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holly_keimig's review
4.0
Shalvis stories never disappoint me and this one was no different. Another fun story set in Wildstone. Brynn Turner needs a fresh start and runs into her childhood crush Eli. What she doesn't realize is that Eli's best friend Kinsey is actually someone other than her childhood nemesis. A great romance with the struggle of figuring out who your family really is interwoven. Can't wait for the next one!
mistysreads's review
4.0
Brynn just moved home after being dumped by her boyfriend. She doesn't know what she wants to do, but when her moms call an ambulance for her because they think she's having a heart attack, its only a panic attack, her life changes.
Kinsey is at the hospital because she needs a kidney transplant and she was informed one was on the way. Her best friend Eli is there as well, worried. He decides to go to the vending machine for snacks and runs into Brynn. They are surprised to see each other, she pretends to not remember him.
These three went to summer camp together when they were kids. What Brynn doesn't know is a family secret that her and Kinsey share. While Eli is still as sexy as he was when they were younger.
Kinsey thinks she is a walking expiation date and doesn't want anyone to get close. She's is seeing Deck but she won't let him stay over. Deck is head over heels, and is always there for her. It takes Kinsey awhile to realize that being loved is a gift and to enjoy and cherish it while she has it. In the end everything works out for everyone and the girls are more than they seem.
I loved these characters they were going through a hard time and did the best they could. Brynn irritated me, everytime someone screwed up, kept something from her even when she was doing the same, she bailed. Kinsey keeps something from Brynn, and because Eli knows, Brynn takes her anger out on him too. Brynn cannot have it both ways and needs to work on that. I highly recommend this book, and a box of tissues, i have no idea how many times I cried. Who couldn't love a tall, sexy, mellow, caring, marine biologist in Eli?
Kinsey is at the hospital because she needs a kidney transplant and she was informed one was on the way. Her best friend Eli is there as well, worried. He decides to go to the vending machine for snacks and runs into Brynn. They are surprised to see each other, she pretends to not remember him.
These three went to summer camp together when they were kids. What Brynn doesn't know is a family secret that her and Kinsey share. While Eli is still as sexy as he was when they were younger.
Kinsey thinks she is a walking expiation date and doesn't want anyone to get close. She's is seeing Deck but she won't let him stay over. Deck is head over heels, and is always there for her. It takes Kinsey awhile to realize that being loved is a gift and to enjoy and cherish it while she has it. In the end everything works out for everyone and the girls are more than they seem.
I loved these characters they were going through a hard time and did the best they could. Brynn irritated me, everytime someone screwed up, kept something from her even when she was doing the same, she bailed. Kinsey keeps something from Brynn, and because Eli knows, Brynn takes her anger out on him too. Brynn cannot have it both ways and needs to work on that. I highly recommend this book, and a box of tissues, i have no idea how many times I cried. Who couldn't love a tall, sexy, mellow, caring, marine biologist in Eli?
spowell87's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rachelised's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amym84's review
4.0
3.5
After the breakup of a disastrous relationship Brynn Turner is returning home to Wildstone to regroup. She's about had it was her life imploding and wants to focus on getting on track, whatever that means. Basically, she wants to stop blindly trusting people that turn around and take advantage of her. So, she's thrown for a loop when one of the first people she runs into is her childhood crush Eli. Unfortunately Eli was best friends with Brynn's childhood arch-nemisis Kinsey Davis. It looks like not much has changed in that department. Eli and Kinsey are still friends, and Kinsey is as rude as ever.
What Brynn doesn't know is that Kinsey has been battling serious health issues for her entire life, and it makes her keep everyone at arm's length because Kinsey knows her situation could take a turn for the worse sooner rather than later, and she can't bear to think of those she loves and cares about in pain. Because, yes, Kinsey does have quite a few people who fit that bill including Brynn. Although the reason for Kinsey's skewed loyalty towards Brynn comes with secrets of its own. Secrets that everyone but Brynn seems to be aware of, which makes things difficult when Eli and Brynn start falling for one another.
I've really enjoyed Jill Shalvis's Wildstone series. Particularly with The Summer Deal I stopped and paused and ruminated on the different sibling relationships that have been front and center throughout the entire series thus far, and I have to really give it to Jill Shalvis with showing so many different facets of the family dynamic.
The Summer Deal was bit different for me because while I was drawn into the story, and while there are specific individual moments where everything seems to kind of magically fit together in such a way of a perfect read, I didn't feel like I connected with the characters all that well. And I didn't feel the punch of the various revelations experienced throughout the story, mainly on Brynn's part. But I wanted to so badly.
I don't know if there was too much going on between Kinsey, Brynn, and Eli's characters each getting their own points of view throughout that no one could stand out or if it's that fact that readers are aware of what's going on so it's like we're just waiting for Brynn to catch up with everyone else. I think there's no real element of surprise for the readers, instead we're waiting for Brynn's reactions.
Regardless, I still found myself compulsively reading the book. Honestly, I felt like it was one of the more sensual books that's I've read by Jill Shalvis. There's not a lot in the way of sex. It's not completely fade-to-black, but we're not getting minute details, but what we do get, and what is done really well in both of the highlighted romances in the story, is this complete sense of connection.
Kinsey learning that she doesn't have to fear love and attachment just because her future is unknown and Brynn learning that her past mistakes in love don't mean that she should give up on forming attachments. These are the moments of perfection within the story.
Of course there is the bonding between Kinsey and Brynn which I loved seeing develop and, honestly, could have used so much more of because I always love when two characters start out as opposites, but slowly realize they are more alike than previously thought, and that's exactly Kinsey and Brynn.
Overall, not my favorite of the Wildstone series, but also a very enjoyable read. I cannot wait to go back again.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
After the breakup of a disastrous relationship Brynn Turner is returning home to Wildstone to regroup. She's about had it was her life imploding and wants to focus on getting on track, whatever that means. Basically, she wants to stop blindly trusting people that turn around and take advantage of her. So, she's thrown for a loop when one of the first people she runs into is her childhood crush Eli. Unfortunately Eli was best friends with Brynn's childhood arch-nemisis Kinsey Davis. It looks like not much has changed in that department. Eli and Kinsey are still friends, and Kinsey is as rude as ever.
What Brynn doesn't know is that Kinsey has been battling serious health issues for her entire life, and it makes her keep everyone at arm's length because Kinsey knows her situation could take a turn for the worse sooner rather than later, and she can't bear to think of those she loves and cares about in pain. Because, yes, Kinsey does have quite a few people who fit that bill including Brynn. Although the reason for Kinsey's skewed loyalty towards Brynn comes with secrets of its own. Secrets that everyone but Brynn seems to be aware of, which makes things difficult when Eli and Brynn start falling for one another.
I've really enjoyed Jill Shalvis's Wildstone series. Particularly with The Summer Deal I stopped and paused and ruminated on the different sibling relationships that have been front and center throughout the entire series thus far, and I have to really give it to Jill Shalvis with showing so many different facets of the family dynamic.
The Summer Deal was bit different for me because while I was drawn into the story, and while there are specific individual moments where everything seems to kind of magically fit together in such a way of a perfect read, I didn't feel like I connected with the characters all that well. And I didn't feel the punch of the various revelations experienced throughout the story, mainly on Brynn's part. But I wanted to so badly.
I don't know if there was too much going on between Kinsey, Brynn, and Eli's characters each getting their own points of view throughout that no one could stand out or if it's that fact that readers are aware of what's going on so it's like we're just waiting for Brynn to catch up with everyone else. I think there's no real element of surprise for the readers, instead we're waiting for Brynn's reactions.
Regardless, I still found myself compulsively reading the book. Honestly, I felt like it was one of the more sensual books that's I've read by Jill Shalvis. There's not a lot in the way of sex. It's not completely fade-to-black, but we're not getting minute details, but what we do get, and what is done really well in both of the highlighted romances in the story, is this complete sense of connection.
Kinsey learning that she doesn't have to fear love and attachment just because her future is unknown and Brynn learning that her past mistakes in love don't mean that she should give up on forming attachments. These are the moments of perfection within the story.
Of course there is the bonding between Kinsey and Brynn which I loved seeing develop and, honestly, could have used so much more of because I always love when two characters start out as opposites, but slowly realize they are more alike than previously thought, and that's exactly Kinsey and Brynn.
Overall, not my favorite of the Wildstone series, but also a very enjoyable read. I cannot wait to go back again.
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
alyssamaly's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Typical beach read. Nothing crazy. Cute love story of childhood camp friends with a friend that brings them back together without her knowledge due to her illness.
shannahtan's review
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was fine. I liked the friendship and found family aspect. Didn’t fall in love with the characters who kind of felt like teenagers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
beastreader's review
4.0
This book is about making friends and keeping them as well finding love.
Brynn and Kinsey could not be more different. Yet, at the same time they shared a common bond. They just did not know what it was or how deep it would go until the situation called for it.
Eli may be the love interest but he is more than just a handsome face. He cares and protects Kinsey like a sister. So, when Brynn comes into the picture as much as he likes her; he does watch out for Kinsey. Luckily, it is Brynn who needs Kinsey and Eli as much as they need her.
The Summer Deal is a sweet read with engaging characters and humor. Although, when you add in a dash of Eli's brother, Max to the picture and you get a book that needs to be included in your summer reading plans.
Brynn and Kinsey could not be more different. Yet, at the same time they shared a common bond. They just did not know what it was or how deep it would go until the situation called for it.
Eli may be the love interest but he is more than just a handsome face. He cares and protects Kinsey like a sister. So, when Brynn comes into the picture as much as he likes her; he does watch out for Kinsey. Luckily, it is Brynn who needs Kinsey and Eli as much as they need her.
The Summer Deal is a sweet read with engaging characters and humor. Although, when you add in a dash of Eli's brother, Max to the picture and you get a book that needs to be included in your summer reading plans.