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The Summer of Our Discontent
A fun summer read.
Faith Leblanc is looking for that special someone, but her tactics have branded her somewhat of a womanizer. A few doors down, Rachel Chauvin is looking for the same, but her conservative style hasn’t yielded any keepers, either. Neither woman is willing to consider the other as a prospective partner, mostly because they’ve hated each other for nearly four decades.
Change is in the air, and spring is giving way to The Summer of Our Discontent.
Faith Leblanc is looking for that special someone, but her tactics have branded her somewhat of a womanizer. A few doors down, Rachel Chauvin is looking for the same, but her conservative style hasn’t yielded any keepers, either. Neither woman is willing to consider the other as a prospective partner, mostly because they’ve hated each other for nearly four decades.
Change is in the air, and spring is giving way to The Summer of Our Discontent.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
53 people are currently reading
869 people want to read
About the author
Robin Alexander
51 books814 followersBorn in 1965, Robin Alexander grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she still resides. An avid reader of Lesbian fiction, Robin decided to take the leap and try her hand at writing. It didn't take long for her favorite hobby to become a full-time author.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Since her heritage is Scottish and Irish and she’s allergic to seafood, she’s considered an honorary Cajun. When she’s not writing, she’s exploring her state with the top off her Jeep in search of the small towns on the water that inspire her.
Robin is awkward, sometimes shy, loaded with anxieties, accident prone, dangerous with power tools, and has been known to make idiotic decisions. She has been fortunate enough to turn her shortcomings into the hilarious characters you’ll find in her novels and short stories. Her passion is writing funny tales about falling in love, being imperfect and reveling in friendship.
Robin is convinced she has the best job in the world, and she’s extremely grateful for her fans who support her and enable her to do what she loves.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 7, 2017
Starting in roughly 1983, when both were pre-teens, and for roughly another 30 years, Faith ‘Chub’ Leblanc and Rachel Chauvin have been each other’s archrival/villain/enemy. Both were stubborn. Both were the kind of girl who’d much prefer getting dirty, and wandering the outdoors than being cooped up inside; both were quite similar, and ended up bumping into each other a lot. And both wanted to do what the other wanted to do – at the same time, and both were too stubborn to allow the other to go first. So, rivals. For 30 years. But for a moment here or there when college occurred. And, it should also be pointed out, Faith lost that ‘Chub’ nickname, given because she was, as might be expected, chubby – at least until about her senior year of high school.
Well, it’s some time in ‘contemporary time’. Dates were given for some childhood scenes, but I didn’t notice a date given for ‘present time’. Let’s call it something like 2013. Small town Louisiana, 2013.
Rachel has a kid of her own now and that leads directly into being thrust into a somewhat uncomfortable position. For right next door lives Faith, and while Faith herself doesn’t have any kids of her own, her sister Patty has recently moved in and has one – right around the same age as Kaycee (Rachel’s daughter). Sophie (Patty’s daughter) and Kaycee quickly become very friendly –f or they are quite similar in their desires of what they want to do – they are like miniature versions of Faith and Rachel – but without the stubborn streak that kept those two from becoming friends.
For the sake of her daughter, and for the sake of her niece, both Rachel and Faith attempt to tone down their rivalry . . and fail miserably. 30 years of pranks, stunts, name calling, and other antics is a long time to fall into a habit – one that won’t break easily.
Then the ‘worst of all worlds’ occurs, from both their perspectives – both end up being the adult chaperone’s on a 2 week summer camp trip – neither knowing the other was going until both showed up at the bus. Neither can now back out – they are there for the kids, Sophie and Kaycee to be specific.
After being literally caught rolling around the dirt fighting each other, the camp head informs Faith and Rachel that she’s going to make them leave if they don’t call a temporary truce. Neither wants to disappoint their blood relatives, so they attempt to restrain themselves.
Weeks pass, two to be exact. Stuff occurs, like swimming, and tackling massively huge snakes and weird scary camp visitors. And with the truce on, certain feelings leak out. And smother both of them.
