The Summer Share

by Jenn McKinlay

When two misfits discover they’ve inherited the same beach house, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways, in this hilarious and heartfelt rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading.

Free-spirited travel influencer Hannah Spencer has spent five years touring the country in her vintage van. An unexpected inheritance from her Pops brings Hannah to Cape Split, North Carolina, where she learns she’s the new owner of a worse-for-wear seaside beach house. Or, rather, fifty percent of one. Turns out Simon O’Malley inherited the other half from his Gramps.

As Simon and Hannah spend the summer tag-teaming repairs on the crumbling cottage, they discover the house was once home to a timeless love story. Soon, they begin to wonder if the house’s romantic past may be a good omen for their future together. But there’s one problem—Simon is set on selling the property at the end of the summer.

Hannah thought one summer at the Split would be enough, except it isn’t like any place she’s ever been, and Simon isn’t like any man she’s ever known—and she’s thinking about putting down some roots. She just needs Simon to see their budding relationship and this newfound community the same way or their first summer share might also be their last.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Summer Reads, Summer, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Reviews

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some books that feel like a vacation, and this is one of them. From the very first pages, I felt transported to a sunlit stretch of coastline where the air smells like salt, the waves keep rhythm with your heartbeat, and an old, weathered beach house holds more secrets than you initially expect.

What begins as a chaotic inheritance situation gradually unfolds into a story about loss, healing, and the courage to start over. Hannah Spencer arrives in Cape Split with her vintage van, her towering Great Dane, and a life defined by movement. She has spent years drifting from place to place, collecting experiences instead of possessions, never fully allowing herself to settle. Simon O’Malley, on the other hand, comes carrying responsibility, financial pressure, and a deep sense of duty toward his family. When they discover they have inherited the same beach house, sparks fly immediately, not just from irritation, but from two very different worldviews colliding in one fragile, peeling cottage.As they are forced to spend the summer together repairing the house, something unexpected happens.

Hammer by hammer, paint stroke by paint stroke, their defensiveness softens. The house itself seems to breathe with them, revealing layers of its past and a beautiful love story that lingers within its walls. Watching Hannah and Simon navigate their growing connection while wrestling with their personal fears was both tender and deeply satisfying.

Their romance does not feel rushed or artificial, it grows naturally through shared memories, humor, and moments of quiet honesty.I was especially moved by how the story explores the idea of belonging. Hannah slowly realizes that freedom does not have to mean loneliness, and Simon learns that security does not have to mean sacrifice of joy.

The beach town, its warm residents, and the history embedded in the house create a comforting backdrop that made me want to linger long after I finished reading.And of course, Dude deserves his own spotlight. His presence adds humor, warmth, and a surprising emotional depth that made many scenes even more memorable.

This is not just a light summer romance. It is a heartfelt reflection on family, second chances, and the bravery it takes to choose love over fear. By the final chapters, I felt genuinely invested in both characters and reluctant to leave them behind.

A very sincere thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this heartfelt, charming, and thoroughly enjoyable romcom’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Jenn McKinlay's cozy mysteries for nearly a decade, but I also enjoy her romcoms. The Summer Share is her newest romance book where the inheritance of a summer house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina is at play. Two families learn a surprising secret, and a member of each falls for the other. Easy romance. No major drama. Slow boil until it's not. A few elaborate physical scenes that leave you a little hot-n-bothered. Definitely a perfect read for someone just waiting for a second chance at romance and not expecting it to show up in the way it does.

[Annie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah and Simon both believe they’re the sole heir to their grandfather’s beach house—but when they arrive, they’re in for a surprise. How can they both inherit the same house, and what will they decide to do with it?

This one was really sweet. Watching Hannah and Simon uncover the past—through exploring the house and connecting with the neighbors—was such a fun way to see their relationship develop. Their shared (and individual) trauma plays a big role in how they bond, which adds some emotional depth to their dynamic.

The overall vibe is incredibly cozy. The neighbors create a kind of found family that’s warm, funny, and welcoming, and honestly, they were one of my favorite parts. And the dogs—Frank and Dude, a pug and a Great Dane being best friends—were ridiculously cute.

That said, the romance itself felt a bit lacking for me. The pacing didn’t quite work—it was very slow for most of the book, and then the relationship progressed really quickly at the end, which made it feel less developed than I wanted. I’m used to more tension from McKinlay, and this one just didn’t quite deliver in that area.

