FULL REVIEW ON FRESH FICTION
This is the perfect book to kickstart beach reading season! WHAT HAPPENS IN SUMMER by Caridad Pineiro is a cute, quick, and steamy summer read! I do recommend reading the first book in the At the Shore series, ONE SUMMER NIGHT, as the events of this book actually run concurrently to book one. If anything, I think these books could be read back to back for a fuller reading experience, and readers will be immersed in the Jersey Shore. It is a wonderful backdrop to this series, and through Pineiro's vivid descriptions, life at the shore is shown with love and appreciation. There are some surprising turns of events throughout the book, that were a little unexpected, but in the end, worked well for both Connie and Jonathan. Their second chance romance is a sweet one, and readers will want to see them make the most of falling in love again. I did feel like there was a lot of rehashing of book one, based on the concurrent timeline, as well as a lot of set up for what could be the next book in the series. It will be interesting to see if the next book follows a similar parallel timeline, or if it will be on its own. Nonetheless, this was a very enjoyable, very hot, and very satisfying contemporary romance.

I received this arc from Netgalley for an honest review. This book is a sweet summer romance read, nothing special, but you won't have to work hard to figure it all out.

What Happens in Summer is the first book by Caridad Pineiro that I have read and it was excellent! I can't wait to read something else by her soon!

To say that I fell in love with this book is an understatement. This a book that you must reread. The story line was just so good.

A cute and summery read with flawed characters that will undeniably capture your heart. What Happens in Summer had me grinning and sighing in happiness because of all the feels it gave me. Connie could be a tough character at first, but her attitude was understandable. Jonathan totally stole my heart. I need to read more from this author!

Overall an enjoyable book. A few unexpected twists that made a refreshing change from other books in this genre. Pineiro definitely gives a satisfying read, though at times I did feel as if the primary roadblocks for the main characters was gnawed at a few too many times.

DNF at about 1/2 of the way in. The writing here is all tell, no show, and our heroine, Connie Reyes (Latina?) is a waffler—no, I don't like you, no I don't want you, oh, let's fall into bed together. Ah, no thanks.

I found Jonathan a very fun and spontaneous guy, a perfect guy to date when you are young and reckless, the only problem with a guy like this is that you fear that is all they ever want, to have fun. He didn't want to live with the rules his father wanted to set on him so he broke out of them. Connie is the opposite of Jonathan in fact she is too rigid and doesn't know how to have fun. She was a little annoying at times.
I think that they made a good couple. Jonathan brings the fun out in Connie no matter how reluctant she is.
This book was full of feels and had some pretty interesting twists.

I found this book on NetGalley and loved the cute cover. After reading the description I wanted to read the book however I should have stopped there. Unfortunately this was a DNF at about 40%. I had a hard time getting into the book (the formatting for me didn’t help) and connecting with the characters.

2 stars

I was excited to be given the opportunity to read this book since it sounded like a cute story about a second chance summer romance. I was also intrigued by the fact that one of main characters is Cuban since it's not often that I come across Latina MC's. I wish I could say that I loved the story, but I struggled with it.

One of the reasons I feel that I struggled with it is because I had a hard time connecting with both MC's due to the pacing and transitions. I'm a big fan of Third Person POV, so I enjoyed being inside the heads of both Connie and John, but it didn't quiet feel like enough. Having the POV jump back and forth within each chapter chopped up the flow of the scenes. I feel it could have been better smoother if the change in POV alternated chapters instead. That way as a reader I could have gotten more from Connie and John's perspective, therefore gotten to connect with them better.

I was a little disappointed that Connie's culture wasn't infused more into the story. As a Latina woman, I want to be able to read about characters that I can relate to culturally. It doesn't happen often. I caught a hint of it when Emma invited Connie over to Carlos's family dinner, but it was a snippet and left me wanting more. I feel that if a character's culture, ethnicity, beliefs etc. are going to be mentioned, then for the reader's sake, it should be explored since those elements can be like a second skin for a person. It can also help the reader connect with the characters better and feel more real. The way we are raised, very much shapes who we are as people, so we want to see that in the characters we read too.

