Our Secret Summer

by R.S. Grey

Escape to Ibiza in this sparkling summertime romance about a young woman determined to complete her late sister's bucket list, from USA Today bestselling author R. S. Grey, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez.

At twenty-six, Isabel De Vere already has her whole life mapped out. With a degree from a good school and a closet full of blazers, she is climbing the corporate ladder in her family business, knowing everything will fall into place from there. But Isabel’s paint-by-numbers life falls apart when her vivacious and beloved sister dies, leaving behind an unfinished bucket list.

Isabel escapes to Ibiza for the summer where she becomes free spirited Elle, working at a club by night, checking off items on the bucket list by day. Surfing? Check. Dance till dawn? Check. Get a tattoo? Check. Fall in love? Working on it.
   
Enter millionaire club owner Cristiano Moreno Winthrop…Isabel's boss. Handsome face permanently marred by his scowl, she can't quite manage to stay away from him. And soon, between late night talks and afternoons on his yacht, Isabel discovers there's more under the surface than she expected…and she might have found the way to finish this bucket list after all.
  
Equal parts swoony destination romance and a celebration of life after loss, this sun-soaked story is a perfect summertime getaway.

Genres: Romance, Summer, Summer Reads, Adult Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over twenty-five romantic comedies. She loves books, chocolate, reality TV, and cold weather. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog. Visit her at rsgrey.com.

Instagram: @AuthorRSGrey

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/RSGrey/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...

Reviews

[Tara Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like any R.S. Grey book I’ve read, you can’t help but fall head over heels in love with the main characters and their love story. The character development for the mains as well as the side characters is so well executed. I would love to continue reading stories about the characters in this Ibiza life. The slow burn in this book is soooo good. Has you begging for more time to read. The will they or won’t they energy is top notch.

Thank you author and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC!

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Star Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Heat Scale: 3 out of 5 (there are 3-4 steamy scenes in the book; open door)

Tropes:
grumpy & protective mmc
millionaire romance
office romance

Summary:
Isabel De Vere has always been the more practical and serious sister in contrast to her sister’s adventurous and free-spirited nature. But after her sister’s death, Isabel abandons her blazers in exchange for a bikini and boards a plane to Ibiza to complete her sister’s bucket list. Skinny-dipping? Get a tattoo? Fall in love (but only if the man is smoking hot)? While some of these activities are outside Isabel’s comfort zone, she challenges herself to check off each one while grappling with her grief over her sister’s death. Along the way, Cristiano, her hot boss, becomes her unexpected partner-in-crime in both helping her cross off her items on the list and discovering a chemistry that she never expected having.


Review:
Our Secret Summer is the perfect book for a vacation or reading poolside. It’s light and fun while also touching on some more serious topics, such as grappling with the death of a sibling, pursuing your own path outside of your family’s expectations, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone.

I enjoyed the pacing of the book. I think it balanced the fun moments of checking off the bucket list with the more emotional moments of processing her grief well.

It is easy to root for Isabel’s character. Her deep love for her sister, her desire for a fresh start, and her fear of disappointing her parents make her relatable. I also loved Isabel’s relationship with her friends from the club… it was so refreshing to read a book with supportive female friendships! I like how they pushed Isabel out of her comfort zone but also supported her through her more emotional moments.

On the other hand, Cristiano’s character felt a bit undeveloped and surface-level in comparison with Isabel’s character. The balance of perspectives felt a little off since only 5 of the 24 chapters are from Cristiano’s perspective. Since he had such fewer chapters than Isabel, I didn’t quite get the emotional depth with his character as I did hers. Cristiano had such an interesting back story, and I wish it had been explored in more detail so I could connect with his character more.

As for the relationship between Isabel and Cristiano, I have mixed feelings. There were several sweet and romantic moments between the characters, and I liked how the author developed their emotional connection before their physical one. However, Cristiano is overprotective, and at times, his actions go a little too far and become more overbearing for me.

Conclusion:
If you enjoy the summer vibes of Carley Fortune books or sweet romances like in Sarah Adams books, I think you’ll like this one!


Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read and review this ARC!

[Shelby Ann Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by R.S. Grey, and it definitely won’t be my last. Our Secret Summer is a warm, heartfelt, and genuinely fun story about the lengths we go to in order to discover who we truly are. It beautifully explores honoring the people we love, the influence of family roots, and the courage it takes to carve out our own path.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Ibiza, the novel is the perfect summer escape. The setting feels immersive and dreamy, I could easily picture myself there, soaking in the sun and the nightlife.

Isabel, our female main character, comes from a well to do family but chooses to go against their expectations. She spends the summer in Ibiza completing the items on her late sister Winnie’s bucket list, goals they had planned to accomplish together before Winnie’s passing. Winnie’s presence is deeply woven into the story through Isabel’s journey, and at times it felt as though she was just as important a character as Isabel herself. The emotional thread of sisterhood adds depth and heart to the romance.

While in Ibiza, Isabel lands a job as a waitress at Aura nightclub, where she finds herself in close quarters with her boss, Cristiano. What she doesn’t initially realize is that her family particularly her grandmother shares a past with his family. The forced proximity trope is executed well, and the romance unfolds as a satisfying slow burn. The relationship builds with emotional depth, balancing lighthearted summer moments with heavier themes of grief, identity, and forgiveness.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a lighter summer romance with substance, or for readers wanting a refreshing change of pace from their usual genres. I’m excited to explore more books by R.S. Grey after this one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Requited Publishing, and R.S. Grey for the ARC.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for a summer escape to the coast of Spain? R.S. Grey has you covered.

Our Secret Summer is a book that hits you in so many ways. Isabel "Elle" De Ve re has lived a privileged life, but for one summer she wants to escape it all to Ibiza and ask WWWD- What Would Winnie Do? Elle is a little shy, sheltered and yes naive- but as she channels the confidence of his big sister, she finds herself on an adventure of a lifetime and possibly a hot summer fling to go along with it. Cristiano has everything going for him- tall, dark, handsome, rich and powerful. He's not only Elle's boss but also her grandmother appointed babysitter- he just threw in obsessed protector side for free.

I really enjoyed how this story went from being this idea that Elle was on a journey to fulfill the bucket list adventure that Winnie never got to experience to being this self discovery journey for Elle. She starts off on this adventure as a way to work through some of her grief and it hits in all the right feels. But in this adventure she finds real friendships, passion and what feels a lot like love. I loved the slow build up of tensions, the flirting, the banter and just the way that Cristiano and Elle just worked together.

Cristiano was a little gruff at first but his sweetness toward Elle. The way she softened him and his workaholic tendencies. Now I would have loved a little something more between them and their budding friendship then relationship. While the story had this emotional undertone, it didn't really feel like Elle and Cristiano didn't really delve too deep into things (on page at least) other than when it came to Winnie and her bucket list.

Overall though, Our Secret Summer was a captivating escape and I really enjoyed the journey.

[Chandra Laidlaw (caffeinated.chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an eARC of Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun, summery read. The setting really shines and gives the whole book that dreamy vacation vibe; from sunshine, late nights, ocean views, and spontaneous adventures. It’s the kind of book that feels perfect to read on a beach, by the pool, or while dreaming about your next getaway.

I really enjoyed Isabel’s journey throughout the story. The premise of completing her late sister’s unfinished bucket list adds emotional weight while still keeping the overall tone light and hopeful. Watching Isabel step outside of the life she had carefully planned for herself and embrace new experiences made her character easy to root for.

The romance was definitely a highlight. The chemistry between Isabel and Cristiano keeps the story engaging, especially with the working relationship and the tension that builds between them. Cristiano has that classic broody charm, though I did find myself wishing we got a little more depth into his character.

Overall, Our Secret Summer is a light, feel-good destination romance with a touch of heart. The pacing keeps things moving, the setting is vibrant, and it’s an easy book to get lost in. I would definitely recommend it to readers looking for a summery romance that feels like a mini vacation.

[Michelle M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Our Secret Summer. From the start, the story pulled me in and held my attention all the way through. If I had to compare it, I’d say it feels like a blend of A Walk to Remember and Fifty Shades of Grey—minus the dominatrix element 😄. It has emotional depth, romance, and just the right amount of intensity without feeling overwhelming.

What really stood out to me was the emotional journey of the main character. The way the author explores healing, growth, and finding strength again is both heartfelt and inspiring. It’s the kind of story that makes you feel deeply connected to the characters and invested in their outcomes.

I also loved how the author brought important relationships to life in such a vivid way. Even characters who aren’t directly present feel real and meaningful, which speaks to how well the story is written and woven together.

Overall, Our Secret Summer is a beautifully written, heartwarming novel that balances romance and emotion perfectly. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you finish it—and one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a touching, unforgettable read.

[Alexandra Vlaming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer is beautiful, it’s a deeply layered, yet still a very fun story, exploring themes of grief, independence, and the importance of forming human connection. The story follows Isabel, as she travels to Ibiza to fulfill her sister’s bucket list. While on the island she makes friends, finds love, and finds herself.

The exploration of grief and loss is particularly beautiful, throughout the story we see Isabel learn to live with and hold her grief, not losing herself in it. The romance here is excellent, there is an instant attraction, and the spicy scenes are truly superb (I may have been sweating…).

My favorite part? The friendships! Annika and Simone are such wonderful characters, they helped add levity to what otherwise could have been a serious book, I found myself laughing often. They both help move the plot along, and I love their characters so much! Special mention should also go to the island of Ibiza, the island comes through clear as its own character, the story capably showcases the beauty and character of the island.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Requited for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie at SheReadsRomanceBooks.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

Just looking at the cover of Our Secret Summer, I knew that I was going to get a fun romance that would have me wishing I was spending my own summer in Ibiza. The book’s setting was so much fun and it made me wish that I was a twenty-something, living fancy free, working at a night club and making friends who were a blast to party with while also falling in love with the rich club owner. Not bad Elle. Not bad!

Overall, this was a light romance that is perfect for reading by the pool or on the beach this summer. I loved that Elle was stepping outside her comfort zone to complete her sister’s must-do list of items in Ibiza while working through the grief of losing her. I felt like she was a compelling character in this novel, but I wish we got more depth to Cristiano as well.

Did she act a bit immature at times? Sure. Did they seem to fall in love pretty fast after a few brief interactions? Yes, but I went with it.

*I received an advance reader copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabel llega a Ibiza con una maleta llena de vestidos, dinero, muchas ganas de hacer algo distinto por primera vez en su vida y cumplir los deseos de su hermana. No le dice a sus padres que está ahí, se hospeda en hostales dudosos y tiene claro que ese verano es para vivirlo sin pensar demasiado. El plan se complica rápido cuando la roban, no consigue trabajo y se da cuenta de que la isla no es solo fiesta y libertad, también puede ser dura si estás sola. Todo cambia cuando conoce a Cristiano, un hombre serio, poderoso y completamente fuera de su mundo, alguien que parece tenerlo todo menos tiempo y ganas de sentir. Lo que empieza como un cruce inesperado en medio del caos se va convirtiendo en algo que ninguno tenía planeado para ese verano.



__-


Le falta más desarrollo en el principio, sobre todo en Cristiano.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Emilie]

Our Secret Summer was a quick and enjoyable read. The Ibiza setting was fun to read about on a cold day. This will be a good summer book. I liked Elle’s character and thought R.S. Grey did a wonderful job creating a likable, easy-to-root-for main character. I especially adored her relationships with Simone and Annika. Their friendship felt supportive and genuine. Elle and Cristiano’s relationship was fine, though I wasn’t the biggest fan of how Elle treated Cristiano at the beginning. I did like that Cristiano helped Elle with the bucket list. Cristiano's character did feel a little underdeveloped. Even though we got a few chapters from his perspective, they were too far and few between, which made it harder to fully connect with him. I’ve been reading R.S. Grey for years and can always count on her books for a fast and fun read. Our Secret Summer was no exception. Thank you to Edelweiss and Hachette Book Group for the ARC.

