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Summer #1
Single in vacanza
Ancora sotto l'ala protettiva (e ansiosa) dei genitori, Summer Hartwell si ritrova suo malgrado trascinata in una crociera da incubo con la sua famiglia.
Tra improbabili appuntamenti al buio organizzati dai genitori e l'insopportabile presenza del migliore amico di suo fratello, la settimana si preannuncia davvero disastrosa.
Quello che Summer non si aspetta però, è che proprio Graham, con la sua fastidiosa aria da latin lover e il fascino magnetico, le farà vivere una vacanza indimenticabile.
Tra improbabili appuntamenti al buio organizzati dai genitori e l'insopportabile presenza del migliore amico di suo fratello, la settimana si preannuncia davvero disastrosa.
Quello che Summer non si aspetta però, è che proprio Graham, con la sua fastidiosa aria da latin lover e il fascino magnetico, le farà vivere una vacanza indimenticabile.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2015
842 people are currently reading
2304 people want to read
About the author
Beth Labonte
15 books369 followersBeth Labonte received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She worked as an administrative assistant for fourteen years, turning to writing as her creative outlet in an excruciatingly mundane corporate world. Beth now writes full-time and resides in Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
April 16, 2017
I was looking for some light reading when I came across this book. It is definitely chick lit status, but it was a cute story that was well written and made me laugh out loud a few times.
June 13, 2020
Summer at Sea was recommended to me by two friends who said that the book was a riot, and they weren't wrong! To start with, the premise is very clever and original. Heroine Summer Hartwell, a twentysomething school librarian who still lives with her parents, is joining her mom and dad on a week-long cruise to Bermuda paid for by her brother. Although she's not thrilled to be traveling with her clingy, multi-phobic parents, she sees the cruise as an opportunity to meet a man with long-term potential, one who could help her start living her own life. Unfortunately, Summer's quest for an onboard romance is hampered by not only her drama-causing parents, but the presence of Graham, her brother's bestie a.k.a. the guy who unknowingly crushed her fragile, adolescent heart. When Graham challenges Summer to flout her parents' wishes and take a walk on the wild side, she decides to go for it and soon she's doing all sorts of crazy (and wonderful!) things she never thought she would, including falling head over flip-flops in love.
This story was such a fun, fast-paced, and entertaining read! I laughed until I cried over so many bits in the book involving Summer's parents and the string of losers she encounters on the boat. and I totally swooned over Graham, who was the perfect combination of quirky (he has a fondness for LOUD shirts), sweet, irreverent, and sexy. I still chuckle every time I think about how Graham and Eric (Summer's AWOL brother) made their money and how Graham seemed to attract cougars everywhere he went. Summer comes a long way from the beginning of the book until the end, and it was nice to see her develop and mature.
I thoroughly enjoyed Beth Labonte's writing style (it's perfect for the genre as she can find the humor in just about any situation and is a pro at building romantic tension) and I'm so happy to have discovered her work. I have already downloaded her previous book, What Stays in Vegas, and look forward to reading it very soon.
This story was such a fun, fast-paced, and entertaining read! I laughed until I cried over so many bits in the book involving Summer's parents and the string of losers she encounters on the boat. and I totally swooned over Graham, who was the perfect combination of quirky (he has a fondness for LOUD shirts), sweet, irreverent, and sexy. I still chuckle every time I think about how Graham and Eric (Summer's AWOL brother) made their money and how Graham seemed to attract cougars everywhere he went. Summer comes a long way from the beginning of the book until the end, and it was nice to see her develop and mature.
I thoroughly enjoyed Beth Labonte's writing style (it's perfect for the genre as she can find the humor in just about any situation and is a pro at building romantic tension) and I'm so happy to have discovered her work. I have already downloaded her previous book, What Stays in Vegas, and look forward to reading it very soon.
January 24, 2016
Well, this wasn't half bad. I have a bone to pick with writers of chick-lit, though. Why do all the female leads in this genre of books suffer from low self esteem? I mean, I know that you need a reason to get the guy and girl together, but is making her a doormat the only way to do it?
February 25, 2016
I am seriously starting to think about not downloading amazon freebies anymore. So many are just crap and I cannot bring myself to keep reading. This one is no different. The main character is supposed to be an adult but she acts like she is 13. Still lives with her parents and can’t leave until she gets married so now she is desperately looking for a husband. This is a contemporary not a historical, women don’t need to live with their parents until marriage. Then she is so annoyingly immature and childish that I want to smack the crap out of her. She is mean to her parents and embarrassed by them, she is just so unpleasant. Then the “love interest” is her brothers best friend Graham and I wonder why he even likes her. Her mom gets anxiety about getting on the ship and instead of being an adult and a good daughter she totally ignores her and does nothing then gets upset when Graham gets compliments for being such a comfort for helping her mom calm down. She literally thinks to herself it’s not fair. Like I said childish.
And can we stop with the “he is so hot that every woman who lays eyes on him throws herself at him while treating the female he is with like crap” In this case a bunch of women in their forties push her away from him on the dance floor and shoot daggers at her. Seriously?
And can we stop with the “he is so hot that every woman who lays eyes on him throws herself at him while treating the female he is with like crap” In this case a bunch of women in their forties push her away from him on the dance floor and shoot daggers at her. Seriously?
May 23, 2023
When Summer Hartwell - a twenty-six year old librarian still living with her neurotic, overbearing parents - gets a chance to escape from them for a little while on a holiday cruise, she's determined to seize the moment, explore all her opportunities and find herself a husband so she can escape the parental home at last. But things don't go to plan when Summer ends up having to share a cabin with her brother's best friend and business partner, Graham, who weirdly seems to like spending time with her and her parents.
