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Summertime in the City
Peaches wasn’t looking for love when she came home to Detroit—she was chasing peace, hiding from heartbreak, and trying to find herself between block parties and steamy summer nights. But then Que rolled up in that candy-painted Impala, tattoos gleaming, eyes full of fire, and a past as complicated as hers.
He’s the kind of man your mama warns you about—but your soul leans into.
She’s the kind of woman he didn’t see coming—but now can’t let go.
As city heat rises, so do their feelings—slow kisses on porch steps, secret studio nights, and heart-to-hearts in the backseat. But when summer starts slipping away, so does the illusion that love will be enough. Life pulls them in opposite directions, testing whether this was a summer fling… or the start of forever.
One city. One summer. One unforgettable love.
He’s the kind of man your mama warns you about—but your soul leans into.
She’s the kind of woman he didn’t see coming—but now can’t let go.
As city heat rises, so do their feelings—slow kisses on porch steps, secret studio nights, and heart-to-hearts in the backseat. But when summer starts slipping away, so does the illusion that love will be enough. Life pulls them in opposite directions, testing whether this was a summer fling… or the start of forever.
One city. One summer. One unforgettable love.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
17 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
November 9, 2025
Soft girl summer
🌆 Summertime in the City by Shani Denise
Tropes: summer fling ☀️, city love 🏙️, slow burn 🔥, intentional attraction 💫, Black love 💖, soft girl summer 🌸, healing heart 💔➡️💗
Rating: 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 (soft, sweet, and soul-soothing)
Review:
This novella is a warm breeze off a Detroit porch.....lazy, intentional, and tender in all the right ways. Peaches returns home for the summer, not looking for love but open to peace. Then Que rolls up, all quiet magnetism and candy-painted charm, and what follows is a slow, simmering connection built on shared glances, music, and the kind of conversations that stretch into the night.
It’s not about chasing....it’s about attracting. About letting love unfold without pressure. About finding something real in the rhythm of the city, even when you’re dreaming of leaving it.
Shani Denise gives us a love story that feels like a throwback to simpler times: block parties, studio nights, and backseat heart-to-hearts. Peaches and Que are soft with each other, honest, and emotionally present. And when the summer ends and Peaches takes a job out of town, the question isn’t just “what now?”....it’s “what did this summer mean?”
Perfect for readers who crave:
- Black love that feels lived-in and real
- Tenderness without trauma
- City-set romance with emotional depth
- A soft girl summer that ends with hope
🌆 Summertime in the City by Shani Denise
Tropes: summer fling ☀️, city love 🏙️, slow burn 🔥, intentional attraction 💫, Black love 💖, soft girl summer 🌸, healing heart 💔➡️💗
Rating: 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾 (soft, sweet, and soul-soothing)
Review:
This novella is a warm breeze off a Detroit porch.....lazy, intentional, and tender in all the right ways. Peaches returns home for the summer, not looking for love but open to peace. Then Que rolls up, all quiet magnetism and candy-painted charm, and what follows is a slow, simmering connection built on shared glances, music, and the kind of conversations that stretch into the night.
It’s not about chasing....it’s about attracting. About letting love unfold without pressure. About finding something real in the rhythm of the city, even when you’re dreaming of leaving it.
Shani Denise gives us a love story that feels like a throwback to simpler times: block parties, studio nights, and backseat heart-to-hearts. Peaches and Que are soft with each other, honest, and emotionally present. And when the summer ends and Peaches takes a job out of town, the question isn’t just “what now?”....it’s “what did this summer mean?”
Perfect for readers who crave:
- Black love that feels lived-in and real
- Tenderness without trauma
- City-set romance with emotional depth
- A soft girl summer that ends with hope
November 14, 2025
I loved this "hood romance" that was just as captivating, as any other 4 star romance that I have ever read.
The characters, the plot, and the various conflicts were really interesting. This author packed a heck of an awesome story into just 54 pages and I hated to see it end! Goes on the Read Again Pile!
The characters, the plot, and the various conflicts were really interesting. This author packed a heck of an awesome story into just 54 pages and I hated to see it end! Goes on the Read Again Pile!
August 14, 2025
such a feel good read
I’m so used to enemies to lovers that i forgot how refreshing an instant connection be! Que is HIMMM!!! He didn’t even have to do a lot.. Shani’s writing
is so beautiful, she sets the scenes in such a poetic way without dragging on an explanation.. my only critiques were some of the punctuation errors made you get lost in where the dialogue was & that the POVS switched mid chapter but it was still soooo good, I read it twice!! Once alone and the second time with my man & we reminisced on the summer we met.. so Proud of my girl Shani, this was beautifully written and I cant wait to read more from her..
