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Lake Sullivan #1
Just a Summer Fling
Sullivan Lake, Vermont, has plenty of attractions for movie star Ashley Carlsen—pristine nature, local color, and a handyman with a bad reputation for all the right reasons...
Ashley’s movie-star life is starting to feel like an act. She’s desperate to be taken seriously, and after her boyfriend’s affair with a costar, she’s ready for a new scene. A vacation at Sullivan Lake with Hollywood power player Jasmine McArthur might be the answer to all her problems. And according to Jasmine, all Ashley needs is a hot summer fling with local stud Josh Sullivan.
After one look at the handsome handyman, Ashley has a hard time saying no. But Josh is tired of playing boy toy for rich women like Jasmine and her friends. As determined as he is to stay away, he can’t shake the feeling that Ashley is different—and he can’t help noticing her auburn hair and dancing green eyes. But when their budding romance hits the tabloids, will it be another Hollywood scandal, or happily ever after?
Ashley’s movie-star life is starting to feel like an act. She’s desperate to be taken seriously, and after her boyfriend’s affair with a costar, she’s ready for a new scene. A vacation at Sullivan Lake with Hollywood power player Jasmine McArthur might be the answer to all her problems. And according to Jasmine, all Ashley needs is a hot summer fling with local stud Josh Sullivan.
After one look at the handsome handyman, Ashley has a hard time saying no. But Josh is tired of playing boy toy for rich women like Jasmine and her friends. As determined as he is to stay away, he can’t shake the feeling that Ashley is different—and he can’t help noticing her auburn hair and dancing green eyes. But when their budding romance hits the tabloids, will it be another Hollywood scandal, or happily ever after?
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
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494 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 3, 2015
I know Cate Cameron’s other works in a different genre (M/M romance) and quite enjoy them. When I found out she was writing adult M/F romance, with small-town settings no less, I was intrigued. I wondered how she would make the transition … especially because, for the last couple of years, I found my love in M/F contemporary romance again.
Well, for my first experience (in the series too), it was a bit of hit and miss.
The hits…
I liked the hero. Josh Sullivan makes mistakes in his life – which earns him a boy-toy kind of reputation – but he seems to learn his lesson. Sure, there are times that he lets his pride talk for him, but at the same time, I thought it was well-grounded. I guess the whole “us local vs. you summer people” mentality that Josh has developed was reasonable enough for me to side with him.
Interestingly, I also liked Josh’s cousin, Kevin – whom described himself as a little annoying at first. But he has this relaxed-no-biggie stance that I found myself enjoying Kevin’s appearances after all. I also liked Charlotte, Ashley’s best friend, and my reason for liking her was strongly connected to the heroine (as written below).
Now, the misses …
My biggest issue with this book is the heroine. I thought Ashley was quite naïve and immature; I know that some of the impulsive things she did were based on good intentions, but it was not quite believable coming from an adult woman who has spent years as an actress in Hollywood. Isn’t Hollywood supposed to make you grow up a lot quicker than your true age? *smirk*
In addition, I also found Ashley to be indecisive; at first she came as wanting to just have a fling (based on a bet!), then she whined when Josh didn’t fall for that, then she wanted to be his friend, then she wanted to have fun, then she didn’t know if she should go to Hollywood when the role of her dreams was in her hand (because at that time she just fought with Josh *rolled eyes*), then she whined again when she couldn’t act properly and told the director it was because she had personal problems with men … well, excuse me, that kind of attitude is very uninspiring for me as a reader.
Luckily, Ashley does have a good friend in Charlotte, who seems to be level-headed and mature enough to help Ashley with her mistakes. Still, I wasn’t impressed. I know that women tend to be harsher to heroines in their books, but I definitely can’t see Ashley as a heroine that I want to be in real life, you know? Since Ashley is one of the main characters, and I didn’t like her that much, it became harder for me to invest in Ashley and Josh as a couple. I was also not totally sold on the ending – which felt slightly more Happy For Now, rather than Happily Ever After.
Having said all that, I must admit that when Ashley was in her good behavior (*grin*), she and Josh had a wonderful chemistry. I liked that early game of “list of hazards in Vermont”, which I found adorable. I also thought every scene involving Ashley and Daisy the Demon Dog to be cute-worthy.
I guess overall, Just a Summer Fling is a promising start of a new series, even if some of the Lake Sullivan residents (especially the antagonists like The McArthurs) are quite aggravating. It might not check all the boxes for me yet, but I can see myself trying the next book.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Well, for my first experience (in the series too), it was a bit of hit and miss.
The hits…
I liked the hero. Josh Sullivan makes mistakes in his life – which earns him a boy-toy kind of reputation – but he seems to learn his lesson. Sure, there are times that he lets his pride talk for him, but at the same time, I thought it was well-grounded. I guess the whole “us local vs. you summer people” mentality that Josh has developed was reasonable enough for me to side with him.
Interestingly, I also liked Josh’s cousin, Kevin – whom described himself as a little annoying at first. But he has this relaxed-no-biggie stance that I found myself enjoying Kevin’s appearances after all. I also liked Charlotte, Ashley’s best friend, and my reason for liking her was strongly connected to the heroine (as written below).
Now, the misses …
My biggest issue with this book is the heroine. I thought Ashley was quite naïve and immature; I know that some of the impulsive things she did were based on good intentions, but it was not quite believable coming from an adult woman who has spent years as an actress in Hollywood. Isn’t Hollywood supposed to make you grow up a lot quicker than your true age? *smirk*
In addition, I also found Ashley to be indecisive; at first she came as wanting to just have a fling (based on a bet!), then she whined when Josh didn’t fall for that, then she wanted to be his friend, then she wanted to have fun, then she didn’t know if she should go to Hollywood when the role of her dreams was in her hand (because at that time she just fought with Josh *rolled eyes*), then she whined again when she couldn’t act properly and told the director it was because she had personal problems with men … well, excuse me, that kind of attitude is very uninspiring for me as a reader.
Luckily, Ashley does have a good friend in Charlotte, who seems to be level-headed and mature enough to help Ashley with her mistakes. Still, I wasn’t impressed. I know that women tend to be harsher to heroines in their books, but I definitely can’t see Ashley as a heroine that I want to be in real life, you know? Since Ashley is one of the main characters, and I didn’t like her that much, it became harder for me to invest in Ashley and Josh as a couple. I was also not totally sold on the ending – which felt slightly more Happy For Now, rather than Happily Ever After.
Having said all that, I must admit that when Ashley was in her good behavior (*grin*), she and Josh had a wonderful chemistry. I liked that early game of “list of hazards in Vermont”, which I found adorable. I also thought every scene involving Ashley and Daisy the Demon Dog to be cute-worthy.
I guess overall, Just a Summer Fling is a promising start of a new series, even if some of the Lake Sullivan residents (especially the antagonists like The McArthurs) are quite aggravating. It might not check all the boxes for me yet, but I can see myself trying the next book.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
August 13, 2015
Thank you to BERKLEY and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Just a Summer Fling is a contemporary love story between a Hollywood movie star and the handy man who is reluctant to get handsy with her. I had high hopes for this book, and it was off to a good start. In the end, it fell a bit short for me.
I never connected to the main characters in the book. There were times when Ashley had me rolling her eyes. For someone who had spent a large chunk of her life in Hollywood and the public eye, she was incredibly naïve. If she’d been anything other than a movie star, that would have been a huge plus. But with her career, it just didn’t seem realistic. Josh had a huge chip on his shoulder when it came to ‘summer people.’ And while I think it was justified, Ashley paid the price for his past experiences, which is a huge pet peeve of mine in books. Their first meeting was a bit rocky, and while Ashley tried to explain everything behind it, Josh was too stubborn to listen. I can’t help but wonder how this book would have gone if Josh had just steered clear of Ashley and she’d felt a spark with his cousin Kevin instead. I think they would have been better suited. Ashley’s friend, Charlotte, was the highlight of the book for me. She was easy-going and level-headed, and she gave Ashley good advice.
I think one of the things that made it hard to connect was the lack of backstory on both of the main characters. Ashley’s motivation for going to Vermont was to get away from Hollywood and her very public break up, but the entire situation is glossed over. And Josh’s aversion to ‘summer people’ comes from him feeling used by the wealthy women who frequent the area during the summer season. But we really only see his experience with Jasmine, and since she’s a married woman, I can’t imagine Josh thought it was going to end well. The ending here was a bit predictable and clichéd, and I have a hard time believing Josh and Ashley are going to last.
Despite my issues with this book, there were things I liked about it. The author gave us a wonderful small town atmosphere, and Ashley’s personality, not necessarily fitting for this particular character, was refreshing. It was nice to read about a woman who was optimistic and hungry for new experiences for a change. Because of those things, I’ll be giving the second book in this series a go.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
Just a Summer Fling is a contemporary love story between a Hollywood movie star and the handy man who is reluctant to get handsy with her. I had high hopes for this book, and it was off to a good start. In the end, it fell a bit short for me.
I never connected to the main characters in the book. There were times when Ashley had me rolling her eyes. For someone who had spent a large chunk of her life in Hollywood and the public eye, she was incredibly naïve. If she’d been anything other than a movie star, that would have been a huge plus. But with her career, it just didn’t seem realistic. Josh had a huge chip on his shoulder when it came to ‘summer people.’ And while I think it was justified, Ashley paid the price for his past experiences, which is a huge pet peeve of mine in books. Their first meeting was a bit rocky, and while Ashley tried to explain everything behind it, Josh was too stubborn to listen. I can’t help but wonder how this book would have gone if Josh had just steered clear of Ashley and she’d felt a spark with his cousin Kevin instead. I think they would have been better suited. Ashley’s friend, Charlotte, was the highlight of the book for me. She was easy-going and level-headed, and she gave Ashley good advice.
