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The Summer Girlfriend
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Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 23:15:36
10 copies available
U.S. only
A stand-in girlfriend and a handsome business heir find that their fake summer fling is feeling way too real in this new romance by USA Today bestselling author Kristina Forest.
Noelle Lewis doesn’t have time for long walks on the beach, brunch with the girls, or summer vacations. She’s too busy saving up to go back to college. After recently getting laid off from her bookseller job, her main gig is now serving as a “stand-in” bridesmaid, which doesn’t pay enough for the upcoming semester’s tuition. But then the perfect, if not unconventional, opportunity arises…
Jeremiah Smith II, grandson of the founder of Smith’s Sweets—a well-known baked goods company—once lived a life of frivolity. Since his grandfather’s death, Jeremiah’s tried to clean up his act, but it’s hard to focus when his family requests that he join them at their summer house in Heart Beach, New Jersey, where his most painful memory lies. To avoid going there, Jeremiah claims he already has plans with his girlfriend, and of course, his family tells him to bring her. The problem? Jeremiah doesn’t have a girlfriend.
After a chance meeting, Noelle and Jeremiah come to an agreement. He’ll hire her to be his stand-in girlfriend for the weekend, and she’ll use that money toward her tuition. She figures it will be quick, easy money, but as it turns out, Jeremiah’s family is lovely, and Jeremiah is even lovelier. Soon, a weekend agreement turns into an entire summer, and Noelle and Jeremiah will have to keep their hearts in check, or else it’s sink or swim for them both.
Noelle Lewis doesn’t have time for long walks on the beach, brunch with the girls, or summer vacations. She’s too busy saving up to go back to college. After recently getting laid off from her bookseller job, her main gig is now serving as a “stand-in” bridesmaid, which doesn’t pay enough for the upcoming semester’s tuition. But then the perfect, if not unconventional, opportunity arises…
Jeremiah Smith II, grandson of the founder of Smith’s Sweets—a well-known baked goods company—once lived a life of frivolity. Since his grandfather’s death, Jeremiah’s tried to clean up his act, but it’s hard to focus when his family requests that he join them at their summer house in Heart Beach, New Jersey, where his most painful memory lies. To avoid going there, Jeremiah claims he already has plans with his girlfriend, and of course, his family tells him to bring her. The problem? Jeremiah doesn’t have a girlfriend.
After a chance meeting, Noelle and Jeremiah come to an agreement. He’ll hire her to be his stand-in girlfriend for the weekend, and she’ll use that money toward her tuition. She figures it will be quick, easy money, but as it turns out, Jeremiah’s family is lovely, and Jeremiah is even lovelier. Soon, a weekend agreement turns into an entire summer, and Noelle and Jeremiah will have to keep their hearts in check, or else it’s sink or swim for them both.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 9, 2026
7258 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Forest
11 books2,799 followersKristina Forest is the USA Today bestselling author of romances for both teens and adults. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at The New School and she can often be found rearranging her bookshelf.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Want to read
December 28, 2025this cover...omg
Want to read
January 15, 2026I love the cover!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Kristina Forest for the early eARC!
Publication date: June 9, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, Kristina Forest for the early eARC!
Publication date: June 9, 2026
January 14, 2026
Umm…I don’t know about yall… 👀 but you can find me at HEART BEACH this summer! 🤭Kristina Forest is SO BACK with this fun summer romance that had me hooked from the blurb!
THE SUMMER GIRLFRIEND, the 1st book in a series set with Smith siblings that takes place at their summer home in Heart Beach, NJ. This one is has a fake dating summer fling between Noelle Lewis, a stand-in girlfriend with aspirations of going back to college to finish her degree & the handsome business heir to the illustrious Smiths Sweets—a well known dessert company, Jeremiah Smith II that starts to become way too real—I mean honestly, what could go wrong? 🤷🏽♀️
I loved this book, like all Kristina’s books it was fun, flirty, centered in Black Love 🖤 & was filled with humor, family and rooted in legacy. The swoony bits that had me like, “OKAY!!!” 🤭This was all just a great time.
I can’t wait for all to enjoy like I did. Bravo Kristina! Can’t wait for more!
Thank you @kristinaforest_ & @berkleypub / @berkleyromance for a chance to read this stunning novel early in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Late sunsets, tanlines, and funnel cakes are all things The Summer Girlfriend has left me craving. Oh, and an emotionally intelligent, smart man with a wonderful family. Noelle is not having the best day ever, her plan of how she will save up money for tuition has been derailed, and then she meets Jeremiah. Meanwhile. Jeremiah is on a mission to find a book and has a chance encounter with Noelle, the bookseller at a local used bookstore. Jeremiah has the intention of buying a present and ends up with a plan to help Noelle and himself. This is the story of their summer together. Noelle and Jeremiah work through their emotions, dealing with life's obstacles while finding the space for each other. This story will leave you hopeful and craving to know more about where life takes Jeremiah and Noelle.
The story progresses at a good pace, but there are times where I am left wanting more. More is given as the story progresses, but I wanted to learn more about the side characters. The story does develop in an appropriate manner and has a good build up and conclusion within the plot, yet I want to know more of the inner monologue of the side characters. The way the story is shared, it could be a set up for interconnected stand alone. I would love to know more about Jeremiah's siblings and his mother, Celeste.
I rated this book a 4.5/5, but I would round it up to a 5 as there is more good than bad, and the things that want me craving more, were due to a beautiful world the author created.
This book would be good for anyone who loves summer settings, beach vibes, friends to lovers, and seeing diverse characters.The plot grips you from the beginning, has a steady pace, and the characters are lovable.
I want to thank Berkley Publishing group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own!
The story progresses at a good pace, but there are times where I am left wanting more. More is given as the story progresses, but I wanted to learn more about the side characters. The story does develop in an appropriate manner and has a good build up and conclusion within the plot, yet I want to know more of the inner monologue of the side characters. The way the story is shared, it could be a set up for interconnected stand alone. I would love to know more about Jeremiah's siblings and his mother, Celeste.
I rated this book a 4.5/5, but I would round it up to a 5 as there is more good than bad, and the things that want me craving more, were due to a beautiful world the author created.
This book would be good for anyone who loves summer settings, beach vibes, friends to lovers, and seeing diverse characters.The plot grips you from the beginning, has a steady pace, and the characters are lovable.
I want to thank Berkley Publishing group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own!
January 23, 2026
4.75 stars
Finishing this book has me yearning for the days of reading on the beach after a swim, packed sandwich in hand, cooler full of canned sodas, letting the sun soak into your skin while leaned over a paperback in the sand (ok, on a beck towel—but, you get the vibes).
There’s something really affirming about a romance that understands early adulthood (I’m including everybody under 35, iykyk). All the years where you’re ambitious (tired), hopeful, and still figuring things out. The Summer Girlfriend captures that stage so well through Noelle, who’s super relatable and just trying to make the best decisions she can without having everything figured out yet.
I also really loved reading a romance where a rich man falls in love with a Black girl and the story isn’t about fixing her life.
My favorite part of this book were the small details! It’s full of everyday moments that make the story feel textured and lived-in. As someone who grew up in New England, the setting was so nostalgic in the best way.
If you loved Bridesmaids for Hire by Meghan Quinn like I did, this is an easy recommendation!
Finishing this book has me yearning for the days of reading on the beach after a swim, packed sandwich in hand, cooler full of canned sodas, letting the sun soak into your skin while leaned over a paperback in the sand (ok, on a beck towel—but, you get the vibes).
There’s something really affirming about a romance that understands early adulthood (I’m including everybody under 35, iykyk). All the years where you’re ambitious (tired), hopeful, and still figuring things out. The Summer Girlfriend captures that stage so well through Noelle, who’s super relatable and just trying to make the best decisions she can without having everything figured out yet.
I also really loved reading a romance where a rich man falls in love with a Black girl and the story isn’t about fixing her life.
My favorite part of this book were the small details! It’s full of everyday moments that make the story feel textured and lived-in. As someone who grew up in New England, the setting was so nostalgic in the best way.
If you loved Bridesmaids for Hire by Meghan Quinn like I did, this is an easy recommendation!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kristina Forest is an auto read author! She has great stories that do not overshadow incredible characters. "The Summer Girlfriend" is another hit that will be the perfect summer read.
This book is 3rd POV and we get insights into both Jeremiah and Noelle's minds which is nice to read. I absolutely love the fake dating set up and I think the set up and story flow was done really well. The author really know how to write characters (main and side) that are so easy to connect and sympathize with. With this one however, I did find the romance a little cringy once they got together - I don't think writing those scenes are the author's strength and I wish it was more a fade to black. Regardless I absolutely loved this book. I really hope the author continues to write in this world as there are definitely more stories to explore.
Rated 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.
This book is 3rd POV and we get insights into both Jeremiah and Noelle's minds which is nice to read. I absolutely love the fake dating set up and I think the set up and story flow was done really well. The author really know how to write characters (main and side) that are so easy to connect and sympathize with. With this one however, I did find the romance a little cringy once they got together - I don't think writing those scenes are the author's strength and I wish it was more a fade to black. Regardless I absolutely loved this book. I really hope the author continues to write in this world as there are definitely more stories to explore.
Rated 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 stars. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC ebook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This summer read was exactly what I needed to take my mind off the cold winter days! Kristina Forest just doesn’t miss!
The Summer Girlfriend is the first book in the new series following the Smith siblings, starting with Jeremiah and his stand-in girlfriend, Noelle. The spark between Jeremiah and Noelle was instant. I loved how much they cared for each other. You almost forget that this was not a “real” relationship from the start – they forgot too!
I love how Kristina was able to highlight Black entrepreneurship, Black legacy, Black love and Black resilience so beautifully throughout! Her books also always provide such great takes on the varying sibling dynamics within the families. It feels so relatable.
I can’t wait to return to Heart Beach!
Thank you to Kristina Forest, Berkley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the first book in this series!
The Summer Girlfriend is the first book in the new series following the Smith siblings, starting with Jeremiah and his stand-in girlfriend, Noelle. The spark between Jeremiah and Noelle was instant. I loved how much they cared for each other. You almost forget that this was not a “real” relationship from the start – they forgot too!
I love how Kristina was able to highlight Black entrepreneurship, Black legacy, Black love and Black resilience so beautifully throughout! Her books also always provide such great takes on the varying sibling dynamics within the families. It feels so relatable.
I can’t wait to return to Heart Beach!
Thank you to Kristina Forest, Berkley, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the first book in this series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Berkley Marketing and Kristina Forest for the early eARC of The Summer Girlfriend!
I really enjoyed getting to know Noelle, Jeremiah and the entire Smith Family. This accidental romance was a fun summer read that addressed family secrets, legacy and falling in love unexpectedly.
Kristina Forest’s ability to mix romance with a side of family drama is always fun to read. There was no shortage of drama and love. I really enjoyed Jeremiah’s journey to find himself and his place in his family business. He had to face his own demons and have some hard conversations with his family.
Overall a great entertaining read.
I really enjoyed getting to know Noelle, Jeremiah and the entire Smith Family. This accidental romance was a fun summer read that addressed family secrets, legacy and falling in love unexpectedly.
Kristina Forest’s ability to mix romance with a side of family drama is always fun to read. There was no shortage of drama and love. I really enjoyed Jeremiah’s journey to find himself and his place in his family business. He had to face his own demons and have some hard conversations with his family.
Overall a great entertaining read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved Jeremiah and Noelle’s story! I want to visit Heart Beach ASAP!!!! Black Love, Entrepreneurship, Family owned business, Legacy. I felt all the feels reading their story and didn’t want it to end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fun fake dating storyline. Noelle and Jeremiah were super cute together. Supportive family and friends. Just a fun read all around.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing for this ARC in Exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Summer Girlfriend to come out June 9, 2026.
Thanks to Berkley Publishing for this ARC in Exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Summer Girlfriend to come out June 9, 2026.
Read
January 27, 2026*early work perk read*
February 3, 2026
Heart Beach is now on my list of travel destinations! I enjoyed this book and thanks to NetGalley for providing an early copy. From relationships, to family, to growth, this book has it all. I enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end and wouldn’t mind a part 2.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews