The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy

Characters: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Overall Enjoyment: 5/5


This was a delightful romance with laughter, family drama, and a story of friends whose friendship blossoms into more, This book is book three in the Avalon Bay series but after not having read any of the previous ones, I did not find it hard to follow along or understand the characters. This was a stand alone read or at least I had no problems reading it. It was a slow start But picked up pretty quickly. Certainly would be a great summer read while at the beach or lake for the day.

Cassie has returned to Avalon Bay after years of being away due in part to her parents divorce. She is back this time because her grandmother is selling the hotel that has been in the family for quite a few years. Claire has other ideas as well. Her 21st birthday has to be celebrated with family and she hopes to meet a guy and make some memories to take back with her.

Now we get to meet tall, dark, and very handsome Tate Bartlett. Avalon Bay’s sailing instructor and all around fun guy. The two meet and while there is initial attraction, Tate wants to just be friends with Cassie. Afraid he will break her heart, but….some things are just plain unavoidable. The attraction between these two is pretty hot and I wanted to reach into the book and make one of them decide to make the first move.. Fortunately for me, one of them or both, I will keep that a secret, took the chance.

The characters are very relatable, well developed and flawed and Kennedy’s writing is very captivating and whole hearted. You can tell that the writer wanted to reader to experience something more than just a love between two people. Kennedy took her time while writing to bring everything together in a slow burn fashion which you the reade will enjoy.

Release Date July 18, 2023

5 out of 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elle Kennedy wrote another incredible beach read! Cassie is visiting Avalon Bay for the summer to say goodbye to her grandmother’s hotel. But Cassie is looking for something to make the summer more exciting - a summer fling! She then meets Tate, and they are forced to navigate their unique summer fling story together.

I loved that this book had some twists/conflict that made it unique from other “summer fling” stories. Rather than following the basic premise of a summer fling story, Kennedy wrote Tate and Cassie as complex characters with interesting histories, making the ending much more interesting!

If you are looking for a book to get you back into the summer feels, look no further. You won’t regret this one - and if you’re anything like me, you will finish it in 2 days because you won’t be able to put it down.

3.4⭐️

Honestly, it took a bit to get into. While I generally liked the story and the town, this one was a bit harder for me to really attach to than the previous two. I just wasn’t the kind of invested I want to be. I did like Tate though.

🧐 my thoughts:
This is a fantastic beach read. Very light, fun, and entertaining.

👌🏻what i liked:
I’ve always been a fan of the movies with the summer flings, so I really wanted to love this one, and I did! This book was extremely entertaining and well balanced in every aspect.

🥰 special thanks
Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, and St. Martin’s Press for granting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Book 3 in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy and it is most likely my favorite of them.

Cassie is looking for a summer fling. Tate thinks that it could be more than a fling and doesnt want that.They decide to be just friends but what you can just stay friends...

I loved Cassie and how she is trying to figure life out. She doesnt have the best relationship with her parents but is willing to try and make things work even if she gets hurt in the process.

Tate is a great guy who loves life and just wants to have fun.

I really enjoyed this book and would reccomend it! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review of The Summer Girl

The Summer Girl is book 3 in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy. I haven’t read any other books in this series but didn’t feel like I was missing out too much. This was a perfect beach read. Cassandra is back in her hometown but is staying with her grandma for the summer. Her grandparents use to own the famous Beacon Hotel that was ruined during a hurricane but has new owners now renovating it. Cassie is ready enjoy the summer and is on the lookout for a summer fling. To be honest the meet cute was hilarious considering was being dumped and of course ends up being her neighbor for the summer. Great start and premise but I couldn’t get behind how much Tate was obsessed with her body. I felt his whole pov was objectifying Cassie and her pov was obsessing about people who do that. Besides that there are some issues with Cassie parents which was a bit immature to me.

The Summer Girl (Avalon Bay #3)
Elle Kennedy
Pub Date: July 18, 2023

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to read a book by Elle Kennedy, but I’m pretty sure I will be going back and reading everything she has ever written! I loved this book and found it to be the perfect summer read!

What I loved the most about this book is that it was so easy and breezy to read! I found myself picking it up and not realizing so much time had passed because I was so into Cassie and Tate and their relationship!

Read The Summer Girl if you like:
☀️Friends to Lovers
☀️Family Drama
☀️Dual POV
☀️Summer Romance
☀️Laugh Out Loud Banter
☀️Small town Romance

While this is the third book in the Avalon Bay series, it can be read as a standalone. I will admit, I read it as a standalone but plan to go back and read the first two in the series so I can experience this entire series, and since I’m now a huge Elle Kennedy fan!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press, Elle Kennedy, and NetGalley for a #gifted copy of The Summer Girl!

Cassie is visiting Avalon Bay for the summer and her goal is to have a summer fling. She immediately meets Tate, the gorgeous house sitter but he doesn't want to get involved with someone who isn't experienced. They decide to be friends but as the summer goes on they both get more than they thought they would this summer.

I loved Tate and Cassie's story and their connection. The Summer Girl was steamy but it was the perfect beach read! Thanks again St. Martins Press and Netgalley, I can't wait to read the other two books of the Avalon Bay series.

I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Summer is made for flings. But what if this one's meant for more?"

In the third installment of Kennedy's Avalon Bay series, we follow Cassie, a quiet college student, returning to Avalon Bay for the first time in years since her parents' divorce. With her grandmother selling the boardwalk hotel that has been in their family for years, it's the perfect time to return to the Bay. Perfect time to spend with her grandmother, ring in her 21st birthday along with her twin sisters and maybe even have a fling! Her first night on the prowl, she finds the perfect candidate; tall, tan, handsome, the complete all American boy, Tate.

Tate has lived in the Bay for majority of his life. He loves to sail and definitively has had his fair share of flings. He is the poster child for no strings attached. Though, when he first meets Cassie, he's not having the best day. It sucks when you get dumped but getting dumped in front of an audience? That's just torture. That chain of events led him to meet Cassie, one of the coolest and most gorgeous girl he has ever seen. While Tate is well versed in flings, Cassie isn't. Cassie is well...I'll let you find out that for yourself. Tate doesn't want to break Cassie's heart so he immediately friend-zones her. It doesn't take long for Tate realize what a huge mistake that was.

But the Bay isn't as serene as it looks and their situation on whether to be friends or more is the LEAST complicated relationship. Just like the ocean, everything looks serene and calm on top but underneath, there's a whole ecosystem barely on the brink of stability. Can Cassie overcome her anxious self and be able to speak her mind? Can Tate truly find happiness that he swore he would never find because it would never live up to his parents' love? What happens when the perfect little world that you thought you lived in comes crashing down around you?

This was my very first Elle Kennedy book. I have her Briar U series but I haven't read them yet. They sit on my TBR waiting to be read. When I got the opportunity to read this book, I thought it would be a perfect introduction to Kennedy. I had high hopes for Kennedy based on the praise that she gets on TikTok. Boy, was I not disappointed. From page one, I was immediately drawn into the story. I was hooked on Cassie; I could relate to her struggles with her mom and her self confidence issues. Then Tate, oh lordy, Tate. Absolutely swoon worthy from page one. Honestly, the entre book, I was able to cheer on and get attached too. Though, I still don't like Cassie's mom, I can see why she did what she did. Still don't agree with it but I can see why.

Before I even finished this book, I went ahead and added the other Avalon Bay books to my TBR. I did not want to leave the Bay at all. I wanted more. I cannot wait to return to the Bay and read about some of my other favorite characters in this book's origins. If you have been a fan of Kennedy's before, I believe you will enjoy this book. If you want an easy, romantic read to devour while sitting poolside or even oceanside, this is your book. There were times I couldn't put it down. This book definitively deserved the 5 star review and I would give it more if I could. I can't wait to read more from Kennedy!

"The Summer Girl" by Elle Kennedy is a delightful standalone NA romance that captures the essence of summer love and personal growth.

Tropes:
✔️ summer fling to lovers
✔️ reformed player
✔️ new adult / college

The story revolves around Cassie, a college student who returns to her quaint beach town, Avalon Bay, for the summer. With her twenty-first birthday approaching, Cassie hopes to find a summer fling while spending time with her family.

Enter Tate Bartlett, Avalon Bay's fun-loving golden boy and sailing instructor. Their initial attraction is undeniable, but Tate decides to keep Cassie in the friend-zone to protect her heart. However, as their friendship develops, they both realize that their connection runs much deeper.

Despite the challenges Cassie has faced, she maintains a positive outlook on life, which is both admirable and relatable. The author skillfully explores Cassie's growth and her ability to see the silver lining in every situation.

Tate is equally captivating, as he breaks away from the typical player archetype by being genuinely kind and supportive. The slow-burn romance between Cassie and Tate is heartwarming, as they navigate the blurred lines between friendship and love.

Elle Kennedy's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it difficult to put the book down. The narration is superb, enhancing the overall reading experience.

"The Summer Girl" is a very satisfying read that blends romance and personal growth, perfect for the summer. Fans of YA romance will enjoy following Cassie and Tate's journey as they discover the true depth of their feelings for each other. Elle Kennedy's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more stories.

The Summer Girl is the third in The Avalon Bay Series! Surprisingly, this one is my favorite so far. I usually dislike the losing the v card trope, but this one was fun and flirty with a bit of drama and mystery. Tate is just an overall winner in the men department!! Cassie had a lot to overcome, but I loved watching her grow!! There is a scene I’m still in shock over. This series is a college beach town with rich kids(clones) vs locals and lots of drama. Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Book 3 in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy and my favorite book yet. When you pick up a Elle Kennedy book you know you’re gonna get great characters, a sexy good time and a setting to make you jealous. This book was no different.

Cassie was looking for a summer fling. Rate thinks it could be more and he isn’t willing to risk it. They’ll just be friends. Friends who are attracted to each other. That always works…

I loved Cassie. Her problems with her parents were sadly relatable in some aspects. (Cassie definitely wins worst mother of the year award.) Cassie doesn’t have it all figured out but with some prodding she is willing to try and I think that’s what we want and need from our FMC.

Tate is dreamy. He’s a good guy who wants to sail through life, literally sometimes. He doesn’t want to hurt Cassie that’s why he turns down her suggestion for a fling, but he can only stay away from her for so long. We love that in our MMCs.

I really liked this book. It was fast paced and engaging. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m read quite a bit of Elle Kennedys, and was excited to read this one too. It’s part of her AvalonBay series.

The story is about Cassie visiting her grandmother for the summer after her grandmother has decided to sell the family hotel business and move closer to her own family. Cassie meets Tate at a summer bonfire and ends up spending more time with him when she realizes that he’s housesitting the home next to her grandmothers. She’s not really had very many relationships while he is your classic local playboy. It’s happened to recently get out of a relationship. They start off as friends and end up as more. The story has some interesting twist that involve Cassie’s narcissistic mother who happens to show up halfway through the summer.

Definitely a fun beach read this summer with lots of steamy scenes to enjoy.
#indigoemployee

I was blessed enough to receive this arc from @netgalley and St. Martins Press but the thoughts and opinions of this review are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This was book 3 in the Avalon Bay Series. It follows Tate and Cassie on their adventures together. Cassie is in town for the summer and meets Tate who ends up house sitting next door to her. They start with a spark and the friendship prevails, but is that really what they both want? We see the ups and downs of their friendship as well as the growth of their feelings towards each other. Cassie has strained relationships with her parents and this weighs on her. You see her growth and strength that she embraces with the help of Tate. The way Tate empowers and encourages her is just heartwarming. True to Elle Kennedy style there is tons of love, laughs and spice! Can’t wait to see if she continues this fantastic series🤍

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing the ARC.

After reading about the Hartley brothers in the first two books of this series, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy anyone else's story. I am glad I took a chance on this book because Cassie and Tate may be one of my favorite book couples yet.

I loved reading about how both of them grow with each other and realize just how good they are together. They were probably the most open and honest couple in the Avalon Bay series, never being anything but themselves. I love seeing playboys that have more substance and I love seeing girls have all their expectations subverted by that one special person.

Didn't love the 3rd act break up, but it wasn't a dealbreaker for me. Just a nice, easy story that shows us that sometimes it's better when the unexpected happens.

This would be the perfect beach read! Summery vibes with a cute romance and low angst. I didn't really connect with Cassie or Tate so I didn't LOVE this one, but I still really enjoyed it! I hated the third act breakup but thought that all of the plot lines got wrapped up nicely by the end of the book. Can't wait to see whats next from Elle Kennedy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader! All thoughts are my own.

Before her senior year of college, Cassie is spending one final summer in her hometown of Avalon Bay, and she's determined to find a summer fling. Enter Tate, the town golden boy who loves a good fling. You can guess where this is going.

With the first two books in the Avalon Bay series, I felt like there was so much potential, but there was just something missing. The Summer Girl definitely has that something. It was easily my favorite of the series.

The setting of Avalon Bay is so fun and beachy, and this book did a great job of transporting you there.

Tate and Cassie were a great main couple. From the very beginning of their friendship, they were open and honest with each other. No miscommunication trope here. I liked seeing the character development in both of them and how they helped each other grow.

(Spoilers below)

My one complaint is that I really thought there wasn't going to be a 3rd act breakup, but she snuck one in at the very end that didn't feel fully necessary.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

My favorite couple so far from Avalon Bay!

The Summer Girl was such a sweet surprise.

I wasn't sure what to expect from playboy Tate based on the previous books, but I fell in love with him instantly!

Cassie was adorable from the beginning with her awkward babbling and pure heart.

I really liked how honest and real their relationship was. They were both themselves from start to finish. They didn't keep secrets or drop any bombshells. I can't say the same for their families, but nobody is perfect.

The Summer Girl is the perfect low-key read you won't want to put down.

Our third trip to Avalon Bay is the best so far.

Cassie is a townie-turned-visitor, ever since her parents’ divorced and she moved with her mom to Boston. But now, she’s returned for the summer as her grandmother prepares to leave Avalon Bay, now that the Beacon Hotel, in their family for generations, is ready to reopen under new ownership. Cassie wants a fling for the summer and sets her sights on Tate, playboy and a commitment-phobe. Shockingly, Tate turns her down, preferring to stay friends… a decision he may come to regret.

Three books in, and I’ve realized I would absolutely loathe being around the young adults featured in this series – though Tate and Cassie are less prone to all-night partying on the beach and at the boardwalk as Cooper and Mac, and Evan and Gen, of the first two books. Cassie loves telling her twin stepsisters fantastical stories; Tate is really a homebody at heart who really just admires that his parents are still disgustingly in love and dreams of sailing the world.

This was a sexy (there’s no way these young 20-somethings are <i>actually</i> that good at sex), low-stakes, beachy read. One star off for the head-scratcher of a third-act breakup: I didn’t buy that either Tate (nor his mom) would make the decisions they do.

[b:The Summer Girl|61884968] by [a:Elle Kennedy|1935000]
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ NGL - the window scene was 😅
🚤 120 mph speedboat!!
🏖️🪣🎈🏄‍♀️ I was definitely rooting for the soap ladies to win the beach games
🐢📖👯‍♀️ Extremely excellent moppet deployment

<i>Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I was gifted this Advanced Reader Copy by NetGalley for an honest review.

Cassie Soul is looking for a summer fling. She is back in Avalon Bay for the summer. Normally she is only there for a couple weeks out of the summer to stay with her father and his new wife and twin daughters. Cassie’s grandmother has sold the Beacon Hotel and the new owners want to have the original owners and family at the grand reopening in the beginning of September.
Cassie Soul has a way of putting a silver lining behind anything that gives her grief – which encompasses a strained relationship between Cassie and her mother. Or her lack of relationship between her father and his 2nd family. She also holds her tongue on a lot of things. Cassie is trying to be the peacekeeper.
She meets Tate at a bonfire on the beach by accident. She hears Tate getting dumped by a girl who he has been hooking up with for the last year. She tried to be the fly on the wall and not be seen. But her phone tweets with a text message from her best friend. Caught, she has to own up to Tate and let him know she heard everything. He decides to be nice to her and they ended up having a great time at the bonfire. Cassie looks at Tate as a potential fling for the summer, but Tate decides he would like to be her friend since they are going be neighbors for the next 2 months. Tate helps Cassie find someone to have a fling with.
First, I want to say I didn’t realize this was a 3rd book in a series. As it can be read as a stand-alone, the characters from the previous books were in this book as supporting characters. Those who have read the previous books will like the references of characters.
For me personally, this book was a little hard for me to get into. I would say the first half of the book was very slow. Once I got halfway through the book, everything that I read before was building up to the second half of the book. The second half of the book was an oh-my-goodness-gracious! The book takes off and the twist and turns leaves you hanging by the thread. Evening the end was not what I thought it was going to be. I laughed out loud, cried, got angry then found satisfaction in the end. By the end of the book, I wanted to reread it just to make sure I read it correctly. I also want to read the two previous books for context. Be patient and read the book. It will surprise you in the end.