Thank you NetGalley and Elle Kennedy for this ARC! It was so cute and really made me want to take a beach vacation. I understand that there are two other books before this one with some other characters, it’s not necessary to read those first, but I enjoyed the book so I may check them out! This was a cute beachy summer book, loved the storyline, the characters, and the ending.

In this third Avalon Bay we get to know Tate and Cassie. The only thing I really remembered about Tate from the first two novels was that he was known as a player and seemed to be super friendly. In The Summer Girl, we get to see that while he does seem to be a player, he's not a jerk; he is really friendly and always up front about his not wanting a relationship so that no one gets hurt and it seems to have worked. So you can imagine Cassie's disappointment when she propositions him to be her summer fling--no strings--and he declines because he wants to be 'just friends', especially because he seems to be the perfect fling: he's hot, friendly, fun to be around, and doesn't do relationships. With no other choice but to accept his friends only offer, Cassie and Tate embark on a summer of friendly fun.

These two are truly perfect together--they're both really good humans and seem to meld together well, which makes sense when you know that both of them are seriously attracted to the other, despite the friends only thing happening. The more time they spend together, the more you enjoy them both: Tate has such a wonderful relationship with his friends and family and everyone seems to adore him and Cassie has a crummy family life but a group of girls and a grandmother who all swoop in and fill in some of the empty spaces her parents have left. Poor Cassie has such a crummy situation and the more Tate learns, the more he wants to be there for her and help her find her voice and her happiness. I adore them both.

As alluded to in the synopsis something terrible and unexpected happens and it really shifts everything for everyone and it's heartbreaking and maddening and so frustrating...and there's really nothing Cassie or Tate can do but live with it and through it (I had a major case of the sads at this point). But Elle Kennedy doesn't do us dirty and gives Cassie and Tate the HEA that I really wanted for them and now I'm super excited for the next book in this series (there are some characters I'm super curious about!).

This is by far my favourite in this series. Loved the neighbour aspect. I found their story the most interesting one in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! The Summer Girl is the third installment of the Avalon Bay series and, unfortunately, my least favorite.

It's not that I didn't not like the book; it's just that I felt like the characters didn't have enough depth and vulnerability. I felt like Cassie (FMC) went on a lot but didn't get to know much about her however, Tate was even more mysterious in the sense that we didn't get to know much about him. It was hard to find the chemistry between the characters, as the details felt rushed and forced, which was a little disappointing. Limited character development for both FMC and MMC

Things I liked about the book:
1. Simple read, easy to follow
2. Dual POV friends to lovers

Something about the writing for this one felt very young and immature. There was great tension and its a good beach read but I could not get over the dialogue and immature writing style. I enjoyed the previous two books in the series much more.

Thank you St Marin’s press and NetGalley for the ARC.

Super cute book and would be a GREAT read for the beach!! Was a quick read and the author kept your attention that you wanted to know what was going to happen next and I did not want to put the book down, especially after things started to “heat up!” Loved this book and would highly recommend.

I loved The Summer Girl! Elle Kennedy had me falling in love with this love story from the get-go. Cassie was looking for a summer fling and Tate is always looking for any kind of no-strings attached fling. What starts as a friendship turns into a fling, which then evolves into a love story.
The banter between “Ginger” and “Gate” had me chuckling and a few tears were shed toward the end. I can’t wait yo read another novel written by Elle Kennedy!

I loved returning to the world of Avalon Bay. This adorable coastal community reminded me so much of The Outer Banks (which is a show I love), and it was such a joy to return to this colorful cast of characters.

Tate and Cassie’s story has definitely been my favorite of the series so far. I loved getting to know Tate beyond his laid-back, surfer-boy persona. Cassie was really smart, funny, and relatable. Her awkward babble was so sweet and endearing. I enjoyed watching the two of them because close as friends first. Their mutual respect and admiration for each other really endeared me to them as a couple and made their love story much more potent. Tate’s love of sailing and Cassie’s creativity blended well together, and it was great to watch them fulfill their dreams and help each other grow in their own ways.

Favorite moments/quotes:

“It’s everything. His laughter. The way his blue eyes become so animated when he talks about something he’s passionate about. How he’s far more sensitive than he lets on. He tries to hide that under the guise of surfer-boy man-whore, but he’s not fooling me. Not anymore.”

“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.”

The situation with both their sets of parents was relatable and honest and helped readers understand each character that much more. I appreciated that there wasn’t an attempt to sugarcoat or make light of the trauma that the situation caused all involved, especially Cassie and Tate.

While I love most of Elle Kennedy’s novels, I will say that some of the language/word choices get old after a while. It’s cringy when the guys constantly refer to women as “chicks” or when the women say things like, “We are going guy shopping.” I get that the characters are college-age, but it feels overblown and forced a lot of the time.

That aside, I enjoyed “Summer Girl” and loved returning to the Avalon Bay world. I will definitely read the rest of the books in this series and would recommend them to fellow romance readers. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the e-galley. 3.5/5 stars.

I absolutely adored this book. Elle Kennedy has always been an automatic buy for me and this is one I would buy multiple times and it still wouldn't be enough times. This book had everything in it that I could ever ask for from a romance book. The tension, mommy issues, friends to lovers, a hot beach man that sails boats, literally EVERYTHING. Elle Kennedy hit the mark on this book and I would give anything to read it for the first time again.

This book was fun to read. Definitely gave me summer vibes.
One thing I loved is that you can relate to the character’s. It was it was entertaining. Another thing is the setting how it all took place.
Thank you St Marin’s press and NetGalley for this arc it was fun to read.

Cassie is back in Avalon Bay for the summer with one thing on her mind: finding a summer fling. Conveniently, she immediately runs into local cutie and serial dater Tate Bartlett. While the chemistry is palpable, Tate doesn't want to ruin their new friendship so they settle on friends. Tate takes over as wingman, coaching Cassie how to find the ideal man to spend the summer with. As the two get to know each other, and with some appreciative glances through their windows as neighbours, Cassie and Tate can't deny their attraction any longer. But this summer fling has an expiration date. Can the two really end things at the end of the summer or has their bond become so much more?
**
First of all, 🔥🔥🔥. HOLY STEAM. I loved the slow burn with these two and the constant "will they, won't they" thing going on. I found both characters mostly likeable and appreciated that the local player was also a good guy, which often isn't the depiction of such characters.

I kind of wish this was a single POV of Cassie. I found the way Tate and the other guys talked about women to be kind of cringey and not quite the way men actually talk?? At times it felt a bit too much on the objectification scale.

Overall a quick read with no surprises.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What can I say - I loved this book. It was fun and flirty and a perfect summer chic lit beach read.

There was even a little twist I didn’t fully anticipate. I was pleasantly surprised when I picked this book up to read - I’ve been so underwhelmed with books lately, but this one restored my faith in books!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book.

This was my first Elle Kennedy book and I LOVED it (I know it's the third in the Avalon Bay series, but it also worked as a standalone). The characters felt so real, and the romance was adorable. I loved the friends-to-lovers vibes that Cassie and Tate had. I also really appreciated the story arc about Cassie's family and her relationships with both her parents as well as her stepmom. Seeing those relationships grow and change added depth to the story. If you're in the mood for something with good banter, funny characters, and lots of love, pick up this book!

Thank you for letting me snag this ARC! This was my first Elle Kennedy book and it did not disappoint! The opening chapter had me hooked and couldn't stop reading. The Summer Girl is a perfect summer read. Would recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased opinion <3

First off, then vibes/aesthetic is so fun and summery which is exactly what I needed (there is snow on ground at the time I am writing this). This series is great to read if that’s what you’re looking for.

GUYS!! She goes to Briar U and that little tidbit made me wayyyy happier than it should have. I also loved seeing the other couples and how others view them. Every time Mac and Cooper or Gen and Evan were mentioned, I did a mental (and possibly physical) happy dance. Yes it’s an issue.

To be honest, Cassie sort of bothered in the first few chapters because I felt like all she talked about were her double D sized chest. But I was quick to judge. The more I read, the more I understood her. Her rambling was really funny and kinda relatable. I think she showed good character growth and I definitely liked her by the end.

I. Love. Tate. So. Much. He’s the perfect golden retriever boy. He’s smart, respectful, etc etc. I love how he truly cares for everyone in his life. Guys, he cried because he felt bad for her. Read that again. How do I find someone like him? I WANT ONE.

Them, as a couple, was so wholesome. He was exactly what she needed and she was exactly what he never knew he wanted. They had undeniable chemistry from the start and I loved how they grew together, and as individuals. I had butterflies in almost every scene they had together. I loved the aspect of them being neighbors and THE WINDOW *chefs kiss*.

The climax of the book was not at all what I was expecting. I do not know if this counts as a spoiler so forgive me if it is, but I honestly thought that her grandma was sick and going to die at some point during the book. Turns out, I was WAY off.
Mind. Blown. 🤯

I know every book needs a climax, but WHY CANT THEY JUST BE HAPPY?! They deserve it after everything. Do I love the drama it causes? Yes. Do I want it to happen? Also possibly yes. But it still makes me mad/sad which is a personal problem, I am aware.

I truly did enjoy reading this book and I’m really hoping there is going to be another one in this series (Kennedy has 4 books in the Off campus series and 4 in the Briar U so I assume this one will also).



My review of Bad Girl Reputation (#2)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I didn’t realize ahead of time that this was part of a series, and if I did I’m not sure if I would’ve read it.

The Summer Girl follows Cassie as she heads down to Avalon Bay, SC for the summer. She’s looking for a summer fling when she meets Tate, and sparks fly. The rest of the book follows their relationship and the summer they spend together with friends and family.

I don’t think I’m the target audience for me - to me it felt a bit young and immature. There was spice, there was drama, there were a bunch of different characters, but honestly I didn’t care much for any of them. I don’t think it’s any fault of the author’s, but this book wasn’t for me and wasn’t something I enjoyed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC!

‘The Summer Girl’ is everything I was from a summer beach read! It’s Cassie’s summer before senior year of college, and she’s looking for a summer fling in the beach town she spent summers in, Avalon Bay. Tate is a native to Avalon Bay who’s run through girls in the past. They meet, and sparks fly. They decide to stay friends but they just can’t fight off the attraction to each other.

This book was FUN, sweet, whimsical, and SPICY! Cassie was a pleasure to read - she was sure of herself, smart, sassy, and fun. And Tate was dreamy. There was depth to each of their characters and their relationship seemed to flow very easily - and the attraction was swoon worthy! I would totally recommend this book, if you’re looking for a nice, quick, fun book, and especially if you’re laying on the beach!

This is the first Avalon Bay book I’ve read, but I enjoyed it enough to read the other two in the series, for sure!

Thank you NetGalley, and St. Martins Press for the ARC!

This book was an utter surprise and reads like an aged-up version of Outer Banks. What starts off as a fun, pretty standard beach read had an absolutely shocking twist at 80%. This story touches on a lot of heavy topics (divorce, miscarriage, infidelity, parental abuse) but successfully manages to keep the overall story upbeat and light with a sweet romance you can’t help but root for. Team Ginger-Gate all the way!

My one critique is that the mom’s characterization is a bit flat and predictable.

Having not read the previous books in this series, this book held up really well as a standalone, and I didn't feel confused at any point. However, after finishing it, I now want to go back and read the other books in the Avalon Bay series. Thanks, NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

This book was cute, I really liked Tate and the bantery friendship/wingman to lovers aspect. One issue I had was the repetition of the word "fling," which felt a little immature and outdated.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC.

Another fantastic addition to the Avalon Bay series! This one tells the story of Tate and Cassie and how their summer friendship evolves. It is filled with spice, adventure, humor, and a wicked twist at the 85% mark (that I did not see coming!)! It is a HEA, but the normal “breakup” in the last quarter of the book, is anything but normal.

A solid 4.75⭐️/5