Title: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis
Wildstone Series Book Five
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction, Romance
Length: 365 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a friends-to-frenemies-to-lovers story… Add in a few secrets. Shake. Stir. Then read on a lazy summer day at the beach…
Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.
And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She’s fierce, tough, and she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn — her long-time frenemy.
But then Brynn runs into Kinsey’s best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. The bad news: when he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have real connections, possibly love, and a future—if she can only learn to let go of the past.
As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them.
Review:
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.
