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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Not your typical Maisey Yates novel, but I loved every minute of watching her spread her wings and deliver an angsty heartbreaker! I was instantly hooked when this devoted wife and mother was told by her husband that he wanted an open marriage ... after the kids were already raised and the fun was supposed to begin! The story is centered around Samantha and her journey of acceptance and an eye opening summer. There is sadness, heartbreak and angst ... but there is also beauty in figuring out self-worth, journeying for the tough answers of what happiness really means and a peace and happiness in the end. There is technically cheating, but during an agreed upon separation. I easily connected with Sam and enjoyed watching her learn things about herself and come into a life she could see flourishing as one chapter ends and another begins. Really enjoyed!
I wasn’t expecting this book in the very best way. Very moving about a woman’s life and what happens when her husband blows up their life together. Some interesting twists and turns and a wonderful love story at the end.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an arc from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such an interesting read. I love the messaging about how it's never to late to discover yourself and live your life to the fullest.
I was definitely rooting for the characters but the main reason this wasn't five stars for me is that I didn't feel fully connected to them. I feel like a lot of their decisions and internal struggles didn't make sense. I also really didn't like our FMC's "friends" - though I can't tell if the reader is meant to. Thank you to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. I still definitely enjoyed the read overall!
Read this if you like:
- forbidden / taboo relationship
- husband's best friend
- forced proximity
- road trips
- single dad
I was definitely rooting for the characters but the main reason this wasn't five stars for me is that I didn't feel fully connected to them. I feel like a lot of their decisions and internal struggles didn't make sense. I also really didn't like our FMC's "friends" - though I can't tell if the reader is meant to. Thank you to The Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. I still definitely enjoyed the read overall!
Read this if you like:
- forbidden / taboo relationship
- husband's best friend
- forced proximity
- road trips
- single dad
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
This was my first Maisey Yates and I will be going back to read her prior titles. This story started out slow and a bit sad but, believe me stay with it! I loved the growth of the FMC throughout the story that will resonate with readers in my opinion. I loved the sense of adventure and I was able to picture many of the locations and want to add many to my bucket list! This is the perfect summer read to pack on your adventures or the beach!
Thank you Net Galley, Maisey Yates and Harlequin Trade Publications for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Cruel Summer is expected to be released June 24, 2025.
Thank you Net Galley, Maisey Yates and Harlequin Trade Publications for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Cruel Summer is expected to be released June 24, 2025.
emotional
lighthearted
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
Heat Index: 6/10
—40-year-old heroine
—husband wants an open marriage... and his best friend has a problem with that
—years of unspoken pining
—roadtrip romance
The Basics:
After getting pregnant at eighteen and marrying her high school sweetheart, Will, Sam is settled into her marriage. But with their youngest off to college, Will proposes the unthinkable: an open marriage. Desperate to keep her happy life, Sam offers a separation and thinking period for the summer. Enter Logan, Will's best friend, who offers Sam the opportunity to help him drive his restored cars to their new owners. It's a way to keep Sam's mind off her inner turmoil—but with Logan keeping long-held secrets, it might turn into a lot more.
The Review:
I really love reading romances about people 40 and over, and Cruel Summer captures a lot of what I enjoy—Sam and Logan are characters who've been through LIFE. Their traumas are sadly somewhat ordinary, the kind of thing a lot of us have faced or will faced. But, with flashbacks woven into part of this book, it weaves into a history between them... A history Sam didn't exactly let herself acknowledge they were building.
This novel sets us up with the idea that Logan is much more Will's friend than Sam's. He's a guy she's known since high school, sure, but they were never that close. The way Yates uses the flashback scenes is kind of brilliant, because your'e like—wait, hold on. What is Sam not telling us here? And that feels real, too. Because people lie to themselves. And boy, is Sam lying to herself, and Logan isn't exactly okay with letting that go anymore.
Here's what keeps this from being a more conventional "local man has longed for his buddy's wife from afar for years" book: Logan is a widower. And his wife—who's been gone about a decade when the book picks up—was someone he loved deeply. But there's a lot of complexity to the way that relationship is handled, and we're really dealing with a lot of grown up feelings here.
Which doesn't mean the book isn't fun! I would call it angsty, but not "angst angst angst"-level angsty. Because ultimately, something good is happening—Sam is getting real with herself, rediscovering who she is, and yeah, having a bit of a sexual reawakening. (Spoiler alert: they do it.) Would that all women with shitty husbands could embark on a life-changing roadtrip (or series of roadtrips, really) with their husband's hot bestie!
