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Seascape #1
Here for the Summer
She’s trying to find herself again and he’s only here for the summer.
Charli O’Brien is a successful cafe owner in her quaint hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. Her high school sweetheart, finally ready for a commitment, tells her how much he loves her because she’s so reliable. What woman wants to be described as reliable? After their breakup, she’s determined to discover her own happiness. She’s ready for adventure and looking to get some stamps in her passport.
Gage Collins is an effortlessly handsome and seemingly carefree charter boat captain who’s in Seascape for the summer. He’s sweet, fun, and adventurous and a confirmed single guy who doesn't get attached to anyone because relationships get complicated and cause heartache. It’s safer to be alone and he knows it.
Despite their initial attraction, Charli is determined to stay just friends with Gage, who will be sailing south at the end of the season. But, their connection deepens as they grow closer. Then they both catch feelings that were never meant to be.
He sees her for who she is and she breaks down the walls he built around his heart. After playing house for months, they need to face the reality of summer romances.
When the unexpected happens, Gage must make a choice that will affect both of them.
Charli O’Brien is a successful cafe owner in her quaint hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. Her high school sweetheart, finally ready for a commitment, tells her how much he loves her because she’s so reliable. What woman wants to be described as reliable? After their breakup, she’s determined to discover her own happiness. She’s ready for adventure and looking to get some stamps in her passport.
Gage Collins is an effortlessly handsome and seemingly carefree charter boat captain who’s in Seascape for the summer. He’s sweet, fun, and adventurous and a confirmed single guy who doesn't get attached to anyone because relationships get complicated and cause heartache. It’s safer to be alone and he knows it.
Despite their initial attraction, Charli is determined to stay just friends with Gage, who will be sailing south at the end of the season. But, their connection deepens as they grow closer. Then they both catch feelings that were never meant to be.
He sees her for who she is and she breaks down the walls he built around his heart. After playing house for months, they need to face the reality of summer romances.
When the unexpected happens, Gage must make a choice that will affect both of them.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2025
44 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 8, 2025
The author’s note says it perfectly:
“For every reader who loves to get lost in a book and feel what it’s like to fall in love again.”
That’s exactly how this book made me feel. It gave me all the butterflies—the giddy, new-relationship kind. The small town coastal setting was so cute and I loved that both main characters are in their late 20s with real life experiences and struggles. It made their love story feel so genuine and real.
The side characters were super likable and I really enjoyed the sailing element, it added such a fun summery vibe. And let’s talk about the spice… so well done. Just the right amount, written in a way that felt natural and steamy without taking away from the emotion.
If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy summer read, this one is it. Total palate cleanser for me.
This is the authors author’s debut novel and I’m looking forward to what she writes next (hopefully in this town).
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
“For every reader who loves to get lost in a book and feel what it’s like to fall in love again.”
That’s exactly how this book made me feel. It gave me all the butterflies—the giddy, new-relationship kind. The small town coastal setting was so cute and I loved that both main characters are in their late 20s with real life experiences and struggles. It made their love story feel so genuine and real.
The side characters were super likable and I really enjoyed the sailing element, it added such a fun summery vibe. And let’s talk about the spice… so well done. Just the right amount, written in a way that felt natural and steamy without taking away from the emotion.
If you’re looking for a sweet and spicy summer read, this one is it. Total palate cleanser for me.
This is the authors author’s debut novel and I’m looking forward to what she writes next (hopefully in this town).
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 13, 2025
Has the elements to become a good Summer Romance book but it needs editing.
I struggled getting into it at the beginning. It felt a bit too slow-paced for me. The dialogue also needs a bit of work. They sound too polite.. Too serious. The balance between plot and spice is good. However, the miscommunication between the 2 MCs dragged on til the end which becomes a bit frustrating as a reader. Took a while for them to get their HEA which could've been resolved quickly if not for their miscommunication issues.
I do believe with a bit of editing, this book has the potential to become a good summertime romance.
I struggled getting into it at the beginning. It felt a bit too slow-paced for me. The dialogue also needs a bit of work. They sound too polite.. Too serious. The balance between plot and spice is good. However, the miscommunication between the 2 MCs dragged on til the end which becomes a bit frustrating as a reader. Took a while for them to get their HEA which could've been resolved quickly if not for their miscommunication issues.
I do believe with a bit of editing, this book has the potential to become a good summertime romance.
August 18, 2025
Solid 3⭐.
Spice 🌶️🌶️.
Overall it was ... meh.😑
I didn't hate it but it was just so...damn...SLOW! I love a good slow burn, but this couldn't even classify as a true slow burn romance. It takes almost half the book for anything to even heat up between Charlie and Gage. 🔥 I love the characters, but we get too much inner dialogue and too much fluff-n-stuff filler scenes. I don't need to know Every. Single. Day. in this small harbor town. I just need the highlights between our two MC's.
I like this story, but it moves too slowly for me to say I enjoyed my time reading it. 🤷♀️ You could probably cut it in half and it would still make sense.
