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Cool Girl Summer: Best Summer Beach Read 2024 - Romantic Comedy
WHAT IF YOU COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
Summer Brookes is about to do just that. Inspired by a disastrous New Year’s Eve, a box of old diaries, and a woman who may or may not be her Fairy Godmother, Summer realizes she’s wasting her life in a dead end job, and that she hasn’t achieved a single one of the ambitions she had as a teenager.
She didn’t kiss her high school crush. She didn’t travel the world, and become a famous singer. She didn’t overcome her fear of flying, ride a motorcycle, or meet Taylor Swift.
But now all of that’s about to change.
In a moment of drunken spontaneity, Summer impulsively books a one-way ticket to Spain, where her high school crush, Jamie, is now running a bar. While she’s there, she’s going to do all the things she never did when she was thirteen; she’s going to break free of her safe-but-dull life, and she’s going to start living a life without regrets.
Oh, and she’s also going to kiss Jamie Reynolds. For real, this time.
There’s just one problem. His name’s Alexander Fox, he’s in the seat next to her on the plane, and he’s the grumpiest man in the so it makes perfect sense that he’d be staying in her hotel too, wouldn’t it?
Can Summer shake off her new nemesis Alex for long enough to track down her first love and live the life she’s always wanted? Or does fate have something else in store for her?
Read it
Beach vibesEnemies to loversGrumpy v. sunshineHoliday romanceForced proximityLove triangleTaylor Swift references
Summer Brookes is about to do just that. Inspired by a disastrous New Year’s Eve, a box of old diaries, and a woman who may or may not be her Fairy Godmother, Summer realizes she’s wasting her life in a dead end job, and that she hasn’t achieved a single one of the ambitions she had as a teenager.
She didn’t kiss her high school crush. She didn’t travel the world, and become a famous singer. She didn’t overcome her fear of flying, ride a motorcycle, or meet Taylor Swift.
But now all of that’s about to change.
In a moment of drunken spontaneity, Summer impulsively books a one-way ticket to Spain, where her high school crush, Jamie, is now running a bar. While she’s there, she’s going to do all the things she never did when she was thirteen; she’s going to break free of her safe-but-dull life, and she’s going to start living a life without regrets.
Oh, and she’s also going to kiss Jamie Reynolds. For real, this time.
There’s just one problem. His name’s Alexander Fox, he’s in the seat next to her on the plane, and he’s the grumpiest man in the so it makes perfect sense that he’d be staying in her hotel too, wouldn’t it?
Can Summer shake off her new nemesis Alex for long enough to track down her first love and live the life she’s always wanted? Or does fate have something else in store for her?
Read it
Beach vibesEnemies to loversGrumpy v. sunshineHoliday romanceForced proximityLove triangleTaylor Swift references
320 pages, Paperback
Published May 27, 2024
221 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Amber Eve
15 books67 followersAmber Eve is a former journalist who was born and raised in Scotland, and has been writing stories for her entire life. Her Heather Bay series is set in the Scottish Highlands, and follows the lives and loves of the inhabitants of this fictional coastal town.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 28, 2024
Made it to chapter 2. Oh, the cringes I cringed. There's cute and quirky and then there's annoyingly bat-shit crazy. "Cool Girl Summer" is definitely in the bat-shit category. Maybe you have to be a boring loser in order to relate to her or her life, idk but I really just wanted her to get run over by the airplane before I ultimately gave up and wondered what brief insanity caused me to attempt this book.
May 25, 2024
Summer Brookes is at a Club celebrating New Year’s Eve, with her friend Chloe, when she is approached by an older lady who advises her not to waste her time staying in Margate, and to make something of her life before it’s too late.
On her return home, she finds the diaries that her younger self wrote, and impulsively books herself onto a flight to Tenerife to do something she should have done years ago.
At the airport, she finds herself being berated by a man, who is impatient to get on the flight, and when she does get on board, is surprised to sit next to the complaining man, Alex Fox.
This is a lovely story, well told, with a cast of characters that made me laugh out loud at times.
Summer and Alex become friends, after being seated together for their meals at their hotel,but Alex is holding something back, while Summer tells her story to whoever is listening.
I really enjoyed this book, and put everything else on hold so that I could continue reading.
If I could award more than 5 stars I would, and I highly recommend it to any one who enjoys light hearted romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
On her return home, she finds the diaries that her younger self wrote, and impulsively books herself onto a flight to Tenerife to do something she should have done years ago.
At the airport, she finds herself being berated by a man, who is impatient to get on the flight, and when she does get on board, is surprised to sit next to the complaining man, Alex Fox.
This is a lovely story, well told, with a cast of characters that made me laugh out loud at times.
Summer and Alex become friends, after being seated together for their meals at their hotel,but Alex is holding something back, while Summer tells her story to whoever is listening.
I really enjoyed this book, and put everything else on hold so that I could continue reading.
If I could award more than 5 stars I would, and I highly recommend it to any one who enjoys light hearted romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 19, 2024
I’m in real debate on 4 stars or 3… but gave it 4 because I fell in love with Alex Fox
June 16, 2024
Beach read? Yes indeed.
This author has a way with words that ensures the reader feels everything the characters are going through. Summer is such a relatable character and you are sucked in from page one. Plus who doesn’t love a light hearted romance? You fall easily in love with the characters and thus this book will easily become the best book you read all summer long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author has a way with words that ensures the reader feels everything the characters are going through. Summer is such a relatable character and you are sucked in from page one. Plus who doesn’t love a light hearted romance? You fall easily in love with the characters and thus this book will easily become the best book you read all summer long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2024
If you believe in suspension of disbelief and are simply interested in an over-the-top, hilariously ridiculous romcom, this is a perfect book. It was easy to read, and felt perfect as I sat beside a lake enjoying the summer weather. Plus this silliness throughout legitimately had me laughing out loud.
