I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. You can get your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z7759TV/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

This is the fifth book in the series. I read the first two. I missed the 1.5 book and the other books, unfortunately. I didn’t feel like I missed too much by not reading the previous books. This book was mean girl turns family! I loved this book so much! I was not able to read this book cover to cover in one sitting, but I sure as heck tried! Too bad life got in the way. This book definitely had me hooked! It toggled back and forth between the present time and 9 year old Brynn’s journal and 9 year old Kinsey’s journal. I love how we get a sneak-peak into what happened at camp told through the journals, rather than a regular recap of things happened at camp. I have such a bookover after reading this book and now I am searching to get my hands on the other books in the series, as I loved this one so much! I am so blessed and grateful for receiving such a great book!
We begin this book with Brynn is on the way to her childhood home after an epically awful breakup. Both of Brynn’s moms are in their fifties. Her ex was such a conman, Ashton. He had even taken her great-grandmother’s necklace. He gave the landlord a few months notice that he was moving out and failed to tell Brynn that. This probably wouldn’t have been such a jerk move, however they were living together. Brynn came home from work to find the locks changed on her apartment. After having her moms take her to the Emergency Room after having a panic attack, she runs into a guy at the vending machine. This guy was Eli, a friend from childhood camp. Eli was there visiting Kinsey, his best friend from childhood, who ends up being Brynn’s nemesis. Without giving too much away, we are lead down quite the journey with rekindled friendships and rekindled frenemies. So much was kept in order to protect someone else. Communication is such key in any and all relationships! There is so much learned in this book. History tends to repeat itself if things do not change.

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is a great
escape novel with heart. It is about family, both the one you are born into and the one you create among your true friends.

Brynn returns home to her two moms after after being conned by her live in boyfriend and literally left homeless. She is feeling like a fool, she is hurt and her self esteem is almost non existent. After suffering a panic attack she winds up in the hospital and runs into Eli. He is the boy she crushed on in summer camp and was her first kiss. She pretends not to know him but that won't last long.

Kinsey went to camp with Brynn and could not stand her. To be fair Kinsey could not stand anyone except Eli. He was her person. Her best friend. Kinsey stops going to camp after a few years because of renal failure and a life long battle always feeling she is on borrowed time.

When these three come together along with Eli's half brother Max and Kinsey's friends with benefits partner Deck they form a make shift family. Each has made deals with themselves to protect their hearts and are never truly honest with one another for fear of being hurt.

Following the growth of these relationships and the emotional growth of these individuals is like becoming a part of their family and you can't help but root for all of them. They are annoyingly stubborn, spiteful and yet so vulnerable that your heart often breaks for them.

I really liked this book. It was like watching a favorite TV show where the writer makes you care about the characters and you are fully invested in their lives. Eli is too good to be true. Kinsey can be obnoxious even though you get why she is this way. Brynn has trust issues but sometimes you want to just grab her and say stop running away!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own

If you're looking for a very easy and romantic read this might be one for you. Brynn returns to Wildstone, where she grew up, after a bad breakup and ends up running into old friends from camp. Kinsey and Brynn never got along but share a secret that could change their relationship forever. Eli and Brynn shared a first kiss at camp - will the spark still be there? How will Kinsey's health and the relationships between these three affect them all living in the same house? It's a quick read, felt choppy at times, and I definitely thought some of the defining moments of the book moved too quickly or were glazed over. Plenty of open door steam. 2.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC of this book.

One of my favorite authors, Jill Shalvis doesn’t disappoint in her lates Wildstone book. I really love the concept of finding family with those you choose.

I requested this book because of the cover, it’s beautiful and screams SUMMER! I knew of the author but had never read any of her books. Write up was intriguing. What a pleasant surprise! Loved the characters and their development. So much baggage for this group ... enemies to frenemies to much more. I can hold a grudge (ask my husband) so I could relate to Brynn. I’m quite familiar with dialysis (sister was on dialysis for years) so I could relate to Kinsey. I loved that Ms. Shalvis puts a modern spin on family and the family we choose.

There were no great surprises in this story, but it flowed well. Just realized this is #5 of a series, but I read as a stand-alone with no issues. A easy, fast-paced romantic read for these dark times with a very important underlying message ... testing isn’t painful. Be the Match...you can save a life. I would definitely read this author again.

