"I take a sharp inhale as understanding strikes me. I feel it. The elusive it. Whatever the hell it is that makes my parents look at each other the way they do. The feeling I'd been waiting for but could never find with any of the girls who've crossed my path over the years. I feel it now."

This book...this! book! I'm not going to lie, I didn't expect to fall for this one the way I did. I was well acquainted with Avalon Bay from the first two installments, so going into book #3, I thought I was prepared for the antics of life in the bay.

I was, in fact, not prepared.

This foray back to Avalon Bay was like a breath of fresh air. Cassie and Tate are both the most genuine, likable characters; they have a quite the memorable meet-cute and insta attraction to one another. Cassie is back in the bay for one last summer to visit her grandma, before her grandma moves north. Cassie's goals for the summer include finding the perfect birthday gift for her twin little sisters, spending time with her grandma, and finding the perfect summer fling...enter Tate Bartlett.

I can't get over how fun of a read this was! Cassie and Tate had great wit and banter. I do think the first 25% of the book was a bit slow...Cassie and Tate were in a bit of a will-they-won't-they limbo that dragged a bit long. Although I did enjoy Tate's instant protectiveness over Cassie. I couldn't help but giggle at him playing wingman for her. Well giggle, and also scream because it was obvious to everyone, including them, that Cassie and Tate needed to be together. But then, oh but then we there was the window scene...

Ms. Kennedy...I will never, ever recover from that window scene.

From there the story really takes off and we watch our fave "absolutely-no-attachment-fling-only" couple take on the summer. There was a lot of not-on-the-page movement that really worked in this book. That can be tricky and doesn't always work but I felt like it really amplified their story. We see fun dinner dates and campfires with the Avalon Bay gang, all culminating with the big event of the summer: the reopening of the Beacon Hotel. (Spoiler: it's finally opening!!). All along the way Cassie and Tate grow closer together; they become each other's confidant and "person." The relationship is sweet and tender, and despite both of their internal protests and outward declarations of "fling-only" they develop real feelings for one another.

What I loved most about this book was how both Cassie and Tate were able to communicate with each other. Despite some initial hesitation in the will-they-won't-they game, they don't keep a lot from one another and open up about what is going on in their lives. They work through past traumas and help the other brave tough conversations, growing an emotional bond as strong, if not stronger, than the physical one.

What really made this book stand out was the dynamic that each of their families played into not only their individual lives, but also Cassie and Tate's relationship. The juxtaposition of the toxic and the seemingly perfect; how turned-leaves might be too good to be true and how the seemingly perfect might not be so perfect after all. I loved watching how these relationships played key parts in threatening C&T but ultimately bringing them together. Familial relationships can be messy, and I love how this book shined a light on the good, bad and everything in between.

Bottom Line: This is definitely my favorite installment in the Avalon Bay series so far, and think this would read easily as a standalone (and I loved the nod to Elle's ~other~ series!!). I think where I struggled with the first two books was the size and large personalities of the even larger supporting cast - and while we see all of our past friends, the involvement is light; our focus really stays on Cassie, and Tate throughout. A lot happened in this book; I think there were a couple moments that didn't have significant impact, but I don't think anything was left with loose ends. I really loved the end. I really loved Cassie and Tate. I really loved ~that~ window scene. Definitely recommend this perfect summer read!

This is the first book of the Avalon Bay series that I’ve read and still I don’t feel I missed anything. I really enjoyed the lighthearted story between the two main characters. It was secondary characters that really felt the drama. The two main characters Cassie and Tate were both very mature in handling feelings and communication which I really enjoyed. No miscommunication trope at all. This book explores a summer fling, family drama, people pleasing and confronting feelings. I loved the difference on family dynamics. Cassie is from a rich family, yet doesn’t act entitled at all. You definitely ge the rich, local and tourist aspects in this novel. I enjoyed the book for the most part. There were some long winded sections that didn’t involve the plot that I felt drug ok but besides that it was a quick light story.

The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

Published: July 18, 2023
St. Martin’s Griffin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 392
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Elle Kennedy is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers.

“There’s always a silver lining.”

Cassie is spending the summer in her hometown with her grandma, where she will help pack up her home. She is also planning to find herself a summer fling. Tate wants to have fun and sail fast. He is known for not getting into relationships. And he is housesitting right next door.

