Our Secret Summer

by R.S. Grey

I’ve spent years stuck behind a desk, always doing the practical, predictable thing. But when my  sister’s untimely death leaves me with her unfinished bucket list, I have no choice but to throw caution to the wind and hop on a flight to sunny Ibiza. Attempting to carpe my diem on the shores of the Spanish Mediterranean, I waste no time making new friends and finding work at a popular nightclub.
 
Living out my sister’s dream summer shouldn’t be hard with her bucket list as my
 
Go surfing? Done. 
Get a tattoo? If the list says so…
Fall in love?…Sorry, sis. No luck on that front.
 
That is, until I meet my surprisingly sexy boss Cristiano Moreno Winthrop. He’s completely off limits, but we can’t seem to stay away from each other. And between late-night talks, glittering parties on his yacht, and steamy stolen moments, I’m starting to think that I just might have found a way to finish that bucket list after all. But summer won’t last forever. Is what Cristiano and I have just a fling, or will it last beyond the season?
 
Escape to Ibiza in this sparkling summertime romance, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez.

Genres: Romance, Summer, Summer Reads, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Workplace

351 pages, Kindle Edition

First published 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

[ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is going to be a long review, so buckle up lol.

I’ve been a huge fan of R.S. Grey for years, and she’s honestly what got me into reading in the first place, starting with Scoring Wilder back in 2014, so I was really excited going into this one.

Our Secret Summer has everything I love about her writing. The tension, the enemies to lovers dynamic, the setting, the characters… it all just worked so well for me.

I completely fell in love with Isabel and Cristiano. Isabel’s storyline was especially beautiful. Watching her travel to Ibiza, not just to escape her life but to complete her sister’s bucket list, added such an emotional layer to the story. It wasn’t just about romance. It was about grief, healing, and figuring out who she is outside of the life she’s always known. Seeing her slowly open herself up to new experiences, new places, and new people made her feel really real and easy to root for.

And then there’s Cristiano. I loved how guarded and off-limits he felt at first. That dynamic between them, especially with him being her boss, created so much tension right from the start. Their relationship had that perfect push and pull where you could feel the chemistry building in every interaction, even when they were trying to resist it.

And the romance… the slow burn was SO good. The tension between them was insane in the best way, and it just kept building and building. Every look, every conversation, every moment felt intentional. And when it finally paid off, it delivered. The chemistry, the buildup, the spice… all of it hit exactly how I wanted it to. It felt earned, not rushed, which made it even better.

I also loved how the setting played such a big role in the story. Ibiza felt like its own character. The nightlife, the scenery, the energy of the island all added to the vibe and made everything feel very immersive and very summer coded. It made me want to be there with them.

I found myself highlighting so much throughout the book, which is always a sign I’m fully invested. There were so many moments that just stuck with me, whether it was emotional, romantic, or just really well written.

Overall, this was the perfect summer read and exactly what I want from R.S. Grey. It had the fun, flirty energy she’s known for, but also had more emotional depth than I was expecting, which I loved.

If you love enemies to lovers, strong tension, emotional character growth, and a slow burn with a satisfying payoff, I would 100% recommend this one.

[Chloe Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t have enough stars for this one!! ⭐️ Do yourself a favour & pick this one up next time you need a beachy steamy - you’ll fall in love with the main characters - kind of read. I don’t often re-read but I just might with this one.

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

It isn’t often that I have a physical reaction to a book, but this one? There were definitely tears streaming down my face by the end… happy tears.

So grateful for the complimentary copy sent my way from NOVL because I genuinely might have missed this one otherwise. I ate this book up in a single day. I was completely swept away by the escapism and how perfectly it hit all the romance beats I love.

Millionaire/Billionaire Romance ✅
Vacation Romance ✅
Feisty FMC ✅
Dark, brooding MMC ✅
Plot-driven, non-cringey spice ✅
Found Family ✅

And that’s just scratching the surface.

What really stood out to me was the balance between the FMC and MMC. Neither of them needed the other in a dependency sense—there was no damsel in distress, no over-the-top “rich man fixes everything” dynamic. They both stood firmly on their own, which made their connection feel that much more genuine. It was about want, not need, and I will always eat that up.

If I had to nitpick, I would’ve loved a bit more depth when it came to Cristiano. I want to know who he is beyond the business, what really drives him. But at the same time, that slight mystery added to his allure and absolutely kept me turning the pages (which I happily did at lightning speed).