I’m so used to enemies to lovers that i forgot how refreshing an instant connection be! Que is HIMMM!!! He didn’t even have to do a lot.. Shani’s writing
is so beautiful, she sets the scenes in such a poetic way without dragging on an explanation.. my only critiques were some of the punctuation errors made you get lost in where the dialogue was & that the POVS switched mid chapter but it was still soooo good, I read it twice!! Once alone and the second time with my man & we reminisced on the summer we met.. so Proud of my girl Shani, this was beautifully written and I cant wait to read more from her..
August 11, 2025
Love
This book teetered between a love letter and a poem on love. It was beautiful and sweet and made me think of love songs from the 60s and 70s. Beautiful story. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
This book teetered between a love letter and a poem on love. It was beautiful and sweet and made me think of love songs from the 60s and 70s. Beautiful story. I can't wait to read another book by this author.
August 30, 2025
Low spice. Sweet love story. Short read.
This is how I would describe this book.
This book follows Peaches and Que, who meet by chance in Detroit at a corner store.
Saying too much about this read would give it all away, but know that Peaches and Que have been through the ringer with their pasts.
There is a quote from the book that I feel describes its entire vibe:
"Cocky. But not loud. Dangerous. But not reckless. My kinda mistake."
This is how I would describe this book.
This book follows Peaches and Que, who meet by chance in Detroit at a corner store.
Saying too much about this read would give it all away, but know that Peaches and Que have been through the ringer with their pasts.
There is a quote from the book that I feel describes its entire vibe:
"Cocky. But not loud. Dangerous. But not reckless. My kinda mistake."
August 24, 2025
Peaches & Que meet in their Detroit neighborhood on one hot summer day, and the attraction is instant. It’s like the universe pulled them together before they even had a say in it. 🔥
Peaches has big dreams beyond the block, and she’s determined to chase them. A relationship isn’t supposed to get in the way… but Que’s quiet confidence and steady presence make it hard to walk away. He isn’t the type to hold his girl back, and together they don’t want their connection to just be a summer fling.
Still, when Peaches heads off to Atlanta, their goodbye kiss feels too final. Too heavy. 💔 But fate had other plans, because just weeks later, she’s on her way back home to Que… and she just might have a little surprise in tow. 👶🏽✨
This 38-page novella had me stuck! The vibes were off the chain...short, sweet, and filled with emotion. If you want a quick read that gives you all the feels, go pick this one up now.
Peaches has big dreams beyond the block, and she’s determined to chase them. A relationship isn’t supposed to get in the way… but Que’s quiet confidence and steady presence make it hard to walk away. He isn’t the type to hold his girl back, and together they don’t want their connection to just be a summer fling.
Still, when Peaches heads off to Atlanta, their goodbye kiss feels too final. Too heavy. 💔 But fate had other plans, because just weeks later, she’s on her way back home to Que… and she just might have a little surprise in tow. 👶🏽✨
This 38-page novella had me stuck! The vibes were off the chain...short, sweet, and filled with emotion. If you want a quick read that gives you all the feels, go pick this one up now.
August 10, 2025
Love the chemistry between the two main characters they have the kind of love readers want to experience during the summer time in real time! Giving short yet long lasting feels of emotions definitely was worth the read🧡🧡🧡
August 9, 2025
This book is 5 stars . I’m in love with the characters 😍😍
September 4, 2025
short, cute instant love, summer romance. it is a short read, so the scenes will jump quick, but the Que is intentional and knows what he wants and is patient.
December 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️.5: this was an instant love novella. Normally I don’t usually enjoy insta-love tropes but being that this was a novella, it makes more sense for this trope.
The story was quick and to the point. There were some parts that seemed like there was supposed to be dialogue but were written without quotation marks so it threw me off a little. The story didn’t exactly pull me in but it was easy to follow and served its purpose. 🙂
The story was quick and to the point. There were some parts that seemed like there was supposed to be dialogue but were written without quotation marks so it threw me off a little. The story didn’t exactly pull me in but it was easy to follow and served its purpose. 🙂
August 14, 2025
This book reminds me of my summer at home w/ my boo thang! I enjoyed the chemistry of the characters.
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
This might have been my quickest read this year. Read this in about an hour or less!