THIS WAS SO SWEET. My teeth hurt from all the sweetness. This was a charming book: the build-up, the romance, and the connection. I loved it all!

Cassie was such a sweet character. I enjoyed her journey into discovering herself and learning to stand up for herself. Her growth was fantastic. Tate was a swoon-worthy captain with charisma that radiates from the page.

This was a perfect blend of romance, spice, and drama. The storyline flows engagingly, and your heart will capsize at the end.

This has been my favorite Avalon Bay book yet! Cassie and Tate were so incredibly thought out and well developed. Their story just made sense and was a happy read, even with the drama!

Cassie Soul hasn’t been back in Avalon Bay for a whole summer in years, but the time has come. Her grandmother has sold their family’s boardwalk hotel and Cassie returns to the beachside town to spend time with her family before the grand re-opening…and maybe find herself a summer fling in the process. The first night in town, she finds the perfect man for the job: Tate Bartlett. Tate is no stranger to a good fling - he’s always down for a good time! But he realizes quickly that Cassie is not the fling kind of girl and he quickly friend-zones her to protect her heart…only to realize later that he's made a huge mistake. As the pair straddle the line between friends and lovers, they find that the least complicated part of their lives is their relationship. Because when you’re a part of a community like Avalon Bay, the secrets that abound threaten everything that you try to build.

This is definitely not your average summer fling romance. Don’t get me wrong, the tension between Cassie and Tate from the get go is delicious, but the fact that they actually start their relationship as friends is glorious. I’m not usually a slow burn kind of girl, but this slow burn was done in such a fun way. And anyone who reads romance knows that there is a good chance there is going to be a third act breakup - but even that part of the book was handled differently than most!

The relationships that develop throughout the book flow so naturally. Kennedy is able to bring new girl Cassie into the fold while giving us the perfect glimpse into the lives of the residents of Avalon Bay that we already knew and loved from the first two books. I really do love a good romance series - we get to watch different couples falling in love while revisiting a world we’re already comfortable in.

And oh my goodness, the SPICE. Kennedy knows how to write a spicy scene and it SHOWS. And she weaves it effortlessly into a story that is both hilarious and emotional at different points. I spent various parts of this book laughing out loud and crying through all the emotions. Talk about a roller coaster!

Because we love a content warning, it’s important to note that there are some things in this book that could be triggering to some people including emotional abuse and mentions of miscarriage and abortion.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for free and have voluntarily written this review.

I absolutely adored the third installment in the Avalon Bay series. Cassie and Tate were just adorable. I loved the sweet simplicity of this story and read this in one sitting. Over all this story was sweet, swoony and sexy! This was fantastic! Bravo! 5 stars!

The Summer Girl was both the first Avalon Bay and first Elle Kennedy novel that I’ve read, and I loved it! This was the perfect summer book- set in an idyllic beach town, smart female main character, dreamy male main character, a friends to lovers trope, some steamy scenes, and lots of family drama and secrets woven throughout. I loved reading Cassie and Tate’s story and enjoyed that it was told from both of their perspectives. While I wasn’t familiar with them, I like that characters from other Avalon Bay novels were sprinkled throughout, and I’m looking forward to reading their stories next!

A sincere thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for this electronic arc of The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elle Kennedy is uh-mazing. I love spending time in Avalon Bay with her characters, and maybe, just maybe, have a new appreciation for the beach vibe. (I’m a mountain girl, oops)

Tate was such a dynamic character; not the playboy everyone thought he was. Cass has some family issues that were SO relatable, for instance, a father with a new family, so where do you fit in? Or a narcissistic mother who’s relationship with you is so stressful, you question if you want it at all.

This was a summer fling I hope to always remember. If you’ve read the other two books in the Avalon series, then you know who the other characters are, and their growth and background. Elle Kennedy has a way of making you feel like you are in this friend group. You are right there with her characters. You are a part of Avalon Bay.

🎉Summer Girl is out 7/17, preorder and get your hands on this fun read.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for my eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[4.5 Stars]

If you're looking for a feel-good romance, look no further! Arguably the best of the Avalon Bay series yet, readers join Cassandra Soul (Cassie) as she returns to the Bay for the summer. Not only is Cassie there to celebrate her birthday, her sisters' birthdays, and the grand opening of the newly renovated Beacon Hotel, but she is on the hunt for a summer fling. Then she meets Tate. Will he be "fling" material or is he more the boyfriend material type? Will this finally be the summer that Cassie finds love? Readers will experience a range of emotions while reading - sadness, hopefulness, happiness, and everything in between. You'll be rooting for Cassie and Tate all the way through.

