The End of Summer

by K.J. Micciche

Gretchen Andrews is a homegrown Cape Cod lifer. She's just a regular girl studying to be a teacher, making ends meet by waitressing at the Diamond Excelsior Resort.

At least, that was the case before Memorial Day weekend.

Brady Hawthorne is the Assistant Manager at the Diamond Excelsior's main restaurant. That is, until Gretchen comes along and takes down his summer plans in one fell swoop. Lesson learned: Never ask a girl who can't walk in heels to be your lead server in private dining…unless you want to lose your job when she inevitably dumps a tray of hot seafood in a celebrity's lap.

Now in the height of tourist season, Gretchen and Brady find themselves wageless with mounting bills and few options for traditional employment. As the job search becomes dire, Gretchen seizes an opportunity working at the Cape's premier, underground bachelorette-party destination, a place where she never expects to find the boss who fired her wearing next to nothing while dollars rain down around him Niagara-style.

When the owner skips town and leaves Gretchen to manage the (probably illegal) operation for the unforeseeable future, she enlists help from the only person she knows who understands that desperate times call for desperate measures. Gretchen and Brady begrudgingly bump and grind their way from enemies to partners-in-crime in a matter of weeks. Gretchen puts it all on the line - her family, her new love-interest, and her professional future - by two-stepping into a spotlight that was never meant for her.

Genres: Romance, Rom Com, Forced Proximity

382 pages, Paperback

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥ My Overall Thoughts ♥

I found this new adult romance book fun and enjoyable! It was super cute and made me laugh! I loved the writing, the characters and the unique storyline! I found this to be a medium paced read that was clear and captivating. The setting in Cape Cod was beautiful. This is an enemies to partners in crime romance! It is thought provoking, powerful and emotional. I am new to this author and will definitely be reading more of her books! It really delves into the theme of change, which we all face in real life. This is more than just your typical type of summer read!

♥ Synopsis & Rating ♥

“The End of Summer” centers around a woman named Gretchen. She studies to be a teacher and waitresses on the side. Then there is Brady, who is the assistant manager at the main restaurant. Everything seems to be going smoothly, until an incident occurs that leaves Gretchen jobless. In the height of tourist season, both of them begin looking for a new job. The job search starts to become dire and their bills are stacking up. So, Gretchen ends up putting everything on the line, including her future potential career, by stepping into a completely new spotlight at an unconventional job! Brady starts working there too! Be sure to read the content warnings. This was fun and I absolutely adored the ending! Overall, I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating!

♥ Who I think would enjoy reading this book ♥

I think anyone who is looking for a fun, not your typical type of summer storyline read, would enjoy this! It is an enemies to partners in crime romance that definitely gave me the movie Magic Mike vibes!

♥ Thank You ♥

Thank you to NetGalley, author KJ Micciche and Cabaret Books for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

♥ Publication Date ♥

This book is expected to be published on June 17, 2025!

♥ Quick Review ♥

💜 New Adult Romance
✔️ Powerful & Emotional
💜 Not your Typical Summer Read
✔️ Humorous & Fun
💜 Enemies to Partners in Crime
✔️ Change in Life
💜 Unique Storyline
✔️ The movie “Magic Mike” Vibes

》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《

❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥

ツ౨ৎ

[Kayla_Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Cabaret Books LLC for the opportunity to review this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gretchen and Brady find themselves out of a job after an incident that involved food falling into the lap of a celebrity. Bills are piling up and they unexpectedly find themselves both employed at an underground bachelorette party destination. We aren’t exactly sure if it’s legal or not. But it’s not long before the owner skips town and leaves Gretchen to manage the place. The only person she can think to ask for help is Brady who fired her from her last job.

This was a really fun and cute read. Lots of laugh out loud moments and sweet ones too. Seeing these two characters come together despite their past was the cherry on top.

I will definitely have to read more of KJ’s books.

[ᴄᴀᴛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆ | This was honestly so much better than I thought it would be? In the beginning I had my doubts, and it was a bit goofy at times but it was honestly a really good book.
I haven't personally read (or listened) to a book like this before and I enjoyed it. Definitely a better book to read in the summer more than in November (though maybe it doesn't matter a whole ton, Texas still has summer weather rn it seems)


We 👏 love 👏 emotionally 👏 mature 👏characters 👏
▸No third act break-up over a stupid reason? ✔
▸Actual communication between the main characters? ✔


⋆˚꩜｡ 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 :
▻ Gretchen was an amazing fmc, I loved getting to see her growth throughout the book. How she became more confident despite everything.
▻ Brady was also amazing, he's such a respectful character and I loved how clearly you could tell that he loves Gretchen.
▻ All the side characters were wonderful as well, such as Gretchen's co-workers & I loved seeing them interact with each other.
Sure, each character had their flaws, but who doesn't? I love characters that can be relatable.


⋆˚꩜｡ 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 :

I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 when the couples aren't getting jealous over every. single. little. thing.
At one point Brady's ex gf, Miranda, comes to where he works, she had specifically requested him to come and dance for her. And he does, he's doing his job (plus he's getting paid like 1,000 + tips for ONE hour). But then she starts trying to get him to dance more intimately, with her. After he repeatedly says no he decides to dance for her.
And honestly thank God Summer (aka Gretchen) doesn't get jealous over this because this man literally starts doing the running man, then the sprinkler, the floss, he dabs, and then, and 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯, he does the griddy in front of his ex gf. Mind you, he's wearing a 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨 while doing all this (😭). Like how stupid would it be if she got jealous over 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵?
▹ Honestly? It was weird but I laughed, like a lot. I also showed my sister that part but she didn't find it as funny as I did


(⚠︎slight spoiler for the ending⚠︎)
Them finding out that Brady was actually the one who caused Gretchen to break three toes while dancing while they were kids and getting over it was sweet.
I 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 the epilogue. Very sweet and the engagement was adorable. How Brady & Gretchen were dancing to the Christina Milian song when he went and proposed to her.


⋆˚꩜｡ 𝑫𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆𝒔 :
▸ Some of the language/wording used was a bit cringey at times and just so many times that I feel some other words could have been used to describe things.
▸A thing we didn't get, though I wish we did. Was that we didn't get to see what Miranda gets that should be coming for. Does her relationship end for what she did? Does Brady/Gretchen 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘸 get back at her for what she did? Like yes, the way the book ended was great, and the aftermath of her actions were well done. But I want to know what happened to her after.
▸ ALSO, her name😭I'm sorry but I just couldn't get over it. And like at certain parts when Brady would say her name and it's just like, 𝘰𝘩!, because I'm sorry but it's such a granny name to me.. Which she 𝘸𝘢𝘴 named after her grandmother but stilllll.
▸ Another thing I didn't really care for a whole ton was the voice actor for Brady. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't bad or anything or anything like that, and I would listen to other stuff he narrates. But I feel like his voice didn't fit Brady's character much?


⋆˚꩜｡ : 𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 :
This was a sweet, funny, romance that, despite it's flaws, I would recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this arc(?)
Honestly I'm still confused about that part. Google and Netgalley both have 2 different release dates. Though maybe it's being republished? No clue
Google says it came out June 17th of this year and Netgalley says it's publishing on November 17th.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think my heart remembered you,” he says. “My brain might not have, but my heart did.”

Thank you to Cabaret Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this books, in exchange for my honest option.

Mark my words now this is going to be theeeeeeee official book of summer! The premise of this book is if Magic Mike and Coyote Ugly had a baby company together, and it’s located on Cape Cod. This book had me LOLing the entire time!

Gretchen and Brady were just so good and wholesome, and watching them strike up such a sweet friendship before a relationship felt so real and relatable. Their bond was so sweet, and I loved their HEA.

All my Romance girlies, add this book to your Summer Reading List, you will have so much fun!!!

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

K.J. Micciche's The End of Summer serves up a deliciously unconventional romance that transforms a simple case of workplace humiliation into an unexpectedly empowering journey of self-discovery. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Cape Cod's tourist season, this contemporary romance follows Gretchen Andrews and Brady Hawthorne as they navigate the treacherous waters between enemies and lovers, all while discovering that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most authentic versions of ourselves.

The story begins with what could have been a career-ending disaster: Gretchen, a aspiring teacher working as a waitress, accidentally dumps a tray of scalding seafood onto celebrity David Krumholtz's lap during a private dining service at the upscale Diamond Excelsior Resort. When both she and Brady, the assistant manager who put her in an impossible situation, lose their jobs, they're forced into an unlikely partnership that takes them from the polished world of resort hospitality to the underground realm of Cape Cod's premier bachelorette party destination.

Character Development That Sizzles
Gretchen Andrews: More Than Meets the Eye

Gretchen emerges as a refreshingly authentic protagonist who defies the typical romance heroine mold. Micciche crafts her as a genuine Cape Cod local—someone who knows every back road and understands the delicate seasonal economy that dictates life on the peninsula. Her initial clumsiness in heels becomes a metaphor for being forced into roles that don't fit, whether that's serving celebrities in an upscale restaurant or conforming to her parents' expectations of what a "good girl" should be.

What makes Gretchen particularly compelling is her evolution from someone who apologizes for taking up space to someone who commands a room—literally, as she learns to pole dance and eventually manages an entire operation. Micciche doesn't shy away from showing Gretchen's internal struggles with family expectations, particularly her relationship with her police chief father, who represents both protection and constraint in her life.

Brady Hawthorne: Privilege, Pride, and Growth

Brady's character arc proves equally engaging as he transforms from an entitled assistant manager to someone who learns to value substance over status. Initially presented as the uptight "neurotic penguin" in his fancy uniform, Brady's journey strips away the pretense to reveal someone grappling with parental approval, career uncertainty, and the courage to be vulnerable.

His relationship with his father, the domineering Chef Brax, provides crucial context for his initial rigidity and perfectionism. The dynamic between Brady's privileged upbringing and his current circumstances creates genuine tension, particularly when he's forced to live in substandard housing and work in an industry he never imagined entering.

The Cape Cod Setting as Character

Micciche demonstrates intimate knowledge of Cape Cod's unique cultural ecosystem, from the seasonal employment struggles to the small-town mentality where "tragic news travels fast." The setting isn't merely decorative; it's integral to the story's themes of community, tradition, and the tension between permanent residents and the tourist economy that sustains them.

The contrast between the Diamond Excelsior's polished exterior and the underground world of Cosmo creates a perfect metaphor for the story's exploration of appearances versus authenticity. Cape Cod becomes a place where reinvention is possible, but only if you're willing to shed your preconceptions about yourself and others.

Romance That Earns Its Heat

The romantic development between Gretchen and Brady unfolds with satisfying realism. Their initial antagonism stems from genuine misunderstandings and miscommunications rather than manufactured conflict. The author skillfully builds their relationship through shared adversity, mutual respect, and gradual revelation of their true selves.

Particularly effective is how their physical attraction develops alongside emotional intimacy. The pole dancing scenes serve multiple purposes: they're genuinely sensual without being gratuitous, they represent Gretchen's growing confidence, and they provide moments of vulnerability for both characters. Brady's evolution from someone who initially judges the entertainment industry to someone who participates in it (albeit reluctantly) mirrors his broader character growth.

Family Dynamics and Generational Expectations

One of the novel's strongest elements is its nuanced portrayal of family relationships. Gretchen's parents, Annie and Andrew Andrews, represent the loving but sometimes suffocating nature of small-town family expectations. Her father's protective instincts clash with his disappointment when he discovers her "employment situation," creating genuine emotional stakes beyond the central romance.

Brady's complicated relationship with his absent mother and domineering father adds depth to his character while exploring themes of forgiveness and breaking generational cycles. His promise to "show up" for Gretchen, even when it's "hard, or inconvenient, or uncomfortable," carries weight because we've seen how his father's inability to do the same damaged their family.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

Micciche employs alternating perspectives effectively, allowing readers to understand both characters' motivations and misunderstandings. The pacing maintains momentum while allowing for character development, though some readers might find the middle section slightly slower as the relationship dynamics establish themselves.

The author's background in education shines through in Gretchen's academic pursuits and her meetings with her advisor, Jane Bishop. These scenes ground the character in realistic concerns about career development while adding authenticity to the academic setting.

Where the Story Stumbles
Plot Conveniences and Timing

While generally well-plotted, certain elements strain credibility. The convenient timing of various job opportunities and personal crises occasionally feels too neat. Arrow's sudden departure, leaving Gretchen in charge of an operation she barely understands, serves the plot but feels rushed.

Secondary Character Development

Some supporting characters, particularly the other dancers at Cosmo, feel underdeveloped. While Big Mike provides excellent comic relief and genuine friendship, other characters exist primarily to move the plot forward rather than as fully realized individuals.

Resolution Pacing

The final act moves quickly from crisis to resolution, particularly regarding Gretchen's career prospects and family relationships. While satisfying, some conflicts resolve perhaps too easily given their established intensity.

Themes That Resonate

Authenticity vs. Performance: The novel explores how we perform different versions of ourselves in different contexts, and how finding authentic self-expression can be both liberating and terrifying.

Class and Economic Mobility: Through both protagonists' employment struggles, Micciche examines how economic necessity can push people beyond their comfort zones and preconceptions.

Community and Belonging: The Cape Cod setting allows for exploration of what it means to belong to a place and a community, particularly when that community has complicated relationships with change and outsiders.

Writing Style and Voice

Micciche writes with a conversational warmth that makes even the more dramatic moments feel grounded and believable. Her dialogue crackles with authenticity, particularly in the banter between Gretchen and Brady. The author's humor emerges naturally from character interactions rather than forced comedic situations.

The sensual scenes are well-crafted, balancing heat with emotional development. The pole dancing sequences in particular manage to be both empowering and genuinely sexy without exploiting either the characters or the activity itself.

Final Verdict

The End of Summer succeeds as both a satisfying romance and a thoughtful exploration of authenticity, community, and the courage required to build genuine intimacy. While not without its flaws, Micciche has crafted a story that respects both its characters and its readers, delivering heat, heart, and genuine emotional growth.

The novel works particularly well for readers seeking contemporary romance with substance—stories where the romantic relationship develops alongside meaningful character growth and realistic external challenges. Gretchen and Brady's journey from mutual antagonism to deep connection feels earned rather than inevitable, making their happy ending all the more satisfying.

[✨Crystal✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The End of Summer was a sweet little romcom with a little more depth than I was expecting. Brady was in a pinch and needed a server quick for a celebrity guest at the restaurant. He finds Gretchen and convinces her to do the job and everything was going well, until Gretchen trips and spills the contents of her tray all over the guest which ends with her getting her fired. After trying everywhere to get another job, she ends up getting hired at a poll dancing place that hosts bachelorette parties and ends up being the shots girl.

Brady ends up getting fired by his father for the incident as well and also has a hard time finding another job. His friend end up getting him into a stripper job which just so happens to be a regular hire at the pole dancing class that Gretchen works at! He also ends up moving into a new apartment building and ends up being Gretchen’s new neighbor! Small world 😂 The two of them start to connect and end up in a relationship. I loved that the relationship was’t a messy drama filled one which was refreshing. They were just so cute together!

The audiobook was duel narrated and I did like the narrators. But to me, the male narrator’s voice didn’t fit Brady’s character very well. Other than that, I really enjoyed the listen!
This was the first time I’ve heard of this author, and I’d definitely check out more of her stuff in the future 😁

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The End of Summer had all the makings of a fun, beachy rom-com—Cape Cod charm, an enemies-to-lovers setup, and a quirky career twist that should have been irresistible. I liked the premise and the idea of personal reinvention, but the execution didn’t quite land for me. The tone swung between sweet and cringey, and the slang and dialogue sometimes pulled me out of the story. While I appreciated the emotional growth, the coastal setting, and the narration, the romance itself felt more surface-level than heartfelt. It’s a light, easy read for those craving a summery escape, but I wished for a little more depth, polish, and sincerity beneath all the chaos.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

[Emily Johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

From 0 stars:
+loved the epilogue

From 5 stars:
-needed less telling and more showing, especially when it came to representing the backgrounds of characters
-was quite frequently annoyed with the FMC for being a hypocrite and acting like a child when she was an adult
-wanted to see more loose ends tied up with all characters getting deserving endings, including her dad and Miranda
-MMC was mean with words at times and assuming with actions at others

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story a lot. It made me miss dancing and I love the dance descriptions. I guess it would classify as enemies to lovers. The spicy scenes are steamy (but not super duper spicy) and interspersed throughout the plot. I liked both characters and their stories. I definitely recommend, especially if you have a love of dance. Thank you to @netgalley for my ALC.

[Zenya Weatherall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was so funny and sweet. I gobbled it up! I finished most of this book in one sitting. I am really happy to have been given an opportunity at this ARC. I don’t know that I would have picked it up otherwise but now I am recommending it to all my romance loving girls!

#TheEndofSummer #NetGalley

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! It was a sweet story about a woman growing into her adult life and a romance. There was love - family love, friend love, romantic love. There were lots of great quirky characters. A fun summer read!

[Justine Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun read and a bit spicy

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook.

Oof. DNF at 18%

I found both FMC and MMC to be insufferable. If it was one or the other, I might have hung in, but them reuniting again at her house was just too annoying for me to continue

[Ellin1117 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Significant Spoiler Thoughts:


My bar is fairly low for contemporary romances, which made this book enjoyable. Both the FMC and MMC are likeable. How they met as kids and met again as adults is entertaining. The relationship is cute and fun; I for sure wanted to know how it got to the HEA. The twists were somehow both expected and surprising.

The more I reflect on this book, the more missed opportunities are of notice:
-It’s probably my “ancient” 37-year-old brain, but some of the Gen Z slang felt cringe or clunkily implemented.
-FMC’s life plan dramatically changed, and that grief was barely touched on the page.
-There was a lot of backstory for FMC’s boss with no on-page payout. I want to read that conflict, not jump to the result of what would have been a series of difficult conversations.
-In general, there are several backstories or meandering flashbacks that don’t add to the story much. Or I can see the thought behind it but it’s not incorporated into the present day well.
-FMC’s and boss relationship theoretically changes dramatically for the epilogue to work, but we don’t see any of it.
-The MMC goes HARD on the dating/courting experience but FMC does not put in the same effort.
-FMC 100% allows the MMC to white knight the end of the book, so any character development that may have occurred seems to fly out the window. The ending would have been stronger if FMC and MMC had developed the non-profit idea together.

Writing all that out makes me want to give it a lower rating BUT I read it all and had fun overall while reading it. Maybe I just need to accept it as an easy beach read and move on.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

the premise for this was fun and flirty. i loved both of the main characters. Gretchen’s character growth was fun to watch. she became more confident and found empowerment in something she didn’t expect. Brady is a man who loves hard and knows what he wants which was refreshing. however, the backstory for side characters slowed the pace too much at times.

some of the language throughout the book was a little distracting, specifically the attempted use of slang. also the fmc’s fathers name was referred to as a “hate crime” simply because it was a silly name which seemed inappropriate to me.

