Another great book in this series! I’m loving these so much I will definitely need this series for my own shelves.

The family rivalry between Beau and Gemma is known across the island. This made for such a fun story with a little forbidden romance involved. Gram was one of my favorite characters. The romance between Beau and Gemma was captivating enough but Gram was the perfect side character to add into this story.

I was lucky enough to get the audio from @netgalley and I absolutely loved it. Ariel Royce did a fantastic job performing these characters.

Disclaimer: The reason for the rating is that I made the decision to listen to this one right after Plotting Summer. Story-wise, that's a great idea since you get both Palmer's stories one after the other, so you get to experience Officer Beau Palmer right after Tristan. Narrator-wise, it wasn't such a good idea, since this series doesn't have the same narrator, and since the one for this book has a lower pitch, it makes the difference a bit jarring in the beginning. Don't get me wrong, she's still great at giving every character a distinct voice, but for continuity's sake, it's different than what one is used to for characters like Capri, Tristan, and Cat.

Gemma and Beau's story was great. It was fun getting to see their interactions and how hard she tried not to fall for him (especially with "the feud" and all its layers still going on, at least from her part). This is both enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity, thanks to the arrangement they agree on for Grams' sake. Speaking of, while I wasn't a fan of all her humor, she's still a hoot and made me snort with some of her quips. Of course, this also meant that since Gemma is her granddaughter, she also has some of her no-nonsense personality and is a go-getter, but it was also great getting to understand her and seeing her vulnerable side (and how much Beau was willing to be there for her and help her).

Beau was also a great character. So selfless and giving to the community as a part-time cop, it was great seeing all of what he did through Gemma's eyes (and how much this helped her see him in a new light). I loved his K-5 and Gemma's quest to get her to prefer her more than him. This is a fun book and a nice addition to the series, which also delivers on the swoon and lol moments, and I can't wait to keep going with the next one I have. ~ 4 stars

Many thanks to #Netgalley and the author/publisher for the complimentary copy of #SummerTease. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are given voluntarily.

Light, swoony, and full of sunshine (and sass) 🤭
Summer Tease was such a charming, feel-good listen! The romance gave me butterflies, the banter was top-tier, and the summer setting made everything feel warm and breezy. But I have to shout out the narrator—seriously, they brought so much personality to the story. Every character felt distinct and alive, and the humour landed perfectly thanks to their delivery. If you're after a flirty, sunshine-drenched romcom with a fab narration, this one’s a total win.

Summer Tease
Falling for Summer Interconnected Series
By Martha Keyes
Narrated by Ariel Royce
4 ⭐️

This series is a carefree treat for me. I enjoyed listening to this while doing otherwise boring tasks. This provided a cute romance, with a very persistent he admits he falls first trope. An idealistic island town where the ultra rich and/or famous and everyday people coexist, mostly in harmony. You’ll find no spice/yes to kissing, high tension with loads of banter. I had a fun time with this. This series installment has a solo narration, others in the series have duets. Royce was great - I really didn’t miss the second narrator! Very impressive.

Thank you NetGalley, Martha Keyes, and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook ARC.

I’m so glad it’s finally summer so I can finally finish this series! Summer Tease was another fun and clean small town summer romance with a little bit of enemies to lovers (even though hatred was really only one way) and he falls first tropes. I liked the relationship between Beau and Gemma, and I thought they had great banter throughout the story. I would definitely recommend this one!☀️

Content Notes: No spice. No foul language that I can remember. Brief mention of a police officer being shot in the line of duty.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending me an advanced audio copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions above are my own.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed others from the series. I like how the different authors created different stories in the community. As an individual story, I found this one to be a little bit on the slow side. I think, likely it was because of the length. I have read a good chunk of the book only to look down and see I still had several hours left to go. It was just too long for a cute beach read. I enjoyed grandma and it was the Easter eggs from the other books.

I love enemies to lovers so I was really excited to be able to read/listen to this one. From the start, the tension between the Sawyer and Palmer families crackles, and the banter between Gemma and Beau is sharp and thoroughly entertaining. Gemma's struggle to balance her love for her grandmother (who is a hoot) with her desperation to escape Sunset Harbor feels real and relatable, while Beau’s charm and persistence make him impossible to resist. Their forced alliance quickly turns into something more, and watching their relationship evolve is both swoon-worthy and heartwarming.

Beyond the romance, the book shines with its quirky small-town setting, unforgettable side characters, and the kind of humor that keeps you grinning from start to finish. If you love enemies-to-lovers romances with a touch of family chaos and a whole lot of charm, this is the perfect beach (or anytime) read!

