What do you think?
Rate this book
Summer #1.5
Stan
Stan Remington is the go-to man; what he doesn’t know about Onslow means one of two things: it doesn’t exist or it hasn’t happened yet.
And when it comes to Onslow, for Stan, being an only child has meant a guilt-riddled sense of duty to help out at his parents’ caravan park every summer. Same old town. Same old story.
Until Belinda Evans.
The wild and annoying doctor’s daughter spends her summer family holidays at Remington’s Caravan Park, and normally she’s not Stan’s problem. But then she sabotages his planned weekend escape. Now Stan finds himself not only caretaking the caravan park on his own, but also responsible for Bel.
Just the two of them. Under the one roof. For one long, long weekend.
In a world where mundane routine and small-town boredom is his norm, one weekend changes every element of his world to anything but boring.
Warning: sexual references, and occasional coarse language.
The Summer Series:
Book 1: The Boys of Summer
Book 1.5: Stan (Novella)
Book 2: An Endless Summer
Book 2.5: Max (Novella)
Book 3: That One Summer
Book 3.5: Ringer (Novella)
Book 4: Forever Summer
Authors Note: While each title can be read as a stand-alone story, you will likely enjoy taking the journey with these characters from the beginning.
And when it comes to Onslow, for Stan, being an only child has meant a guilt-riddled sense of duty to help out at his parents’ caravan park every summer. Same old town. Same old story.
Until Belinda Evans.
The wild and annoying doctor’s daughter spends her summer family holidays at Remington’s Caravan Park, and normally she’s not Stan’s problem. But then she sabotages his planned weekend escape. Now Stan finds himself not only caretaking the caravan park on his own, but also responsible for Bel.
Just the two of them. Under the one roof. For one long, long weekend.
In a world where mundane routine and small-town boredom is his norm, one weekend changes every element of his world to anything but boring.
Warning: sexual references, and occasional coarse language.
The Summer Series:
Book 1: The Boys of Summer
Book 1.5: Stan (Novella)
Book 2: An Endless Summer
Book 2.5: Max (Novella)
Book 3: That One Summer
Book 3.5: Ringer (Novella)
Book 4: Forever Summer
Authors Note: While each title can be read as a stand-alone story, you will likely enjoy taking the journey with these characters from the beginning.
ebook
First published October 24, 2014
9 people are currently reading
439 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Duggan
29 books1,153 followersCJ Duggan is an internationally best-selling author of contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction. From small town dramas to big city dreamers, CJ’s coming-of-age tales are filled with hope and heart, and told by relatable protagonists with strong Australian voices.
A proud Yorta Yorta woman, CJ lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales. When she is not writing you will usually find her rearranging knick-knacks in her home office, or plotting the next weekend escape.
If you love ceramic owls, dusty-pink decor and old typewriters, then CJ wants to be your new best friend.
Follow C.J on her website: www.cjdugganbooks.com
A proud Yorta Yorta woman, CJ lives with her husband in a rural border town of New South Wales. When she is not writing you will usually find her rearranging knick-knacks in her home office, or plotting the next weekend escape.
If you love ceramic owls, dusty-pink decor and old typewriters, then CJ wants to be your new best friend.
Follow C.J on her website: www.cjdugganbooks.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 18, 2017
4.5 stars because I love Stan
The End
The End
January 10, 2016
Oh, Onslow.
really Stan, Sean, Max (Adam, Chris and Toby in the previous book) they are all delicious.
[the jury is still out on Ringer]
I wonder did they raise them differently in the 90's? or do they just raise them differently in Australia?
really, I find them all sexy. they are good guys.
Ellie is a delight as always. and Bel, well I really liked her. Loved her.
really Stan, Sean, Max (Adam, Chris and Toby in the previous book) they are all delicious.
[the jury is still out on Ringer]
I wonder did they raise them differently in the 90's? or do they just raise them differently in Australia?
really, I find them all sexy. they are good guys.
Ellie is a delight as always. and Bel, well I really liked her. Loved her.
December 9, 2014
This cute little novella reminded me all over again why this is such a great, fun series! I absolutely loved Stan and all the Onslow boys! I need more now!
October 23, 2014
Stan was freakin' like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I mean seriously this boy is worse than me on my PMSing days and ladies that is saying something if you know me personally. He can be totally sweet and caring, "whoa, whoa, wait a second." Stan's hands grabbed my shoulders. "Just. Wait." He breathed near my earlobe." Then the next a total a**hat, "those toilets aren't going to clean themselves, you know," he said with a wink. He slammed his bedroom door closed, my mouth gaping in incredulous outrage." There was his sense of humor even when ill that I loved, "I jolted him out of his zen by plonking myself on the space next to him, causing him to jump in fright. "CREEPING BLOODY JESUS!" he cried clasping his heart. I giggled, taking immense delight in scaring him. "It's not funny. Don't do that, I am not a well man," he said." Overall Stan was a nice guy, he just needed some help really getting out of his shell if that's possible and Bel helped him with that, "I just kissed you until your legs buckled, and I'm a terrible host, really?" I enjoyed this book and I'm seriously looking forward to Max's.
April 17, 2016
STAN-LEYYYYYYYYY.
I forgot how great CJ Duggan's books are. This one's awesome too, though the jury's still out with Belinda; I dunno if I like her. I remember feeling eh okay with her in Tammy's book, tho.
pre-read
did i scream when i saw this?