COVID is also mentioned numerous times and often it made sense for the plot, but when it was mentioned that “COVID saved the day” when referring to a past relationship, it didn’t really sit well with me.

with all that said, i enjoyed the overall story!

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Faye Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of The End of Summer was original but the writing style didn't click with me unfortunately. It had some phrasing and slang that was a bit odd or cringey for me (maybe to my British brain?) like 'sperm worm' and 'milking the popsicle'.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Louise H · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am DFNing this book at 16%
I was really excited to read this book! The concept “waitress gets fired from her job for a mistake ends up working as a pole dancer and ends up having to work with the guy who fired her. Romantic hijinks ensue!”
However, I could not get past the poorly done research and clunky writing.

The research:
- Strange obsession with the actor David Krumholtz aside (multiple characters aside from Gretchen our FMC seem to be able to recite his entire IMBD at the drop of a hat), there is a minor character who says she saw him at the Premiere of The Santa Clause 2 with Apple TV executives. The movie came out in 2002, iTVs (now called Apple TVs) were available to the public in 2007, and AppleTV+ the streaming service began in 2017. All of that took me 5 minutes to research
- The reference to “a Chapelle show”. I admit, at first I thought the author had misspelled Chappell as in “Chappell Roan” but no, it’s in reference to Dave Chapelle. A comedian who, while occasionally says thought provoking (and controversial) things in recent years, has not really been a major household name in at least 15 years
- The jelly-o shots. Gretchen gets hired to work at “not a stripe club…a pole dancing studio” Going off the premise I thought she was going to work at an actual stripe club, but then, I was thinking “oh an actual pole dancing studio, where people can take basic classes, maybe also aerial dance classes or chair routines” Which are very real places. Where you wear work out clothes and ABSOLUTELY no drinking is allowed (at least in the state I live in). But quickly it appears to be both and neither. Gretchen is in charge of making and handing out Jell-O shots (which oh no, are similar colors, can’t see that going wrong) and the women who might be instructors, might just be dancers, are all wearing various stripper outfits. It actually would make more sense if she was hired as a server at a strip club than whatever this is meant to be.

The writing:
- There were spelling and grammar errors
- Characters unironically use the terms “slay” and “bae” is normal conversation as if it’s 2014.
- At one point, after pages of Gretchen’s decrepit apartment building being described (including a paragraph describing how a shared outdoor area often spells like “a sack full of assholes” because a neighboring dog “dedicates” there three times a day), her inner monologue says “I’m a grown ass woman, according to me new employer”. Instead of IMMEDIATELY explaining what that means, we get two more pages before the boss actually says that to her

There’s also the fact that Brady (the MMC) picking Gretchen to work ( the inciting reason as to why she’s been fired.) because she is “the only native English speaker available“ and the INSANE amount of times people are referred to as J-1s (the reason Gretchen and Brady can’t get jobs in their preferred fields)

It is very unlikely I’ll return to this book ever

Thank you NetGalley and Cabaret Books LLC for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

A light, fluffy read that won’t change your life but will keep you entertained — the kind of story that’s easy to slip into and just as easy to move on from.

It actually took me a hot minute to decide on my rating. I ultimately rounded up because, while it wasn’t perfect, it did exactly what I wanted in the moment. I was first drawn in when I saw “Cape Cod” in the description. As someone who lives here, I’m always curious how authors capture it on the page — and let’s just say, sometimes they nail it, and sometimes… not quite.

On one hand, I loved hearing familiar places mentioned and how the author wove them with fictional ones. On the other, the local name-drops were a bit overdone. It’s a common pitfall when stories are set here — the references start feeling gratuitous instead of immersive. And maybe it’s because I’m too close to it, but a few of the details just didn’t make sense for the Cape. About halfway through, I looked up the author — who I hadn’t read before — and discovered she lives on Long Island and summers here. Suddenly everything clicked. It’s hard to truly capture the Cape when you only know it through its summer lens. I don’t say that to be harsh, just honest — speaking as someone who was a summer brat herself until moving here permanently over twenty years ago.

My other critique is that the story leaned more on telling than showing. I would’ve loved to feel more of the characters’ journey rather than just being told about it. That said, the romance itself was sweet and drama-free — a soft, low-stakes story that made for a perfect palate cleanser.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Michael Casale and Kelli Tager, and was pleasantly surprised. Both narrators delivered strong performances with natural pacing and tone — even at 2x speed, which is how I listened to most of it.

Not a standout, but still a pleasant, easy listen that hit the exact mood I needed — and sometimes, that’s enough.

I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Dreamscape Media via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

How I Rate
Because I mostly read ARCs, I focus on how I think fellow readers with similar tastes will respond. I sometimes round up or down based on pacing, prose, or overall impact, and I try to keep my personal preferences from weighing too heavily.

⭐️ 1 Star – Finished, but not for me as it has way too many issues; I never DNF ARCs but would have had it not been one.
⭐️⭐️ 2 Stars – Struggled due to writing, content, or editing issues.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars – Decent read with untapped potential; recommend with some reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars – Really enjoyed it and would recommend for several reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars – Exceptional; lingers in my mind well after reading. A story I’d gladly revisit.

[Meli reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ALC review for NetGalley and Dreamscape Media

I liked how corky this was with all the puns had me giggling at some of them. Gretchen the accidental poll dancer and Brady the accidental stripper. They just keep being pulled together through out their life without even knowing it, ALC of this book was fast paced and enjoyable.

The End of Summer
by KJ Micciche
Narrated by Michael Casale; Kelli Tager (Perfect! I loved them. So easy to listen to both of them narrate this story)
Pub Date Nov 18 2025 | Dreamscape Media
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC of this book for my honest review.

Description
She was never meant to be in the spotlight. . . until he showed her she belonged there.

Gretchen Andrews is a homegrown Cape Cod lifer. She's just a regular girl studying to be a teacher, making ends meet by waitressing at the Diamond Excelsior Resort. At least, that was the case before Memorial Day weekend. Brady Hawthorne is the Assistant Manager at the Diamond Excelsior's main restaurant. That is, until Gretchen comes along and takes down his summer plans. Lesson learned: Never ask a girl who can't walk in heels to be your lead server in private dining. . . unless you want to lose your job when she inevitably dumps a tray of hot seafood in a celebrity's lap.

Now in the height of tourist season, Gretchen and Brady find themselves wageless with mounting bills and few options for traditional employment. As the job search becomes dire, Gretchen seizes an opportunity working at the Cape's premier, underground bachelorette–party destination, a place where she never expects to find the boss who fired her wearing next to nothing while dollars rain down around him Niagara–style. When the owner skips town and leaves Gretchen to manage the (probably illegal) operation for the unforeseeable future, she enlists help from the only person she knows who understands that desperate times call for desperate measures. Gretchen and Brady begrudgingly bump and grind their way from enemies to partners–in–crime in a matter of weeks. Gretchen puts it all on the line—her family, her new love-interest, and her professional future—by two–stepping into a spotlight that was never meant for her.

[Ri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Okay, here’s the thing, this author wrote these characters almost too well. She was so dedicated to developing their personalities and having us know who they are to their core in a way that I think doesn’t happen often anymore. There weren’t many times where the characters made choices that I was confused by given what we knew about them. However, the characters she wrote were cringy and generally unlikable. You know how people complain about Ali Hazelwood character traits? Take that but apply it to their language. I got such terrible second hand embarrassment at every euphemism for dick and they just kept getting worse. I also had a hard time believing in their romance, mostly because she spent so much time introducing us to them as individuals that the romance felt flat and really empty for me. Their time spent together and getting to know each other felt both rushed and almost nonexistent. Instead of using their backstories as a way of building intimacy, we learned everything before they spent any real time together so it I didn’t really understand what they even liked about each other besides ‘oh you dance sooo sexy’. I felt more connected to Gretchen’s parents’ chemistry than I did to her and Brady’s. There was also some odd infantilization of Gretchen that I didn’t enjoy but again, was not surprising and made a ton of sense within the context of the book. Overall I think the author’s writing is good and that speaks to the feelings I have about the characters because I finished the ARC in two days. It’s definitely worth giving a read, just be aware of what you are walking into.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read and I enjoyed it, but I was never quite hooked. Brady and Gretchen were cute together and had good chemistry, but while quite a lot of potential conflicts were introduced - blaming each other for getting fired, being next door neighbors, Gretchen reluctant to pole dance, Brady reluctant to strip, the manager of the pole studio leaving, parental disappointment - all conflicts were resolved pretty quickly. In the context of the real world, they both acted maturely, talked about their issues, stepped up to job challenges, and made plans to move forward with life. But from a narrative perspective I never really felt a moment of suspense or anxiety that maybe things wouldn’t go right. There were no singular big obstacles to overcome, even the big conflict at the end was handled pretty quickly and smoothly resolved.

I enjoyed the book, but didn’t love it. This is a 3.5 star read to me, rounding up to 4. There was nothing wrong with the book and I would have no issue recommending it to others. It was a cozy low conflict slice of life book about a twenty something getting their life together and pole dancing/stripping for some extra money. I appreciated that it felt very immersive in the world, talking about different moves and techniques, and it was a fun read.

Spice level 3 - a couple of explicit chapters, given the context of stripping and pole dancing there was a lot of sexual tension throughout the book.

Audio Review - 4 Stars, dual narration, both narrators did fine jobs.