This was a silly, funny closed door romance that, like all of Beth LaBonte's books do, delivered some seasonal atmosphere, and honestly made me love my family even more than I do because thank god they are not like Summer's parents. Good god.
While the parents are definitely the funny factor in this book from Summer's mom's reactions to pretty much everything, and her dad's passive - dare I say creepiness - but his will to rebel a little as well away from his suffocating wife, there are times it's downright painful to read about them and I just found Summer a little bit pathetic for putting up with it for so long. She treated her parents like they were in their eighties, and they in turn treated her like she was 13 years old. And while her dad is funny, her mom is basically a full on Karen and extremely unpleasant in her shriekiness most of the time.
I did however really like Graham because girl, if a man as good looking, nice and rich as that is happy to spend all that time with your crazy folks, yes please god marry him. I'm looking forward to the next two books to see how Summer, Graham and the parents all deal with upcoming marriages and babies and it will certainly be a good time.
This was a silly, funny closed door romance that, like all of Beth LaBonte's books do, delivered some seasonal atmosphere, and honestly made me love my family even more than I do because thank god they are not like Summer's parents. Good god.
While the parents are definitely the funny factor in this book from Summer's mom's reactions to pretty much everything, and her dad's passive - dare I say creepiness - but his will to rebel a little as well away from his suffocating wife, there are times it's downright painful to read about them and I just found Summer a little bit pathetic for putting up with it for so long. She treated her parents like they were in their eighties, and they in turn treated her like she was 13 years old. And while her dad is funny, her mom is basically a full on Karen and extremely unpleasant in her shriekiness most of the time.
I did however really like Graham because girl, if a man as good looking, nice and rich as that is happy to spend all that time with your crazy folks, yes please god marry him. I'm looking forward to the next two books to see how Summer, Graham and the parents all deal with upcoming marriages and babies and it will certainly be a good time.
August 31, 2015
This was very good. I really enjoyed it and actually laughed out loud several times which I rarely do with any book (or movie unless I'm high... I have no problem LOL'ing when I'm high...but I was not high when I read this and believe it or not, I'm not high now...lol).
Quick Rundown: Completely Beat Down by her Parents Chick is forced to go on a week long cruise with them and her brother's best friend, paid for by her newly successful brother. She thinks this is going to be a tedious but great opportunity to meet Mr. Right and maybe finally get out from under her parents thumb. It turns into a life changer for everyone involved.
Characterization: Top Notch. No complaints and was very impressed by the variety of individuals and the not so perfect Dude who has a penchant for neon colors. Secondary characters were great. Absolutely no complaints!
Plot: This was new for me. I've never read a vacation story where the Chick goes through life changing lessons, where the parents grow and where the romance comes from an unexpected source. The romance is predictable, mind you, but never have I read a book so complete with character growth all the way around. And anyone who has gotten to the point in your lives where you are the parent and the parents are now the children, you will relate to this Chick even if your parents aren't this level of crazy. There was one scene with the Dad and his phone....just totally spot on and hilarious. I'm still giggling thinking about that scene. The author painted little details like that just so perfectly. And I usually don't like so much attention on the parents in my romance but these two characters were just so amusing, I was enjoying reading about them.
Overall: This is a big win for me and there's so much meat to this book. For a free Kindle Unlimited read, you just can't anything better. Very funny, very relatable and very good, fluffy read!
Quick Rundown: Completely Beat Down by her Parents Chick is forced to go on a week long cruise with them and her brother's best friend, paid for by her newly successful brother. She thinks this is going to be a tedious but great opportunity to meet Mr. Right and maybe finally get out from under her parents thumb. It turns into a life changer for everyone involved.
Characterization: Top Notch. No complaints and was very impressed by the variety of individuals and the not so perfect Dude who has a penchant for neon colors. Secondary characters were great. Absolutely no complaints!
Plot: This was new for me. I've never read a vacation story where the Chick goes through life changing lessons, where the parents grow and where the romance comes from an unexpected source. The romance is predictable, mind you, but never have I read a book so complete with character growth all the way around. And anyone who has gotten to the point in your lives where you are the parent and the parents are now the children, you will relate to this Chick even if your parents aren't this level of crazy. There was one scene with the Dad and his phone....just totally spot on and hilarious. I'm still giggling thinking about that scene. The author painted little details like that just so perfectly. And I usually don't like so much attention on the parents in my romance but these two characters were just so amusing, I was enjoying reading about them.
Overall: This is a big win for me and there's so much meat to this book. For a free Kindle Unlimited read, you just can't anything better. Very funny, very relatable and very good, fluffy read!
August 28, 2017
Summer at Sea is the best romantic comedy book I've read in a long time. Maybe it's because Summer's parents reminded me of my own (sorry, Mom, if you're reading this), or because Summer was relatable, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were parts that not only made me laugh out loud (the parents' ridiculously huge duffel bag, for one), but there were a handful of scenes that actually had me in hysterics. The romance was insanely cute, and I was rooting for Graham the entire time. My only concern with the storyline was that Summer felt that she had to get married in order to move out of her parents' home. However, the author makes up for this by having the main character acknowledge the ridiculousness of this, and by reinforcing just how much Summer doesn't like disappointing or disobeying her parents. All around, a great summer beach read! I look forward to checking out the other books in this series!
May 4, 2015
What a fun book! Summer Hartwell takes off on an exotic cruise with her family. Just to make things interesting, her brother's best friend, Graham, tags along. Summer has had a long-held romantic interest in Graham but that romantic interest has never flourished due to an old misunderstanding between the two young people. Thinking that boat has long since sailed, Summer's plan is to meet as many men as possible during the cruise and hopefully find someone who'll sweep her off her feet. But Graham has other plans. He aims to get those old misunderstandings resolved. With that out of the way, he's gonna start working to win Summer's heart.
A delightfully entertaining story of romance and self-discovery.
A delightfully entertaining story of romance and self-discovery.
July 28, 2024
Kindle freebie. Lots of comedic moments and it was making me laugh, especially at the beginning, but there was content/innuendo I didn’t like.
August 20, 2015
I was gifted a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Eve Hartwell is tired of living with her neurotic parents, but knowing that her mum will have a heart attack if she leaves before she is married, she is guilt-ridden into staying.
When her rich brother, who made his fortune on a ‘Fart App’, invites the family on a cruise to Bermuda, Summer sees this as the perfect opportunity to find herself a husband.
However, when her brother doesn’t turn up and she finds herself sharing a cabin with Graham, her brother’s sexy best friend and co-owner of the Fart App, she starts to wonder how she will ever manage to find the man of her dreams.
Summer is a wonderful, funny, witty character who feels that it’s up to her to try to keep some normality in her parent’s lives, even if they do insist that she wears a jumper on the beach, or takes 75 pairs of underwear on holiday!
She is scared of hurting them, so she goes along with everything that they want of her, even if that means that she is living their life, not hers.
I did feel sorry for her, but the way in which she dealt with her parent’s strange obsessions had me laughing out loud.
Her parent’s behaviour would drive me mad, but they made for amazing characters that I immediately fell in love with. They had me giggling like a school girl, and sighing at some of the things that they said or did, and at times they were properly cringe-worthy.
Graham is rich and successful, as well as being sexy. He thinks a lot of Summer and wants to show her that she can stand up to her parents with a series of small adventures. He also tries to prove to her that she doesn’t need a man to whisk her off into the sunset just to get away from home.
From the off I was hoping that Graham and Summer would get it together as you can see how perfect they would be together, if only Summer could see what Graham is really like, and not who she thinks he is, according to his ‘Facebook’ page.
I loved the book, right from the very first paragraph, and found myself being deeply immersed into Summer’s life. I read the book whilst lying by the pool on holiday, blissfully reading away, ignoring the rest of the world.
Beth Labonte knows how to make the reader feel enlightened and amused, as well as engaged with the characters, and I can’t wait to read her other book What Stays in Vegas.
www.whisperingstories.com
Summer Eve Hartwell is tired of living with her neurotic parents, but knowing that her mum will have a heart attack if she leaves before she is married, she is guilt-ridden into staying.
When her rich brother, who made his fortune on a ‘Fart App’, invites the family on a cruise to Bermuda, Summer sees this as the perfect opportunity to find herself a husband.
However, when her brother doesn’t turn up and she finds herself sharing a cabin with Graham, her brother’s sexy best friend and co-owner of the Fart App, she starts to wonder how she will ever manage to find the man of her dreams.
Summer is a wonderful, funny, witty character who feels that it’s up to her to try to keep some normality in her parent’s lives, even if they do insist that she wears a jumper on the beach, or takes 75 pairs of underwear on holiday!
She is scared of hurting them, so she goes along with everything that they want of her, even if that means that she is living their life, not hers.
I did feel sorry for her, but the way in which she dealt with her parent’s strange obsessions had me laughing out loud.
Her parent’s behaviour would drive me mad, but they made for amazing characters that I immediately fell in love with. They had me giggling like a school girl, and sighing at some of the things that they said or did, and at times they were properly cringe-worthy.
Graham is rich and successful, as well as being sexy. He thinks a lot of Summer and wants to show her that she can stand up to her parents with a series of small adventures. He also tries to prove to her that she doesn’t need a man to whisk her off into the sunset just to get away from home.
From the off I was hoping that Graham and Summer would get it together as you can see how perfect they would be together, if only Summer could see what Graham is really like, and not who she thinks he is, according to his ‘Facebook’ page.
I loved the book, right from the very first paragraph, and found myself being deeply immersed into Summer’s life. I read the book whilst lying by the pool on holiday, blissfully reading away, ignoring the rest of the world.
Beth Labonte knows how to make the reader feel enlightened and amused, as well as engaged with the characters, and I can’t wait to read her other book What Stays in Vegas.
www.whisperingstories.com
June 18, 2015
I haven’t had this much fun reading a book in a long time. Between Summer’s complete lack of judgement with men to her parents paranoid escapades, Beth Labonte had me laughing from page one. Although there is some romance, this story is more about Summer’s journey to independence. It was interesting learning how much she is sacrificed for her parents and how she learns to be more independent.
Summer at Sea is the second book by Beth Labonte, I have read. The previous book I read is called What Stays in Vegas. After reading these two different stories, one thing I found to be similar was the fact that both main characters were very relatable to me. I definitely share a sarcastic sense of humour with Summer. However the most ironic thing of all Is that fact that I am getting ready to go on vacation with my own parents.. and we are going on a boat! Thankfully my parents are very different and not as paranoid as Summer’s.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a funny beach (or cruise) read. Summer at Sea is a book I would read again and again. I’m looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.