Spice 🌶️🌶️.
Overall it was ... meh.😑
I didn't hate it but it was just so...damn...SLOW! I love a good slow burn, but this couldn't even classify as a true slow burn romance. It takes almost half the book for anything to even heat up between Charlie and Gage. 🔥 I love the characters, but we get too much inner dialogue and too much fluff-n-stuff filler scenes. I don't need to know Every. Single. Day. in this small harbor town. I just need the highlights between our two MC's.
I like this story, but it moves too slowly for me to say I enjoyed my time reading it. 🤷♀️ You could probably cut it in half and it would still make sense.
April 7, 2025
Here for the Summer by Amy Mata
4.2⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5
Cursing: mod-
Format/Source: ebook from The Author Agency
Genres/Tropes: romance, small town, friends to lovers, he falls first
Audience: Adult
Setting: RI
Characters: Charli, Tyler, Oliver, Gage, Susanna, Harvey, Sam, Andi, Gabby, Cap, Margaret
👍 multi POV, beach town, FMC business owner, character growth, side characters
👎 cursing (especially God's Name), non-communication
Description:
Charli O’Brien is a successful cafe owner in her quaint hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. She’s determined to discover her own happiness. She’s ready for adventure and looking to get some stamps in her passport.
Gage Collins is a handsome and carefree charter boat captain in Seascape for the summer. He’s a confirmed single guy who doesn't get attached to anyone.
Despite their initial attraction, Charli is determined to stay just friends with Gage, who will be sailing south at the end of the season. But, their connection deepens as they grow closer. Then they both catch feelings that were never meant to be.
He sees her for who she is, and she breaks down the walls he built around his heart. After playing house for months, they need to face the reality of summer romances.
My opinion:
Amy writes an emotion-filled small town romance with great characters (who grow throughout the novel) that are very enjoyable to read. I found myself rooting for the two MCs and also loving the witty and caring supporting characters. I hope we get sequels following each of their stories! I did, however, find the non-communication between the MCs frustrating and a little immature. I was thrilled to find that the FMC owned a thriving business, especially in a small town. The beach town vibes to include sailing and swimming are fantastic. Personal preference - I didn't care for the cursing, especially using God’s Name in vain. I was thoroughly entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys any type of romance novel.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #romancebooks #booktok #beachy #smalltown
4.2⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3.5/5
Cursing: mod-
Format/Source: ebook from The Author Agency
Genres/Tropes: romance, small town, friends to lovers, he falls first
Audience: Adult
Setting: RI
Characters: Charli, Tyler, Oliver, Gage, Susanna, Harvey, Sam, Andi, Gabby, Cap, Margaret
👍 multi POV, beach town, FMC business owner, character growth, side characters
👎 cursing (especially God's Name), non-communication
Description:
Charli O’Brien is a successful cafe owner in her quaint hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. She’s determined to discover her own happiness. She’s ready for adventure and looking to get some stamps in her passport.
Gage Collins is a handsome and carefree charter boat captain in Seascape for the summer. He’s a confirmed single guy who doesn't get attached to anyone.
Despite their initial attraction, Charli is determined to stay just friends with Gage, who will be sailing south at the end of the season. But, their connection deepens as they grow closer. Then they both catch feelings that were never meant to be.
He sees her for who she is, and she breaks down the walls he built around his heart. After playing house for months, they need to face the reality of summer romances.
My opinion:
Amy writes an emotion-filled small town romance with great characters (who grow throughout the novel) that are very enjoyable to read. I found myself rooting for the two MCs and also loving the witty and caring supporting characters. I hope we get sequels following each of their stories! I did, however, find the non-communication between the MCs frustrating and a little immature. I was thrilled to find that the FMC owned a thriving business, especially in a small town. The beach town vibes to include sailing and swimming are fantastic. Personal preference - I didn't care for the cursing, especially using God’s Name in vain. I was thoroughly entertained by this story and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys any type of romance novel.
#bookstagram #arcreader #booklovers #romancebooks #booktok #beachy #smalltown
April 13, 2025
ARC Book Review
Here For Summer
A Novel Written By Amy Mara
Fiction - Romance
Published April 2025
463 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This spicy small town romance is a debut novel for this author. It is a slow burn reverse age gap love story. It takes place in the beach resort town of Seascape, Rhode Island. I enjoyed spending the summer with Charli and Gage as they became friends. Their intense attraction to each other morphed into a romantic relationship.
Charlie is the owner of a coffee shop and lifetime resident of Seascape. She has a desire to travel and explore.
Gage is running a charter boat for his uncle in Seascape just for the summer. He does not get too attached to a place or person. He lives a simple vagabond life.
Can these two people build a future together?
I liked these two main characters and watching how they navigate a relationship despite their different lifestyles. This is a great summertime read. I was drawn to this book by its cover.
“Things happen at the right time when you’re ready.”
