rivalry between her family and the Palmers, a feud that has spanned generations. Things heat up when Gemma finds herself face-to-face with Beau Palmer, a once-familiar boy turned undeniable hunk. Their initial run-in, involving a traffic stop no less, sets the stage for a deliciously slow-burn romance that sizzles with chemistry and forbidden allure.

Keyes does an excellent job of balancing the humor and warmth of a small-town rom-com with the deeper emotional conflicts that come with family loyalty and personal growth. Gran is an absolute scene-stealer, bringing wisdom, wit, and plenty of heart to the story. Her dynamic with Gemma is one of the highlights, showcasing the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the sacrifices we make for those we love.

The romance between Gemma and Beau is beautifully written, filled with flirty banter, palpable tension, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Their growing connection feels organic, and Keyes skillfully navigates the challenges posed by their family rivalry. As Gemma grapples with her feelings for Beau and her sense of duty to her Gran, readers are taken on an emotional journey that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the courage to pursue happiness.

Beyond its compelling characters and engaging plot, Summer Tease offers a vivid sense of place, capturing the charm and quirks of small-town life. Keyes’ writing is light and breezy yet richly detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in this world.

Verdict:

Summer Tease is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and romance. With its relatable characters, sparkling dialogue, and a love story that feels both swoon-worthy and authentic, Martha Keyes delivers another hit in her series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this novel will leave you smiling and eager for more. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a feel-good romance with depth and charm.

Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Summery Delight

Summer Tease is a delightful addition to the Falling for Summer series. Martha Keyes's charming writing style brings the picturesque setting of Sunset Harbor to life. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, with the banter between Beau and Gemma providing plenty of laughs and swoon-worthy moments.

Beau, with his easygoing charm and unwavering loyalty, is a standout character. His infectious smile and kind heart make him an irresistible hero. Gemma, while initially stubborn and defensive, undergoes a heartwarming transformation. Her interactions with Beau challenge her preconceived notions and help her to appreciate the beauty of Sunset Harbor.

The author's exploration of family dynamics and community politics adds depth to the narrative. The inclusion of Gemma's feisty grandmother, while sometimes overwhelming, adds a touch of humor and heart to the story.

If you're looking for a fun and romantic read, Summer Tease is the perfect choice.

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #dreamscapemedia #summertease #marthakeyes #fallingforsummer

I really loved Gemma and Beau’s story! Beau was the sweetest cinnamon roll. I wished Gemma would have left the past in the past a little earlier in the book. I loved how she helped him with his desire to get the town/island to hire him full-time and really enjoyed the moments when she was on his calls with him. The flirty banter made this book so fun to listen to.

My rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: none (kisses)
CW ⚠️: minimal minor language, intoxication, family feuds

ALC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Returning to Sunset Harbor, Florida was not on Gemma Swayer’s bingo card. The Sawyer family has had a long standing feud with the Palmer family. So much so that no one in her immediate family has stepped foot on the island in decades. However, when her beloved Grams needs help moving and selling her home, she does the unthinkable and returns to her former home. Will Gemma be able to get on and off the island without running into a Palmer, or will her plans be foiled?

Summer Tease by Martha Keyes is the fourth book in the Falling for Summer series. This is a multi- author, interconnected series that features character crossovers. I have been slowly making my way through this series and this is by far my favorite book!

Listening to this on audiobook was the optimal format for consuming this story. The narration was top notch. Ariel Royce is a phenomenal voice actor who brought the story to life while perfectly executing Keyes’ comedic writing.

While the story centered around Gemma and Beau, Grams stole the show! I am a sucker for spunky, ornery, older women. While she might have been intended as a minor character, she radiates main character energy.

Read for:
-small town island (Sunset Harbor, Florida)
-rival families
-hate to love
-he falls first
-single POV
-witty banter

Special thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Martha Keyes for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I have been loving and devouring this series. It's fun that there are new authors for each and they all have been great so far!

Give me a hot blue-collared man in a book and I will absolutely read it. (He was so hot here goddamn).

I enjoyed reading and listening to this book. Gemma and Beau were so much fun. I was invested in their lore and loved reading their banter. They developed so well (which made the book better the further I went).

Grams is an absolute gem. All my love for Xena too.

I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. (I think I have the ARC for one of them!)