YOU BET YOUR SWEET ASS I DID
I forgot how great CJ Duggan's books are. This one's awesome too, though the jury's still out with Belinda; I dunno if I like her. I remember feeling eh okay with her in Tammy's book, tho.
pre-read
did i scream when i saw this?
YOU BET YOUR SWEET ASS I DID
October 29, 2014
Not the best in the series, but as always Duggan has made me happy.
August 3, 2015
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
his is the second book in the Summer series by C.J. Duggan. As you can tell by the title it is a novella compared to the full length novels in the series.
I am going to keep this a little bit short just like the story was.
I have to say I did not enjoy this as much as the first full length novel in the series. It did not quite have the same flavor and seemed to be missing a few pieces for me. I think the reason is simple. I am currently reading the series in order however this is not the order in which it was written. From what I can tell all of the full length novels were written first and the novella's came afterward to tell further stories about the Onslow boy's.
With this in mind I am going to change my strategy with the series. Instead of reading it in chronological order based on the title number, I am going to read it in the order that they were published. I think I will enjoy it much better and not feel like I missed something. The novella's will then become bonus stories just as I assume they were meant to be.
At the end of the day it was still a cute romance in the I hate you until I fall in to your arms kind of way.
his is the second book in the Summer series by C.J. Duggan. As you can tell by the title it is a novella compared to the full length novels in the series.
I am going to keep this a little bit short just like the story was.
I have to say I did not enjoy this as much as the first full length novel in the series. It did not quite have the same flavor and seemed to be missing a few pieces for me. I think the reason is simple. I am currently reading the series in order however this is not the order in which it was written. From what I can tell all of the full length novels were written first and the novella's came afterward to tell further stories about the Onslow boy's.
With this in mind I am going to change my strategy with the series. Instead of reading it in chronological order based on the title number, I am going to read it in the order that they were published. I think I will enjoy it much better and not feel like I missed something. The novella's will then become bonus stories just as I assume they were meant to be.
At the end of the day it was still a cute romance in the I hate you until I fall in to your arms kind of way.
February 22, 2015
Stan is full of things that I love: bickering, misunderstandings, and the 90s! It's right before Christmas and Bel's family has decided to head to Onslow for the Summer. She just wants to relax and avoid the sun. Meanwhile, Stan who works at the campground is hoping for the weekend off, but Bel unintentionally convinces her parents and his to go away for the weekend, leaving Stan to run things on his own. Stan's not happy and manages to rope Bel into working with him for free! Now it's a weekend of them trying to one-up the others misery, and falling in love, obviously.
I adored Stan; it was so fun! I loved the little war between Bel and Stan! It's certainly a misery loves company kind of deal, but light-hearted. Feelings have to arise when they set the war aside, but Bel pulls away because she thinks Stan is still with Ellie. She has been away for two years, so it's understandable misunderstanding. Of course, things happen, push them together, and then Stan and Bel can spend a wonderful Summer together without the sabotage!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
I adored Stan; it was so fun! I loved the little war between Bel and Stan! It's certainly a misery loves company kind of deal, but light-hearted. Feelings have to arise when they set the war aside, but Bel pulls away because she thinks Stan is still with Ellie. She has been away for two years, so it's understandable misunderstanding. Of course, things happen, push them together, and then Stan and Bel can spend a wonderful Summer together without the sabotage!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
November 1, 2014
C.J. Duggan books always put a smile on my face. I love the Onslow boys and their crew. At first I thought we weren't going to get a book about Stan and I was pretty upset because he's one of my favorites. But when I saw the cover I almost died from excitement. Even though I loved this book like I loved the others it was kind of bittersweet because it's only 2 more books left in this series ... 2 freaking more!!! But that also has me excited for Duggan's next series and if there anything like this one I know there going to be great!
October 26, 2014
I was really lucky and got this book before the release date in exchange for a review. Really enjoyed this book!! Stan and Belinda's romance is such a lovely journey to have read. I love the summer series and CANNOT wait for the next one!!
April 26, 2015
these books are addictive!
May 16, 2023
I'm sorry. I did not like this book one bit.
I couldn't get behind the attraction or the "romance" between Stan and Bel. Which is a shame because I liked Stan in the first book, The Boys of Summer.
We find out in this novella that at least 3 years have passed between the first book and this book so that would put Stan at what, 23 or so. He and Ellie are no longer together but we never find out why or what happened. We only get a glimpse of the fact that they remained friends.
The main reason I didn't like this book is because to me Bel was not a likeable character at all. She really came off as a young brat. Bel is 18 but is written or comes off as must younger. Really she is just a sulky teenager. I would've hoped that Stan would have found someone better or more on his level.
Sidenote - I really enjoyed the scene with Ringer and Ellie and Stan. Their friendship and funny scenes are the only thing that I actually enjoyed while reading this book.
Hope book 2 in the series is much better than this novella.
I couldn't get behind the attraction or the "romance" between Stan and Bel. Which is a shame because I liked Stan in the first book, The Boys of Summer.
We find out in this novella that at least 3 years have passed between the first book and this book so that would put Stan at what, 23 or so. He and Ellie are no longer together but we never find out why or what happened. We only get a glimpse of the fact that they remained friends.