If you are interested in a slightly deeper book or want to think about the story a bit more, this book quickly move away from a romcom and i would say becomes quite sad. Summer, the main character, lacks self-esteem which underpins the story and even in the end she doesn’t seem to have improved sense of self. Her best friend is not in fact a good friend to Summer. And ultimately the book feels like a story of a millennial struggling and going through a midlife crisis which readers are left to laugh at…and that doesn’t sit well with me.
While I read the book in the former mindset, it was still hard not to fall into the batter mindset occasionally, which resulted in the 4 star review.
I received a free copy of this book; I was not paid to leave a review.
If you are interested in a slightly deeper book or want to think about the story a bit more, this book quickly move away from a romcom and i would say becomes quite sad. Summer, the main character, lacks self-esteem which underpins the story and even in the end she doesn’t seem to have improved sense of self. Her best friend is not in fact a good friend to Summer. And ultimately the book feels like a story of a millennial struggling and going through a midlife crisis which readers are left to laugh at…and that doesn’t sit well with me.
While I read the book in the former mindset, it was still hard not to fall into the batter mindset occasionally, which resulted in the 4 star review.
I received a free copy of this book; I was not paid to leave a review.
May 18, 2024
So excited to read this!
August 31, 2024
2🌟 god Summer was insufferable for the first half of the book. Chloe was the worst. Alex the cutest. No spice.
October 11, 2024
Cool Girl Summer By Amber Eve I found was a pleasant listen.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of this story which is narrated by Charlie Albers,I thought Charlie did a great job at telling this story..She performed all the characters male and female young and old and was able to change her voice to accomodate each different character...he even managed to make an annoying whiney voice for Chloe the best friend and it matched her character perfectly.Charlie Albers did a wonderful narration.
This book is a sweet,funny delightful listen there is no sexy times so if you only like your romance with a bit of steam then this isn't the book for you...I enjoy both steamy and not steamy so I didn't mind.
I thought Amber Eve's writing was very detailed and witty I did like the inner dialogue of Summer,she had alot of self doubt and felt she was unattractive..and I really related to how she felt.
Summer Brookes is at a cross roads I think in her life,I think she is unhappy in her job and being overlooked by men..She refers herself as the ugly best friend while her best friend Chloe always seemed to get the guy.
She decides to go and look for her high school crush after her mum give her a box of her teenage diaries..In the diaries her 13 year old self makes a list of things she wants to do and Summer decides she is going to do them.
So on a whim Summer abandons everything to go to Spain to find him after discovering he now lives there.
But her journey takes a weird turn as she meets Alexander Fox ,he was grumpy and argumentative and seemed to enjoy making fun of her reasons for going to Spain.
Summer also meets a group of old age pensioners who take her under their wings,and encourage her to do the things she never would have before.
Summer ends up in the same hotel as her new found friends and enemy Alex,she couldn't seem to get away from the man.
Fate seems to have other ideas for Summers purpose and she seems to always be in Alex's space they are forced to interact and spend time together.
So in time Summer starts to see Alex in a different light other than annoying..Summer has a real adventure in this book and discovers things about herself and finds that people aren't always what you think they are..
She finds something special in the least person she thought she would but is it too late?..as time is not on her side.
Cool Girl Summer is an enjoyable,entertaining and amusing read or listen I liked listening to it.
great story.
4 1/2 Stars.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of this story which is narrated by Charlie Albers,I thought Charlie did a great job at telling this story..She performed all the characters male and female young and old and was able to change her voice to accomodate each different character...he even managed to make an annoying whiney voice for Chloe the best friend and it matched her character perfectly.Charlie Albers did a wonderful narration.
This book is a sweet,funny delightful listen there is no sexy times so if you only like your romance with a bit of steam then this isn't the book for you...I enjoy both steamy and not steamy so I didn't mind.
I thought Amber Eve's writing was very detailed and witty I did like the inner dialogue of Summer,she had alot of self doubt and felt she was unattractive..and I really related to how she felt.
Summer Brookes is at a cross roads I think in her life,I think she is unhappy in her job and being overlooked by men..She refers herself as the ugly best friend while her best friend Chloe always seemed to get the guy.
She decides to go and look for her high school crush after her mum give her a box of her teenage diaries..In the diaries her 13 year old self makes a list of things she wants to do and Summer decides she is going to do them.
So on a whim Summer abandons everything to go to Spain to find him after discovering he now lives there.
But her journey takes a weird turn as she meets Alexander Fox ,he was grumpy and argumentative and seemed to enjoy making fun of her reasons for going to Spain.
Summer also meets a group of old age pensioners who take her under their wings,and encourage her to do the things she never would have before.
Summer ends up in the same hotel as her new found friends and enemy Alex,she couldn't seem to get away from the man.
Fate seems to have other ideas for Summers purpose and she seems to always be in Alex's space they are forced to interact and spend time together.
So in time Summer starts to see Alex in a different light other than annoying..Summer has a real adventure in this book and discovers things about herself and finds that people aren't always what you think they are..
She finds something special in the least person she thought she would but is it too late?..as time is not on her side.
Cool Girl Summer is an enjoyable,entertaining and amusing read or listen I liked listening to it.
great story.
4 1/2 Stars.
June 17, 2024
This book was delightful and so lovely - the perfect book to read on vacation.
The book revolves around Summer, who has had what can only be referred to as divine fairy-god-mother-intervention, and has finally taken the leap to accomplish all the items she hoped to do (well according to the diary she had when she was 13). She takes an impromptu vacation - a flight to the Canary Islands to search for an old high school crush who she feels is the love of her life. Along the way, she runs into a crew of seniors who take on the mantle of fairy-god-mother. With the Fairy Crone Crew along with the grumpiest (and unplanned for) of travel companions, Alex, Summer is in for a vacation filled with opportunity, friendship, and finding yourself.