Thanks to Ms. Shalvis, Harper Collins and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

The Summer Deal is the latest novel set in Wildwood, California, by author Jill Shalvis. Brynn Turner has returned home to Wildwood after the relationship that took her to Southern California has imploded, leaving Brynn with only her car and a duffel bag. Her other belongings and dignity have been left behind.

Brynn has had a different upbringing with two adoring mothers that she absolutely adores in return. But they can be a bit much! When the opportunity arrives for Brynn to become a housemate at a beach house owned by Eli Thomas, a former acquaintance from summer camp, she accepts. What Brynn didn’t realize was that her biggest frenemy from camp, Kinsey Davis, is not only a housemate but they will also be sharing a bathroom.

As the story evolves, the reader learns that there is much that in reality is so very different from the appearance. Kinsey is brash, abrasive, and boisterous. In reality, she is sick and fearful. Eli is a marine biologist and avid surfer on the outside, but is actually a person who feels he has always been left behind by those that shouldn’t have done so. Deckard Scott appears to be out for a good time, but that is not the relationship he seeks. The web of half truths and white lies that is spun within the group is such that the reader is just waiting for the relationships to collapse.

This is a beautiful story of four young people from difficult backgrounds and how they learn to recognize the issues they have experienced together and the ways in which they can grow and put all that in their rearview mirrors. This heartwarming tale will make the reader anxious on the characters’ behalf and tearful as they each find their way. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

Man, do these people have issues. It interesting how they all crossed paths as kids and then again as adults. I liked how things got resolved, how all the issues were worked out. Reading the last scene was worth going through all the drama. On a side note, the best part of this one was the two moms, loved how they were with Brynn and how they pulled everyone else into their orbit.

I have always enjoyed Jill Shalvis's books so I was excited to pick up The Summer Deal. Jill did not disappoint! I loved the focus on friendship as well as the romance between Brynn and Eli. I definitely recommend picking up this book this summer!

I usually think of Jill Shalvis as writing romance or chick-lit. Funny, feel good stories that bring a smile to my face when I finish reading them. The Summer Deal has some serious relationship issues along with the romance this time. Jill Shalvis writes a story with heart, heartache, forgiveness, love and friendship. It is a lot to put in one book but she does so in such a way that you come to care for the four characters, hoping that childhood hurts and grudges can be put aside for new beginnings, new family and new loves.

Some how this story maintains the light, funny, feel good vibe even as it handles the tougher stuff of life. It is a perfect beach read or even just sitting at home on the porch read.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After reading Susan's review of one Jill Shalvis's books, I've wanted to try them. I decided to start with her newest beach read The Summer Deal. While it leaned more towards chick-lit than I was expecting, I did enjoy the book.

The Summer Deal is the 5th book in the Wildstone series, but there are absolutely no references to earlier books so it can easily be read on its own.

With no job, nowhere to live, and in financial ruin thanks to a con artist boyfriend, Brynn Turner returns to her childhood home. She hopes to map out a better future, but first, she finds herself having to come to terms with her past.

I really identified with Brynn. I was the awkward child who was often the target of the mean girls. Her thoughts and feelings were familiar ones and she felt like a realistic character. Her childhood nemesis, now adult roommate, Kinsey also felt like a believable character. I've heard mean girls are often that way because they are protecting themselves from being hurt first. If so, Kinsey embodied those qualities well. While I wanted to believe that there are guys like Eli, Max, and Deck in real life, I think they were more the stereotypical "chick lit" guy you wish you would find but will never find in real life. Eli especially seemed a little too good to be real.