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

Summer Tease by Martha Keyes was a great addition to the Falling for Summer series. I have loved this multi-author series because I have been introduced to new authors. Martha Keyes being one of them. I really enjoyed her writing style.
Beau and Gemma are enemies by default. Their families have been dueling, and Gemma holds to this. When she returns to Sunset Harbor, the last person she wants to see is Beau Palmer. Lucky for us, she does and fun ensues.
I loved Beau! For me, he made the book. I wish his point-of-view was included. He is such a great guy and a fun character. I really wanted more from him. Gemma kinda drove me crazy, but in the end, I did grow to like her. Her grandma makes for the perfect nosy grandma.
I listened to the audio and absolutely loved it! The narrator does a fantastic job at bringing Gemma and this story to life.
Summer Tease is the perfect read for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers, nosy, opinionated grandmas, and Beau Palmer. He really is a favorite.

Thank you NetGalley for the audio book. These thoughts are my own.

Really cute lighter rom-com read with lots of heart. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book being that it was the first book I’ve read by this author and the first book in this series that I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed the family dynamics between Grams and the female main character. So so cute and Grams was a hilarious addition to the storyline. I now plan to read all the books in this series since this Galley convinced me I need to learn all I can about this cute seaside (fictional) town!

You know what will stay with me the most about this book? Beau’s smile. I can picture it perfectly because it was a constant fixture in this story and I loved it! Let me tell you, Beau is amazing! He is top notch book boyfriend material and I honestly don’t know how Gemma resists him for so long. It was fun to watch Gemma change her mind about him.

This book is told from Gemma’s point of view and she starts out disliking Sunset Harbor. After spending three other books reading about this charming island, it felt like a stab to my heart. I LOVE Sunset Harbor and wish it was a real place I could visit. But don’t worry, Beau helps Gemma see the light and realize how amazing the island is.

Summer Tease is full of some really swoony, romantic scenes. What is it about being in water that makes a moment even more romantic? I don’t know, but Martha sure knows how to write them!

I loved to travel around with Beau and Gemma while Beau was on duty and doing all sorts of police work on their low-crime island. If I was going to get pulled over (in a car or a golf cart) I would hope it would be Beau Palmer writing me a ticket with his big, kind smile.

The ending was really cute and I appreciated how the conflicts panned out. There are some really interesting politics that were involved on the island and they were done really well and realistically.

My only wish is that we could have had Beau’s point of view and seen what he saw in Gemma. Also, perhaps a little bit less of Gemma’s crazy Grams. She’s a feisty one and I got a bit sick of her shenanigans. But overall this was a solid and really fun read.

🔥Romance: Kissing

I cannot say enough good things about this series. Each author gave their unique story but they all tied together so wonderfully. They are adorable romances and each one is so special and cute in its own way. I love the small town island charm and how people seems to find different versions of themselves throughout these stories. So very well done- I’d recommend them as stand alones or a series to anyone! Perfect summer reads!

Summer Tease was such a fun romcom! I loved listening to it! This series has been so fun getting see the same characters throughout on this amazing island!

Summer Tease
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Author: Martha Keyes

I requested an audio advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.

Synopsis: Falling for a Palmer would be the ultimate crime. Wild horses couldn’t drag me back to the small island where I grew up, but you know what can? Making sure the Palmer family–aka the worst neighbors ever–show appropriate respect to the newest resident of their retirement center: my grandma. But as soon as Grams moves in, her shenanigans put her at risk of being kicked out. Since she’s set on staying in Sunset Harbor until her last breath and there’s no way I’m staying on this nightmare island to take care of her, that’s just not an option.

Enter Beau Palmer, the infuriatingly charming local cop who’s got the connections to keep Grams right where she needs to be and help me get out of Dodge sooner. His price? Use my PR savvy to convince the town council into making his position full-time. That way, he can help his beloved island put the Sawyer/Palmer drama in the past. But the drama isn’t behind us. In fact, it’s right in front of me, wearing a police badge and a smirk that’s really started disturbing my peace.

My Thoughts: This is the Fourth Book in the Falling for Summer series. I have read the entire series and it is fantastic! I was fortunate enough to get most of the audiobooks on ARC and the ones that I did not, I was able to find through Hoopla. Gemma is back in town to get her grandmother’s house ready to sell while she gets her settled into the retirement home. Gram starts to cause a ruckus at the retirement home and almost gets kicked out. Gemma has to turn to the family rivalry, the Palmers, to get a favor called in to save her Gram’s place in the retirement home. In a quid status quo, in order to save her Gram, she has to do a little PR for Beau to get his part time position expanded to full time (with the appropriate pay). While teaming up together short term, feelings start to flow and connections are made… will this put the rivalry into full gear? Or will they finally put the Palmer/Sawyer rivalry to bed once and for all (no pun intended). This follows the tropes of island life, small town, closed door, and enemies to lovers.

