by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #5
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-sisters story… And then add in a love story (okay, two love stories). Shake. Stir. Read on a lazy summer day at the beach.
Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.
And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.
But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future—if she can only learn to let go of the past.
As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.
Grab an iced mocha as Jill Shalvis takes us back to the coastal town of Wildstone with The Summer Deal. She treats us to not one but two heartfelt romances. Swoons, tears, laughter and summer await you…..
The Summer Deal is the fifth novel in the Wildstone contemporary romance series and each works as a standalone. It is unnecessary to read these in order.
Brynn Turner grew up with her adoptive Moms in Wildstone before leaving. Kinsey Davis never left. The two have a history and were both awkward girls at summer camp. But Brynn has moved back and is feeling pretty beat up after her world fell apart.
Eli is best friends with Kinsey and has supported her through some gruelling times. He knows all of her secrets, including the fact that the girl he crushed on at summer camp is Kinsey’s sister.
The story that unfolds was wonderful and heartfelt. All three have baggage. Eli is the fixer but never feels worthy, Kinsey has a hard, snarky exterior meant to keep people away and Brynn wants friendship and love but has met only disappointment leaving her battered and bruised emotionally.
I fell hard for these characters, even Kinsey because Shalvis did such an impressive job of allowing us to understand her harsh attitude. I wanted to hug Eli, and hold Brynn’s hand so she could be brave.
The author did a fantastic job with the issues tackled in this home, from serious illness to growing up in a non-nuclear family. It had heart and felt genuine.
The story shares not only the sibling story, but two romances. Deck, the man in Kinsey’s life was swoon-worthy, patient, and the most grounded character I’ve ever come across. Prepare to fall hard ladies! Eli is grounded despite his share of disappointments. He is a tender giving soul. I easily fell for his charm and wanted him to get the girl.
I loved the housing situations and hope we get Eli’s brother’s story. Brynn’s moms were a hoot, and I enjoyed page time with them. You’ll want to back your bags and move to Wildstone.
The Summer Deal is the perfect book to spend a sunny afternoon with. Shalvis delivered laughs, tears and swoons.
Jill Shalvis delivers the swoons, heart and heat with her newest romance, The Summer Deal. #NewRelease #Wildstone #BeachRead #Swoons Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla
I just got the audiobook of this one and am hoping to listen to it shortly. It sounds wonderful, great review Kimberly. I am ready for some summer romance (at least in a book).
Anne - Books of My Heart
I loved these characters too. Jill Shalvis is a goto author for me. Excellent review!
Karen Drew
Sounds fab, a true beach read. 🙂
Olivia Roach
What’s better than a romance book with a romantic story? A romance book with TWO romance stories in it and I kind of love that she doubles up that so much ^.^
Jennifer
I really enjoyed this one.
Karen Alderman
This was such a complicated, messy story but I loved it. Shalvis did a great job showing everyone’s POV while still delivering on the romance.
Karen @ For What’ It’s Worth
Mystica
Second blog today carrying this review. Thanks for the post.
holdenj
I love the summery cover and can’t believe this is book 5? I must have missed one!
Sam@wlabb
You sort of summarized why I love all Shalvis’ books – they have heart. And, YES! Deck! Gosh, I adored him.
Anita H.
I love Jill’s writing ever since I stumbled across her Lucky Harbor series at my local library!
Meghan Rasmussen
This sounds like it will be an excellent read by the pool with a glass of wine! I’ve never read any of Jill Shalvis’ books before but I’m looking forward to giving this one a read!
Lover of Romance
I always love seeing authors tackle subjects we don’t see too often. And these two love stories sound delightful.
Lovely review here.
Diane Sallans
I’ve read several of Jill’s series (Animal Magnetism, Lucky Harbor, Heartbreaker Bay etc) but haven’t started Wildstone yet
Latifa Morrisette
I have read some of Jill Shalvis’ books before.
Ethan
I’ve never read this author, but I’m eager to read more books like this during the summer months. I just finished Big Summer and really enjoyed it. This one seems similar to Elin Hildebrand’s books that I’ve also enjoyed.
Darlene Owen
I have not read any of the Wildstone novels or tried a Jill Shalvis book?
Danielle Hammelef
I haven’t read any of her books yet and this one sounds like a great place to start.
theresa norris
I love her books.
sherry fundin
i’ve been seeing this one around and have only heard good things.
Latifa Morrisette
I have read some of Jill Shalvis’ books before.
Mary Kirkland
I’ve only read one of her books but I really liked it so I plan on reading more from this author. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.
Nadene
I also have this one to read. Looking forward to it. Great review Kim.
Berls
I haven’t read much Jill Shalvis, but what I have read has not disappointed. I think the issues in this one would make it a fascinating read. Great review!
Melliane
I always enjoy her books, they’re sweet
Debbie Haupt
Oh its been too long since I’ve read Jill that has to change. great review Kim and thanks for the chance.