When I could suspend belief regarding the guys, I really enjoyed the story about forgiveness, finding yourself, and letting others in. I can easily see spending lazy hours on the beach (or poolside) immersed in the book.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Thursday, June 4 - http://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/06/the-summer-deal-by-jill-shalvis-review.html

This is a beautiful, sweet, funny, and heartfelt novel that is a perfect summer read. Brynne is home, embarrassed by her breakup and how her life is going. She wants to turn things around and try to be more in control. She has a hilarious meet cute with her long ago crush from summer camp, Eli. They can still feel the flutters that made them share a first kiss at camp too. Unfortunately he is still best friends with Kinsey, her frenemy from that same camp as well. But he is so charming, and sexy, and he convinces her to move in with him, along with Kinsey, and his brother Max, for the summer. Brynne is quirky, easygoing, and upbeat which is the total opposite of Kinsey who is grumpy, and snarky, but fiercely loyal and protective. They didn't get along as teens but now they seem to fall into a comradery that works for them. Eli has a way of collecting people and making an eclectic family that play, banter, fight and protect each other. Add in Kinsey's big, tatted boyfriend, Deck, who is so swoony with his calming yet adventurous spirit, and you have a great group of people I would love to be friends with. I really loved the dynamics between all six of them as well as Brynne's quirky mothers. The way that they formed their bonds, not easily as there were things they kept hidden at times, just felt so real and honest. I loved the peak at each of Brynne and Kinsey's summer camp journals that gave us a revealing look into both their lives growing up. I really just devoured this story. It was so easy to fall for all these characters and their lives that made me laugh, tugged at my heart, and made me swoon. I haven't read the other books in this series but really loved this funny, charming, and heartwarming romance. I will definitely go back and check out the other books in the Wildstone series!

Grab an iced mocha as Jill Shalvis takes us back to the coastal town of Wildstone with The Summer Deal. She treats us to not one but two heartfelt romances. Swoons, tears, laughter and summer await you…..

The Summer Deal is the fifth novel in the Wildstone contemporary romance series and each works as a standalone. It is unnecessary to read these in order.

Brynn Turner grew up with her adoptive Moms in Wildstone before leaving. Kinsey Davis never left. The two have a history and were both awkward girls at summer camp. But Brynn has moved back and is feeling pretty beat up after her world fell apart.

Eli is best friends with Kinsey and has supported her through some gruelling times. He knows all of her secrets, including the fact that the girl he crushed on at summer camp is Kinsey’s sister.

The story that unfolds was wonderful and heartfelt. All three have baggage. Eli is the fixer but never feels worthy, Kinsey has a hard, snarky exterior meant to keep people away and Brynn wants friendship and love but has met only disappointment leaving her battered and bruised emotionally.

I fell hard for these characters, even Kinsey because Shalvis did such an impressive job of allowing us to understand her harsh attitude. I wanted to hug Eli, and hold Brynn’s hand so she could be brave.

The author did a fantastic job with the issues tackled in this home, from serious illness to growing up in a non-nuclear family. It had heart and felt genuine.

The story shares not only the sibling story, but two romances. Deck, the man in Kinsey’s life was swoon-worthy, patient, and the most grounded character I’ve ever come across. Prepare to fall hard ladies! Eli is grounded despite his share of disappointments. He is a tender giving soul. I easily fell for his charm and wanted him to get the girl.

I loved the housing situations and hope we get Eli’s brother’s story. Brynn’s moms were a hoot, and I enjoyed page time with them. You’ll want to back your bags and move to Wildstone.

The Summer Deal is the perfect book to spend a sunny afternoon with. Shalvis delivered laughs, tears and swoons.

Kinsey have been cabin roommates in summer camp for years. Yet they never managed to get along. When they are reunited, Brynn reconnects with Eli who is Kinsey’s best friend and summer camp crush.

Who doesn’t love to get inside each character’s head? The Summer Deal is written from the three main character’s point of view. I love how you get each perspective. Shalvis does a great job of creating the atmosphere and making all her characters interesting. Each one had their setbacks but worked great together in the storyline. Eli and Brynn has amazing chemistry, the author did an amazing job of creating that angst. For a romance novel, this is key.

The connection that Brynn and Kinsey share comes out from the beginning. I liked that the reader was informed; it really let me feel part of the story. I felt all the emotions that go along with one of the characters being kept in the dark.

I recommend this novel to all romance lovers and those that like a little twist.

Brynn Turner is forever trying to get her life on track but life seems to have other plans for her. Things will start to look up but life gets in the way and she has to take several steps back and change directions. When her personal life takes a nose dive she decides it's time to go home back to Wildstone for a fresh start. On her first day back she has an anxiety attack, her mom's rushing her to the hospital thinking it is something worse. While there she runs into Eli, her childhood crush, he also happens to be best friends with her biggest foe Kinsey Davis. You see the three spent years going to camp together where Kinsey made it her job to make Brynn's life a living hell. Brynn soon realizes to make a fresh start she has to get out of her mom's house. Eli sets out a deal for Brynn hoping to help her make the changes she wants to make in her life. Brynn agrees but isn't sure how long she will last and if she can trust what Eli is saying. Follow along as Eli puts his plan forth hoping to make friends out of Brynn as Kinsey yet. Will he help both of them realize that they are what is best for each other? Can he get Brynn to truly see him? Will his plan work for the better? This was an emotional read that will take you on a roller coaster ride with ups and downs the whole way through.

This was a really cute book! the main characters had great chemistry and reminded me a lot of some of my friendships, and the secondary characters added some great texture to the plot. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

Jill Shalvis’ next book from her WildStone series revolves around family and what makes a family. There is so much emotion in this story with 2 half sisters who don’t quite know how to act with each other, a house owned by Eli where they all live, and his role in their lives. I don’t want to give anything away with this review, so just let me say that relationships were tough, feelings were hurt, and trust did not come easily. Oh, and then throw in Kinsey, one of the sisters needing a kidney transplant. It all gets messy and emotional, and Ms.Shlavis is a queen at these kind of stories. And for all that, i love her writing and her stories. This one is no exception. Run, don’t walk to get this book!

I loved how the main characters in The Summer Deal were interconnected from a young age via there stay at Summer Camp. There is more to their connection that they even realise but which is revealed as the story progresses.

The story is told from the perspective of three main characters, Brynn, Kinsey and Eli set in the present with glimpses of their shared past via journal entries from their time at camp.

The characters may be very different on the surface but share a similarity in the way events in their lives have shaped their identity and the way in which they interact with others, most of all their ability to trust. I am sure those of us old enough to have some life experience behind us can relate to this.

There are two different love stories entwined within the pages of The Summer Deal as well as friendship, family – this refers to the family you choose for yourself as well as those you are tied to by blood, alongside the way others actions impact our belief in ourselves. As you can see there is a lot to the plot of The Summer Deal and a fantastic foundation with which to attempt personal reflection at the same time.

I adore Jill Shalvis and her ability to connect the reader so deeply with her characters.

The Summer Deal is a breath of fresh air and sunshine on a cloudy day. Shalvis shines at developing characters you can’t help but fall in love with--faults, insecurities and all. From the two moms to adorable Mini every moment is well timed to wrap you up in an unforgettable hug and never let you go. The story is deep on relationships and looks at the bonds of the family we’re given and the one we make for ourselves. It pulled on my heartstrings and had me in stitches. It delivers on every level.

The Summer Deal is not to be missed. Eli, Max and Deck bring the sexy, sweet, and swoon while Brynn and Kinsey realize they both have something to learn about love, life, and not leaving.

The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. 5 stars (Wildstone #6)

This is the latest visit to Wildstone, CA. In the opening chapters of this book we meet Brynn, Eli & Kinsey, three individuals that share a childhood history of summer camp. They were required to keep a journal at summer camp and we get excerpts from the journals at the beginning of some chapters. Brynn came home after being hurt in a relationship and finds a job teaching kindergarten. Kinsey is a school counselor and Eli is a marine biologist with a big house where he rents out rooms to cover expenses. There are secrets and complications from the past. On an added note, I have to say that I loved Brynn’s two moms, they are funny and loving, with some of best lines in the book.

I really enjoyed this book; there were times I laughed out loud, teared up and I applauded near the end. The epilogue made me laugh and I hope we find out what happens to Brynn in a future book. This is a great summer read and a respite from the craziness of current events.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins/William Morrow Paperbacks for this ARC.

Well, it's that time of year again! Here in FL summer has shown up full force which means I'm on the lookout for some good beach reads. They say don't judge a book by the cover but that's exactly what caught my attention and screamed "beach read!" at me. Jill Shalvis' newest release was exactly that. The book takes a look at two childhood enemies who find out in adulthood they are half sisters. Full of family dynamics and relationship struggles, mixed in with some humor. It's light, upbeat and a quick page-turner. Sometimes between some more serious reads I just need a cheerful bright palette cleanser and this fit the bill!