Peaches & Que have that Summertime love. It’s definitely love at first sight in the corner store. They are drawn to each other. But some reservations about if it’s real or just a summer fling….. They test the waters. Peaches gets an offer she can’t refuse in Atlanta. While, in Atlanta she gets some news that sends her back home to Que.
This was a sweet summertime romance in the city, quick and fast read. The amount of spice for this wasn’t too much it fit with the length of the book. This could’ve easily been a five for me had this been a longer story because I was left wanting more regarding Peaches & Que. No complaints about this one other than….. I want more!
Add this one to your tbr if you’re looking for a fast paced, love at first sight, summer love, happily ever after story! You won’t regret it!
🌶️.5/5
This might have been my quickest read this year. Read this in about an hour or less!
Peaches & Que have that Summertime love. It’s definitely love at first sight in the corner store. They are drawn to each other. But some reservations about if it’s real or just a summer fling….. They test the waters. Peaches gets an offer she can’t refuse in Atlanta. While, in Atlanta she gets some news that sends her back home to Que.
This was a sweet summertime romance in the city, quick and fast read. The amount of spice for this wasn’t too much it fit with the length of the book. This could’ve easily been a five for me had this been a longer story because I was left wanting more regarding Peaches & Que. No complaints about this one other than….. I want more!
Add this one to your tbr if you’re looking for a fast paced, love at first sight, summer love, happily ever after story! You won’t regret it!
August 19, 2025
This was such a cute fun read to wrap up the summer. I was definitely feeling the heat in the weather and between the couple. I loved how natural their meeting and following connection was. There was no need to rush their relationship; they were both on the same page with exploring and enjoying each other. But both were very honest about their intentions.
This gave a very nostalgic feeling of being in the city during summer with block parties, slower pace, family and friends.
There were a few grammatical errors, but overall this was a great debut and I really enjoyed the quick way the author pulled me into the story and made me invested.
This gave a very nostalgic feeling of being in the city during summer with block parties, slower pace, family and friends.
There were a few grammatical errors, but overall this was a great debut and I really enjoyed the quick way the author pulled me into the story and made me invested.
September 25, 2025
This was a 2.5 to me.
The cover and synopsis drew me into this book; however, to me that was the best part. The way it was written I could tell that it was supposed to be an instalove kind of connection with Que and Peaches but for me it missed the mark. There was off the page talk about the time Que and Peaches spent together but I didn't feel the connection with these characters for them to say they loved each other. To me, a little more details would have helped to get the instalove between them. Also, the timing between her leaving, being away, and the ending just felt rushed. To me the story had potential but a few more details and maybe a little more of a timeline would have made it more enjoyable to me.
The cover and synopsis drew me into this book; however, to me that was the best part. The way it was written I could tell that it was supposed to be an instalove kind of connection with Que and Peaches but for me it missed the mark. There was off the page talk about the time Que and Peaches spent together but I didn't feel the connection with these characters for them to say they loved each other. To me, a little more details would have helped to get the instalove between them. Also, the timing between her leaving, being away, and the ending just felt rushed. To me the story had potential but a few more details and maybe a little more of a timeline would have made it more enjoyable to me.
August 19, 2025
✨ Summertime in the City by Shani Denise was such a treat! We had so much fun diving into this delicious boy-next-door/girl-next-door romance and watching their sweet summer fling bloom into an everlasting love. 🌸💛
It’s the kind of story that makes you want to grab an iced drink, sit on the porch, and just soak in the sunshine right along with the characters. Shani Denise gave us all the swoons, all the butterflies, and that perfect “first love magic” that leaves you smiling long after the last page.
This read was pure summertime bliss, and I can’t wait for more! ☀️💕
It’s the kind of story that makes you want to grab an iced drink, sit on the porch, and just soak in the sunshine right along with the characters. Shani Denise gave us all the swoons, all the butterflies, and that perfect “first love magic” that leaves you smiling long after the last page.