The story follows a single person narration by Gemma, in her POV. Gemma has a PR brilliant mind, loves her Gram, but does not want to be held down by island life. Beau is a sweet, kind, and sexy young cop who just wants to be full time to be able to have a comfortable living on the island. The chemistry between these is two is evident immediately from the first interaction. The characters were developed well, were witty, full of chemistry, and intriguing. The author’s writing style was complex, closed door, clean, endearing, swoon-perfection, and just brilliant. Let’s not forget about Grams, she is very feisty, and we can all hope to be just like her when we grow up, to never lose your passion for life or your independence. The plot was well done and I enjoyed the character overlay between books. The best scene was the birdhouse war, very clever, all the way to the end.

The story is narrated by Ariel Royce, who does a fantastic job with the narration. Her voice carries well with voice variation through character distinction. The flow and pitch was even and easy to follow, even at 2x speed. Her voice is just easy to listen to, very smoothing, and really adds another element to the story. While these are series books and there is some character overlay, it is not necessary to read them all, or even in order, however, it will enrich the reader’s comprehension and experience by reading them all in order. I would highly recommend this book and the series to other readers. Fans of Savannah Scott or Julie Christianson, will really enjoy this story.

Mini Review:

Summer Tease by Martha Keyes is part of the Falling For Summer Series. This was book four in the series but each of the books in the series can be read as standalones. I am actually listening to these out of order but I don’t feel as if I've missed out on anything. It's almost as if things are all happening at the same time for these characters. I feel like the authors have done a wonderful job of collaborating and making this community connecte. In Summer Tease we have Beau Palmer and Gigi or Gemma. I’m not sure if I would classify the feel of this one Romeo & Juliet without the death scene or more Hatfields and McCoys. Or maybe a mix of both. There was so much fun banter and activities between Beau and Gigi. I couldn’t help but love Beau’s positive attitude. I fell in love with GiGi and Beau and was rooting for them despite their family history.
Some things I loved were Grams (she was definitely a hoot), Beau’s wooing of Gigi, the bird feeder, the cute and lovable Xena, the grand gestures, & Gigi growth in the book. This book was written from a single point of view and it worked perfectly for the book but if you sign up for the author's newsletter you can get a glimpse in two bonus scenes with Beau’s thoughts. Tropes included He falls first, rival families, cop romance, & hate to love. Summer is not over yet so go grab yourself a copy.

Beau and the family drama had some fun moments, but again, the full-length book felt stretched. The small-town dynamics were cute, but I would’ve preferred this as a shorter novella. The characters didn’t stand out as much as I wanted.

Thank you @Dreamscape_Media and @netgalley for a #gifted copy of this audiobook.

"I know you want me to stay away from you. But I don't know how. And I don't want to."

Summary: The Palmers and the Sawyers have had a feud for as long as anyone on Sunset Harbor can remember. Between a bird feeder being moved between the houses in the dead of night and mysterious chalk lines drawn on the dock, the two families are sworn enemies. Hence, Gemma Sawyer is back in town to ensure her grandma is being treated properly in Palmer's retirement home, Seaside Oasis. While driving "erratically" in her golf cart, Gemma is pulled over by none other than Beau Palmer, the part-time cop on the island. Beau wants to help Gemma see their island's good parts before she returns to her life.

Thoughts: This was such a fun story in this series. The feud between Beau and Gemma was so funny, mostly the birdfeeder changing houses back and forth. Gemma's grandma was such a spitfire and it was fun getting to know her more. We of course have heard of her in some of the other stories in this series, but she was fun to read in this one. I love that Gemma learned that people and places can change, even your number one most sworn enemy. Beau was such a perfect person to show Gemma the love and support she needed. I love that Gemma got to know Beau through shadowing him on the job to help him win a full-time position on the island. I also love the easter eggs it had for previous stories and future ones.

Ariel Royce made this such a fun audiobook to listen to during walks and chores. I felt like I was on Sunset Harbor with these characters. Definitely listen to this one if you can!!