[Nandini Arakoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

tbh this book was so so so cute, and such a fn easy read. it was nice to read something light hearted. a mix of a summer bucketlist while mixing in a summer romance and grief all set in my fave country (spain). isabel (elle) is the sole heir of an american jewelery company and secretly spending the summer in ibiza to accomplish the bucketlist her old sister made before passing away. in ibiza she meets cristiano, the owner of the club she works at over the summer and her grandmother's best friend's grandson. the way that they gradually spend time together ticking off the bucketlist was so cute. the third act breakup was much more minimal than expected, lowkey they danced around their feelings until the end. more specifically isabel danced around her feeling while cristiano yearned!!! i honestly was just mad she was pregnant at the end but it was deadass 3 years later and shes probably like 30 lol.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I absolutely devoured this one.

I could not put it down. From the first few chapters, I was hooked, and I ended up flying through it way faster than I planned.

The setting alone makes this book worth picking up. Ibiza was the perfect backdrop. The sun, sand, yachts, nightclubs, and nonstop summer energy made everything feel vibrant and immersive. It truly felt like the ultimate beach read.

Isabel and Cristiano? Amazing. Their chemistry, tension, and dynamic kept me completely invested. I loved watching their relationship unfold, and the side characters added even more fun and depth to the story.

This was my first book by R.S. Grey, and it definitely won’t be my last. If her other books are anything like this one, I’m in.

An easy five star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in. Our Secret Summer was the perfect mix of romance, escapism, and emotional depth, and I honestly didn’t want it to end. I loved the Ibiza setting — it felt sunny, carefree, and exactly what this story needed.

What really stood out to me was how much heart this book has. It’s not just a summer romance; it’s about grief, healing, and figuring out what you want out of life when everything feels off-balance. The romance was swoony and fun, but the personal growth made it even better.

This is one of those books you start “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s way past bedtime. If you love emotional but feel-good romances with great chemistry and a dreamy setting, this one is absolutely worth picking up. 💛

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming story about grief, healing, and self discovery.

The book follows Isabel, a retail princess from California, to Ibiza where she is determined to carry out her late sister Winnie’s bucket list. She leaves behind her life of wealth and finds herself working in one of the Islands most prominent night clubs. With the help of her swoon worthy boss Cristiano, Isabel begins working through Winnie’s bucket list.

I loved that this book FELT like a summer vacation to Ibiza. It was fun, warm, and a breath of fresh air. Just know if I ever met a man like Cristiano on my travels, I would never return home. 🤭

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

[Meighan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer is a gentle, heartfelt story about love, loss, and healing. The premise of a sister completing her late sister’s bucket list is a lovely idea, and it adds emotional meaning to the journey.

I found this to be a quick and easy read, finishing it in about three days, which I appreciated. While the story is sweet and well-intentioned, I didn’t fully connect with the characters and found the development fairly surface-level. The romance and emotional growth are slower and more understated than my personal taste, which kept me from becoming deeply engaged.

Overall, it’s a soft, reflective read that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy gentle pacing and emotionally quiet stories about grief and moving forward.

[Smut And Other Stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabel is a bit naive and a lot sassy, but she pulls them both off without being annoying. Her journey with grief is realistic and well portrayed. She's definitely a new favorite FMC.

I was worried Christiano would be one of those MMC's that is frustratingly standoffish and cold for the FMC's "own good." Let me just say, I was very pleasantly surprised.

This is the perfect slow burn summer romance story. I've only read a few R.S. Grey books, but this one is by far my favorite. The story flows well and is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, complete with a meddling grandmother and an iconic bucket list.

[Dani Boise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this summertime romance!

Some of my favorite things about this story were the friendship among Isabel, Simone and Annika, her journey of grief, Cristiano's broody yet loving character; and the setting was divine. I adore when a woman doesn't let a man walk all over her. The way Isabel gave Cristiano shit back when he acted all bossy and brooding was amazing :-D

The family dynamics in this got tense towards the end but we got to see all the main and side characters develop wonderfully.

Would definitely recommend reading if you love:
-summertime fun in the sun
-beautiful setting
-grumpy sunshine
-working through grief
-rich MMC and undercover rich FMC

[BookishBeverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer completely stole my heart. It was soft, romantic, funny, and achingly tender—the kind of summer love story that feels warm and intimate from start to finish. The banter was top-tier: flirty, effortless, and full of chemistry. And yes… there was just a bit of spice, which was perfectly timed and added that extra spark without overpowering the story. What truly made this book special, though, was how she honored her late sister, Winnie. That thread of love and grief gave the romance so much depth and made every moment feel more meaningful. A swoony, heartfelt summer escape that left me smiling and a little misty-eyed.

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabel is taking her late sister’s bucket list and completing every single item. Wanting to have a summer of freedom and no familial expectations, she takes on Ibiza as Elle. Meeting Cristiano changes everything, and now he is determined to help her complete her bucket list. As the two spend time together, Isabel isn’t sure if her life back in California is what she actually wants.
This book is the perfect summer/beach read! I really adored our main characters. I do wish we had more POVs from Cristiano, so we could have dove deeper into his back story and had a bigger emotional connection to him.
Thank you NetGalley and Requited for the advanced digital copy.

[Miranda Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer.. what can I say! I loved all the elements in this book: grief, adventure, banter, love, friendship, taking chances.

I was sucked it in from the beginning. I could see the summer playing out before my eyes and wanted to be there. The main character Isabel and Cristiano had emotional depth and honestly which I loved.

The female friend group who rallied made the story even better. We all need our girl gang.

Without any spoilers, in the end this book took me for a summer ride that I couldn’t put down.

*I received this ARC and promise an honest review!”

[Allyssa VanLoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey is a heartfelt, emotionally grounded summer read. Centered around a bucket list left behind by the heroine’s late sister, the story beautifully explores grief, healing, and honoring love in quiet, meaningful ways. I especially loved the friendships she forms—the girlhood felt natural, warm, and authentic. The romance is a gentle slow burn that develops organically, with tender chemistry that complements the emotional journey rather than overshadowing it. A comforting story about love in all its forms.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a gorgeous backdrop for a book! Take me to Ibiza now! I absolutely loved the fun and adventurous aspects of this story. The motivation behind our main characters actions were so heartbreaking and beautiful that it really helped move the story along with some emotion. I do wish we had a bit more connection between the couple as it felt like they never fully opened up to each other. But I really had a good time reading it!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts are mine alone.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabelle and Cristiano are perfect for one another....they are both from wealthy families, both have the social pedigree that allows them in small social circles but they don't know each other. Elle is determined to live out her sister's bucket list this summer without the influence her last name gives her. When she starts working at Cristiano's club on Ibiza, spark fly but Elle needs to honor her sister before she can give her heart away. Cristiano has other plans for Elle and he will help in any way he can.
Thanks to Hachette for the ARC!

[Kell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars- my first ARC!! What a fun little vacation romance book :) I liked the main characters n the fun of being in Ibiza and the drama. It felt like it was lacking depth at some points and the main character's romance also felt a little lacking in depth. I feel like it couldve been longer maybe and have more plot and conflict so we could have known the characters better. But fun and enjoyed reading :)

[Mimi Chang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for granting me an arc!
I liked the nuance in this storyline. It definitely strayed away from the typical summer romance archetype, and seeing Elle have to process and grow after her sister's death was really substantial. Her eventual connection with Cristiano was also really fun to read about--it was witty and sweet. I liked how they both helped each other in different ways. R. S. Grey wrote a really captivating novel!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

RS Grey stays one of my favorite authors with her ability to write fun, easy to read romance novels that hook you from the first chapter. Our Secret Summer is the perfect summer beach read, filled with adventure on the island of Ibiza and a heart-warming romance that will leave you swooning. Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a quick read!

[Karen Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the e arc!

This was such a fun read! This gave me the summer vibes I currently miss during this time of year. I loved the setting and I literally thought I was watching a movie while reading this. I really liked the side characters in this! Hopefully it becomes a series! I was invested from the start

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer was a phenomenal read filled with healing, adventure, growth, friendship, and love. I absolutely enjoyed this read.

Isabel embarks on a summer that will change her life forever. This is a perfect summer book by R.S. Grey.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I was sucked in quickly and couldn’t put it down. Not only were the characters fun to get to know but I’ve now added Ibiza to my list of places I’d like to visit. The story had a mix of sweet and steamy that kept me reading!

[Amanda Solimando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy.

This was a fun summer read! Wish I had been lying at the beach while reading it. I really connected with Isabel and thought the relationship with her Christiano was relatable and fun. A great escape read!