I think one of the things that made it hard to connect was the lack of backstory on both of the main characters. Ashley’s motivation for going to Vermont was to get away from Hollywood and her very public break up, but the entire situation is glossed over. And Josh’s aversion to ‘summer people’ comes from him feeling used by the wealthy women who frequent the area during the summer season. But we really only see his experience with Jasmine, and since she’s a married woman, I can’t imagine Josh thought it was going to end well. The ending here was a bit predictable and clichéd, and I have a hard time believing Josh and Ashley are going to last.
Despite my issues with this book, there were things I liked about it. The author gave us a wonderful small town atmosphere, and Ashley’s personality, not necessarily fitting for this particular character, was refreshing. It was nice to read about a woman who was optimistic and hungry for new experiences for a change. Because of those things, I’ll be giving the second book in this series a go.
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
November 28, 2015
7/16 This looks so cute!
7/19 Oh it was cute! Just a Summer Fling was perfect for a Summer afternoon. A hero and heroine battling their attraction and very different lives. A local handyman and an actress in town just for the Summer. Equal turns of sweet, frustrating and sexy as they grew and dealt with their differences, real life and past actions catching up with them.
Adorable animals, character growth and a lovely ending that had me all teary eyed and smiling.
Definitely looking forward to seeing more of this little Vermont town and the people who call it home. 3.5 stars
Reviewing for herding cats & burning soup.
July 24, 2015
Hmmm - not my thing. Struggled to get through. I did not like the characters. Might give the next one a try because I liked the author's voice. She just could not sell the characters for me.
August 6, 2015
Ashley Carlsen is taking a well needed vacation at Lake Sullivan. She recently broke up with her boyfriend after she caught him cheating. She has been acting her whole life but she wishes to get out of romantic comedies and do something that she can be proud of. She has been staying with Jasmine, someone very influential in the Hollywood community. But, after making a fool of herself with sexy handyman Josh Sullivan with too many alcoholic drinks and a dare by Jasmine, she knows it is time to rent her own place.
Josh Sullivan is tired of the "summer people". He's tired of being used by rich women. Yes, he made mistakes. He thought the women cared about him but he soon realizes he was being used. Ashley, the Hollywood actress is probably just doing the same. He won't play her game. Not ever.
~~
At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I thought the miscommunication issues dragged on for too long. However, the more the book progressed, the more I found myself being entertained by it.
Josh was an enigma to me. On one hand he was serious, hard worker, professional, quiet and brooding (most of the time) yet, he was also someone who had multiple affairs in the past. I guess when the book begins he is more mature and has learned from past mistakes.
Ashley was funny, sweet and perseverant. She was there for Josh when he needed someone to care for him literally and figuratively.
Cliffhanger : No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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Josh Sullivan is tired of the "summer people". He's tired of being used by rich women. Yes, he made mistakes. He thought the women cared about him but he soon realizes he was being used. Ashley, the Hollywood actress is probably just doing the same. He won't play her game. Not ever.
~~
At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I thought the miscommunication issues dragged on for too long. However, the more the book progressed, the more I found myself being entertained by it.
Josh was an enigma to me. On one hand he was serious, hard worker, professional, quiet and brooding (most of the time) yet, he was also someone who had multiple affairs in the past. I guess when the book begins he is more mature and has learned from past mistakes.
Ashley was funny, sweet and perseverant. She was there for Josh when he needed someone to care for him literally and figuratively.
Cliffhanger : No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
November 26, 2016
3 stars. I guess.
The summary for this story is pretty spot on so I'll just tell you about my favorite thing, which wont surprise you a bit. I loved Josh! He was so swoony and sexy. I liked his character so much. I love that he was sick of being objectified. I feel like my way of thinking is changing, and this is something that really bothers me. Why is it okay for everyone to think it's perfectly acceptable for anyone to think the way to get over anything is to take a ride on the resident playboy? That was a lot of words, huh? I just mean if it was a girl--who most people in town would call a slut--we'd be outraged. Oh, your friend is new to town and getting over his girlfriend cheating on him? Hook up with Susie Q. She'll fuck anything that walks and throws a smirk her way. We wouldn't like that. Why do the guys have less feelings, even if they have slept with everyone? /rant
Anyway...I thought Josh's character was great, and I loved him a lot. The girl? Ugh. She annoyed me. I wanted her to get on a plane to Hollywood and never come back. She didn't deserve Josh for sure. With that being said, the storyline here was fine, and I'll be reading the next book in the series just to get more of Josh. I think. Just a Summer Fling might be a good pick for small town romance lovers who don't mind annoying heroines.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
The summary for this story is pretty spot on so I'll just tell you about my favorite thing, which wont surprise you a bit. I loved Josh! He was so swoony and sexy. I liked his character so much. I love that he was sick of being objectified. I feel like my way of thinking is changing, and this is something that really bothers me. Why is it okay for everyone to think it's perfectly acceptable for anyone to think the way to get over anything is to take a ride on the resident playboy? That was a lot of words, huh? I just mean if it was a girl--who most people in town would call a slut--we'd be outraged. Oh, your friend is new to town and getting over his girlfriend cheating on him? Hook up with Susie Q. She'll fuck anything that walks and throws a smirk her way. We wouldn't like that. Why do the guys have less feelings, even if they have slept with everyone? /rant
Anyway...I thought Josh's character was great, and I loved him a lot. The girl? Ugh. She annoyed me. I wanted her to get on a plane to Hollywood and never come back. She didn't deserve Josh for sure. With that being said, the storyline here was fine, and I'll be reading the next book in the series just to get more of Josh. I think. Just a Summer Fling might be a good pick for small town romance lovers who don't mind annoying heroines.
--
For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
August 3, 2015
Amanda's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 Stars
Just a Summer Fling by Cate Cameron isn’t your typical opposite attracts trope story but a romance with substance and smart. She’s created a love story in which both characters are intriguing and resist their attraction for the other but then learn not to fight it but fight FOR it. Hollywood actress Ashley Carlsen is visiting Lake Sullivan, Vermont, and is a little tipsy when she propositions local handyman Josh Sullivan. He no longer plays the game of being a boy toy for the summer people who visit the lake and turns her down. He’s been there and done that, and he has a reputation of being a player and has a hard time living it down now. They go out of their way to avoid the other but when they do meet from time to time, there are moments that seem genuine, and gets them both wondering if this is more than just a summer fling.
I liked how the romance developed between these two characters. There is depth to both of them and they come across as genuine and unique. They live a different life from the other and don’t see how this could possible work out between them. But the heart wants what it wants, even if it may be for just a little while. Their encounters were sometimes funny and their banter was cute, which kept me wanting more and I didn’t want to put it down.
Cate Cameron has written a really good love story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In this non-stereotypical story of opposite attracts, she wrote a realistic happy ending for Ashley and Josh in which they both had to give and take in order for it to work. For me, that is the cherry on top of this cake and made me like it even more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Just a Summer Fling by Cate Cameron isn’t your typical opposite attracts trope story but a romance with substance and smart. She’s created a love story in which both characters are intriguing and resist their attraction for the other but then learn not to fight it but fight FOR it. Hollywood actress Ashley Carlsen is visiting Lake Sullivan, Vermont, and is a little tipsy when she propositions local handyman Josh Sullivan. He no longer plays the game of being a boy toy for the summer people who visit the lake and turns her down. He’s been there and done that, and he has a reputation of being a player and has a hard time living it down now. They go out of their way to avoid the other but when they do meet from time to time, there are moments that seem genuine, and gets them both wondering if this is more than just a summer fling.
I liked how the romance developed between these two characters. There is depth to both of them and they come across as genuine and unique. They live a different life from the other and don’t see how this could possible work out between them. But the heart wants what it wants, even if it may be for just a little while. Their encounters were sometimes funny and their banter was cute, which kept me wanting more and I didn’t want to put it down.
Cate Cameron has written a really good love story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. In this non-stereotypical story of opposite attracts, she wrote a realistic happy ending for Ashley and Josh in which they both had to give and take in order for it to work. For me, that is the cherry on top of this cake and made me like it even more.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
August 6, 2015
Trying to take a break and re-evaluate her life, Ashley Carlsen, movie star, heads to quiet Lake Sullivan, Vermont to relax and recharge her batteries. She needs a time-out from the demands of a busy career, one she’s been doing since she was seven years old. One of the first people she meets is local handyman hottie, Josh Sullivan. On a dare by her “friend” Jasmine McArthur, Ashley makes her move.
Josh is so tired of being a scratch for the “summer” women’s itch—especially temporary visitors like Ashley. He’s determined to make better choices and stay away from the quick “bang” of a one-or-two night stand with a vacationer. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. But is Ashley different? Can whatever “this” is between them be more than just a summer fling?
Sometimes, when I read, I am really able to get in the “heads” of the characters. The way Cate Cameron wrote Ashley and Josh, I felt like I was hearing their thoughts and feeling their feelings. Josh has been so burned in the past, he’s just not willing to settle. And, as Ashley is used to having men fall at her feet, or using her money and influence to make things happen, she doesn’t quite get what the problem is. But together, Josh and Ashley are quite magical. He puts her in her place, she tries to reign it in. It’s an adorable relationship of give and take and you can’t help but root for them to get it together. ~ Missy, 4 stars
Josh is so tired of being a scratch for the “summer” women’s itch—especially temporary visitors like Ashley. He’s determined to make better choices and stay away from the quick “bang” of a one-or-two night stand with a vacationer. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. But is Ashley different? Can whatever “this” is between them be more than just a summer fling?
