This was such a wonderful book! I was drawn to it based on the cover and the summer vibes it was giving off, and it did not disappoint. Samantha Gale is a chef who recently quit her job in Boston after being passed over for a promotion and comes home to Martha's Vineyard for the summer to chaperone her teenage half brother while her dad and stepmom are on an extended vacation in Europe. On the ferry to the island, she meets a hot guy named Ben, and accidentally knocks the book he's reading overboard. As fate would have it, Ben is the Interim Director of the local library where Samantha's best friend, Emily, works and where her brother will be attending robotics camp every day, so it's impossible to avoid seeing him even after her mess up. Sparks fly but Samantha struggles with self esteem issues relating to her dyslexia and can't imagine that an avid reader like Ben could want to be with someone who struggles with reading for anything but a summer fling.

This is a sweet romance with a sprinkling of spice with two likeable characters getting to know and supporting each other on the road to realizing that they are meant for each other. Ben recognizes Samantha's strengths, helps her jumpstart a catering initiative on the island, and encourages her to start work on the cookbook she has always wanted to write based on her Portuguese grandmother's traditional recipes while Samantha, in turn, helps Ben in the search for his father and in dealing with his difficult mother.

I appreciated the growth and development of not only Sam and Ben's relationship but also her relationship with Tyler. I also loved the insight into dyslexia and the struggles that accompany a learning disability like that. There is also a section at the back of the book for Sam's recipes which was such a nice touch! Overall, this is such a fun book that is perfect for summer reading - pun intended!

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the eARC of this great book.

All of the characters are warm and funny. We really get a glimpse into the psyche and impact someone with dyslexia experiences in society today.

The author wove this sensitive topic beautifully into the rest of the story. The story and plot are about building connections with family. It’s about growing and becoming who you truly are meant to be. And it’s about taking risks when you have the right support.

From the moment Bennett was introduced I just fell in love with his character. He is sweet, warm, and endearing, and they balance each other perfectly. He’s so kind and has some big emotions as well. And there’s nothing better than the scenes that involve reading “their” book.

While Summer Reading is listed as a romcom, and it was humorous in many ways, there are deeper issues that McKinlay brings to light. She blends them into the story so we come out with a warm romance that is both endearing and deeply touching.

“Summer Reading” is a light-hearted, easy to read romance book – perfect for a little escape or beach read. It definitely gave me “Book Lovers by Emily Henry” vibes. I loved how Ben had his special way of viewing Sam, recognizing all her accomplishments. Everything felt real with the emotions relatable, and yet it was still loads of fun. Sam and her bestie Emily are super-entertaining together. I loved the bonding between Sam and her half-brother Tyler. I was laughing out loud when she was trying to teach him how to dance! I also liked her relationship with best friend Emily and was pleased to see in the excerpt at the end of Summer Reading that Emily will be getting her own book about leaving Martha's Vineyard to take a job in Ireland! I enjoy seeing different experiences played out in books, and getting a glimpse into an experience of neurodivergence/dyslexia was eye-opening. Jenn did a great job representing dyslexia. This book was a great love story while also bringing awareness to a topic many don’t know about. I’m almost sad to be done with this. Thank you to Jenn McKinlay, Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy!

My first book by this author and I loved the story. Sam is a great character and I really likes how her summer goes on Martha’s Vineyard talking care of her stepbrother. Lots of humor and I was invested in the outcome of the story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Five stars!

✨When he’s a librarian and has her sit on his lap during the sex scene he’s reading out loud…ICONIC✨

Summer Reading could’ve gone the way of either four or five stars, but really the sexy librarian, wholesome sibling relationship, and Martha’s Vineyard summer vacation vibes were just so charming.

Sam must travel back to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer to a. watch her younger sibling while their parents go on vacation b. reconnect with her best friend and c. definitely NOT fall in love with the hot interim library director.

*Since we all classify spoilers different, there could be potential spoilers below*

Sam was a chef which is so hot and the Portuguese food content had me drooling. I worked in catering and love to reminisce and it really epitomizes summer for me! Since Bennett was a librarian (hot), Sam was scared he’d think less of her since she wasn’t a reader and had dyslexia. I really enjoyed the opposites attract aspect of their relationship, and how Sam worked through her insecurities and advocated for herself.

I also adore a sibling relationship and this book fully delivered. The whole book begins by Sam going back to Martha’s Vineyard to watch her fourteen-year-old brother while her dad and stepmom went on vacation for the summer. Tyler was definitely Unsure of Sam since they weren’t very close, but my heart melted during each of their milestones. Since his robotics camp was held at Ben’s library, I think it worked to still keep the main focus on the relationship as the plot lines were pretty meshed.

✨

I loved getting to know a main character with dyslexia, as I think Percy Jackson is the only time I’ve encountered it in fiction. The book itself also has a note at the beginning describing how they changed the font to be more dyslexia friendly, bolded words that are usually italicized, and changed the margin sizes.

I learned a lot about Sam’s personal journey with dyslexia, as well as the coping skills she developed in school, life, and her career. Even though Ben was fully supportive and didn’t try to change her, he did make mistakes like texting instead of sending a voice note or calling, so we were learning together. He didn’t force her to be a reader, but he did offer her the choice of listening to him read.

✨

The weakest part of the book was the third act breakup. It’s a single POV romance, which I did enjoy, but I would’ve liked to see a bit deeper into Ben’s reasoning and feelings, especially at the end. Where did he even go when he up and left? It was just a confusing record scratch moment, because I really did think he was gonna work through it with her not apart from her.

I didn’t hate it and I wasn’t angry about it, but it could’ve been stronger. I could see it making readers angry though, as it was so abrupt. However, I did like how Sam was fully committed to being in a relationship, as I kinda thought she’d be the one to break it off! So it did slightly show her growth in that sense.

✨

Overall I loved the entire book, but this turned to a true winner when he recorded himself reading the rest of the audiobook for her. (He thought she was pulling back from him and their relationship, but didn’t want her to miss out on the book!! AHH.)

I can’t wait to reread via audio this summer! I need to go inhale some SunBum to tide me over until June. Also the teaser for book 2???? Please that book is going to be such a banger I know it in my bones.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶️🌶️.75*/5

*My brain is a highlight reel of him fingering her while he was reading her that sex scene because god to be so lucky 🫠 However, the language used when she described that fictional sex scene was a bit more explicit than the actual scenes in the book. There were 2-3ish lightly spicy open-door scenes. The language wasn’t very detailed, but the connection and overall scenes were still hot.


Note: I’m not sure if the text will be updated before the pub date, but the hero has a beard and wayyy darker hair than the cover shows! He definitely looks wimpier on the cover lol.


CWs: Cancer scare (negative biopsy results), death of a parent (in the past), strained relationship with parent


Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

I felt like this book was good but not great. Was it easy to get through and enjoyable enough? Yeah. Is it particularly memorable and something that'll pop into my mind when giving recommendations. Probably not.

Starts with an entirely too-cute meet-cute and just warms my heart from there. Summer Reading was the perfect weekend romance read with relationship-strained half siblings, a mystery for an interim library director, and a robotics competition! LOVED this one by Jenn McKinlay!

Samantha goes home to Martha’s Island for the summer to take care of her 14-year-old half-brother. Unfortunately for Samantha, she finds herself falling for the interim library director and he keeps trying to push books on her. While this is his love language, Samantha has struggled with severe dyslexia and struggles to read – so she avoids it whenever possible. The chemistry between them is sizzling hot though and neither of them can deny it. While they both only ever wanted a summer fling, they aren’t sure if this romance will be their happily ever after.

I was so glad I read the authors introduction on this one, it provided some valuable insight into the anti-reading mentality of the main character. For those that struggle with dyslexia, reading is not always the escape it is for others. I am thankful that we have audio books now and other alternative formats so more people can enjoy books.

The writing on this one was top notch. The author artistically captured the characters in a realistic way. The romance never felt forced – it flowed naturally. I also enjoyed Samantha’s teenage brother. After being around a similarly aged kid this week – it hit home, ha.

This one is out May 16th, make sure to grab a copy.

A sweet, breezy summer read, with nice neurodiverse representation. My favorite parts were the family dynamics and Cape Cod setting.

Thanks to a responsible depiction of severe dyslexia and well-developed emotional growth between characters, This story feels real and was a delight to read.

What a great story! Ben is a sweetheart!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to admit I really know nothing about dyslexia. I was very interested in how the author intended to blend that into the story and I appreciate the note at the front of the book about the changes that you will see in the print and ebook. I think it’s fabulous that she is calling out issues and making a change!

With that said, this book was a true delight to read. All of the characters are warm and funny. We really get a glimpse into the psyche and impact someone with dyslexia experiences in society today.

The author wove this sensitive topic beautifully into the rest of the story. The story and plot are about building connections with family. It’s about growing and becoming who you truly are meant to be. And it’s about taking risks when you have the right support.

From the moment Bennett was introduced I just fell in love with his character. He is sweet, warm, and endearing, and they balance each other perfectly. He’s so kind and has some big emotions as well. And there’s nothing better than the scenes that involve reading “their” book.

While Summer Reading is listed as a romcom, and it was humorous in many ways, there are deeper issues that McKinlay brings to light. She blends them into the story so we come out with a warm romance that is both endearing and deeply touching.

SUCH A GOOD SUMMER ROMANCE! I am in love with the main characters and ther backgrounds. This was such a feel good read. You might cry a little but mostly smile. This book made my heart sing!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Summer Reading
By Jenn McKinlay
Pub Date May 16, 2023
Berkeley
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was drawn to the book by its gorgeous cover! I have enjoyed the authors other works but for some reason this one fell flat. The love story between Ben and Sam did not resonate for me. Nice book for a relief from Indiana winter… but not as good as I desired.

An adorable summer romance - perfect if you're looking for a beach or vacation read!

Samantha Gale is a chef who recently quit her job in Boston after being passed over for a promotion and comes home to Martha's Vineyard for the summer to chaperone her 14 year-old half-brother while her dad and stepmom are on an extended vacation in Europe. On the ferry to the island she meets a hot guy, Ben, and accidentally knocks the book he's reading overboard. As fate would have it, Ben is the Interim Director of the local library where Samantha's best friend, Emily, works and where her brother will be attending robotics camp every day so she can't avoid seeing him. Sparks fly but Samantha struggles with self-esteem issues relating to her dyslexia and can't imagine that an avid reader like Ben could want to be with someone who struggles with reading for anything but a summer fling.

This is a sweet romance (with a bit of steam) with two likeable characters getting to know and supporting each other on the road to realizing that they are each other's 'person'. Ben recognizes Samantha's strengths, helps her jumpstart a catering initiative on the island, and encourages her to start work on the cookbook she has always wanted to write based on her Portuguese grandmother's traditional recipes while Samantha, in turn, helps Ben in the search for his father and in dealing with his difficult mother.

Things apart from the romance that I enjoyed about this novel:
(1) I have always wanted to visit Martha's Vineyard so I loved the setting of Summer Reading - it sounds like the perfect summer vacation destination!
(2) It was quite interesting to read about a character dealing with dyslexia and the challenges associated with having a neurodivergent brain. There's an author's note at the beginning of the book explaining that it has been printed using a font that is easier for those with dyslexia to read and that words which would typically be itallicized are bold instead. I had no idea that those accommodations were helpful so that was educational.
(3) I enjoyed the development of Samantha's sibling relationship with Tyler at least as much as the romance, if not more.
(4) I also liked her relationship with best friend Emily and was pleased to see in the excerpt at the end of Summer Reading that Emily will be getting her own book about leaving Martha's Vineyard to take a job in Ireland!
(5) If you like to cook, there are bonus recipes for the Portuguese foods that Samantha makes included at the end of the book.

A great read overall - light enough for the summer beach bag but with some substance as well!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

4.9 Stars

Samantha + Bennett

Sam just quit her job as a chef in Boston and being short on cash now, she's happy to be spending her summer on Martha's Vineyard at her dad's old family place. Dad and the step mom are leaving for Europe and Sam's supposed to watch her 14 year old half brother Tyler.
She was planing on spending her summer at the beach. But it looks like she'll be spending it chauffeuring Tyler to and from the local library. Little brother is a super smart guy and he needs to work on his robotics whatevers to get into his dream school. Sam does not do books. She's dyslexic!
But the library boss is the hot book guy from the ferry. So maybe she'll hang around a bit...
And maybe some local cooking opportunities might be rolling in too.
And someone's family mystery needs to be uncovered!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN .... ☺

══════════════════

That was adorable!
A little pre-summer trip to Martha's Vineyard. What's not to love about that?!
We have this insta sparkage between Sam and Ben. It's adorable. Because they should not fit at all. Him being the calm chain reading library director and Sam with her ADHD and dyslexia. But they're super adorable together.
The relationship with her brother is something that Sam wants to work on this summer too. The age difference made it hard to connect in the past, but now he's old and wise enough to be her friend. But it's not easy taking care of a teenager.
Adorable!
Then we have Sam's BFF Em - they've shenaniganed their way across the island since they were babies. Well, Sam was the troublemaker and Em was just always along for the ride.
(We'll get Em's book next fyi!🎉)

I loved how Sam feels so at home on the island, especially after what happened in the city. I so want her to find her happily ever after in this place where she spent so many amazing summers.

I just loved reading this!
Adorable and funny and sparky summer romance with some very serious topics!
I loved how Jenn researched so much about dyslexia and how to make her own book more readable for people with reading problems.

Gimme the Netflix version asap please!

► SUMMER READING was such a beautiful summer love story! Adorable, funny, sparky, sweet, culinary, bookish, nerdy, islandy, mysterious and a bit sad .... I just loved reading this! Run to your nearest book shop for your own Ben - this one is MINE!!

This is the perfect summer read! I was reading this in January, and wished I was at the beach with this novel in hand. A really cute and fun romance, and also (totally separate from the romance) an amazing sibling bond! All of the characters were so relatable and fun. I felt totally immersed in the book while reading, and especially enjoyed the small town description.

Things I loved about this book:
- dyslexic representation and the book being formatted to be dyslexia-friendly!
- acknowledgment and positive discussion about mental health
- genuine relationships in more than just one way; familial, friendship, romantic etc, and all treated as equally important
- there was a mystery to be solved and our MCs were sleuthing their way around the island, 10/10 love an amateur detective moment

I did struggle a bit with some aspects of it, namely the overuse of similes and the fact that things tended to be over-explained. I feel like it’s smoother to show, not tell, the way characters are feeling or interacting, and going into such detail about the thought processes of different realizations pulled me out of the moment several times.

Overall very cute, loved the mystery aspect, and loved watching Sam’s relationships with her friends and family grow at the same time as her relationship with Ben.

I absolutely loved Summer Reading and am considering changing my birthday plans to Martha's Vineyard, because the author made it sound so quaint and relaxing! I enjoyed this so much!

Our story starts when our FMC, Sam, accidentally knocks a cute guy's (Ben's) book out of his hands on her ship ride to Martha's Vineyard. Sam is going to be watching her 14-year-old half-brother (Tyler) for the summer while her parents travel abroad and will be trying to establish a strong sibling relationship with him. While dropping her brother off for summer robotics camp, Sam discovers that the cute guy she inconvenienced on the ship is actually the new local library director (and her best friend's boss). As Sam's BFF, Em, deals with the potential of serious illness and Sam's feelings for Ben grow more complicated, Sam has to face her fears about repeating the past and dealing with her own childhood trauma. Sam is a chef who has been passed over for a promotion at her high-end city job and is strapped for cash... and ideas for how to sustain herself for the future. Sam fears that Ben will reject her when he finds out that the reason she doesn't like to read is because she is dyslexic and struggles to absorb written material that isn't accessible to people with her diagnosis. Can an introvert and an extrovert, a book lover vs. a movie lover, and a successful director vs. an in-between-jobs couple make a romance work? As Sam tries to help Ben unravel the mystery of who his father is, she begins to discern between accepting what people have thrown at her in the past and truly claiming what she deserves.

There are so many things to love about this book:

1. Our FMC is dyslexic and I learned SO much about dyslexia from this book. The book is also written in a dyslexia-friendly font and makes words bold instead of italicized to increase accessibility for dyslexic people.

2. Sibling relationships are explored just as much as romance, and I found that entire arc fascinating and adorable.

3. I saw in the back of Summer Reading that Sam's best friend Em is getting her own book?? I am so hyped for that because I really related to her health challenges and want to see which direction she chooses to go with her life. If this turns into a whole series, I'm in it for the long haul.

4. The MMC makes mistakes, but overall he is extremely thoughtful and finds ways to bridge gaps between his and Sam's special interests. I do wish that he had clarified exactly how he would deal with stressful situations in the future, but his re-entry into Sam's life was pretty dramatic and entertaining. I think this works so well because Sam and Ben are not actually opposites. They both adore storytelling- Sam just needs to engage with content in a way that is accessible for her while working through her emotional wounds from a childhood that was hateful toward dyslexic people.

5. Even though some parts of the book are sad, they are necessary for good storytelling. I've seen people asking why there is no lawsuit since Sam's workplace that basically fired her and didn't promote her seemed to discriminate against her for being dyslexic. While I think that would have been satisfying, the fact is that some people just want to move forward with their lives. Sam is also dealing with intense shame surrounding her diagnosis, so it makes sense that she is not in the headspace to jump into a legal fistfight. Maybe in a future book, this could be explored? Either way, I am satisfied with how things turned out. I would also love to find out what happened with the cookbook Sam was writing! The recipes in the back of the book look amazing, and I'm going to have to try them out.

All in all the author, Jenn McKinlay, jumped at the opportunity to make this book so much more than a romance, which is what really hooked me. I love it when authors take the time to develop an MC's relationships outside of romantic love and really delve into the side characters and backstories. I read this in a single night and I'm as invested in this story as I am in the Delilah Green series. Thank you to Netgalley, Jenn McKinlay, and Berkley Publishing for my ARC of this delightful read!

Ahh this book was pure love. I adored this book. The characters were cute, the story entertaining and the romance was absolutely swoon worthy!! Along with that I really loved the picturesque descriptions, throughout my entire read, I just couldn’t help but rather live through them vicariously. But one thing, that stood out to me the most was the main characters personal growth and development. And after reaching the end and flipping back to see how far they have come made my heart swell with so much pride and love. Undoubtedly, it’s a full 5 stars read for me

What a fun rom com. The beach, books, and a great relationship. This is the kind of book that just makes you happy - happy to be reading and happy at meeting this people and how it ends.