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A review by kbranfield
The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is a heartfelt novel of new beginnings, family and love. Although this latest release is the fifth novel in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone (but I recommend the other books in the series as well).
Brynn Turner returns to Wildstone with many regrets and a new promise to herself. Her moms would love nothing more than for Brynn to move back in with them, but she needs her space from her loving parents. So when her long ago crush Eli Thomas offers her a room to rent, she cautiously considers moving in. Despite the discovery that her camp nemesis Kinsey Davis also lives there, Brynn decides to take the risk. Their relationship is still tenuous because Kinsey is still prickly. How will Brynn react when she learns the truth that Kinsey hiding from her?
Brynn is happy to be back in Wildstone but she is beating herself up over putting her trust in the wrong person. She is taking a break from making decisions but she quickly learns that some choices will not wait until she is more sure of herself. Brynn immediately finds a job and she is thrilled to discover her trepidation about the position is unwarranted. She is also willing to put the past aside and work on her friendship with Kinsey. However, she soon discovers that her former camp partner is still a bit abrasive. Brynn is also still attracted to Eli but is she ready for a new romance?
Eli is laid back, easygoing and extremely loyal to the people he cares about. He is close to his younger brother Max but he is not in touch with the rest of his family. Eli also had a crush on Brynn when they were teenagers and he is still interested in her. He has not been in a relationship for several years due to the lingering effects of his dysfunctional childhood. But Eli cares deeply enough for Brynn to push aside his fears. But will she give a romance between them a chance?
Kinsey keeps everyone except Eli and Max at arms' length. Her long battle with kidney disease leaves her afraid of getting close to anyone. She is afraid of hurting them if her health takes a turn for the worse. She has been in a "friends with benefits without the friendship" with nurse Deck Scott for several months. Although she cares deeply for him, she refuses to take their relationship to the next level. Will Deck decide to give up on her once he realizes Kinsey will not give them a real chance for a future together?
Brynn and Kinsey's relationship remains fraught as they try to put their history behind them. Every time they make progress, it is immediately threatened. As they finally become closer, Brynn demands complete honesty but will Kinsey's reluctance to reveal important information derail their progress?
The Summer Deal is an engaging novel with appealing characters, interesting issues to overcome and witty dialogue. Brynn's struggles to balance trusting others and believing in herself ring true. Kinsey is a bit brusque but her reasons for trying to protect others are understandable. Eli is a wonderful man who is supportive and caring. The various relationships are sometimes frustrating to watch since some of the characters just cannot seem to get out of their own way. The final misstep is frustratingly predictable but proves to be a much needed breakthrough. Jill Shalvis brings this charming novel to a delightfully heartwarming conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to enjoy this newest installment.
The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is a heartfelt novel of new beginnings, family and love. Although this latest release is the fifth novel in the Wildstone series, it can be read as a standalone (but I recommend the other books in the series as well).
Brynn Turner returns to Wildstone with many regrets and a new promise to herself. Her moms would love nothing more than for Brynn to move back in with them, but she needs her space from her loving parents. So when her long ago crush Eli Thomas offers her a room to rent, she cautiously considers moving in. Despite the discovery that her camp nemesis Kinsey Davis also lives there, Brynn decides to take the risk. Their relationship is still tenuous because Kinsey is still prickly. How will Brynn react when she learns the truth that Kinsey hiding from her?
Brynn is happy to be back in Wildstone but she is beating herself up over putting her trust in the wrong person. She is taking a break from making decisions but she quickly learns that some choices will not wait until she is more sure of herself. Brynn immediately finds a job and she is thrilled to discover her trepidation about the position is unwarranted. She is also willing to put the past aside and work on her friendship with Kinsey. However, she soon discovers that her former camp partner is still a bit abrasive. Brynn is also still attracted to Eli but is she ready for a new romance?
Eli is laid back, easygoing and extremely loyal to the people he cares about. He is close to his younger brother Max but he is not in touch with the rest of his family. Eli also had a crush on Brynn when they were teenagers and he is still interested in her. He has not been in a relationship for several years due to the lingering effects of his dysfunctional childhood. But Eli cares deeply enough for Brynn to push aside his fears. But will she give a romance between them a chance?
Kinsey keeps everyone except Eli and Max at arms' length. Her long battle with kidney disease leaves her afraid of getting close to anyone. She is afraid of hurting them if her health takes a turn for the worse. She has been in a "friends with benefits without the friendship" with nurse Deck Scott for several months. Although she cares deeply for him, she refuses to take their relationship to the next level. Will Deck decide to give up on her once he realizes Kinsey will not give them a real chance for a future together?
Brynn and Kinsey's relationship remains fraught as they try to put their history behind them. Every time they make progress, it is immediately threatened. As they finally become closer, Brynn demands complete honesty but will Kinsey's reluctance to reveal important information derail their progress?
The Summer Deal is an engaging novel with appealing characters, interesting issues to overcome and witty dialogue. Brynn's struggles to balance trusting others and believing in herself ring true. Kinsey is a bit brusque but her reasons for trying to protect others are understandable. Eli is a wonderful man who is supportive and caring. The various relationships are sometimes frustrating to watch since some of the characters just cannot seem to get out of their own way. The final misstep is frustratingly predictable but proves to be a much needed breakthrough. Jill Shalvis brings this charming novel to a delightfully heartwarming conclusion. Old and new fans of the Wildstone series are sure to enjoy this newest installment.