Summer Heat by Rachel Van Dyken is a fun, steamy romance set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked summer. The story follows Cassie, a woman trying to move on from a past heartbreak, and Jace, a charming and carefree guy who is ready to sweep her off her feet. As their chemistry heats up, they both must confront their fears and the emotional baggage they carry. With witty dialogue, irresistible tension, and plenty of sizzling moments, Van Dyken delivers a perfect beach read for fans of romance and second-chance love stories.

Definitely not a fan of this. Have read other books by the author but, was left disappointed with this one. The storyline was promising but fell flat by mid-way. Just not my cup of tea.

Summer Heat is the first book in the Cruel Summer series by Rachel van Dyken. It's the start of the story of Marlo and Ray and an unexpected cliffhanger, which I hate. The story was okay though

A quick enemies to lovers book that left me wanting more. The unique setting of a summer drama camp was fun and the perfect place to tell Marlo and Ray's story. Throughout most of the book they are in denial of their attraction to each other but the tension between these two is undeniable.
I enjoyed this book and will be starting the next book in the series ASAP!

The ending left me wanting more. I enjoyed the story and the connections between characters. I will be reading more in the series.

Ooh, the tension! Ray and Marlon are so rude to each other, but it’s clearly (at least to me, who is inside of their heads) that it comes from a place of hurt rather than any real hatred. The tender moments between them prove that. I’m not a fan of books that end in a cliffhanger mid-story, but this one is shaping up to be pretty compelling. If the intensity keeps ramping up, it may wreck me in the best way.

J'ai beaucoup aimé cette histoire ! Je recommande cette auteure, car chacun de ses livres est une histoire qui se lit vraiment bien et qu'on a de la difficulté à lâcher. Laissez-vous charmer par cette histoire d'amour estivale et qui se lit si bien un cocktail à la main sur le bord de la piscine !

I've had the arc for this book for a long time, and I am kicking myself for waiting this long to read it. I loved the chemistry between Ray & Marlo! The tension between them was hot. It was sizzling hot, super quick read!

I liked this book a lot. Loved the flow of the book. I loved how easy and quick this book was to read. Granted it did end on a rather abrupt cliffhanger, which I'm not a fan of, but the next book is out now.

Brutal enemies and a hate so deep it pulsates in your lungs. Thins slowly change one fateful summer and than line between love and hate begins to dim.

By no means a bad story, I just wanted more depth! More angst and groveling from the h, and just more time understanding these characters. It felt like I was reading a little bit more of the outline. But if you're looking for a book on a afternoon read , this one will certainly do!

I hate cliffhangers so so much. Especially if I don't enjoy the book. This book was okay, nothing special in my opinion. Another enemies to lovers, revenge fantasy story. I don't like revenge in my romance.

DNF
I tried to read this and lost interest. I ended up DNFing this novel; however, I do still want to try to finish reading it at some point in the future! I just don't think that now was the right time for me and this book.

Wow. Talk about a perfect enemies to lovers short read filled with bitterness, vengeance and unbearable sexual tension!!! We only got bits and pieces of Marlo and Ray's past but as the read progressed, it became obvious that these two were in complete denial of their attraction and pull towards one another and instead chose to continue their facade of hatred.

The setting, a drama summer camp was a little out of the ordinary but I found it refreshing and unique. The side characters were typical jock, frat boy types, not at all what you expected given that they were councilors at a drama camp.

The cliffhanger ending left me slack jawed and eyes wide open, then diving immediately into the next book! I really enjoyed this read by Van Dyken and cannot wait to see where the rest of the series goes. I'm holding out hope for a HEA!

This was a fun quick read. Its a revenge story. Marlo and Ray knew each other in high school. Ray was the typical popular girl while Marlo was the skinny kid always picked on by the other students. But after one night together Marlo hoped things would change but Ray chose popularity over him. Fast forward 4 years and now the tables have turned and Ray needs Marlo's help with her career. This was really enjoyable. Having both point of views really helped. As we got to see how Ray had more depth to her character and she wasnt quite the spoilt princess Marlo has built her up to be in his head. One critism is that the book ends quite abruptly but, I would be happy to continue with this series so I didnt mind that too much. Overall a good read

Rachel Van Dyken knows how to write a Romance! Summer Heat is a reversal of role, sorta enemies to lovers romance that will leave you reading more and more. It's a great second chance for two people who secretly always loved each other. Looking forward to more of her contemporary romances!

Oh god I get that this is an enemies to lovers book but I still don't understand how these characters in particular go from enemies to lovers. There are just some things that I personally would find repulsive in someone. She was his fucking bully for godssakes. Teasing is one thing. But being a bully? Idk man. If I read this earlier, I probably would've liked this book more.

The first book in hate to love new adult romance series Cruel Summer from Rachel Van Dyken. Hate to love isn’t the only trope thrown in here though, there’s some second chance romance, unrequited love and bully romance going on as well. Enemies to lovers is definitely the strongest though and I freaking love it!

It’s a quick read but so enjoyable and alluring. Normally I don’t go for angsty books but in this case it’s not too frustrating and actually makes sense. And I LOVE the Dirty Dancing elements.

Be warned, there is a cliffhanger but thankfully the series is completed and available on Kindle Unlimited.

An enemies to lovers book? Check!
Characters to love/hate? Check!
Hot chemistry? Double check!

This is a book by my favorite author and I enjoyed reading it. Going to start reading book two next, as this one ends in a cliffhanger!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly, I did not get the chance to finish reading this title but I wanted to give my thoughts. I loved what I had read and when I get the time I will finish reading it. Such an enjoyable read and the characters worked so well together. Overall I would recommend.