A rather fun and exciting book. Hmm, exciting might not be the right word there. Well, humorous. Interesting. Fun. Enjoyable.
Rating: 4.90
February 2 2017
Well, it’s some time in ‘contemporary time’. Dates were given for some childhood scenes, but I didn’t notice a date given for ‘present time’. Let’s call it something like 2013. Small town Louisiana, 2013.
Rachel has a kid of her own now and that leads directly into being thrust into a somewhat uncomfortable position. For right next door lives Faith, and while Faith herself doesn’t have any kids of her own, her sister Patty has recently moved in and has one – right around the same age as Kaycee (Rachel’s daughter). Sophie (Patty’s daughter) and Kaycee quickly become very friendly –f or they are quite similar in their desires of what they want to do – they are like miniature versions of Faith and Rachel – but without the stubborn streak that kept those two from becoming friends.
For the sake of her daughter, and for the sake of her niece, both Rachel and Faith attempt to tone down their rivalry . . and fail miserably. 30 years of pranks, stunts, name calling, and other antics is a long time to fall into a habit – one that won’t break easily.
Then the ‘worst of all worlds’ occurs, from both their perspectives – both end up being the adult chaperone’s on a 2 week summer camp trip – neither knowing the other was going until both showed up at the bus. Neither can now back out – they are there for the kids, Sophie and Kaycee to be specific.
After being literally caught rolling around the dirt fighting each other, the camp head informs Faith and Rachel that she’s going to make them leave if they don’t call a temporary truce. Neither wants to disappoint their blood relatives, so they attempt to restrain themselves.
Weeks pass, two to be exact. Stuff occurs, like swimming, and tackling massively huge snakes and weird scary camp visitors. And with the truce on, certain feelings leak out. And smother both of them.
A rather fun and exciting book. Hmm, exciting might not be the right word there. Well, humorous. Interesting. Fun. Enjoyable.
Rating: 4.90
February 2 2017
August 22, 2018
Since childhood Rachel and Faith have hated each other. Their animosity survived into adulthood to the point that as a policewoman and firefighter their respective teams don't even work well together. When Faith's sister, Patty, moves in with her, her niece becomes best friends with her nemesis' daughter.
As per usual with Alexander's books, this is funny and entertaining with lots of witty dialogue. It's the uplifting read I could have done with six books ago and I think this author is my new go-to when I need a feel-good read. It's one of the least explicit books I've read by her and it didn't detract at all from the story.
As per usual with Alexander's books, this is funny and entertaining with lots of witty dialogue. It's the uplifting read I could have done with six books ago and I think this author is my new go-to when I need a feel-good read. It's one of the least explicit books I've read by her and it didn't detract at all from the story.
September 12, 2021
This is one of my most anticipated audiobooks ever. I read most of Robin Alexander’s novels and The Summer of Our Discontent is my favourite of all. I was always hoping for an audiobook release and now that it’s out I was ecstatic with the choice of narrator.
Faith Leblanc and Rachel Chauvin have hated each other since childhood. Frequently playing practical jokes on each other, they never considered the possibility of a friendship, let alone something more. But that’s about to change when they are forced to share two weeks together as chaperones in a girls’ summer camp…
The Summer of Our Discontent is an enemies-to-lovers novel where nothing is taken too seriously. This book is filled with the typical Robin Alexander humour full of ridiculous situations, quirky characters and funny dialogues. Here is an example:
“My momma was on the phone with her friend Ms. Kim last night, and she said that Lottie Bishop kicked her in the crouch so many times that she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to take her vibrator for a test spin again.” Kaycee shrugged. “She only rides her bike and her car. I’ve never seen her ride a vibrator. We looked in the shed where she keeps her bike, but there’s only a lawnmower in there. Do you have one we can ride?”
I cannot explain why I love this book so much, I know I’m in the minority here as this is not everyone’s favourite but my guess is that I really love both main characters with their strengths and shortcomings. Behind their childish jokes and playful banter, they hide their real feelings. Seeing them interact together is like watching a child pulling another’s hair because they have a crush on them. I love how slowly but surely, Ms. Alexander peels the characters’ defensive layers to reveal their true selves. Together they have great chemistry in love and war.
I mentioned above the choice of narrator. Lori Prince has narrated a few of this author’s books and her comedic timing is a perfect match. The book is full of ridiculous situations and one-liner jokes which Ms. Prince delivers perfectly. Her narrating pace, her distinct voices and the performance of emotions are outstanding as usual. Her delivery was exactly what I was expecting and it didn’t disappoint. A really enjoyable and fun audiobook. 5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 15 minutes
Available in Scribd
Faith Leblanc and Rachel Chauvin have hated each other since childhood. Frequently playing practical jokes on each other, they never considered the possibility of a friendship, let alone something more. But that’s about to change when they are forced to share two weeks together as chaperones in a girls’ summer camp…
The Summer of Our Discontent is an enemies-to-lovers novel where nothing is taken too seriously. This book is filled with the typical Robin Alexander humour full of ridiculous situations, quirky characters and funny dialogues. Here is an example:
“My momma was on the phone with her friend Ms. Kim last night, and she said that Lottie Bishop kicked her in the crouch so many times that she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to take her vibrator for a test spin again.” Kaycee shrugged. “She only rides her bike and her car. I’ve never seen her ride a vibrator. We looked in the shed where she keeps her bike, but there’s only a lawnmower in there. Do you have one we can ride?”
I cannot explain why I love this book so much, I know I’m in the minority here as this is not everyone’s favourite but my guess is that I really love both main characters with their strengths and shortcomings. Behind their childish jokes and playful banter, they hide their real feelings. Seeing them interact together is like watching a child pulling another’s hair because they have a crush on them. I love how slowly but surely, Ms. Alexander peels the characters’ defensive layers to reveal their true selves. Together they have great chemistry in love and war.
I mentioned above the choice of narrator. Lori Prince has narrated a few of this author’s books and her comedic timing is a perfect match. The book is full of ridiculous situations and one-liner jokes which Ms. Prince delivers perfectly. Her narrating pace, her distinct voices and the performance of emotions are outstanding as usual. Her delivery was exactly what I was expecting and it didn’t disappoint. A really enjoyable and fun audiobook. 5 stars.
Length: 6 hours, 15 minutes
Available in Scribd
July 25, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
Very funny book.
Very funny book.
May 16, 2018
4.5 stars. Just what I needed after the previous angst-filled book I read. Robin Alexander rarely disappoints and I'm glad to say that this was a hit too. Light fun as usual.
October 18, 2024
This book is easily in my top two Robin Alexander reads, right up there with Fearless. It’s a super sweet enemies-to-lovers romance between Faith and Rachel, who have hated each other since childhood. When they’re forced to co-chaperone a 10-day camp trip, their dynamic starts to shift, and what unfolds is a beautiful, slow-burn romance. The tender moments between them were heartwarming, and their banter had me smiling at my Kindle more than once!
My only gripe is with the pacing—it started off a bit slow, and then the ending felt rushed, especially the last chapter. But despite that, it was still such a lovely read overall!
My only gripe is with the pacing—it started off a bit slow, and then the ending felt rushed, especially the last chapter. But despite that, it was still such a lovely read overall!
September 23, 2021
Easy, light, full of banters and witty dialogues. Plenty of LOL moments. Go for it if that is what you want or need… god only knows I need it after a tough week.
February 14, 2024
I am late to the "Readers Who Love Robin Alexander", but after this book I'm a committed member of Alexander's fan club. I am so glad her books are available in audio. Highly recommend this one.
January 24, 2023
This book is super funny and Lori Prince did a great job narrating it. I think the narration added some extra fun to it.
September 26, 2018
This book is in my recommended books of the month
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Faith Leblanc has always had a feud with her neighbour Rachel Chauvin. After their conflict exacerbates with a series of incidents in a summer camping, a truce is called. But when peace comes, they both realise that they have things in common and feelings too. A typical book by Robin Alexander with quirky, funny characters and witty humour that will leave a smile on your face. A quintessential enemy to lovers book.
https://lezreviewbooks.com/recommende...
Faith Leblanc has always had a feud with her neighbour Rachel Chauvin. After their conflict exacerbates with a series of incidents in a summer camping, a truce is called. But when peace comes, they both realise that they have things in common and feelings too. A typical book by Robin Alexander with quirky, funny characters and witty humour that will leave a smile on your face. A quintessential enemy to lovers book.
August 23, 2025
The story as old as the hills - longtime enemies finally realise what everyone else knew all along... Good laugh with points of poignancy that made the whole tale real. Loved it.
October 13, 2021
Alexander and Prince are a winning duo. Very entertaining. Alexander in top form. Thanks Gaby for the recommendation!
July 26, 2022
this one was perfectly fine. it was a super quick listen. lori prince is lovely as always, but the only complaint i ever really have of her is the voice that she often gives to sort of cocky/goofy/butch characters--it comes across (to me, def a personal thing) as kinda grating and a tiny bit whiny and irritating, and it always makes me like that character less. it's fitting every time i encounter it, but it's just my least fav in her repertoire. and faith had a bit of that voice here, and i found her a little annoying even without it. the whole rivalry wasn't really for me--it just felt really juvenile. these women are almost 40 and they're like... wrestling? and pulling weird pranks on each other? it was fine, but it wasn't quite as charming or endearing for me.
i have a kind of hit or miss thing going on with this author, i think. a few i've really enjoyed a lot and found funny, and quirky, and rlly liked the characters. and a few of them feel like she is trying too hard to be oddball-like (and one i straight up dropped bc some of the jokes between two characters felt slightly transphobic, but i think it was an older book, and i've not ever rlly noticed anything like that in ones that i've read since, so hopefully it was a fluke). i enjoyed this one, but i didn't love it. just never quite connected with the characters as much, and though they DID know each other their whole lives, so the fact that they practically fall in love over the course of two weeks is... plausible, it still felt a lot like a real big 180, for me. other people might enjoy this one a bit more than i did, but i still had a solidly good time, just isn't gonna be among my favs.
i have a kind of hit or miss thing going on with this author, i think. a few i've really enjoyed a lot and found funny, and quirky, and rlly liked the characters. and a few of them feel like she is trying too hard to be oddball-like (and one i straight up dropped bc some of the jokes between two characters felt slightly transphobic, but i think it was an older book, and i've not ever rlly noticed anything like that in ones that i've read since, so hopefully it was a fluke). i enjoyed this one, but i didn't love it. just never quite connected with the characters as much, and though they DID know each other their whole lives, so the fact that they practically fall in love over the course of two weeks is... plausible, it still felt a lot like a real big 180, for me. other people might enjoy this one a bit more than i did, but i still had a solidly good time, just isn't gonna be among my favs.
June 24, 2013
Pennies and Virginia, funny book!
December 24, 2024
This was funny in the beginning. Not my fav Alexander book.
February 4, 2017
A quick, light, funny read. Exactly what I needed today.
August 5, 2020
Can lifelong enemies find happiness.....with each other?
I think this is my favorite Robin Alexander book. I’ve read it twice, maybe more, and it makes me laugh every time. Childhood enemies, with a colorful history, continue their shenanigans into their late thirties. One now a police officer, Rachel, and the other, Faith, a firefighter. Faith’s sister, Patty, leaves her husband and she and her young daughter, Sophie, come to live with Faith in the family home. Nearly next door, Rachel lives with her daughter Kaycee. Sophie and Kaycee meet in the backyard park and, having much in common, become instant play buddies and best friends. This relationship leads to a two week stint at summer camp with Rachel, who accompanies her daughter every year, and Faith, pressed by her sister to go with Faith’s niece, acting as chaperones. The story unfolds from there.
The characters are great and Alexander’s humor shines. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I look forward to reading it again next year.
Note: it’s next year (Aug, 2020) and I still love this book 🥰
I think this is my favorite Robin Alexander book. I’ve read it twice, maybe more, and it makes me laugh every time. Childhood enemies, with a colorful history, continue their shenanigans into their late thirties. One now a police officer, Rachel, and the other, Faith, a firefighter. Faith’s sister, Patty, leaves her husband and she and her young daughter, Sophie, come to live with Faith in the family home. Nearly next door, Rachel lives with her daughter Kaycee. Sophie and Kaycee meet in the backyard park and, having much in common, become instant play buddies and best friends. This relationship leads to a two week stint at summer camp with Rachel, who accompanies her daughter every year, and Faith, pressed by her sister to go with Faith’s niece, acting as chaperones. The story unfolds from there.
The characters are great and Alexander’s humor shines. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I look forward to reading it again next year.
Note: it’s next year (Aug, 2020) and I still love this book 🥰
October 5, 2021
You can’t go wrong with a book buy Robin Alexander. Her stories always make me laugh. Faith and Rachel have been fighting since grade school and now as adults they play pranks on each other. A trip to summer camp is going to be torture. They call a truce and really get to know each other. A sweet and funny romance that is worth listening to over and over. Lori Prince is so good. She has some of the best voices for the characters.
June 23, 2013
Fun and light read. The women's antics and misadventures are hilarious. Many lol moments throughout. A nice picker-upper for summer. :)
November 2, 2024
Can Faith and Rachel discover what they really had all along? So fun! Not only is this author/narrator duo amazing, the story itself was engaging, relatable, humorous and interesting! Also very sweet.
September 30, 2013
This is the first Robin Alexander book I read and I only picked it up because a FaceBook friend mentioned she was reading and enjoying it tremendously. I am so incredibly glad that I did!! I am a huge fan of lesfic and most of them give me great story lines, interesting characters and something to think about. The Summer of Our Discontent gave my muscle strains. I laughed so hard I was crying. I laughed so often I wasn't allowed to read it in bed. I laughed so hard that hours later I would think of one of the scenes I had read and start laughing all over again. The dialogue was right on. The characters were strong. The story line was hilarious. I seriously wish there was a higher rating than 5 stars that I could give this book. I'm almost scared to pick up another Robin Alexander book- I don't know if my laughing muscles can take it! Highly, highly recommend!
August 14, 2023
Nonsense.
I know Robin Alexander's books are well liked. This one has an average rating higher than 4 stars, and I honestly don't get the appeal.
I was excited that The Summer of Our Discontent didn't include any of Alexander's trademark vulgar old ladies and was hoping the exclusion would lead to better storytelling. It didn't. I was bored. There was great potential for a fun romance here between childhood-to-adulthood enemies, but it didn't work for me at any point.
I do wonder how much my negative feelings towards this novel are, in part, attributed to Lori Prince's performance on the audiobook. Prince is hit or miss for me and this was a massive miss. I'm not sure why she made the choices she made. And I do wonder if I would have liked Faith had I read this novel rather than listened to it.
And I think this is curtains for me with Robin Alexander's books.
I know Robin Alexander's books are well liked. This one has an average rating higher than 4 stars, and I honestly don't get the appeal.
I was excited that The Summer of Our Discontent didn't include any of Alexander's trademark vulgar old ladies and was hoping the exclusion would lead to better storytelling. It didn't. I was bored. There was great potential for a fun romance here between childhood-to-adulthood enemies, but it didn't work for me at any point.
I do wonder how much my negative feelings towards this novel are, in part, attributed to Lori Prince's performance on the audiobook. Prince is hit or miss for me and this was a massive miss. I'm not sure why she made the choices she made. And I do wonder if I would have liked Faith had I read this novel rather than listened to it.
And I think this is curtains for me with Robin Alexander's books.
September 1, 2022
I had so much fun reading this. From enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, and this is just hilarious, but it also makes you think.
The banter and sarcasm between Faith and Rachel is just my cup of tea.
Getting to know your enemy and falling for them... it made for such adorable scenes.
A police agent and a firefighter? Hot!
The banter and sarcasm between Faith and Rachel is just my cup of tea.
Getting to know your enemy and falling for them... it made for such adorable scenes.
A police agent and a firefighter? Hot!
February 4, 2021
Fun, funny and likeable characters – Robin Alexander is a fail-safe choice for a light feel-good read.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
October 30, 2021
Lori Prince is a perfect narrator and Robin Alexander never fails to make me laugh. The dialogue this author writes is always hilarious.
This story was an ENEMIES to lovers sapphic romance. I put enemies in all caps b/c it deserves to be. They were hilarious enemies, but enemies nonetheless.
Faith and Rachel have been enemies since childhood and at nearly 40 years old, nothing has changed. They are forced to be civil to each other while both chaperoning at a summer camp and more hilarity ensues.
Rachel's daughter and Faith's niece become instant friends and are a couple a cute lil characters in this story. This is a fairly short audiobook at a little over six hours but definitely worth ever penny.
This story was an ENEMIES to lovers sapphic romance. I put enemies in all caps b/c it deserves to be. They were hilarious enemies, but enemies nonetheless.
Faith and Rachel have been enemies since childhood and at nearly 40 years old, nothing has changed. They are forced to be civil to each other while both chaperoning at a summer camp and more hilarity ensues.
Rachel's daughter and Faith's niece become instant friends and are a couple a cute lil characters in this story. This is a fairly short audiobook at a little over six hours but definitely worth ever penny.
September 8, 2025
The second half of the book redeemed the first half. The enemies part was much more bullying for no reason. I get that kids, especially girls, can be vicious but carrying the behavior into adulthood and beyond is not necessary just for the sake of the story. Once Faith and Rachel get called out for their behavior at camp, I was about to DNF. But that was the turning point for the book and I really did enjoy them getting to know each other.
The kids were really funny and I did enjoy how their friendship was cemented from the time that they met. They really did set the example for the adults. No third act breakup because they didn’t really get to together until the very end and of course the story wrapped up nicely.
The kids were really funny and I did enjoy how their friendship was cemented from the time that they met. They really did set the example for the adults. No third act breakup because they didn’t really get to together until the very end and of course the story wrapped up nicely.
December 31, 2016
I loved this book so much, I was very sad when it ended! I really wish we'd gotten to see more of what Faith and Rachel were like as a couple. Loved them. And the kids!
My only complaint is that I felt like there could/should have been much more UST between Rachel and Faith. They hated each other, and then BAM... sudden switch.
But as I said, I wish there was more! I loved getting to know these characters.
My only complaint is that I felt like there could/should have been much more UST between Rachel and Faith. They hated each other, and then BAM... sudden switch.
But as I said, I wish there was more! I loved getting to know these characters.
February 18, 2017
I'd classify this as an easy beach read but not as entertaining (for me) as some of her others
March 20, 2022
Hilarious!
January 12, 2022
Robin Alexander is a consistent goto when I want a funny, southern romance. This is an enemies to lovers romance. Faith Leblanc and Rachel Chauvin have hated and bullied each other all through their childhood. It continues in their adult life, more as practical jokes as one is a police officer and the other a firefighter. Bringing their departments into the rivalry. Rachel is a single mom and when Faith’s sister and niece move in the children become instant BFF's. Both end up going with the girls as chaperones for a two week summer camp.
Alexander writes the best scenes of couples getting to know each other through questions and answers. They are always honest, endearing and funny. I listened to the story and wished it continued longer.
Alexander writes the best scenes of couples getting to know each other through questions and answers. They are always honest, endearing and funny. I listened to the story and wished it continued longer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews