We love to revisit Avalon Bay. It’s the perfect place to tuck into after a long day – especially in the winter months when we’re all pining for the summer sun. We’re pleased to bring you The Summer Girl: the third and final book in the Avalon Bay series. There are plenty of beach parties, late-night convos, boat rides, and beach events that will have you living vicariously through our protagonists.
Ready to feel like The Summer Girl? Delve in now!
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
The Summer Girl
Return to Avalon Bay with the third book in New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy’s addictive and romantic series
College student Cassie Soul hasn’t spent an entire summer in Avalon Bay in years, not since her parents divorced and her mother spitefully whisked her away to Boston. Now that her grandmother is selling the boardwalk hotel that’s been in their family for five decades, Cassie returns to the quaint beach town, excited to spend time with family, ring in her twenty-first birthday . . . and maybe find herself a summer fling. She’s ready for breathless, heart-pounding passion. And on her first night in town, she finds the perfect candidate: Tate Bartlett, Avalon Bay’s fun-loving golden boy.
Tate, sailing instructor and lovable player, is no stranger to flings. In fact, he’s always down for a good time. But . . . maybe not this time? The moment he meets Cassie, he knows she’s not the girl you play games with, and the last thing he wants to do is risk breaking her heart. So, despite his attraction to her, he turns her down. But that awkward hiccup doesn’t stop a friendship from developing between the two. Tate even helps Cassie find that fling she’s so set on finding. Only it isn’t long before he’s wondering if he made a huge mistake. Cassie is gorgeous, hilarious, and, frankly, the coolest person he’s ever met. He can’t deny it anymore: he wants that fling now. Big-time. And maybe even something more.
As Cassie and Tate walk the line between friends and lovers, they’re about to discover that their situation is the least complicated part of this equation. Because Avalon Bay is full of secrets-and their relationship might not survive when one secret in particular comes to light.
Our Review
The romantic tale woven in this book carries delightful vibes, particularly embracing the classic ‘friends to lovers’ trope. While the main plotline capitalizes on the burgeoning romance between Cassie and Tate, it’s the intriguing side plots that truly captivate. Refreshingly, it sidesteps the clichéd ‘bad boy’ archetype evident in the series’ earlier installments, resonating with a more mature narrative where both Cassie and Tate grapple with their feelings and personal growth. The chemistry between the protagonists had me thoroughly engrossed; Tate, in particular, emerged as my favorite male lead among the trio of books, offering a welcome diversion from the twins’ narratives. Cassie, a close second to Mac in terms of favorite female protagonists, exhibited a depth and relatability that kept the story grounded. The cameos of past characters added an element of familiarity and continuity to the series, which was a nice touch.
However, the unexpected third-act breakup in this installment left me somewhat perplexed. As the longest book in the series, the sudden discord between Cassie and Tate felt jarringly out of place against the backdrop of their previously content relationship. It almost seemed as if the conflict arrived too late in the narrative, especially considering the palpable happiness that had been steadily building. Fortunately, the resolution was swift, though its sudden onset left me slightly bemused yet relieved by the rapid fix.
A brief overview of the series highlights its consistent beach setting, housing a variety of cute love stories intertwined with an unexpected level of steaminess, especially prevalent in the second and third books. The enjoyable dynamics within the friend group offer an added charm to the narrative, coupled with the pleasing overlap of characters and plots across the trio of books. The strength of the series lies in its robust side plots, reminiscent of the thematic depth found in Katherine Center’s works. Each book tackles strong themes concerning family, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, enriching the overall reading experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Summer Girl book steamy?
This novel is the spiciest of the series! Not only spice, but it has the fluff to go right along with it.
Is the Summer Girl part of a series?
The Summer Girl is the third book in Elle Kennedy’s Avalon Bay series. The series includes:
- Good Girl Complex
- Bad Girl Reputation
- The Summer Girl
Do you have to read Avalon Bay series in order?
No! Whilst these books belong in the same universe, and one may have a little bit of backstory; there is no need to read these books in order!