For my complete review of Summer at Sea visit my blog:
http://mlsmanyreads.blogspot.ca/2015/...
Summer at Sea is the second book by Beth Labonte, I have read. The previous book I read is called What Stays in Vegas. After reading these two different stories, one thing I found to be similar was the fact that both main characters were very relatable to me. I definitely share a sarcastic sense of humour with Summer. However the most ironic thing of all Is that fact that I am getting ready to go on vacation with my own parents.. and we are going on a boat! Thankfully my parents are very different and not as paranoid as Summer’s.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a funny beach (or cruise) read. Summer at Sea is a book I would read again and again. I’m looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next.
For my complete review of Summer at Sea visit my blog:
http://mlsmanyreads.blogspot.ca/2015/...
September 14, 2015
Full review to be posted on The Cubicle Escapee
So a little back story as to why I choose this book. I just took a cruise with my parents, when I came across this book. The description made me laugh and I was like oh yeah this is the perfect book for me to read while at sea.
This book quickly found it's place on my favorites list sure it had a predictable outcome, but you know what I do NOT care I loved every minute of this book.
So a little back story as to why I choose this book. I just took a cruise with my parents, when I came across this book. The description made me laugh and I was like oh yeah this is the perfect book for me to read while at sea.
This book quickly found it's place on my favorites list sure it had a predictable outcome, but you know what I do NOT care I loved every minute of this book.
October 29, 2019
This book was free and i figured why not it sounded amusing... Well i wasn't disappointed i was literally laughing out loud through most of the book. Don't get me wrong the plot seemed obvious from the beginning but the humour made this book what it is. Its a sad start but even then its pretty hilarious...
All i can say is read this book its AMAZING!
I will definitely be getting the next book in the series :)
All i can say is read this book its AMAZING!
I will definitely be getting the next book in the series :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2018
I love this cover so so much!! I found Beth through "Pumpkin Everything" really enjoyed her writing style in that read and knew I had to check another read out from her. series. I enjoy all the laughter and fun throughout the read. so fun!! I am really enjoying Beth's writing style. so awesome!! more from her I know it soon ... can't wait! ( :
April 26, 2017
I liked this book. The writing was funny AND the narration was great! I love her quirky parents and Graham was cool. I didnt like the whole 'I set this up all along' thing buy other Than that it was a great read.
May 12, 2015
3.5 cute story, Summer's parents are hilarious and crazy. Easy read.
May 24, 2015
I didn't want this book to end. Well written and the story line didn't drag out
January 28, 2016
laugh out loud hilarious!
July 28, 2019
A light and funny romance that is a perfect read by the pool.
July 2, 2020
This book made me laugh from the very beginning. It was such a fun read. Summer's parents reminded me of my own over-the-top parents at times.
Summer is a 26 year old middle school librarian who still lives with her anxiety filled parents. The beginning of the book starts as Summer and her parents are packing for a week-long cruise to Bermuda that was paid for by her brother. After finding out that her brother canceled and her brothers best friend, Graham, will be taking his place. Her brother and Graham are successful business partners after they created an app that farts. (This was referenced throughout the book...and it was funny every time)
Quote from book: “What was all that talk about listening to Michael Bolton in the bathtub? Is that what you do when you get home from a long day of building fart apps?”
Summer decides that she's going to use this opportunity to meet her future husband on board this ship. She has known Graham since they were kids. He crushed her heart when he agreed to take her to prom, but started dating someone else. Graham is so patient with Summers crazy parents, but sees how they treat her like a baby. He challenges her to stand up for herself and start living life instead of not doing things in fear that she will hurt her parents. As Graham and Summer spend time together doing things from riding a jet ski to getting a tattoo, her feelings start growing for Graham.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quirky and funny. The story line flowed nicely. I liked reading how the characters grew. I will be reading the next book.
Summer is a 26 year old middle school librarian who still lives with her anxiety filled parents. The beginning of the book starts as Summer and her parents are packing for a week-long cruise to Bermuda that was paid for by her brother. After finding out that her brother canceled and her brothers best friend, Graham, will be taking his place. Her brother and Graham are successful business partners after they created an app that farts. (This was referenced throughout the book...and it was funny every time)
Quote from book: “What was all that talk about listening to Michael Bolton in the bathtub? Is that what you do when you get home from a long day of building fart apps?”
Summer decides that she's going to use this opportunity to meet her future husband on board this ship. She has known Graham since they were kids. He crushed her heart when he agreed to take her to prom, but started dating someone else. Graham is so patient with Summers crazy parents, but sees how they treat her like a baby. He challenges her to stand up for herself and start living life instead of not doing things in fear that she will hurt her parents. As Graham and Summer spend time together doing things from riding a jet ski to getting a tattoo, her feelings start growing for Graham.
I really enjoyed this book. It was quirky and funny. The story line flowed nicely. I liked reading how the characters grew. I will be reading the next book.
August 5, 2022
Summer at Sea will have you giggling out loud!
Twenty-five-year-old librarian, Summer Hartwell, is aching to leave home, stretch her wings and get a boyfriend. When her brother makes it big with an app development and treats the family to a luxury cruise, Summer has visions of finding Mr. Right at sea. I mean, he’s got to be among the 2000 passengers, right?! Instead, she’s roped into caring for her strict and anxiety-ridden parents and sharing a room with her brother’s business partner when he cancels at the last minute. Escaping them all is not as easy as she thought…
An avid cruiser, I was able to envision the hilarity and the drama at sea as I’ve often watched first-time cruisers learning how to assimilate to onboard life. Reading this while on a cruise ship, I could easily pick out several couples and tag them as ‘Mr and Mrs Hartwell’!!! Author Beth Labonte is not far off in sharing their escapades.
