3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley + St. Martin's Griffin for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

While I enjoyed The Summer Girl a little more than I enjoyed Bad Girl Reputation (I haven't read Good Girl Complex, so I can't compare to that one), I'm still not entirely sold on the Avalon Bay series. For me, it just feels like a bunch of 20-somethings who are still trying to live in their 'glory days' and act like teenagers and it's just a little difficult to relate to. I enjoyed the story a bit more than the last one, it had more depth in my opinion, but even so, it was still just fine to me.

I will say that the storyline with Cassie's mother was done very well. I genuinely didn't see the twist at the end coming, and it did serve as the perfect catalyst for the 'third-act breakup' sequence, especially since they had already individually established that there was nothing standing in the way if they truly wanted to make something work after the summer.

This is definitely the definition of a summer read — it's an easy read, you get some spice, and the town itself is written to the point where you genuinely want to visit. Was it my favorite read? No. But was it my least favorite read? Also no! If you've read the previous books, it's worth it to return to Avalon Bay.

This review originally appeared on Goodreads.

The Summer Girl is a fantastic summer read - great characters, fun banter, and a good dose of humor. I loved seeing scenes with Mackenzie, Cooper, Evan and Genevieve from the previous books in the series - they bring so much humor to the book too. Tate and Cassie have great chemistry. Emotions and drama run high as they try to navigate family issues and relationships while still attempting to keep things casual between them. They see the best in each other and definitely encourage the other to go for what they want and also speak up to their families. I really have liked all of the books in the Avalon Bay series - this might be my favorite of the series. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the chance to read this novel.

The Summer Girl was classic Elle Kennedy in the best way. Good rich girl next door starts a summer fling with the hot local housesitter next door. Their windows line up across from one another. Need I say more?

This third book in a summer-y series takes us back to Avalon Bay, where a group of friends on the precipice of adulthood are all finding themselves inevitably falling in love. In The Summer Girl, it’s lovable-golden-boy-always up for fling, Tate’s turn. Cassie Soul spent all her childhood summers in Avalon Bay until her parent’s divorce, but has returned to spend a final summer with her grandmother before she sells her home and family business. She decides a summer fling is in order and sets her sights on fun and charming Tate, her grandmother’s neighbour for the summer. Tate however, quickly realizes that Cassie is one of a kind and not a woman to have a quick hookup with. She is funny and beautiful, and Tate enjoys her company so much that he turns her request for a fling down in order to maintain a friendship with her. Their friendship and attraction blossoms so quickly that it isn’t long before he regrets turning her down. Tate and Cassie find themselves developing a deep and meaningful attraction and kinship with each other that is impossible to ignore. If they cross the line from friends to lovers, will it ruin what they have, or make it better? And with secrets from other people in their lives about to implode, will any relationship between them at all survive?

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I love the Avalon Bay series, and this was no exception. With so many callbacks and appearances by the rest of the friend group it was easy to get sucked back into that perfect beach and summer vibe these books give off. While it can be read as a stand-alone book, I always think it adds to the depth of the story to read the others first.

Cassie and Tate were great characters. While Cassie seemed a little young and rudderless at first, she definitely wasn’t naive or bland. She really grew on me by the end of the book. Tate was charming and funny, empathetic and goofy- basically the perfect book boyfriend. The way they bantered and laughed, flirted and had deep discussions made the way they fell in love feel natural and perfect. The overall theme of family in this book, whether it be biological, a step-parent, or a found family made up of a friend group was impactful. Cassie’s relationships with her grandmother, father, and her mom, and the relationship between Tate and his parents, were all deep and meaningful and sad at times. The pain a parent can inflict on us can be the most cutting and for both main characters, although in different ways, this comes through loud and clear.

This was a solid four star read for me and I hope there is still more to come in the Avalon Bay series. I think it is the best of the series so far (and I LOVED Gen and Evan). The ending wrapped up a little too cliche for me with Cassie’s book deal and rushed reunion with Tate, but I can easily overlook that for the strong beginning and middle to the book.

Tropes- friends to lovers, summer romance, new adult romance, small town, dual POV

4 stars and 3 peppers for spice.

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

First off, I have to say that, overall, I was a bit disappointed with this series; I absolutely love Elle Kennedy’s Off-Campus and Briar U series so, in comparison, her Avalon Bay series just didn’t live up to my high expectations. On the upside, the beautiful beachside setting of Avalon Bay makes The Summer Girl a perfect summer read, or a great escapist read for the colder months. So, if you enjoy new adult romance, then I highly recommend reading The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy.

THE SUMMER GIRL is the third novel in Avalon Bay series, which can each be read as stand-alones in my opinion. I think they are best read in order though to get a better understanding and context of the friend group and the relationships within.

I was entirely convinced that the main character of this novel would be Alana from the friend group because of the redhead on the cover… alas I was wrong and it took me a couple chapters to get my mind in the game because of it! As you can tell, I’m not a big reader of the synopsis which can be a problem but everything worked out for me here!