The protagonist, Summer, is utter optimism and sunshine - which can be a lot for some people. However the layering of the insecurities, her (at times) flawed logic, her ability to be embarrassed but still willing to take chances, AND the fact that she is 31, made me love her - she felt so real and like a friend I would have myself. I also loved that the author avoided making her insecurities lead to her not being able to stand up for herself - at this age, people are willing to stand up for what they believe in and deserve. Alex, the male main character, could have stayed a grumpy-but-beautiful character with no depth and character but I loved that he was also layered and nuanced AND emotionally mature. I loved Summer and Alex and the whole host of Fairy God-Crone Crew . The only criticism I have is that I wish I got even more time with the Crone Crew - I wish we had gotten more time and I wanted to spend detailed days with the whole gang.
It was the perfect in-flight read while on my own way to a vacation. It put a smile on my face and the laugh out loud moments were perfect. I wouldn't expect anyone to read it expecting any deep life revelations, but it was such a good reminder of how we can all choose to appreciate life and find new opportunities no matter where we are at in our lives.
Lastly, I will warn there are a lot of Taylor Swift references - which can be overwhelming if you are not expecting it. It made Summer a more "real" character because people do have real, normal interests in popular music.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book revolves around Summer, who has had what can only be referred to as divine fairy-god-mother-intervention, and has finally taken the leap to accomplish all the items she hoped to do (well according to the diary she had when she was 13). She takes an impromptu vacation - a flight to the Canary Islands to search for an old high school crush who she feels is the love of her life. Along the way, she runs into a crew of seniors who take on the mantle of fairy-god-mother. With the Fairy Crone Crew along with the grumpiest (and unplanned for) of travel companions, Alex, Summer is in for a vacation filled with opportunity, friendship, and finding yourself.
The protagonist, Summer, is utter optimism and sunshine - which can be a lot for some people. However the layering of the insecurities, her (at times) flawed logic, her ability to be embarrassed but still willing to take chances, AND the fact that she is 31, made me love her - she felt so real and like a friend I would have myself. I also loved that the author avoided making her insecurities lead to her not being able to stand up for herself - at this age, people are willing to stand up for what they believe in and deserve. Alex, the male main character, could have stayed a grumpy-but-beautiful character with no depth and character but I loved that he was also layered and nuanced AND emotionally mature. I loved Summer and Alex and the whole host of Fairy God-Crone Crew . The only criticism I have is that I wish I got even more time with the Crone Crew - I wish we had gotten more time and I wanted to spend detailed days with the whole gang.
It was the perfect in-flight read while on my own way to a vacation. It put a smile on my face and the laugh out loud moments were perfect. I wouldn't expect anyone to read it expecting any deep life revelations, but it was such a good reminder of how we can all choose to appreciate life and find new opportunities no matter where we are at in our lives.
Lastly, I will warn there are a lot of Taylor Swift references - which can be overwhelming if you are not expecting it. It made Summer a more "real" character because people do have real, normal interests in popular music.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2025
Okay, Cool Girl Summer was giving ✨main character energy✨ in the best way possible. I went in expecting a cute vacation romcom, but what I got was Eat Pray Love meets Mamma Mia with Taylor Swift vibes and chaotic good energy, and I’m obsessed.
Summer Brookes is thirty-one, burnt out, and stuck in a life that feels like beige wallpaper. After a drunk New Year’s Eve chat with a mysterious older woman and a deep dive into her 13-year-old self’s diaries (iconic), she books a spontaneous one-way ticket to Tenerife to chase down her teenage crush and live out her inner tween's bucket list. Sounds wild? It is. And it’s so fun.
But the real ✨plot twist✨ is Alex, the grumpy-hot stranger who ends up stuck next to her on the plane and at the hotel (honestly, the universe was working overtime). He’s the perfect contrast to Summer’s sunshiney chaos, and their banter? Chef’s kiss. This isn’t insta-love; it builds slowly, awkwardly, and realistically, and it made me feel things.
Also, shoutout to the Fairy God-Crone Crew, a bunch of hilarious older women who could probably out-party anyone on TikTok. I wish we had got more time with them because they were everything. Like... give them a spin-off, stat.
This book is for the people who’ve ever looked back at who they used to be and thought, “Wait, what happened to her?” It’s about being stuck, being brave, and doing weird, reckless, brilliant things just because they might make you feel alive again. Summer isn’t perfect; she’s chaotic, overly optimistic, a little cringeworthy at times, but that’s what makes her so real. She’s not the quirky YA girl trope; she’s an adult woman trying to make peace with her younger self, and I love that for her.
So why 4.5 stars and not 5? Just a tiny bit more depth or tension in the middle would’ve pushed it for me, maybe a moment that tested Summer or her goals more deeply. But honestly? That’s nitpicking. This was pure serotonin.
📦 Read it if you love:
✈️ “Enemies” forced proximity
💌 Old diary vibes + teen dream redemption arcs
🧓 Wholesome chaos from older side characters
🧠 A main character who actually grows
💖 A reminder that it’s never too late to start again
Final verdict: Summer wasn’t the only one who had a glow-up, this book gave me one too 🫶
Summer Brookes is thirty-one, burnt out, and stuck in a life that feels like beige wallpaper. After a drunk New Year’s Eve chat with a mysterious older woman and a deep dive into her 13-year-old self’s diaries (iconic), she books a spontaneous one-way ticket to Tenerife to chase down her teenage crush and live out her inner tween's bucket list. Sounds wild? It is. And it’s so fun.
But the real ✨plot twist✨ is Alex, the grumpy-hot stranger who ends up stuck next to her on the plane and at the hotel (honestly, the universe was working overtime). He’s the perfect contrast to Summer’s sunshiney chaos, and their banter? Chef’s kiss. This isn’t insta-love; it builds slowly, awkwardly, and realistically, and it made me feel things.
Also, shoutout to the Fairy God-Crone Crew, a bunch of hilarious older women who could probably out-party anyone on TikTok. I wish we had got more time with them because they were everything. Like... give them a spin-off, stat.