Thanks Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC

Thanks Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel I’ve come full circle with my reviews! ‘The Book Proposal’ by KJ Micciche was one of my very first ARC’s by NetGalley when I started two years ago in May of 2023.
That first book ‘The Book Proposal’ was a FIVE STAR read for me and now, having read ‘The End of Summer’ I’m giving KJ Micciche another FIVE STARS! I love her writing, voice, and style.

‘The End of Summer’ is sexy, fast-paced, and empowering!

Micciche shows just how much skill and talent goes into being able to dance on a pole through the character Gretchen and her female dancing companions.
Her vivid descriptions of the sweaty practices, the intense entertainment nights, and the often painful and bruised aftermath had my muscles screaming while reading from my cozy bed!
She also gives a behind the scenes look into the male equivalent of entertaining bachelorette parties. I actually learned quite a bit which I greatly appreciated!
KJ Micciche absolutely SMASHES the negativity and stigma around those who choose to dance for entertainment by showing the work, talent, and skill that truly goes into it!
I found this so empowering and uplifting that I wanted to release my inner goddess and return to my dancing days.

Aside from dancing and being a steamy romcom, this is a story about owning who you are while still being in that stage of worrying about what your parents will think of your life choices.

This is a MUST READ!

Thank you NetGalley, KJ Micciche, and Cabaret Books for the opportunity to lose myself in this delightful and incredible book in exchange for a review.
*The End of Summer released in June meaning it’s available NOW!

[Kaleigh Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're in the mood for an enemies, turned partners-in-crime, turned lovers storyline - this is the book for you! When I originally read the synopsis, I thought "wow, this would be like if all those times we joked about dropping out or quitting our jobs to become strippers was turned into a Hallmark plotline!"

The plot surrounding this choice of employment is definitely unique (and there will be a lot of euphemisms for male body parts) and yet Gretchen and Brady had such a wholesome HEA. Both had their own backstories and families that provided them with enough depth to make them into believable characters. However, I do think there were a few missed opportunities between the MCs and some of the side characters, including Brady's dad and Gretchen's boss. There are times where some of the slang used by characters was a little cringy, but I also bet if you worked within the bachelorette/party industry and had to 'perform' in an over the top way, it would become part of the character.

Overall, this is a fun and easy read! Definitely one to pick up if you're looking for a beach read to finish by "the end of summer"!

I think my heart remembered you,” he says. “My brain might not have, but my heart did.”

Thank you to NetGalley, Cabaret Books, and K.J. Micciche for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anastasia Hanneken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: The End of Summer
Author: K.J. Micciche
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Medium: Ebook
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
Review: Set against the charming backdrop of Cape Cod, The End of Summer is a light, sexy, and slightly chaotic rom-com that blends humor, heart, and unexpected career pivots. After Gretchen and Brady lose their jobs in a spectacularly awkward workplace mishap, they’re forced into a pole-fitness gig that adds a quirky, unforgettable twist to their journey from enemies to lovers.
I especially enjoyed the Cape Cod setting—it added a cozy, coastal vibe that grounded the story—and the dual POV narrative from Gretchen and Brady gave great insight into both characters, making their chemistry even more engaging. Their banter is sharp, the tension flirty, and the emotional growth satisfying. That said, I found the book a bit slow to start and somewhat long-winded in parts, and some side characters could have used more development. A few over-the-top phrases also briefly pulled me out of the story.
Still, this is a fun, escapist read perfect for fans of steamy summer romances with a unique twist. While it may not break new ground, it’s an entertaining ride with charm, heart, and plenty of heat.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Baelfire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished 11/17/2025
2.5 rounded down to 2.

Pole dancer Shot girl / wants to be teacher FMC. New to stripping / marketing MMC. Both MCs got fired from previous dining job. Him being a nervous stripper is funny as hell. It was boring in the beginning like there was so much flavor text and too much description for things that didnt matter much. But when they got more romantic I got more into it. The third party conflict got a little crazy convoluted. Overall, it was boring but had some cute and funny moments and I did like their relationship.

Cringiest shit that I absolutely hated was the gen z slang awkwardly delivered in the audiobook, huge ick. It was so weird to throw in against the throwback songs mentioned.

First time author for me.

Audiobook narrator: Michael Casale, Kelli Tager
Dual POV, First Person
Tropes: Forced Proximity - Neighbors /Kinda coworkers, Small Town
Notable Microtropes: Fourth wall breaking, dry humping, beach sex, no third act breakup
Spice: 1/5 (Personal Scale) - 2 Open door scenes. Vanilla monogamous sexual acts. Some explicit/descriptive sexual language. Little to no kinks.
Spicy Chapters: 18, 22

Listened at 1.75x speed.
First time listening to Michael Casale, he was expressive and he had a good MMC voice but lacks other character voices and I don't like his FMC voice.
2nd Kelli Tager narration and she is a new fave! She's funny and expressive, and has great delivery in frustrating moments.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing an ALC.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I think my heart remembered you,” he says. “My brain might not have, but my heart did.”

If KJ Micciche writes it, I will read it. I loved how The End of Summer had such a unique premise- never before have I read anything where the FMC worked in a pole dancing studio and the MMC was a stripper. KJ and I were texting after I finished reading and I legit said, “can we find me a Brady please!?” I just adored him and how sweet, thoughtful and caring he was towards Gretchen. I related to Gretchen in that I had also had my heart set on being a teacher, and while my career direction didn’t change due to reasons even remotely close to why hers did, I have been working in finance for the last almost 14 years instead of teaching in a classroom. The End of Summer is full of laugh out loud moments and sweet ones too. I loved Gretchen and Brady individually and loved being along for the ride as they first became friends and then progressed into a much more serious relationship.

The End of Summer is the perfect fun, easy summer read to bring along to the beach- do yourself a favor and snatch it up now, you won’t regret it!

“So I can’t stand here and give you my word that everything between Gretchen and I will be perfect. I can only promise that I’ll show up, even when it’s hard, or inconvenient, or uncomfortable. In my experience, relationships succeed or fail based on whether or not both parties make the choice to actively put the other person first, every day, no matter what.”

[PoleFly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did receive an ARC of this book.

But my review is honest:
I am not the biggest rom-com girlie but I did enjoy this book. I especially enjoyed the main characters who know how to talk honestly about their feelings to each other.

It took me about a quarter of the book to get past the cringe of the dialog... junk bucket, sperm worm, etc... aren't in my vocab rotation, and if anyone tried to interact with me using those I'd visibly cringe.
I felt like once the characters connected the cringe of the banter between them faded and became more relatable, honest, and held my attention. In the beginning, I wasn't sure how I'd get through a whole book like that.

As a SW advocate & a pole studio owner... I was excited to read about that aspect. I don't want to give spoilers... but the ending was a bit disappointing because again we are never taken seriously/legitimately and there have unfortunately been (allegedly) studios who have done what Cosmo did and it paints a bad light on us all and keeps the stigma around pole, even pole fitness, alive and well.

Still recommend the book, I realize a lot of my criticisms are personal, but the romance story between Gretchen & Brady was delightful!

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Cabaret Books LLC for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC version of this book in exchange for my honest review!

Gretchen is the main character, and she is full of spice! She’s been waitressing to help pay off her loans. One night, she steps out of her usual area and moves to a more high-end section. It seems like a great opportunity—until they ask her to walk in heels. And that’s the one thing Gretchen absolutely cannot do. Disaster strikes, turning her world upside down. Desperate, she lets her friend talk her into a sketchy but intriguing opportunity—and she ends up loving it.

Little does Gretchen know, Brady—the son of the infamous chef from the high-end restaurant—has also lost his job and taken a new opportunity of his own. She’s in for quite the surprise when she finds out exactly what that opportunity is.

This book is cute, sweet, full of witty remarks, and so many moments that made me smile and laugh. It’s a fresh twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope, with a touch of childhood crush. This story takes you on so many twists and turns and I honestly haven’t read anything like it. I truly enjoyed it and have already recommended it to many of my friends!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this book through a Goodreads giveaway, and I’m so glad I did!

This story has everything many readers—especially women—look for in a great read: romance, comedy, drama, and yes, even some spice (though to be honest, I don’t usually go for the spicy parts). That said, the writing was so compelling that it kept me turning the pages, and the more explicit scenes were easy enough to skip without losing the heart of the story.

What really stood out to me was how relatable it felt. As someone who spent many Memorial Days in Cape Cod, the setting and atmosphere brought back memories and made the story even more engaging. The pace was fast, the plot was meaningful, and the characters were easy to connect with.

Beyond the surface-level romance and drama, this book also had deeper messages about self-esteem, personal growth, and the importance of believing in yourself. One quote that stuck with me was the idea that “obstacles are just opportunities in disguise.” That really resonated.

Overall, this was a wonderfully written book that surprised me with how much I enjoyed it—even the parts I didn’t think I would. Highly recommend!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I adored A Storybook Wedding so I was really excited to have the opportunity to listen to KJ Micciche's new novel but it missed the mark for me.

I realllly struggled listening to the male narrator of this audiobook. His voice kept cracking so much so that I started to fixate on it and it was super annoying.

Beyond that, Brady and Gretchen read more like 16 year olds than 26 year olds. I found it so cringey the way Gretchen interacted with her parents, especially her dad. His interactions with Brady the first time meeting him were incredibly awkward. The whole jail scene was a bit much, too.

The timeline shifting and backstory did help to give a little bit of context to these characters, but it still all felt really surface level. I did not get any chemistry from Brady and Gretchen and the flow was off. The depth we got from Brady's market research at the end of the novel was so much more interesting and character building than what we got in the previous 95% of the story.

All-in-all it was a very different premise for a story that mixed some scandal with love but it fell flat.