In a family of unimaginable wealth, it is interesting to see that with his words only. that Franklin continues to lead and expects everyone to abide to his every wish. He enjoys when he can play chess and move people around according to his wants at that moment in time. Therefore, it is not surprising that he gives each one of his children a task that only if the comply with everything he asks for a week, do they gain access to their respective inheritance. The "family" is not there to bond as a team but rather to get what they feel like they deserve. It is an emotional toll that Greta encountered with respect to Tony and I was so happy about their ending. She deserved love like Emily and Claudia. In Jack, Alice found her person and it was with a great amount of respect that she chose her voice and walked away from a highly lucrative position as his daughter. In doing so, she chose herself unlike Sam who always believed that he was worthy of the life that Franklin gave him. Regardless, Elisabeth set the tone for the family and even with wanting for nothing, was tremendously shallow and sad. No emotions were ever expressed even when deeming her husband's death as a celebration. She refused to mourn. That was not the path that the brother and sisters wanted to continue with their relationships with each other. Like the text thread, Alice started with "this is your sister".

Thank you netgalley for the earc in exchange for an honest review
3.5/3.75 stars, I binge read this in one sitting cause I kept on turning the page. I loved getting to know this family and uncovering all the misteries. Also the romance plotline was so cute!
Really recommend picking this up if you enjoyed the inheritance games

I had a blast with this book! It's part mystery, part character study, part dysfunctional family drama, with a dash of romance and it was a grand time. Think Knives Out and The Inheritance Game (also apparently Succession but I haven't watched that so cannot personally confirm)

I expected to like it because I love Sarah MacLean's historical romances and think she is a really great writer who like gets fiction and what readers want. But I didn't expect to be obsessed with this book! I've been struggling getting sucked into books, but this one sucked me right in and when I wasn't reading it, I wanted to be reading it. 

This is a really gripping read. You want to turn the page and speed through it so you can put all the pieces together. It's slow in parts, but I don't mean that in a bad way. Sarah's writing is sort of Kate Clayborn esque here in that every description is impactful and the characters feel fully developed. At times the descriptions slow down the plot, but since plot in mysteries can be annoying this really worked for me. 

It was cool seeing Sarah write something besides historical romance and see how her voice changed for this type of story and it really worked. 
Obviously the romance was a grand time and I just LOL seeing some of Sarah's trademark hero qualities show up here with Jack. (died a bit at the pirate moment). My hot take is that even though this book isn't a romance (which I agree it's not) the romance plot line is way more fulfilling than a lot of the books that are being marketed as romances today. 

My only critique is that the ending and resolution didn't entirely work for me. I wanted more from it, but not entirely sure in what way because I was mostly happy with how it all worked out. 

I definitely could see myself revisiting this and savoring the writing a bit more bc I was flying through the chapters.

Sarah MacLean is one of my all-time favorite romance authors so I couldn't wait to see what she does in her first contemporary fiction book, and THESE SUMMER STORMS did not disappoint! It's compulsively readable, perfect to toss in a beach bag this summer. I was immediately invested in Alice, the main character, and while the other Storms initially are deliciously unlikable, I had a soft spot for each of them by the end of the book. And Jack! Jack is a classic Sarah MacLean hero dressed up in contemporary corporate garb. I adored him. All in all, I loved that this book still felt like a Sarah MacLean book, and I hope it will pave the way to more readers discovering her historical romance backlist. Fans of Jenny Jackson's PINEAPPLE STREET and Alison Espach's THE WEDDING PEOPLE will love THESE SUMMER STORMS!

Although this is by no means original, it is a charming read. It’s the story of Alice returning home, after been exiled by her billionaire father, for his funeral. As always there is a mysterious, magnetic man there to rescue her and handle the extremely complicated directions left for tge family in order to inherit.

Somehow, the author keeps the plot fresh and moving. The main characters are likable and, despite the anticipated ending, it’s a fun, well written novel.

Thank you Netgalley for this very entertaining ARC.

Sarah MacLean's first contemporary romance is filled with just as much love and angst as her historical romances but with a healthy dose of family drama. I loved it! My only quibble is that I would have loved an epilogue set farther in the future with updates on everyone in the family. I loved these characters and the setting.

LOVED IT!

These Summer Storms has an inheritance plot scheme with the edgy conniving family structure of Succession (without being bleak or overly heavy). It had that same compulsive readability that Sarah Maclean’s historical romances have, but with a different flavor. It was a pleasure to read, and it deserves to be a huge hit. It’s the perfect summer book to throw in your beach bag & get lost in. It is soapy, funny, and even a little steamy… everything you want in a beach read.

This is the perfect sexy and smartly written beach read for 2025. The idea of the book seemed familiar, but the mix of family relationships and romances paired with grief took on a new story for me. MacLean is an expert storyteller. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Any book Sarah Maclean writes is always on my tbr list. I have been longing for Duchess’ story and began These Summer Storms with a bit of a chip on my shoulder that this book got in the way of me getting the book I wanted.

I get it. If I had These Summer Storms in my head, I, too, would have to get it on paper before I could go back to any other series.

These Summer Storms is full of well developed characters, a satisfyingly rich plot and plenty of twists and turns. SO GOOD! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

These Summer Storms is a family drama with a side of romance. To be honest, the romance feels like it got lost in the shuffle of the family chaos. The story follows Alice as she navigates the aftermath of her father Franklin's passing, dealing with complicated family relationships and a little bit of love along the way.

I really enjoyed the romance that was there. Alice and Jack had great chemistry, and I found myself wanting more of their moments together. Jack was an intriguing character but we barely scratched the surface with him, especially his relationship with Franklin. There was so much potential there and I kept waiting for more.

The family drama was a lot. There are so many characters and most of the conflict stems from a lack of communication. I wasn't a fan of the random single chapters from the other characters POV. They weren't distinct enough from Alice's perspective. I would have preferred to have those moments from Alice's perspective.

Overall the book kept me intrigued, I wanted to keep reading to find out what Franklin had up his sleeve. In hindsight, the family drama felt a bit flat and unrelatable. If you enjoy a complex (if slightly exasperating) family dynamic this might the book for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean. Anyone who has ever read a bok written by Sarah MacLean already knows her characters are going to grab you and not let you go. She is at the top of her game with These Summer Storms.

I'm not sure if Sarah MacLean has never written a modern romance or if I've just never read one of hers, but I will read anything she writes and this was just great. As in, stay up until 2am and regret it the next day at work great. Mystery, weird rich people, the fancy part of Rhode Island, decent politics, excellent setting. Would have taken 30 more pages at the end of what comes next. But loved Alice and Jack and just the whole deal.

I received a free ARC from NetGalley.

I don't know how to read a Sarah MacLean that isn't based in the Regency or Victorian eras, but by god, did I figure it out fast! MacLean's voice shines through in her contemporary women's fiction debut and I am in awe. Eagle-eyed readers of her previous works will find an Easter egg linking back to her historical romance universe, but those who are new to her will thrive in this new setting (both time and location).

These Summer Storms is a taut emotional drama about a family fighting over the inheritances left by the enigmatic Franklin Storms, whose will has catapulted the Storms family into a week-long competition to complete tasks left to them in post-humous letters.

The result is a series of reckonings long overdue, dredging up family dramas small and large. It is up to the Storms whether their legacy will weather this one. (Sorry, couldn't help that one.)

It’s only February, but I already know this will be one of my favorite books of 2025!

Every Sarah MacLean novel is a masterclass in compelling characters and conflict, and this one is no exception. I absolutely loved her contemporary debut. My two favorite genres are romance and “beach read,” and this was a perfect combination of the two. Great love story and engrossing family drama against the backdrop of a richly imagined Rhode Island setting. Love, love, love!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the arc!

3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book blends family drama with romance, and while I was hoping for something more focused on the romance, the story kept me intrigued. I appreciated how each family member faced their own struggles.

Some plot twists were a bit predictable, but I enjoyed the emotional growth of the characters. The setting was also charming, adding a warm atmosphere that complemented the narrative nicely.

My main issues were that some conflicts were resolved too easily, losing a bit of emotional impact and the romance, though sweet, was somewhat overshadowed by the family drama.

Sarah MacLean makes her contemporary fiction debut with a compelling family saga.

After patriarch Franklin Storm (think Steve Jobs tech genius meets Richard Branson) dies, noted on social media as 'the most billionaire death to ever billionaire', the Storm family, including black sheep Alice who was exiled from the family five years earlier, are forced to complete a an assigned task by Franklin on Storm Island for their inheritance.

All artist and public school teacher Alice needs to do is remain on the island for five days, to the chagrin of her siblings. Except this is no easy feat given Franklin exiled her after she refused to live the life he dictated for her. To her shock, Jack Dean, the man ensuring these tasks are fullfilled is the man she had a hot one night stand the night she arrived.

I was gripped by all the family secrets and realisations each has to come to in the wake of Franklin's death. Sarah Maclean manages to deftly balance between each family member's individual growth as they're forced to reconcile their grief and complex relationship with the controlling Franklin, who, even in death still controls them. At first you hate all of Alice's family members, but slowly you come to understand why they are the way they are, especially Sam, Alice's older brother who was desperate for his father's approval. I also loved the simmering chemistry between Jack and Alice (though I do think it needed a better resolution given Jack knew who Alice was without telling her) and the cute nod to Maclean's historical romances with the desk.

I devoured this book in one sitting. The only thing I wish is for an epilogue set a couple of years into the future to see where each character ended up, especially Sam. I can only hope. Loved it.

Thanks to Random House/Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC.

I was first introduced to Sarah Maclean's writing through her wonderful historical romances. This book was a surprising treat. This was a juicy family drama that also had a great romance in it. I flew through this book.

Sarah Maclean writes a banger, and These Summer Storms while a departure from her typical historical romances featuring feisty feminists who don't rely on aristocrats to save them, is the contemporary fiction we all NEED this summer.

This is everything Succession was while also repairing some of the damage it did to your heart and giving the characters some redeemable qualities and a romance that you wanted to cheer for!

You’re going to laugh, you’re going to cry, you’re going to want to shake and slap some nepo-babies, but you’re most definitely going to have the best time on this emotional rollercoaster! I’m quite frankly OBSESSED and have no notes. 5🌟s

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Sarah Maclean for this eARC!

When there's a new Sarah MacLean novel, I know it will be an emotionally satisfying time. MacLean's foray into contemporary romance was no just as emotionally satisfying. As a longtime "Fated Mates" listener, I was super excited to hear MacLean discussing her completion of a contemporary romance. I think there's sometimes trepidation when authors venture into new territory, but MacLean was up for this challenge.

Without releasing any spoilers, I loved this story there was a bit of mystery and intrigue, there was the "gothic" setting of an island with multiple storms (see what I did there...I saw what she did there, too--name is destiny and everything). MacLean tidily ties up all the plots including HEAs where it may have seemed doubtful.

This may be MacLean's initial foray into contemporary romance, but I am surely hopeful that this will not be her last foray into this world. Contemporary really needs her voice and her commitment to social justice (which is written throughout this title). Bravo! Well done, Ms. MacLean!

Oh my goodness, I have to tell you about this book I just finished - "These Summer Storms" by Sarah MacLean! You know how sometimes you start a book and suddenly it's 3 AM and you're thinking "just one more chapter"? That was me with this one!

So MacLean, who usually writes historical romance, just made her first dive into contemporary fiction and wow, did she stick the landing! The story follows Alice Storm (great name, right?) who's been kicked out of her mega-rich family years ago. Then her tech mogul dad dies, and instead of just having a normal funeral like regular people, he sets up this wild inheritance challenge. Classic wealthy person drama, but I was living for it!

The whole thing takes place in this gorgeous Rhode Island estate that honestly sounds like something out of "Succession" meets "Knives Out." And let me tell you about Jack Dean - the dad's right-hand man who's giving off major brooding-but-brilliant vibes. The chemistry between him and Alice? fans self Every time they were in a scene together, I was just waiting for something to happen!

But what really got me was how MacLean digs into all the messy family stuff. Like yes, there's all this glitz and glamour and scandal (which I absolutely ate up), but underneath it's really about these siblings trying to figure out who they are beyond their family name. I found myself getting genuinely emotional at parts, which I wasn't expecting!

My only tiny gripe was that some of the big reveals felt a bit out of nowhere - you know when you're reading a mystery and you're like "wait, when was that clue mentioned?" But honestly, I was so invested in the Storm family drama that I didn't even care.

I literally stayed up all night reading this because I HAD to know how it ended. And now I'm sitting here hoping MacLean writes more about the Storm family because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters!

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me this advance copy! I 'm so glad I got to read this in advance because waiting for it would have been torture!