The story was touching how both Connie and John were able to find forgiveness and let go of the weight that was holding them down. The pacing felt slow for me, since it didn't really have the highs and lows that keep me as a reader turning the pages to find out what happens next. However, it did pick up in speed a little towards the end as Connie and John started to sort out their obstacles. Overall, I liked it, I just didn't love it.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy, in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed What Happens in Summer. It was a fun, sexy read written by an author who knows how to draw her readers in, give them a good time and bring them to a sweet, romantic happily-ever-after.

Jonathan Pierce was a fun guy. He knew how he wanted to live his life and it wasn't by his father's rules. He also didn't fit into the mold that Connie is looking for. He's spontaneous. He's free-spirited. He's loyal. He's made millions by his tinkering and wanderlust. But, Connie or his father doesn't see what he made himself into … a self-sufficient, responsible man. He has Dudley to keep him company and kept trying to get Connie to see the man that he's turned into. No matter what he did or said, she always had an apprehensive look in her eyes, a look like she was just waiting for him to leave and never return. But, he's a patient man. He love's Connie and will wait her out.

Connie honestly annoyed me throughout the story. I kept reading, not only because I was enjoying the story line but to see if she ever lightened up. Granted, she had a rough upbringing but she couldn't see outside of the box that she built around herself or give Jonathan just a little bit of a break. Until her life started falling around her. Yes, fate had a way of teaching her a lesson. She loved Jonathan, but didn't trust him to stick around. She kept waiting for him to walk-away and chase another dream. She had to admit that his dreams and success did change him but, not enough for her to trust him.

Even though Connie got under my skin, she did make the story interesting. Once all the secrets were out and each of them understood what happened in their past … once Connie faced that Jon was the man that she could trust and make a life with … once Jon made peace with his father … it was time and Caridad Pineiro did a beautiful job of bringing them together at long last.

What Happens In Summer was a nice, sit-by-the-pool and relax read. Even though there were a few twists and turns, some surprises, it was, in it's own way, really romantic.

What Happens in Summer is a nice beach read with friends and families, both steamy and sweet romance along with love. There’s of course dysfunction, angst and discord as well as lives to be lived that isn’t always in sync with the others. The book takes place in New Jersey and New York City with the shore playing a big part. Jon and Owen have a family beach house in Sea Kiss as does Maggie’s family and the homes are side by side. She and Connie are best friends so Connie spent time there as well. She and Jon had a romance when they were both in college and Maggie and Owen have always had an attraction to each other but neither acted on it until now. Will any of their dreams come true?

The lengthy prologue set the stage for the story and took us back to where it both began and ended. Connie and Jon had different views on life and she’s nothing if not a planner. When Jon disappointed her there’s no turning back or is there? The story takes place seven years later when their paths cross again. Will they pick up where they left off or will the past continue to shape their future?

There are a lot of twists and turns to the story as Jon and Connie reconnect. Their family life and how they grew up seems to shape how they approach relationships and love. Watching the one step forward and two or three back approach that the characters all seem to take was heart wrenching. Seeing how Connie works so hard at the prestigious NYC law firm without getting the recognition she should was heartbreaking. When she and Jon are together it seems right at least to him. Connie still doesn’t know what to think or feel and the more time she spends with Jon the more the doubts continue. Their relationship is playful and caring but with lots of doubts on Connie’s end pulling them down.

The characters had more depth to them than I expected and the story flowed smoothly. Jon’s dog, Dudley, was a nice addition to the story and seemed to understand everything going on around him. The interactions between the characters had a realism to it. There was some closure and a happily-ever-after or two especially with the epilogue but there still seems to be some loose ends regarding some of the characters and their relationships.

Pineiro is a new to me author only having read the novella, Stay the Night that was part of an anthology. I look forward to reading more contemporary romances she pens as well as reading the first book in this series, One Summer Night. I hope the series will continue since there’s more story to tell.

I enjoyed this story thoroughly. Connie and Jonathan's chemistry and connection is undeniable and explosive. Jonathan is a self made man. Not following the footsteps his father wanted he became independently wealthy. He's sweet and sexy and always there for his brother and friends, Connie too. Connie told him she didn't want a relationship if he didn't have a plan when he decided to quit college. She seems to forget that when he appears back in town. She drove me a bit nuts insisting he left when she shoved him away. Though I did like her other than that. She's funny and loyal. The secondary characters keep the story flowing and woven like a beautiful tapestry. I can't wait for Emma's book. Dying. Yeppers, dying.

If you enjoy a fun, steamy romance that keeps you engaged from beginning to end I recommend reading What Happens In Summer.

This book picks up where the last book ended. Plus you also get the back story of Connie Reyes who is now an attorney for a big law firm in New York, and Jonathon Pierce. Jonathon who has been disowned by his father now has started his own company and is very successful. Along with his partners they are looking at building a new factory in the town he has always considered his home. Now he is on a mission to somehow convince Connie that she is the one for him. She is a tough one mainly because of her home life and because of that she likes to have everything planned out in advanced. Now though as her job is not what she thought it was going to be and the idea of being with Jonathon, and a new job opportunity happening she is even thinking about walking on the wild side without a plan. There are a surprises in this story and overall this is a very good story all around.

I really attempted to finish the story - but just could not stay awake long enough to stay with the story. I managed to get to 50 % of the story before I just had to put the story down. The story has several grammar mistakes. The story is too slow.

Another enjoyable, easy read in this series with a second-chance at love, some great friendships, and a totally adorable pup named Dudley!

I just loved Jonathan. Despite being disowned by his father, he’s managed to become very successful, taking his own path in life and doing things his own way. This path has given him a bit of reputation as a playboy and wanderer, but now he’s ready to put down some roots, and coming face to face with the girl from his past, he knows just who he wants to create a future with – if only he can get her to realize he can be a sure thing.

There were a lot of things about Connie that I loved, but boy she could get me a bit irritated. She’s struggled with relationships since her father abandoned her and her mother when she was young, and she’s determined to never put herself in the same position her mother found herself in, having to give up her dreams because of a man. I get that she was cautious but I really wanted her to just ask Jonathan what his plans were instead of assuming he wouldn’t want to commit…and don’t get me started on her dumping him when they had their first fling in college! What I did really like about her was watching her fight for her career, standing up for herself, and then being able to realize that reaching her dream didn’t necessarily mean giving anything up, it just meant having to adjust the path she was on to get to her destination.

One of things I am really enjoying about this series is the relationships between the characters. There is family drama with some pretty big secrets, there is love and loss, and there are some awesome friendships that set the backdrop for this series. The friendship between Jon and his brother is so solid, and Connie has her group of friends that are so supportive but also keep things real for each other.

This book happens during some of the same timeline as the first book in the series, One Summer Night, so although some of the storyline at parts is similar, it was fun to find out what was going on behind the scenes for Jon and Connie while Owen and Maggie were finding their own happy ever after.

The author’s writing style and voice made this easy to read. The pacing was good – it did slow down a bit for me when they slowed the relationship down, I thought the “we need to make this relationship be more than about the great sex” got a bit overdone - but the few twists kept the pages turning and there was a sweetness to the romance that had me all-in when it came to Connie and Jon.

Definitely worth grabbing and would make a great beach read!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the second book of the At the Shore series. I doubly love the book because I am from the Jersey Shore and while the name of the town is fictional. many the places are based on real locations here. This story is about Connie and Jonathan, who had a summer fling while they were in college. Even though they were madly in love, their own baggage comes between them. Connie is friends with Maggie, who has a house at the and Jonathan and Owen, his brother have the summer house next door. This book happens in the same timeframe as book 1 so there are some spoilers. This is a beautiful second chance story.

