Summer Encore

by Mel Walker

The boys of the band Bluer Collar return to the Seaside Music Festival in Oregon for an encore, hoping to recapture the magic that has escaped them for a year. They are a year older but not necessarily wiser.

Better, a local woman, whom Laredo shared a whirlwind romance with a summer ago, waits for his return with a surprise that will rock his world.

Hold on tight because this isn't the encore Laredo was expecting.

Summer Encore is a small town second chance romance that is part of the Summers in Seaside Series.

Genres: Second Chance

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2024

About the author

Mel Walker is an award-winning rare bird, the male romance author. Specializing in heartfelt small-town romance, he enjoys telling compelling romances with all the feels. A native New Yorker and life-long frustrated NY Mets fan, he enjoys baseball, reading, bike rides, and writing outdoors where he absorbs the energy of the city.


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormelwal...

FB Group: https://bit.ly/2qx672R
Insta: https://bit.ly/2Kx7LwJ
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/44m4qHD

Reviews

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! Laredo was not easy to like at first. The author hit the nail on the head with his character as a very arrogant musician. And then there's Betty. She's a reformed wild girl. When they first met, they clicked, but it just wasn't their time yet. What we get now is their second chance love story. Add in all the side character and this makes for a great read that will make you want to check out the other books in this series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was an emotional roller-coaster. I adored getting this chance to discover the soft, squishy heart inside the arrogant rock god we’d come to know from Laredo. It was also very special learning about what had transpired between Laredo and Betty the previous summer. This story also gave us another perspective on the events from his twin’s book, which was fascinating to see. There were some very big emotional moments that left me all choked up, so I highly recommend keeping the tissues handy, and you may want to save reading this for a time when you won’t be in public. Now that I’ve seen the lead-in for the next summer couple, it’s killing me more than a little to know that I’ll have to wait until next year to find out what’s going to happen with them.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance romance with strong characters in Betty and Laredo. The author does a great job developing their story and brings all the feels as she weaves a heartbreaking and heartwarming story. She moves it fluidly with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Michelle C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great to be back in Seaside for the annual music festival. Cue Laredo who is still his same arrogant musician self. He had no plan to return to Seaside but both he and his twin Adam have been summoned to help out another performer. Then bring in Betty who Laredo had a fling with last summer.
So many fun characters around them helping with the story and various offshoots. The main theme is Laredo and Betty and how their attraction to each other can change not only one but two or more lives.
Thanks Mel for another great story. Can’t wait till next year’s festival.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are returning to Seaside, Oregan for another summer festival. This is an easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with friendships, heartbreak, infatuation, second chances, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and sweet romance.

[JLBBM · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so fun to go back to Seaside, Oregon for the big music festival and Laredo and Betty, plus all the other residents and musicians I’ve met in past books in this series. The series, Summers in Seaside, started in the summer of 2022 with 12 books written by different authors. More books were added in 2022, 2023 and now 2024. There are now over 40 books.

This review is for Mel Walkers 2024 book Summer Encore. Laredo is the younger brother of Hailey Williams and the twin of Adam which we met in prior years. Their family band Bluer Collar disbanded when their sister signed a solo record deal. Laredo has been trying to get his own record deal but his personality and rockstar lifestyle is not what the record companies want to deal with. Laredo and Adam get an offer to go back to the Seaside Festival and work with a big star which they can’t turn down. Betty Vacarro is a Seaside local and Laredo’s wild festival fling from last year. Although both understood it was only for that week, they hadn’t forgotten about the other. Laredo has great memories, but it didn’t end as well for Betty. Will she be able to survive another festival without more heartbreak? Will Laredo realize he may be the reason he’s struggling with his music career? Will either admit their feelings for the other?

Mel Walker great storytelling had me so invested in not only the main characters, but also the side characters and made me feel like I was part of the community. He also brought in just enough back stories from the two previous books that you could easily read this as a standalone, but I recommend going back and reading the first two because they were also great stories. Can’t wait to go back to Seaside next year.

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling untouchable and having his dreams of a recording contract within his grasp Laredo finds that no one wants his showboating ego trips. When he is invited to the the music festival to help another artist change her style he realizes there is something else he should be fighting for.

He usually has a woman at every festival. They know it is a temporary setup, but all he can think about on the plane is the woman he spent a week with at last year's festival in Seaside and what he had to do to see her again.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. I haven't read Hailey and Adam's stories, but I am definitely adding them to my TBR list. This book is a bit different than other books I have read by Mel Walker that are smalltown boy/girl next door type of feel.

This book is full of angst from beginning to end and Laredo doesn't make much of an impression at the beginning except for being an egotistical a$$ who thinks everyone should bow down to his greatness. But he gets several reality checks and his character really grew to be someone you love.

This second-chance romance is action-packed, full of suspense and smoking hot. I can't wait to read Betty's firecracker friend Olivia's story. Highly recommend!

