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Summer Expectations #2
Rumors and Puzzles
Fitting together, not fitting in.
Last summer, I almost told Tyler how I felt about him.
But that was before he changed, abandoning our friendship for popularity, parties, and—if rumors are true—lots of girls.
This summer, a surprise vacation to Tyler’s lakeside cabin forces us together again. He doesn’t understand why I’m so mad, but after our moms partner us up for a jigsaw puzzle competition, we agree to a truce on the very first night.
Piece by piece, we rebuild our relationship until Tyler has me convinced. Beneath the mask, he’s still the lovable dork I once fell for. And now I’m falling all over again.
Life at the lake is a dream come true, but it can’t last forever.
Back home, Tyler introduces me to his world of image and expectations. It’s clear I don’t belong there—but does he?
Last summer, I almost told Tyler how I felt about him.
But that was before he changed, abandoning our friendship for popularity, parties, and—if rumors are true—lots of girls.
This summer, a surprise vacation to Tyler’s lakeside cabin forces us together again. He doesn’t understand why I’m so mad, but after our moms partner us up for a jigsaw puzzle competition, we agree to a truce on the very first night.
Piece by piece, we rebuild our relationship until Tyler has me convinced. Beneath the mask, he’s still the lovable dork I once fell for. And now I’m falling all over again.
Life at the lake is a dream come true, but it can’t last forever.
Back home, Tyler introduces me to his world of image and expectations. It’s clear I don’t belong there—but does he?
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2025
93 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kenzie Brayne
7 books26 followersA lifelong fan of storytelling, Kenzie originally studied film before turning her attention to the written word. She loves to read and write romance with kind heroes, crushes, awkward moments, temptation, and heart-pounding new experiences.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 5, 2025
Brooke and Tyler are best friends, but as she's about to reveal that she feels more than friendship Tyler asks her about clothing advice for a date. When Tyler's family shortly after move to the other side of town everything changes. He starts going to parties and hang with the popular crowd. And if the rumors are true he's become quite the Casanova. The next summer Brooke's family get invited to spend a couple of weeks with Tyler's family at their lakeside cabin. Brooke doesn't look forward to spending time with the changed Tyler, but when his mother says she's entered the two of them in a puzzle competition they manage to rekindle their friendship. But how will it be when they return to town?
As a puzzle-loving book nerd I couldn't resist asking for an ARC of this one, and it doesn't take many pages before I get a recognizable smile on my face!
"I’ve started listening to audiobooks while puzzling, Mom said. I play them at double speed. You wouldn't believe how many books I've read so far this year. Hundreds."
(Unfortunatly this wasn't an audio so I couldn't puzzle while reading!)
Besides the physical puzzle it's also used as a metaphor: to fit in and find your place in the world. Both Brooke and Tyler want to fit in, but while Brooke tries not to care too much about popularity, Tyler sees it as a goal. They kind of live in different worlds, and although Brooke thinks that Tyler's changed he still believes he's the same dork as before, even if he's started going to parties and working out.
We're inside both character's heads and get to experience all their insecurities as teenagers. I think it's a bit sad that there's focus on weight and comfort eating, but unfortunatly it's a reality today. On the other hand none of the main characters drink alcohol and Brooke is vegan, so I guess that balances it some.
On contrary to many YA novels I believe that Brayne includes more realistic and everyday situations. Almost too much realism for my taste, but perfect for the target group. Teenagers will recognize themselves in places us adults prefer to forget! 😉
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
As a puzzle-loving book nerd I couldn't resist asking for an ARC of this one, and it doesn't take many pages before I get a recognizable smile on my face!
"I’ve started listening to audiobooks while puzzling, Mom said. I play them at double speed. You wouldn't believe how many books I've read so far this year. Hundreds."
(Unfortunatly this wasn't an audio so I couldn't puzzle while reading!)
Besides the physical puzzle it's also used as a metaphor: to fit in and find your place in the world. Both Brooke and Tyler want to fit in, but while Brooke tries not to care too much about popularity, Tyler sees it as a goal. They kind of live in different worlds, and although Brooke thinks that Tyler's changed he still believes he's the same dork as before, even if he's started going to parties and working out.
We're inside both character's heads and get to experience all their insecurities as teenagers. I think it's a bit sad that there's focus on weight and comfort eating, but unfortunatly it's a reality today. On the other hand none of the main characters drink alcohol and Brooke is vegan, so I guess that balances it some.
On contrary to many YA novels I believe that Brayne includes more realistic and everyday situations. Almost too much realism for my taste, but perfect for the target group. Teenagers will recognize themselves in places us adults prefer to forget! 😉
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
May 31, 2025
This wasn't the best Kenzie Brayne has written, I've read all her books and this one is my least favorite. I'm honestly a bit disappointed. I was looking forward to this story and I was left underwhelmed. The characters were annoying, the storyline was mediocre at best. This just didn't hit the same way her other books usually do.
May 30, 2025
Cute little love story friends to lovers ❤️
November 22, 2025
-4 stars ⭐️
Brooke and Tyler are best friends, but as she's about to reveal that she feels more than friendship Tyler asks her about clothing advice for a date. When Tyler's family shortly after move to the other side of town everything changes. He starts going to parties and hang with the popular crowd. And if the rumors are true he's become quite the Casanova. The next summer Brooke's family get invited to spend a couple of weeks with Tyler's family at their lakeside cabin. Brooke doesn't look forward to spending time with the changed Tyler, but when his mother says she's entered the two of them in a puzzle competition they manage to rekindle their friendship. But how will it be when they return to town?
"I’ve started listening to audiobooks while puzzling, Mom said. I play them at double speed. You wouldn't believe how many books I've read so far this year.
Besides the physical puzzle it's also used as a metaphor: to fit in and find your place in the world. Both Brooke and Tyler want to fit in, but while Brooke tries not to care too much about popularity, Tyler sees it as a goal. They kind of live in different worlds, and although Brooke thinks that Tyler's changed he still believes he's the same dork as before, even if he's started going to parties and working out.
We're inside both character's heads and get to experience all their insecurities as teenagers. I think it's a bit sad that there's focus on weight and comfort eating, but unfortunatly it's a reality today. On the other hand none of the main characters drink alcohol and Brooke is vegan, so I guess that balances it some.
On contrary to many YA novels I believe that Brayne includes more realistic and everyday situations. Almost too much realism for my taste, but perfect for the target group. Teenagers will recognize themselves in places us adults prefer to forget! 😉
Brooke and Tyler are best friends, but as she's about to reveal that she feels more than friendship Tyler asks her about clothing advice for a date. When Tyler's family shortly after move to the other side of town everything changes. He starts going to parties and hang with the popular crowd. And if the rumors are true he's become quite the Casanova. The next summer Brooke's family get invited to spend a couple of weeks with Tyler's family at their lakeside cabin. Brooke doesn't look forward to spending time with the changed Tyler, but when his mother says she's entered the two of them in a puzzle competition they manage to rekindle their friendship. But how will it be when they return to town?
"I’ve started listening to audiobooks while puzzling, Mom said. I play them at double speed. You wouldn't believe how many books I've read so far this year.
Besides the physical puzzle it's also used as a metaphor: to fit in and find your place in the world. Both Brooke and Tyler want to fit in, but while Brooke tries not to care too much about popularity, Tyler sees it as a goal. They kind of live in different worlds, and although Brooke thinks that Tyler's changed he still believes he's the same dork as before, even if he's started going to parties and working out.
We're inside both character's heads and get to experience all their insecurities as teenagers. I think it's a bit sad that there's focus on weight and comfort eating, but unfortunatly it's a reality today. On the other hand none of the main characters drink alcohol and Brooke is vegan, so I guess that balances it some.
On contrary to many YA novels I believe that Brayne includes more realistic and everyday situations. Almost too much realism for my taste, but perfect for the target group. Teenagers will recognize themselves in places us adults prefer to forget! 😉
March 9, 2025
Sorry in advance for my review, but I have to be honest.
(if you're under the age of 14 or a parent reading this for your child excuse my profanity)
-
First thought: If I had the physical copy I'd burn it.
And before I start with my negative comments, I want to say that I was actually very excited for this book because I really enjoyed Kisses & Castles! Absolutely adorable and fun and everything you in need in a YA romance! A perfect summer read, which is why I enjoyed it.
Now,
(The issue here was just Tyler, really)
Tyler is, by far, the worst YA mmc I've ever read, he's unlikable 96% of the book. He was insufferable and all he thought about was sex (which okay makes sense he's a teen) there wasn't a moment when he didn't want to get down with a girl or the fmc. I wish we hadn't gotten his pov! I was actually good without it.
Another thing, if my bf told me how hot he thought the girl he wanted to fuck was and then basically sounded like he settled I'd tell him to fuck off. It was weird as hell. I know everyone has flaws and guys are really like that (I remember, guys are disgusting in hs but this is fiction)
I'm not sure why she wrote him this way and made him a bit like-able until the last 10%. Even then he still sounded like a fboy in the epilogue. I'm not sure what she was tryna do but it didn't work. I can't see them lasting, they'd probably break up in college because he cheated or for another girl. The fmc deserves better!
If you're going to read a YA book, I recommend skipping this one and reading a different one! Kisses & Castles is a perfect read for a cute romance (:
Kisses & Castles rating: 3.4✨
(if you're under the age of 14 or a parent reading this for your child excuse my profanity)
-
First thought: If I had the physical copy I'd burn it.
And before I start with my negative comments, I want to say that I was actually very excited for this book because I really enjoyed Kisses & Castles! Absolutely adorable and fun and everything you in need in a YA romance! A perfect summer read, which is why I enjoyed it.
Now,
(The issue here was just Tyler, really)
Tyler is, by far, the worst YA mmc I've ever read, he's unlikable 96% of the book. He was insufferable and all he thought about was sex (which okay makes sense he's a teen) there wasn't a moment when he didn't want to get down with a girl or the fmc. I wish we hadn't gotten his pov! I was actually good without it.
Another thing, if my bf told me how hot he thought the girl he wanted to fuck was and then basically sounded like he settled I'd tell him to fuck off. It was weird as hell. I know everyone has flaws and guys are really like that (I remember, guys are disgusting in hs but this is fiction)
I'm not sure why she wrote him this way and made him a bit like-able until the last 10%. Even then he still sounded like a fboy in the epilogue. I'm not sure what she was tryna do but it didn't work. I can't see them lasting, they'd probably break up in college because he cheated or for another girl. The fmc deserves better!
If you're going to read a YA book, I recommend skipping this one and reading a different one! Kisses & Castles is a perfect read for a cute romance (:
Kisses & Castles rating: 3.4✨
March 13, 2025
4.5 🌟. I really enjoyed this one.
It’s kind of in two parts. The first is at the lake where the characters are forced to spend time together and through this (mainly the puzzle competition) they repair their friendship and start a romantic relationship. Both characters were extremely relatable, and there were lots of cute scenes.
I wouldn’t really consider it to have mature content (one f-word and some making out) but there were several mentions of sexual experience (neither character had any, but Tyler was living with rumors that said he did). He initially had plans to hook up with a girl (who he’d been chatting with on an app) while at the lake. Not great, but nothing happened (not even a kiss) because he realized his feelings for Brooke 🥰
The second part is what happens when they return home. There’s a big theme of fitting in, mostly focusing on Tyler’s internal struggle. I thought it was really well done, and it was easy to see things from both characters perspectives. Tyler’s parents were amazing too.
Overall, it was a fun, easy read. I enjoyed the wordplay with Tyler taking expressions literally, and despite some deep themes, it didn’t feel too heavy or depressing. Can’t wait for Mason’s book!
It’s kind of in two parts. The first is at the lake where the characters are forced to spend time together and through this (mainly the puzzle competition) they repair their friendship and start a romantic relationship. Both characters were extremely relatable, and there were lots of cute scenes.
I wouldn’t really consider it to have mature content (one f-word and some making out) but there were several mentions of sexual experience (neither character had any, but Tyler was living with rumors that said he did). He initially had plans to hook up with a girl (who he’d been chatting with on an app) while at the lake. Not great, but nothing happened (not even a kiss) because he realized his feelings for Brooke 🥰
The second part is what happens when they return home. There’s a big theme of fitting in, mostly focusing on Tyler’s internal struggle. I thought it was really well done, and it was easy to see things from both characters perspectives. Tyler’s parents were amazing too.
Overall, it was a fun, easy read. I enjoyed the wordplay with Tyler taking expressions literally, and despite some deep themes, it didn’t feel too heavy or depressing. Can’t wait for Mason’s book!
May 23, 2025
I read the first book in this series and adored it, and when I saw this one I had to pick it up and lose myself in another sweet summer romance. I adored the glimpse into the past and then the story beginning, Tyler and Brooke were perfectly matched even if they seemed to be too different. I adored the setting, the way Brayne has a way of making you soak up the characters and story as if you’re there watching it all play out in front of you. The two of them, along with the puzzles, just made for an engaging and sweet romance. I just loved it, right up to the end! Very much recommended for any who love sweet romance!
June 8, 2025
Rumors and Puzzles by Kenzie Brayne is an absolutely adorable, heart-squeezing YA summer romance that had me smiling from start to finish! The chemistry between the puzzle-loving heroine and reformed popular-boy Tyler is electric in the sweetest way. I adored the lakeside setting, the jigsaw puzzle competition, and the way their friendship slowly morphed back into something so much more. Brayne writes with warmth, charm, and just the right amount of tension and swoon. The dual POV gave both characters so much depth. If you love second chances, summer love, and perfectly dorky boys—this book is an absolute must-read!
June 29, 2025
Rumors and Puzzles is a super sweet Young Adult Romance that will make your heart squeeze a little with each new cheesy joke and cringe with second hand embarrassment.
Though it does tend to hit a slow moment near the end. It's a great book that touches on heavy topics such as grief and rejection - and shows those emotions in ways that would speak to a Young Adult who experienced these things themselves.
I would recommend Rumors and Puzzles to anyone looking for a cute romance to dive into.
Though it does tend to hit a slow moment near the end. It's a great book that touches on heavy topics such as grief and rejection - and shows those emotions in ways that would speak to a Young Adult who experienced these things themselves.
I would recommend Rumors and Puzzles to anyone looking for a cute romance to dive into.
February 28, 2025
👍🏻
Another cute one. I liked the backdrop of the lake and the parents were really great. It has more mature content than I prefer, especially in a YA novel and it and a lot of weird phrases that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, 3.5 stars
CW: one f word, lots of talk of sex, innuendo, no on page sex
Another cute one. I liked the backdrop of the lake and the parents were really great. It has more mature content than I prefer, especially in a YA novel and it and a lot of weird phrases that pulled me out of the story.
Overall, 3.5 stars
CW: one f word, lots of talk of sex, innuendo, no on page sex
February 17, 2025
Such a fun story of friendship and love we have for different people in our lives! Flew through the book in two days and it exceeded every expectation I had! Perfect read for February (Valentine’s Day) or the summer as they were on vacation for part of the book!
June 10, 2025
wholesome, adorable romcom!
July 15, 2025
This was such a good enemies to lovers.
July 26, 2025
It was cute but I liked the first one more ngl
August 6, 2025
bro highkey kinda hate tyler. like brooke could’ve done SO much better. this one was wayyyyy worse than kisses and castles
October 20, 2025
I am not entirely sure about this one. Far too much emphasis on loosing virginity. It’s like weirdly wannabe spicy. Only kissing, some curse words, sexual innuendos, including hot tub
November 10, 2025
I almost DNFed this. Why was Tyler so sexually motivated and Brooke always looked down on herself. As a girl I get it but it got so off putting I just wasn’t a fan.
June 4, 2025
Was a fun read and enjoyed it a lot. Good amount of romantic tension and will make you laugh at the little bit of cringe but was a good sunny day read.📖🫶🏼
December 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
writing this review, i don’t recall MUCH. but, i have some thoughts… i can’t lie when i say.. I DIDNT LIKE TYLER. this man PISSED. ME. OFF. he was constantly going on about his “popularity” and “reputation” like SHUT UP, we get it, you want to FIT IN, but my dude, you couldn’t even tell your friends your don’t like the nickname they call you. come on! it’s real stupid and this man needs a slap of reality to understand that forgiving girls like brooke don’t come often because if it was me there… you wouldn’t have had a second chance. brooke, she’s such a sweetheart, really cute i loved her and how she thought. she was quirky.. or whatever but still in the end stayed true to herself.. unlike SOME PEOPLE *cough cough* TYLER. like when he tried to change her, i get that he wants to help her fit in because she’s insecure but changing everything about her doesn’t help her, it just makes her feel more uncomfortable. the author i feel like just didn’t execute tyler in a good light.. wes bennett anybody? personally, i know this review SOUNDS BAD, but i did enjoy it when they paired together in the puzzles and listening to the mums AUDIOBOOK?! like oh my gosh, that was too good. i died of laughter!! overall, this book was cute, i love the summer vibes and i REALLY REALLY want the other guy.. whatever his name was, HIS BOOK like poor guy rich girl.
“it was no tomahawk steak, but brooke’s smile was worth the sacrifice. wait. i liked her smile more than steak?”
“she finds you funny. marry her.”
“one in a million, right?”
“i’m serious, bro.”
writing this review, i don’t recall MUCH. but, i have some thoughts… i can’t lie when i say.. I DIDNT LIKE TYLER. this man PISSED. ME. OFF. he was constantly going on about his “popularity” and “reputation” like SHUT UP, we get it, you want to FIT IN, but my dude, you couldn’t even tell your friends your don’t like the nickname they call you. come on! it’s real stupid and this man needs a slap of reality to understand that forgiving girls like brooke don’t come often because if it was me there… you wouldn’t have had a second chance. brooke, she’s such a sweetheart, really cute i loved her and how she thought. she was quirky.. or whatever but still in the end stayed true to herself.. unlike SOME PEOPLE *cough cough* TYLER. like when he tried to change her, i get that he wants to help her fit in because she’s insecure but changing everything about her doesn’t help her, it just makes her feel more uncomfortable. the author i feel like just didn’t execute tyler in a good light.. wes bennett anybody? personally, i know this review SOUNDS BAD, but i did enjoy it when they paired together in the puzzles and listening to the mums AUDIOBOOK?! like oh my gosh, that was too good. i died of laughter!! overall, this book was cute, i love the summer vibes and i REALLY REALLY want the other guy.. whatever his name was, HIS BOOK like poor guy rich girl.
“it was no tomahawk steak, but brooke’s smile was worth the sacrifice. wait. i liked her smile more than steak?”
“she finds you funny. marry her.”
“one in a million, right?”
“i’m serious, bro.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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