It’s set in Boston, Massachusetts and includes a Bermuda cruise itinerary. The characters are fantastic, the giggles and antics plentiful and it’ll leave you eager to read the sequel, ‘Summer at Sunset.’
Like Summer, this is a summer on the seas I’ll never forget, either. Heading off on a cruise? Looking for a quick rom-com? This is exactly what you need.
Twenty-five-year-old librarian, Summer Hartwell, is aching to leave home, stretch her wings and get a boyfriend. When her brother makes it big with an app development and treats the family to a luxury cruise, Summer has visions of finding Mr. Right at sea. I mean, he’s got to be among the 2000 passengers, right?! Instead, she’s roped into caring for her strict and anxiety-ridden parents and sharing a room with her brother’s business partner when he cancels at the last minute. Escaping them all is not as easy as she thought…
An avid cruiser, I was able to envision the hilarity and the drama at sea as I’ve often watched first-time cruisers learning how to assimilate to onboard life. Reading this while on a cruise ship, I could easily pick out several couples and tag them as ‘Mr and Mrs Hartwell’!!! Author Beth Labonte is not far off in sharing their escapades.
It’s set in Boston, Massachusetts and includes a Bermuda cruise itinerary. The characters are fantastic, the giggles and antics plentiful and it’ll leave you eager to read the sequel, ‘Summer at Sunset.’
Like Summer, this is a summer on the seas I’ll never forget, either. Heading off on a cruise? Looking for a quick rom-com? This is exactly what you need.
June 13, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I listened to it and read along on my Kindle. Summer could be my friend. Having been on vacation with my parents, I found much of this funny. I think it would make a fun beach read.
April 7, 2020
A little long winded in the story telling
June 9, 2021
Just okay for me. Started off great. I enjoyed the humor but then it sort of tapered off and became monotonous.
April 21, 2023
A light and funny romantic comedy. Perfect for a reading slump and a brain that hasn’t been able to concentrate lately.
March 24, 2016
I actually have this as an audio book.
I love this book and and the author. This was a nice clean read, that was funny and highly entertaining. I had a few LOL moments. My kids even enjoyed listening to it when they were stuck with me in the car.
Written as a single pov of Summer. She is a 20 something woman that has lived with her overbearing parents all her life and is looking for an escape. She thinks she'll find that escape on the cruise ship in the form of a future husband. What she doesn't realize is it's not going to be easy. We see the comical struggles that she has to deal with concerning her parents, herself and Graham, her brothers best friend.
Awesome storyline, great characters, good descriptions to details and just overall entertaining!
HFN ending. I would love to see a sequel of these two. They were just so darn cute together. I have both of Beth Labonte's books on Audible and I hope she releases more soon. I have loved both of her books and they make for good listening in the car.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
I love this book and and the author. This was a nice clean read, that was funny and highly entertaining. I had a few LOL moments. My kids even enjoyed listening to it when they were stuck with me in the car.
Written as a single pov of Summer. She is a 20 something woman that has lived with her overbearing parents all her life and is looking for an escape. She thinks she'll find that escape on the cruise ship in the form of a future husband. What she doesn't realize is it's not going to be easy. We see the comical struggles that she has to deal with concerning her parents, herself and Graham, her brothers best friend.
Awesome storyline, great characters, good descriptions to details and just overall entertaining!
HFN ending. I would love to see a sequel of these two. They were just so darn cute together. I have both of Beth Labonte's books on Audible and I hope she releases more soon. I have loved both of her books and they make for good listening in the car.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
February 4, 2018
DNF at 40%. I was looking for something light and fluffy, but this just wasn't worth my time anymore. The main character needs to grow up, and the parents were very annoying. I just didn't care for the author's writing style and her attempts to be funny.
May 29, 2024
Single In Vacanza è un bellissimo e divertentissimo romanzo che mi ha fatto ridere, regalato buon umore e fatto battere forte il cuore perché ha proprio quel livello di romanticismo che piace tanto a me.
L’autrice è stata bravissima a caratterizzare i personaggi e a dare loro il giusto spessore. E non ho timore di dire che mi sono invaghita tantissimo di Graham, un uomo ricco di fascino e un amico eccezionale.
Summer ha ventisei anni e vive con i suoi – ansiosi – genitori. Quando suo fratello regala a lei e ai suoi genitori una crociera alle Bermuda, Summer non può tirarsi indietro e la giovane è convinta che sarà una vacanza tutt’altro che rilassante.
Ma non tutto il male vien per nuocere e Summer decide che questa crociera sarà anche l’occasione per provare a conoscere gente nuova e, forse, trovare anche l’amore. La presenza di Graham, però, migliore amico di suo fratello, potrebbe complicare non poco le cose.
Quello che Summer non immagina è che potrebbe essere proprio l’amico di sempre a spingerla a uscire dalla sua comfort zone e a farle vivere una vacanza indimenticabile.
Il personaggio di Summer mi è piaciuto proprio tantissimo; è una giovane donna intelligente, simpatica, ironica, dolce e divertente. Per tutta la sua vita ha sempre cercato di non dare ��dispiaceri” ai suoi genitori anche se, così facendo, si trova a vivere un’esistenza che non la soddisfa. Grazie a Graham e alla sua influenza positiva, anche i suoi genitori lo adorano, Summer ha la possibilità di riscoprire sé stessa e, forse, trovare anche l’amore proprio quando e dove meno se lo aspetta.