Sam's story is the centerpiece here. It's single-POV, and I think Yates handles that well. I also think it would have been hard to tell this story with a lot of Logan's POV. He's by no means a flat character, and even if he doesn't get quite the degree of internality as Sam, I still appreciated that he wasn't this flawless paragon of a man. Widower heroes often can be—either they're the victims of Awful, Mean Dead Wives or they grieve in a saintly way. Logan's situation is neither of those things. I was surprised by how raw Yates kept some of his revelations. Very human! But flawed in a way we don't see in as many romance heroes in this moment.
And also. He's very hot. Sam deserved. And deserved. And DESERVED.
The only thing that frustrated me and took the story down a peg toward the end was this Thing that happened somewhat last minute. Because it happens last minute, it has to be resolved last minute for our HEA. And it's not that I really took issue with the Thing happening. I just think the pacing with it was a little off, and it happened in a way that basically existed to assert that no, what was happening wasn't All About The Boy. Which, sure, that's great, but I kind of already got that and didn't need it re-stated.
That being said, I did really enjoy this, and despite the wobbles, the ending did indeed make me happy. This is my first Maisey Yates novel, but it won't be my last. Sam and Logan felt so real to me, yet still offered that romance novel swoon.
The Sex:
While the sex scenes in this novel aren't the most descriptive (and this is a slow burn, which it needed to be) they are passionate, hot, and romantic. Few women have needed to get their backs blown out to the degree that Sam did. And thank God it happened.
The Conclusion:
A character-heavy, emotional romance about being honest with yourself and coming to terms with what you really want, Cruel Summer is the kind of beach read I'm looking for.
Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—40-year-old heroine
—husband wants an open marriage... and his best friend has a problem with that
—years of unspoken pining
—roadtrip romance
The Basics:
After getting pregnant at eighteen and marrying her high school sweetheart, Will, Sam is settled into her marriage. But with their youngest off to college, Will proposes the unthinkable: an open marriage. Desperate to keep her happy life, Sam offers a separation and thinking period for the summer. Enter Logan, Will's best friend, who offers Sam the opportunity to help him drive his restored cars to their new owners. It's a way to keep Sam's mind off her inner turmoil—but with Logan keeping long-held secrets, it might turn into a lot more.
The Review:
I really love reading romances about people 40 and over, and Cruel Summer captures a lot of what I enjoy—Sam and Logan are characters who've been through LIFE. Their traumas are sadly somewhat ordinary, the kind of thing a lot of us have faced or will faced. But, with flashbacks woven into part of this book, it weaves into a history between them... A history Sam didn't exactly let herself acknowledge they were building.
This novel sets us up with the idea that Logan is much more Will's friend than Sam's. He's a guy she's known since high school, sure, but they were never that close. The way Yates uses the flashback scenes is kind of brilliant, because your'e like—wait, hold on. What is Sam not telling us here? And that feels real, too. Because people lie to themselves. And boy, is Sam lying to herself, and Logan isn't exactly okay with letting that go anymore.
Here's what keeps this from being a more conventional "local man has longed for his buddy's wife from afar for years" book: Logan is a widower. And his wife—who's been gone about a decade when the book picks up—was someone he loved deeply. But there's a lot of complexity to the way that relationship is handled, and we're really dealing with a lot of grown up feelings here.
Which doesn't mean the book isn't fun! I would call it angsty, but not "angst angst angst"-level angsty. Because ultimately, something good is happening—Sam is getting real with herself, rediscovering who she is, and yeah, having a bit of a sexual reawakening. (Spoiler alert: they do it.) Would that all women with shitty husbands could embark on a life-changing roadtrip (or series of roadtrips, really) with their husband's hot bestie!
Sam's story is the centerpiece here. It's single-POV, and I think Yates handles that well. I also think it would have been hard to tell this story with a lot of Logan's POV. He's by no means a flat character, and even if he doesn't get quite the degree of internality as Sam, I still appreciated that he wasn't this flawless paragon of a man. Widower heroes often can be—either they're the victims of Awful, Mean Dead Wives or they grieve in a saintly way. Logan's situation is neither of those things. I was surprised by how raw Yates kept some of his revelations. Very human! But flawed in a way we don't see in as many romance heroes in this moment.
And also. He's very hot. Sam deserved. And deserved. And DESERVED.
The only thing that frustrated me and took the story down a peg toward the end was this Thing that happened somewhat last minute. Because it happens last minute, it has to be resolved last minute for our HEA. And it's not that I really took issue with the Thing happening. I just think the pacing with it was a little off, and it happened in a way that basically existed to assert that no, what was happening wasn't All About The Boy. Which, sure, that's great, but I kind of already got that and didn't need it re-stated.
That being said, I did really enjoy this, and despite the wobbles, the ending did indeed make me happy. This is my first Maisey Yates novel, but it won't be my last. Sam and Logan felt so real to me, yet still offered that romance novel swoon.
The Sex:
While the sex scenes in this novel aren't the most descriptive (and this is a slow burn, which it needed to be) they are passionate, hot, and romantic. Few women have needed to get their backs blown out to the degree that Sam did. And thank God it happened.
The Conclusion:
A character-heavy, emotional romance about being honest with yourself and coming to terms with what you really want, Cruel Summer is the kind of beach read I'm looking for.
Thanks to Canary Street Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was thrilled when I recieved this book as a ARC from the publisher. The storyline of a woman who has been a Mother and a wife since she was 18 and is now 40 and spends the summer to find herself adter her husband drops a bombshell on her seemed right up my alley.
I was not disappointed at all when I read the book and stick by my 5 star rating. The dialogue alone is thought provoking and memorable. The friends to lovers plot was done magnificently. Perfect blend of romance and chick-lit.
This book has some of my favorite tropes
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Friends to Lovers
❤️ Vacation Romance
❤️ Second Chance Romance (kind of)
Samantha is 40, married with 3 children and her youngest has just left making them empty nesters. Imstead of planning their future travels, her husband asks for an open marriage. He says he wants to have freedom to see other people. Samantha is devastated. She doesnt want to to lose her marriage so agrees to spend the summer separated and not in communication so her husband can have his exploits without her being exposed to further heartache.
Just when all hope seems lost her husbands best friend , Logan , a widower of 10 years asks her to be his travel companion on a summer long adventure driving across country to deliver vintage cars he restores. She has gotten a weird vibe off of Logan for the last few years they went of family vacation together but she agrees to go.
Logan has lived the life that Samantha's husband envied and wanted to obtain.
Will Samantha figure out her next steps with her marriage? Well she finds New ❤️ love? I highly recommend reading
I was not disappointed at all when I read the book and stick by my 5 star rating. The dialogue alone is thought provoking and memorable. The friends to lovers plot was done magnificently. Perfect blend of romance and chick-lit.
This book has some of my favorite tropes
❤️ Forced Proximity
❤️ Friends to Lovers
❤️ Vacation Romance
❤️ Second Chance Romance (kind of)
Samantha is 40, married with 3 children and her youngest has just left making them empty nesters. Imstead of planning their future travels, her husband asks for an open marriage. He says he wants to have freedom to see other people. Samantha is devastated. She doesnt want to to lose her marriage so agrees to spend the summer separated and not in communication so her husband can have his exploits without her being exposed to further heartache.
Just when all hope seems lost her husbands best friend , Logan , a widower of 10 years asks her to be his travel companion on a summer long adventure driving across country to deliver vintage cars he restores. She has gotten a weird vibe off of Logan for the last few years they went of family vacation together but she agrees to go.
Logan has lived the life that Samantha's husband envied and wanted to obtain.
Will Samantha figure out her next steps with her marriage? Well she finds New ❤️ love? I highly recommend reading
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
Cruel Summer is an emotional road-trip romance about second chances, self-discovery, and the complexity of love. When Samantha’s husband suggests an open marriage, her world is turned upside down. A summer road trip with Logan—her husband’s aloof best friend—leads her to question everything she thought she wanted. Their chemistry is slow-burning, and as they journey across the country, Sam’s feelings grow in unexpected ways.
Maisey Yates skillfully balances romance and introspection, making Sam's journey relatable and heartfelt. This tender, thought-provoking read will have you rooting for her to choose the path to her true happiness.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the opportunity to receive the ARC.
Book publication date - June 24, 2025
Maisey Yates skillfully balances romance and introspection, making Sam's journey relatable and heartfelt. This tender, thought-provoking read will have you rooting for her to choose the path to her true happiness.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for the opportunity to receive the ARC.
Book publication date - June 24, 2025
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Cruel Summer is a book of second chances. Second chance at living, loving, loss, and more. Samantha’s journey is a hard and beautiful one. There was some repetitiveness and maybe a little too much detail when it came to the road trips and internal dialogue that could have sped up the story and kept it engaging. This is definitely a slow burn romance so buckle in for the journey! The jumps between the present and past were a great addition. I would have loved to get a chapter or two of Logan giving his perspective or more dialogue between Sam and Logan. Overall great read and will definitely look for more of Yates’ writing.
Thank you Net Galley and Maisey Yates for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and Maisey Yates for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent