Rival Summer

by Jess Bryson

This summer, Chandler’s plan is simple—focus on herself and steer clear of Blue Devil athletes. But life has a way of throwing curveballs, and hers comes in the form of a summer job right in the heart of Blue Devil territory. Now, she’s spending her days surrounded by her brother’s baseball team, which just so happens to include her childhood crush—the charming shortstop—and her former fling—the cocky starting pitcher who broke her heart last summer.

Chandler finds herself caught between two irresistible men, who are strictly off-limits. Old wounds reopen, new sparks fly, and Chandler faces a decision that could change everything.

Brace yourself for a summer packed with drama, tension, and swoon-worthy moments. The game of love is on, and Chandler’s heart is the ultimate prize.

Genres: Sports Romance, College Romance, Romance, Baseball

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

With a passion for storytelling, it has been my lifelong dream to pursue it and let my imagination run wild. I aspire to dominate literature with enticing contemporary romance novels.

Reviews

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
If you've been around for a while, you know that I loved Stealing Summer and have been on the edge of my seat waiting for Rival Summer. I definitely recommend if you want to read Rival Summer to make sure you read Stealing Summer first. We are left on a cliffhanger with Stealing Summer, and this book did not disappoint. I was hooked from the very beginning and was giggling and kicking my feet. I love Jess' writing and characters. I loved this book just as much as Stealing Summer and I will continue to hype up all of Jess' books! Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review this book! I'm so happy that the wait is over 🫶🫶. This book is out tomorrow!! (12/13)

[Amber Grube · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh!!! This was incredible. I never could have anticipated how things would play out but I loved the growth of Boston and Chandler. This whole book has me swooning. Also the ending had me chuckling for so many reasons.

Thank you Jess for an ARC this was wonderful!

[Roxy Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read this book, and all I can say is I absolutely loved it.

This book carries on from book 1, and all I can say is WOW. I absolutely loved both the male characters for Chandler, but who she ends up with was perfect.

Which team are you rooting for Boston or Reese?

This book was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ with a spice rating of 🌶🌶🌶, this is a baseball romance.

If you haven't read Stealing Summer, go read it before you start Rival Summer that will be available to purchase December 13th 2024.

Can't wait for book 3 in the Bayside Lake Seies

[Natalyastyles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much Author Jess Bryson, for giving me the amazing opportunity to read an ARC of your new upcoming sports romance book⚾️🩷💋✨
(Rival Summer)
The second installment in the-
“The Bayside Lake Series”
4.8⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨Read!!! I'm completely hooked on this book!! That jaw-dropping ending in the first installment
“Stealing Summer” left me craving more, and Rival Summer absolutely delivered! This romance is a masterful blend of storytelling, with its dual POV, brothers' best friend vs rival, second chance, small-town romance, and flirtatious banter... every trope is skillfully intertwined to create a narrative that's both captivating and emotional, with plenty of moments that had me cheering with a little bit of feet kicking back & forth with laughter✨🩷
“Rival Summer,” stars two main characters
(Chandler Hartford💕& Boston Riley⚾️)
Jess Bryson beings her tale when—
Chandler's summer is all about self-discovery and avoiding the drama that comes with Blue Devil athletes. But when she takes a summer job in the heart of Blue Devil territory, she's thrown into a world of tension and romance. Her brother's baseball team is full of familiar faces, including her childhood crush and the ex who broke her heart. Chandler finds herself torn between two off-limits guys who are impossible to resist. As the summer heats up, Chandler must navigate old wounds, new sparks, and a choice that could change everything!!!
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑜𝑛, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑙𝑒𝑟'𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑒👀✨
Jess Bryson, Doesn’t just deliver a engrossing plot she does it for her main characters💕

Chandler, admirers a vibrant personality and lively spirit that is both captivating and inspiring✨and with the love she shares & gives to those who are the closest to her is so heartfelt, and kind and especially to her sweet lover is incredibly heartwarming and sweet, filled with endless support and affection that you never want their love to end🥹🩷

Boston exudes a heartwarming essence and warmth that draws you in, page after page, particularly with his playful and flirtatious remarks💋✨As you delve deeper, you become more captivated by his genuine heart and charming personality, and the profound love he has for his lovely lover will automatically keep you utterly engaged constantly anticipating for his next tender and sincere words that makes him your next book Boyfriend😆🩷
And the Author crafts everything so beautifully and I seriously can’t wait for more from her!!! especially with the jaw dropping ending👀😆🤩

Pre-Order
(Rival Summer)
Releasing December 13th
Asap for a amazing Baseball romance that will have you in deeply and never wanting it to end✨And you can do just that by visiting the author’s social media @Jessbrysonauthor On IG and also get the chance to read her first installment in the series “Stealing Summer” along with Character Artwork & amazing teasers💕💫

[Lisa Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read a ARC copy of Book 2 in the Blue Devils series. I rated book 1 Stealing Summer 4 ⭐'s. Book 2 Rival Summer continues on where Stealing Summer left off. I was expecting a good book. But let me tell you!

Rival Summer gave me all the feels, all the emotions! The Character building for the main characters Boston, Reese and Chandler was way better than expected. The amount of growth as these characters went through was breathtaking. At one point the Author @jessbrysonauthor had me in tears. You can tell She not only writes for the book lovers reading her books but for herself. You can feel the amount of love she pours into every word written. I was team Boston from the start. Now I need more of Reese. He has a heart of gold that we just get to glimpse at. Rival Summer has me on the edge of my seat wanting more.!! 5⭐'s. Jess you are absolutely amazing and I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us! Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us! I will have this book signed and with my favorites. Rival Summer is a top 5 favorite of the year!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Jess Bryson and Luna Literary for the ARC of Rival Summer.

I really enjoyed getting to read more about Chandler & Boston and how their story unfolds. I love how this one picked up right where Stealing Summer ended, since we were left with such a shocking ending. I grew to love Boston even more in this book. The characters in this book are unmatched. Bailey is one of my favorite characters from the books, he’s so funny and really adds some life to the party. Really hoping for more in this series in the future, especially with how this one ended.

I would love a Parker & Willow book, a peek into Reese’s future, and what is in store for Bailey. Plus of course more Chandler & Boston because I want to know what their future looks like! Run and grab Stealing Summer if you haven’t already read it yet, then follow it up with Rival Summer. Highly recommend!!!

[Kaitlyn Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved so many quotes from this book. I loved it SO much .
Last book i couldn’t decide who’s “team “ i was on. I loved both the guys so much .
This book… let’s just say i like who she picked.

This book has 🌶️🌶️, romance .. baseball. It’s a 10/10 ❤️

[Janae McGinnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Rival summer is the second book of this series between Chandler, Boston, and Reese. I ate this book up! Even though I read it and couldn’t put it down, it almost read like an entirely separate story line. Reese was non-existent and Chandler became hard to like.
Let’s start with Chandler. Chandler was just annoyed and mad most of the book and didn’t come off as empathetic as I thought she would. She was very woe is me and at times tried to be the hot girl summer type but that’s just not how I read her to be in the first book. I wish she would have played into her feelings of being upset but delivered her hurt in having those tough conversations instead of putting on an act that shes above those things. I got her frustration but she just missed the mark for me this time around.
Reese wasn’t anywhere in this story. Like he went from having large feelings for her in book one to being like nah not going to try anymore. It was just a little strange to me cause I was expecting this to be a true love triangle where both boys were still vying for her attention and were trying to prove how they were the one for her. I was expecting Reese to come in groveling and Boston pushing back with how he’s been hers forever. I was left with kinda let down expectations. There wasn’t any real love triangle here at all.
And Boston. He was the star of this book. Super relatable in terms of his emotions about the situations happening to him and brought all of the right energy into making it up to those he hurt while he was dealing with his own stuff. He’s the one that grovels and still shows how much he wants Chandler. He allows his insecurities to get the best of him at times but overall still goes for it. He does show more assertiveness in showing Chandler how he is hers and ever only was hers, regardless of his past and hers. He was the winner here. I did love that we got more background between Boston and Reese’s mother and all of that but that was that. I walked away loving Boston and even enjoying Reese a little but Chandler just didn’t hit the way I thought she would. But with all that said I can’t wait to see who’s next in this series!

[Malin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this story, after anxiously waiting since book 1! The characters all grew and matured so much, the communication gradually got better and better, until it came pouring out in such a healthy way.

The love triangle in book 1 and 2 makes you sit with so many butterflies and needles at the same time. The jealousy is so prominent, and rightfully so, but it makes it all worth it. Mainly because Chandler is going through a healing process of her heart. Learning how to manoeuvre around feelings, both hurt and happiness. I’m so so pleased with the ending of it, it warmed my heart and I think I know where book 3 is going, which is exciting!!

Overall an angsty, heartwarming and cute read! Thank you so much Jess Bryson for the arc, I’m so grateful!!

(Also, that bracelet!! 😭)

⚾️ "I always hoped she'd be the one. Someday."

⚾️ “She had that kind of beauty you could get lost in”

⚾️ “I saw her as so much more. But admitting that felt like stepping off a cliff with no idea where the fuck I’d land.”

⚾️ "Fit? I don't throw fits," I retorted without looking at him, staring out the window. "Strategic displays of displeasure, maybe, but not fits." - same Chandler

⚾️ “She didn't know it, but when I pictured my future, I saw her.”

⚾️ "hearts aren't meant to be guarded. No matter how much we try to control them, they're meant to be stolen—whether we allow it or not."

⚾️ “it wasn't the perfection of the surroundings that mattered—it was the imperfect realness of being together that had etched those memories in her heart.”

⚾️ “You're the only thing that has ever truly made sense to me."

⚾️ "When everything around me falls apart, when my world is spinning out of control, you're the one constant thing that I've always been sure about.”

[Moe Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Rating: 4🌟
Spice:  🌶 🌶 

Rival Summer is the second book in The Bayside Lake Series. If you haven't read Stealing Summer, which is Book 1, then GO DO IT! It leaves you on a cliffhanger that leaves you asking for more....thankfully I read them one after the other 🤣.

Chandler, our FMC, returns to Bayside reluctantly after family plans fall through. She promises herself that she is over the bad boy who broke her heart, but also wants to mend the relationship between her long time crush.....you can guess how that goes!

Boston, who has been crushing hard for years, realises that this could be his only chance. He's forced to deal with difficult emotions and situations he has been holding at bay, especially as they involve his recently discovered brother.

Reese, our bad boy of Bayside and also the brother to Boston....makes for an interesting love triangle right?!....

I think Jess did a great job in showing the growth of all the character. From Chandler, with the ability to forgive and also trust in herself and follow her heart. Boston and Reese had to overcome their own struggles, but managed to build a relationship with each other and Chandler. Some of the best moments was definitely that boys chat 🤣 brought in that kight heartedness the book needed amongst the angst.


'For you, I'd get down on my knees and beg  if that's what you want.'    (UMMM YES!!)

Overall, it was a great swoon-worthy summer read that just left me feeling happy 😍

Thank you to Jess and LunaLiteraryManagement for allowing me read this ARC ❤️

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️

💫 Found Family
💫 Brothers best friend
💫 Bad boy
💫 Small town
💫 College Baseball
💫 HEA


So the way I’ve been waiting for this book to come out since the moment I finished the first one 😮‍💨

No questions asked this book was definitely rated all the stars for me, the characters I’m obsessed with like every single one made this story so easy to read.

Although I am still team Reece because I’m just obsessed with him Boston really did make me love him so much more with this book. The relationship between Boston and Chandler was just beautiful, a relationship built of years of friendship these pair were really made for each other and I absolutely loved them.

Reece though for me is such a loveable character that I would love to see so much more of, I feel like we’ve barely even scratched the surface with him.

I love the little twist at the end with “papi likes butts” and I can’t wait to see what happens with those characters.

This book is such a fun read but make sure you dive into the first before you read this one. These can easily be read so quickly.

Now please excuse me whilst I pack my belongings and move to Bayside.

“Despite the distance, the missed chances, and the imperfect roads we traveled, we still found our way back to each other.”

“For you Chandler, I’d get down on my knees and beg if that’s what you want.”

[Kendra Job · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Rival Summer is book 2 so if you have not read Stealing Summer check out that one first then come back to this one! I guess it could be read as a standalone but there are bits you might find confusing or not understand the reference so I would definitely read the first book beforehand.
This sports romance has everything you could ever want. Truly. The tropes? *chefs kiss* You’ve got small town romance, dual pov, found family, banter, second chance romance, best friends brother vs. bad boy. I’m not always the biggest love triangle fan but Jess really got me with this one, it’s written out so well that I may just have to add love triangles back on my fav tropes list. I love the dual POV and getting to see the thoughts of other characters, it really helps bring everything together. You will absolutely love both of the guys and have a hard time choosing who you want Chandler to end up with but I was very happy with the ending. This book brought back feelings I haven’t had since the twilight days. Remember the intensity of Team Edward or Team Jacob??? Now you’ve got the sports romance version with Team Boston or Team Reese.
Thank you Jess Bryson & Luna Literary for the ARC of this!

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rival Summer follows Chandler whose plan this summer is to stay away from the Blue Devil athletes. She had enough drama with them last summer. The plan to stay away from them is easier said than done. She gets a job working for the team, which includes her childhood crush Boston, her ex-fling Reese, and her brother Parker. Chandler finds herself caught in the middle once again between her ex-fling and her brother's best friend. Old wounds reopen, new sparks fly, and Chandler has to figure out what she really wants. 

I loved the first book and this was the perfect sequel. This book picks up right where the last book left off. I loved everything about this book. In my review of the first book, I said I didn't know who I liked more Boston or Reese. That is still the case I love both of them! Also, this book had quite a bit of spice. The first book left you wanting more (in the best way) and this book was 100% worth the wait. I can't wait for the third book, because once again I am selfish and want more. My only complaint with this book is it is set in the summer and I need summer to be here now. Do yourself a favor and read this series. 

Thank you so much Jess Bryson for the ARC of this book. 

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chandler is back to Bayside for summer after a last minute change of plan, and this time she's vowing to stay away from boys and drama, especially Reese who broke her heart, and Boston who's been ignoring her.
After some drunken truth or dare, flirty banter, and some heated tension, her plan starts to fall apart, and her heart is torn between the two people she shouldn't want.
I loved that we got to see more of Boston and understanding his struggles as well as his hidden feelings for Chandler.
It was sweet to see some grand gestures, overdue confessions, and tender moments, especially between Reese, Boston and their mom trying to repair their fractured relationship.
I liked all the touches of drama, the underwear antics, and the steamy passion.
This feels like a sweet resolution for Chandler, and some moments of growth for all the characters.
That ending though, can't wait to see all the upcoming drama!

[Calypso✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Rival Summer by Jess Bryon is a refreshing and heartfelt story that captures the magic of summer, the thrill of competition, and the complexities of young love.❤️‍🩹To be honest, I am not a fan of Love triangles but I very much enjoyed this book. 🤌🏽

Chandler is relatable and endearing, I enjoyed her journey of self discovery and finding what and who she wants.🤭 I loved both Boston and Resse each are both amazing characters showing how much they care about Chandler. They both have a different charm to them that is hard not to love both of them. 💕Chandler had great chemistry with both Boston and Resse.🔥 I also loved the side characters they bring emotional depth and hilarious moments throughout book which I loved!🤣

This was a sweet, funny and delightful read. I would definitely recommend reading the first book and this book.☺️

Thanks you so you so much to the Author Jess Bryson for the opportunity to read this ARC!💜

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I have been patiently waiting for Rival Summer after reading Stealing Summer as we were left on a cliffhanger and it definitely didn’t disappoint. Chandler has decisions to make as she faces her past and overcoming a broken heart. I loved her growth, her forgiveness and her ability to trust her heart. I adored how we learnt more about the struggles both boys, Boston and Reese faced. The boys group chat was on point as was some of the light hearted scenes. This was beautifully written and Jess is becoming one of my favourite authors. I am so glad who Chandler ended up with and I can’t wait for the next chapter in this wonderful series. I received a complementary copy from the author.

[Cayla Pilcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ⚾️🧢👙☀️🧡

Another 4.5 ⭐️ such a fun and refreshing summery read (which is perfect for all the aus girlies right now). After the ending one book 1 I couldn’t wait to jump into book 2.
I loved the dual POV we got this time! From the first chapter the book hooked me - I loved all the baseball in it, the side characters, the flirtatious banter and the spice this time round.
The ending I thought was perfect, I actually was so happy with how it all played out. The very very ending… I didn’t see that coming 😂

[emma | ecvbookstagram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited a little after release after reading this arc bc I, one, didn’t know how I felt immediately.

This has nothing to do with the writing or story itself, there was angst & it was fun to read, but ultimately the (sort of) love triangle trope overtook a bit of the book for me, but the authors writing was beautifully done & Jess knows how to write a story very well.

I’m definitely excited to continue more into her books, bc I thoroughly enjoy her style of writing, but this one just missed the mark for me.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨
I don’t really know where to start…
I’m so beyond happy with who Chandler chose to be with! In my opinion it just made sense🤍
Both Boston and Reese’s character development in this book was so nice to read, especially in regard to the parent situation🥹🥹
I’m really hoping we get to see more of them as I’m OBSESSED
My only complaint is the hook is relatively short and I really wanted to read it for longer 😌

[Bambi Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful to have received this as an ARC.

This is the second book in the Stealing Summer series. Rival Summer follows on from stealing summer, where chandler has to go back into blue devils territory for a summer job. Will you be sucked back in with badboy Reese or is her heart still with her brothers best friend Boston?

Team Boston or Reese?

I absolutely loved this series and the characters. Released December 13th!
Read stealing summer first if you haven't already

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Why you’ll love this book!!
Brothers Best Friends
Baseball Romance

This series was my first true love triangle books and it did not disappoint.. I loved all the banter and pranks that happened..
If you love a roller coaster of emotions and spice then this is the book for you..I loved seeing the characters more this book and seeing the development of the relationships..
I love the twist at the end didn’t see it coming..

[Jocelyn Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with these characters instantly. This book had me hooked, wanting more. The ending left me wanting more and feeling sad that the book was over. I would highly recommend this. The dynamics were intense and you could feel the torn connections between the main characters and kept you guessing about what was next. @jessbrysonauthor hit a home run with this one!

[♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW! ✨
3.5 ⭐️

The perfect summer vibes! I loved this book with my entire heart, it was the perfect summer book to pick up and read! 🌞⛱️🌊🏝️

What's confusing me a little was the fact that Reese was all over her at a certain point in the book then god knows what happened, he COMPLETELY switched up and then boom.. no more feelings for Chandler? This part of the plot was a bit weird for me to come around since it IS a love triangle book after all but it felt like a very normal one to one romance book? IDK. Boston was genuinely the only realistic character and his emotions were absolutely and wholeheartedly understood. I just didn't like the premise of the story to be weakened by 'one day it's something, the next it's something else.'; it just ruins it for me.

ANYWAYS! I really liked this book and i'm definitely excited to see the upcoming book!

[Nifer Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does not state that it's a stand alone, but also doesn't say that you need to read the first.

I didn't read the first. But definitely feel like I should have to get a better understanding of the previous history of all the characters. Was still able to understand the story though.

It could be bc I'm old enough to be the MCs mom, but I don't agree with a decision the MMC made near the end. Feel like it still could have ended the same way had he not chosen that.

[Noemi Salazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rival Summer
By

4 ⭐ 2.5 🌶️

Tropes:
🌊Small Town Romance
⚾College Baseball Player MMC
🌊Second Chance Romance
⚾"F*ck It"
🌊Theatre Major FMC
⚾Brother's Best Friend vs Bad Boy
🌊Flirty Banter
⚾Found Family
🌊Dual POV
⚾Open Door Spice

Main Characters:
Chandler, Boston and Reese

Stand out lines/quotes:
"See, unfortunately for me, my heart has always belonged to the boy who grew up next door. You captured my heart the same night you captured those fireflies."

My Thoughts:
This was so cute! The banter in this was so good and I love the dynamic of all the characters. I enjoyed the pace and the overall plot. I don’t feel like there was ever really much of a competition between the two, she seemed to know where she wanted to be from the very beginning. But that’s just me.

[Introvert's Book Club · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a new adult sports/baseball romance you will probably like this! It’s got a good/interesting plot. It’s a light hearted rom-com, it held my attention and there was no shortage of love triangle drama. This book is low on the spice end in my opinion but it’s definitely not no spice.

You can read my full review here:
https://www.introvertsbookclub.com/in...

[Alyssa Medeguari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one I was patiently waiting for, or impatiently 😂 and it didn't disappoint. I would definitely read book 1, Stealing Summer first to get the whole picture.

It was a wild ride for sure. Chandler goes through quite the healing journey in this book. She learns more about her and her feelings for both Reese and Boston. While navigating how she feels she learns more about who she is and what exactly she wants. It's a beautiful story🥰

Now Boston and Reese are both amazing and Boston steps up big time! I would say the same for Reese though! The team chat was hilarious 😂. Bailey is such a character 😂😂. Without giving too much away I will say I wanted it to go a different way personally BUT Jess did a wonderful job with this love triangle. It gave me all the feels and was an amazing story. I would definitely recommend reading and am excited for what she writes next!

Thank you Luna Literary Management and Jess Bryson for an ARC 🫶

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I am really going to like this series and I cannot wait for the next installment.

I received an ARC copy of Rival Summer: A College Baseball Romance and, to prepare for this read, I had to quickly go and read Stealing Summer to situate myself with the characters and the plot.

So here is the overall breakdown. We have our FMC, Chandler. She has been in love with her neighbor, Boston Riley, since she was 5 years old. Boston and Parker, Chandler's brother, became instant best friends as kids after Chandler met Boston. Parker and Boston play baseball, and the summer before, in Stealing Summer, they had the opportunity to play for the Blue Devils summer team in Bayside Lake. This is the hometown of Boston's mother, however, she hasn't really stepped foot in the town in approximately 2 decades. During the summer of Stealing Summer, Chandler meets Reese Carrington, Boston's baseball rival and new teammate. Chandler and Reese have a situationship during the summer but leave the summer as friends, Reese being the one to step back from what they were starting. The reason? Well, I can't tell because I don't want to spoil it for you. Chander had spent her whole life with a crush on Boston, thinking he never reciprocated those feelings, but in Stealing Summer, he confesses that he does like her. Sorry buddy, it's too little, too late. However, now is his second chance to win her over. However, Boston has been distant all school year, a changed man. He received some life-changing news at the end of the summer in Stealing Summer, and he has been dealing with the reality over the course of the year. I can't tell you what that life-changing information is because, well, SPOILERS, but it's good.

What can I tell you? Well, if you check out my review for Stealing Summer you will know that I enjoyed the book but that Jess Bryson debut novel needed some alterations, in my opinion, on pacing and flow. I think she did a great job in improving her craft. While, yes, there are still some issues with breaks in a chapter or identifying a time skip in the story, overall the story had more information and more context. It's also true that this is a full novel and not a novella, so Jess had more pages to fully develop the story. I still didn't like that it was written in past tense, but there is an improvement.

Also, Stealing Summer was written in single person POV, from Chandler's perspective. At the time of reading it, I wished that we would have seen things from Reese's POV as well, but after reading Rival Summer: A College Baseball Romance, I understand why that wasn't done. This book is written in dual PoV, from Chandler, and from Boston. Thank you for this. Seeing things from Boston's perspective really let us get to know him, something that we didn't really see in Stealing Summer. I don't want to give too much away so let me just say that Boston has a lot on his plate at the moment. On a personal level, he has a whole family situation going on. I appreciate the struggle he is having and I am thankful that we got a peak into his mental state throughout the school year as he was processing the changes. However, I wish that Boston would have made a bit more of an effort now that the summer has arrived again to grow and move forward with the information he now has to develop the relationship and strengthen some of the bonds he has revolving around that family. I can't say more because I don't want to give anything away. I will just say that there is definitely some personal growth for Boston from the first summer to the second summer and that he is trying. Maybe if we get a bonus epilogue, showing Boston a few years down the road, then we will see how things evolve. For now, they are good.
As for his relationship with Chandler...If you enjoy the "it's always been you" and "soulmates" tropes, this is your book. I love a good childhood friends to lovers story. I love how the relationship evolves from kids to teens to adults with a strong foundation for the relationship. Chandler and Boston have been there for each other through all the awkward adolescent phases, the puberty, the "my family is your family" phase. Those are the stories that I love to read about. Boston realized the summer before that he can no longer sit on the sidelines and wait to gather the courage to be with Chandler. He almost lost the possibility of being with her and now he is determined to pursue what he has always wanted. Stealing Summer was a very mild 1 on the spice scale. It wasn't closed door but it was your teen romance spice. Boston stepped it up. It's now fire hot but I'd say a nice 3 spice rating. I always wonder how these good-boy golden retriever types always have such a filthy mouths. And to think of the things he is saying to Chandler, someone he has known since she was 5 years old?

We also were able to meet the secondary characters better. We obviously had more Willow and Parker moments. I think Chandler's story is now told so I'm going to assume the rest of the books in the series will be from the PoV of other characters, giving each their time to shine in the spotlight. I really hope that Willow and Parker get their moment, although, as they have already hooked up a few times, I am going to either assume that their story will be the last in the series, maybe with their next steps, or a reunion of some sort. I can't give too much away, but there are some teammates on the Blue Devils that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I want to get to know them better. The team dynamic and the friendships that they are building are really good. I hope these are teammates that have those lasting relationships and friendships.

There were some hilarious laugh-out-loud, stitch in my side moments in this book. Jess brought the humor and her game was spot on. Coach Levi reminds me of Coach Jensen from the Briar University books from Elle Kennedy. It's gold.

Thanks to Luna Literary and Jess Bryson for the ARC copy of this book.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way the first book ended, it was living rent free in my mind! I had to know who Chandler ended up with! Such an epic love triangle! This is NOT a standalone so you’re definitely going to want to read Stealing Summer first (but I read that in one sitting 😂)!

This is the continuing love story of Chandler! She’s now stuck between choosing her childhood crush, and her summer wild romance… oh and did I mention they share a BIG secret, and baseball rivals?!

I am so impressed with Jess Bryson’s writing because I thought I was FULLY team Reese but then I kept flipping between him and Boston! I love that! I loved that she made each character so dynamic, that by the end I didn’t care who she was with, I was happy!

There’s summer romance, drama, complicated family dynamics, baseball, brother’s best friend, childhood love, love triangle, and so much more packed into this book!

I’m dying for the next book already! This is a must read!

[Brandi Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I am so glad I got to read this book. Absolutely beautiful read. If you read Stealing Summer, you definitely want to read this.

It starts off with Chandler wanting to do a hot girl summer and not have her heart broken again. You will find both Reese and Boston in this book and trying to figure out who she will end up with. There is also the part with Boston's mom and will Reese be able to want to have a relationship with either of them.

I was right from the beginning not able to choose who I wanted for Chandler but let me tell you I loved how this book ended and who Chandler ends up with. I am such a fan of all the side characters and some of the guys are hilarious and cannot wait for books about them! I have to say I am not a Caroline fan right now but I'm sure my mind can change.

This book had my heart swooning, then breaking, then being put back together with a little piece of it forever with this book.