This was my first time reading Elle Kennedy and when I say this was the best of the series, it really was. I read the first two books in the series right before diving into this one and - ahh!! This one just really hit me in the feels. I was instantly invested in these two and couldn't put it down. It was much more fast-paced than the previous two and felt more like the romances I tend to read. There is a bit of spice, so if that's not your thing, read with caution (I'd give it a 2 out of 5 on the spice scale). However, if you are looking for a great "will they, won't they" romance, this one is for you.

“Sometimes that’s more fun. Going someplace where nobody knows you… It can be exciting to reinvent yourself and play a role for the night.”

ARC REVIEW:

I’d like to start this review by saying thank you to Elle Kennedy and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an advanced reader copy of The Summer Girl.

Before reading this book, I genuinely thought Tate Bartlett and Alana would end up together. When I found out it was about Cassie Soul, a completely different character never introduced to the series before, I found it interesting to read about more than the first two. The Briar University references? I loved them. There was a short mention of Hastings as well, and I like to see that Elle Kennedy was able to incorporate her two worlds, even if it was a brief mention like that.

But I hope to never see the word “silver-lining” in a book ever again. After all the times Miss Kennedy mentioned it, I still have no clue what it is or why it was so important to the story. Maybe it was just an inside joke for Tate and Cassie? I’ll play it safe and use my “English is not my first language” card, so for all the Americans, you probably know what silver-lining is and are just laughing at me now. There was also a mention of “clout” as well, and that too is something I never want to see in literature again. Clout? Really?

Surprisingly, I enjoyed Cassie more than I thought I would. In the beginning, I found her to be very talkative and someone who always had something to say in talking, but as the book went on, her attitude towards her mother and the way she wouldn’t let her dictate her life was something I really liked. In most books I’ve read where the main character has a problem with one of their parents, it was always resolved and had the “second-chance” idea in the book. As someone who isn’t a fan of second-chances, I was glad that Tori was cut out of Cassie’s life for good.

Aside from some of the questionable words used in this book, I would love to see another one from this series again. It doesn’t hurt to read a sweet, summer romance like this, especially when Elle Kennedy knows how to write Avalon Bay.

I know I'm so unserious for giving this 5 stars but what can I say, I was entertained. They had such a cute relationship and fun banter. I liked that they started to get to know each other as friends first. They just encouraged each other to be better people and I love that.

I received an arc through netgalley.

Ugh I absolutely loved this book!!! Talk about swooning!!! I just loved the characters and the storyline! I have actually never read the 1st 3 books in the series (I didn’t know it was a series) but now I want to start from the beginning!!!

I adore Elle Kennedy for a myriad of reasons, but the way in which she creates these stories that are filled with such warmth and heart is one of my favorites, and this book is the perfect example of that. Summer Girl is the epitome of the perfect summer read, I fell effortlessly into this book and became absorbed in the genuineness found within its pages. Tate and Cassie are absolutely flawless. I couldn’t have loved them more, the immediate bond and repartee that existed between these two couldn’t have been better. It gave me Garrett and Hannah vibes feeding my Brair University loving soul. This is absolutely my favorite of this series, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Elle will forever be a one-click author for me.

Elle Kennedy is the spice queen! I’m so excited for another Avalon Bay book. I’m ready to learn more about Tate’s backstory and for him to get his HEA. Full review to come!

I wasn’t expecting Tate’s story when I picked The Summer Girl up (I don’t read blurbs) but I wasn’t disappointed.

I liked the story and how Tate and Cassie grew together and found what neither of them were looking for.

And I loved being in Avalon Bay one more time. I loved seeing Mac and Gen again. They added to my enjoyment of this story for sure.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of The Summer Girl in exchange of an honest review.

Title: The Summer Girl (Avalon Bay series Book #3)
Release date: 7/18/23, read 7/13/23
Author: Elle Kennedy-an auto buy author for me
Book cover: loved it, summertime @ the beach
Format: e-ARC
Page Count: 392
POV: dual H/h Cassie and Tate
Setting: Avalon Bay, SC
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Tropes: beach read, playboy H, neighbors/friends to lovers, virgin h
Source: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions are my own.

