This was my first time ever hearing about Esha Patel, and wow! This was fantastic! I loved every page. It’d be a fun book for a book club!

Absolutely love the cover for this book its what drew to to it.
Loved the storyline and the characters
Will definitely be reading more by this author
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

I am a sucker for a good old sports romance and that is exactly what Patel gave me!

Having enjoyed her previous books, I knew I was in for a treat with Long Hot Summer.

A great combination of both characters and storyline.

All the feels.

I really enjoyed the added moments of humour mixed in with the growing adoration between the two main characters.

If you are looking for a somewhat easy read that will definitely make you smile, look no further than this book right here.

Long Hot Summer was a spicy romance with a sport I've not really read about, Lacrosse. I throughly enjoyed it and have already read some of Eshas earlier books

This was honestly such a cute little romance book. Both main characters were so immediately likeable, and the host of side characters were sweet and well rounded. The writing style was great, and while I'm not usually a fan of the third act breakup, I feel that it worked well with their friends with benefits to lovers arc.

The transparency this book had with mental health and abandonment issues was such a breath of fresh air. Rod was such a great dad, and I loved that Jordan wasn't trying to replace Charlotte, but instead being such a good role model to Tali. Jordan was so cool, and it was great watching her overcome her own abandonment issues from her past.

Definitely going to pick up more of Esha Patels books after this!

Hot Rod and J-Dog are fantastic. Their friends with benefits to lovers story gives the reader hope. Hope that someone will see them for who they are and accept (and love) them in spite of their flaws. Rodney is a great father who has put his own life on the back burner for so long to raise Tali and while that is what a good parent does, he also yearns for more than he realizes. The way Jordan seamlessly fits into his and Tali’s lives is incredible. They all get along well, have things in common, and not once does Jordan try to replace Tali’s mom, she’s just an additional person to support. So happy we get to see this couple together after Cross My Heart. Truly such a fantastic book. Esha is a wonderful storyteller!

Loved the opening play list and that it’s advertising as a single dad story

Wonderful characters and view points

Great character chemistry + dialogue

Esha bought us a book that will have us feeling sunshine even when outside for many of us the colour palette has been giving grey. and we get heat coming from more than just the sun in this one.
in these books they work when you have the smiles but you have them so much because you come to care for the characters, so you need the emotional depth of it too. all the other bits then mean so much more every step of their way. both our pair made me involved, invested and care what happened to them and between them.
i loved how we get to see single parents in books. its not done as often as it should be, and often when it is its for quite cliche tropes in a story. but this one with Rob never felt like this. we meet him where hes at.
Lacrosse is certainly not something ive seen featured in books so this was an interesting take on a sports featured.
i felt what they both felt personally was actually rather more normal than people give credit or admit. i know some have said it felt immature but actually i think many people face similar feelings that dont often feel grown up, out of even from younger or a past that shapes what we still feel now. when you have to confront certain feelings you definitely can become irrational, young, or not the best version of ourselves. fear drives so much for adults. fear of not being accepted is such a feature for all ages.
i like the role Jordan has within the fold of what has been a single dad and his kid. you have to tread so carefully when you enter that dynamic and i thought this was done really well and never resorted to evil step-kid or parent kind of cliches.
all in all i really like this book. the cover had me feeling like the skies were getting ready to warmer days to come.

First i would like to thank Avon books and Esha for this copy of this wonderful story .

i very much enjoy Esha last book , so i jumped at the chance to review the long hot summer . and boy it is hooooot the steam was coming off the pages at time .

i love a grump /sunshine and this book lived up to this trope for sure brilliant .

the characters Rob and Jordan oh my gosh what a roller coaster of emotions , the couple has my heart they have lift a scar in a great way they are so relatable , the burning chemistry , the grit of real life trauma wow Esha did a great job with this . i relate so much to Rob being a single parent family , it took me back and feeling all he did that great writing . the friends with benefits set my butterfly going little bit of a slow burn i loved that .
The side characters are so well written and I loved them all .

and do not worry you spice queens there is plenty . and plenty of laughs too

The writing is beyond amazing so well paced totally floor-less i look forward to reading more by Esha


im giving the book 5 hot steamy , heart warming stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I simply loved the tropes used in this book, it was such an amazing read and I will totally recommend it once it is out!!

🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes/TW:
Small town summer camp romance
Lacrosse coach FMC x single dad camp owner MMC
FWB to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Former cowgirl meets mr. Scared-of-horses
Angst & tension

Thank you Esha Patel and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

I am definitely one to judge a book by its cover and this one drew me in immediately! I started it with high expectations and it met them all. A hot and spicy sports romance that does not disappoint!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to enjoy this ARC early! Will be purchasing the physical copy to add as a trophy to my bookshelf!

I freakin' love a grumpy/sunshine trope and this book done it perfectly then add single Dad to the mix and I feel like I have the perfect book. It was a great read. Gripped me from start to finish. I loved seeing the softer, vulnerable and loving side to Rod. Him being a single Dad meant he had other priorities but this was shown very well throughout the book whilst him also knowing that he had to live his life and do what he wanted as well.

A beautiful, quick and light read. It had fab chemistry. A perfect summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the summery, feel-good vibe of Long Hot Summer. The camp setting was a fun backdrop and made the story feel light and escapist, while still leaving room for some emotional depth.

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Jordan and Rod worked well, and I liked how their relationship developed naturally over time. Rod’s role as a single dad added an extra layer to his character, and it was nice to see that softer, more vulnerable side come through.

There’s a good balance of chemistry, angst and lighter moments, which kept the story engaging without feeling too heavy. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a summer romance with heart.

Overall, a charming and entertaining story that fans of contemporary romance will definitely appreciate.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

thank you Avon for the e-arc!!

Vibes? Immaculate.
Characters? Perfection.
Romance? Heart-stopping.
Tears? Shed.

This is far more than just a romance; it is wonderfully, heartbreakingly, breathtakingly human. I’m not sure anyone can crack my heart open and glue it back together like Esha Patel.

Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel is a warm, breezy romance that perfectly captures the intensity and magic of a summer fling. With vibrant chemistry, heartfelt moments, and just the right touch of tension, the story draws you into a whirlwind of emotions that feel both escapist and relatable. The characters are easy to root for, and their journey balances light, fun moments with deeper reflections on love and timing. It’s the kind of feel-good read that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

The chemistry between these two was a lot of fun. They just understood each other and slowly fell in love. I do think that the book jumped right into their relationship and we should have gotten a prologue of when they met.

I received an arc through netgalley.

"I wish I could really, really get myself to understand that the things that make you happiest are the things that can tear you apart and leave you so empty that nothing feels any more.

GENRE: Romance
RATING: 4/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Tropes: Single Dad, Sports Romance (Lacrosse), Small Town, Mental Health Rep

Overall Impression: A lovely tale that takes you on an emotional adventure (literally) with the characters as you experience their journey with them.

Review:
I've started getting into Sport Romance and when I saw that this was Single Dad x Sport Romance? I was in for the adventure!

Now, Long Hot Summer was an interesting read for me in that the way we get to know the MCs was done differently than what I'm used to. In the beginning, I had a lot of questions as to who were both of our MCs, Jordan and Rod? We only knew them as they knew each other, which was superficially and that left space for a lot of curiosity as a reader. As we progress through the story, we get to know them as they know each other and I think this was uniquely done and super fitting for both of our MCs, who have been scarred in the past and do not trust easily.

This writing style and way of exploring their love for each other won't work for all readers and will require patience from whoever reads it. I do think it is worth it, seeing them find love and finding support in one another that they never did elsewhere.

My favourite thing might just be how they both eventually shed their tough exterior and open their hearts up to each other at last. It's been a lovely way of seeing it blossom and I think it was a fun to see Jordan bonding with Rod's family, especially Tali (my recent obsession in Romance is Single parent trope as it leads so naturally to found family).

And the way Esha Patel wrote Rod and his mental health journey? Oh what a way to read it and how accurate it felt as someone who has gone through something similar. I think, ultimately, Long Hot Summer does not shy away from the heavier theme but is done in a unique narrative style that has it hitting you all at once and you get to feel the entire journey with the characters. This is especially true with both MCs, with Rod and his mental health journey plus his past with his ex and how he became a single dad. It is true with Jordan, her past and childhood, which led to the fear of being in a relationship.

I am very excited to read Esha Patel's other stories, see how her narration style plays out in there in comparison to Long Hot Summer. Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.

Patel’s writing is so beautiful. The heart and care she puts into the characters are prominent throughout the entire book. The yearning and love between Jordan and Rod is so special, especially with Tali as well. Lacrosse is a sport that should be written about more! I definitely recommend this book for a “Long Hot Summer.” #J-DOG & HOT ROD friendship bracelets

Esha Patel’s Long Hot Summer is a heartfelt, angsty romance that blends the intensity of single‑parent struggles with the irresistible pull of a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Jordan, passionate about lacrosse and eager to prove herself as a camp counselor, is a refreshing heroine—ambitious, warm, and determined to carve her own path. Rod, the exhausted single dad running the camp, is equally compelling, caught between responsibility and the unexpected spark Jordan brings into his life. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Patel captures the tension of “we shouldn’t, but we can’t resist” beautifully.

The summer camp setting adds charm and authenticity, grounding the romance in a community atmosphere while giving space for both characters to grow. The emotional beats—Rod’s struggles with fatherhood, Jordan’s desire to balance independence with connection—are well‑drawn, and the spice is balanced with genuine tenderness. While some plot turns lean into familiar romance tropes, the execution feels fresh thanks to Patel’s engaging writing style and the depth she gives her characters.

Overall, Long Hot Summer is a warm, angsty, and satisfying read that delivers both swoon‑worthy romance and heartfelt emotion. Perfect for readers who love single‑dad stories, summer settings, and the thrill of watching two people fight—and ultimately give in to—their undeniable attraction.

**Book Review: *Long Hot Summer* by Esha Patel**

*Long Hot Summer* by Esha Patel is a warm, engaging read that perfectly captures the intensity and emotional complexity of a summer that changes everything. From the very first pages, Patel draws you into a vivid setting where the heat feels almost tangible, mirroring the simmering tensions and relationships at the heart of the story.

The novel shines in its character work. Each person feels authentic and layered, with their own desires, flaws, and secrets unfolding as the story progresses. Patel does an excellent job of exploring relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—with sensitivity and realism, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

What makes this book particularly compelling is how it balances lighter, almost nostalgic summer moments with deeper emotional undercurrents. There’s a sense that beneath the sunshine and carefree atmosphere, something significant is shifting, and Patel builds that tension beautifully.

Overall, *Long Hot Summer* is an absorbing, character-driven story filled with emotion, atmosphere, and just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. It’s a memorable read that lingers long after summer fades.

Long Hot Summer was such a cute, feel-good romance 🥹☀️
Both main characters were instantly likeable, and I really enjoyed how warm and well-rounded the side characters felt too. The writing style made it an easy, engaging read from the start.
I don’t usually love a third-act breakup, but I actually felt like it worked here within their friends-with-benefits-to-lovers dynamic—it fit the emotional push and pull of their relationship.
What really stood out to me was the honesty around mental health and abandonment issues. It felt thoughtful and grounded without being overly heavy, which I really appreciated.
Rod was such a great dad, and I loved how Jordan didn’t try to replace Charlotte but instead naturally became a positive, supportive presence in Tali’s life. That relationship was one of my favourite parts 🥹
Jordan herself was such a strong FMC—confident, cool, and also working through her own abandonment wounds in a really relatable way.
overall: a sweet, emotional summer romance with great representation, lovable characters, and a lot of heart ☀️🤍
definitely excited to read more from Esha Patel after this one 🫶🏼

Having enjoyed this author's previous Lacrosse romance, and recognising that this was set in the same Lacrosse mad world, I couldn't resist reading this.

It totally works as a standalone novel, and if you don't know much about Lacrosse, well there isn't anywhere near as much of the nitty gritty this time.

It's focusing more on Jordan and Rod two pro players who are coaching at a kids summer Lacrosse camp in the off season.

And between the sizzling chemistry between them, and also a group of adorable children, plus a couple of dogs, and Rod's family, including daughter Tali and you have a perfect combination for a wonderfully enjoyable book.

Seeing how Rod and Jordan interacted with the kids, while you have a plot that would look good on a big screen with the smaller camp's rivalry and fight for funding against the bigger nearby camp, was just really lovely to see.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and am already curious to see what the author may write next.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I've never read anything by this author before and I really enjoyed this book, it does not have my favourite tropes so It wasn't my perfect book but this might be perfect for other people. I enjoyed this book regardless of that.

"I wish I could really, really get myself to understand that the things that make you happiest are the things that can tear you apart and leave you so empty that nothing feels any more.”

Just when you think you’re in a sweet, nostalgic, summer camp sports romance, Esha pulls the rug out from under everyone and takes you on a super realistic mental health journey that will leave you sobbing (in a good, cathartic way). You don’t just feel FOR the characters, you feel WITH them. Absolutely beautiful prose, and a refreshing take on the genre!

* Single Dad
* Celebrity Crush turned Coworker
* Sports Romance (Lacrosse),
* Small Town
* Friends with Benefits to Love
* Mental Health Rep
* Journey to Finding Self
* Third-Act breakup (with purpose)

There’s something undeniably addictive about a summer romance set at camp, and Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel delivers all the tension, longing, and emotional chaos that makes the trope so irresistible. Between the sticky summer heat, the competitive energy of lacrosse camp, and the constant push-and-pull between Jordan and Rod, this book feels like a whirlwind you don’t want to escape.

Jordan is sunshine in human form — ambitious, passionate, and determined to make the most of her summer at camp. She arrives ready for a fresh experience, but what she doesn’t expect is Rod: the exhausted, overworked single dad running on caffeine, responsibility, and sheer determination. Rod carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Patel does such a strong job of making his burnout and emotional walls feel believable without ever making him unlikeable.

The chemistry between these two sparks instantly, but what makes the romance work so well is the emotional resistance underneath it. Rod doesn’t believe he has room in his life for anything complicated, while Jordan knows her stay has an expiration date. That looming deadline adds a layer of angst to every flirtation, every quiet moment, and every stolen touch. The tension absolutely simmers.

The single-dad element adds unexpected emotional depth too. Rod’s love for his child and dedication to the camp make him incredibly easy to root for, even when he’s frustratingly grumpy. Meanwhile, Jordan’s warmth balances him perfectly, creating that classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic that romance readers devour.

And yes — the spice delivers. The emotional buildup makes every intimate scene hit harder, blending vulnerability with undeniable chemistry. But beyond the romance, the book also captures that bittersweet feeling of summer ending: fleeting happiness, uncertainty, and the fear of wanting something you can’t keep.

Long Hot Summer is emotional, steamy, messy in the best way, and packed with yearning. If you love camp romances, emotionally unavailable single dads, and summer flings that start feeling dangerously real, this one belongs on your beach bag immediately.

I enjoyed the grumpy sunshine dynamics, and the single dad romance. It was very emotional and raw, and explores fears and anxieties and being vulnerable to someone else.
I liked that is starts if with a faster build up, and they are straight in with the friends with benefits dynamic which quickly shifts.
It had good chemistry, the third act breakup worked well and I liked the groveling.

Really enjoyed this one.

I was expecting a bit more of a slower burn, but the fact things happen quite quickly made me enjoy it even more.

Ah I do love me a sports romance, especially ones that include sports that I don’t come across often.

Jordan loves lacrosse, it’s brings her a lot of joy so when she’s asked to be counsellor at a lacrosse camp she’s all for it. Teaching younger kids the sport she loves, a big yes.

Rod is a single dad, bringing up a kid on his own has took its toll but he wouldn’t change it for the world. He loves lacrosse and enjoys teaching the kids at his summer camp every year.

When camp needs more help, new staff are hired but the last person he expected to see was Jordan.

Seeing the way these two react around each other is very clear that there’s attraction on both sides and boy, is there attraction. Their chemistry is off the charts hot but beyond that, they just get along so well. Jordan fits into life at camp and life with Jordan so seamlessly it was beautiful to watch.

Of course there’s some drama and when that hits my heart took a hit because I loved these two.

Esha Patel did a brilliant job in telling Rod’s mental health journey, describing well the feelings that tear through the body. As a person that has experienced this, it felt pretty accurate. Patel didn’t shy away from telling his story and showing how hard mental health can hit and the effects it can have on friendships and relationships.

I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Esha is a new author for me, so wasn't quite sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this one. I shall certainly read more of Esha's books in the future.

If you’re looking for a fun summer camp and outdoorsy read this year, this is it!!! I loved the first book in this universe, and I can say the same about this one. It was so cutesy and our main characters have genuine depth to them. They were fleshed out, and I appreciated that. I mean who doesn’t want to read a book about a kids lacrosse summer camp??? Such an easy read, I will be buying this one when it comes out!! As always a huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early digital arc of this one.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I really liked the characters and the plot. It was fun, romantic, sexy and a little emotional.

I really liked how easy Rod and Jordan got on with one another and how easily Jordan fit into his family. I love Jordan's connection with Tali, I thought that they were adorable and it was so lovely how Jordan was this role model for Tali.

I found the middle of the story to be a much slower pace compared to the beginning and the end but it was still enjoyable, just more chill and relaxed. It picks up again around the 65% mark and it's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for the last 3rd of the book.

I don't necessarily enjoy a 3rd act break up sometimes but I really enjoyed the way Esha Patel wrote this one. I liked that they weren't breaking up just to break up and that it actually had repercussions to the characters beyond Jordan and Rod. I like that it highlighted their issues and that we then got to see them in a setting outside of the events of the summer camp. I found the consequences of their break up to be really emotional and I definitely cried a little. I loved Rod's rain confession and his groveling and how Jordan and Rod understood each other so well, that they knew what the other person needed.

I think I would have loved to have seen more of Tali, Jordan and Rod as a family unit but I really enjoyed what we did get to see of them.

Overall, Long Hot Summer is a very heartwarming, romantic story that deals with overcoming the fears and anxieties that hold you back and I really love that.

4.5 Stars - Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for providing this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Something that makes this romance stand out among all the other romances I have read is that the two main characters get together rather fast in the book, but for me, that was such a fun change of pace. I feel with so many romance books, it's stolen glances and will they, won't they get together until the last bit of the book. But this one starts as a friend with benefits, but they both realize very quickly they have deeper feelings for each other. Because of this, I feel like we get to see more of the relationship instead of the couple getting together at the end and then the story being over.

There was a third-act breakup, which I don't usually like, but because Jordan and Rod are together for so much of the book I did not mind it as much and Rod being able to find Jordan when she does not want to be found just makes my heart swoon. I love a single dad, and Rod is a great one, who really grows in the book and is able to see letting someone in is not only good for him but his daughter.

There is some sports in this book with the lacrosse camp but I would not categorize it as a sports romance, which is fine because I really enjoyed the rest of the story.

While I enjoyed the couple getting together quickly, I wish there was a little bit more development in how the characters knew each other or go to know each other before they dived into the relationship but overall I really enjoyed this book!

Loved this story following Jordan who loves lacrosse and agrees to be a counsellor at a summer camp for a month, which is run by Rod a single father who is exhausted and needs help. and in walks Jordan.

As Rod develops feelings for Jordan can he put himself first while protecting his daughter Tali who he is very protective of especially as her mother left them when she was a baby so is very reluctant to risk getting hurt again. I loved how the story follows a single parent and what a struggles they have to deal with when it comes to romance.

I really enjoyed the hot romance between Rod and Jordan and whether they could make it work.

I would recommend for a delightful story and thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC.

Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is pure summer heat wrapped in emotion, delivering a romance that feels as intense as a sun soaked afternoon you never want to end. I picked it up for the irresistible single dad and grumpy sunshine dynamic, and it completely delivered with a story full of chemistry, heart, and moments that kept me hooked from start to finish. From the very beginning, there is an effortless pull between the characters that makes their journey feel both exciting and emotionally grounded.

What worked best for me was the connection between Jordan and Rod, which felt natural, layered, and filled with just the right amount of tension. Their relationship builds in a way that balances steamy moments with genuine emotional depth, making every interaction feel meaningful. The camp setting added a nostalgic charm that made the story even more immersive, while the emotional stakes gave it a satisfying weight. This is a perfect read for anyone who loves spicy, heartfelt romance with strong character growth and a setting that feels like summer itself.

Jordan and Rod build a positive relationship in this romance that features lacrosse (that'a a first for a romance!). Don't worry, you don't need to know anything about the sport to enjoy this novel that leans in on mental health issues and being a single dad. Rod considers his daughter Tali before making all decisions. Jordan understands and appreciates that. These two become friends and then friends with benefits and then more. You know there's going to be a breakup and reunion but it's the journey that matters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read that will make you smile.

An emotional, heartfelt read!

From Jordan having a crush on Rod, to them co-coaching, to falling into that messy friends-with-benefits situation, and then dealing with everything life throws at them before finding their HEA—it was such a journey.

Single parent trope always hits because of how much emotion it brings. Watching a parent give everything (and then some) just to see their kid happy? It gets me every time. Rod was no different—every decision he made (or didn’t) always came back to Tali and how it would impact her. His struggle with depression added a lot of depth to his character too.

And the way he loved Jordan?? I ate that up. He was so gone for her, and I loved how much he appreciated her.

Jordan is such a badass FMC. I liked that she starts off a little clumsy, but once she’s in her element, she owns it completely. She’s strong, energetic, kind, and cheerful—but also guarded and scared of love.

Two heartbroken souls finding their way back to love? Yeah, that’s my thing <3

This was my first Esha Patel book, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was really surprised by this one — I thought it would go in one direction, and by the end it had taken a completely different turn.

Jordan and Rod are both lacrosse players, and Jordan has had a crush on him for years. So she’s ecstatic to work a lacrosse camp in his hometown over the summer. From the start, their chemistry is undeniable. The push and pull between them is so strong that even the camp kids notice and try to nudge them together.

Rod is a single dad with a lot on his plate. He’s carrying secrets he doesn’t want to share with Jordan, and he keeps trying to push her away so he doesn’t drag her into his mess.

Jordan, on the other hand, feels abandoned by her father and doesn’t have the closest relationship with her mom. She’s looking for a place to belong, and she thinks she’s found that with Rod and his daughter.

I loved how Esha let their relationship grow, brought in serious topics, and wove them into the story without letting them take over. She handled Rod being a single father really well — how every choice he makes has to put his daughter first. I also enjoyed all the lacrosse camp moments and Rod’s family stepping in to push these two together.

All around, a great book and one I’d highly recommend.