The main reason I didn't like this book is because to me Bel was not a likeable character at all. She really came off as a young brat. Bel is 18 but is written or comes off as must younger. Really she is just a sulky teenager. I would've hoped that Stan would have found someone better or more on his level.
Sidenote - I really enjoyed the scene with Ringer and Ellie and Stan. Their friendship and funny scenes are the only thing that I actually enjoyed while reading this book.
Hope book 2 in the series is much better than this novella.
June 14, 2022
3.5*
An entertaining novella and good for Stan as he is one of the least endearing Onslow Boys. The chemistry between Bel and Stan just wasn't there for me, I wasn't rooting for them unlike the other couples in the series. She goes from loathing him to being head over heels for him in the duration of one weekend. I prefer romances that happen over a longer period than insta-love, but I understand that novellas don't have as much time to develop the characters/plot.
An entertaining novella and good for Stan as he is one of the least endearing Onslow Boys. The chemistry between Bel and Stan just wasn't there for me, I wasn't rooting for them unlike the other couples in the series. She goes from loathing him to being head over heels for him in the duration of one weekend. I prefer romances that happen over a longer period than insta-love, but I understand that novellas don't have as much time to develop the characters/plot.
May 15, 2023
This was such a cute novella. Bel & Stan’s enemies to lovers relationship was the sweetest! I loved Stan in The Boys of Summer and that didn’t change one bit. Ever the gentleman, I love the way he cared for Bel.
October 13, 2017
Rating: 4.5/5
July 22, 2025
Bel is feisty but knows what she wants. Stan is a gentleman and always will be.
February 21, 2024
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I so adore this series. I don't know what about it captures my heart - the Australian setting, the 90's vibe (I was these characters' age during this same time period, so I definitely relate), the sweet and lovable characters with incredible chemistry - probably a combination of all of these! When I saw that Stan was coming out, I was chomping at the bit to get it, and I was not disappointed! Loved it, just like the rest of the books!
What I LOVED:
A satisfying novella.
I tend to get done with a novella and feel like I didn't quite get to know the characters well enough, simply because there wasn't enough time. But this wasn't the case with Stan. I thought that Duggan did a fantastic job of showing us who Bel and Stan really are and making me feel invested in them. This is kind of tough to do, in my opinion! (Of course, it helped that I already "knew" Stan from the other books in the series.)
Bel.
Bel starts out seeming a bit bratty, but it's because Stan manages to push her buttons - she's insecure about her family's money (and the way that people view her because of it), and he manages to hit that insecurity right in the head. She doesn't want his opinion of her to affect her, but she can't help but admit that it does. And then, once she makes one bad split decision, things kind of spiral a bit and she's not sure how to get out of it. By the end, Bel had completely won me over, and I think she grew up a little (as much as a person can in one weekend!).
Stan.
Stan has always put other people's wants and needs above his own, which is really selfless, but leaves him out in the cold sometimes. In this book, we see Stan start to take a little more control over his life - he makes a conscious decision not to let people walk all over him. Unfortunately for Bel, this means that he's not willing to let her off the hook when he might have previously. It leads to some fun interaction between the two of them!
Chemistry.
LOVED the chemistry between Stan and Bel. I was definitely rooting for them to get together. I also really respected Bel's decision not to allow anything to happen between her and Stan, despite that intense chemistry. Sure it was based on a misconception that she had (see the negative about the simple conflict below), but she showed her true character when she didn't just throw her morals out the door!
The negatives:
Simple conflict.
Considering that this was a novella, a simple conflict was kind of necessary - anything more and you would have felt rushed or incomplete. So, I did think that it worked well. But the conflict in this book could have easily been solved with one question that was never asked. The whole conflict was a misunderstanding that could have been easily cleared up. Having said that, the book only takes place over one long weekend, so it's really not that long for a misconception to stand. It's believable, so I was okay with it.
If you haven't picked this series up yet, you definitely need to. I can't wait to find out more about Max when Duggan releases the next novella in January (he was introduced in this book, and I definitely want more!!). I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
I so adore this series. I don't know what about it captures my heart - the Australian setting, the 90's vibe (I was these characters' age during this same time period, so I definitely relate), the sweet and lovable characters with incredible chemistry - probably a combination of all of these! When I saw that Stan was coming out, I was chomping at the bit to get it, and I was not disappointed! Loved it, just like the rest of the books!
What I LOVED:
A satisfying novella.
I tend to get done with a novella and feel like I didn't quite get to know the characters well enough, simply because there wasn't enough time. But this wasn't the case with Stan. I thought that Duggan did a fantastic job of showing us who Bel and Stan really are and making me feel invested in them. This is kind of tough to do, in my opinion! (Of course, it helped that I already "knew" Stan from the other books in the series.)
Bel.
Bel starts out seeming a bit bratty, but it's because Stan manages to push her buttons - she's insecure about her family's money (and the way that people view her because of it), and he manages to hit that insecurity right in the head. She doesn't want his opinion of her to affect her, but she can't help but admit that it does. And then, once she makes one bad split decision, things kind of spiral a bit and she's not sure how to get out of it. By the end, Bel had completely won me over, and I think she grew up a little (as much as a person can in one weekend!).
Stan.
Stan has always put other people's wants and needs above his own, which is really selfless, but leaves him out in the cold sometimes. In this book, we see Stan start to take a little more control over his life - he makes a conscious decision not to let people walk all over him. Unfortunately for Bel, this means that he's not willing to let her off the hook when he might have previously. It leads to some fun interaction between the two of them!
Chemistry.
LOVED the chemistry between Stan and Bel. I was definitely rooting for them to get together. I also really respected Bel's decision not to allow anything to happen between her and Stan, despite that intense chemistry. Sure it was based on a misconception that she had (see the negative about the simple conflict below), but she showed her true character when she didn't just throw her morals out the door!
The negatives:
Simple conflict.
Considering that this was a novella, a simple conflict was kind of necessary - anything more and you would have felt rushed or incomplete. So, I did think that it worked well. But the conflict in this book could have easily been solved with one question that was never asked. The whole conflict was a misunderstanding that could have been easily cleared up. Having said that, the book only takes place over one long weekend, so it's really not that long for a misconception to stand. It's believable, so I was okay with it.
If you haven't picked this series up yet, you definitely need to. I can't wait to find out more about Max when Duggan releases the next novella in January (he was introduced in this book, and I definitely want more!!). I give this book 4/5 stars.
***Disclosure: This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
November 11, 2018
Stan's been the responsible son, helping his parents in their business so much that he practically has no outside life. What he wants more than anything right now is just to get some time off, time away, time to hang with his friends and not worry about campers and tourists and cleaning cabins. But Bel Evans is back for the summer, for the first time in enough years that he's just now seeing how she's grown up beautifully, and the first thing she does is completely ruin his plans. Now he's stuck at home and stuck with her, but this weekend just might be a lot more interesting than either of them ever expected.
The Verdict: Stan didn't really make much of an impression on me when I was reading the other books in the series. He seemed like a nice enough guy, and I liked that he wasn't pressuring Ellie for anything she wasn't ready for back when they were dating, but other than that, he seemed more of a background character. So of course I was thrilled to find out he was getting his own novella, and I'd be able to get a better look at him!
Bel is very much a typical teenager, not exactly thrilled about her summer vacation with her parents and constantly annoyed by her younger brother. She certainly notices Stan, but she's not necessarily comfortable around him. After all, he was always her brothers' friend, too old for her, and he still refuses to call her by her nickname, so despite his looks, he's not exactly her favorite person. But after he takes a verbal shot at her because her parents are wealthy, she gets back at him by ruining any chance he had at getting the weekend off. She just didn't expect to be left in his charge with no parents in sight for three long nights.
The attraction between these two was immediately obvious, and it was kind of cute to watch them dance around it. Bel mistakes Ellie for Stan's girlfriend, though they've been broken up for at least a year, and that keeps her fighting any chemistry that flares. For his part, Stan can't figure Bel out; she's hot and cold, and he simply can't get a good read on her. But Stan's good guy persona shines through, nonetheless, especially when he takes care of a very drunk and embarrassed Bel after she runs off and acts out.
The story was sweet, and I knew it would be short, but I was so happy to have another piece of the Summer series that I jumped at the chance to buy it the day it went on sale. But I have to admit I was a little disappointed that it seemed to end within minutes of these two finally admitting they might have something worth pursuing between them and without really delving into their budding relationship at all. The novella Ringer was equally short, but it explored the characters' interactions and early relationship quite a bit more than Stan did. Ah well, it's still one of my favorites as far as series go, and it did give me enough of a peek at Max that now I'm dying to get his story. Of course, the one I really can't wait for is Ellie's and Adam's story, but these novellas should keep me occupied until then, right?
March 13, 2015
let me start off by saying I'm a massive Onslow boys fan. Toby is my favourite and always will be and Sean is second.
I never really gave Stan much thought to be honest, to me the other boys have always been more appealing, and they are such big personalities that Stan easily gets over looked until now.........
Stan is most definitely the man :) I'm so glad he got his story and we finally get to met the woman who captures his heart. we always knew Stan and Ellie wasn't meant to be anymore than friends.
Belinda aka Bel: loved loved loved her, such a feisty little thing she's a cross between Amy and Tess. Bel is spunky like Amy in the sense of she acts like a tough nut but deep down she's just a girl who is falling for a boy. I loved when she got payback on Stan by suggesting their parents go away for the weekend at a winery knowing that Stan wanted that weekend off to get away for the weekend, a duty free getaway. But Bel comes unstuck when she's told that she has to stay that weekend up at Stans parents home along with Stan so they knew she was safe, only they didn't know that her heart wasn't safe around a certain Mr Remington, leaving them both alone together for the whole weekend sparks sure do fly.
She is like Tess in the sense of she lets her emotions lead her she especially reminded me of Tess when Bel ran to Max to vent about Stan and to run away from it as she believed Stan and Ellie were together, just like when Tess saw Angela's car outside Tobys house she ran to Sean, had a drink and made out with him although Bel didn't get with Max.
I loved it when Stan decided he wasn't going to be a push over anymore, no more Mr nice guy but truthfully I don't think Stan has it in him to be mean. He does ruffle Bels feathers but all's fair in love and war :)
it was nice to see the return of Sean a much loved Onslow boy and also the arrival of Max.
I love ringer and Ellie but they annoyed me a bit with their attitudes towards Bel, normally they are accepting of new people I was especially shocked at Ellie telling Stan not to be a pushover to me it sounded like she was implying Bel thought he was and tried to take advantage of him, I understand that she cares for Stan and found it a bit weird but no need to be petty I mean it was her who over a love handles comment from Stan, when they was seeing each other, jumped into some other dudes arms. Ellie seemed like she was sticking up for Bel and telling ringer to behave yet soon as Bel was gone she gave Stan that don't be a pushover crap.
ringer is ringer can't really take what he says to heart but I felt bad for Bel when ringer was asking her to get him more pizza but she didn't realise and thought he was offering, I wanted to slap him round the back of the head for that, I'm just glad he redeems himself in other books and we know he's not a bad guy at all. Same goes for Ellie we know from her friendship with Tess and Adam she's not as bad as she seems, dramatic but not bad.
I give this 5 stars as its well deserved.
I love c.j Duggan and her Onslow boys
I never really gave Stan much thought to be honest, to me the other boys have always been more appealing, and they are such big personalities that Stan easily gets over looked until now.........
Stan is most definitely the man :) I'm so glad he got his story and we finally get to met the woman who captures his heart. we always knew Stan and Ellie wasn't meant to be anymore than friends.
Belinda aka Bel: loved loved loved her, such a feisty little thing she's a cross between Amy and Tess. Bel is spunky like Amy in the sense of she acts like a tough nut but deep down she's just a girl who is falling for a boy. I loved when she got payback on Stan by suggesting their parents go away for the weekend at a winery knowing that Stan wanted that weekend off to get away for the weekend, a duty free getaway. But Bel comes unstuck when she's told that she has to stay that weekend up at Stans parents home along with Stan so they knew she was safe, only they didn't know that her heart wasn't safe around a certain Mr Remington, leaving them both alone together for the whole weekend sparks sure do fly.
She is like Tess in the sense of she lets her emotions lead her she especially reminded me of Tess when Bel ran to Max to vent about Stan and to run away from it as she believed Stan and Ellie were together, just like when Tess saw Angela's car outside Tobys house she ran to Sean, had a drink and made out with him although Bel didn't get with Max.
I loved it when Stan decided he wasn't going to be a push over anymore, no more Mr nice guy but truthfully I don't think Stan has it in him to be mean. He does ruffle Bels feathers but all's fair in love and war :)
it was nice to see the return of Sean a much loved Onslow boy and also the arrival of Max.
I love ringer and Ellie but they annoyed me a bit with their attitudes towards Bel, normally they are accepting of new people I was especially shocked at Ellie telling Stan not to be a pushover to me it sounded like she was implying Bel thought he was and tried to take advantage of him, I understand that she cares for Stan and found it a bit weird but no need to be petty I mean it was her who over a love handles comment from Stan, when they was seeing each other, jumped into some other dudes arms. Ellie seemed like she was sticking up for Bel and telling ringer to behave yet soon as Bel was gone she gave Stan that don't be a pushover crap.
ringer is ringer can't really take what he says to heart but I felt bad for Bel when ringer was asking her to get him more pizza but she didn't realise and thought he was offering, I wanted to slap him round the back of the head for that, I'm just glad he redeems himself in other books and we know he's not a bad guy at all. Same goes for Ellie we know from her friendship with Tess and Adam she's not as bad as she seems, dramatic but not bad.
I give this 5 stars as its well deserved.
I love c.j Duggan and her Onslow boys
October 25, 2014
So good, I got tingles! :D
Stay tuned for full review!
-----------------------UPDATED-------------------------
Release day review posted on my blog Rolling with the Moments.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an eARC of Stan- THANK YOU CJ DUGGAN! I'm in the middle of prep from my end of semester exams at the moment, but good ole Stanley couldn't wait that long - I smashed out the book in a couple of hours and just feel absolutely in love with Stan and more so with Duggan.
The thing I love most about the Summer series a is how they are such sweet love stories that never fail to bring out the feels in me. I actually got tingles with reading - that's how good it is! It's a by product I've come to love and expect from Duggan's writing.
With this installment in the series being set in a caravan park, it is easily relatable and brought back many a memory of family holidays (though, sadly none had a smokin' hot Stan-like-person in them :\ ). It also reminds us of a simpler time, being set in the mid 90s, before everyone had their faces glued to screens, and actually got outside and did things with their summer that didn't require a status update every 15 minutes.
I think I probably should have done some prep before reading Stan, with the last book in the series I'd read being Ringer almost a year ago - I needed to get reaquainted with all things Onslow. Once I got may bearings, it was easy to get back in the flow of things and enjoy all the witty banter, and all the little sweet moments while Bel and Stan discovered the depth and meaning to their feelings.
After his and Bel's story, Stan is near the top of my Favourite Onslow Boy list - though I don't think anyone will ever be able to knock Sean out of top position. ;)
So, what should you take away from this review? READ THE SUMMER SERIES! There's cute boys, romance, and hell funny antics done in order to get the opposite sexes attention - what's not to love?
Stay tuned for full review!
-----------------------UPDATED-------------------------
Release day review posted on my blog Rolling with the Moments.
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an eARC of Stan- THANK YOU CJ DUGGAN! I'm in the middle of prep from my end of semester exams at the moment, but good ole Stanley couldn't wait that long - I smashed out the book in a couple of hours and just feel absolutely in love with Stan and more so with Duggan.
The thing I love most about the Summer series a is how they are such sweet love stories that never fail to bring out the feels in me. I actually got tingles with reading - that's how good it is! It's a by product I've come to love and expect from Duggan's writing.
With this installment in the series being set in a caravan park, it is easily relatable and brought back many a memory of family holidays (though, sadly none had a smokin' hot Stan-like-person in them :\ ). It also reminds us of a simpler time, being set in the mid 90s, before everyone had their faces glued to screens, and actually got outside and did things with their summer that didn't require a status update every 15 minutes.
I think I probably should have done some prep before reading Stan, with the last book in the series I'd read being Ringer almost a year ago - I needed to get reaquainted with all things Onslow. Once I got may bearings, it was easy to get back in the flow of things and enjoy all the witty banter, and all the little sweet moments while Bel and Stan discovered the depth and meaning to their feelings.
After his and Bel's story, Stan is near the top of my Favourite Onslow Boy list - though I don't think anyone will ever be able to knock Sean out of top position. ;)
So, what should you take away from this review? READ THE SUMMER SERIES! There's cute boys, romance, and hell funny antics done in order to get the opposite sexes attention - what's not to love?
January 21, 2015
I have to admit that even if this novella was good, it wasn’t as good as the rest of the series. I think maybe it was lacking a bit of the witty sarcasm I’m so used to and love. There was some, and there were moments that made me smile, but not as much as in the other books.
It was, nevertheless, an entertaining read, and I will read this book again when I’m re-reading the series. It was fun and sweet as it has become characteristic of the Summer Series. I really wanted to get to know Stan better and how things came to be with Bel, and I definitely got that.
I really appreciated that the author took this opportunity to tie some things up and sort of introduce us to what is going to happen next in the series, so it really feels like the story is complete. I also got some closure with the Stan and Ellie thing that seemed to have ended so abruptly before. I think maybe I would have appreciated this book a bit more if I had read it just after book 1, like it’s meant to be, still you can enjoy it if you read it whenever in the series.
Stan is the nicest Onslow boy, even if they are all nice and gentlemanly, because he has such a big sense of duty I could value. I really liked him, but I missed the playfulness we saw of him in The Boys of Summer (book #1). My main problem though, is that I couldn’t connect as much with Bel. I liked her in That One Summer (book #3), because she was different than the other girls and rather cool, but this time around she felt bitter and childish. Maybe it’s because she’s older in the next book, but I just couldn’t find all the bickering between the pair endearing, as I did with Sean and Amy.
Overall, this was a good addition to the series and it really allows us to get the whole picture; and even if I didn’t enjoy it as much, it still provides a fun read filled with the Onslow traits we have come to love so much.
It was, nevertheless, an entertaining read, and I will read this book again when I’m re-reading the series. It was fun and sweet as it has become characteristic of the Summer Series. I really wanted to get to know Stan better and how things came to be with Bel, and I definitely got that.
I really appreciated that the author took this opportunity to tie some things up and sort of introduce us to what is going to happen next in the series, so it really feels like the story is complete. I also got some closure with the Stan and Ellie thing that seemed to have ended so abruptly before. I think maybe I would have appreciated this book a bit more if I had read it just after book 1, like it’s meant to be, still you can enjoy it if you read it whenever in the series.
Stan is the nicest Onslow boy, even if they are all nice and gentlemanly, because he has such a big sense of duty I could value. I really liked him, but I missed the playfulness we saw of him in The Boys of Summer (book #1). My main problem though, is that I couldn’t connect as much with Bel. I liked her in That One Summer (book #3), because she was different than the other girls and rather cool, but this time around she felt bitter and childish. Maybe it’s because she’s older in the next book, but I just couldn’t find all the bickering between the pair endearing, as I did with Sean and Amy.
Overall, this was a good addition to the series and it really allows us to get the whole picture; and even if I didn’t enjoy it as much, it still provides a fun read filled with the Onslow traits we have come to love so much.
October 26, 2014
“Okay, so Stanley Remmington got hot. When did that happen?” Bel Evans visited Onslow every summer with her family, but this summer is a little different. She’s noticed Stan. He helps his parents at the RV park they own and he’s an all around good guy. Apparently not bad to look either. What she doesn’t know is that he noticed her too. And somehow they’ve ended up alone together under the same roof for the weekend.
If you haven’t read about the Oslow boys yet, you’re missing out. Don’t let the title fool you, these are far from “boys” and totally drool worthy. This novella features Stan Remmington. He’s the nice guy with a strong sense of duty. he helps his parents in their RV park and rarely takes a day off. When Bel and her family come by and he ends up “babysitting” (she’s 19 - I’d hardly call that babysitting) he not only has to care for the park, but her too. This story is a bit frustrating, but maybe that’s just Bel. She is stubborn and a bit childish. I suppose looking back I can see why her parents thought she needed supervision. lol
There's tons of angst and tension in this story, but it’s sweet and kind of funny. I like how the story is told from alternating points of view - Bel and Stan’s. It lends a bit more insight to the confusion of the situation.
I really enjoyed the story though and this one, like The Boys of Summer, was one I couldn’t put down. I give it 4.5 stars! Very fun read!
If you haven’t read about the Oslow boys yet, you’re missing out. Don’t let the title fool you, these are far from “boys” and totally drool worthy. This novella features Stan Remmington. He’s the nice guy with a strong sense of duty. he helps his parents in their RV park and rarely takes a day off. When Bel and her family come by and he ends up “babysitting” (she’s 19 - I’d hardly call that babysitting) he not only has to care for the park, but her too. This story is a bit frustrating, but maybe that’s just Bel. She is stubborn and a bit childish. I suppose looking back I can see why her parents thought she needed supervision. lol
There's tons of angst and tension in this story, but it’s sweet and kind of funny. I like how the story is told from alternating points of view - Bel and Stan’s. It lends a bit more insight to the confusion of the situation.
I really enjoyed the story though and this one, like The Boys of Summer, was one I couldn’t put down. I give it 4.5 stars! Very fun read!
October 26, 2014
Stan is hoping for a break and he may have gotten it if Bel Evans hadn't opened her mouth. Bel and her family are regular visitors to the caravan Stan's family owns and Bel once had a huge crush on Stan. Now they're stuck in close proximity to another for the weekend and are not sure how to handle what's developing between them.
I really liked Bel and Stan. I liked Bel for being willing to be a good sport and apologize when she'd made a mistake and Stan for just being an overall, all around good guy. It was sort of frustrating to watch the two of them dance around each other when it was obvious they had great chemistry and talking to each other might clear up what was causing their misconceptions about each other.
The story was very sweet and fast paced. I was a little astonished at the pace Stan and Bel came together, over a weekend, but then I remembered they'd "known" each other since childhood so maybe it wasn't so far fetched. There was some laughter and I smiled a lot while reading.
I loved visiting Onslow again and getting to know Stan better and seeing Sean and Ringer again. I swear my favorite Onslow boy changes with every story I read and in the end I love them all. I can't wait to see which hunk finds love next. C.J. Duggan has written another great story set in the Australian Outback you won't want to miss.
I really liked Bel and Stan. I liked Bel for being willing to be a good sport and apologize when she'd made a mistake and Stan for just being an overall, all around good guy. It was sort of frustrating to watch the two of them dance around each other when it was obvious they had great chemistry and talking to each other might clear up what was causing their misconceptions about each other.
The story was very sweet and fast paced. I was a little astonished at the pace Stan and Bel came together, over a weekend, but then I remembered they'd "known" each other since childhood so maybe it wasn't so far fetched. There was some laughter and I smiled a lot while reading.
I loved visiting Onslow again and getting to know Stan better and seeing Sean and Ringer again. I swear my favorite Onslow boy changes with every story I read and in the end I love them all. I can't wait to see which hunk finds love next. C.J. Duggan has written another great story set in the Australian Outback you won't want to miss.
January 3, 2015
A funny and entertaining short story in the Summer series.
I really liked this short story about Stan and Bel from the Summer series. At first, I couldn’t place who was who and had to do a bit of a refresher on the other characters in the series, but once I did that it was easy to read this short novella. Stand and Bel were both great characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. I liked the way they both were stubborn and spent a good chunk of time in the story simply driving each other nuts. It was funny and entertaining to see them butt heads and be antagonistic and infuriated on the outside while they each secretly loved it. I also really liked the way Stan and Bel surprised each other in little ways throughout the book and made each other revaluate their assumptions about each other’s character.
Overall, this was a great self-contained quick read. I’d recommend it if you’ve read at least the first book in the summer series and are looking for more sweet and charming new adult romance.
I really liked this short story about Stan and Bel from the Summer series. At first, I couldn’t place who was who and had to do a bit of a refresher on the other characters in the series, but once I did that it was easy to read this short novella. Stand and Bel were both great characters and I enjoyed getting to know them. I liked the way they both were stubborn and spent a good chunk of time in the story simply driving each other nuts. It was funny and entertaining to see them butt heads and be antagonistic and infuriated on the outside while they each secretly loved it. I also really liked the way Stan and Bel surprised each other in little ways throughout the book and made each other revaluate their assumptions about each other’s character.
Overall, this was a great self-contained quick read. I’d recommend it if you’ve read at least the first book in the summer series and are looking for more sweet and charming new adult romance.
July 12, 2016
so...
I´m still not sure how I feel about this. it was a good read, easy. but it did not caught me as "boys of summer".
this is the story of Stan (Onslow boy, Wink) and how he falls in love with the daughter of a doctor that use to go camp in the park camp of Stan´s family.
I think Stan is the sweetes of all the Onslow boys but still he has game and he used it to charm the lovely Belinda that already has a crush on him (even if she try to deny it, you can tell since the beginning).
the cool thing here is that you read the story from both points of view: Belinda and Stan.
and of course you get to know and hear from the other Onslow boys.
if you are wondering "Belinda who? what the hell happened with Ellie? #TeamEllie" and all of that Jazz.... don´t worry, you will get all the juice details from the beginning and you won´t be as devastated as you think ;).
anyway... great story, easy reading (I finished it in a day), funny and still perfect for summer time.
enjoy!
I´m still not sure how I feel about this. it was a good read, easy. but it did not caught me as "boys of summer".
this is the story of Stan (Onslow boy, Wink) and how he falls in love with the daughter of a doctor that use to go camp in the park camp of Stan´s family.