This read was pure summertime bliss, and I can’t wait for more! ☀️💕
September 25, 2025
Exceptional
This was beautiful. A chance meeting at a corner store starts a love that is transcendent. The skiq build and connection is great. Taking time to really get to know one another and build a genuine connection. Taking a chance on love but also stepping out to pursue self is the climax of this story. But the realization that you left your heart behind and also building new life prompts the FMC to go back home and complete a love and commitment with the MMC is everything ❤️. CHEF'S KISS. A love that is built during Summertime in the City
This was beautiful. A chance meeting at a corner store starts a love that is transcendent. The skiq build and connection is great. Taking time to really get to know one another and build a genuine connection. Taking a chance on love but also stepping out to pursue self is the climax of this story. But the realization that you left your heart behind and also building new life prompts the FMC to go back home and complete a love and commitment with the MMC is everything ❤️. CHEF'S KISS. A love that is built during Summertime in the City
September 23, 2025
🍑
Such a beautiful short story! 💕 Que and Peaches started a summertime love into a forever kind of love. I adore an instant love connection, and this one had me hooked from the start. The surprise twist was the cherry on top I was literally like, “Girl, call him, don’t let him go!” Because love like this? It doesn’t come around often.
Might be my hormones but I cried when she hit the floor idk it felt like she was finally at peace and truly happy
Such a beautiful short story! 💕 Que and Peaches started a summertime love into a forever kind of love. I adore an instant love connection, and this one had me hooked from the start. The surprise twist was the cherry on top I was literally like, “Girl, call him, don’t let him go!” Because love like this? It doesn’t come around often.
Might be my hormones but I cried when she hit the floor idk it felt like she was finally at peace and truly happy
September 3, 2025
Crying in under 50 pages. I look forward to your career.
Love the power in silence, unhurried softnes. His longing, her caution, and not folding or following a man. Beautiful story
Love the power in silence, unhurried softnes. His longing, her caution, and not folding or following a man. Beautiful story
September 8, 2025
The Cutest Way to End the Summer
This book is the perfect way to end the summer. Peaches and Que’s love story is so freaking cute. For two individuals healing, and then coming together to become whole.
This book is the perfect way to end the summer. Peaches and Que’s love story is so freaking cute. For two individuals healing, and then coming together to become whole.
October 4, 2025
this was such a pleasant surprise. I literally just met Shani this morning! Her energy is contagious. The book is a novella but it leaves you feeling so full. Check it out you won't be disappointed. can't wait for the next release
October 5, 2025
Cute quick short story about two souls who meet up over a Detroit Summer. Will their love last or is it just a short fling?
This was a great book. Super happy I got to meet the author! Her next book releases 10/10/25 “When The City Sleeps”
This was a great book. Super happy I got to meet the author! Her next book releases 10/10/25 “When The City Sleeps”
October 16, 2025
The perfect title
Peaches and Que give that old school love. This is a quick read but it gives all that it needs and is supposed to. I reveled in the nostalgia and lighthearted feel.
Peaches and Que give that old school love. This is a quick read but it gives all that it needs and is supposed to. I reveled in the nostalgia and lighthearted feel.
November 19, 2025
This was a quick little summer love story turn forever family. I wanted to give it more stars but the author transition from first pov to third pov threw me off. At some points it took away from the story for me. I will continue to watch this author because the premise of the book was good.
August 22, 2025
Peaches & Que ❤️
August 27, 2025
cute and cozy
This was such a good pallet cleanser for me. Reading between the lines and relating to the characters was so easy for me. 10/10 def recommend
This was such a good pallet cleanser for me. Reading between the lines and relating to the characters was so easy for me. 10/10 def recommend
September 3, 2025
The book was cute. Short. No drama. Just a cute little couple who found love.
September 19, 2025
is what we feel, real?
This was a fast paced read. Sparks fly instantly when Peaches and Que meet during summertime in Detroit. However, is it real or is it just a fling? “...Then let’s stop lookin’ at the end and just be in it. Right here. Right now”. Peaches was simply passing through, she was finally at a point of choosing herself; Que despite the pull he felt, wasn’t selfish in asking her to stay. When it’s meant to be, it will be.
This was a fast paced read. Sparks fly instantly when Peaches and Que meet during summertime in Detroit. However, is it real or is it just a fling? “...Then let’s stop lookin’ at the end and just be in it. Right here. Right now”. Peaches was simply passing through, she was finally at a point of choosing herself; Que despite the pull he felt, wasn’t selfish in asking her to stay. When it’s meant to be, it will be.
September 21, 2025
This was a quick love story. It was a nice feel good book to bring you some calm. Enjoy the read!
September 29, 2025
Beautiful love story
This story had me hooked! Read it in one sitting and it certainly has me wanting more from Que and Peaches!
This story had me hooked! Read it in one sitting and it certainly has me wanting more from Que and Peaches!
October 6, 2025
It’s a short read but i enjoyed it Peaches and Que story was very cute. I actually met this author in person and Shani keep writing I’m excited to read more from you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews