I adored Ivy and Dax’s story so much. I loved all the backstory we got of them in high school. It really helped give a better understanding of them as adults. The flirty banter was one of my favorite things about this book. I loved how Dax helped Ivy become more confident and realize that she didn’t have to earn anyone’s love. I love a “bad boy” that’s a really a softie at heart.
The audio was done really well and the narrator did such a great job with Ivy and Dex.

All the LOVE for Rebel Summer!!

Ivy is back on Sunset Harbor for a wedding when she accidentally has a run in with the law! She’s court ordered to give community service hours over the summer to the person she wronged, Dax Miller. Dax was the Rebel of her high school class, and ironically always having run-ins with the law! This ought to be an interesting summer!

“He was trouble. I just…didn’t know trouble could have such gentle hands.”

What you’ll find:
Biology class memories
Golf cart theft
Legos!!
Community service
70s music
80s music
Toilet papering
Tattoos
A photo shoot on the ferry at sunset
He stands up for her!
A night in the slammer!
Sweet Caroline🎶

“There’s nobody else on this earth I’d rather share a jail cell with…. I’d do it all over again if it brought me right back here.”

Cindy Steele wrote a story of perfection with Ivy and Dax working through things from their past while supporting each other on this summer of forced proximity.

It was a heartfelt journey that I’m so glad I was able to be a part of!

An easy 5⭐️ for me!!

The Falling for Summer series has been so much fun! I loved getting to know each of the couples and the charm of Sunset Harbor! My mind will forever be back on the island!

Romance Content: Just [amazing] kissing!! 🫑

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape media for my #gifted ALC!! The audio reader was great!

Cindy Steel is rising the ranks as one of my favorite closed door romance authors. This opposites attract, small town romance is the perfect read for summer. Oh, and EXCELLENT ON AUDIO!!

Straight laced Ivy, working on a post-doctorate degree, has her life planned out and under control, or under her senator's father's control. Image is everything to him-and she has adhered to his plans her entire life.
Dax, a local mechanic covered in tattoos and cynicism, has quite a reputation for getting into trouble. They have some history from high school 10 years ago, and both of them want to pretend they don't.
When Ivy gets into trouble and 'sentenced' to community service helping Dax, things get very interesting.
I loved the dual timelines, the chemistry, the hilarious banter, the opposites attract, and mostly the coming to realize that doing what is important to YOU is what really matters. There is a lot of depth in their back stories that is unveiled so well. I also love the other residents of Sunset Harbor who I have come to 'know' throughout the series. And yes, I still want to visit this fictional place.
I received an ARC audiobook from NetGalley for my review.

This was just delightful. I loved Dax- he was manly and swoony but also a softie. It was fun to watch the relationship between Dax and Ivy grow and evolve into something deep (and wholesome).
This author does a great job making her books sweet, but sexy. I have loved everything I’ve read by her.
I have read most of the books in this series and it was so fun to see characters from previous books make appearances. This book can be read as a stand alone but the whole series is AMAZING so you will want to read them all.
I read this book first and then I got to listen to it on audio and it was so well done! I loved the narrator and caught things I missed while reading. This whole series is one I will slowly purchase physical copies of.

Ahhh! All the love for this amazing rebel bad boy/good girl romance! The sparks definitely fly when the Senator’s daughter gets community service & has to serve out her probation with the local mechanic & former bad boy who was her biology lab partner in high school. Cindy Steel pulls out all the stops for this perfect ending to the Falling for Summer series & I was here for every minute of this frenemies to more romance.

Dax is the epitome of the bad boy with a heart of gold! That teasing smile & charming appeal captured my attention from the first. He’s got his reasons for his aloofness & bad boy behavior & I loved discovering why as the story progressed.

Ivy’s been trying so hard to work her way into her father’s affections. She’s been the perfect student, valedictorian, & is now working on her PhD at Vanderbilt. When she returns to Sunset Harbor for a wedding, she makes a terrible mistake which requires her to stay longer than expected. The bad boy who both infuriated & attracted her in high school just so happens to be the one she’s forced to serve out her sentence with.

I loved the flashbacks from present day to high school to see how their frenemies to love relationship develops. Dax loves 70’s music & I enjoyed all those references to familiar songs I grew up with. It brought back so many fond memories while reading. I loved how Dax helps Ivy to loosen up with his challenges & teasing. The suggestions he gives her for whittling down her hours were hilarious & fun.

Mixed in with the sizzling romance are some tug on your heartstrings moments. My heart broke for both Ivy & Dax with some of the issues they dealt with in their pasts. There’s a lot of heart in this story which makes the build up to the ending all the sweeter.

I also listened to the audiobook version & enjoyed the narrator! It’s a single narration by Marli Watson who does a great job bringing these characters to life. I liked the way she voiced both male & female characters & the emotion she infused into the story.

Definitely add this sweet, kissing only romcom to your must read list! This series has been such a favorite, fun thing to look forward to this summer! I’m sad this is the last book, but definitely looking forward to going back and enjoying them all over again! I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

CW: a few mild biblical swears, an attempted assault, narcissistic parent, passionate kissing only