Ad accompagnarla in questa avventura è proprio Graham Blenderman, il migliore amico di suo fratello e che conosce Summer praticamente da sempre.
Decide di unirsi alla famiglia Hartwell e di andare anche lui in crociera e, nel corso della vacanza, si offre di aiutare Summer a uscire dal proprio guscio e iniziare a osare di più e così la coinvolge in attività nuove e avventure che, da sola, non avrebbe mai sognato di fare. Ho davvero amato tantissimo il personaggio di Graham, è un uomo solare, pieno di fascino, positivo, dolce e attento.
Il legame da Graham e Summer è davvero molto bello, i due si conoscono da tantissimi anni, sono cresciuti insieme ed essendo Graham migliore amico di Eric, il fratello di Summer, sa benissimo come siano i genitori dei suoi amici. Tra lui e Summer c’è una bellissima sintonia che ha tutti i requisiti necessari per diventare qualcosa di profondo e importante per entrambi.
I personaggi secondari sono un po’ il fulcro di questa divertente e romantica storia, Joan e Richard, i genitori di Summer, sono due personaggi sopra le righe che daranno vita a dei siparietti davvero molto divertenti e bizzarri.
Il Pov è solo dalla parte di Summer, questa scelta mi è piaciuta tantissimo anche perché lei è così genuina e simpatica che è stato un vero piacere vivere e sperimentare tutto attraverso i suoi occhi. Nel corso delle pagine l’ho vista evolvere pur rimanendo federe a sé stessa. E merito della sua evoluzione è proprio grazie alla presenza di Graham che sembra conoscerla meglio persino di sé stessa. La trama è scorrevole e originale, nel corso della lettura mi sono ritrovata un sacco di volte a ridere e sghignazzare e il romanzo si legge davvero molto fretta anche perché una volta iniziato non sono più riuscita a smettere.
Accompagnare Summer in questa crociera e assistere alle sue (dis)avventure è stato bellissimo, questa è una storia molto fresca e originale che mette di buon umore il lettore. Ho amato i botta e risposta di Summer e Graham, il loro rapporto, la loro amicizia, la spontaneità che c’è tra loro e sono sicurissima che Graham saprà sorprendere anche voi come ha fatto con me.
Lo stile di scrittura di Beth Labonte mi ha proprio conquistato; la sua penna è scorrevole, divertente, ironica, ricca di sfaccettature e molto coinvolgente. I dialoghi sono bellissimi, ho amato i momenti di interazione di Summer con i suoi genitori, danno vita a dei siparietti davvero divertenti e la presenza di Graham è un valore aggiunto non indifferente. Il finale è ricco di emozioni e di risate.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
L’autrice è stata bravissima a caratterizzare i personaggi e a dare loro il giusto spessore. E non ho timore di dire che mi sono invaghita tantissimo di Graham, un uomo ricco di fascino e un amico eccezionale.
Summer ha ventisei anni e vive con i suoi – ansiosi – genitori. Quando suo fratello regala a lei e ai suoi genitori una crociera alle Bermuda, Summer non può tirarsi indietro e la giovane è convinta che sarà una vacanza tutt’altro che rilassante.
Ma non tutto il male vien per nuocere e Summer decide che questa crociera sarà anche l’occasione per provare a conoscere gente nuova e, forse, trovare anche l’amore. La presenza di Graham, però, migliore amico di suo fratello, potrebbe complicare non poco le cose.
Quello che Summer non immagina è che potrebbe essere proprio l’amico di sempre a spingerla a uscire dalla sua comfort zone e a farle vivere una vacanza indimenticabile.
Il personaggio di Summer mi è piaciuto proprio tantissimo; è una giovane donna intelligente, simpatica, ironica, dolce e divertente. Per tutta la sua vita ha sempre cercato di non dare ��dispiaceri” ai suoi genitori anche se, così facendo, si trova a vivere un’esistenza che non la soddisfa. Grazie a Graham e alla sua influenza positiva, anche i suoi genitori lo adorano, Summer ha la possibilità di riscoprire sé stessa e, forse, trovare anche l’amore proprio quando e dove meno se lo aspetta.
Ad accompagnarla in questa avventura è proprio Graham Blenderman, il migliore amico di suo fratello e che conosce Summer praticamente da sempre.
Decide di unirsi alla famiglia Hartwell e di andare anche lui in crociera e, nel corso della vacanza, si offre di aiutare Summer a uscire dal proprio guscio e iniziare a osare di più e così la coinvolge in attività nuove e avventure che, da sola, non avrebbe mai sognato di fare. Ho davvero amato tantissimo il personaggio di Graham, è un uomo solare, pieno di fascino, positivo, dolce e attento.
Il legame da Graham e Summer è davvero molto bello, i due si conoscono da tantissimi anni, sono cresciuti insieme ed essendo Graham migliore amico di Eric, il fratello di Summer, sa benissimo come siano i genitori dei suoi amici. Tra lui e Summer c’è una bellissima sintonia che ha tutti i requisiti necessari per diventare qualcosa di profondo e importante per entrambi.
I personaggi secondari sono un po’ il fulcro di questa divertente e romantica storia, Joan e Richard, i genitori di Summer, sono due personaggi sopra le righe che daranno vita a dei siparietti davvero molto divertenti e bizzarri.
