I’m a huge fan of Kristina Forest romance books and The Summer Girlfriend could be my favorite. The romance, the build up, the spice? All of it was great. Keep reading this book review of The Summer Girlfriend for my full thoughts.
Summary
Noelle Lewis doesn’t have time for long walks on the beach, brunch with the girls, or summer vacations. She’s too busy saving up to go back to college. After recently getting laid off from her bookseller job, her main gig is now serving as a “stand-in” bridesmaid, which doesn’t pay enough for the upcoming semester’s tuition. But then the perfect, if not unconventional, opportunity arises…
Jeremiah Smith II, grandson of the founder of Smith’s Sweets—a well-known baked goods company—once lived a life of frivolity. Since his grandfather’s death, Jeremiah’s tried to clean up his act, but it’s hard to focus when his family requests that he join them at their summer house in Heart Beach, New Jersey, where his most painful memory lies. To avoid going there, Jeremiah claims he already has plans with his girlfriend, and of course, his family tells him to bring her. The problem? Jeremiah doesn’t have a girlfriend.
After a chance meeting, Noelle and Jeremiah come to an agreement. He’ll hire her to be his stand-in girlfriend for the weekend, and she’ll use that money toward her tuition. She figures it will be quick, easy money, but as it turns out, Jeremiah’s family is lovely, and Jeremiah is even lovelier. Soon, a weekend agreement turns into an entire summer, and Noelle and Jeremiah will have to keep their hearts in check, or else it’s sink or swim for them both.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
A beach romance with fake girlfriends and a main character who wants to be a librarian? Say less. The Summer Girlfriend is charming from page one. It’s hard not to get swept away. The chemistry in this one comes alive. There’s this softness, this charm, but also this emotional vulnerability. I hate when I love only one of the main characters in a romance, but in The Summer Girlfriend I wasn’t sure who I loved more. Obviously we love a bookworm, but the guilt Jeremiah is facing was so moving. As we figure out how we can forgive ourselves, give ourselves a second chance.
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We also love the ‘deny our feelings’ and it’s ‘just one time’. So if you love fake dating – which is one of my faves – and this line of illusions and reality this is for you! The Summer Girlfriend is the perfect summer read. Since I read it by the pool, I can confirm the vibes match! Find The Summer Girlfriend on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.