Cassie hasn’t spent a summer in Avalon Bay since her parents divorce, but now that her grandmother is selling the Beacon Hotel Cassie is back in the Bay to spend the summer with her family and she’s in search of a summer fling. Tate is Avalon Bay’s golden boy and is no stranger to a fling. When Cassie propositions him, Tate puts her in the friend zone whilst they navigate the line between friendship and more.

I loved getting to know Cassie and Tate via a dual perspective storytelling. Cassie is a FMC who is easy to appreciate and relate to. She has a difficult family dynamic, but she remains down-to-earth and such a sweet person. Tate is the town’s golden boy and his generally good self shines through the story as all the characters interspersed alongside his actions indicate that he’s a generally good guy.

I loved the navigation between friends to friends with benefits to something more. As always, Elle Kennedy is the master of spice and that’s no different here, with just the right amount of spice interspersed with fun banter. While this is a cute romance read, it is a story with depth and some emotional heft so be sure to check out the trigger warnings.

I loved the cameos of the previous two books couples popping up in this novel. It was nice to catch a glimpse of Mackenzie & Cooper and Gen & Evan!

This is the perfect summer beach read. Elle Kennedy knows how to write a fun and compelling romance!

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.</i>

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this lovely beach read.

I was able to read Bad Girl Reputation ahead of its release date and throughly enjoyed it, so I was excited to get back to Avalon Bay for The Summer Girl.

Cassie is a refreshing female character, who is very much aware of herself and grows leaps and bounds throughout the novel. Tate, the male love interest, is just a stand-up guy. Even if he’s known to “get around”, everyone views him with respect, and I just loved being in his perspective throughout the book.

This read is perfect for anyone looking for a summery escape, complete with family drama, steamy romance, and fun beach games that make you reminiscent of your own beach memories!

This book touched on some deeper topics, such as emotional abuse, strained familial relationships, and infidelity, but I still felt light after I finished! It has substance, but still feels like a perfect beach read.

The release date is July 18, 2023, and I highly recommend!

4.5 rounded up
I have absolutely LOVED this trip back to Avalon Bay. In The Summer Girl we get the story of Tate, the notorious ladies man who no one has a bad thing to say about, and honestly after this book, I don’t either! Watching Cassie and Tate’s love bloom was so heartwarming, but they were also so much FUN!

Cassie was so sweet, and so relatable to me. Although my mom is not a narcissist like Cassie’s is, I was in a relationship with one for almost a decade and the way this book describes a narcissist is SPOT ON. The way she felt about herself hit so close to home, and her growth from it was such an incredible thing to be a part of. Tate is an absolute sweetheart; my favourite love interest from this series by far. Just the most genuine guy, ugh. And the communication?! We love to see it. There were soooo many great conversations had here, but within Cassie and Tate’s relationship but also outside of them and with each of their parents as well.
It's always fun in stand alone series like this to catch those little easter egg moments from the previous books, but I absolutely melted to have that full circle moment with Mac’s successful opening with her hotel. Girl worked hard to restore that beauty and it brought tears to my eyes when she was giving Cassie’s grandma the tour.

By far my most favourite of the series, and I really hope this isn’t the last time we take a trip to Avalon Bay!

Oooo this story and Elle Kennedy's writing are so good! The character development is on point and the dialogue is engaging. I love reading her books and I'm so glad I got to read this one. Definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Elle Kennedy!

Wow! Wow! Wow! I'm so in love with these characters and this story. Cassie and Tate have such a funny banter, strong chemistry and a friendship that turns into so much more. Cassie was the good girl virgin looking for a summer fling while visiting her Grandmother in Avalon Bay and Tate is the hot "player" good guy that doesn't want a relationship. They meet, sparks fly and even though Tate tried to remain just friends with Cassie because he didn't want her catching feelings and hurting her, it just wasn't possible. He couldn't stay away from her. There's a major twist in the story towards the end but you still get that happily ever after. Definitely a steamy book and one I highly recommend. Love all of Elle Kennedy's books!

Thank you Elle Kennedy, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this ARC!

Poor Cassie lost so much when her parents divorced. She left Avalon Bay and only visited when she had school breaks. She continues to be close to her grandmother, but her dad also lives on the bay. She feels replaced by her dads new family and she doesn't want to be around her mother at all, so her grandma is her safe space. Now, her grandmother has decided to sell the family hotel and move closer to her family in the Boston area. As the days get closer to her grandmothers move, Cassie is falling in love with and AT Avalon Bay. She will have decisions to make and amends to make with her family. This is a feel good, fun book to read. I've read others by the same other and this book ties together well with the previous books in this series! Highly recommend them all.

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced e-copy of The Summer Girl by Elle Kennedy! Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. There were too many little things at the beginning that are not my cup of tea, so I didn't continue. But don't let that stop you! If you're a fan of Tessa Bailey, this might be the perfect summer read for you!

I absolutely devoured this book and stayed up until 5am reading it. I liked every other book in this series, but I absolutely loved this book. I loved Cassie and Tate, even though I was hesitant to read about Tate. He seemed like such a player in the previous books, but dang he was so cute. I liked reading about Cassie and her family, and I related because my mother and her mom are very similar. It was such a heartwarming book. I highly recommend anyone read this!

I love this series and I have to say this was one if not my favorite of the series so far.

I loved the characters and the storyline plus it’s always great when we get to see previous characters and what’s been going on with them later in a series.

I loved how Cassie was connected through her grandmother to the Beacon hotel.

Tate and Cassie were so cute and I loved their relationship. However Cassie and her toxic relationship with her mom was horrible to listen to. I hated her Mom! I think Cassie could have and should have handled the relationship with her Mom differently but had she, it would have changed the story so….

4.5 stars rounded up. It’s been a while since I’ve read an Elle Kennedy book, and this made me remember why I love her so much. She crafts the perfect blend of banter and heart into her stories. And she makes you connect with her young twenty-something characters without reaching too far to make them seem unrealistically mature. Tate was such a great hero, and I loved seeing his relationship with Cassie develop. I took off half a star because the ending was very high drama for me, but honestly that’s just a personal preference. I think she crafted it well. And the book is part of a series but I had no problem reading it as a standalone.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love this series. As soon as I got a chance, I literally jumped right in. Let me tell you I was hooked. This whole book kept me on the edge of my seat. i was completely eating this story up and in loving every minute of it, I don’t wanna give too much away. All I can say is, if you need a good laugh in this book is for you . I highly recommend book. You will not be disappointed. Actually, this whole series you will not be disappointed. !!!!

Thanks so much for the arc!

I feel like I keep starting my summers with an Avalon Bay read! There’s something so charming and light about this Elle Kennedy series. I love that we run into characters from the first two books but they don’t take over. It’s not necessary to read these in order (but why not!)

Cassie is home for a bit and wants a summer fling. Avalon Bay is just the place for it. She propositions Tate- who turns her down. He’s her next door neighbor and first person she meets when she comes back.

After offering to be her wingman, Tate changes his mind. He can’t let her hook up with a random guy. The two try to keep it light but can they? They are also greeted with a huge bomb towards the end of the book!

I struggled a little with the speed of the book & the “youth” of the characters. It is a fun beach read with a twist!

I always love going back to Avalon Bay. Elle Kennedy just writes the best towns. The Summer Girl didn't disappoint. Cass is spending the summer in the bay with her grandmother and meets Tate, token player. They hit it off with friendship first but sparks fly and the spice hits.

As usual there's family drama, definitely less of the rest of the friend crew in this one than previous ones but you still get a hint of the crew (Mac and Cooper, Evan and Gem) from previous books. I was trying to guess whose story is next!

This is part of a series but could definitely be read as a stand alone. The perfect beach read with spice and drama that will have you escaping to an oceanside town in the summer.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Elle Kennedy cannot write a bad book. I’m convinced. And Summer Girl is one of her best yet. It’s friends to lovers romance, a touch of friends with benefits. It’s also a small town (Avalon Bay is the place to be in the summer apparently) with some family drama thrown into the mix.

This book made me feel so many emotions. Parts of the dialogue made me laugh out loud while others made me feel so sad for these characters. Cassie is such a complex character and she is so well developed. Tate is the King golden retriever of book boyfriends and his character arc was *chef’s kiss.*

I loved Cassie and Tate’s friendship (that then evolves into a relationship). They are so well balanced and truly were better versions of themselves when they're together. It felt more like “I’ll help you solve these problems,” not “Let me save you and solve these problems for you.” I would happily read 500 more pages of them.

There is a ZINGER of a plot twist and my jaw dropped. The chaos! The drama! OMG.

This book was sitting at a 5 star rating for me, but then the 3rd act breakup hit and it made me so mad. It felt a little unnecessary and out of character to me. But that is my one, singular complaint about this book.

Summer Girl is everything you want for a summer read: it’s fun, features well developed and interesting characters, chemistry as steamy as a day at the beach, and a cozy beach town. A few of our fave characters from the previous books also make an appearance to establish a tight-knit community. If you haven’t read the Avalon Bay series, now is the perfect time! Download them for your next beach vacay! You can thank me later.

This book will soon be on every reader's summer book list. It gives off the same vibes as a driving with the windows down and stereo playing full blast on a starry summer night. The characters were beautiful and had depth that flowed beyond the page. Even from the very first chapter they were extremely relatable and just felt real. They didn't feel like perfect story characters who never show the reality of their life. The plot was awesome and the romance was immaculate. I will forever be recommending this book all through out summer!