Il Pov è solo dalla parte di Summer, questa scelta mi è piaciuta tantissimo anche perché lei è così genuina e simpatica che è stato un vero piacere vivere e sperimentare tutto attraverso i suoi occhi. Nel corso delle pagine l’ho vista evolvere pur rimanendo federe a sé stessa. E merito della sua evoluzione è proprio grazie alla presenza di Graham che sembra conoscerla meglio persino di sé stessa. La trama è scorrevole e originale, nel corso della lettura mi sono ritrovata un sacco di volte a ridere e sghignazzare e il romanzo si legge davvero molto fretta anche perché una volta iniziato non sono più riuscita a smettere.
Accompagnare Summer in questa crociera e assistere alle sue (dis)avventure è stato bellissimo, questa è una storia molto fresca e originale che mette di buon umore il lettore. Ho amato i botta e risposta di Summer e Graham, il loro rapporto, la loro amicizia, la spontaneità che c’è tra loro e sono sicurissima che Graham saprà sorprendere anche voi come ha fatto con me.
Lo stile di scrittura di Beth Labonte mi ha proprio conquistato; la sua penna è scorrevole, divertente, ironica, ricca di sfaccettature e molto coinvolgente. I dialoghi sono bellissimi, ho amato i momenti di interazione di Summer con i suoi genitori, danno vita a dei siparietti davvero divertenti e la presenza di Graham è un valore aggiunto non indifferente. Il finale è ricco di emozioni e di risate.
Recensione completa:
https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2024...
June 7, 2024
VOTO 4,5
Cari lettori, eccovi il libro per l’estate, quello divertente che vi farà ridere tanto.
Vi presento Single in vacanza di Beth Labonte, portato in Italia dalla collana digitale Kiss Publishing.
Summer è una ragazza rimasta bloccata nella casa in cui è nata e cresciuta, con dei genitori “leggermente” opprimenti, soprattutto la madre, che vogliono che rimanga con loro fino al matrimonio.
Ora, non tutte sognano il grande amore o i fiori d’arancio, ma se questo è l’unico modo per poter avere la sua libertà, per non doversi più vestire come dice la mamma, per essere libera di essere se stessa… beh, penso che ognuna di noi mirerebbe a trovare anche il primo uomo passabile pur di andarsene da quella casa claustrofobica.
Ha anche un fratello, ma lui non vive con loro, da quando è diventato ricco se n’è andato lasciandola a “sciropparsi” gli amabili e pesanti genitori.
Di sicuro in quell’abitazione ci sono due scontri in atto: il primo il fatto che Summer è una femmina e quindi gli atteggiamenti dei genitori rispetto a quelli tenuti con il fratello sono decisamente diversi e più restrittivi; il secondo riguarda lo scontro generazionale, loro sono molto in là con l’età e quindi molti comportamenti, modi di fare e pensieri sono indubbiamente figli dei tempi.
Il fratello, Eric, è un menefreghista, ha organizzato una crociera per tutta la famiglia – a questo punto mi potreste dire che allora non posso definirlo come ho fatto. Ma come lo definireste uno che non si fa mai vivo, conduce la vita che desidera senza dover dare conto a nessuno? Comunque, una volta saliti a bordo della nave per la vacanza, scoprono che quel disgraziato li ha mollati per andare dall’altra parte dell’America senza però dirlo ai familiari, ma usando il suo migliore amico a bordo con loro per la stessa tratta. Lo si potrebbe definire anche vigliacco, che ne dite?
Che dire di Graham? Affascinante, leale, gentile e con un modo di divertirsi tutto suo. Solare e attento al prossimo. Riesce, o quantomeno cerca di vedere il lato positivo in tutto per non farsi schiacciare anche dagli imprevisti più assurdi.
Per Summer la crociera rappresenta la libertà: mi spiego meglio ha pensato che sarà il momento in cui riuscirà a trovare la sua metà, anche se con i lati non perfettamente coincidenti, ma pazienza bisogna sapersi accontentare e riuscire a uscire dal radar dei genitori. Peccato la palla curva che le ha giocato Eric. Lui si sarebbe dovuto occupare della madre e del padre mentre lei provvedeva a formare il proprio futuro. Ma niente.
Graham decide di aiutarla, peccato che lui non sa di essere il desiderio segreto e inarrivabile di Summer da diverso tempo. Lei è certa che Graham non la veda come donna, ma sempre e solo come la sorellina del suo migliore amico.
Graham fa sul serio quello che le ha promesso, sostituendosi a Eric, e Summer ha la possibilità di stare davvero sola per la prima volta nella sua vita. Si prende momenti per capirsi e, forse, conoscersi profondamente.
Avventure, prese di coscienza, ironia, romanticismo quanto basta, un’amicizia che si fa più forte, dei genitori che si concedono del divertimento e… risate, quanto ho riso leggendo questa storia.
Non posso che consigliarlo per questa estate appena iniziata.
Ringrazio la casa editrice per questo assurdo viaggio che mi ha fatto fare con queste pagine, fornendomi una copia digitale della storia.
Cari lettori, eccovi il libro per l’estate, quello divertente che vi farà ridere tanto.
Vi presento Single in vacanza di Beth Labonte, portato in Italia dalla collana digitale Kiss Publishing.
Summer è una ragazza rimasta bloccata nella casa in cui è nata e cresciuta, con dei genitori “leggermente” opprimenti, soprattutto la madre, che vogliono che rimanga con loro fino al matrimonio.