Here For Summer
A Novel Written By Amy Mara
Fiction - Romance
Published April 2025
463 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This spicy small town romance is a debut novel for this author. It is a slow burn reverse age gap love story. It takes place in the beach resort town of Seascape, Rhode Island. I enjoyed spending the summer with Charli and Gage as they became friends. Their intense attraction to each other morphed into a romantic relationship.
Charlie is the owner of a coffee shop and lifetime resident of Seascape. She has a desire to travel and explore.
Gage is running a charter boat for his uncle in Seascape just for the summer. He does not get too attached to a place or person. He lives a simple vagabond life.
Can these two people build a future together?
I liked these two main characters and watching how they navigate a relationship despite their different lifestyles. This is a great summertime read. I was drawn to this book by its cover.
“Things happen at the right time when you’re ready.”
April 9, 2025
⛵ Here for the Summer 🌞 by @amymara_author ARC Review
☕ Charli a girl from Seascape,R and a successful cafa owner. Who fell for her highschool crush ,who made her realize she needs to think for herself and explore the world.
⛵Gage A good looking guy who is a charter boat captain comes to Seascape for the summer. Who doesn't get attached to anyone cause it gets completed for him when he has to travel south for the winter
They bump into each other and Charli puts her guard up that she just wants to stay friends since she wants to work on herself this summer. They do adventures together and a connection sparks and feelings start to get strong for each other. When summer comes to an end they have to make the hardest decision to stay with each other or go their own ways.....
🤯 A shocking event happenes in chapter 50.. a won't give details but you will not want to 📖 down ...☺️
Thank you to team Amy Mara for the opportunity ARC read Here for the Summer.
#newreleasebooks @amymara_author @theauthor.agency
☕ Charli a girl from Seascape,R and a successful cafa owner. Who fell for her highschool crush ,who made her realize she needs to think for herself and explore the world.
⛵Gage A good looking guy who is a charter boat captain comes to Seascape for the summer. Who doesn't get attached to anyone cause it gets completed for him when he has to travel south for the winter
They bump into each other and Charli puts her guard up that she just wants to stay friends since she wants to work on herself this summer. They do adventures together and a connection sparks and feelings start to get strong for each other. When summer comes to an end they have to make the hardest decision to stay with each other or go their own ways.....
🤯 A shocking event happenes in chapter 50.. a won't give details but you will not want to 📖 down ...☺️
Thank you to team Amy Mara for the opportunity ARC read Here for the Summer.
#newreleasebooks @amymara_author @theauthor.agency
August 12, 2025
First time reading this author. The blurb interested me. This one was tough to read. I started and stopped four times, finally pushed myself to finish it.
The overall plot was fine, Charli is a 30 yr old single woman, fresh out of a long term relationship. Gage is running private sailboat charters for the summer. I’m always up for a good slow burn, friends to lovers story. This one fell flat. I just couldn’t connect to the author’s style of writing. It felt perfunctory, for lack of a better adjective. I didn’t feel any real emotion until the last 25% of the book. Honestly, the ending caused me to bump it up to three stars.
The overall plot was fine, Charli is a 30 yr old single woman, fresh out of a long term relationship. Gage is running private sailboat charters for the summer. I’m always up for a good slow burn, friends to lovers story. This one fell flat. I just couldn’t connect to the author’s style of writing. It felt perfunctory, for lack of a better adjective. I didn’t feel any real emotion until the last 25% of the book. Honestly, the ending caused me to bump it up to three stars.
April 8, 2025
This was a fun, sweet, spicy, easy to read summer romance. I enjoyed seeing Charli and Gage's friendship change into a very slow burn relationship, minus the miscommunication, as they helped to heal each other from their past relationship trauma. There are moments that will have you laughing and moments that will have you frustrated but it was worth it. I really liked all the side characters, they were entertaining and look forward to reading the rest of the series and their stories.
March 28, 2025
4 summer read stars 🥰🫶🏼
April 7, 2025
- Reverse age gap (30F, 25M)
- Instant attraction > Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Healing journey
- 3.5/5 stars
- 4/5 peppers for spice (wasn't expecting that much when the book started)
Fresh from a breakup with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Charli can only offer friendship to Gage, the new guy in town. Gage, running from his own grief, is respectful of her wishes, but still hopeful. How long can Charli deny her feelings until she feels ready to love again?
"Here for the Summer" is a sweet and spicy summer romance about two people trying to figure it all out: themselves as individual people, their dreams and their relationship. Their supportive friendship set the foundation for a loving relationship (miscommunication aside). And I loved watching two people become more and more emotionally intimate in a natural way. I like how the story showed the main characters' relationships with other people and how those affected their development/journeys. It was a more cohesive picture compared to more insular stories, if that makes sense.
The setting was picturesque. Plus there are seals, so you can't go wrong.
There were at least two decisions/moments that didn't make sense for a couple of characters, and the book felt repetitive in places so it was a little too long. That's why I rated it 3.5 stars.
All in all, this is a great beach read! Plus, the side characters were likable and I hope to read their stories in the future.
