
Member Reviews

**⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A Perfect Summer Romance That Sizzles and Soothes**
*The Summer Girl* by Elle Kennedy is everything you want in a beach read—steamy, sweet, and full of heart. Set in the breezy, sun-soaked world of Avalon Bay, this installment in the series brings charm, emotional depth, and a heroine you’ll want to root for from page one.
Cassie Soul is determined to make the most of her summer by stepping out of her comfort zone and finally taking control of her romantic life. Enter Tate Bartlett: confident, swoon-worthy, and not at all what Cassie expected. What starts as a flirtation quickly turns into something deeper, but both characters are guarding pieces of themselves—Cassie from past rejections and Tate from his own vulnerabilities.
Elle Kennedy masterfully blends witty banter, palpable chemistry, and heartfelt moments that give this romance a satisfying slow burn. Cassie’s journey to self-discovery is empowering, and Tate’s emotional layers add richness to their dynamic. The supporting cast and small-town summer vibes make it easy to get swept into Avalon Bay.
Kennedy strikes the perfect balance between heat and heart, delivering a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is addictively romantic. If you're a fan of layered characters, personal growth, and romances that feel both fun and real, *The Summer Girl* is a must-read.
**A sparkling, sun-drenched romance full of vulnerability, laughter, and irresistible charm. Don’t miss this one.**

The Summer Girl is a breezy, heartfelt read with just the right balance of charm, spice, and emotional depth. Cassie is an instantly likable heroine—confident, curious, and determined to make the most of her summer in Avalon Bay. Tate brings the broody, protective energy that romance readers love, and their slow-burn connection simmers with tension. While some moments leaned into familiar new adult tropes, the story still felt fresh thanks to Elle Kennedy’s witty dialogue and easy pacing. A perfect pick for fans of flirty banter, beach-town vibes, and a romance that lingers.

Did I take way too long to read this book? Absolutely. Do I regret not reading it sooner? Undoubtedly.
Summer Girl is a fun novel centered around Cassie Soul and her goal of having a "summer fling" while she spends her summer in Avalon Bay with her grandmother. Though the premise of the book is one to give its readers a good laugh and great spice, I was pleasantly surprised at how deep and vulnerable Elle Kennedy went with her characters. Cassie doesn't have a great relationship with either of her parents, and seeing her navigate those completely different, but equally terrible, situations was amazing to see. The character growth alone was enough for me to stay tuned - that's not saying that the plot wouldn't have done so either. Cassie's fling over the summer was deeeeefinitely spicy, but equal parts loving and I am nothing if not a sucker for a good friends-to-lovers trope.
I will say that the only reason this wasn't a 5 star review was due to the third act breakup. I feel like things were going so well for them right at the end and the addition of that did more harm than good to their great summer romance, but still a 4 star read overall!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the opportunity to read this (even though I'm a century late)!

This was a quick lighthearted read with great flirty banter between the main characters. It was fun to read.

This book wasn’t for me. I didn’t realize it was part of a series, so I haven’t read the previous books. However, I think this could be read as a standalone. I just didn’t like the characters or the writing style.

The characters feel like recycled versions of better-written leads from Kennedy’s earlier works, with little emotional depth or real development. The chemistry between the protagonists is more told than shown, relying heavily on forced banter and predictable misunderstandings. While the beach-town setting tries to evoke a carefree, nostalgic vibe, it can’t make up for the lack of compelling plot or genuine tension.

The Summer Girl is a sweet, steamy, and emotionally satisfying romance that brings all the summer vibes. Elle Kennedy gives us Cassie and Tate—two characters who are easy to root for, with flirty banter, real chemistry, and just enough emotional depth to keep things grounded. As Cassie tries to figure out who she is and what she wants, the story blends lighthearted fun with moments of vulnerability and growth. It’s the kind of feel-good beach read that leaves you smiling and a little bit sun-kissed, even if you’re just reading it from your couch.

I love Elle Kennedy and I find that the Avalon Bay series doesn't get the attention it deserves. This book was a great friends to lovers/neighbor books and I loved the chemistry between the two characters. Playboy and virgin? Say less. There is a great twist that I sort of saw coming but still was shocked when it happened. Overall a great conclusion to this series!

A flirty, fun, and emotional small-town romance. Perfect summer reading with a relatable heroine and swoony love story. Light, sexy, and satisfying.

I love another Elle Kennedy book.. wow! .. Shocker! I started this expecting to love it & was not disappointed :) Elle Kennedy is just so good at telling the primary story and focusing on the main characters, while also giving the side characters fully realized backgrounds as well.

I haven't read the others in this series, but didn't feel like I was missing anything. I loved the beach town setting, and typically like Elle Kennedy, but this one wasn't for me! It was a quick read, but the drama and constant boob talk just didn't work for me.

That Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is a heartwarming romance. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their emotional journey unfolds naturally with a mix of witty banter and heartfelt moments. While the plot follows familiar romance tropes and can feel predictable at times, Kennedy’s writing shines through with relatable characters and a satisfying emotional depth. The story’s pacing is just right, making it an enjoyable, easy read for fans of contemporary romance. Though it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a charming and feel-good book that will leave readers with a smile.

Alright, let's talk about "The Summer Girl" by Elle Kennedy! I dove into this book looking for a breezy, fun read, and it absolutely delivered. It's the perfect kind of story to curl up with as the weather starts to warm up, promising lazy afternoons and sun-drenched adventures. Think of it as a delicious, slightly messy ice cream cone on a hot day – sweet, satisfying, and you'll definitely want more.
Cass, our main character, is a breath of fresh air. She's got that relatable mix of strength and vulnerability, and her struggles with family dynamics? Man, did they hit home for me. Like, really hit home. Without giving away too much, the way Kennedy portrays the complexities of sibling relationships and the sometimes-messy bonds of family felt incredibly authentic. There were moments I wanted to reach through the pages and give Cass a hug, and others where I was nodding along, thinking, "Yep, been there."
The romance is classic Elle Kennedy – steamy, engaging, and with just the right amount of tension. It's the kind of will-they-won't-they that keeps you turning pages way past your bedtime. The setting, too, is a character in itself, painting a vivid picture of summer and all its possibilities.
Now, why not a full five stars? Well, there were a few minor plot points that felt a tad predictable, and at times, I wished for a bit more depth in some of the side characters. But honestly, those are small quibbles. Overall, "The Summer Girl" is a delightful, escapist read that's perfect for anyone looking for a sweet, summery romance with a touch of heart. If you're craving a story that feels like sunshine and good vibes, this one's definitely worth picking up.

I previously read the others in this series, but no longer read this author so will not be finishing the book. I started it but didn't find myself intrigued and struggled with connecting with the characters. It just isn't for me anymore!

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy is the perfect summer/beach/vacation read. It's a quick light hearted read. I love the banter between Cassie and Tate and their friends to lovers relationship.

I read this as a standalone. They were cute couple and I loved the beach town setting. I wasn’t expecting all the drama to come from the parents so that was at least something different. I also wasn’t expecting the size of Cassie’s boobs to play such a big role in the book. Don’t think I was a fan of that plot point. I do wish the last chapter was longer so we got to see more of that part fleshed out. Overall pretty solid but nothing groundbreaking. I think you’d enjoy this if you were looking for a fluffy summer romance and don’t mind some cringy moments

I adore Elle Kennedy. But for some reason this book just didn’t land for me like the rest of her books did

Elle Kennedy! My girl never disappoints. A fantastic summer read. Took this one with me camping. Will definitely tell a friend.

I am obviously not the right reader for this book. I got tired to the "f" word. I wish the author had been a little more creative in her words.
Everyone was haphazardly hooking up with everyone else.
Just not my kind of book.

Elle Kennedy’s The Summer Girl is a charming, swoon-worthy romance that effortlessly blends the warmth of a beach town with the excitement of a slow-burn relationship. Set in the picturesque Avalon Bay, a coastal haven where Cassie Soul returns after years of absence, the novel explores love, family, and the painful unraveling of long-buried secrets.
Cassie Soul is a relatable, down-to-earth protagonist with a sharp sense of humor and a lingering sense of displacement after her parents’ divorce. She’s back in Avalon Bay to spend the summer with family, ringing in her twenty-first birthday, and maybe, just maybe, finding a little summer fling. Enter Tate Bartlett—the classic golden boy with a carefree attitude and a reputation for short-lived relationships. Their chemistry is immediate and palpable, and while Cassie is initially on the lookout for a no-strings-attached fling, Tate, despite his player status, can’t help but see something more in her. He’s drawn to her intelligence, humor, and strength, and as the two dance between friendship and something deeper, the tension builds in a way that keeps readers hooked.
Kennedy’s portrayal of Tate is a delightful twist on the typical “player” character. While he initially tries to resist his growing feelings for Cassie out of fear of ruining their friendship, it’s clear from the start that he’s someone who values more than just a casual hookup. Watching his emotional journey unfold is one of the book's most satisfying aspects—his transformation from wary flirt to someone ready to risk his heart for something real feels earned and genuine.
Cassie’s own journey of self-discovery is another highlight of the novel. As she grapples with her feelings for Tate, she’s also reconciling her complicated relationship with her family, especially with her mother, who is still bitter over the divorce. This adds a layer of emotional depth to the story that elevates it beyond the typical summer romance.
The setting of Avalon Bay feels like a character in itself—Kennedy beautifully captures the laid-back, nostalgic vibe of a small beach town with all its quirks and secrets. The boardwalk hotel, a place steeped in family history, plays a significant role in Cassie’s emotional arc, symbolizing both the comfort of home and the inevitability of change.
However, the novel isn’t without its twists. As Cassie and Tate’s relationship deepens, it becomes clear that Avalon Bay is full of secrets—secrets that might just threaten their budding romance. While some plot points are a bit predictable, the emotional payoff feels satisfying, and Kennedy does a great job of balancing lighthearted moments with emotional depth.
The secondary characters are also well-developed, adding richness to the narrative without stealing focus from the main romance. Tate’s friends, Cassie’s family, and even the people of Avalon Bay all feel real and contribute meaningfully to the plot.
In conclusion, The Summer Girl is a feel-good, heartfelt romance that will appeal to fans of slow-burn love stories and beachside settings. Elle Kennedy’s writing is engaging and effortlessly pulls readers into Cassie and Tate’s world. It’s a perfect summer read for anyone looking for a story about love, family, and the complexity of finding your way back home.