Ora, non tutte sognano il grande amore o i fiori d’arancio, ma se questo è l’unico modo per poter avere la sua libertà, per non doversi più vestire come dice la mamma, per essere libera di essere se stessa… beh, penso che ognuna di noi mirerebbe a trovare anche il primo uomo passabile pur di andarsene da quella casa claustrofobica.
Ha anche un fratello, ma lui non vive con loro, da quando è diventato ricco se n’è andato lasciandola a “sciropparsi” gli amabili e pesanti genitori.
Di sicuro in quell’abitazione ci sono due scontri in atto: il primo il fatto che Summer è una femmina e quindi gli atteggiamenti dei genitori rispetto a quelli tenuti con il fratello sono decisamente diversi e più restrittivi; il secondo riguarda lo scontro generazionale, loro sono molto in là con l’età e quindi molti comportamenti, modi di fare e pensieri sono indubbiamente figli dei tempi.
Il fratello, Eric, è un menefreghista, ha organizzato una crociera per tutta la famiglia – a questo punto mi potreste dire che allora non posso definirlo come ho fatto. Ma come lo definireste uno che non si fa mai vivo, conduce la vita che desidera senza dover dare conto a nessuno? Comunque, una volta saliti a bordo della nave per la vacanza, scoprono che quel disgraziato li ha mollati per andare dall’altra parte dell’America senza però dirlo ai familiari, ma usando il suo migliore amico a bordo con loro per la stessa tratta. Lo si potrebbe definire anche vigliacco, che ne dite?
Che dire di Graham? Affascinante, leale, gentile e con un modo di divertirsi tutto suo. Solare e attento al prossimo. Riesce, o quantomeno cerca di vedere il lato positivo in tutto per non farsi schiacciare anche dagli imprevisti più assurdi.
Per Summer la crociera rappresenta la libertà: mi spiego meglio ha pensato che sarà il momento in cui riuscirà a trovare la sua metà, anche se con i lati non perfettamente coincidenti, ma pazienza bisogna sapersi accontentare e riuscire a uscire dal radar dei genitori. Peccato la palla curva che le ha giocato Eric. Lui si sarebbe dovuto occupare della madre e del padre mentre lei provvedeva a formare il proprio futuro. Ma niente.
Graham decide di aiutarla, peccato che lui non sa di essere il desiderio segreto e inarrivabile di Summer da diverso tempo. Lei è certa che Graham non la veda come donna, ma sempre e solo come la sorellina del suo migliore amico.
Graham fa sul serio quello che le ha promesso, sostituendosi a Eric, e Summer ha la possibilità di stare davvero sola per la prima volta nella sua vita. Si prende momenti per capirsi e, forse, conoscersi profondamente.
Avventure, prese di coscienza, ironia, romanticismo quanto basta, un’amicizia che si fa più forte, dei genitori che si concedono del divertimento e… risate, quanto ho riso leggendo questa storia.
Non posso che consigliarlo per questa estate appena iniziata.
Ringrazio la casa editrice per questo assurdo viaggio che mi ha fatto fare con queste pagine, fornendomi una copia digitale della storia.
June 9, 2021
Ok I tried I really tried. But d*** this book is awful. Some parts i laughed but like it so wasnt worth it. Main character annoying, Ive been there with the whole uptight parents thing and I wasnt as whiny like her and I grew up and moved away to get some freedom. Her parents are annoying as hell, worse than mine and it would just bring back ptsd from my youth, like how can anyone stand them. The theres Graham I dont know whether I'm supposed to like him for trying to change things up or want him dead. He's the worst person for her to end up with cause while hes trying to have her break her barriers he doesnt give a damn about her feelings at all. He supposedly likes her yet hes there flirting with other girls. If he gave a d*** about Summer he would have stopped the advances of the other woman. And speaking about Flirting wtf is wrong with her dad, honestly the mom should divorce his wandering eyed ass. Does the same sh** as Graham and hes married shows no respect for his wife at all staring at some random girls raised top almost nipples like what. Who the f*** wrote this. And like omg so i actually read it to the end to see how this sh** show will actually work. Graham's crap is excused cause he "supposedly" like her since they were teenagers. Yet he showed no real care of what her feelings were when he was around the other girls and did nothing to stop his advances but god forbid she try to find something cause there he was acting like a chovanist getting in the way. Apparently shes only alowed to get out of her comfort zone in his predetermined ideas. And the excuse they gave the dad for his behavior, oh he was on medical marajuana........How the heck did he get this stuff its literally cancer medicine like ...when did he get cancer book mentions nothing of this.j Also used for anerexia ........like how did he get these meds. And the mother who has every right to be pissed gets shushed by her daughter saying its all good he was high.....and then with those magic words all is well all hurt feelings mended like nothing. Wow the expectations of men are so below the bar that this is what were teaching our young readers. This is what we should expect from relationships. The patriarchal view that wives are annoying meddlers that dont let their families have fun, That its ok to oggle and flirt with others because they were high, to go into a relationship with someone that doesnt really care about your feelings but forces you when they've clearly said no several times, but what the heck cross her boundaries cause you think she needs to change. To be ok with all his behavior cause not once did i see him do anything to actually show he like her, but just forgive him and forget it all cause hes liked her all this time without actually caring that hes hurting her feeling flirting with other woman. Cause its just ok to straddle them on your shoulders cause they showed up out of the blue. This whole book is screwed up, Do better Beth Lebante how about portray woman in a better light. How about making decent men no matter how hard it is in real life to find. Woman deserve better than this trash, raise your damn standards theyre on the floor.
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