But as a cozy, found-family story about uncovering the past, it really works.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Zella Funkhouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thanks to Edelweiss for the chance to read this as an ARC!

This was SO GOOD! You will not only fall in love with the FMC and MMC, but with every single character in the book. I found myself wishing I had known Pops and Gramps in real life. They worked so hard to create a beautiful life for themselves and their grandchildren, even after that passed.

This was a 10/10 read.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰]

Hannah + Simon

They've both inherited half of a summer sea-side house from their respective grandfathers.
They don't know each other and didn't know that their grandpas shared this beloved house.
And now they have to live in it for two months and then decide what to do with it.
Easy. Hannah wants to keep it and live there with her huge dog.
And Simon? He needs to sell it to make sure he has enough money to take care of his brother.

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN ....

══════════════════




So adorable!
This book brings us so many cute tropes and #hashtags in one great love story. Forced Proximity. Enemies to Lovers. Grumpy Sunshine. HGTV. Summer. Grandpa Mysteries. Family Secrets. Starting Over. Amazing Dog. Great Neighbors. Cute Small Town. And so much more!
I loved reading this. It was so funny and sweet and a bit mysterious and sad and heartbreaking.
But just so beautiful and sweet and you can't help but fall in love with the place and the whole cast and all those amazingly hilarious and heartwarming scenes with Dude the dog.

I loved it!
And I would so love to see this on TV one day!
Plus - I wouldn't mind reading the story of Simon's sister next!

THE SUMMER SHARE was such a sweet love story! Adorable, funny, sparky, sweet, mysterious, HGTV-ish and a bit sad and heartbreaking .... I adored the dog! And I loved reading this! Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Simon and Dude - these two are MINE!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!

📖 Book Review 📖 It’s a concept so over-the-top wild yet an oddly conceivable concept; a loved dies and truths are revealed when the will is read. For Hannah and Simon, they each learn they have inherited their grandfather’s beloved beach house - and it just so happens to be the shared inheritance. Tensions are high from the start between these two… and the chemistry works…because nothing brings about a slow summer burn like forced proximity and uncovering buried family secrets.

Jenn McKinlay’s writing is delightfully breezy, adding perfectly timed comedic breaks that fluctuate between witty banter and scenes with best-supporting character, Dude, the harlequin Great Dane. While both Hannah and Simon carry extensive battle wounds into the cottage, nothing brings about healing like salt air and a beautifully cathartic tale unfolds in The Summer Share. Just like those warm summer days, I was flipping through the chapters at lightning speed, unable to put this one down.

[Samantha Coursey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Jenn McKinlay for this arc!!!

2.75 ⭐️
3 felt too high and 2.5 felt too low. I personally did not connect to our two MCs. I felt more connected to their granddads and the side characters. I think not really connecting to the MCs made me uninterested. I thought the backgrounds for the characters were great, but their personalities fell flat to me.

Good book to start to get into the summer vibes tho!

[Ashley Flippin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC of this title.
Hannah and Simon find that they are co owners of a cute little cottage in the Outer Banks after the deaths of their grandfathers. They soon find out information about their grandfathers that shocked them.
Throughout this story they work out their grief and issues from their past. They build themselves a community and through the forced proximity, they fall in the love. This was such a sweet story and was written beautifully. Also, Dude was my favorite character ❤️

[Darcy DecantingBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay
Releasing May 26, 2026
Rating: Loved

Hannah and Simon – each thinks they’ve inherited their grandfather’s Outer Banks beach cottage. But when they show up, they find out they’re co-owners. And the grandpas left a requirement: they have to live together in the house for the summer before deciding what to do with it for good.

Hannah’s been living on the road for years and so excited for a sentimental place to put down some roots. Simon needs the money from selling the house to take care of his special-needs brother. The attraction is there from the start, but there’s also some distrust and a few enemy vibes (not full-blown enemies to lovers though).

Loved it! The vibes really drew me into this one, with the beachy small town, found family in the community, the MCs piecing together their grandfathers’ lives and love, the hominess of the cottage, and the warmth and love emanating from the pages. Both MCs were genuinely good people trying to figure things out, and I was really invested in their story and how they worked through their issues. I felt like I was at the cottage with them (wish I was) absorbing the balmy sea air and putting my reality on hold.

And if you’re a dog lover, Dude the great dane is an absolute charmer. Who doesn’t love a giant goofball sidekick???

Perfect for people who love small beach towns, found family, forced proximity, slow burn (for a while), coziness, a little spice, family dynamics, and happily ever after.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for my advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

QOTD: What’s something big you’ve shared with someone else and how did it go? House, room, car, boat, vacation, something else? Or, mid week check-in—how are you doing? What’s happening in your world?

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

"The Summer Share" by Jenn McKinlay is.... fine. I wish I had connected with the main characters more in the beginning. I will admit, as the book goes on, I did find myself enjoying them being together. Hannah and Simon are thrown into an impossible situation when they each inherit what they think is their grandfather's summer vacation home in the Outer Banks, only to discover they actually only inherited *half* of the property. Their grandfathers stipulated that, in order to inherit the home, Hannah and Simon need to spend two months in the property together before they decide what to do with it. As they spend more time together and divulge what they want and who they really are to one another, they begin to fall in love. Simultaneously, they discover that their grandfathers were not who they said they were. These "twists" were pretty predictable, but I did enjoy Hannah and Simon learning about the grandparents they loved so much. Hannah and Simon also find a sense of community where their grandparents did in this small town, where neighbors actually interact with and help one another. The "found family" aspect really worked for me. The pacing can be a little bit slow at times, but the "big" moments in the middle and end of the book make up for it. I really think the issues are in the first part of the book the most. In the end, I think a lot of people will enjoy this book, and it is quite cute, but for me, I likely won't remember that I read it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenn McKinlay, and Berkley Publishing Group for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah and her dog, Dude, have been living out of her van for the last five years. Finally feeling like she is ready to put down roots, Hannah is looking forward to moving into her late grandfathers fishing cottage that she has inherited. Finding a handsome stranger claiming to be the one inheriting the cottage from his grandfather was not in the plan. Simon has plans to sell his grandfathers cottage to help take care of his family, but his new co-owner refuses to. Being forced to spend two months living under the same roof before they can make a final decision, Hannah and Simon- and Dude, grow close while trying to understand what the truth is between their grandfathers.
I really liked the premise of this book. I love when two seemingly opposite people are forced to spend time together. I liked both of our main characters, and I really adored their little community on the Split. However, I think the execution wasn’t there for me. I feel like Hannah and Simon didn’t have very distinct voices. In one POV one character would have a thought, and then the next POV the other character would have the same thought almost verbatim. I know the characters were opposites, but I wish I felt it more in their POVs.
I also wish we learned more of the backstory of Billy and Bobby. It felt like we got crumbles and we kept hearing about this great love, but we never got the full details. I also have a hard time accepting that these two successful and savvy men would not have been able to figure out a solution as to why there was so much secrecy between them. At the end of the day, I needed more!!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the advanced digital copy.

[Ashley Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer Share was such a fun, easy read that completely pulled me in. The story had a fantastic flow, and I found myself flying through the pages.

Hannah and Simon were absolutely delightful main characters. They were both so easy to like, and I really enjoyed their dynamic. The slow-building simmer between them made the romance feel natural and engaging without being rushed.

One of my favorite highlights was Dude the dog—he completely stole the show for me! His personality added so much charm and playfulness to the story, making an already enjoyable book even more memorable.

I also loved the supporting cast. The neighborhood and small-town feel were so well done that it honestly felt like a place I’d want to pack up and move to. The side characters added warmth and depth, and I especially appreciated the moments involving Simon’s brother, which brought in some realistic conflict. Those harder moments felt relatable and grounded, adding balance to the lighthearted tone.

The North Carolina setting was another standout. Between the backdrop, the backstory of why the characters were there, and the unfolding story during their stay, everything came together in a really satisfying way.

Overall, this is a charming, feel-good romance with heart, humor, and just the right amount of emotional depth. Definitely one I’d recommend if you’re looking for something light, engaging, and full of personality this summer.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amanda Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic Comedies are promises to make us feel good- to laugh out loud while falling in love. The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay beautifully fulfills that promise with characters who feel refreshingly authentic and real- inviting us to share their experiences. The Summer Share tells the story of Hannah and Simon, who each inherit one half of a beach-front property in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. The terms of their inheritance state that they both must live in the house for two months before deciding whether to keep the quaint cottage or sell the property. This forced-proximity, grumpy-sunshine story was thoughtfully paced, and as Hannah and Simon slowly reveal themselves to each other and learn more about the men who passed the house to them, I became so invested I couldn’t put the book down. McKinlay handles themes such as grief, infertility, infidelity, medical trauma, and loss with care and compassion and reminds us that a happy ending doesn’t always look the way we expect. The story illustrates that family is not only something that we are born into, but also something that we create, and perhaps recreate, throughout our lives. In the end, the Summer Share is about finding happiness and holding on tight. I would highly recommend this book!!

Thank you to the Berkley Publishing Group, Jenn McKinlay, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

#TheSummerShare #NetGalley

[Alex Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Berkley Romance for the ARC of this book! I have read all of Jenn McKinlay's books and this one, once again, proved why she is an author I continue to come back to. She writes fantastic and relatable characters whose connections feel both organic and realistic! I was rooting for the main characters in this book the whole time and the premise was original enough that I was thoroughly entertained throughout! I will definitely be recommending this one to my friends and followers! If you enjoy authors like Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry and similar, this would be a fantastic book to try and then you'd likely want to read all of McKinlay's backlist too!

The book follows Hannah. a van life influencer, who has recently inherited her grandpa's fishing cottage in Cape Split, NC. She is thrown for a loop when she arrives to find Simon already there. It turns out that they inherited the house together and have to work out what to do with it now. They have very differing opinions and drastically different personalities. As they navigate their shared circumstance with Hannah's trusty Great Dane by their side, plus all of the fun neighbors, they realize that maybe they like each other more than they originally thought! A delight of a book that you should definitely pick up! Five stars!

[Bris.reads.and.recs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say, Jenn McKinlay DID NOT disappoint with this novel!

The Summer Share is such a playful, yet emotional read that makes you laugh while also tugging at your heartstrings the further you get into the story. From the beginning, I was hooked to the main characters as Hannah’s funny, optimistic, quick-witted personality shook Simon’s hardheaded cynicism, making them the ultimate pair for fans of “opposites attract” and “Grumpy meets sunshine” tropes. Not to mention that there’s also an AWESOME dog named “Dude”— like do I need to say anything else?

But overall, what I think makes her book stand out is its representation for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as women who are struggling, or have struggled with infertility. And while these can be very sensitive topics for some readers, I think the story weaves them in with such love and thoughtful consideration that it adds to emotional journey of the entire novel and makes the ending that much more meaningful.

That said, I cannot recommend this book enough to fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, as well as those looking for story that will leave you smiling after the last page!

[Ashley Hawke · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was just something about this book that fell flat for me. Simon & Hannah were fine, but I wasn’t really excited about them throughout. I also didn’t really like how the timeline was laid out— like we’d get 4 chapters dedicated to one day and then one sentence of “we cleaned everything out for 3 weeks straight.” I think maybe a more balanced timeline might’ve given us more about Simon & Hannah & I would’ve liked them more??? I don’t know!!!! Some things were also a little far fetched for me & issues resolved very conveniently (you’re telling me his dad drove up from Florida, spent 30 seconds at the house, then Vincent said “no 🫶” & he said “yeah, okay”, & just went back home to Florida? That’s it?)

Dude was the star of the entire book & I loved learning about Pops & Gramps & I loved the whole town & community. Charlie & Lorelei were also perfect additions & I loved Simon & Charlie’s relationship. It was cute! Fun idea! Not my favorite by Jenn, but I’ll keep reading more of hers!

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review.

Jenn McKinlay is a great author for summery, breezy, romantic plots. I enjoyed this tale of Hannah and Simon, who arrive at a cabin thinking they each inherited it from their late grandfather, only to discover they have claim to only half of the house. The catch: they have to stay in the house for two months before making a decision about whether to stay or sell. There are complications in each of their lives, and they discover more about their family's histories.

The first third of the book felt like the wheels were spinning a bit, with emotions being rehashed without going anywhere. I preferred the second half of the books, where the characters started to move forward, integrate into the beach community, and find their purpose. Romance abounds and I did like the main characters.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute, but...IDK. It just didn't have a lot of zing to it. The characters were just OK; their chemistry was pretty meh. IMO the big surprises weren't all that surprising, and their obstacles were resolved just a little too easily and neatly. I didn't dislike it, but it wasn't terribly memorable either.

Honestly, I think I would have rather read a book from Bobby and Billy's POVs--they felt like the real romance here. I wanted more details!

But...Dude the Great Dane and the baby sea turtles were absolute stars. So there's that at least.

My first from the author--I think I'd give her a second chance, just probably not right away.

Rating: 3 stars / C+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[M. K. Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

So often in contemporary romance, grandparent characters are treated as mentors or grief-inducers to give one line or standout memory, so I really appreciated the complicated deep relationships between flawed people that were explored here. The forced proximity was executed really well. McKinlay has a compelling way of bringing together a cast of side characters that you don't need to know much about in order to enjoy reading their interactions. The sea turtle element provided a nice depth in the beachy setting. I felt like the pacing was a little off for me, and the parts I was most excited to read about weren't as detailed on the page. Overall, I think this is a great read, especially for summer.

I received an e-ARC through Netgalley from Berkley Publishing; all opinions are my own.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look no further for your perfect summer read! Hannah has spent the last five years traveling the country's parks, but when her beloved grandfather passes away and leaves her his summer house, she decides she will make it her new home. But she soon discovers that she actually only owns half the house. Simon also inherited the house from his grandfather after his death a few months ago. And he wants to sell it. Luckily, the pair have two months to live there before they can make a decision. But who will prevail? And will they catch feelings along the way? McKinlay does it again with this hilarious and sweet romcom.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Summer Share is a perfect summer book. The setting in the Outer Banks made me want to book a trip immediately. I loved the concept of this book and the execution of it. Hannah and Simon were such wonderful main characters, they both had their own trauma to heal from, while mourning the losses of their beloved grandfathers. The whole book takes place over the course of 8 weeks, so the build up of romance is earned while the main characters have complete opposite desires for their inherited house. While I was hoping for the romance outcome, I did not see a way that both characters could achieve their goals, until I read it in the story. I loved the side characters as well.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for providing a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Zoe Lipman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5

I was expecting to love this, it sounded like a lot of fun (with a touch of rival chaos).

I didn't find this to be as engaging as I was expecting. I think it was the writing style. I don't think it quite worked for me, I think it flattened the story and characters a bit.

This follows Hannah (a travel influencer) and Simon. The two inherit half of the same beach house. And they're at odds with what to do with it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Anna Mollindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is an amazing summer read. It’s full of emotion and love and grief (the good kind) and I love that the ending didn’t include solving ALL of the female main characters issues. That’s real life, and I appreciate that. Sweet and thoughtful, sassy and fun, this book is a rollercoaster ride that I never want to get off of. Highly recommend! I will be recommending to several women in my life.

[Gwendolyn Zaczepinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The first half of the book really fell flat for me. I wasn't connecting with the main characters and it just felt slow. It definitely picked up the pace in the second half and I was much more engaged. Great community and supporting characters, and grief was addressed in a caring and thoughtful manner. Cute idea overall, but it wasn't my favorite from this author.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I enjoyed this story! I went into it blind, not knowing the plot and I was happy to go see where this story went with the layers of loss, caretaking, infertility, and queerness. I really liked both main characters. My only complaint was that parts of this were written in a noticeably juvenile tone (and I don’t think that was the intention, and it wasn’t throughout the whole book).

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Wheezy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the ultimate summer read. It’s packed with emotion, love, and the kind of "good" grief that really stays with you. The ending doesn't magically fix every one of the main character's problems. It felt like real life, and I truly appreciated that honesty. Sweet, thoughtful, sassy, and fun—this story is a total rollercoaster I never wanted to end.
I’m already planning which friends to recommend this to! Highly recommend.

[Darci Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great romcom by Jenn McKinlay! Slow burn romance set in the Outer Banks. Love the small town and found family feel to the story. And of course, the amazing dog 😁 Add them all together and it’s a fun beach read for this summer.

Thanks to Berkley Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Summer Share to come out May 26, 2026.

[Rachel Stansel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah and Simon discover they have shared inheritance of their grandfathers' outer banks home. In learning about the love of Gramps and Pops, they process their grief and find the ability to find love and peace in the small community and with each other. I absolutely loved this story.

Full disclosure - I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Shel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a such a sweet read. It's heartwarming, joyful, full of small loving moments. It's a perfect summer read on the beach. I loved all the characters, of course Duke most of all. It's a very quick read, but full of sweet, tender moments.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you're a fan of:
-forced proximity
-enemies to lovers
-community love
-summer reads
-furbabies

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book