Sometimes, when I read, I am really able to get in the “heads” of the characters. The way Cate Cameron wrote Ashley and Josh, I felt like I was hearing their thoughts and feeling their feelings. Josh has been so burned in the past, he’s just not willing to settle. And, as Ashley is used to having men fall at her feet, or using her money and influence to make things happen, she doesn’t quite get what the problem is. But together, Josh and Ashley are quite magical. He puts her in her place, she tries to reign it in. It’s an adorable relationship of give and take and you can’t help but root for them to get it together. ~ Missy, 4 stars
June 13, 2020
This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed it and am curious to see what other books she has out.
Read
March 1, 2017I really disliked the heroine's motivation for approaching the hero, and her behaviour was off-putting. I didn't want him to end up with her, which really makes investing in a romance impossible. This was a DNF for me.
June 4, 2016
Just a Summer Fling is a perfect summer's-just-getting-started kind of book. I read it over Memorial Day weekend, and the beginning had me giggling like a lunatic on the plane. Fortunately the flight wasn't at all full, so I'm pretty sure the only person who noticed was my daughter, who was one seat away. I even read her one of the parts, so we were both giggling like lunatics at one point!
Only problem? The flight from Buffalo to Baltimore is just too darn short!
Up until now I've only read Ms. Cameron's YA series, (Corrigan Falls Raiders) which I love, love, love--romance, humor, and hockey; what else could you possibly need? ;) but when I heard she had a contemporary romance adult series, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I wasn't sorry! (Well, except that I've got a bazillion books I have to read right now for deadlines, and book 2 in the series, Hometown Hero , is just sitting there taunting me. Darn it. It might have to come to work with me once I finish the print book I'm reading for review.)
I just loved the humor in this book. When Ashley and Josh were creating the alphabetical list of hazards in Vermont? Just. Too. Funny. The romance was absolutely adorable--once they let there be a romance, at least (Josh was a bit of a butthead towards the beginning, for reasons we learn later. Mostly it's him. Plus, there was a misunderstanding caused by a total shrew of a woman that slowed things down for a bit. Honestly, the woman's a total cow and I just wanted to b*tchsmack her into the next century)--and the ending? Sweetness overload. I was a bit skeptical that the whole movie star/normal guy relationship could end up working and be believable (don't get me wrong, though, I totally wanted them together!) but Ms. Cameron managed it in a way that made me just want to melt. And smile. And melt some more. Seriously, I had so much fun reading this book and cannot wait until I have a chance to read the next--the teaser at the end of this one really drew me in.
Fingers crossed that the series is going to continue! Something needs to keep me occupied between now and when the next Corrigan Falls Raiders book comes out ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
Only problem? The flight from Buffalo to Baltimore is just too darn short!
Up until now I've only read Ms. Cameron's YA series, (Corrigan Falls Raiders) which I love, love, love--romance, humor, and hockey; what else could you possibly need? ;) but when I heard she had a contemporary romance adult series, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I wasn't sorry! (Well, except that I've got a bazillion books I have to read right now for deadlines, and book 2 in the series, Hometown Hero , is just sitting there taunting me. Darn it. It might have to come to work with me once I finish the print book I'm reading for review.)
I just loved the humor in this book. When Ashley and Josh were creating the alphabetical list of hazards in Vermont? Just. Too. Funny. The romance was absolutely adorable--once they let there be a romance, at least (Josh was a bit of a butthead towards the beginning, for reasons we learn later. Mostly it's him. Plus, there was a misunderstanding caused by a total shrew of a woman that slowed things down for a bit. Honestly, the woman's a total cow and I just wanted to b*tchsmack her into the next century)--and the ending? Sweetness overload. I was a bit skeptical that the whole movie star/normal guy relationship could end up working and be believable (don't get me wrong, though, I totally wanted them together!) but Ms. Cameron managed it in a way that made me just want to melt. And smile. And melt some more. Seriously, I had so much fun reading this book and cannot wait until I have a chance to read the next--the teaser at the end of this one really drew me in.
Fingers crossed that the series is going to continue! Something needs to keep me occupied between now and when the next Corrigan Falls Raiders book comes out ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A-
August 30, 2015
Just a Summer Fling, Lake Sullivan #1, by Cate Cameron
Grade: C-
Ashley Carlsen is taking a break from her movie star life in Hollywood and trying to find some alone time at Sullivan Lake, Vermont. Dying to be taken seriously as an actress, Ashely hopes this time away with help her find a way to get her career on the path she wants it to be on. What Ashley didn’t expect to fall for the sexy local handyman Josh Sullivan. On a dare Ashley approaches Josh and finds that his reputation may not be entirely true and she screwed up royally.