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
- Instant attraction > Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Healing journey
- 3.5/5 stars
- 4/5 peppers for spice (wasn't expecting that much when the book started)
Fresh from a breakup with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, Charli can only offer friendship to Gage, the new guy in town. Gage, running from his own grief, is respectful of her wishes, but still hopeful. How long can Charli deny her feelings until she feels ready to love again?
"Here for the Summer" is a sweet and spicy summer romance about two people trying to figure it all out: themselves as individual people, their dreams and their relationship. Their supportive friendship set the foundation for a loving relationship (miscommunication aside). And I loved watching two people become more and more emotionally intimate in a natural way. I like how the story showed the main characters' relationships with other people and how those affected their development/journeys. It was a more cohesive picture compared to more insular stories, if that makes sense.
The setting was picturesque. Plus there are seals, so you can't go wrong.
There were at least two decisions/moments that didn't make sense for a couple of characters, and the book felt repetitive in places so it was a little too long. That's why I rated it 3.5 stars.
All in all, this is a great beach read! Plus, the side characters were likable and I hope to read their stories in the future.
Thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
April 10, 2025
This is such a good summer read! I definitely recommend reading this on the beach, haha. I really liked the way this was a lighthearted romance, but also dealt with heavier topics. I liked the way there was so much emphasis on healing and personal growth. Thank you to the author and the author agency for this awesome arc! I can't wait to read the rest of the series when it comes out.
July 1, 2025
***Received a free copy in exchange for a review.
DNF… The character development is so explicit it leaves nothing to the reader. I wanted to like this book but in the end just could not finish it. If you want an easy beach read, this might be perfect for you. Just fell very flat for me.
DNF… The character development is so explicit it leaves nothing to the reader. I wanted to like this book but in the end just could not finish it. If you want an easy beach read, this might be perfect for you. Just fell very flat for me.
June 14, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to
This was sweet and spicy and a fun summer read!
Charli lives in Seascape, Rhode Island, and has just broken up with her long-time on-again-off-again boyfriend, Tyler. Finally.
Gage is in town for the summer.
Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but they are obviously attracted to one another. What starts as friendship (with a healthy heap of denial), turns physical and they can’t deny the developing feelings. But the summer is coming to a close and Charli and Gage haven’t decided what their future holds. Will they stay together or will they hold fast to their ‘summer fling’?
Personally, I quite liked Charli and Gage as main characters. I thought they were relatable and their chemistry was palpable. There was definitely some insta-lust and due to their determination to “only be friends”, a good portion of the book could be considered a slow-burn (I could practically taste the sexual tension), but once they gave in, it seemed clothes rarely stayed on and they were 'making up for lost time'. Still, I’m glad the author gave the characters time to get to know one another and to build a connection that was more than just about the sex.
I did feel that the beginning and the end felt a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed the read. Thank you Voracious Readers and Amy Mara for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was sweet and spicy and a fun summer read!
Charli lives in Seascape, Rhode Island, and has just broken up with her long-time on-again-off-again boyfriend, Tyler. Finally.
Gage is in town for the summer.
Neither of them are ready for a relationship, but they are obviously attracted to one another. What starts as friendship (with a healthy heap of denial), turns physical and they can’t deny the developing feelings. But the summer is coming to a close and Charli and Gage haven’t decided what their future holds. Will they stay together or will they hold fast to their ‘summer fling’?
Personally, I quite liked Charli and Gage as main characters. I thought they were relatable and their chemistry was palpable. There was definitely some insta-lust and due to their determination to “only be friends”, a good portion of the book could be considered a slow-burn (I could practically taste the sexual tension), but once they gave in, it seemed clothes rarely stayed on and they were 'making up for lost time'. Still, I’m glad the author gave the characters time to get to know one another and to build a connection that was more than just about the sex.
I did feel that the beginning and the end felt a little rushed, but overall, I enjoyed the read. Thank you Voracious Readers and Amy Mara for my copy! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All above thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2025
I was so drawn to this book by the gorgeous front cover.
It looked like the perfect book to add to my summer reads - I know it's a little early still, but I was really pulling those summer vibes from this.
And this was the perfect start to mh summer reads with lots of summer sun, swimming and especially the boat trips.
With Gage only running his Charters for the Summer though, Charli and he could never be anything serious .....or could they?
I absolutely adore a good summer romance and this had everything you'd expect.
Was it a little predictable? ...Yes, of course!
But did we still love the journey? ....Absolutely!
I loved our two main characters who were fun and flirty right from the start. I was rooting for them to sort things out and be together as it was obvious that they had a great chemistry.
But there was a fair amount of frustration too as they really struggled to communicate effectively.
This was a little frustrating, but it all added to the satisfaction at the end!
This is told over a dual pov, which I always love - this gave us a real insight into both characters' thoughts and feelings and made it easy to connect to both equally.
The writing style was super light and easy to read and I raced through this in only a couple of sittings.