I think Stan is the sweetes of all the Onslow boys but still he has game and he used it to charm the lovely Belinda that already has a crush on him (even if she try to deny it, you can tell since the beginning).
the cool thing here is that you read the story from both points of view: Belinda and Stan.
and of course you get to know and hear from the other Onslow boys.
if you are wondering "Belinda who? what the hell happened with Ellie? #TeamEllie" and all of that Jazz.... don´t worry, you will get all the juice details from the beginning and you won´t be as devastated as you think ;).
anyway... great story, easy reading (I finished it in a day), funny and still perfect for summer time.
enjoy!
October 25, 2014
CJ Duggan has done it again with her latest installment of the Onslow Boys series!! Not only is Stan hot enough to make your eyes pop out of your head, but he is also an absolute sweetheart.
He and Bel torment the living daylights out of each other, but he goes out of his way to make things as easy and stress free as possible for her.
Bel is under the impression Stan is still with Ellie and all his attempts to please her and flirt with her have all taken place while he has a girlfriend.
When she finds out this isn't the case, things change and she finds herself unable to resist going to him. But is it too little too late? Bel's parents have just informed her their holiday has been cut short and they are going home!
Can Stan and Bel find a way to be together???
Get yourself a copy of Stan and find out!!!!
He and Bel torment the living daylights out of each other, but he goes out of his way to make things as easy and stress free as possible for her.
Bel is under the impression Stan is still with Ellie and all his attempts to please her and flirt with her have all taken place while he has a girlfriend.
When she finds out this isn't the case, things change and she finds herself unable to resist going to him. But is it too little too late? Bel's parents have just informed her their holiday has been cut short and they are going home!
Can Stan and Bel find a way to be together???
Get yourself a copy of Stan and find out!!!!
November 5, 2017
I didn't want it to end. I was so happy to receive an ARC of this book and loved every moment of Stan-LEY and bel-INDA. I don't want to give away too many details of this book, it's definitely one to buy and see for yourself. I knew I would love Stan. I mean another Onslow boy, come on. He was wanting to be independent, break free from the caravan park but also wanting to be loyal to his parents and work around the park for them. Bel is a feisty one on the outside, but inside her emotions get the best of her. When she thought Stan was still with Ellie and ran to Max I nearly cried! I loved the sarcasm, the tormenting, the tender moments, mostly I loved the ending. It was a lovely story to read, once again Cj, a great book!
November 2, 2014
This a short yet jam packed novella... all about Stan.... And I loved every word of it... with dual POV... I got inside Stan's head as well as Bel... The small, dainty girl who has not only caught Stan's eye but possible his heart has well???
Only a summer together at the his parents caravan park will tell....
I think Stan is my favourite onslow boy... He's sweet, kind, caring and protective.... I love being inside his head and finally getting to know him...
This book may be a novella but it gives you everything you need in a story..... drama, friendship, love, all under the hot summer sun....
I'm excited to continue on with this series... C.J. Duggan... this little book as dragged me out of my reading slump... I was hooked for page one and devoured it in one sitting...
Only a summer together at the his parents caravan park will tell....
I think Stan is my favourite onslow boy... He's sweet, kind, caring and protective.... I love being inside his head and finally getting to know him...
This book may be a novella but it gives you everything you need in a story..... drama, friendship, love, all under the hot summer sun....
I'm excited to continue on with this series... C.J. Duggan... this little book as dragged me out of my reading slump... I was hooked for page one and devoured it in one sitting...
November 21, 2015
Belinda and Stanley
Fun quick read! It gave e a few laughs too!
Being from the US, there were things about the book that made it better for me. I like that I had no clue what some of the words were. I like that I looked some of them up like esky and VB. Who knew one was a cooler and the other a beer? It makes the world smaller to me, like Australia isn't about a million miles away.
Stan's parents owned a caravan park that was up against a lake. Onslow had a fair share of tourists every summer because of Lake Onslow being close to town. This year Bel noticed how hot Stan had become. It didn't matter he still infuriated her. Stan felt the same way about her too. Well, that's how it all starts, the feels, angst, and confusion.
Fun quick read! It gave e a few laughs too!
Being from the US, there were things about the book that made it better for me. I like that I had no clue what some of the words were. I like that I looked some of them up like esky and VB. Who knew one was a cooler and the other a beer? It makes the world smaller to me, like Australia isn't about a million miles away.
Stan's parents owned a caravan park that was up against a lake. Onslow had a fair share of tourists every summer because of Lake Onslow being close to town. This year Bel noticed how hot Stan had become. It didn't matter he still infuriated her. Stan felt the same way about her too. Well, that's how it all starts, the feels, angst, and confusion.
December 30, 2015
I'm catching up on my Onslow boys because the finale is finally out! I can't wait to read it! First though, Stan's story was short but full of history.
Stan and Belinda's chemistry was undeniable. The misunderstanding was reasonable to me but I did wish Stan would've realized sooner. He was extra sweet though! Bel was stubborn but knew when to admit her fault.
Ringer, Ellie and Sean's guest appearances brought so much fun to the story! Even Max, who is still a no one at this point contributed his share.
The Onslow boys never fail to make my heart beat faster and I love every moment of it!
Stan and Belinda's chemistry was undeniable. The misunderstanding was reasonable to me but I did wish Stan would've realized sooner. He was extra sweet though! Bel was stubborn but knew when to admit her fault.
Ringer, Ellie and Sean's guest appearances brought so much fun to the story! Even Max, who is still a no one at this point contributed his share.
The Onslow boys never fail to make my heart beat faster and I love every moment of it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews