From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-lovers story… Add in a few secrets. Shake. Stir. Then read on a lazy summer day at the beach… 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 she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn — her long-time frenemy.
But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. The bad news: 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 real connections, possibly 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.
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It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Jill Shalvis book, but I’m glad that I picked this one up. It was exactly what I was looking for, strong family relationships, strong friendships, hot caretaker alpha heroes, an adorable dog, in short, everything I needed to give a big happy sigh as I read it. Plus, there are not just one, but two romances.
The primary one is between Brynne and Eli. There’s always been a spark between these two, from the moment they met at summer camp when they were 10 or so, and the spark is still there when Brynne returns to town after a long absence. If anything, the relationship between them was almost too easy. They never dated when they were younger, but their interactions had the feel of a long-time relationship. Also they were both “people pleasers” who wanted nothing more than to smooth everyone’s way and in that, they were equally matched but the drama between them felt almost manufactured. The secondary romance in the book was between Kinsey and Deck, and to be honest, I almost wished that these two had more screen time as there was far more tension and drama between them than between Eli and Brynne. Due to her upbringing and health issues, Kinsey was truly a prickly character who made plenty of mistakes in her relationships. She was slow to warm up to others, fiercely loyal when she did, and in the hands of a less skilled writer could have been quite unlikable, but because her motivations and her good heart were clear right from the start, it was easy to like her even as she pushed everyone (including Deck and Brynne) away.
You definitely can read this as a standalone. I don’t think there is any crossover in characters from other books, just the setting is the same. I missed the other books in the Wildstone series but now I want to go back and catch up. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jill Shalvis is so good at writing about families (the ones your born into and the ones you make), love, trust and forgiveness. The Summer Deal encompasses all of these things.
When Byrnn Turner returns to Wildstone after a relationship gone bad, she’s hoping to get her life in order and start over. She doesn’t expect to run into an old crush of hers from Summer Camp, Eli Thomas. She also isn’t prepared to come face to face with her nemesis from camp, Kinsey Davis.
Brynn and Kinsey have old wounds to heal from their childhood and need to learn to open up and trust each other, but big secrets could threaten to destroy any chance of that.
Eli has been hurt in the past and has closed off his heart to future relationships, but when he reunites with Brynn, he can’t deny what he feels for her. He’s ready to open up his heart again. The question is, is Brynn ready? Can she learn to trust again?
I’ve really enjoyed the Wildstone series and I can’t wait for the next one! Each book can be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend the whole series!
I’d give this book more if I could. It really hit all of my buttons. The cast of characters were fabulous. All had challenges in their lives that had made them distrustful of people and love. Brynn comes home and while she had past involvement with Eli and Kinsey, they weren’t really friends. The secrets Kinsey has are about to change all of their lives. Jill Shalvis writes characters that are quirky but really represent all the things we feel. I can identify with each character for different reasons, but I love them all. The snappy dialogue makes for a very entertaining read that has all the feels and tugs at the heart. The last Jill Shalvis book I read becomes my new favorite Jill Shalvis book. I feel like each book she writes gets better. I received an advance copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed The Summer Deal, the 5th book in the Wildstone series. Like the other books in the series, it’s a mixture of romance and chick lit – it doesn’t just focus on the romance between Eli and Brynn, but also how all of their lives intertwine – Eli and his brother, Kinsey, Brynn, their parents. Overall a heartwarming story.
Brynn Turner thought everything in her life was close to perfect… well that was until her dirtball ex decided to leave her unexpectedly and completely turn her life upside down. Now she is clueless as to what to do with herself, so she reluctantly packs her bags and heads home to Wildstone. Staying with her mother isn’t an ideal situation, but what choice does she have?
Then she gets a surprise offer from an old friend that she unexpectedly bumps into at the hospital while she is there with her mother. Eli was the boy who she shared her first kiss with, and her childhood crush. He is just as handsome now as he was then, and he still makes her heart skip a beat. When he offers up a spare room for her to stay in she has her reservations about saying yes, but the idea of staying with her overbearing mother helps her quickly decide to accept his offer.
Little does she know her new living arrangements are about to reunite her with someone else… her longtime enemy Kinsey. Living in the same house as Kinsey and her sexy crush is bound to be a disaster… or will it?
The Summer Deal brings you into the lives of a young and vibrant cast of characters who are about to be reunited for the first time since high school. Their reunion brings drama, romance, humor, and loads of heart to the pages. When Brynn moves in, secrets come to light, old wounds resurface, as well as old romantic feelings being stirred up… the drama is at an all time high in Wildstone! But a blooming romance will lighten the heavy emotional load a bit too. This cast of characters will keep you engaged and entertained throughout with all of their on-goings, their personal struggles are bound to tug on your heartstrings, and the romance that blooms is certain to have feeling the love too. This was a wonderful addition to the series, these characters had my heart and attention right off the bat, I felt right at home with them. If you are a lover of small town stories heavy on humor and heart then look no further, The Summer Deal promises to give you everything you are looking for and more! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Summer Deal is a story about acceptance, love, and friendship. Jill has captured all three of these in her characters. I think she has expressed in each character all three but in different ways and levels. As in all Jill’s novels there is always emotions that draw you into the story as if it’s your own life you are reading. I really liked how Jill has integrated the lives of all the characters. I received this as an ARC.
Some say you can never go home. Others say the people and friends or frienemies you make when you are young stick with you forever. The Summer Deal has all of that. After another bad man and what seems like another bad life choice Brynn decides to head back home to her Mom’s to try to figure everything out. Resolute to not rush into things and to make better choices. She isn’t home very long before she comes face to face with her past in a big way. Eli was her first kiss the boy she always wanted at Summer camp even though his best friend was and still is Kinsy – the ultimate mean girl who always had Brynn in her sights.
Being back home and seeing Eli brings it back full force. Time has past and things aren’t always what you think they are. As relationships are built and secrets are revealed opinions change and bonds are made stronger.
The Summer Deal is a true love story, not just the love between lovers but the love of the family you make. I highly recommend this book.
I adore this book. There was such depth to this story. Each character had their own story that lent a whole new level of depth to it. I loved this story and how Eli, Brynn, Deck, and Kinsey each got to tell their part. This isn’t just a romance novel, it shows how entwined we all are and we get to see two couples fall in love. Jill Shalvis wrote a story that is impossible to put down. I definitely recommend reading this book.
This is a lovely and heartwarming story about Brynn and Eli and their story is amazing. This book make me tear up and laugh. This story is very lovely and sweet. I love Brynn and Eli and how strong Eli is for all of them. This book is about love, friendship and family. I enjoy reading this book. I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange of my honest review.
I think I have read almost everything Jill Shalvis has written and can honestly say I have enjoyed all of them. The Summer Deal was enjoyable but not a favorite. All of the previous Wildstone stories have been loved so was really looking forward to reading this book (side note: The Lemon Sisters was my absolute favorite read of 2019) but it did not live up to the expectations in my head. It’s the story of Brynn…she returns home to her Moms in Wildstone after the end of a disastrous relationship, to lick her wounds and effectively start over. She unexpectedly runs into Eli at the local hospital and that starts a “new” relationship with him. and Kinsey. Eli and Kinsey are from Brynn’s childhood and their summers spent at the same summer camp. Kinsey made Brynn’s time at camp miserable and when she agrees to rent a room from Eli, she learns that she will also be sharing the house with Kinsey as well as Eli’s brother Max. As she and Eli get closer, she is also getting closer to Kinsey and learning some of her secrets….but not her biggest secret, that Kinsey learned (back when she was a teenager) that she and Brynn are half-sisters. As they work through all their relationships – Brynn with her Moms, Eli and Brynn, Brynn and Kinsey, Kinsey and Deck as well as learning about past truths, current truths and learning to trust again, the overall story seems to get a little lost. The relationship between Eli and Brynn gets a little lost in the ups and downs of all the characters and, personally, I was intrigued with Brynn and Deck and wanted to really know more about their history and future. With Kinsey’s health issues and Deck’s steadfastness….they drew me in a bit more than the main characters. Despite this – it’s a good story and will be enjoyed…in the end you want Brynn to figure out what and who she wants, you want Eli to stand up for himself and fight for what he wants, you want Kinsey to get the help she needs and get healthy, let all her walls down and admit to Deck her true feelings and fears and allow him to love her with all he has. Without spoilers….the ending will not disappoint, but getting there is quite the journey.
Brynn Turner was tired of always making the wrong choice. Coming home after her latest disaster relationship little did she know she would be gaining so much more.
Kinsley Davis refused to let anyone close. Letting someone in is not happening.
I loved how these two found each other and found happiness! Such a perfect ending!!!
I’m a big fan of Jill Shalvis and I thoroughly enjoy books like the Summer Deal; where you get several main characters and multiple romances. In the world we are living in right now, it was so nice to be reminded that all you need is love. Whether it’s the attachment of a parent, sibling, friend or lover; love connects us in a way nothing else can.
I read an advanced copy of this book
WOW what can I say, Jill Shalvis’ books are always amazing. The Summer Deal is no exception. Brynn came home to her Moms after her boyfriend stole from her and took off on her. Upon her return, Brynn ran into Eli. Needless to say he was surprised to see her. Both of them plus Kinsley grew up going to summer camp together. Kinsley was a mean girl. She made Brynn so miserable during their summers together. They all had a connection. Eli cared for Brynn and Kinsley kept a secret from Brynn. Jill’s books never disappoint. I love how all her characters have some quirkiness to them. You will laugh and I mean really laugh. You even might shed a tear. This book has a HEA with no cliffhanger. If this is your first book from Jill Shalvis I suggest you read them all.
I received a complementary copy of “The Summer Deal” by Jill Shalvis in exchange for an honest review. First of all – I would gladly (and will once released) pay full price for this outstanding fifth book in the Wildstone series. This series is full of unique story lines and characters that are so well written, you can’t help but feel like these people exist out there in real life. This series has been a fantastic escape and one that I will surely read over and over again throughout the years. This book in particular was one of my favorites in terms of the character development. There were aspects of the writing style that were different than previous books and honestly – I didn’t love the change at first… but then it kind of grew on me and by the end – I was so hooked and engaged that I didn’t think about it at all. I cannot wait for the next book to come out. If you are not reading this series and other works by this author – this is absolutely an author you should have as part of your collection.
Happy Reading…enjoy!
I don’t think it is possible to not fall in love with a Jill Shalvis book! I absolutely loved the storyline for this book. I also loved all the characters. Brynn, Kinsey, Eli, Max and Deck. The main characters and secondary characters all shine in their roles in this story.
I love Jill Shalvis’ books!! This one is no exception– this story is all about learning to be a family and what exactly makes a family. Brynn comes home to Wildstone after being swindled by her boyfriend. She ends up at the hospital, after having her moms overreact to an anxiety attack, where she runs into Eli her summer camp crush. Eli is at the hospital with Kinsey, his chosen sister, who is also Brynn’s summer camp nemesis. Brynn is the optimist, Eli is the caregiver, Kinsey is the negative Nelly, Deck is the hot-as-heck solid dude and Max is the laid-back, kid brother. The dynamics of this group is fabulous and the feels that they produce are sweet, funny, sad, swooney and oh so real. Grab this one and enjoy your trip to Wildstone–I did!!
My goal was to pace myself and not devour it all at once. I eventually caved because I had to know what was going to happen! Some of what happened I already knew – that the characters would be amazing, having strong personalities and relationships with each other. That I would laugh and feel a tug on the heart strings. And that a happy ending is very likely. I know that because that is how Jill Shalvis writes. But each of her story’s are unique in the exact telling and the path that the story follows.
I thoroughly enjoyed Jill Shalvis “The Summer Deal”. It had a unique storyline as well as believable and real characters. The characters reflection of a past time really allowed insight as to how they felt growing up and the impact on their adult lives. This book is about rekindled relationships, both as friends and so much more. Jill Shalvis provides a fresh story, unique characters, and a HEA in this 5 star read.
Loving someone, faults and all…
While going for my morning walk with hubby (in a social-distancing appropriate way), I was thinking about my review of The Summer Deal. I was contemplating about how this story made me feel, and how some families are born, and some are made. While reading a lot of Jill Shalvis’ stories, I find myself appreciative of what I have when compared to the lives of the characters. I am so glad that I didn’t have to make my own version of a family because I’m pretty stoked with the one I have.
Famous last words…I mean thoughts…
Geez, my family can drive me insane with all their caring, thoughtful attentiveness and stuff. I swear my mother thinks I’m an idiot sometimes. She likes to forward me articles with helpful tips on finance, health, education, food, fashion, living with boys and a million other random subjects. It’s like she’s forgotten that she’s already taught me how to be a good, law-abiding citizen with a brain in my head.
I should probably take all of that back but it sort of has a bit to do with The Summer Deal. See, a lot of this story is about dealing with your family whether it be the one you’re born into or the one you have made for yourself. By the end, it was very clear to me that it doesn’t matter if it’s born or made, they’ll always drive you insane but they do it because they care.
I really liked Brynn, Eli and Kinsey and found them to be extremely annoying. I think it is realistic to like characters but also find them frustrating too because nobody is perfect. In this case, Brynn is returning home from a failed relationship and she’s suffering from “I’m such an idiot” syndrome. Eli, well the poor bugger has, “my life goal is to take care of everyone else…” syndrome. And, finally, Kinsey has, “I’ll scratch your eyes out if you dare look at me with pity” syndrome. In other words, these three are MESSED UP!!
Now, you might be asking how we have three main characters but we’re not talking ménage. Well, Brynn and Eli are our love interests and Kinsey is connected to them both. I can honestly say, that Jill Shalvis does a fantastic job of convincing me that there are no romantic feelings between Eli and Kinsey, even though they have been connected since they were kids. Her way of convincing me is Deck. Wow!! I LOVED Deck! I may even be a little sad that this wasn’t Deck’s story. Not saying I didn’t enjoy Brynn and Eli’s love story… but DECK.
Story-wise, The Summer Deal was a wee bit emotional. This is the kind of story where all of your emotions take a rollercoaster ride. As with each instalment of the Wildstone series, this is not just a romance. The love and relationships are familial, friendly and romantic.
Brynn and Kinsey started out rocky because of old hurts, betrayals and secrets. Kinsey knew for years she had a sister and Brynn was completely blindsided when she found out.
Kinsey and Eli’s relationship, while mostly like a brother/sister, there was a lot more of Eli giving and Kinsey taking. This may come across as selfish on Kinsey’s part, but in some ways, she was giving Eli what he needed most. Someone to focus his shelter and protect nature on. Eli does have his little brother Max for that too, but Max is an adult and doesn’t need Eli as much anymore.
The relationship between Eli and Brynn was rocky to start with because they both had to learn to trust. This one probably needed the most work because Eli was keeping a bunch of secrets when they first got together. They weren’t his secrets to tell but it wasn’t a great way to start a relationship.
If I had one problem with the story, I’d have to say that Kinsey drove me crazy and Eli enabled her. There is NO WAY Eli should have let Kinsey keep her secrets from Brynn as long as she did. He was jeopardising his budding relationship by keeping his mouth shut. I’m not sure I would have been as forgiving as Brynn when all the truths had been shared. I get it, Kinsey was sick. I just found it frustrating that the secrets went on through the whole story.
Sorry, this was a wee bit of a rambling review. I really enjoyed reading The Summer Deal and I would have been quite happy if it went on and on and on. I loved the dynamics of the relationships and the closeness between them all. I loved Brynn’s Mums, Raina and Olive, Max, Eli’s brother, and Deck, Kinsey’s boyfriend, but not really boyfriend. I wanted more and I was sad when it came to the end.
If you’re a fan of Jill Shalvis, you will not be disappointed in The Summer Deal. While it was an emotional journey that at times brought a tear to my eye, I did finish with a big goofy smile on my face. I can’t wait for more in this series.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I definitely had a love/like/didn’t like relationship with this book. I love that Brynn has two moms. While many books I’ve read have gay characters, including some by Ms Shalvis, I have yet to read one with the main character having same sex parents. But, those same moms drive me crazy! I get the juxtaposition of personalities, but I felt it was too extreme…almost like it was required that they balance each other by being on two opposite ends of the spectrum. Not every relationship, gay or straight, needs two diametrically different personalities to work.
I didn’t love any of the main characters. I didn’t hate them but they just didn’t burrow into my heart like so many other have from the author’s pen. Brynn was too wishy washy and quick to forgive. Just get mad and yell, for the love of Pete! Eli was sweet but blah, a good friend to Kinsey but not a firecracker with Brynn, which is what they needed…regardless of my earlier comments about different personalities! Kinsey was a witch. She came off as mean for at least 60% of the book, which made it difficult to feel bad for her health problems. I mean, yeah, I felt bad. But I didn’t feel BAD. And for me, ambivalence is t what I want to feel while reading.
I loved Deck and Max, the two least seen characters. Deck was gentle in his dealings with Kinsey and way too good for her. But he’s portrayed physically as this big, tatted badass. That’s a guy I can love…a squishy, melty “bad boy”. Max seems to be a free spirit and hippy-ish, but less so that Brynn’s mom Raina. He’d be a great lead in another book..hint, hint!
So while The Summer Deal is one Jill Shalvis book that I probably won’t read again, it did have some interesting take-aways about family not always being the one you’re born into and that forgiveness is always possible.
My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy. This review was honestly and freely given.