Quick summary: Cassie is visiting her g-mother for the summer @Avalon Bay. Beaches and summer flings are on her mind until she meets Tate. He is a handsome playboy definitely up for a hookup. He sees how naive Cassie is and tries to be just friends, but the more time they spend together the more attracted they become.

Content warnings/triggers: toxic parent, divorce, h has self-esteem issues.

Characters: Main and Minor
Cassie-20 will be Sr. @ Briar U. Babbles when she's nervous. A redhead (Cassie would say copper)
Tate-23, works @ family business Bartlett Marine and is a sailing instructor.
Alana-Tate's ex, Cassie overhears them and meets Tate for the 1st time.
Lydia Tanner-Cassie's g-mother, last summer in Avalon sold home and hotel to move North w/ kids and g-kids.
Peyton-BFF from Boston
Joy-friend has known Cassie since they were 5 yrs. old. Has the personality of a frenemy though.
Evan Hartley-Cooper's twin, engaged to Genevieve West-couple from Book #2 Bad Girl Reputation
Cooper Hartley- Evan's twin, has gf Mackenzie- She bought Cassie's g-mother hotel. - couple from Book #1 Good Girl Complex
Cassie's mom-a narcissist, cares about money and appearance. Bitter 2x divorcee
Cassie's dad-remarried to Nia, has 2 twin daughters born on Cassie's b-day. Doesn't know what to say to Cassie and vice versa. Did not fight for custody during divorce and Cassie is still upset about it.


Review:4****
I could really relate to Cassie about the estrangement with her father. Funny enough when I talk to my father it's very superficial. Neither of us want confrontation, so we never discuss anything real. Thank goodness my mother is nothing like Cassie's, or I would be in serious need of therapy. I love reading about a reformed playboy who falls for an innocent, sweet, and a little crazy woman.

I thought the Avalon Bay series was good, and then I met this book. It elevated the series to great for me. I absolutely loved Cassie. She was sassy and fun and a little awkward. Her relationship with Tate was so perfect.

My favorite scene in the book had nothing to do with the romance though. Cassie's conversation with her step mother, Nia was so perfect, and it made me cry. The family storylines in this series have showed a range of connections, traumas, and growth related to family burdens. This was no different and handled it beautifully.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Do you find the silver lining in the bad things that happen to you?

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! I live close to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach so I could picture/smell everything about the beach while reading this book. I fell in love with Tate and Cassie immediately. I was picturing Tate to look like Paul Walker in Varsity Blues and Isla Fisher. They are on the younger side on adults so if that's not your thing you may not enjoy it.

Hello romance and light spice! This is the perfect beach read.

OK! I will admit that before getting this book, I haven't read any other Elle Kennedy book so I had no clue that this was part of a series and book #3 at that! So it can obviously be read as a standalone and I will be checking out the first two book ASAP!

Thank you NetGalley, St Martins Press and Elle Kennedy for letting me read “The Summer Girl” in exchange for an honest review.

This has been a favorite read of the summer so far. I have enjoyed all the books in this "series" but this one has been my favorite.

Cass is back in Avalon Bay as a final Hoorah to the Beacon hotel, a building that was in the Tanner family for 50 years and has been restored by Mackenzie. All she wants is a summer fling, a summer romance, to have someone to spend time with all summer but knowing it will end in September when she returns home for college. Instead she finds Tate, herself and a community she didn't know she was missing.

I just wanted to hug Cassie throughout the entire book. She's adorable, funny and deserved the world. Tate stole my heart throughout the book. He's a f💋ckboy with a great reputation. He's scared of dating and not having that "it" feeling with his partner so instead he just doesn't date. I loved that he's not your typical "bad boy" instead he's a sweet boy who knows what he wants in life but just hasn't found it.



While this book is part of a series they can all be read on there own. They take place in the same location with the same characters but reading them out of order you won't miss out on the story lines. However, the couples might get spoiled a little bit.

The Summer Girl is the third book in the Avalon Bay series. It definitely helps to have read the previous books, but it can still be read as a standalone. I loved Cassie and Tate. They are both not looking for a relationship and since Cassie is looking for a summer fling, Tate decides to become her wingman. They are neighbors, who become friends, and then become something more. I didn't expect the twist at the end that sends them both in opposite directions. I enjoyed the dual POV from both Cassie and Tate, and overall thought it was a great summer read.