HEY EVERYBODY DID YOU KNOW THAT CASSANDRA IS A LIL TINY GIRLIE WITH A MASSIVE CHEST? SHE ONLY MENTIONS IT AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN EVERY SCENE IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THE FIRST 8,000 TIMES.

This is my first Elle Kennedy, so maybe this isn't the norm, but if someone tried to drop a "you'll never guess which popular romance author is actually a cishet man using a female pen name" I would in face be able to guess IMMEDIATELY.

I'm rounding up to 2 stars because I actually finished the whole thing, but it was a ROUGH 1.5 for me.

4.5 Stars rounded up! We return to the beach town of Avalon Bay in The Summer Girl, where rising college senior Cassie spends the summer at her grandma’s home at the Bay. She’s determined to have a summer fling, and when she meets the very attractive and charismatic Tate, she’s immediately smitten. Even though there are immediate sparks, Tate wants to keep their relationship platonic and work on being friends. As the summer goes on, they form undeniable chemistry and explore the possibilities of a situationship for the rest of summer.

I feel like each book is better than the last in this series, but The Summer Girl can definitely be read as a standalone with minimal spoilers. Even though the characters definitely feel young and a bit surface-level, this was a nice summer escape read that would be perfect to enjoy by the pool or beach. Teddy Hamilton and Caitlin Elizabeth voice these characters flawlessly in this 12 hour audiobook.

Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the advanced review copies.

This was another great addition to Elle’s Avalon Bay series! These are perfect summer beach reads! I love seeing the characters from previous books come back into the next one. Looking forward to more!

I am thankful to have been able to listen to this book as an ARC! I have never read this author before, but I’ve heard a lot about her. I am pleasantly surprised how much I ended up liking this!! It is extremely well rounded and developed. It is full of fully developed characters, emotions, fun *and* lots of spice! At one point, I was pretty sure I was going to DNF this book, but I decided to stick it out since I was given the privilege of receiving it as an ARC and I am so glad I did! It ended up being a five star read (well, listen) for me!!! I can’t wait to go back and read books one and two in this series!

Add this to your TBR for release day July 18, 2023!!

The Summer Girl is the third installment in the Avalon Bay series by Elle Kennedy. It’s about Tate, a character introduced in the first two books, and Cassie who grew up in Avalon Bay until her parents divorced and she moved to Boston with her mom. She’s visiting for the summer to spend time with her grandma who is the previous owner of the beacon hotel. Cass wants to find a fling for the summer and Tate seems like the perfect choice given their mutual attraction and that he’s house sitting the neighbors house. Tate however doesn’t want to risk a friendship with her being ruined so they decide to be just friends. Their attraction pulls them together again and again until they finally start to see each other and swear it will only be casual. However there are secrets neither of them see coming that threaten to tear them apart.

I really enjoyed this book, Cass and Tate had a great dynamic and banter. It was a really fun friends to lovers summer read. The relationships each of them had with their parents felt really flushed out and added a lot of character development. I thought Cassie always finding a silver lining to avoid dealing with tough emotions would grate on me but Elle really gives you insight into those motivations. I love the growth/healing Cassie has and how Tate aids in that. We also get to see glimpses of how the rest of the friend group is doing and how seamless Cass fits into their group. This was my favorite of the series and I love that Elle through in the connection of Cass attending Briar University. Ultimately I felt this book had great lessons about finding your voice, forgiveness and learning to sometimes put your needs first to find happiness.

The Narration:
I’m a big fan of Teddy Hamilton and really enjoyed him in this book. He has really amazing range and does a great job distinguishing characters. I really felt like Caitlin Elizabeth was a great fit for Cassie. The two together really brought the book to life. The flow was moderately paced, with easy to follow transitions. If you like audiobooks this would be a great one to listen to.

A fun summer read! I think fans of this series will be enjoy being back at Avalon Bay! I personally didn’t feel as connected to the main character based on age and circumstance, but enjoyed the take on toxic parental relationships and struggles with body image. Overall, enjoyable!

This is my first book of the Avalon Bay series, but it didn’t seem like I missed anything and each book is its own story. Started off slow and a little too much filler for me. Granted I’m far away from my early 20s so maybe I am not the target audience. I can see this as a fun and light beach read for college students. I did however appreciate Cassie’s nervous ramblings. 🌶️🌶️🌶️ friends to lovers trope. I listened to the audiobook but I think this is prob better as a paperback on the beach! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I greatly appreciate it!

I would rate this as my second favorite in the series! The audiobook was very well done, love the male narrator!!
The characters were a little too “perfect”, yet likable. I really enjoyed Cassie’s character growth at the end.
The spice had a nice buildup and the spicy scenes were done very tastefully.
Overall, 4 out of 5 for me!

I loved this audiobook! The narrators did great and were easy to understand.
Tate and Cassie had awesome banter! They were flirty, and their story tied in wonderful with the series! I enjoyed how well they fit in with the twins and their gfs from the first 2 books. The whole gang was fun. This is the third book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. It's a fun summer read for sure!
If you have read Elle Kennedy before, you know she brings in LOL moments with spice! Great combo 🤣

Release Date: 07/18/2023 ♡
Thank you so much to Elle Kennedy netgally and Macmillion audio for this ALC ❤️

"The Summer Girl" is a delightful and enchanting novel that encapsulates the essence of a perfect summer read. Set against the backdrop of a quaint coastal town, the book follows the journey of the titular character as she navigates a transformative summer filled with self-discovery, romance, and personal growth. The author skillfully captures the magic of the season, transporting readers to sun-drenched beaches, charming cafes, and idyllic landscapes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

One of the strengths of "The Summer Girl" lies in its vivid and evocative descriptions. The author's ability to paint a picture with words immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and tastes of the coastal setting, making it come alive in their imaginations. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own unique journeys and struggles. The protagonist's personal growth and transformation throughout the summer are portrayed with authenticity and depth, creating a narrative that resonates with readers on a profound level.

The novel beautifully balances light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones, creating a rich tapestry of themes including love, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. The story flows smoothly, keeping readers engaged and invested in the characters' lives. "The Summer Girl" is a heartwarming and uplifting tale that captures the spirit of summer and reminds us of the transformative power of embracing new experiences.

In conclusion, "The Summer Girl" is a captivating and memorable novel that captures the essence of the season and the joys of self-discovery. With its engaging storytelling, vivid imagery, and relatable characters, it is a book that will transport readers to a world of sun, sand, and endless possibilities. Whether you're lounging on the beach or curled up on a rainy day, this charming tale is the perfect companion for a summer escape.

"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 publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for a review.

2 stars.

"The Summer Girl" is Elle Kennedy's third book in her Avalon Bay series and is, in my opinion, the least successful entry by far. Most readers will likely find this to be a fluffy, fun, sexy summer read (apart from the last 25% or so), but I didn't like it and was glad when it was over. I liked the other two stories in this series ("Good Girl Complex" and "Bad Girl Reputation"), but the writing here is so juvenile and cringey that I couldn't help but roll my eyes nearly every chapter. "Lip licking is my kryptonite"? "Will you fling me?" No ma'am. Main male character Tate is so overly obsessed with main female character Cassie being a virgin that it has now permanently given me the ick and has turned me off of this plot point for eternity. Maybe it was audiobook narrator Teddy Hamilton's voice over work, but I was seriously skeeved out by how obsessive and weird he was about her virginity!
I also loathed how body shame-y this installment feels. I know it is supposed to serve a purpose that Cassie is constantly berated by her mom for being a "bimbo" for wearing crop top shirts and pointing out her physical flaws, but it just made me feel gross about the book as a whole. Cassie is yet another in a long line of characters who is obsessed with but also insecure about her HugeGiantOhSoBigBoobs. There is way too much emphasis on her massive-chest-to-teeny-tiny-body proportions. I grow tired of the frequent emphasis on female characters who are just sOoOOoOoO small that they might break if mishandled! OOoO what am I going to DoOOo?!? I didn't buy Cassie and Tate together. They have good banter between each other, but they have virtually no chemistry. I found her to be grating, boring, and desperate and him to be misogynistic (while claiming to be a gentleman). Their steamy scenes felt rushed and not overly exciting or built up in a natural way. The family drama parts didn't bother me, but the repeated "fart attacks" from dogs and turtles did (I love a well-placed fart joke, but they were lazy and pointless here). Will I take another trip to Avalon Bay if Elle Kennedy writes another installment? Most likely yes. I think she's usually a great writer, but this book is a misstep for me. As I mentioned above, I didn't like the audiobook narrators here. Teddy Hamilton usually does a fantastic voice over, but he just can't make this material good. I liked Caitlin Elizabeth a little bit better, but she sounds so much younger than Hamilton that it was strange hearing them knowing they are right around the same age.

Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Kennedy, and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for my review.

I’ve read every book in this series and I liked this one with the exception of my least favorite trope — FMC being a virgin. I don’t think there’s really any good way of doing that trope that doesn’t feel icky. That being said, I did enjoy the banter and pretty much everything else.

My obsession with Elle Kennedy is growing! I loved The Summer Girl, the newest addition to the Avalon Bay series. I loved Tate and Cassie’s banter and I love that her books show healthy communication and normalize speaking up for what you need out of a relationship. Great read!! 5 stars!

I had to dnf this audiobook. It was just not for me. I think I’m too old for story. I’m sure 20 years old and younger will enjoy the book.

This was a fun listen! I enjoyed being back at Avalon Bay :) I think the first one, Good Girl Complex still stands as my favorite but I did enjoy this one better than Bad Girl Reputation. This was my first in the series to listen as an audiobook, I read the first two so maybe that made a difference.

It sure was nice to listen to it on a beach. I did like Cassie's narration better than I did Tate's. I appreciated the use of two different narrators for the different perspectives but I guess I need to get more used to a male narrator.

Cassie is visiting her family in Avalon Bay for the summer, and is hoping to find a summer fling. Enter Tate, the hot playboy who seems perfect for it. But Tate doesn’t want to get involved, thinking Cassie will end up getting hurt when things end and she goes back to school. But the more they keep running into each other, the harder it is for him to deny his feelings too.

This is the third book in the Avalon Bay series, and might be my favorite one so far! From the way Cassie and Tate met, to their developing friendship and more, their banter and chemistry seemed so natural. I loved the reappearance of past characters throughout the town, and the events and beach games were fun. Cassie’s family dynamic was a lot though, and the drama that ensued was the only reason this one came down to 4 stars for me. But otherwise, I loved it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook

4.75 stars! I absolutely loved this book! The narration was excellent, and really brought the characters to life. Cassie was fun and relatable, wonderfully done by Caitlin Elizabeth. Tate was adorable and super swoon worthy, voiced by none other than Mr Teddy Hamilton.
Obviously, with all romance books, a little predictability is expected, but with that comes the pressure for a great author to give us something new. I sobbed a little sob towards the end of this book. I honestly didn’t see the twist coming, and it broke my heart.
I think I probably related to Cassie so much because of her mother. That woman was one hell of a villain, and I absolutely hated her. It’s never easy to grow up in that sort of toxic environment, and I think that struggle was really well portrayed here.
I take away a quarter star for a bit of story line that was made into a bit of a big deal, but never really was brought up again. What the heck happened with the silent auction?!
All in all, a great read! I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, so I’d say it’s not necessarily required, but after meeting the side characters in this book, I’m definitely interested in going back to find out their stories.

What a fun summer read! The Summer Girl wove a complicated family dynamic and a summer fling together in a nice beach read/escape book. Enjoyed the dual narrators and the character development.