This book is for the people who’ve ever looked back at who they used to be and thought, “Wait, what happened to her?” It’s about being stuck, being brave, and doing weird, reckless, brilliant things just because they might make you feel alive again. Summer isn’t perfect; she’s chaotic, overly optimistic, a little cringeworthy at times, but that’s what makes her so real. She’s not the quirky YA girl trope; she’s an adult woman trying to make peace with her younger self, and I love that for her.
So why 4.5 stars and not 5? Just a tiny bit more depth or tension in the middle would’ve pushed it for me, maybe a moment that tested Summer or her goals more deeply. But honestly? That’s nitpicking. This was pure serotonin.
📦 Read it if you love:
✈️ “Enemies” forced proximity
💌 Old diary vibes + teen dream redemption arcs
🧓 Wholesome chaos from older side characters
🧠 A main character who actually grows
💖 A reminder that it’s never too late to start again
Final verdict: Summer wasn’t the only one who had a glow-up, this book gave me one too 🫶
June 12, 2024
I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via BookSirens. This is my honest, voluntary written review.
---
"Cool Girl Summer" is a fresh and absolutely hilarious take on the fairytale about Cinderella. Or, if we believe Summer (the main character of the book), it is rather a take on the story of one of the wicked sisters of Cinderella. And what a funny tale it is!
On the brink of a New Year, Summer Brookes finds herself (again) at a party she doesn't want to be at, in the company of her totally beautiful and completely overbearing friend Cinderella. Sorry, I meant Chloe.
With every passing minute the evening seems to be getting worse. Summer longs for a change, adventure, fulfilment and love, and yet she finds herself stuck. What she doesn't know though, is that right when the clock strikes twelve she will meet a mysterious (and probably quite drunk) older woman, whose advice might just turn her life around.
Like every other fairytale, Summer's story is full of tropes and maybe even clichés we've all already heard before: a chance meeting, a spontaneous decision, a found (weird but very loving) family, a search for second chance in love, a quirky heroine and a grumpy moody man. But that is the beauty of tales old as the world - they are familiar to us, so they feel comfortable and cozy. "Cool Girl Summer" is a romantic comedy book that is aware of the fact it is a romantic comedy. It is therefore sometimes cheesy, over the top in the best possible way, very funny, sometimes a bit unbelievable, highly enjoyable, totally un-put-down-able and did I already mention it is really really funny? I ate it up in one day.
Here are some of my favorite lol moments:
* "It really is him: my own personal traveling Dementor. Here. In my hotel. With his … his muscles, and his scowl. Dementing."
* "it turns out it wasn’t my napkin I tucked into my dress, but the tablecloth; and, when I turn to walk away, I drag the entire contents of the table with me"
* "you’re absolutely right, Rita. He is a swine.”
"Oh, now, you can’t say that,” says Gerald. “That’s offensive to swine, that is."
---
"Cool Girl Summer" is a fresh and absolutely hilarious take on the fairytale about Cinderella. Or, if we believe Summer (the main character of the book), it is rather a take on the story of one of the wicked sisters of Cinderella. And what a funny tale it is!
On the brink of a New Year, Summer Brookes finds herself (again) at a party she doesn't want to be at, in the company of her totally beautiful and completely overbearing friend Cinderella. Sorry, I meant Chloe.
With every passing minute the evening seems to be getting worse. Summer longs for a change, adventure, fulfilment and love, and yet she finds herself stuck. What she doesn't know though, is that right when the clock strikes twelve she will meet a mysterious (and probably quite drunk) older woman, whose advice might just turn her life around.
Like every other fairytale, Summer's story is full of tropes and maybe even clichés we've all already heard before: a chance meeting, a spontaneous decision, a found (weird but very loving) family, a search for second chance in love, a quirky heroine and a grumpy moody man. But that is the beauty of tales old as the world - they are familiar to us, so they feel comfortable and cozy. "Cool Girl Summer" is a romantic comedy book that is aware of the fact it is a romantic comedy. It is therefore sometimes cheesy, over the top in the best possible way, very funny, sometimes a bit unbelievable, highly enjoyable, totally un-put-down-able and did I already mention it is really really funny? I ate it up in one day.
Here are some of my favorite lol moments:
* "It really is him: my own personal traveling Dementor. Here. In my hotel. With his … his muscles, and his scowl. Dementing."
* "it turns out it wasn’t my napkin I tucked into my dress, but the tablecloth; and, when I turn to walk away, I drag the entire contents of the table with me"
* "you’re absolutely right, Rita. He is a swine.”
"Oh, now, you can’t say that,” says Gerald. “That’s offensive to swine, that is."
June 17, 2024
3.5 stars / 5
A sweet quirky summer read with no spice and all the fun!
"Life's like that though, isn't it? It's not always perfect, but if you wait for it to be perfect, you just end up missing it."
I enjoyed how light and easy the story was, like you could tell where it was headed but you still tag along for the ride because the vibes are nice. I was a bit let down by the romance aspect tbh as I didn't feel like they had enough time and interactions to really develop feelings but their dynamic was still really cute and fun.
The writing is very quirky which makes Summer's thoughts entertaining and funny to read but I was quite disappointed by the lack of physical descriptions, especially regarding the MMC. Just a few mentions of his height, or arms, or legs, or something here and there to remind the reader of his physical presence. You do get reminded a lot of the moody eyes and black hair but not so much his skin or limbs (I sound like a cannibal rn but I hope you see what I mean).
Also wished for a better ending as the final incident was barely relevant to the plot and made little sense (nobody would really do that) AND what got me the most riled up: the pick-me toxic friend who does not get what she deserves AT ALL. Not a great morale of the story, I wish she could have drowned in the pool for a few minutes and maybe get ran over by a group of quad bikes.
And to end this review, let me add the most relatable quote:
"Back in high school, my tactic with boys I liked was always to make sure they did not, under any circumstances, 'know' liked them. That way they didn't ever ask me out, so I never had to go through the agony of actually 'having a boyfriend', and was free instead to indulge in my favorite hobby: crying over the fact I didn't have a boyfriend."
[arc review, honest opinion]
A sweet quirky summer read with no spice and all the fun!
"Life's like that though, isn't it? It's not always perfect, but if you wait for it to be perfect, you just end up missing it."
I enjoyed how light and easy the story was, like you could tell where it was headed but you still tag along for the ride because the vibes are nice. I was a bit let down by the romance aspect tbh as I didn't feel like they had enough time and interactions to really develop feelings but their dynamic was still really cute and fun.
The writing is very quirky which makes Summer's thoughts entertaining and funny to read but I was quite disappointed by the lack of physical descriptions, especially regarding the MMC. Just a few mentions of his height, or arms, or legs, or something here and there to remind the reader of his physical presence. You do get reminded a lot of the moody eyes and black hair but not so much his skin or limbs (I sound like a cannibal rn but I hope you see what I mean).
Also wished for a better ending as the final incident was barely relevant to the plot and made little sense (nobody would really do that) AND what got me the most riled up: the pick-me toxic friend who does not get what she deserves AT ALL. Not a great morale of the story, I wish she could have drowned in the pool for a few minutes and maybe get ran over by a group of quad bikes.
And to end this review, let me add the most relatable quote:
"Back in high school, my tactic with boys I liked was always to make sure they did not, under any circumstances, 'know' liked them. That way they didn't ever ask me out, so I never had to go through the agony of actually 'having a boyfriend', and was free instead to indulge in my favorite hobby: crying over the fact I didn't have a boyfriend."
[arc review, honest opinion]
July 16, 2024
Okay fine I'll start writing in my journal again
This was a cute read, a bit predictable but the vibes are nice to enjoy while you watch everything play out.
I loved Summer and Alex's dynamic and all of their interactions had me wanting more.
I actually would have loved to have seen more of the octogenarians than Chloe - she was an inconsistent villain and honestly got on my nerves a bit and I kept waiting for Summer to tell her to do one - but I feel very affectionately towards and protective of the octogenarians. The Margot scene made my jaw DROP.
I love Taylor Swift, but it felt like she was referenced on every other page, and the epilogue itself was an entirely dropped star for me (I'm sorry!). I know it was just tying up the final loose end on the list of resolutions but I would have preferred to see a glimpse of Summer's life after going home, like what path she'd take after handing in her notice at work, if she'd ever run into her fairy godmother who put everything in motion again, if Chloe was actually capable of being a good friend or if Summer would ever realise she was better off without her.
I imagine this being a really fun poolside read, I'm lamenting being in rainy Ireland the whole time 😭
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
This was a cute read, a bit predictable but the vibes are nice to enjoy while you watch everything play out.
I loved Summer and Alex's dynamic and all of their interactions had me wanting more.
I actually would have loved to have seen more of the octogenarians than Chloe - she was an inconsistent villain and honestly got on my nerves a bit and I kept waiting for Summer to tell her to do one - but I feel very affectionately towards and protective of the octogenarians. The Margot scene made my jaw DROP.
I love Taylor Swift, but it felt like she was referenced on every other page, and the epilogue itself was an entirely dropped star for me (I'm sorry!). I know it was just tying up the final loose end on the list of resolutions but I would have preferred to see a glimpse of Summer's life after going home, like what path she'd take after handing in her notice at work, if she'd ever run into her fairy godmother who put everything in motion again, if Chloe was actually capable of being a good friend or if Summer would ever realise she was better off without her.
I imagine this being a really fun poolside read, I'm lamenting being in rainy Ireland the whole time 😭
Thank you to BookSirens for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review ✨
May 23, 2024
When Summer meets a strange woman on New Year's Eve she doesn't realise how much her life is about to change. Summer has always been the background friend never the one at the front, never the one who's put first she's always the one supporting her friend. Will she take the woman's warning seriously or will she just laugh it off as nonsense. Then when she gets home and finds her old teenage diaries she sees it as another sign to take a different course. So she decides to cross off the wish list she made when she was thirteen. Flying off to Tenerief she ticks off her first off the list. This is a brilliant summer read no pun intented. If you love rom com films this has virtually bits of all of them. Between her accident prone incidents and meeting a group of pensioners who become her Fairy GodCrone Crew this is an absolutely hilarious story. But at the same time it's a story of growth, realisation and acceptance. Sometimes there's only one way to change and that's to see what's in front of you and not necessarily what you think is best for you, or your thirteen year old self wants. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Amber and I can honestly say this is a book you don't want to miss reading.
August 15, 2024
This book was tremendously entertaining. I really enjoyed it. The story was fun and funny. The main characters were engaging, and the secondary characters added so much humour to the story. The romance built gradually with good intensity. Dissatisfied with her life, a “fairy godmother” of sorts and a journal entry of goals from her adolescent self prompted Summer to make the impetuous decision to travel to Tenerife to find her teenage crush and cross off other items on the list. “‘I let my younger self down. I didn’t do any of the things that were important to her. I didn’t do anything at all, really. I just kind of settled. And I don’t want to be someone who settles. I don’t want to be someone who has regrets. I want to do something with my life.’” Her travel companions, a group of senior citizens and a very grumpy man nearer her age, became her “Crone crew” and helped her accomplish her “Cool girl Summer goals”. But when it came to the goal of falling in love things didn’t turn out quite as expected. This is a closed door romance with some moderate innuendo and occasional harsh language that is mostly moderate, with a couple instances of strong.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2024
Summer is approached by a "Fairy God Mother" on New Year's Eve, who tells her that is she doesn't get out of Margate, she'll regret it. So after opening her journal from when she was 13, and finding a long forgotten bucket list, she books a holiday to Tenerife, Spain with the hopes to track down her 13 year-old self's crush.
When she meets Alexander (Alex) Fox while sharing her story in line to board the plane, all she feels from him is derision. But as they keep bumping into each other in Spain, and as her bucket list continues to unravel in ways she could NEVER have thought, she finds that Fate has a part to play in this holiday.
I absolutely ADORED this story! I loved the British-isms that came through. I loved Summer's character (quite Bridget Jones like). And I loved her interactions with the various other characters in the story - Rita, Gerald, Alice, etc. She is so clueless to how awesome she truly is, and I love how this holiday helped her discover her true self.
A truly fun read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When she meets Alexander (Alex) Fox while sharing her story in line to board the plane, all she feels from him is derision. But as they keep bumping into each other in Spain, and as her bucket list continues to unravel in ways she could NEVER have thought, she finds that Fate has a part to play in this holiday.
I absolutely ADORED this story! I loved the British-isms that came through. I loved Summer's character (quite Bridget Jones like). And I loved her interactions with the various other characters in the story - Rita, Gerald, Alice, etc. She is so clueless to how awesome she truly is, and I love how this holiday helped her discover her true self.
A truly fun read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 22, 2024
A quick little palette cleanser of a read. Real cute story. Not going to lie, the FMC really annoyed me at first but overall I enjoyed the story even though it was pretty predictable. Summer is not happy with her current situation. She is in a job she hates and she doesn’t feel fulfilled with life. She comes across her teenage diary and a bucket list of sorts that she created and never completed. She decides to come out to her comfort zone and try to complete everything on this list starting with getting on plane, which she is terrified of due to a previous traumatizing experience. While debating whether to get on the plane she interacts with this grumpy, yet handsome, man who she describes as having the personality of a dementor (IYKYK 😆), by the name of Alex convinced her to get on the plane. While at her desired destination, Summer continues to bump into Alex and his grump demeanor and starts checking things off her bucket list one by one and learning things about herself that she thought she wasn’t capable of, while also developing feelings for said grumpy man. Overall a really cute story.
June 14, 2024
On New Years Eve, Summer realizes that she's disappointed by her life. She looks at her high school diary and is surprised to see that she didn't accomplish anything on her list. She resolves to tick off every item on her list, starting with taking a holiday to visit her high school crush, who she is convinced is the love of her life. Summer sets off to the Canary Islands to change her life.
I will admit to being cautiously optimistic about Cool Girl Summer. I really ended up enjoying the premise of Summer undertaking all of these big life changes. In the beginning, some of the dialogue felt a little repetitive, especially the scenes in the airport and on the airplane. Overall, the the plot overcame any repetitiveness in the dialogue and Summer and Alex are great characters with an electric energy between them. The book was sweet and wonderful to read by the pool while I was on vacation. The found family that Summer discovers on this trip, who have affectionately named themselves the Crone Crew, made me laugh and the support they offered to Summer made the book even sweeter.
I will admit to being cautiously optimistic about Cool Girl Summer. I really ended up enjoying the premise of Summer undertaking all of these big life changes. In the beginning, some of the dialogue felt a little repetitive, especially the scenes in the airport and on the airplane. Overall, the the plot overcame any repetitiveness in the dialogue and Summer and Alex are great characters with an electric energy between them. The book was sweet and wonderful to read by the pool while I was on vacation. The found family that Summer discovers on this trip, who have affectionately named themselves the Crone Crew, made me laugh and the support they offered to Summer made the book even sweeter.
June 27, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cool Girl Summer by Amber eve is the first book I read by the author. Cool girl Summer was a hilarious book. Summer is a clumsy girl that does not stop talking. Since she was very outspoken at the airport now she has a group of fairy parents that are invested in her love life.
On the night of New Years Eve, an old croon stops Summer at the bar and tell her to leave the state if she does not want to end up like her. Of course, Summer runs home and found her 13 year old diary which makes her think of all the things she has not done. On an impulse Summer books a holiday trip to find the "cool girl".
I would definitely recommend this book because it absolutely had the comedy and the romance. The romance was very heartfelt, and I found myself rooting for Summer to find her true love.
On a side note, Taylor Swift is referenced all over the book, but I did not mind it because I love Tay-Tay and her songs.
Cool Girl Summer by Amber eve is the first book I read by the author. Cool girl Summer was a hilarious book. Summer is a clumsy girl that does not stop talking. Since she was very outspoken at the airport now she has a group of fairy parents that are invested in her love life.
On the night of New Years Eve, an old croon stops Summer at the bar and tell her to leave the state if she does not want to end up like her. Of course, Summer runs home and found her 13 year old diary which makes her think of all the things she has not done. On an impulse Summer books a holiday trip to find the "cool girl".
I would definitely recommend this book because it absolutely had the comedy and the romance. The romance was very heartfelt, and I found myself rooting for Summer to find her true love.
On a side note, Taylor Swift is referenced all over the book, but I did not mind it because I love Tay-Tay and her songs.
February 21, 2025
2.25✨
En ciertos aspectos es fácil sentirse identificada con la vida de Summer.
Diosss los torpe que es, me he reído muchísimo con lo del mantel y lo de las cenizas aunque no sea culpa suya es que es tan yo.
Amando a Alex Fox desde el principio hasta el final es lo que más me ha gustado.
Me hubiera gustado saber más de ellos, en ese posible futuro juntos.
Si hablamos de la prota uff cuesta en mi opinión en bastantes momentos de la historia que no te dé cringe y lo tan repetitivo que ha sido lo mismo en tantas páginas una y otra vez y diciendo lo mismo 5 veces seguidas en un mismo párrafo CANSA.
Sobre todo un poco de madurez que tienes 31 años por dios.
Y ya de su relación con Chloe en la cual para nada es equitativa y buena...
En si está bien la historia, lo que es la idea pero la forma en la que lo cuenta la prota desde tanta inmadurez .... No me ha gustado.
Buenooooo y los viejas hadas madrinas PUEDE HABER ALGO MEJOR QUE LOS CHISMES ??? EFECTIVAMENTE NO
Se me olvidaba es un libro swiftie, ella es súper fan, canta su canciones y salen muchísimo.
En ciertos aspectos es fácil sentirse identificada con la vida de Summer.
Diosss los torpe que es, me he reído muchísimo con lo del mantel y lo de las cenizas aunque no sea culpa suya es que es tan yo.
Amando a Alex Fox desde el principio hasta el final es lo que más me ha gustado.
Me hubiera gustado saber más de ellos, en ese posible futuro juntos.
Si hablamos de la prota uff cuesta en mi opinión en bastantes momentos de la historia que no te dé cringe y lo tan repetitivo que ha sido lo mismo en tantas páginas una y otra vez y diciendo lo mismo 5 veces seguidas en un mismo párrafo CANSA.
Sobre todo un poco de madurez que tienes 31 años por dios.
Y ya de su relación con Chloe en la cual para nada es equitativa y buena...
En si está bien la historia, lo que es la idea pero la forma en la que lo cuenta la prota desde tanta inmadurez .... No me ha gustado.
Buenooooo y los viejas hadas madrinas PUEDE HABER ALGO MEJOR QUE LOS CHISMES ??? EFECTIVAMENTE NO
Se me olvidaba es un libro swiftie, ella es súper fan, canta su canciones y salen muchísimo.
May 29, 2024
I feel like this ARC came just in time for the warm, sunny holiday weekend. The day is still young so I’m off to find more books by Amber Eve!
Never judge a book by its cover… but in this case, PLEASE DO! I’m a sucker for pink and teal and this book (preferably a signed one) needs to be featured on my bookshelf when released!
We join Summer in her quest to reinvent herself as Cool Girl Summer. After her teenage diary resurfaces, she realizes she has a list of to-do’s that never were accomplished. So she hops on a plane (well, with some assistance!) and sets off to Spain to cross off each item.
Between searching for a long-lost crush, clubbing with the Crone Crew and finding her own self-worth, you’ll fall in love with the silly dynamic of the characters.
Amber Eve has written a fun, silly, clean romance that you will just devour. Take this to a family beach vacay (no smut to hide, ladies!) and adventure along with Summer while sipping pina coladas!
Available for preorder now!
Never judge a book by its cover… but in this case, PLEASE DO! I’m a sucker for pink and teal and this book (preferably a signed one) needs to be featured on my bookshelf when released!
We join Summer in her quest to reinvent herself as Cool Girl Summer. After her teenage diary resurfaces, she realizes she has a list of to-do’s that never were accomplished. So she hops on a plane (well, with some assistance!) and sets off to Spain to cross off each item.
Between searching for a long-lost crush, clubbing with the Crone Crew and finding her own self-worth, you’ll fall in love with the silly dynamic of the characters.
Amber Eve has written a fun, silly, clean romance that you will just devour. Take this to a family beach vacay (no smut to hide, ladies!) and adventure along with Summer while sipping pina coladas!
Available for preorder now!
June 5, 2024
I received this as an ARC from Hidden Gems Books and I thank them for the opportunity to give my voluntary honest review.
Summer Brookes is at a New Year's Eve event when she has a conversation with a woman who turns out to be a "fairy godmother" figure to her. Summer does not like her job and feels she has wasted her life. This woman advises her to get out of the small town she is in before it is too late; get out of the rut and find adventure. When Summer gets home, still tipsy, she reads her diaries from her teenage years and finds a list of goals she made when she was 13. She immediately books a trip to a resort on the island where her childhood crush lives. Her diary reminded her that at 13 she believed he would be the love of her life. She knows where he is after stalking his Instagram.
I loved Summer, she is quirky and charming and funny. This book is full of interesting characters and I was instantly drawn into the dramedy of it all—plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and tons of sentimentality to keep me reading into the wee hours.
I will happily read more from Amber Eve!
Edit: How could I forget Taylor Swift!? Summer is a Swifty and Taylor is almost another character in the book! I loved it!
Amber Eve
Summer Brookes is at a New Year's Eve event when she has a conversation with a woman who turns out to be a "fairy godmother" figure to her. Summer does not like her job and feels she has wasted her life. This woman advises her to get out of the small town she is in before it is too late; get out of the rut and find adventure. When Summer gets home, still tipsy, she reads her diaries from her teenage years and finds a list of goals she made when she was 13. She immediately books a trip to a resort on the island where her childhood crush lives. Her diary reminded her that at 13 she believed he would be the love of her life. She knows where he is after stalking his Instagram.
I loved Summer, she is quirky and charming and funny. This book is full of interesting characters and I was instantly drawn into the dramedy of it all—plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and tons of sentimentality to keep me reading into the wee hours.
I will happily read more from Amber Eve!
Edit: How could I forget Taylor Swift!? Summer is a Swifty and Taylor is almost another character in the book! I loved it!
Amber Eve
June 2, 2024
I'd like to thank Book Sirens and the author for providing me with an early copy for an honest review.
Amber Eve's 'Cruel Girl Summer' was an absolute blast to read, making it the ultimate summer companion. The fast-paced, witty, and chaotic storyline had me laughing from start to finish. Summer's hilarious thoughts and Alex's broody charm added an extra layer of fun to the book. The older characters were the best support system, making me wish I had friends like them in real life.
I would say this is a compliment, but I wish it was longer, and some angst would have been a cherry on the cake.
If you're a Taylor Swift fan, this book is a must-read with its wild references that will make you squeal with delight.
Trust me, this book is a gem that will keep you entertained all summer long!
Amber Eve's 'Cruel Girl Summer' was an absolute blast to read, making it the ultimate summer companion. The fast-paced, witty, and chaotic storyline had me laughing from start to finish. Summer's hilarious thoughts and Alex's broody charm added an extra layer of fun to the book. The older characters were the best support system, making me wish I had friends like them in real life.
I would say this is a compliment, but I wish it was longer, and some angst would have been a cherry on the cake.
If you're a Taylor Swift fan, this book is a must-read with its wild references that will make you squeal with delight.
Trust me, this book is a gem that will keep you entertained all summer long!
June 10, 2024
To say I loved this book would be an understatement. This book literally had me in tears laughing so hard. Summer and Alex will forever take place in my heart. Granted I saw most of the storyline coming, but even with that I enjoyed this book so much I could not put it down. Summer is most definitely my spirit animal. She's quirky, clumsy, a bit stuck in her head, but so utterly perfect. And Alex is literal book boyfriend perfection. And you can never forget about the infamous crone crew!
Summer is stuck with a mundane life where she gets advice from this wise old crone on new years eve. She takes this advice to heart and sets on a journey to make her 13 year old self proud and change her life. She's checking off old resolutions and the journey to the end did not disappoint.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Summer is stuck with a mundane life where she gets advice from this wise old crone on new years eve. She takes this advice to heart and sets on a journey to make her 13 year old self proud and change her life. She's checking off old resolutions and the journey to the end did not disappoint.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2024
On New Year’s Eve, after a strage encounter and the discovery of her old diary, Summer realises that she isn’t satisfied with her life, that she never got to do the things she wanted to do when she was a teenager.
With the intention of changing her life, Summer books a vacation in Tenerife, where she befriends a group of nice elderly people (aka the Crone Crew😉) and the gruff but charming Alexander.
I can’t even describe how much I loved this book, I finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't take my eyes off the pages.
I loved all the characters and I loved even more the dynamic between Summer and Alex.
If you want to read a sweet romance, full of humor, moments that would make you laugh out loud and amazing characters, this is the book for you.
I was sent an ARC and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
With the intention of changing her life, Summer books a vacation in Tenerife, where she befriends a group of nice elderly people (aka the Crone Crew😉) and the gruff but charming Alexander.
I can’t even describe how much I loved this book, I finished it in one sitting, I just couldn't take my eyes off the pages.
I loved all the characters and I loved even more the dynamic between Summer and Alex.
If you want to read a sweet romance, full of humor, moments that would make you laugh out loud and amazing characters, this is the book for you.
I was sent an ARC and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2024
Great entertainment - enjoyed it from first page, laughed laud from the very beginning. And yes - even knowing that book will not disappear during the night still continued reading till the end.
So easy to read by breezing in beach and summer (and Summer's) vibe. Author's writing is so good, loved the sense of humor, , wording, composition - everything. Definitely the best beach reading I had in months. Beginning was more funny, dynamics changed through the book, but Summer's summer vibe was present - we all deserve such perfect company and funniest parties of our lives with pensioners. That encourage to change the life just in 1 week.
I definitely have my new author of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So easy to read by breezing in beach and summer (and Summer's) vibe. Author's writing is so good, loved the sense of humor, , wording, composition - everything. Definitely the best beach reading I had in months. Beginning was more funny, dynamics changed through the book, but Summer's summer vibe was present - we all deserve such perfect company and funniest parties of our lives with pensioners. That encourage to change the life just in 1 week.
I definitely have my new author of the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
Sweet, Funny, Opposites Attract in Glorious Setting with Amazing Characters
This was an uplifting beach read that was hard to put down. Summer really wanted to "break out" of her old rut at the New Year, and although she may have gone about it in an unusual way, with some unusual help from the "Crone" and "Fairy Godhelpers", they were hysterically funny and her motivations were solid. And her klutzy, sunshiny interactions with grumpy Alex (who knew he was hiding a soft, gooey center) were LOL but also grabbed me right in the feels. I found myself invested in their HEA which is always the sign of a great book - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
This was an uplifting beach read that was hard to put down. Summer really wanted to "break out" of her old rut at the New Year, and although she may have gone about it in an unusual way, with some unusual help from the "Crone" and "Fairy Godhelpers", they were hysterically funny and her motivations were solid. And her klutzy, sunshiny interactions with grumpy Alex (who knew he was hiding a soft, gooey center) were LOL but also grabbed me right in the feels. I found myself invested in their HEA which is always the sign of a great book - Enjoy!
I was sent an ARC by the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
June 12, 2024
This book was so fun and easy to read! I loved Summer, I loved the premise, and I loved the humor. I laughed out loud on several occasions whilst reading!
In order to rate 5 stars, I would need Chloe to be more consistent (She was horrid, then thoughtful, then horrid, then thoughtful. I felt she should have been part of Summer's life that she changed) and I would want a bit of steam! I know steamy romance is a personal preference, but this book was sogood, it would of been amazing with a bit of sexual tension!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In order to rate 5 stars, I would need Chloe to be more consistent (She was horrid, then thoughtful, then horrid, then thoughtful. I felt she should have been part of Summer's life that she changed) and I would want a bit of steam! I know steamy romance is a personal preference, but this book was sogood, it would of been amazing with a bit of sexual tension!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
June 13, 2024This book was hilarious and sweet.it had me laughing and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. It give's a Bridget Jones Diary vibe. The main character summer is sweet and awkward she’s completely relatable. Alex is the perfect grumpy to summers sunshine the dementor references were perfect. With a group of comical “fairy-god folk” to round out the cast. As an American there was some terminology I had to check references for but that was part of the fun. The plot was fun and witty some may see it as predictable but I found summer’s cluelessness to the thing obvious to the reader endearing. Definitely a fun summer read I would recommend to many. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Cool Girl Summer! It was a fun and easy summer read that I read in two days. There were a few quirky things about the book, like the fairy godmother/old crone, but overall I really liked the story. The main character, Summer, realizes that she’s not where she thought she would be in life so she finds her old diaries and a list she wrote as a teen and decides to do the things on the list. This book holds a lot of good life lessons like life doesn’t go how we planned, people aren’t always who we think they are, and sometimes things end up better than we could have ever imagined. I would recommend this book!
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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