3.75/5

Spicy, spicy, spicy! This book dives deep into the struggles of popularity, fitting in, and the cost of losing yourself in the process. ARC’s article does a great job of capturing today’s influencer and cancel culture—especially timely given the recent NYC influencer drama. I also loved the mention of box theory!

That said, Lola was tough to root for at times, especially with how she treated Ryan—it was honestly painful to read. But the last two chapters? Perfection. Watching Lola truly discover herself was so satisfying, and I wish more of the book had that energy.

Overall, an entertaining read with some frustrating moments, but a perfect poolside read!

I really enjoyed getting lost in this book. It feels so real - an influencer who is faced with the reality that she doesn’t enjoy her life anymore. The passion that she first had, the life she thought she was living, went astray and she never even noticed.

This book really drew me in. It felt like I was there, experiencing all the ups and downs with Lola. It was a ride because she generally felt unlikable. Bland, self absorbed, just like the article that takes her down says. The book from her perspective feels fast - the summer melting away. And yet I found myself cheering her on as she explored her sexuality and grew into a new person with renewed hopes and dreams. I loved the slap of reality she got, and I wanted to just squeeze Ryan for being the absolute best friend. And at the end… the hope I felt for her. For fresh starts and new beginnings and joy.

Hotter in the Hamptons follows a rising influencer whose picture-perfect life begins to unravel under the spotlight of social media scrutiny. When a scandal threatens her carefully curated image, she escapes to the Hamptons in hopes of reclaiming control—but instead, she’s forced to confront her identity, her relationships, and the harsh realities of fame in the digital age.

I loved this book so much. It’s incredibly fast-paced—I literally binged it in a day—and packed with complex, real characters that felt layered and authentic. The story frustrated me in the best way. I found myself emotionally wrapped up in the characters’ decisions, sometimes wanting to shake them, which just shows how deeply invested I became.

One of my favorite aspects was the portrayal of social media—how one day you can be adored, and the next you’re vilified or canceled. It felt so relevant and honest, especially in today’s culture.

The setting was another standout. I loved the contrast between New York and the Hamptons—New York representing home, structure, and pressure, while the Hamptons served as a space of escape and introspection. That duality added so much depth to the overall narrative.

And the thing that surprised me most—something I wasn’t expecting at all—was that in the end, she chose herself. That choice felt powerful and earned, and it made the story resonate even more.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Tinx's first fiction novel! I loved this and really enjoy her writing. thanks netgalley & the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review

This was a very accurate portrayal of a sapphic situationship. Most of the main characters were unlikable and a mess. I was entertained to see where it was going but it was also very frustrating trying to root for any of them to make a good choice. It was very realistic but I wish there was a little more whimsy or romance.