Very sad this didn't quite work for me. Declan and Oliver were cute but the whole thing felt very slow. I wanted to read this because it was basically love island but make it gay. I've read this type of queer reality tv show plot before and given it five stars, so I thought I was going to love this. But it just dragged. Not much plot happened. The thing is, I understand this is a love story happening when the cameras aren't on and therefore it really is just them getting to know each other. However the reason people watch 'shows' and plots like this is because of the tension and the drama, but there really wasn't any. The blurb made it seem as if there would be more shenangians and fun. but it just didn't land for me.

I loved this. As an avid fan of Love Island, I really needed this to be good. I am so happy to say that it was everything I wanted. The tension was palpable, the feelings were real, and the writing had me completely lost in the story. I loved the dual perspective as well as the few chapters of the producer's POV. I will definitely be re-reading this book this summer.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A sun-soaked competition reminiscent of Love Island, laced with flirtation, rivalry, and the promise of romance. But while the setup teases a swoon-worthy, slow burn love story, the execution leaves something to be desired.

At its core, the novel is more about transformation than true romance. Characters enter the competition with a single-minded goal to win, yet over time, they form bonds and connections that seem to catch them and us off guard. There's a clear effort to explore personal growth, and to some extent, it works. The interpersonal dynamics are engaging enough to carry the narrative, and the writing, though not particularly deep, is accessible and pacy.

However, the romance between the main characters never quite finds its footing. The emotional arc is fragmented, offered in fleeting moments rather than a steady, believable build. Just when the story could have leaned into that long-awaited emotional payoff, it shifts its attention to secondary characters many of whom are less compelling and at times, underwhelming.

Curiously, it’s Declan’s storyline that emerges as the most layered and emotionally resonant. In contrast, Oliver the supposed emotional anchor of the book, is given less space to offer more depth outside his previous relationship with his ex. We’re given few glimpses of him outside the context of his past relationship, which undercuts the potential depth of his character.

Ultimately, This book is a passable easy read.. light, trope heavy, and easy to breeze through. But for readers looking for a truly immersive romance or fresh character arcs, it may fall short. The novel has all the ingredients for a delightfully cheesy escape, but instead plays it too safe, delivering a story that feels more like a missed opportunity than a memorable affair.

Summer of Love
After breaking his wrist boxer Declan King signs up for a UK reality show whilst his wrist is healing, gay but still firmly in the closet he is determined to win. Oliver Wright is a ballerina who desperately wants to win the prize money so he can follow his ex girlfriend to New York and try win her back.
The dramas and tension increase on the set with fame hungry wannabes and devious producers who will do anything for a good sound bite.
Gradually Declan and Oliver realise their attraction to each other but difficult to do anything about it with cameras and microphones monitoring them 24/7.
The problem I had with this story is that I hate reality shows particularly this type, the drama that is completely staged fell flat for me as did the dialogue.
The relationship between Declan and Oliver was lovely but took an age to develop so I enjoyed the end of the book and epilogue much more.
So not for me, but if you like these shows I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.