Connie had just got through Hurricane Sandy and reached out to her friends maggie and Emma to make sure they were ok. Connie hadn’t seen Jon Pierce since had told her he still wanted to see her after their summer romance was supposed to end but he wasn’t going back to college as he was taking a different path. Connie just couldn’t be with someone who wasn’t willing to finish college and have a good career so they had parted.Jon had been Connie’s first love. Connie had had spent too much time learning what she didn’t want with her father and all his get rich schemes. Connie did go to help Maggie clean up and a boy almost got ran over by a bulldozer but Jon scooped him out of the danger.. The Pierce- Sinclaire feud kept Jon’s brother Owen and Maggie from being together although now they were seeing where they could go with each other. It had been seven years since Connie had seen Jon and he was all man not a teen any longer. Jon had lived his life to the fullest and made himself what he wanted to be and not what others expected like his father. Jon had got used to the press being interested in the renegade son of a wealthy family. Jon had become a multimillionaire while pursuing his ideas even with the failures. But Jon had never gotten over Connie nor she him. Jon tried to tell himself he didn’t like the professional woman Connie had become as she was now a lawyer trying for partner in a law office. Connie had left the office after a run in with Perez the other person going after partner who was an man and being given advantages to prove himself that Connie was being passed over for because she was a woman. In the elevator she seen Jon and they went for lunch together. Jon had drove right to Sea Kiss when connie had rushed out of the restaurant when Jon asked if she thought he was just like her dad and bail on her. Jon had went for a walk after surfing and ended up at an animal shelter and ended up adopting a terrier he named Dudley. Maybe that would help with the loneliness , what Connie didn’t see if Jon was ready to settle down in one place. He had to see where this romance with his Owen and Maggie went. Because if it ended badly she wanted to be there for Owen.
I enjoyed this book. It was a sweet romantic read with twists and turns that I really liked. I also enjoyed the plot and pace and felt that this was well written. I did feel there was some relationships left hanging so I hope there is another book and I get to read it. I loved Dudley and felt he did add to this book. It annoyed me how Connie didn’t trust Jon enough to give him a chance especially as they had never gotten over each other and he was already a very successful man. I was so glad when Jon wanted to stay and make sure Owen would be ok with Maggie and be there if he needed him. It really annoyed me how Connie wasn’t rewarded at the law firm she worked at because she was a woman. I loved the characters and the twists and turns in this book and I recommend.

This is a sweet summer second chance romance with two likeable characters. Connie has a difficult time trusting Jonathan after he broke her heart as teenagers. Will she be able to trust him or will she lose him due to her inability to see the new Jonathan? Reading this by the pool is a perfect way to spend a summer day!

I enjoyed Jon and Connie’s romance, even when I got a bit frustrated by Connie’s trust issues. Jon has his own trust issues, yet I found his easier to follow along with his progress than I did Connie. Her inability, due to her mother’s life and actions, to take Jon’s interest at face value and not be constantly waiting for him to break her heart by leaving again truly broke my own heart and frustrated it as well. The clues, the tells that Jon has changed over the years are clear to be seen, yet Connie seems blind to them for a very long time. What kept Connie from being annoying in her lack of trust was very simple… I “got” her fears, they are very clearly defined. I simply wanted to give her a hug and tell her to go with it and trust herself even if she couldn’t trust Jon. Time and circumstances will open up Connie’s heart to accepting that Jon really can stay with her. Until then, while I felt for Connie I also wanted her to simply take a chance, but that was hard for her to do.

We’re getting ready for a wedding, there is romance in the air and in the background so there are other things going on beside Jon and Connie’s developing relationship. I don’t feel you “have” to have read the first story, One Summer Night, to enjoy this one it is also an enjoyable romance that I believe you’d enjoy. I will always suggest starting from the beginning, but sometimes that isn’t possible so you could read What Happens in Summer on its own without worry. I had fun with this story and would recommend it to any Contemporary Romance reader.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*