A review by bdsongbird8
Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

4.5

Thank you to @netgalley and Harlequin audio for allowing me to have this ALC in exchange for my honest review. 

Maisey Yates delivers an emotionally charged, deeply satisfying romance in Cruel Summer—a story that dives headfirst into a messy heartbreak, healing, and the dangerous allure of a second chance you never thought you’d get.

When Sam’s husband unexpectedly proposes an open marriage, it shatters the foundation of the life she thought she had built. Reeling from betrayal, she agrees to a summer apart—one that takes a surprising turn when she hits the road in a classic car with Logan, her husband’s best friend. Logan is protective, grounded, and undeniably on her side, and their journey across a sun-soaked landscape becomes a slow-burn unraveling of years of suppressed feelings.

Yates writes the tension between Sam and Logan with exquisite care—balancing spice and swoon with raw emotional honesty. This isn’t just a story about forbidden desire; it’s about permission. Permission to want something more, to walk away from what no longer serves you, and to finally choose yourself.

The audiobook, narrated by Nancy Peterson, brings added depth to the story. Peterson’s performance is grounded and emotionally attuned—she captures Sam’s pain, confusion, and growing confidence with nuance and warmth. Her pacing allows the tension to build naturally, and she handles the moments of intimacy and inner conflict with a quiet power that enhances the listening experience. Peterson also does a great job distinguishing voices without overplaying them, keeping the focus on the characters’ emotional journeys.

This is the kind of story you feel in your chest—and don’t be surprised if you find yourself thinking about it long after the last page or final track. Perfect for fans of angsty, character-driven romance with a strong emotional payoff.