Fantastic fast paced read that hooked me in from the very beginning! A story of a strong successful woman helping other women who have less opportunities for similar success. Erica really can do it all but struggles to accept love for herself.

Thank you Netgalley for this exceptional ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This is a summer must read!

For the Love of Summer really tugged at my heartstrings. We have Erika, the owner of several hair salons, her teenage daughter Summer and her ex husbands new wife Allison (who is about 7 months pregnant). It's a beautiful tale of friendship and family and finding the strength inside yourself to do what scares you.

Erika's ex husband, and Allison's current husband committed several white collar crimes and is now in jail. While sometimes you can root for the one in jail, Peter is not that guy. Peter and Allison's assets are frozen and she has to move out of their apartment and Summer gets involved and pleads with her mother to let Allison and her toddler son move in with them. Erika reluctantly agrees, and Allison shortly moves in. Watching Erika and Allison navigate each other was quite something, and I enjoyed watching them go from disliking each other, to awkwardly not knowing what to do to eventually being friends.

I appreciate that both women brought different types of strength to their friendship and newfound family.

Despite what the cover might imply this is not a romance. I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed seeing how the relationship between Erica and Allison would develop. This was a first read of a Susan Mallery novel but it not be my last. Thank you Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advance copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review

Loved this book. Loved the daughter and how she brought her two families together in a loving way. And how her mom put aside her differences to be a huge part.

Owner of an upscale salon chain, Erica fears losing her daughter Summer to her “other” family, especially her stepmother Allison. When Allison’s life falls apart, Summer turns to Erica for help. Despite their differences, Erica opens her home to Allison, forming an unlikely friendship. Can these women move past their complicated history and redefine family?

I loved this heartfelt novel, with its likable characters, engrossing plot, and immersive sense of place. I grew impatient with Erica’s slowness to act when her daughter’s toddler half-brother was in danger of becoming homeless. I wish the book had spent less time on Erica’s dilly-dallying and more on her blossoming romance. Ultimately, though, the novel is a gripping and satisfying read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

For the Love of Summer is the latest release from Susan Mallery. It’s an ultimately uplifting summer story that has depth, insight, personal growth and ultimately, redemption.

The lessons the author weaves into the story through her characters and the things they experience is impactful and relatable. The notion that you can either choose to give up when adversity and trials strike, or you can push through and create a new life for yourself, with the help of your friends, is pivotal to the plot. Life is full of hardships, something we can all relate to, and our life trajectory and personal peace lies in how we face them. This story imbues this truth and the reader is drawn into the lives of these characters.

For the Love of Summer is the story of friendship, empowerment and overcoming difficulties, but it’s surrounded by a summer aesthetic. This is a quick, sweet story and a perfect summer read!

FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER – Susan Mallery
Mira
ISBN: 978-0-778-30552-1
June 4, 2024
Contemporary Fiction

Seattle, Washington – Present Day

Erica is a successful businesswoman who owns a chain of beauty salons in the Seattle area. Her only child, Summer, is in high school and busy playing on her school’s softball team, and Erica tries to attend each game. A painful divorce has her vowing to herself never to fall in love and marry, though she is currently seeing a gentleman, Killion, who is good to her but there are no promises of love between them. Summer adores her father, Peter, as well as his wife and son. Summer’s stepmother, Allison, is pregnant with a little girl. The world seems all right…until it isn’t. It starts when Peter gets arrested by the Feds and placed in jail.

Allison first realizes something is wrong when the debit card she was attempting to use is rejected. She tries to call Peter, but it goes to voice mail. Then she receives a collect call from prison. It’s Peter. He insists it is all a mistake and will be out soon. Meanwhile, their bank accounts are frozen, and Allison has a son to feed and bills to pay. Summer finds out what is going on and attempts to help. Summer finally turns to her mother and begs her to help Allison and her son, Jackson. Erica could refuse but it would only anger Summer. Besides, what Peter did (money laundering for one thing) isn’t Allison’s fault. She invites Allison and Jackson to move in with her.

Erica and Allison shouldn’t like each other but they soon have a lot of respect for each other in FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER by Susan Mallery. They have something in common: they care for Summer. Erica is jealous of Allison because Summer sings her praises. Allison was told by Peter that Erica was a bitch and took everything they had accumulated in their marriage. The truth finally comes out when Allison learns that the house and the business were all acquired before Erica married Peter. Erica learns that Allison was fed lies by Peter and she is innocent in his shenanigans. Add in that there is not one, but two kids are paying the price of what their father has done, and it’s no wonder that Erica stepped in.

The thaw to their relationship is slow in FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER but readers will sense that these two women will become lifelong friends. The only barrier will be what happens to Peter. Meanwhile, Summer acts like a peacemaker and helps the thawing. Summer is truly a wonderful and positive child. Unknown to Erica, Peter has lied to Summer about his marriage to her. Things are grim for Allison, and readers will root for her life to get better. As for Erica, her relationship with Killion continues, though it’s clear he feels more for her than she realizes. Will something change in this tale to upset their apple cart?

FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER is the perfect vacation book to put in your tote. I found this tale intriguing and immersed myself in the lives of these characters. While we start out not knowing much about Erica, Allison, or Summer, by the end, we feel like we are part of their little circle. If you are looking for a beach read to put on your book shopping list, then be sure to pick up FOR THE LOVE OF SUMMER. You won’t be sorry.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

For the Love of Summer is about finding friendship with the unlikeliest person. This book is full of the great characters that you get in Susan Mallery's books and a wonderful story about friendship, love and second chances.

I liked seeing Erica step up and help Alison. I enjoyed this book a lot.

For the Love of Summer comes out on June 4th!

For The Love ofSummer is a great summer/beach read about unconditional love, parenting, friendship, support, courage, independence, strength, and finding truth and answers with the last person you ever thought you’d talk to.
Summer loves visiting with her dad, step mom Allison, and her half brother Jackson. She doesn’t mind sharing a room on her nights there. After her fathers arrest, Summer is determined to help Allison, whom is also very pregnant and down on her luck in every aspect of her existence.
Summer turns to her mom, Erica. Erica is the sole owner of four “Twisted” hair salons. She is not only successful but all her life independent. She is heartbroken broken after her husband just one day doesn’t love her and walks out. Peter does not have anything positive to say about Erica. Allison believes Erica to be ruthless and petty. Because of broken marriage, Erica keeps all relationship at a distance. Her “friend” Killion is no exception. He’s her plus one, confident, fun to be around, and sleep with kinda guy.
Deep sigh! Erica brings Allison and Jackson into her home to live and supplies her shelter and support.
That’s all I’m going to say -
Each character is well developed and grows with the story.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC read in exchange for my honest review.

I’ve been excitedly awaiting the publication of this book for what seems like forever; like being 5 years old and Christmas won’t come again for a whole year. The plot premise was so intriguing — an ex-wife with skills, money, & panache taking her ex’s currently pregnant, broke, soon to be homeless present wife into her home and care after their mutual spouse is placed in federal detention for a plethora of crimes. She does this because her daughter, who adores her stepmother, asks her to please, pretty please, help. The wait was rewarded. This is an excellent novel of love and friendship and a dynamic, powerful examination of how lives can change when you engage to think of others first. Wow. Thanks Susan Mallery for this empowering novel.

For the Love of Summer
Susan Mallery
Jun 04, 2024

Erica Sawyer is the owner and CEO of the Twisted Spa Salons. She now has four scattered in the Seattle area. They are an elite spot for hair, nail and body design. She’s worked hard to bring her multi-staffed business to its popular choice of many clients.
When her ex-husband finds himself in a federal prison, his wife, Allison is left with her 18 month old son, Jackson in their small rental. She works a job checking in a grocery store as well as in the daycare where Jackson is housed while she is at work. Allison is 7 months pregnant with their daughter when she finds out their accounts have been frozen. Financially she is doomed. What little money she has in her bag will not pay for the groceries she has in her cart. Her world has come to using the credit card to feed her small family.
For the Love of Summer will be published on June 04, 2024 by Mira. I was selected to read and review Mallery’s latest novel via NetGalley. I appreciate Mira allowing me to read this marvelous book. The story views the lives of Erica and Allison. Erica is a bold, intelligent business woman. When she divorced she built up the large old house she, her daughter, Summer and her mother, Mara live. Year by year she has invested in the house and/or Twisted. Financially she is exceptional. Allison now finds herself alone; she knows nothing of why Peter is in prison. She has made the trip to visit him and come away with excuses, fear, and feeling completely lost. This journey is an amazing work of art. It is something different for Mallery. Generally I think of fun, love stories from the author. I could not put this novel down. Readers should find a copy and delve into these women’s sad but delightful tale.

Loved everything about this. The title for one. You think it's one thing, but it's not. And, the character development was great. Without giving anything away, this was a superb look at blended families and how family dynamics can change in an instant and then go on to change even more. Highly recommend.

I was delighted to dive into "For the Love of Summer," an emotionally uplifting story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Erica, a successful and independent business owner, finds joy in her daughter, Summer, and doesn't rely on a man to fulfill her life. Despite this, she maintains a cordial relationship with a successful man who acts as her date for events. What stood out to me was Erica's strong character, quick decision-making, and her compassionate nature when she agrees to let her ex-husband's new wife, Allison, and her son move in at Summer's request. The unique living arrangement highlighted Erica's kindness and generosity. Witnessing Summer's optimistic outlook on the situation was refreshing, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of togetherness and potential challenges. With Erica at the helm, I had high hopes for a fulfilling resolution for everyone involved.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I love the characters. Erica is aloof but if you look under the surface, she is a very generous, loving person. She is crusty on the outside and a marshmallow on the inside. Allison seems so naive and really relies on her husband. But as the story goes on, she finds that she is able to stand on her own and is very courageous. Summer is a typical teen in some ways, at times seems a bit spoiled and then very mature. I love Killion. He is so steady and honest. Erica thinks her relationship with Killion is just companionship. She will not risk her heart another time. It got trampled on before, so she just locked it away. Killion really loves her, but he won't tell her as it would freak her out. Erica and Allison are very different people, but they find that they can be friends. Erica and Allison both need a friend right now. Good story.

This is actually a 2.5 rating. This book really frustrated me. When I got to the 25% point of the book I learned exactly what was in the synopsis: Peter is in jail, Allison has a toddler and is pregnant, Erica has a really good job and Summer wants to help Allison. It is on repeat for the whole start of the book. I actually went back to look to see if I was rereading the same chapter.

I felt like the author came up with a great story line ( an ex wife and the current wife having a positive relationship while the husband is in jail ), but she had nothing else to back up the story. So she just kept repeating it.

I am not sure why this in the romance category - it is more about Erica and Allison's relationship.

Sometimes friendships and kinships come from the strangest places. That is so true in this perfect beach read by Susan Mallery. Erica is a strong, successful woman who has built an empire in the salon world. She owns a group of salons known as Twisted. Every woman either wants to be her or hates her (only because they are jealous of her). She has worked hard to be where she is today.

Although she loves her business and has been super successful, nothing is more important in her life than her daughter, Summer. She has fears that she is losing Summer to Summer's stepmother, Allison.

Allison is married to Erica's ex-husband, Peter. She has a toddler and a baby on the way. Her life is shattered one afternoon when she receives a collect call from prison and finds that Peter has been arrested. Summer finds her in distress and has the perfect answer to her problems. She just needs to get her mother on board.

I loved the whole premise behind this story. The ladies stick together and help each other out. When someone is down you don't step on them, you help them back up. Erica had a heart of gold. She was successful and very rich, but she believed in helping others. She gave back and helped new stylists get on their feet, as well as providing scholarships for students. Summer had a giving heart like her mother, even though their personalities were so very different. Erica's mother, Mara, was one of my favorite characters with her vibrant personality. This was soul warming story and would be a wonderful book club read for a group of ladies.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Don’t let the cover fool you, this is not a summer romance novel! This story follows Erica and Allison- two women who don’t really have much in common except they married the same man. Erica doesn’t know much about Peter’s new wife and is happy to keep it that way. Allison has heard horrible stories about Erica from her husband and doesn’t understand how their teenage daughter, Summer, is so wonderful when her mother is such a cold hearted b***h. The two women are suddenly forced together when Peter gets arrested on multiple felony charges. Allison is pregnant, their lease is ending, and all of their accounts have been frozen by the government. Summer loves her step mother and begs her mom to step in and help. The one main gripe I have with the book is the way the adults treat summer. Erica does at one point lay into Allison about telling her daughter too much, but then Erica has summer sitting on on conversations about the business and Allison moving in and it just felt odd to me to have a teenager be such a big part of these incredibly serious conversations. It also seemed like EVERYONE in Erica’s life was immediately on board with Allison moving in and that felt a little forced. As far as the story goes, I really enjoyed this one. I loved that the focus was mostly of female friendships and being independent rather than just on the relationships the two main characters had with Peter. The story felt fresh and interesting to me and I enjoyed that Allison and Erica were two very different people who found ways to connect despite that. One of my favorite lines in this book happens when, at one point, Summer is dealing with some issues at school and Erica says to her “I promise to be lawful in every way, but I will hate them in my heart” and I really felt that in my soul 😂. This would be a great vacation read that you will be sure to fly through.

This is the last book by Mallery that I will read. The drama in the first 15% of the book made me annoyed. How many times do you have to say pregnant, no hubby around, no money, what can I do? We get it, ok? Stop throwing it at us over and over!

I skipped to about 75/80% and red it from there. Yes, I had no idea who some of the people were as they had been introduced during that skipped part, but it didn't matter to the story as a whole. Did the author redeem herself? Somewhat, but it still felt like too much was repeatedly dealt with to the point that I wondered if the payment for the book was based on word count.

Erica runs a successful business, loves her daughter Summer, hates her ex, enjoys her BF, but won't let him in close to her. Allison is the 2nd wife of her ex and is pregnant, etc. see above. Summer persuades her mom to help Allison in need. You can probably guess the rest. Ok for a beach read, if your standards are not high, but that's about it as far as I am concerned.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy. Honest opinions expressed here are my own and freely given. 2.5 stars max

A feel-good story about finding family in unexpected places and appreciating the one you already have.

Erica and Allison were both dropped into an impossible situation not of their own making. The only thing binding them in any way was Summer, Erica’s daughter and Allison’s stepdaughter. Summer turned out to be quite the tenacious bit of glue. I had mixed feelings about her. She was only 16 with a whole lot of good intentions, but she did manipulate her mother quite a bit without taking her feelings into consideration.

I really liked Erica and Allison. They were very different people. Erica’s steely core was the backbone that kept this whole menagerie of a family together. Allison was forced to develop her own inner strength, it was sink or swim for her. Luckily, she didn’t have to do it on her own. It was very heartwarming to see these two women grow closer and form a stronger new-found family.

The romance between Erica and Killion was like a gentle, meandering river that cut through everything and brought Erica a much-needed safe space. It also wore her defenses down gradually, so that she could see the potential future available to her.

The story started out a bit slow, but it was engaging and I was heavily invested in the outcome for all of these characters. I can recommend this if you like an emotional family drama with strong female characters front and center.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved the beginning of the book. The female lead was a position that has not been done to death and seemed interesting. The secondary story about the ex husband and his new wife also caught my attention. The problem was the middle of the book went round and round repeating the same things. All of the characters wore on my nerves and it got to where I truly didn’t care what happened with any of them. This book was a great idea but it needed a lot more refinement and more interesting points in the plot.
Thank you Net Galley for the free copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.