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a great job with all of the characters. I received an audiobook from Dreamscape Media Paradigm Press via NetGalley. All opinions in this review are my own.

This was my 6th read in this series of 7 books and I have enjoyed them all so far. I love that authors are teaming up and creating these series where characters are the same throughout. You really start to know them all after a few books and I’m always excited when they meet up in the book. It’s like having coffee with an old friend.

The family guess on this small island are plentiful in this series. But I do adore the spicy older generation that keeps creeping into the books. They are excellent comic relief and I can picture them as my grandparents on golf carts driving around town. Love this series and will definitely be recommending all 7 books!

I LOVED this book series. It was perfect for summer! And the audiobook was awesome! Martha Keyes does such a great job weaving an intriguing story that readers will fall in love with like I did!! I would highly recommend this read to anyone who loves romance books!!

Gemma returns to Sunset Harbor to help her grandmother move into the retirement center on the island. She never wanted to go back but making sure those dastardly Palmers didn't take advantage was something she just couldn't ignore. Unfortunately, Beau Palmer is a bigger thorn in her side than even she could have expected.
Gram is the best character! I will never say no to a meddling, humorous and cranky older woman in the cast. She stole the show for me. I wish we'd seen a little more of Beau's persona that is present in the other books of the series but I appreciated his attitude in juxtaposition to Gemma (who was not at all a delight). I had some pretty high hopes for this series. I think having a dual POV would have given me more to love in this book.
The narrator, Ariel Royce, was fine. I think she fit Gemma's personality fairly well but I would have liked to have more characterizations and intonation out of her performance.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the alc. All thoughts are my own.

This was fun to read and part of a broader multi-author series thiscouple was a fun addition. And the book is one you read and then move on from.

Martha Keyes’ Summer Tease is a delightful addition to her much-loved series, blending romance, humor, and family dynamics into an irresistible summer read. Like its predecessors, this book masterfully delivers all the heart, charm, and tension that fans have come to expect, while standing firmly on its own as a standout story.

At the heart of the novel is Gemma, who returns to her hometown to help her feisty and lovable Gran prepare to sell her house. Right away, she’s thrust back into the long-standing rivalry between her family and the Palmers, a feud that has spanned generations. Things heat up when Gemma finds herself face-to-face with Beau Palmer, a once-familiar boy turned undeniable hunk. Their initial run-in, involving a traffic stop no less, sets the stage for a deliciously slow-burn romance that sizzles with chemistry and forbidden allure.

Keyes does an excellent job of balancing the humor and warmth of a small-town rom-com with the deeper emotional conflicts that come with family loyalty and personal growth. Gran is an absolute scene-stealer, bringing wisdom, wit, and plenty of heart to the story. Her dynamic with Gemma is one of the highlights, showcasing the complexities of intergenerational relationships and the sacrifices we make for those we love.

The romance between Gemma and Beau is beautifully written, filled with flirty banter, palpable tension, and genuine moments of vulnerability. Their growing connection feels organic, and Keyes skillfully navigates the challenges posed by their family rivalry. As Gemma grapples with her feelings for Beau and her sense of duty to her Gran, readers are taken on an emotional journey that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the courage to pursue happiness.

Beyond its compelling characters and engaging plot, Summer Tease offers a vivid sense of place, capturing the charm and quirks of small-town life. Keyes’ writing is light and breezy yet richly detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in this world.

Verdict:

Summer Tease is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and romance. With its relatable characters, sparkling dialogue, and a love story that feels both swoon-worthy and authentic, Martha Keyes delivers another hit in her series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this novel will leave you smiling and eager for more. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a feel-good romance with depth and charm.

Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Summery Delight

Summer Tease is a delightful addition to the Falling for Summer series. Martha Keyes's charming writing style brings the picturesque setting of Sunset Harbor to life. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, with the banter between Beau and Gemma providing plenty of laughs and swoon-worthy moments.

Beau, with his easygoing charm and unwavering loyalty, is a standout character. His infectious smile and kind heart make him an irresistible hero. Gemma, while initially stubborn and defensive, undergoes a heartwarming transformation. Her interactions with Beau challenge her preconceived notions and help her to appreciate the beauty of Sunset Harbor.

The author's exploration of family dynamics and community politics adds depth to the narrative. The inclusion of Gemma's feisty grandmother, while sometimes overwhelming, adds a touch of humor and heart to the story.

If you're looking for a fun and romantic read, Summer Tease is the perfect choice.

4 stars

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #dreamscapemedia #summertease #marthakeyes #fallingforsummer

I really loved Gemma and Beau’s story! Beau was the sweetest cinnamon roll. I wished Gemma would have left the past in the past a little earlier in the book. I loved how she helped him with his desire to get the town/island to hire him full-time and really enjoyed the moments when she was on his calls with him. The flirty banter made this book so fun to listen to.

My rating: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: none (kisses)
CW ⚠️: minimal minor language, intoxication, family feuds

ALC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Returning to Sunset Harbor, Florida was not on Gemma Swayer’s bingo card. The Sawyer family has had a long standing feud with the Palmer family. So much so that no one in her immediate family has stepped foot on the island in decades. However, when her beloved Grams needs help moving and selling her home, she does the unthinkable and returns to her former home. Will Gemma be able to get on and off the island without running into a Palmer, or will her plans be foiled?

Summer Tease by Martha Keyes is the fourth book in the Falling for Summer series. This is a multi- author, interconnected series that features character crossovers. I have been slowly making my way through this series and this is by far my favorite book!

Listening to this on audiobook was the optimal format for consuming this story. The narration was top notch. Ariel Royce is a phenomenal voice actor who brought the story to life while perfectly executing Keyes’ comedic writing.

While the story centered around Gemma and Beau, Grams stole the show! I am a sucker for spunky, ornery, older women. While she might have been intended as a minor character, she radiates main character energy.

Read for:
-small town island (Sunset Harbor, Florida)
-rival families
-hate to love
-he falls first
-single POV
-witty banter

Special thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Martha Keyes for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I have been loving and devouring this series. It's fun that there are new authors for each and they all have been great so far!

Give me a hot blue-collared man in a book and I will absolutely read it. (He was so hot here goddamn).

I enjoyed reading and listening to this book. Gemma and Beau were so much fun. I was invested in their lore and loved reading their banter. They developed so well (which made the book better the further I went).

Grams is an absolute gem. All my love for Xena too.

I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series. (I think I have the ARC for one of them!)

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

Summer Tease by Martha Keyes was a great addition to the Falling for Summer series. I have loved this multi-author series because I have been introduced to new authors. Martha Keyes being one of them. I really enjoyed her writing style.
Beau and Gemma are enemies by default. Their families have been dueling, and Gemma holds to this. When she returns to Sunset Harbor, the last person she wants to see is Beau Palmer. Lucky for us, she does and fun ensues.
I loved Beau! For me, he made the book. I wish his point-of-view was included. He is such a great guy and a fun character. I really wanted more from him. Gemma kinda drove me crazy, but in the end, I did grow to like her. Her grandma makes for the perfect nosy grandma.
I listened to the audio and absolutely loved it! The narrator does a fantastic job at bringing Gemma and this story to life.
Summer Tease is the perfect read for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers, nosy, opinionated grandmas, and Beau Palmer. He really is a favorite.

Thank you NetGalley for the audio book. These thoughts are my own.

Really cute lighter rom-com read with lots of heart. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book being that it was the first book I’ve read by this author and the first book in this series that I’ve ever read. I really enjoyed the family dynamics between Grams and the female main character. So so cute and Grams was a hilarious addition to the storyline. I now plan to read all the books in this series since this Galley convinced me I need to learn all I can about this cute seaside (fictional) town!

You know what will stay with me the most about this book? Beau’s smile. I can picture it perfectly because it was a constant fixture in this story and I loved it! Let me tell you, Beau is amazing! He is top notch book boyfriend material and I honestly don’t know how Gemma resists him for so long. It was fun to watch Gemma change her mind about him.

This book is told from Gemma’s point of view and she starts out disliking Sunset Harbor. After spending three other books reading about this charming island, it felt like a stab to my heart. I LOVE Sunset Harbor and wish it was a real place I could visit. But don’t worry, Beau helps Gemma see the light and realize how amazing the island is.

Summer Tease is full of some really swoony, romantic scenes. What is it about being in water that makes a moment even more romantic? I don’t know, but Martha sure knows how to write them!

I loved to travel around with Beau and Gemma while Beau was on duty and doing all sorts of police work on their low-crime island. If I was going to get pulled over (in a car or a golf cart) I would hope it would be Beau Palmer writing me a ticket with his big, kind smile.

The ending was really cute and I appreciated how the conflicts panned out. There are some really interesting politics that were involved on the island and they were done really well and realistically.

My only wish is that we could have had Beau’s point of view and seen what he saw in Gemma. Also, perhaps a little bit less of Gemma’s crazy Grams. She’s a feisty one and I got a bit sick of her shenanigans. But overall this was a solid and really fun read.

🔥Romance: Kissing