The perfect read for the beach - or like I did, just relaxing in the garden on a sunny day.
This was actually my first read by this author - but I'll definitely be looking out for more in the future.
I hope that we might see more from Seascape too.
There were some great side characters in this small town and I'd love to follow some of their stories in future books.
It looked like the perfect book to add to my summer reads - I know it's a little early still, but I was really pulling those summer vibes from this.
And this was the perfect start to mh summer reads with lots of summer sun, swimming and especially the boat trips.
With Gage only running his Charters for the Summer though, Charli and he could never be anything serious .....or could they?
I absolutely adore a good summer romance and this had everything you'd expect.
Was it a little predictable? ...Yes, of course!
But did we still love the journey? ....Absolutely!
I loved our two main characters who were fun and flirty right from the start. I was rooting for them to sort things out and be together as it was obvious that they had a great chemistry.
But there was a fair amount of frustration too as they really struggled to communicate effectively.
This was a little frustrating, but it all added to the satisfaction at the end!
This is told over a dual pov, which I always love - this gave us a real insight into both characters' thoughts and feelings and made it easy to connect to both equally.
The writing style was super light and easy to read and I raced through this in only a couple of sittings.
The perfect read for the beach - or like I did, just relaxing in the garden on a sunny day.
This was actually my first read by this author - but I'll definitely be looking out for more in the future.
I hope that we might see more from Seascape too.
There were some great side characters in this small town and I'd love to follow some of their stories in future books.
April 7, 2025
This was a cute summer read. I enjoyed watching the progression of Charli and Gage's relationship throughout the story. Charli is a bit older with a business, who's just not ready to settle down yet because she wants to travel. Gage runs a charter and is just here for the summer. When Charli originally started seeing Gage, she wanted nothing more than a friendship and time to focus on herself after just getting out of a serious relationship but Gage was falling for her and couldn't help himself. Watching the relationship grow was nice, but the build up was building. And building. And building. I don't know how they held out for so long because I was ready to give in! lol. My only reason for the three star rating was that I felt that the story was just prolonged, with nothing much happening. By 75% of the story, they were still at the same issue from the beginning which is.. what do we do when the summer is over. Also.. the spice was very spicy, but I felt like it didn't match the personalities of the characters, the caring and giving nature of Gage, yes, but the way they talked to each other in those moments didn't match their personalities outside of the bedroom. It was still a nice lighthearted summer read.
April 8, 2025
Tropes:
- Reverse age gap (30F, 25M)
- Instant attraction > Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Healing journey
Here for the Summer by Amy Mara is a feel good beach read that captures the magic and messiness of love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting seasons. With a beach-town setting that feels both dreamy and grounded, Mara invites readers into a summer that promises change, connection, and the kind of moments that shape who we are.
Fresh from a breakup with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, FMC Charli can only offer friendship to MMC Gage, the new guy in town. Gage, running from his own grief, is respectful of her wishes, but still hopeful. Charli and Gage spend a lot of time and effort trying to deny their attraction. What stands out most is the atmosphere: Mara’s vivid descriptions of golden afternoons, late-night talks, and that electric energy unique to summer make this a perfect seasonal read. But beneath the sun-drenched setting is a deeper story about facing your truth and stepping into the unknown.
Whether you're in it for the romance, the self-reflection, or the nostalgia, Here for the Summer delivers. It's a story about what happens when you stop running away—and start running toward it.
- Reverse age gap (30F, 25M)
- Instant attraction > Friends to lovers
- He falls first
- Healing journey
Here for the Summer by Amy Mara is a feel good beach read that captures the magic and messiness of love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting seasons. With a beach-town setting that feels both dreamy and grounded, Mara invites readers into a summer that promises change, connection, and the kind of moments that shape who we are.
Fresh from a breakup with her on-again/off-again boyfriend, FMC Charli can only offer friendship to MMC Gage, the new guy in town. Gage, running from his own grief, is respectful of her wishes, but still hopeful. Charli and Gage spend a lot of time and effort trying to deny their attraction. What stands out most is the atmosphere: Mara’s vivid descriptions of golden afternoons, late-night talks, and that electric energy unique to summer make this a perfect seasonal read. But beneath the sun-drenched setting is a deeper story about facing your truth and stepping into the unknown.
Whether you're in it for the romance, the self-reflection, or the nostalgia, Here for the Summer delivers. It's a story about what happens when you stop running away—and start running toward it.
June 24, 2025
Thank you to Amy Mara and Voracious Readers for a complimentary copy of Here for the Summer: A spicy Small Town Romance (Kindle Edition) for an honest review. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and the characters Charli and Gage and read the first 40% of the book really quick. Where I got stuck was in the writing after that 40% mark. In my brain, It felt like a different writer stepped in. In many places it felt forced, awkward and did not flow well as I continued reading. In the beginning It flowed much better until they came together - then it was harder for me to follow. I did set the book down a couple of times for my book club books which made it harder to pick up. Once I did pick it back up, it still felt somewhat choppy in reading. My brain read it like a staccato which is not fair to the writer. I really did enjoy the characters and side characters especially the family members and Oliver her friend. FYI - this book is definitely a spicy book. I loved the yearning in the beginning of the book. I appreciated the MC’s and felt the trauma and turmoil and their growth journey. I am unsure where I land in rating this book as I wish I connected to it more in the later half.
April 6, 2025
A slow drift into summer romance.
Charli is newly single after finally breaking her years long rocky relationship with her boyfriend. She soon meets Gage and they quickly form a connection. But Gage is just here for the summer and Charli wants to finally take the chance and travel away from her life in Seascape. It's only a matter of time before sparks ignite they find themselves wanting more than either one intended.
This is a very slow burn between Charli and Gage as they both don’t want to ruin the fast friendship they formed. They both have issues of abandonment and loss to deal with before they can admit that what they feel for each other is good for both of them.
Conversations between characters at times felt forced and there was an overuse of micro-tropes in my opinion, that made the book a lot longer than it needed to be, even with the slow burn.
This series has a lot of potential, especially with all the different characters. I’ll be curious to know where all their stories land as this book does a lot of set-up for HEA for many of the side characters.
Thank you to Amy and The Author Agency for the eARC!
Charli is newly single after finally breaking her years long rocky relationship with her boyfriend. She soon meets Gage and they quickly form a connection. But Gage is just here for the summer and Charli wants to finally take the chance and travel away from her life in Seascape. It's only a matter of time before sparks ignite they find themselves wanting more than either one intended.
This is a very slow burn between Charli and Gage as they both don’t want to ruin the fast friendship they formed. They both have issues of abandonment and loss to deal with before they can admit that what they feel for each other is good for both of them.
Conversations between characters at times felt forced and there was an overuse of micro-tropes in my opinion, that made the book a lot longer than it needed to be, even with the slow burn.
This series has a lot of potential, especially with all the different characters. I’ll be curious to know where all their stories land as this book does a lot of set-up for HEA for many of the side characters.
Thank you to Amy and The Author Agency for the eARC!
April 9, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this book, the hardest part for me was reading a book about summer time, swimming in the ocean, and beach bonfires when it was 35° outside. But it was nice to escape and dream of summer.
This book was a slowwwwww burn. I loved the build up to Gage and Charli actually getting together. How they built their relationship on friendship. Their conflict at the end had me pulling my hair out. Not that I was nervous or scared they would break up I just wanted them to sit down and talk it out already! Both characters had issues they had to overcome, and it was sweet to watch them overcome them together and learn to trust in themselves and each other. This book made so impatient for summer to be here! And the epilogue was a perfect ending. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!
This book had a lot of sailing jargon. Which is fine and thanks to Google I was able to learn a lot and it didn't go over my head!
Thank you Amy Mara and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
💕Small Town
🔥Friends to Lovers
💕He falls first
🔥Slow Burn
🏖️Beach Vibes
⛵️Sailing
💕Past Family Trauma
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this book, the hardest part for me was reading a book about summer time, swimming in the ocean, and beach bonfires when it was 35° outside. But it was nice to escape and dream of summer.
This book was a slowwwwww burn. I loved the build up to Gage and Charli actually getting together. How they built their relationship on friendship. Their conflict at the end had me pulling my hair out. Not that I was nervous or scared they would break up I just wanted them to sit down and talk it out already! Both characters had issues they had to overcome, and it was sweet to watch them overcome them together and learn to trust in themselves and each other. This book made so impatient for summer to be here! And the epilogue was a perfect ending. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!
This book had a lot of sailing jargon. Which is fine and thanks to Google I was able to learn a lot and it didn't go over my head!
Thank you Amy Mara and the Author Agency for an ARC of this book!
💕Small Town
🔥Friends to Lovers
💕He falls first
🔥Slow Burn
🏖️Beach Vibes
⛵️Sailing
💕Past Family Trauma
April 20, 2025
Reviewed for Sassy Southern Book Blog
I enjoyed this story but I did struggle with the writing and the length of the book in terms that I thought parts went on too much and it could have been shorter as it did drag. I found some of the dialogue didn’t feel natural and that it took away from the flow of the book.
The characters of Charli and Gage were good and both had rocky relationships in the past and also had some sort of parent drama that made each of them hesitant on relationships yet for different reasons. Both of these characters were at different points of their lives and trying to figure out their paths as neither was looking for a serious relationship when they met.
The book is definitely spicy and these characters have chemistry at a level neither has had before which makes them struggle with what will happen at the end of summer.
I liked the character of Oliver as well who works for Charli at her bakery and the two are long time friends. Charli’s cousins are also extremely close to her and I don’t know if the author plans on expanding this into a series.
I enjoyed this story but I did struggle with the writing and the length of the book in terms that I thought parts went on too much and it could have been shorter as it did drag. I found some of the dialogue didn’t feel natural and that it took away from the flow of the book.
The characters of Charli and Gage were good and both had rocky relationships in the past and also had some sort of parent drama that made each of them hesitant on relationships yet for different reasons. Both of these characters were at different points of their lives and trying to figure out their paths as neither was looking for a serious relationship when they met.
The book is definitely spicy and these characters have chemistry at a level neither has had before which makes them struggle with what will happen at the end of summer.
I liked the character of Oliver as well who works for Charli at her bakery and the two are long time friends. Charli’s cousins are also extremely close to her and I don’t know if the author plans on expanding this into a series.
May 26, 2025
Received a copy from Author via Voracious Readers
A Summer Fling?
Charli is known for her yummy food offering at her cafe in her hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. Her love life seems stuck in a rut with her former high school flame who wants to finally settle down. A chance encounter with a blonde, hunk of a man sets her body aflame. She chooses herself and is ready to go after what she wants to travel and seek adventure.
Gage is new to town for summer to run his uncle’s charter boat. He only wants to be on the water and likes to remain unattached without roots. He stumbles upon Charli his walled off heart begins to feel again even if in the friend zone.
Being a small town has its perks but also a few drawbacks. Can they survive their family dramas and the emotional baggage? A host of interesting friends round out the story and add layers to the main characters.
Mara words weave a reverse age love story with a bit of spice that has the readers rooting for them to figure things out.
A Summer Fling?
Charli is known for her yummy food offering at her cafe in her hometown of Seascape, Rhode Island. Her love life seems stuck in a rut with her former high school flame who wants to finally settle down. A chance encounter with a blonde, hunk of a man sets her body aflame. She chooses herself and is ready to go after what she wants to travel and seek adventure.
Gage is new to town for summer to run his uncle’s charter boat. He only wants to be on the water and likes to remain unattached without roots. He stumbles upon Charli his walled off heart begins to feel again even if in the friend zone.
Being a small town has its perks but also a few drawbacks. Can they survive their family dramas and the emotional baggage? A host of interesting friends round out the story and add layers to the main characters.
Mara words weave a reverse age love story with a bit of spice that has the readers rooting for them to figure things out.
August 15, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Although it took a while to pick up, the excitement was worth the wait. The slow-burn buildup of Charli and Gage’s relationship, starting as friends, made their connection even more satisfying.
Charli, who runs a café in Seascape, is tired of her on-again, off-again relationship with her high school boyfriend, Tyler. When he wants to reconcile but won’t change, she’s ready to move on. Gage, in town for the summer to run boat tours, shares an instant chemistry with her but respects her previous relationship. Once Charli is single, they begin as friends, and their bond deepens.
While the miscommunication between them was frustrating, the teasing added charm. “Here for the Summer” is a delightful summer romance that will make you long for a day at the beach, cheering for a love destined to last.
March 27, 2025
I got the opportunity to read this book early because I received an ARC!
I love Charli and Gages story! It was a bit of a different read for me since I haven't read any books that involved sailing but it was also refreshing in that sense.
Some of the conversations in the book felt stunted and repeated a bunch, but even with that slight downside, it still progressed the storyline.
Charlie made such a big how to do about breaking up with Tyler but every mention of anything to do him felt forced and kind of like it was just storyfiller.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. The character progression and development was really good. The storyline mostly flowed smoothly.
Also I hate Charlis mom. That is all. Lol
I love Charli and Gages story! It was a bit of a different read for me since I haven't read any books that involved sailing but it was also refreshing in that sense.
Some of the conversations in the book felt stunted and repeated a bunch, but even with that slight downside, it still progressed the storyline.
Charlie made such a big how to do about breaking up with Tyler but every mention of anything to do him felt forced and kind of like it was just storyfiller.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. The character progression and development was really good. The storyline mostly flowed smoothly.
Also I hate Charlis mom. That is all. Lol
April 7, 2025
Amy Mara came out firing with her debut book!! This is such a great summer/beach read. I found myself wishing I could smell the salt in the air while hearing the waves crash on the beach.
Charli and Gage helped to heal each other’s scars despite not knowing that they were doing so. They proved that you can fall in love without ever losing sight of yourself and that taking a risk to love someone so deeply is better than not loving them at all because you’re trying to protect yourself from heartbreak.
An MMC that pushes his partner to follow her dreams. An FMC that needs nothing from her partner but true love. Friends first. Undeniable attraction. Spicy. Healed pasts.
I am so excited to see what is next for the Seascape Series. Congratulations, Amy Mara! Thank you for this ARC! 🫶🏼
Charli and Gage helped to heal each other’s scars despite not knowing that they were doing so. They proved that you can fall in love without ever losing sight of yourself and that taking a risk to love someone so deeply is better than not loving them at all because you’re trying to protect yourself from heartbreak.
An MMC that pushes his partner to follow her dreams. An FMC that needs nothing from her partner but true love. Friends first. Undeniable attraction. Spicy. Healed pasts.
I am so excited to see what is next for the Seascape Series. Congratulations, Amy Mara! Thank you for this ARC! 🫶🏼
April 7, 2025
Charli has just broken up with her long time, on/off boyfriend when she meets Gage. Gage is running a boat charter for the summer and dealing with personal demons tied to being in Seascape. They start as friends but both realise quickly that they want more. As their relationship progresses they have to start thinking about the future. Gage is only in town for the summer and Charli wants to travel but has her business keeping her in Seascape. Can’t they work things out or is it destined to be a summer fling?
I really enjoyed this. Gage and Charli just clicked from the start. They had a lot of things they needed to work through, together and individually, but they didn’t just give up when it got hard. It was a fun read and now I’m ready for it to be summer!
I really enjoyed this. Gage and Charli just clicked from the start. They had a lot of things they needed to work through, together and individually, but they didn’t just give up when it got hard. It was a fun read and now I’m ready for it to be summer!
April 7, 2025
3.5/5⭐️
Gage initially plans to spend his summer in Seascape working while having some fun as well. To his surprise, he bumps into Charli, a cafe owner, whom he befriends and wants more with.
I enjoyed seeing their friendship blossom and it was interesting to journey with them as they slowly start to break down their respective walls to share their past hurts and doubts in life. Despite being five years younger, Gage is mature for his age.
But their dreams are bringing them down different paths in life. Can they find a common path to move forward together? This was a good debut novel and there are quite a number of side characters whom I would love to see being featured in future books.
Gage initially plans to spend his summer in Seascape working while having some fun as well. To his surprise, he bumps into Charli, a cafe owner, whom he befriends and wants more with.
I enjoyed seeing their friendship blossom and it was interesting to journey with them as they slowly start to break down their respective walls to share their past hurts and doubts in life. Despite being five years younger, Gage is mature for his age.
But their dreams are bringing them down different paths in life. Can they find a common path to move forward together? This was a good debut novel and there are quite a number of side characters whom I would love to see being featured in future books.
June 27, 2025
Charli is a bakery owner in a small coastal town named Seaside, and she is fresh out of a long relationship, determined to find herself again. Gage runs a charter boat and is just “here for the summer”. This is a slooow burn romance with lots of small town charm. In the second half of the book the spice is spicin’. I really enjoyed all of the side characters and the setting. I found a lot of the dialogue and descriptions of feelings to be repetitive and I did feel like this book was a bit longer than it needed to be to tell the story of Charli and Gage. Overall, it was enjoyable. Fun summer read. Looking forward to another book set in Seaside. 3.5/5
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
March 27, 2025
I LOVED this book. It was so cute and such an easy read. The spice level is 🌶🌶🌶🥵 and has that summer love, contemporary romance vibe.
The character's dynamics are cute and the development is nice. There are struggles both FMC and MMC face and go through alone and together.
I like the dual POV and how we really see each character's internal thoughts and struggles.
The only reason it's a 4/5 for me was because the ending felt rushed. However, it's a book I would recommend.
It's a nice summer read and lighthearted. I had a lot of moments where I died laughing and also was kicking my feet and giggling 🤣
The character's dynamics are cute and the development is nice. There are struggles both FMC and MMC face and go through alone and together.
I like the dual POV and how we really see each character's internal thoughts and struggles.
The only reason it's a 4/5 for me was because the ending felt rushed. However, it's a book I would recommend.
It's a nice summer read and lighthearted. I had a lot of moments where I died laughing and also was kicking my feet and giggling 🤣
April 6, 2025
I was really looking forward to reading Here for the Summer by Amy Mara and it did not disappoint!
I loved how Charli (a successful business woman) decided she needed more with her life than what she had and then Gage came in.
Charli had just gotten out of a long term relationship and just wanted time to be herself and go with the flow. Gage is a charter boat captain and was only in the small Rhode Island town for a summer.
They decide to let loose and have fun together even if it was only for the summer.
I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
I loved how Charli (a successful business woman) decided she needed more with her life than what she had and then Gage came in.
Charli had just gotten out of a long term relationship and just wanted time to be herself and go with the flow. Gage is a charter boat captain and was only in the small Rhode Island town for a summer.
They decide to let loose and have fun together even if it was only for the summer.
I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
April 7, 2025
This is the first in a series and this is Charli and Gage’s story.
Charli is a successful café owner in her hometown and having recently broken up with her high school sweetheart, she is determined to find herself again. Gage is a carefree charter boat captain, who is in town just for the summer. There is an instant attraction between these two, but what will happen when it is time for Gage to leave?
This is an easy to read, slow burn story, with friends / lovers, trauma, he falls first, engaging character, and love, which leads to an enjoyable, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
Charli is a successful café owner in her hometown and having recently broken up with her high school sweetheart, she is determined to find herself again. Gage is a carefree charter boat captain, who is in town just for the summer. There is an instant attraction between these two, but what will happen when it is time for Gage to leave?
This is an easy to read, slow burn story, with friends / lovers, trauma, he falls first, engaging character, and love, which leads to an enjoyable, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend.
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