Josh Sullivan is over being the boy toy for the rich women who vacation in Sullivan Lake during the summers. When Josh turns Ashley down he knows its for the best but unfortunately he can’t seem to convince her of that. The more JOsh tries to stay away the more he fails until they are both in too deep. When Ashley is called back to Hollywood she and Josh have to make a decision of love over career and if either one will fit into their real lives.
I liked the idea of this book a lot especially because the woman is the rich star and the man is just a blue collar guy (really over the billionaire playboys at this point). While I liked the idea of this book the rest of it fell flat to me. I couldn’t connect with either Josh or Ashley and disliked them both at many times during the story. Ashley rubbed me wrong right off the bat and the company she hung around with was horrible to everyone, especially Josh. I felt that Ashley was a spoiled, rich Hollywood actress at the beginning and luckily she proved that to be untrue later on but was still always there.
Ashley I also felt tried way too hard, wouldn’t listen to Josh say he wasn’t interested and she cried a lot. This drove me nuts. As for Josh he was a nice guy but he took his past actions and how he felt about them out on Ashley a lot which was not fair or fun to read about. I felt sorry for him but at the same time he slept with all of the rich “summer people” woman, most of whom were married, and then got mad when they treated him like the hound dog he was.
This book just did not work for me. I thought there were some very cute parts but not enough to keep the whole book afloat. I am most likely not going to continue on with the series mostly because none of the other characters did anything for me. Sad to say this book just wasn’t good for me at all.
Grade: C-
Ashley Carlsen is taking a break from her movie star life in Hollywood and trying to find some alone time at Sullivan Lake, Vermont. Dying to be taken seriously as an actress, Ashely hopes this time away with help her find a way to get her career on the path she wants it to be on. What Ashley didn’t expect to fall for the sexy local handyman Josh Sullivan. On a dare Ashley approaches Josh and finds that his reputation may not be entirely true and she screwed up royally.
Josh Sullivan is over being the boy toy for the rich women who vacation in Sullivan Lake during the summers. When Josh turns Ashley down he knows its for the best but unfortunately he can’t seem to convince her of that. The more JOsh tries to stay away the more he fails until they are both in too deep. When Ashley is called back to Hollywood she and Josh have to make a decision of love over career and if either one will fit into their real lives.
I liked the idea of this book a lot especially because the woman is the rich star and the man is just a blue collar guy (really over the billionaire playboys at this point). While I liked the idea of this book the rest of it fell flat to me. I couldn’t connect with either Josh or Ashley and disliked them both at many times during the story. Ashley rubbed me wrong right off the bat and the company she hung around with was horrible to everyone, especially Josh. I felt that Ashley was a spoiled, rich Hollywood actress at the beginning and luckily she proved that to be untrue later on but was still always there.
Ashley I also felt tried way too hard, wouldn’t listen to Josh say he wasn’t interested and she cried a lot. This drove me nuts. As for Josh he was a nice guy but he took his past actions and how he felt about them out on Ashley a lot which was not fair or fun to read about. I felt sorry for him but at the same time he slept with all of the rich “summer people” woman, most of whom were married, and then got mad when they treated him like the hound dog he was.
This book just did not work for me. I thought there were some very cute parts but not enough to keep the whole book afloat. I am most likely not going to continue on with the series mostly because none of the other characters did anything for me. Sad to say this book just wasn’t good for me at all.
November 27, 2015
Just a Summer Fling (Lake Sullivan #1)by Cate Cameron
Ashley’s movie-star life is starting to feel like an act. She’s desperate to be taken seriously, and after her boyfriend’s affair with a costar, she’s ready for a new scene. A vacation at Sullivan Lake with Hollywood power player Jasmine McArthur might be the answer to all her problems. And according to Jasmine, all Ashley needs is a hot summer fling with local stud Josh Sullivan.
After one look at the handsome handyman, Ashley has a hard time saying no. But Josh is tired of playing boy toy for rich women like Jasmine and her friends. As determined as he is to stay away, he can’t shake the feeling that Ashley is different—and he can’t help noticing her auburn hair and dancing green eyes. But when their budding romance hits the tabloids, will it be another Hollywood scandal, or happily ever after?
My Review:
I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I thought the story was decent but I didn't care too much for either h/h, now this might have changed if I were to assume this was a YA/NA story instead of Adult Fiction but neither Josh nor Ashley convinced me that they were who they were trying to be. Its not poor writing on the authors part because I actually felt the writing was quite good but the personalities didn't seem to fulfill my expectations of whom I interpreted them to be. Despite that set back Just a Summer Fling turned out to be a good story and I will still give Cameron's future works a looksie.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing
Ashley’s movie-star life is starting to feel like an act. She’s desperate to be taken seriously, and after her boyfriend’s affair with a costar, she’s ready for a new scene. A vacation at Sullivan Lake with Hollywood power player Jasmine McArthur might be the answer to all her problems. And according to Jasmine, all Ashley needs is a hot summer fling with local stud Josh Sullivan.
After one look at the handsome handyman, Ashley has a hard time saying no. But Josh is tired of playing boy toy for rich women like Jasmine and her friends. As determined as he is to stay away, he can’t shake the feeling that Ashley is different—and he can’t help noticing her auburn hair and dancing green eyes. But when their budding romance hits the tabloids, will it be another Hollywood scandal, or happily ever after?
My Review:
I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would. I thought the story was decent but I didn't care too much for either h/h, now this might have changed if I were to assume this was a YA/NA story instead of Adult Fiction but neither Josh nor Ashley convinced me that they were who they were trying to be. Its not poor writing on the authors part because I actually felt the writing was quite good but the personalities didn't seem to fulfill my expectations of whom I interpreted them to be. Despite that set back Just a Summer Fling turned out to be a good story and I will still give Cameron's future works a looksie.
My Rating:
3 Stars
Reviewed By: Krissy's Bookshelf Reviews
http://kkmalott.booklikes.com/
Note: I received a print copy in exchange for an honest review from Berkley Publishing
November 18, 2015
4.5 Stars
Ashley Carlsen is in Vermont to escape the every day stress of her life in California. She's an actress and in need a break. Staying with a friend, one night they are having fun at a bar when she makes a bet. The bet revolves around the sexy man at the bar. Ashley is a little tipsy and decides to see if this guy will go for her.
Josh Sullivan is the local handyman. A lot of stars stay on the lake in his hometown and he's there to make sure their property is well kept and repairs are made when needed. When he sees Ashley he knows she's different, but the summer people (as he calls them) always leave after they've had their fun with him. He's decided he's done with that scene and steers clear of her.
Soon Josh finds he can't stay away. Even though he found out about the bet, he is still drawn to Ashley. He isn't looking for a quick fling. That won't be enough for him where she is concerned. Can the movie star and the handyman make it work? What happens when Ashley has to go back to LA?
This was a sweet romance. There were some steamy parts, but all-in-all it was a light read. I actually liked that for a change. Sure there was some drama to make the book a little more exciting. The connection between the two characters was great. I'll definitely be checking out book two in the series.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
Ashley Carlsen is in Vermont to escape the every day stress of her life in California. She's an actress and in need a break. Staying with a friend, one night they are having fun at a bar when she makes a bet. The bet revolves around the sexy man at the bar. Ashley is a little tipsy and decides to see if this guy will go for her.
Josh Sullivan is the local handyman. A lot of stars stay on the lake in his hometown and he's there to make sure their property is well kept and repairs are made when needed. When he sees Ashley he knows she's different, but the summer people (as he calls them) always leave after they've had their fun with him. He's decided he's done with that scene and steers clear of her.
Soon Josh finds he can't stay away. Even though he found out about the bet, he is still drawn to Ashley. He isn't looking for a quick fling. That won't be enough for him where she is concerned. Can the movie star and the handyman make it work? What happens when Ashley has to go back to LA?
This was a sweet romance. There were some steamy parts, but all-in-all it was a light read. I actually liked that for a change. Sure there was some drama to make the book a little more exciting. The connection between the two characters was great. I'll definitely be checking out book two in the series.
Book received in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of Once Upon An Alpha.
September 2, 2015
ARC provided by NightOwlReviews
This is a first time author for me. I was excited to think i found someone new to try. I loved the initial atoeyline. But i think there cpuld be aome improvements.
Ashley is a movie star from LA on vacation. She felt ahe needed time away to figure out her next move in the acting worls. When ahe met the local handyman her would began to change. She learned that not everything revolved around her. She also fell in love.
Josh is the local handyman. He is also known for being the summer fling type with the vacationers. But when he met Ashley he didn't just want another summer fling. But he knew that she would return to her life eventually so he tried not to fall in love.
Throughout the book both characters fought their feelings for each other. But when Ashley lands her dream role ahe learns ahe does not love the Hollywood life like she thought it would. Josh learned that he would move across country for love.
In the end they found their happy medium and were going to make living in LA and Vermont doable for both of them.
Overall i liked the book and the characters it is a good read. But for me, i think it could have moved a little faster i some places. But it is a good book.
This is a first time author for me. I was excited to think i found someone new to try. I loved the initial atoeyline. But i think there cpuld be aome improvements.
Ashley is a movie star from LA on vacation. She felt ahe needed time away to figure out her next move in the acting worls. When ahe met the local handyman her would began to change. She learned that not everything revolved around her. She also fell in love.
Josh is the local handyman. He is also known for being the summer fling type with the vacationers. But when he met Ashley he didn't just want another summer fling. But he knew that she would return to her life eventually so he tried not to fall in love.
Throughout the book both characters fought their feelings for each other. But when Ashley lands her dream role ahe learns ahe does not love the Hollywood life like she thought it would. Josh learned that he would move across country for love.
In the end they found their happy medium and were going to make living in LA and Vermont doable for both of them.
Overall i liked the book and the characters it is a good read. But for me, i think it could have moved a little faster i some places. But it is a good book.
August 11, 2015
**I received a copy of the book from the author free of charge for an honest review.**
I liked the story, it was very interesting and kept me guessing whether or not the two main characters would or wouldn't be together in the end.
However, I could've done without the Jasmine character or her husband. Neither of them seemed like good people and I was glad when both Ashley and Josh put them in their review mirror.
I liked when Ashley began to be self-aware of how she acted, and how she had been treating Josh.
I also liked how Josh ended up uprooting his life for Ashley, to show her how much he loved her and how much he was willing to sacrifice to be with her.
I also feel the same about Ashley. She was willing to give up her dream role to prove to Josh how much she loved him, and that was something that took a lot of courage.
So, all in all, I'd have to say that I loved this book and I hope to read more from this author soon.
I liked the story, it was very interesting and kept me guessing whether or not the two main characters would or wouldn't be together in the end.
However, I could've done without the Jasmine character or her husband. Neither of them seemed like good people and I was glad when both Ashley and Josh put them in their review mirror.
I liked when Ashley began to be self-aware of how she acted, and how she had been treating Josh.
I also liked how Josh ended up uprooting his life for Ashley, to show her how much he loved her and how much he was willing to sacrifice to be with her.
I also feel the same about Ashley. She was willing to give up her dream role to prove to Josh how much she loved him, and that was something that took a lot of courage.
So, all in all, I'd have to say that I loved this book and I hope to read more from this author soon.
December 31, 2015
I'm not sure what to say about this one. It's one of those 'it's good, but...' books. There was something that just held me back. Normally, famous star/ordinary person books are my crack, but I think this one was a bit too realistic for me. Josh was understandably hesitant about getting mixed up with Ashley and Ashley wasn't an idealized, glamorous, type of movie star.
It's not that there's anything wrong with the writing itself, as I read book two, Hometown Hero, when it became available. Just a Summer Fling simply didn't resonate with me. If you like Jodi Thomas's Harmony series or Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, you might enjoy Cameron's books more than I did.
It's not that there's anything wrong with the writing itself, as I read book two, Hometown Hero, when it became available. Just a Summer Fling simply didn't resonate with me. If you like Jodi Thomas's Harmony series or Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, you might enjoy Cameron's books more than I did.
August 18, 2015
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads for a honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book...combines all the good stuff that makes a romance book a great read. Just thought that with the way the book describes the main male character that the cover did not match...he should have had a lot more muscles but that is just my opinion. If you are looking for a good romance then this is it...
September 4, 2015
I won this book on first reads.
I received this.
A nice read that is not too heavy. I like that this is one you can take on a trip or just curl up for an afternoon in the chair. Not to simple that it makes you bored easily but not too complicated so that you have to work to read it. Thank you Cate for the read.
I received this.
A nice read that is not too heavy. I like that this is one you can take on a trip or just curl up for an afternoon in the chair. Not to simple that it makes you bored easily but not too complicated so that you have to work to read it. Thank you Cate for the read.
August 12, 2015
Cate Cameron's book, Just A Summer Fling is a perfect read for the summer. Just A Summer Fling is packed with drama, bits of humor, lovable characters and a little sizzle. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from Cate Cameron in the future. Just A Summer Fling is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads.
February 22, 2017
I really liked it. Author is new to me and it was a good story that felt fresh and new. Loved the characters and how they aren't as carefree as lead you to believe. Both have complications in their lives that they want to change and move forward. Good ending.
September 14, 2015
This was a Goodreads free book for me. I didn't love it nor did I hate it..right smack in the middle for me. It was ok. It was a typical love story, nothing compelling but well written. Would I give this author another chance..yes.
July 7, 2015
Cute story - review to come...
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July 20, 2015This was a fun one to write!
Ashley is a bit neurotic, but probably doing pretty well considering her background, and Josh is just stoic and strong enough to handle her!
Ashley is a bit neurotic, but probably doing pretty well considering her background, and Josh is just stoic and strong enough to handle her!
August 6, 2015
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...
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January 2, 2016Another good short read with romantic (and comedic) undertones. Nice for a beach or dreary afternoon read.
December 8, 2015
Do you ever read a book and nothing was wrong with it but nothing was remarkable either and when you finish you think "Yes, that was a book." This is that book.
November 14, 2016
A happy escape into a lovely, heartwarming story with well-drawn characters who don’t quite fit into one another’s worlds. Just a Summer Fling is a delightful lakeside romance!
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