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved venturing into Seaside, Oregon again. This Summers of Seaside world filled with incredible stories by talented authors have been such a joy to read.
Laredo hopes to run into Betty, the girl that stole his heart in a whirlwind week last summer at the annual music festival. A second chance at love and a place to belong that he only felt with her and during his time in Seaside.
A lot of growing as a person, becoming humble and comfortable away from the solo spotlight for Laredo as he tends to let his ego get the best of him.
Betty, once so wild and carefree, now a small mouse, hiding in the corner needing to be brought out of the shadows and back into the carefree person she once used to be. These two tugged on my heartstrings and made me a little emotional at times.
I've loved reading the stories of each sibling, Hailey, Adam and Laredo, and their band Bluer Collar. Summer Encore can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading Summer Sounds (Hailey's book) and Summer Nights (Adam's book).

[Donna Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laredo and Betty.
I must admit I really didn’t like Laredo before his book. He is cocky, arrogant and only thinks of himself. His previous summer at Seaside started to change him but he just didn’t realize it. Betty is that reason. She makes him want to do better and be better. The journey he makes in this book is amazing. At the begging, I don’t know if I would have continued reading but I knew Mel Walker had something bigger for Laredo. And boy did he deliver.
Betty is complicated as well. Her pervious summer spent carefree with Laredo came with consequences. Part of that was realizing her carefree ways weren’t responsible ways( at least according to her mother). But she is trying to be better to be an example for her sister. I don’t know if I totally agree with that one but she has to find her own balance in life. Laredo reminds her of what was and in him she can see what can be.
These two grow so much over a course of a few weeks. They realize what’s really important and who is important. Together they support each other and the dreams they think they want.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for another Seaside Musical Festival, and once again the musicians are very entertaining. Laredo and Betty shared a super hot fling the year before, but agreed that it would only be going on until he left. Betty changed quite a bit since the year before, so when Laredo comes back, he's not sure what's going on. He never does an encore with any lady, however, Betty is definitely an exception to the rule as he never stopped thinking about her. He's also needing to find himself as a musician since music career is not going very far. He wants to see her again while she wants nothing to do with him so he’s got his work cut out for him, but he’s up for the task so he keeps wearing her down bit by bit. On top of that, his twin has some stuff going on and her bestie, Olivia, also has some stuff going on. (I CANNOT WAIT for her story). Will Laredo actually find himself in order to figure out what he needs to do in life, not to mention winning Betty over? Well you have to read the book to find out and trust me you want to read it! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great addition to the Summers of Seaside series. Laredo is a singer. He comes to Seaside to the music festive to perform each summer. One summer he comes and spends the whole week with Betty. These two have quite the week and Laredo leaving is bittersweet. But possibly for the best. But Laredo ends up coming back the next summer. Betty doesnt know how to feel because she is hiding quite the secret from him. What a secret indeed. Can Laredo and Betty get past everything and find their way to love each other again? This was a very interesting loveable story about second chances. I absolutely loved Laredo and Betty and the chemistry you can easily see that they have. Enjoyable from beginning to end with a great storyline. I voluntarily read an ARC and the opinions in this review are my own.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stepping back into the beloved Summers in Seaside Collection with "Summer Encore" by Mel Walker is like returning home. This instalment delivers a heartfelt second chance romance between Betty and Laredo, a member of the famed family band, Blue Collar, whose members have already captivated us with their own stories.

"Summer Encore" is an emotional journey that keeps you rooting for once-outgoing Betty to reclaim her light and joy. Laredo has never forgotten the magical week he spent with Betty a year ago, and now, back in town, he hopes to rekindle the connection with the girl who stole his heart.

This heartwarming tale is perfect for a sunny day, filled with the charm of second chances and the promise of new beginnings. Mel Walker's storytelling will sweep you off your feet and make you believe in the power of love all over again.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laredo was at the Seaside Festival last year, the last time he and his brother played with their sister. She has no gone on to a solo career and his is not what he thought it would be. He is now back and cannot wait to see Betty, the woman he spent last year with.

Betty had a fling with Laredo last year but due some events she has changed her life and is hiding from him. Some how seems to find her and upend her world.

Laredo has not had an easy year but the one thing he knows for sure, he needs Betty in his life. He is not sure what the looks like yet but he is ready to do what needs to be done. He just needs to convince her. Laredo experiences a lot of growth in this story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Encore is the third installment in the Summers in Seaside series. Summer Encore is a charming, suspenseful, and a page-turner. Summer Encore is the story about Betty and Laredo which is an absolutely fantastic book. Summer Encore is entertaining, enjoyable, interesting, and just an absolute joy to read. The characters were well-developed and beautifully executed throughout the book. Summer Encore is the first book that I have read by Author Mel Walker and she did NOT disappoint me in anyway whatsoever with her story. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kamila Mykhailiuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this anthology. Amazing characters and wonderful plots. Very beautifully written and easy to read.

