Ok this one was adorable and I ended up liking it more than I thought I would which is always such a pleasant surprise. I wanted to read it based on the title alone, I mean how could a bookworm not want to read a book called Summer Reading?! I’m not even sure I fully read the synopsis before I started it but I’m glad, every little nugget that was revealed was like another little treat for me. I love foodie fiction so Samantha being a chef was great. Sibling stories also always appeal to me and you don’t often see brother and sister stories where there is such a wide age gap and Sam and Tyler’s relationship was so cute and funny. It also had all the summer vibes and a great Martha’s Vineyard setting so definitely consider it for your own summer vacation TBR. There was great dyslexia and neurodivergence representation as well, which is a topic I haven’t seen much in books and the authors not was so great and informative. Ben was the best kind of cinnamon hero, so endearing and charming and him and Sam were the sweetest match. Really enjoyed this one!

I was so excited for Summer Reading after loving several books by Jenn McKinlay and it didn’t disappoint! I don’t think I’ve read any books with dyslexia representation but I really appreciated learning more about it through Samantha’s eyes. It was heartbreaking how she was treated and made to feel less than because of her dyslexia.
I absolutely adored Ben! More hot librarian characters please! He was so sweet and caring. I love how he used his love of reading and books to read to Sam and share his passion with her. He is new book boyfriend goals!
I enjoyed their connection and chemistry and how quickly they became friends and then more.
The brother sister relationship with Sam and her brother was another favorite part. I loved seeing them reestablish a bond and her share things like her passion for cooking and dance. I can’t recommend this one enough!

I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and give an honest review.
First, the cover. LOVE! I know these covers are all the rage right now and this cover really is top notch. It's what drew me to the book. It's what made me want to read it.
Then the blurb.I've been really into rom com lately. I love a good love story. And one that involves books, even better. The premise of this book intrigued me. Nerdy book guy versus girl who doesn't read. Plus it touches on a disability subject. Since I knew very little about dyslexia and neurodivergence, I felt a need to dive in and find out.
I also asked around about the author as I'd never read her before and heard all good things.
Despite the draw and really wanting to love this book, I just couldn't. I had a very hard time connecting with the main female character, Sam. I appreciate the delve into dyslexia, but I also felt like this defined her throughout the whole story. She was so focused on what she could not do she barely saw into what she could actually do. And the love story fell flat for me. It was dull.
I also had a hard time sex scenes. To me, there was no build up. The scenes had no build up throughout the story, so when they happened it just didn't fit for me.
I know there are those who will love this one but it just was not for me.

4,5 stars
I loved Wait For It by this author so I was excited to get an ARC of her next book. The author starts with a message about how this book will be in a font that works for people with dyslexia. The main character is dyslexic. I thought this was pretty cool. The problem was every chapter the main character reminds us she is dyslexic and I felt it was too much. I get a child still having anxiety over people not liking her because of it but she is 28 and it just seemed odd. She would say how she copes which was great but then, oh they must hate me because I'm dyslexic. Like what?! I have anxiety and I never think someone hates me after I tell them I have anxiety. It at times was too much. However...

A book about a hot librarian falling in love with a woman who can't read books was amazing. I mean he had to read to her didn't he? I'll just be here swooning! So their meet cute is her accidentally knocking his book into the ocean on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard. Oops. I absolutely loved Ben and the Martha's Vineyard setting was adorable. So Samantha is a chef but she lost her job so she is babysitting her brother on Martha's Vineyard while her dad and step-mom go on vacation. I was a little nervous because I do not like kids in my romances but Tyler was great. He is a teenager so it worked out. This was all very cute and I ended it with a smile on my face! It was a quick read. I read half of it in one day. It looks like Sam's best friend Em gets the next book and I am excited to read that one.

-"You're an introvert?"
"I prefer to think of it as being highly selective about whom I spend time with."

SUMMER READING is an irresistible, insightful, likable novel that involves a hot, male librarian, a pretty, sexy chef who doesn't read, family problems, a mystery and a slow burn romance. Samantha Gale quit her job as head chef in Boston. Her dad needs her to watch her stepbrother, Tyler, so she is now summering in Martha's Vineyard. Her dad and stepmom are going on an extended vacation. When she learns she has to chauffeur her teenage stepbrother, Tyler, to the local library for a robotics competition, spending time at the beach is out. Surprises await her when she discovers that the handsome man she met on the ferry ride over is the head librarian. Since Sam is dyslexic, her and books never meshed, but with a hot looking guy to ogle, she might just hang out there.

Bennet Reynolds took a job on the island so he can investigate his family history. He doesn't know his father and is on a mission to find out more. When Ben is accidentally bumped on the ferry ride by a lovely lady, he can't get her out his mind. He really doesn't have time for a relationship, but a magnetic attraction wins out. Time spent with Sam revs his engines. He helps her out with her dream job too. Will the time spent together lead to something more?

Ms. McKinley pens a winning story of love, laughter and true-to-life situations in her new book, SUMMER READING. A hunkalicious librarian and a charismatic chef meet unexpectedly on a ferry ride. Family issues, unexpected surprises, a risky romance, and more round out this touching story. I loved the beautiful location the story is set in, since I am a fan of beach locales. Looking for a fresh, funny, and a calorie-free dessert? SUMMER READING is a tasty delight!

I feel like this book didn't know what it wanted to be.

It included serious topics that I was glad to see mentioned, such as dyslexia, but it also tried to be lighthearted and fun. In the end, we just ended up staying on the surface, which was disappointing.

I was so glad to see the author discuss dyslexia and having the story told from a neurodivergent main character's point of view, but I feel like Sam kept hiding behind her disability, using it as the reason everything went wrong in her life. It got a little repetitive over time.

That being said, I did appreciate the relationship between our hero and heroine. I liked their banter and was rooting for them in the end.

Overall, this was a fun summer read and I cannot wait to read more from this author in the future!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook. These opinions are my own.

Samantha Gale returns to her family home on Martha's Vineyard for the summer to chaperone her much younger half-brother, Tyler. Unbeknownst to her family, the timing is perfect, as she's just quit her job after being passed over for a promotion to executive chef.

Her meet awful with Bennett on the ferry ride over was enough to make me put the book down. I recommend against reading the first parts of this book while eating. But after that initial bit of disgusting, it gets much better.

Oh my goodness, the food. I am so pleased the recipes were included because they were mouthwatering. And the gorgeous guy from the ferry turns out to be a librarian. Is there any hotter career? And he reads steamy romance novels to her...

I loved Sam's relationship with her brother, Tyler, and seeing it grow. And I also enjoyed that her relationship with her stepmother was a positive and supportive one. Bennett's quest to find his father added some interesting tension to the book. But his behavior near the end annoyed me greatly. I would have preferred a somewhat shorter middle and longer conclusion to the book.

But most of all, I was glad to see the amazing rep of dyslexia, ADHD, and neurodivergence. I especially appreciate that the author's note makes it clear Jenn McKinlay did more than write about dyslexia. She advocated for the print copies of her book to be published in a way that is accessible with sans serif fonts and other adjustments that make the text easier to read. I only have the eARC and audiobook, so I haven't seen these for myself. But I am deeply grateful for the conscientiousness that pervaded this story.

4.5 stars rounded up

I enjoyed this book, but it was just a little clunky. All the pieces were there, great characters, great story, and fun setting, but the story didn’t flow smoothly. I would definitely read others by this author.

A delightful book full of engrossing world building, and very descriptive imagery made it feel like it was cinematic. It's hard to resist the story as it drives forward. Would recommend.

Oh my this book was so fun and hot and loving! It was a quick read, I really enjoyed the premise. There is a third act breakup, but I'm used to them in these sorts of books and it sort of made sense. Just wrapped up quickly.. Overall - recommend for a great summer read!

I adored Wait for It so I was super excited to read this one! I absolutely love the strong disability/neurodivergent representation in this book and I loved the author's note at the beginning discussing choices behind how the book was formatted the way it is. I work in the accessibility field so it warms my heart to see this type of awareness exemplified.

A perfect read for a cozy weekend at home or a relaxing one at the beach, Summer Reading melted my heart and warmed my soul. The representation of dyslexia was so insightful, and I especially loved that the author even formatted the book to better suit those with dyslexia. It started off a bit slow at first, but as the couple grew closer and things began heating up, I became more and more invested. The steam, while mild, was well done, and the side characters were particularly delightful. We got to see the healing of a dysfunctional family unit, specifically between half siblings, and we experienced the anxiety of thinking your friend may have cancer and what that's like going through it beside them, holding their hand. It really felt a bit like a slice-of-life story but with a definitive romance angle that drove the overall direction of the story. Fear not, folks, there is a happy ending, as all romance books should have.

Samantha Gale lost her job when her misogynistic boss gave it a less experienced male chef. Unwilling to admit as much to her family, she tells them she's taking a break and offers to help "babysit" her 14-year-old half brother while her father and stepmother are off on a European vacation. Things have always been a bit strained following her parents' divorce, so she's not very close to him, but maybe this summer will change all of that. On the way, she accidentally causes a stranger on the ferry to Martha's Vineyard to drop his book into the ocean...and surprisingly, this is the start of a beautiful situationship. Sam soon learns that Bennett Reynolds is her friend's boss, a librarian, and isn't that just perfect since Sam is very much dyslexic. Having been bullied for this condition her entire life, not to mention put down in her job and relationships, she knows a future with a man whose life centers around books is not ideal. But as they spend more time together, and he shows her that he can be trusted with her heart, things get complicated. Even if they could make a summer fling work, eventually Sam is going to return to the mainland and life as a chef, so a long-term relationship could never work...could it?

Bennett was just an amazing person all-around. He showed so much care towards Sam, making sure she knew he didn't think less of her for her dyslexia, and he even took the time to begin reading a book out loud to her. Folks, there is even a scene where they go on a date, and when he drops her off, they end the night on the phone while he continues to read to her the next chapter. *SWOON* He was on his way to being an amazing book boyfriend...until that last little bit of cowardice and drama at the 90% mark. Sam was a strong, independent woman, and she didn't really have a need or interest in a relationship. But Bennett broke down her defenses, and she started to believe in her own self-worth after having her pride badly beaten in her last job. Slowly she discovered that she could make an impact on others, and she might even be able to fulfill her dream of writing a cookbook - with Bennett at her side, helping record her recipes and encouraging her creativity. The issue in their relationship really came to a head when Bennett's quest to find his birth father came to a halt, and he didn't receive the news well. Sam had been helping him most of the book, and they were deeply invested in finding the truth. So when it came out and Bennett couldn't handle it, he didn't react well. And our girl Sam wasn't about to wallow in self-pity. It took Bennett finally pulling his head out of his butt to bring them back together again. And in the most dramatic way, I mean it was a spectacular grovel. I could picture this entire book as a move, but that ending scene was made for Hollywood.

I definitely recommend this book if you like small town, family-focused romance with strong heroines and supportive heroes. Also if you like the "nerdy with a side of bad boy" type - he rides a motorcycle, people.

Samantha Gale was looking forward to spending the summer lazing around her family's cottage on Martha's Vineyard, figuring out a way to resurrect her career as a chef. Instead, she's chaperoning her younger half-brother while he attends a summer robotics program at the local library. Being dyslexic, Sam has never felt comfortable in libraries, and her unease grows when she learns that the new director is none other than the handsome man she met on the ferry-- right after she accidentally dropped his book into the ocean.

Bennett Reynolds has taken a temporary position on the island to research the summer his mother lived there and find out who his father is. Neither one is looking for a relationship, but that doesn't stop them from engaging in a little fling. Soon, Sam is helping Ben track down his father, and Ben inspires Sam to start that cookbook she's always dreamt of. As the weeks pass, their feelings only grow stronger, and they realize what they've truly been looking for might've been in front of them the whole time.

I read another book by this author that I thought was cute, so I was eager to pick this up. Again, it was cute. The setting was great; I loved the beachy, small-town vibe. I loved the representation of dyslexia and ADHD. I even learned a few things, such as how there are specific fonts that are easier to read than others. I also loved watching Sam form a bond with her brother. It was so sweet. But my favorite aspect was the cooking. My mouth was watering every time Sam mentioned a dish she was making. Adding the recipes at the end was a nice touch as well. My problem with this was the characters. Sam and Ben felt flat, and I wanted more build-up to their relationship because it developed quickly. I wanted more tension between them. I still thought it was good, and would recommend it if you're looking for a beach read.

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay is a standalone novel. We meet Samantha (Sam) Gale, our heroine, who is returning home to Martha’s Vineyard, to spend the summer at her family’s cottage to chaperone her half-brother, Tyler. Her parents are going away to Europe on vacation for most of the summer, and since she quit her job (passed over on a promotion) as a chef in a well-known restaurant, she agrees to come home. Tyler (who is 14) and Sam aren’t that close, since she rarely visits, and he is enrolled in spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition. Sam, who has struggled all her life with dyslexia, is happy she doesn’t have to be around his class, keeping her dyslexia a secret.

While on the ferry home, she meets a handsome stranger, who she accidently destroyed the book he was reading. Bennett (Ben) Reynolds, our hero, has taken a job as the director at the library for the summer, as he is also trying to search for the father he never knew. When Sam visits her friend in the library, she is shocked to see the handsome stranger now working there. In a short time, a slow built romance begins, with Ben finding himself very attracted to Sam, and will help him try to find his father. Sam also gets a job at a new restaurant to handle Friday Night appetizers, which she will make her own recipes, which turns out to be very successful.

The relationship between Ben and Sam was wonderful to watch, as he learned about Sam’s dyslexia, and would read the book out loud for her to enjoy the story; he was so sweet, endearing and supportive for Sam. He also convinced Sam that she should write a cookbook, since she had so many wonderful recipes. Sam worried, as she knew she was falling for him, and she did not plan on staying past the summer. Will Sam and Ben find a way to stay together?

Most of all I loved the bonding between Tyler and Sam, as in a short time he totally opened up to Sam, and they were so much fun together. I adored Tyler teasing Sam about her relationship with Ben, as well as Sam teaching him how to dance, and meet his girlfriend. It was so warm and loving to watch them become so close.

Summer Reading was a sweet, heartwarming story, with a wonderful sibling relationship, a great couple, and fun likeable characters throughout. We learn a lot about dyslexia, as well as the book is written in a dyslexia friendly font. There were also some great food recipes. Summer Reading was a delightful read, written so very well by Jenn McKinley.

Thoughts:

- First and foremost I love that dyslexia is a core part of the main character, Samantha. I don't know that I've read a book that's represented dyslexia before and I enjoyed how well written and informative it was in this novel. I can't speak for the dyslexic community, but as a reader I felt it was written and represented in a way that I learned so much. Also, one of the side characters was a hypochondriac, which again I have not seen represented much. Thank you to the author for including these.

- Sexy librarian = sold!! Us bookstagrammers are suckers for books about books and add in a sexy male librarian and we about melt into our chairs. All the heart eyes for Ben! He is so patient and supportive of helping Sam through her disability. Their chemistry is so hot!

- The sibling bonding was spot on with Sam and her little brother, Tyler. Their banter back and forth was also super adorable.

- With Sam being a chef there was lots of talk about yummy food. Prepare to be hungry and want to cook all the things. Lucky for us, all the recipes mentioned are listed in the back of the book.

- Martha's Vineyard is the perfect setting and I loved being able to live vicariously through all the tourists while I sat on my couch watching it snow outside.

- This is such a light and breezy, fast-paced rom-com that you'll for sure want to include in your beach bag this summer.

First and foremost, I love that the main character in Summer Reading, Samantha, is dyslexic and that it plays such a central role in her life and relationships. My dad was dyslexic, and he often told me about how it affected him both when he was in school and as an adult. This is a topic close to my heart, and I loved getting to know a character who is dyslexic, how it affects her self-esteem, and how she navigates life around it. Here, it’s described with authenticity and sensitivity, and I loved seeing Samantha overcome her self-doubt and find that she’s accepted and deserving exactly how she is.

Taking it even further, I appreciate that Summer Reading is being published in a way that is friendly for dyslexic readers: sans serif font, use of bold instead of italics for emphasis, wider spacing between letters and words, and adjusted margins. It’s wonderful that this book is so inclusive!

Samantha has a lot of reservations about pursing a romance with Ben. He’s not only a big reader… he’s a librarian. How can she, a non-reader, have a lasting relationship with someone who’s devoted his life to books? Moreover, they’re both in Martha’s Vineyard, MA for the summer, with vague plans to move on to other jobs elsewhere once the summer ends. If they are going to pursue something, it will have to just be a summer fling… right? Despite these qualms, Samantha and Ben work together so easily. They’re a lovable couple who makes sense together, even with those surface-level differences. Their romance is breezy and sweet, and their reading dates are adorable. Fun fact: They read Paris Is Always a Good Idea together!! And then Samantha listens to an audiobook of Wait for It! Anyone who’s read those Jenn McKinlay books will be particularly charmed. Ben and Samantha fit together perfectly, and the conflicts they face aren’t with each other so much as personal issues and family issues.

Family is a major theme throughout Summer Reading. Samantha is there to babysit (or rather, chaperone) her 14-year-old half-brother, Tyler. They haven’t spent much quality time together up until now, but throughout this summer, they’ll finally have a chance to bond. I’m very close with my younger sister, and I always love seeing sibling relationships. Samantha and Tyler don’t start off that great, but I enjoyed seeing them start to understand and support one another.

For Ben, family is a bit more difficult: He never knew his father, and his unusual mother refuses to tell him who he is. Ben is on a quest to find this long-lost father, and Samantha is happy to help. But the answers they uncover may not be what either of them is expecting!

Summer Reading addresses important and difficult topics, like dyslexia, diverse family dynamics, and a friend’s health issues. But it’s also a charming, easy, and adorable read with fun, witty banter and heartwarming moments between the characters. It’s about romantic love, family love, and love between friends, and I enjoyed every second of it.

If you want a breezy, funny romance about family and neurodivergence, Summer Reading is the perfect book. You’ll love the characters and be left with a craving for Portuguese food. (Luckily there are some yummy-looking recipes in the back!)

And the fun will continue in a follow-up book focused on Samantha’s friend, Emily, and her trip to Ireland. I already can’t wait to read that!

This was cute, if a bit boring. Very sweet sibling relationship, low-stress potential sickness, minimal conflict. The story was enjoyable - I just wanted MORE.

Samantha Gale has quit her job as a chef after being passed over for promotion and is spending the summer on Martha's Vineyard chaperoning her half-brother while their parents take their dream vacation to Europe. She is dyslexic and feels that her disability is the reason she wasn't promoted.

Now, she's spending time with the brother she barely knows given their fourteen-year age difference. She's chauffeuring him to robotics camp at the local public library and reconnecting with old friends. The new library director is Bennett Reynolds who has come to Martha's Vineyard on a quest to find the father he never knew. His mother who is a famous artist has been downright obstructionist about sharing information with him.

As Sam and Ben search for any information about Ben's father, they fall in love. But Sam wonder if a woman who doesn't read can have any sort of future with a book loving guy.

I loved the relationship between Ben and Sam. I also loved Sam as a character who is so used to seeing herself through the eyes of her disability that she can't see herself as the strong, intelligent, friendly woman that she actually is. It takes Ben's encouragement and acceptance to let her see herself as others see her.

I liked the author's note at the beginning which talks about dyslexia. The book itself is designed to be friendly for dyslexics with a sans serif font and some other accommodations including bold print instead of italics and different word spacing.

I enjoyed this book! Definitely gave summer vibes and made me wish for life on an island. I also thought the immersive font for dyslexia was incredibly fascinating, it was something I had never considered while reading. An awesome inclusion by the author!

This was a super cute and fun rom-com. When I read that there was a sexy librarian, I was instantly sold.

Samantha Gale is back on Martha’s Vineyard for the summer, trying to resurrect her career as a chef. Until she’s asked to chaperon her younger half brother. Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father whom he’s never known. He takes a job as the library interim director for the summer, hoping to do some research about the summer his mother spent there. After Sam accidentally throws Ben’s book in the ocean on the ferry ride, he can’t seem to stop thinking about her.

This book was amazing. I loved the characters and the story line. The author did an amazing job with representing mental illness and mental health. Our main heroine is dyslexic and one of the side characters is a hypochondriac. Sam and Ben’s relationship was so freakin cute and Ben’s just a giant teddy bear. The sibling bonding was perfection and the food made me damn well hungry.

If you’re looking for a fast paced rom-com to pick up during the summer time then I highly recommend picking this one up on May 16th!

Thank you so much to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-arc!