And let’s talk about the spice for a second… because yeah, there is spice, and it was completely in line with what I enjoy. It’s entirely plot-driven, never gratuitous, and hits that perfect balance of being exciting without tipping into cringe. Every scene felt intentional and connected to the emotional growth of the relationship, which made it land so much harder.

My only complaint? That I didn’t read this sooner.

[Morgan Tong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 6 ⭐️ read for sure! This was such a beautiful story of finding love after the heartbreak of loss and finding yourself through the process. Seriously could not put this down!

[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!

[Alicia🤍📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute fast pace summer romance and I loved the aspect of the story our FMC Isabel is in Ibiza because she’s trying to complete her dead’s sister Winnie bucket list and my heart broken for Isabel be when she was trying new things she was always thinking about her sister Winnie when she’s on this yacht I think it it she meets Cristiano it’s like everything changes I love how bold her personality can be sometimes and then other times she got shy 🤭 she had a little thing for Cristiano near enough straight away and oh my he’s a millionaire too and she had no idea plus her grandma called Cristiano behind her back and he agreed he’d keep and eye on Isabel so throughout the book the tension was building up and they started to tease and annoying each other at times I was laughing!! I love Isabel’s friends I think they are all funny and they help Isabel along the way whole being in Ibiza Cristiano I only believe he has good interest at heart soon as he realises who Isabel really is he takes his job very seriously and becomes super protective like a bodyguard and I’m here for it 🤭 at first he didn’t want much to to with Isabel but soon as he got to know her he was gone for I love how he shows her around and helped with her checklist from Winnie and he was such a good listener too 🥰 if you want a quick, cute summer romance this is it!

Quotes I loved:
"You do something to me, Isabel. You make it so fucking hard to resist. Mírame. Look at me."

“My heart hammers, and I feel so exposed lying beneath him. Exposed and wanting.”

Tropes:
☀️ Grumpy x sunshine
👙 Found family
☀️ Secret identities
👙 Millionaire boss
☀️ Workplace

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God.

This is a book I was dreading for all the best reasons, I have been a fan of R.S. Grey now for over 10 years, I love her books, and I hate when her books end. I didn’t want to start this one cause then it’d be over, but I’ve been thinking about it daily and monthly since I got my copy. I think this is easily a top five R.S. Grey book for me now, I loved it with my entire body.

The banter between Cristiano and Isabel in the beginning when she gives him an attitude from the first time they met was the literal best. One thing about her background, is she isn’t going to let a man get her down, nor let a man do anything without giving it back, and I loved how much she pushed him throughout the book from the beginning to literal end. The setting of this book was absolutely beautiful, all the books I’ve read set in Ibiza describe it so vividly that I just become desperate to visit, I can so easily picture each scene and it makes the book that much more beautiful.

The spice in this book blew me away, it was some of R.S. Grey’s best, and I was heated and enjoying every moment. The chemistry, tension, push and pull between them just added so much to their desire and connection beyond the friendship also building, I lived for every scene they were in together.

Finally, the friendship in this book between Isabel, Simone, and Annika was so good. I loved the support, the joy, the laughter and just seeing them all get along with no jealously, I’m so glad that R.S. Grey didn’t make the club a toxic place to work, but instead a safe place to land after Isabel hated working for her father’s company.

Man, I’ll be sharing this book with all my friends, I cannot wait to get a physical copy for my shelves!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boss x employee, summer romance set in Ibiza that has the FMC trying to complete her dead sister's bucket list while falling for the one man she shouldn't. This was fun, had emotional depth and some great open door scenes but I also felt it was a touch too new adulty. I would have liked a more mature FMC but besides that it was still a fun summer read and perfect for fans of authors like Abby Jimenez.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slow-burn, enemies to lovers, grumpy to sunshine is definitely a lively and engaging book to wake my senses up. I love the fake hatred teetering on shyness but seriously cute and funny. The banters, the stolen looks and Cristiano are just the icing on the cake. Not to mention Isabel de Vere is absolutely the queen of all in this book! Seriously though, this had me planning for a future trip to Ibiza someday. Overall, this one is definitely in my top 20 books to read this year.

[simply_readss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer is officially here, or at least in this book!

I had so much fun with this one, it was a light fluffy romance, but with an MMC who's tall, dark, and possessive 🤭🤭

To me, this was more a vibes book and perfect for those looking for their next summer read.

Thank you so much Requited and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Danielle Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down. What an amazing story. Loved the setting on Ibiza, loved Isabels friends, her grandmother, of course Cristiano and her sisters bucket list that created this whole story. Such a fun read especially right now for me (beginning of summer) WWWD?

[Glenia ^ྀི · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.7 ⭐️🩵

[Elizabeth Foss · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel arrives dressed for a shiny summer—sunlit, sparkling, set against the backdrop of Ibiza with its late nights and bright edges—but what it offers emotionally is more uneven than its premise might suggest. And I saw darkness, too; Cristiano is even introduced as looking like the devil. Not sure if that's prophecy or a warning or ... a good thing?

At the heart of the story is Isabel, who travels to Ibiza in the wake of her sister’s death, determined to complete the bucket list her sister left behind. It’s a compelling starting point, and in many ways, Isabel carries the novel well. Her grief feels real, her longing for a fresh start is understandable, and her quiet fear of disappointing her family gives her choices a weight that grounds even the more impulsive moments of the plot.

I did appreciate the female friendships in this book. The women Isabel meets at the nightclub are not incidental; they are warm, supportive, and fully present. They push her beyond the limits she has set for herself, but they also remain steady when the emotional cost of that stretching becomes clear. There is something genuinely refreshing in a story where female friendship is not competitive or peripheral, but sustaining.

The romance, however—the element that ought to anchor the story—is never convincing. Cristiano, the love interest, promises complexity, but much of that potential remains unexplored. His backstory hints at depth, yet the narrative doesn’t linger there long enough for it to take shape. Structurally, the imbalance is noticeable: only a handful of chapters are told from his perspective, which leaves him feeling less like a fully realized character and more like a presence moving through Isabel’s story.

As a result, the relationship between them feels rushed and contrived in ways that matter. There are moments of sweetness and glimpses of connection, but they are quickly overtaken by physical attraction that arrives almost fully formed. The tension and slow unfolding—the sense of yearning that makes a romance feel real—never quite has room to develop. What emerges instead is a dynamic in which the physical intimacy outpaces the emotional one, leaving the relationship feeling slightly untethered.

Cristiano’s characterization further complicates this. His protectiveness, which might have been written as attentive or grounding, often tips into something more controlling than compelling. Without a deeper understanding of his interior life, those moments don’t read as expressions of care so much as assertions of presence and maybe something darker and more concerning, and the distinction matters.

There is, throughout, a tension between what the novel gestures toward and what it ultimately delivers. It gestures toward healing, toward transformation, toward a love that might grow out of shared vulnerability. But it settles for something quicker, more surface-level, particularly in the romantic arc.

In the end, this is a story that may work best for readers who enjoy a lighter, escapist romance with a pretty hefty offering of spice. For those looking for a deeper integration of emotional intimacy and physical connection, it may feel as though something essential remains just out of reach.

Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.

[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!

[Nightbird Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

After tragically losing her sister, Isabel De Vere vows to live life like Winnie would, and her first order of business is to spend her summer in Ibiza, just like Winnie wanted to. Armed with a bucket list and a suitcase of clothes that Winnie never got to wear, Isabel is ready for an adventure of a lifetime...

Cristiano Moreno Winthrop is an entrepreneur who has taken Ibiza by storm, from successful clubs and restaurants, to his devastatingly good looks, the ladies sure love him... and then there's Isabel who would love nothing more to fly well below his radar...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our Secret Summer was sexy, sweet, charming, and full of fantastic banter, which is the perfect combination for an unforgettable summer beach read! Isabel and Cristiano's romance may have been set at a slow burn pace, but it was filled with so many heartwarming and scorching hot moments, I just absolutely loved them both from their very first encounter!

Isabel "Elle" De Vere may be the heiress to De Vere Diamonds, but this summer all she wanted to be was Elle, a waitress at Ibiza's hottest club, which just so happened to be owned by Cristiano Moreno Winthrop. And while the Isabel and Cristiano may run in the same "circles" in her normal life, she wasn't spending her summer in Ibiza to be the same old Isabel...

Cristiano may be gorgeous and untouchable, but he had a soft spot when it comes to Isabel... and her grandma. And while his many business ventures kept him way too busy, he couldn't resist every moment that he wanted to spend with Isabel.

I absolutely loved everything about this book! From its gorgeous Ibiza setting to all of the wonderful friends Isabel adds to her life, the attraction between Isabel and Cristiano is just the cherry on top! I loved how Isabel challenges Cristiano, and although he is revered among his peers, Isabel has no time for fawning over him as well. The absolute heartbreaking loss of Winnie may be what drove Isabel to her summer in Ibiza, but the life she found for herself there was all her...

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

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[Cheyenne Oleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ur Secret Summer by Our Secret Summer was the perfect sun-soaked escape filled with romance, grief, self-discovery, and just the right amount of tension. This book felt like stepping onto a plane to Ibiza with a carry-on full of feelings and sunscreen ☀️🌊

I really loved the emotional core of this story. Isabel’s journey to complete her late sister Winnie’s bucket list gave the romance so much more depth than just a typical summer fling. You could feel Winnie’s presence woven throughout the story, and it made Isabel’s growth feel meaningful and emotional without becoming too heavy. Watching Isabel slowly step outside of the sheltered life her family expected of her and start living for herself was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The Ibiza setting was absolutely dreamy. Between the nightlife, beaches, yachts, and spontaneous adventures, the entire story had this vibrant vacation atmosphere that made it incredibly easy to get lost in. R.S. Grey really captured that magical “one unforgettable summer” feeling perfectly.

And then there’s Cristiano 👀
Broody, protective, rich, emotionally guarded… basically the human version of a luxury black sports car parked dramatically by the ocean. I loved the chemistry between him and Isabel. Their banter was fun, the tension built naturally, and I really enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine dynamic between them. The way he slowly softened toward Isabel while helping her complete Winnie’s list was genuinely sweet.

I also loved the found family aspect and Isabel’s friendships throughout the book. Those relationships added warmth and humor and helped balance some of the heavier emotional moments tied to grief and identity.

My only reason for not giving this five stars is that I wanted just a little more emotional depth from Cristiano toward the end. While the romance was swoony and engaging, I would have loved a few more vulnerable conversations between the two of them on page before everything wrapped up. Still, the story was addictive, heartfelt, and incredibly fun to read.

If you’re looking for a feel-good summer romance with emotional depth, slow-burn tension, beautiful scenery, and a heroine finding herself along the way, this is definitely one to add to your summer TBR.

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

[Ashley Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This book was absolute perfection! You can just feel the freedom, the lightness, the joy, and all the deep burning love and passion — all the makings of an amazing read. A true summer romance.

Isabel, or Elle as she uses to disguise herself and give a new identity, is in Ibiza for the summer after chasing her sister’s dream and bucket list to the island. She’s determined to accomplish these bucket list adventures and live out her sister’s (who was her best friend) dream, even if it means lying to her parents and having her grandmother as an accomplice. Along the way, she meets some friends who become like family. These girls help get her a job at a very hip club, where she meets the boss, Christiano — A true Spanish, handsome, workaholic, man. Christiano and Isabel have a connection that goes way back, to both their grandmothers being best friends and living on the inland. And with that connection, Christiano is tasked with looking after Isabel as a favor to her grandmother. But this “babysitting” takes on a different roll when the chemistry these two have starts spilling over. The attraction is there, and when these two give in to it, it’s as hot as the summer sun! The passion and intensity these two share together melted my heart and made me fan myself at the same time. You can feel their tension and banter radiating off the pages. I absolutely fell in love with them and their summer love that turned into way more.

It wasn’t just the relationship between Isabel and Christiano that was so sweet and loving, but the found family that Isabel formed with her two best friends. I love seeing their fun relationship as girlfriends and that it sparked having a friendship for life.

This book was no fuss. Just a fun read that really made you feel like you were there in Ibiza. It sucks you in and I could not put this book down. Truly a great summer read that can be read at any time. It will definitely be a re-read for me!

This was an ARC read for me, and these are my honest opinions.

[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.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer has me ready to pack my bags and hit the beach - and I say this as someone whose favorite season is sweater weather.

Before Isabel’s sister Winnie died she made a bucket list for one magical summer. Now it’s Isabel who finds herself on Ibiza with a duffel bag full of Winnie’s clothes and the determination to have the kind of summer that would make Winnie proud. When Isabel’s money is stolen from her hostel locker, she makes a plan to get a job at the hottest club on the island no matter what. What she doesn’t anticipate is Cristiano, the hottest man she’s ever laid eyes on and her new boss.

I really loved our FMC Isabel. Though she comes to Ibiza to fulfill her sister’s bucket list, this summer is really the one where she comes into her own. Isabel’s grief of losing her sister is in full display, but this book wasn’t as heavy as I was expecting it to be. The grief is there along with Winnie’s memory, but Isabel processes it in a way that allows her to take care of herself while still living her life to her fullest. Seeing her grow and realize what she wants (and doesn’t) out of her life was really my favorite part of this story. Cristiano was a sexy, exciting love interest, but I definitely struggled with their relationship a bit. It felt like something was missing - I think I would have enjoyed this more if there had been a bit of a backstory between the two of them and not just their shared connection (I don’t want to spoil anything). That being said, I think the ending was really special and I did end up getting a bit emotional.

Thank you so much to Requited and NetGalley for a review copy. This was such a fun way to kick off my summer reading and I look forward to reading from this author again in the future!

[Kelly Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Secret Summer Review

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Book: Our Secret Summer
Author: R.S. Grey
Genre: Romance
Medium: E-book

Goodreads synopsis excerpt: Escape to Ibiza in this sparkling summertime romance about a young woman determined to complete her late sister's bucket list.

Review: A fun, flirty summer read that I finished in one day from how enticing the book was. It has a bit of a slow, but every second is worth once it picks up. As a huge fan of Vanderpump Rules, this felt like VPR on Ibiza is Lisa was a hot 35 year old European man.

Their banter, their chemistry, and unexpected tender towards each other made this relationship feel so organic and engaging. As Isabel is trying to complete the bucket list of her late sister, Cristiano aids her in any way he can. With a vibrant cast of characters and scenes that made me feel like I was there with them, I couldn’t put this book down.

This is the book to pick up if you want to live out your Ibiza dreams, with a handsome man, and healing from the loss of a loved one.

If you enjoy:
* workplace romance - nightclub
* Vanderpump Rules x Below Deck shows
* he’s her boss
* Ibiza island settings
* healing from grief
* bucket list trope
* dual POV

Then this is the book for you.

I’ve included one of my favorite quotes below that will convince just about anyone to pick up the book if they haven’t already and why I love these characters so much.

"It's a summer fling," I insisted.
"The best kind."
"My friends think I need to be smart about it. Not get too attached."
She scoffed. "Nonsense. Do the exact opposite. Jump in with both feet. Flirt with wild abandon. There is nothing as electrifying as young love.”

Thank you RS Grey and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute light-hearted read for me. Perfect for the start of summer, if I do say so myself! I don't remember why I requested this ARC since I've never read anything from this author before but I'm glad I did. While I very much liked the story, I kind of wished that the author dove deeper into the background story of Isabel's sister and her/their dynamic or just her sister, because I think that would have been an interesting aspect to add to this book! Would have made it a five-star read for me...I also wished the author would have dived deeper into Cristiano, like the author could have added more aspects of his background or his culture and intertwine those into the story cause seriously, who is he? All we really know is that he's a tall guy who loves to be in control, has a cousin who is a close friend, and has a nice house. Then I reminded myself that this is not supposed to be a deep, heavy, read but a light-hearted summer story. Continuing on with that mindset, I kinda liked how the book finished = everything wrapped up nicely and a turquoise bow added on top.


Yes diving deeper into these characters would have made this a five-star read for me but it was still a cute story. There was no major climax in the story (or conflict) and I would've LOVED to read about each bucket list cross off but oh well! It made me wish I was enjoying my summer already and not still in the classroom/working (19 days left)!

[⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆ Kim ⋆˚୨ৎ˚⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars

Thank you to Requited, R.S. Grey, and NetGalley for the eARC AND gifted physical ARC copy I won in a giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Our Secret Summer will be officially published on May 5th, 2026!

"One day you will be my age and you'll be glad for those aching memories. They'll become a measure of life you'll hold dear."

𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓
*Alexa, play "Eurosummer" by Zara Larsson*

This was such a cute summertime story! This was my first time reading an R.S. Grey book and there were so many amazing messages to take away from this story, from processing grief and loss and how to move on after loss, living your life on your own terms, being in your twenties and not being sure where life is going to take you next, the idea of freedom, and finding love in the most unexpected of places.

(Also, if I had a dollar for every time I read a book this year with a main character with the last name of De Vere, I'd have 2 dollars. It's not a lot, but it's funny that it's happened twice.)

✎𓂃Full review to come soon!
𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓 ｡𖦹°‧ ⋆☀︎.𖤓

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of visiting her grandmother in France, Isabel flies off to Ibiza to have a summer where she has some adventure and fun and follows through on her deceased sister's bucket list. While the first part of the trip raises challenges and is a struggle for Isabel, she soon makes a friend, lands a job and meets her boss, who turns heads wherever he goes. The twist is, their grandmothers were besties and Isabel's grandmother asks Cristiano to look after Isabel.

I loved how Cristiano didn't really hide his interest in Isabel...at all. He was smitten from the start and his protectiveness of her was sexy and swoony. I love that he wanted to help her with the bucket list and ultimately became a support for Isabel as she navigated the loss of her sister. The chemistry between these two was definitely not lacking but I also liked that there was a deeper conenction than just the physical. This story does have a bit of an insta lust/love vibe, and while I am normally not a fan, the author did a pretty good job with it.

I really enjoyed these characters and I loved Isabel's Lita. I adored the relationship they shared and how she truly wanted Isabel to be happy. I found the book engaging and I did not want the story to end. I would definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[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.

[Amber R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a day!!

OMG- I absolutely loved this book. The witty, flirty banter was top notch!

The book started with the FMC, Isabel, still mourning the loss of her sister. Their family is well-to-do, owning a famous jewelry brand. Isabel is an educated and witty woman. She's eager to please her family, even if it costs her own happiness. Isabel has a bucket list her sister made before she died. All the things Winnie was going to her summer in Ibiza. After Winnies death, Isabel feels like she needs to complete the list, BUT- her parents have become super protective since Winnies death, so Isabel comes up with a plan to spend a summer on Ibiza without her parents knowing.

Cristiano is the MMC. He lives in Ibiza and has worked his way into owning a large chunk of the hospitality market of Ibiza. He is TALL, DARK, and HANDSOME! 🔥 He gets introduced to Isabel when her grandma calls him to ask a favor. There is history there you will have to read to find out!!!

When Isabel starts working at a club owned by Cristiano- the sparks start!! 🔥

Once I started this book- there was no way I was putting it down! So good- READ IT!!

All the amazing tropes
✔️summer romance
✔️forbidden love
✔️bucket list
✔️grief/healing journey
✔️forced proximity
✨I mean sexy hot rich guy on island

5⭐️

[Abby Laswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, lighthearted summer read and perfect if you are looking for a bingeable romance to devour.

I really liked the premise of this story. Isabel finds herself going to Ibiza to finish her sister’s summer bucket list after she passes, and I thought that added a meaningful layer to the book. I loved the setting so much. Summer in Ibiza felt so vivid, and I honestly felt like I was escaping to the beautiful blue waters of the Mediterranean while reading. The pacing is pretty fast, and I flew through this book. I was actually surprised by how quickly I finished it.

My favorite part was definitely the female friendships. Simone and Annika completely made the book for me, and I found myself wanting more of them. They were easily the stars of the story.
I did enjoy the romance between Cristiano and Isabel, but it did feel like it happened pretty quickly. I would not call this a slow burn. It leaned a little insta-lovey for me, and I found myself wanting a deeper connection between them. That being said, if you are looking for something light and easy, I think it still works.

Overall, I really enjoyed Our Secret Summer. It is a quick, lighthearted read that fully transported me to the beaches of Ibiza.

[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.

[callistoscalling · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 Book Review 📖 What are my plans for summer? I have no idea. We are still figuring out where each of our four kids needs to be for their activities…but at least my books can travel with me. And for now, I can dream of adventures in faraway places like Ibiza through the very colorful pages of R.S. Grey’s latest novel.
As Isabel grieves the loss of her sister while balancing the always looming responsibilities of the family business, blowing it all off to finish her sister’s bucket list seems like the only way to approach this summer. And there’s way more in store with a veiled sabbatical to the infamous island off of Spain than she could have ever imagined…
Our Secret Summer does not just pop with this stunning edition, it’s a wildly fun adventure that brings the nostalgia of youth. While I do not ever want to go back to the days that I classified sangria as dinner and prefer to stick to my 9pm bedtime, I will never outgrow the wanderlust. Our Secret Summer is the perfect escape, no passport needed, absolutely sweeping you off your feet into a journey that is magical - perfectly balancing enthralling fun and catharsis.