Laredo along with his band returns to the Seaside Music Festival in Oregon for an encore. Hoping to find what he is missing for the past year. But what he finds will rock his world to the core. Betty Vacarro is the woman with whom he had a whirlwind romance last summer. She has for him one big surprise. I loved their chemistry and passion. They were made for each other.

Overall I loved this book. If you’re looking for a second chance, small town, musician romance then you’re going to love it.

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Seaside, Oregon for another hot festival that will surely knock your socks off with the wild emotional ride that is Laredo and Betty’s story. This story grabs you from start to finish and you just have to know how things will play out because these two had a fun summer fling last year and while Laredo thought things were left on a mutual great note, that’s not the case for Betty. While they try to navigate this new reality can they find a way to make things work or will they be left with a “what could have been” situation? This was such a great read with a lot of emotions, fun times, and characters we have come to love showing up here and there bringing more love to this series.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Summertime Read!

It was great to return to Seaside and the infamous Summer Music Festival. After Summer Nights and Summer Sounds, I have to admit I wasn't very fond of Laredo but I was very hopeful knowing Mel wouldn't let me down. I enjoyed seeing Laredo in a different light, while he still has is cocky and doing things his own way, he has definitely changed. I liked Betty for him, she was fun and had a big heart. I loved how they worked together to feed the community, engaging the Summer Festival to make a difference.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

They had a one week thing when he came into town to play at the annual music festival. That was all it was and would ever be. The past year had been tough for both of them trying to continue on different paths, but they both left a piece of themselves with the other. They both had many lows, and he was invited back to the festival with another band hoping he would see her again. It didn’t take long for their paths to cross. One huge secret, layers peeled back, and wall crumbled gave them their HEA once he proved he wasn’t go anywhere especially with his reputation.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately I was loving this read. I'm always a fan of a second chance, and digging in to Laredo and Betty was a highlight. I loved that they have a pull to each other. They are both strong characters that are easily lovable. Of course, he's the musician, maybe with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, but that works into his character, and how that is handled as the story progresses. I love their friends and family, and how they all connect so easily. I am absolutely looking forward to the next release from this author in this world!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Isabel Debono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a 4.5⭐️ read
So fun being back in Seaside again for the annual music festival.
It was so good catching up with characters we have met before and having Laredo and Betty reunite.
There is lots of chemistry between our two mains but can they turn a fling into something more?
This second chance romance will keep you enthralled and invested the story from beginning to end.

I was given a complimentary copy but voluntarily chose to review

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Driftwood Memories

Second chances and returning to Seaside was not on the initial agenda for Laredo when he agreed to come to town for the festival. However, memories of Driftwood and his week with Betty last summer changes the course of his perception. I really enjoyed reading his development as a character and how he could no longer ignore his feelings. This was charming story which really had fun vibe.

I received an ARC of this book and voluntarily leave this review.

[Danielle Coon-Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Mel and I was not disappointed. I absolutely loved Betty and Laredo! There is so much chemistry between them and you will get all the emotions with this one. Make sure to grab the tissues! I will warn you though, Laredo is not the easiest person to like at the beginning. He has a very arrogant attitude and definitely fits the rockstar persona. But by the end you will be so in love with him!

Thanks for the early read!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laredo can't seem to get Betty out of his mind. He has returned to Seaside for the annual music festival and is eager to reconnect with her. Betty is attempting to ignore Laredo, but it's not going well, especially after hearing that he's staying in Seaside. This story is sweet and has plenty of romance, ending in a HEA. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VicciReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a wonderful read. I love this series. I feel invested in this family. So glad that we finally got Laredo’s story. I will not give spoilers. This was my favorite in the series by far. It is a wonderful book that pulls on your heartstrings and makes you fall in love . Give this book a read. You will not be disappointed!

[Teri Ruscak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel Walker
Summer Encore: Part of the Summers of Seaside Series
Laredo and Betty
Oh, Author Mel Walker takes us through a lot of feels in this book! I love it! And the way these two 'grow up' and become better people and true to themselves is awesome to watch!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Debbie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been loving the Summers in Seaside series and Summer Encore is no exception! The chemistry between Betty and Laredo is palpable and I love the other characters! This is the first book I’ve read by Mel Walker and I can’t wait to go back and read his previous Summer in Seaside books with Hailey and Adam. I highly recommend!

[Vilma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betty Vaccaro and Laredo Williams are supposed to be a one night stand, that turns into a one week stand during a music festival. And when the festival ends, Laredo leaves.

He’s not supposed to return the next year, but he doesn’t and they slowly rekindle their relationship.

It’s a sweet romance about second chances.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Mel Walker; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is part of the Summers in Seaside Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book. The story is about Betty & Laredo.

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love always wins

Betty knows how to turn a lost boy around...she just wasn't aware of it. This was a musicians, love them and leave them, find yourself type of book, that was written very well with great characters and a superb storyline.

[Denise Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is the best singer romance I have ever read ! Betty had a fling with Laredo the previous summer . He has been trying to get his big break for his career. The author has brought tears to my eyes while reading this . I love the community and characters in this story !