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Heart Beach #1
The Summer Girlfriend
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26A fake summer fling between a stand-in girlfriend and a handsome business heir becomes way too real in this glittering 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 9, 2026
13375 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Forest
11 books2,961 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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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I literally can't wait for it to be summer so I can reread this. This had everything I look for in a romance book.
The book is written in 3rd POV, which I really liked because it gave us a bigger scope of the story rather than the usual first pov in romance books. The prologue takes us back to the mid-1970s, where we meet Jeremiah’s grandparents just as they’re starting their bakery, Smith’s Sweets, which is honestly one of the sweetest origin stories you could imagine. After the passing of his grandfather, Jeremiah leaves the family business out of grief and distances himself from his mom and siblings. His headstrong mom, Celeste, continues to encourage him to attend summers at Haven Beach with the rest of his family. Jeremiah, still grieving, continues to make excuses to not attend, such as spending time with a fake girlfriend, a lie that pleases his mother, until she wants to meet her
Noelle is a for-hire bridesmaid who is struggling to save up enough money to return to college and finish her degree, then become a librarian, after losing her scholarship. When she's let go from her bookstore job, fate has in store that Jeremiah walks in on the last day to purchase a book for his sister. After discovering her side hustle, Jeremiah presents the idea of hiring her as his girlfriend to abide by his lie, and ugh what a start of a romance!!
It was sooo sweet, fun, and filled with such summer vibes. Jeremiah and Noelle had great chemistry, and I loved their personalities and their treatment of each other. They were so relatable and authentic. The development of their relationship was really well-paced, and I loved seeing them fall in love throughout the summer. I think that the side characters were a great addition and really strengthened the story. I found that this book had none of the usual tropes that usually irritate me, and I don't think I cringed even once.
Also, I knew this was set in New Jersey, but it feels so weird having my small town continuously mentioned in a book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The book is written in 3rd POV, which I really liked because it gave us a bigger scope of the story rather than the usual first pov in romance books. The prologue takes us back to the mid-1970s, where we meet Jeremiah’s grandparents just as they’re starting their bakery, Smith’s Sweets, which is honestly one of the sweetest origin stories you could imagine. After the passing of his grandfather, Jeremiah leaves the family business out of grief and distances himself from his mom and siblings. His headstrong mom, Celeste, continues to encourage him to attend summers at Haven Beach with the rest of his family. Jeremiah, still grieving, continues to make excuses to not attend, such as spending time with a fake girlfriend, a lie that pleases his mother, until she wants to meet her
Noelle is a for-hire bridesmaid who is struggling to save up enough money to return to college and finish her degree, then become a librarian, after losing her scholarship. When she's let go from her bookstore job, fate has in store that Jeremiah walks in on the last day to purchase a book for his sister. After discovering her side hustle, Jeremiah presents the idea of hiring her as his girlfriend to abide by his lie, and ugh what a start of a romance!!
It was sooo sweet, fun, and filled with such summer vibes. Jeremiah and Noelle had great chemistry, and I loved their personalities and their treatment of each other. They were so relatable and authentic. The development of their relationship was really well-paced, and I loved seeing them fall in love throughout the summer. I think that the side characters were a great addition and really strengthened the story. I found that this book had none of the usual tropes that usually irritate me, and I don't think I cringed even once.
Also, I knew this was set in New Jersey, but it feels so weird having my small town continuously mentioned in a book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
4.0 ★— Being generously paid to spend a summer fake dating a hot, wealthy guy is a dream scenario, and I’m supremely jealous of the main character of this book.
At 27, Noelle Lewis has had a rough couple of years, not being able to finish college after a regretful mistake and having to take care of her ailing mother. Determined to complete her degree and become a librarian, she works multiple jobs, one of which is being a bridesmaid for hire, giving her the acting and people skills to be the perfect fake girlfriend.
Jeremiah Smith II, the MMC, is the wealthy son of a prominent family and the respectful, conscientious man of any woman’s dreams. I can’t express how light and fun this was to read, as I got all the summery feelings in this decidedly un-summery time for me.
This story is told in a dual POV style, which I usually don’t prefer, but I really enjoyed it here because the MMC and his family are actually well developed! They’re an amazing part of the book, and seeing their bonds and relationships through Jeremiah’s perspective is a very important element of the story.
His family business, a large baked goods company started by his grandparents, is a narrative centerpiece, connecting him and his family members and their clear love tied up into it. The book also does a good job of portraying his complicated relationship with his grandfather, who is already dead at the beginning of the story. His lingering feelings there drive many of the emotions he’s grappling with.
And while in many stories I have to actively suspend my disbelief to buy into the whole fake dating setup, here I thought it made a lot of sense for him to find a fake girlfriend, as he deals with a lot of complicated emotions that make him want to maintain a certain façade for his family.
Now, while I really enjoyed this book, there were a few things I noticed. There were moments where I thought it lacked a bit of tension, or maybe just some of the more interesting, fun things that can come up with the fake dating trope.
Noelle and Jeremiah's first meeting felt so smooth that their move into fake dating was almost too seamless, and I think that removed some of the fun tension or banter that could have been developed between them. A lot of the zany, chaotic, and more interesting moments that the fake dating trope could invoke felt almost sidestepped, which zapped the story of a bit of charm and kept me from feeling more tension.
I also thought the sex scenes were a bit disappointing as they felt somewhat devoid of the personality both characters showed elsewhere, and I didn’t feel like they fully conveyed the very real attraction these two shared.
Otherwise, I’ll say again that I really liked how respectful the MMC was, and I thought his genuinely loving and supportive family dynamic was a joy to read. Also, seeing a heroine who’s been working hard finally be spoiled is always fun, which this book has plenty of!
____________
Thank you to the Berkley for the ARC.
At 27, Noelle Lewis has had a rough couple of years, not being able to finish college after a regretful mistake and having to take care of her ailing mother. Determined to complete her degree and become a librarian, she works multiple jobs, one of which is being a bridesmaid for hire, giving her the acting and people skills to be the perfect fake girlfriend.
Jeremiah Smith II, the MMC, is the wealthy son of a prominent family and the respectful, conscientious man of any woman’s dreams. I can’t express how light and fun this was to read, as I got all the summery feelings in this decidedly un-summery time for me.
This story is told in a dual POV style, which I usually don’t prefer, but I really enjoyed it here because the MMC and his family are actually well developed! They’re an amazing part of the book, and seeing their bonds and relationships through Jeremiah’s perspective is a very important element of the story.
His family business, a large baked goods company started by his grandparents, is a narrative centerpiece, connecting him and his family members and their clear love tied up into it. The book also does a good job of portraying his complicated relationship with his grandfather, who is already dead at the beginning of the story. His lingering feelings there drive many of the emotions he’s grappling with.
And while in many stories I have to actively suspend my disbelief to buy into the whole fake dating setup, here I thought it made a lot of sense for him to find a fake girlfriend, as he deals with a lot of complicated emotions that make him want to maintain a certain façade for his family.
Now, while I really enjoyed this book, there were a few things I noticed. There were moments where I thought it lacked a bit of tension, or maybe just some of the more interesting, fun things that can come up with the fake dating trope.
Noelle and Jeremiah's first meeting felt so smooth that their move into fake dating was almost too seamless, and I think that removed some of the fun tension or banter that could have been developed between them. A lot of the zany, chaotic, and more interesting moments that the fake dating trope could invoke felt almost sidestepped, which zapped the story of a bit of charm and kept me from feeling more tension.
I also thought the sex scenes were a bit disappointing as they felt somewhat devoid of the personality both characters showed elsewhere, and I didn’t feel like they fully conveyed the very real attraction these two shared.
Otherwise, I’ll say again that I really liked how respectful the MMC was, and I thought his genuinely loving and supportive family dynamic was a joy to read. Also, seeing a heroine who’s been working hard finally be spoiled is always fun, which this book has plenty of!
____________
Thank you to the Berkley for the ARC.
April 20, 2026
This was such a heartwarming story. Fake dating turned into a slow burn romance, with family growing pains and self acceptance. The romance was sweet and believable.
I went into this read expecting something light and fluffy. What we get instead is an emotional story that is very relatable. Two people with different upbringings both trying to figure out where they fit in. I really loved the family dynamic told in this story.
A perfect beach read. Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review
I went into this read expecting something light and fluffy. What we get instead is an emotional story that is very relatable. Two people with different upbringings both trying to figure out where they fit in. I really loved the family dynamic told in this story.
A perfect beach read. Thank you Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review
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
April 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted ARC!
4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve been reading so many fake dating books lately, but this one was so good.
Jeremiah and Noelle were adorable. From the meet cute to the way they supported each other, I loved their relationship. Even when they barely knew each other, they were already cheering each other on, and I really appreciated how well they communicated. I especially loved Noelle. No matter how many times life knocked her down, she kept going and fighting for what she wanted.
I also really loved Jeremiah’s family. They weren’t perfect, but they were so warm and welcoming and made Noelle feel like she belonged right away. The detail that she grew up loving their sweets was such a cute touch.
This is the perfect beach read. A slow burn romance that felt natural, emotional, and just really easy to get lost in. I can’t wait to see where Heart Beach takes us next!
4.5 stars rounded up. I’ve been reading so many fake dating books lately, but this one was so good.
Jeremiah and Noelle were adorable. From the meet cute to the way they supported each other, I loved their relationship. Even when they barely knew each other, they were already cheering each other on, and I really appreciated how well they communicated. I especially loved Noelle. No matter how many times life knocked her down, she kept going and fighting for what she wanted.
I also really loved Jeremiah’s family. They weren’t perfect, but they were so warm and welcoming and made Noelle feel like she belonged right away. The detail that she grew up loving their sweets was such a cute touch.
This is the perfect beach read. A slow burn romance that felt natural, emotional, and just really easy to get lost in. I can’t wait to see where Heart Beach takes us next!
March 2, 2026
Girlfriend for hire. Fake dating. Family drama. I loved all of this so much especially Jeremiah he was such a nice guy I loved him!
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
May 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It’s so nice to get to read about characters that are super sweet and communicate so well. Sure I’m here for the drama most of the time, but this was a more enjoyable to read for me with it being so low stakes. They fake date because he wants to make his family happy and she needs money to go back to school. Yes there’s plot and conflict, but its not over the top. It’s just enough to move the book along while still highlighting a great group of characters that I would love to spend the summer with if given the chance.
🤭 fake dating
✨ strangers to lovers
❤️🔥 slow burn
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
🤭 fake dating
✨ strangers to lovers
❤️🔥 slow burn
dual POV
4/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
May 10, 2026
4.5 - Kristina Forest does it again!! This is the PERFECT summer beach read, especially if you are a romance reader!! I loved the New Jersey/beach setting, it made me want to go to the shore!! And I absolutely loved the love story between Jeremiah and Noelle. Their relationship felt so intimate and tender from the very beginning. I love me a fake dating trope and they took it to the next level! I also really loved seeing both Jeremiah and Noelle grow as humans and adults throughout the book.
Definitely a top romance book of the year for me!! Thanks to Berkley Romance for the free early copy :)
Definitely a top romance book of the year for me!! Thanks to Berkley Romance for the free early copy :)
arc-tbr
March 5, 2026˚ ༘♡ pre-read:
╰┈➤ received an arc march 5th, 2026
berkley decided to bless me this morning ... 🏃♀️
╰┈➤ received an arc march 5th, 2026
berkley decided to bless me this morning ... 🏃♀️
April 12, 2026
One thing about me... ima always tear up a fake dating/marriage of convenience trope!!
I'm a big fan of Kristina's and of course this book didn't disappoint!! I started on 4/7 and got a couple chapters in then jumped into something else, but came back this morning and finished it in one sitting lmaoo. It was so good and just extremely sweet honestly.
Loved all the characters!! Everybody had a special place in my heart. I do wish we got to see a little more from Tati since that was Noelle's best friend.. I feel like we didn't really know her much in the grand scheme of things but that's just me.
Noelle and Jeremiah were extremely adorable! Loved their relationship the entire time even when they were faking. They were just too cute!
I'd love to see more about Amara and Danny in the future though!! 👀 I need more details on them expeditiously lmaoo
But overall, amazing read!! Thank you so much to Kristina Forest, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC!! I heavilyyy enjoyed this one!! 🩷🩷🩷
(& yes I already preordered a copy and y'all should too!!)
I'm a big fan of Kristina's and of course this book didn't disappoint!! I started on 4/7 and got a couple chapters in then jumped into something else, but came back this morning and finished it in one sitting lmaoo. It was so good and just extremely sweet honestly.
Loved all the characters!! Everybody had a special place in my heart. I do wish we got to see a little more from Tati since that was Noelle's best friend.. I feel like we didn't really know her much in the grand scheme of things but that's just me.
Noelle and Jeremiah were extremely adorable! Loved their relationship the entire time even when they were faking. They were just too cute!
I'd love to see more about Amara and Danny in the future though!! 👀 I need more details on them expeditiously lmaoo
But overall, amazing read!! Thank you so much to Kristina Forest, Berkley Publishing, and NetGalley for the eARC!! I heavilyyy enjoyed this one!! 🩷🩷🩷
(& yes I already preordered a copy and y'all should too!!)
Want to Read
March 11, 2026Summer Romance? Fake Dating? He falls first? Say less! Thank you Berkley Pub and Netgalley for the arc! Can't wait to read this one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A perfect summer romance read! If you like fake dating, slow burn, spice, and summer romances, you'll love this book.
This book reminded me of 27 Dresses and a mix of the best parts of romantic comedies. It also felt like a call out to Oak Bluff and other historic Black beach communities. These elements, in addition to the close-knit nature of Jeremiah's family, were lovely.
Jeremiah and Noelle both have to work through the issues and trauma of their past following significant loss, which adds a layer of seriousness to this romance. He struggles to find his place in the family cookie business, and she struggles to determine a path towards completing her education.
This was a sweet and romantic read! I would love to read a follow-up or extended epilogue about Noelle and Jeremiah to get even more of their story.
This book reminded me of 27 Dresses and a mix of the best parts of romantic comedies. It also felt like a call out to Oak Bluff and other historic Black beach communities. These elements, in addition to the close-knit nature of Jeremiah's family, were lovely.
Jeremiah and Noelle both have to work through the issues and trauma of their past following significant loss, which adds a layer of seriousness to this romance. He struggles to find his place in the family cookie business, and she struggles to determine a path towards completing her education.
This was a sweet and romantic read! I would love to read a follow-up or extended epilogue about Noelle and Jeremiah to get even more of their story.
February 8, 2026
A cute summer read that really puts you in your feelings.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Kristina Forest for the ARC via NetGalley. I loved every bit of this story. Fake dating is a common trope, but the way Kristina Forest tells Noelle and Jeremiah’s story makes it feel fresh and deeply genuine. Their connection never felt forced or rushed. It truly felt like a “I have fallen for you” kind of love, with a relationship that builds at a comfortable and believable pace.
I really appreciated how family and legacy were brought to the forefront. The character growth was beautiful to watch, and the strong ties to family friends and community added so much depth. The Black excellence woven throughout the story was just beautiful.
This felt very relatable and realistic. We are often told that young adulthood is about going to school and landing a great job, but what happens when things do not go according to plan? College life is not all fun and studying. Sometimes there are heavy and even scary realities that do not get talked about enough, and I appreciated that being acknowledged here.
And the weight of family legacy? That is here too. What I loved most is that we get a well rounded Black family without unnecessary scandals or over the top drama.
The side characters stayed in their lane in the best way. They added to the story when needed without taking over or distracting from Noelle and Jeremiah’s journey. At its heart, this story is about adapting, growing, and figuring out who you are when life looks different than you expected.
We also get both perspectives in a third person point of view, which really helps you understand both Noelle and Jeremiah on a deeper level.
Such a heartfelt, grounded, and satisfying summer romance.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and Kristina Forest for the ARC via NetGalley. I loved every bit of this story. Fake dating is a common trope, but the way Kristina Forest tells Noelle and Jeremiah’s story makes it feel fresh and deeply genuine. Their connection never felt forced or rushed. It truly felt like a “I have fallen for you” kind of love, with a relationship that builds at a comfortable and believable pace.
I really appreciated how family and legacy were brought to the forefront. The character growth was beautiful to watch, and the strong ties to family friends and community added so much depth. The Black excellence woven throughout the story was just beautiful.
This felt very relatable and realistic. We are often told that young adulthood is about going to school and landing a great job, but what happens when things do not go according to plan? College life is not all fun and studying. Sometimes there are heavy and even scary realities that do not get talked about enough, and I appreciated that being acknowledged here.
And the weight of family legacy? That is here too. What I loved most is that we get a well rounded Black family without unnecessary scandals or over the top drama.
The side characters stayed in their lane in the best way. They added to the story when needed without taking over or distracting from Noelle and Jeremiah’s journey. At its heart, this story is about adapting, growing, and figuring out who you are when life looks different than you expected.
We also get both perspectives in a third person point of view, which really helps you understand both Noelle and Jeremiah on a deeper level.
Such a heartfelt, grounded, and satisfying summer romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2026
You know that feeling of total satisfaction and happiness after a perfect summer day? That is how this book made me feel.
When you start reading, you realize there is that perfect combination of things happening. Chemistry, lies, drama, family dynamics and you can just see how the ingredients are laid out for the ideal recipe.
Noelle and Jeremiah’s relationship might start out as a fake one, but the tension is there immediately and I love that we get dual POV so we get that yearning from both sides.
The Smith family is incredible and I love how no matter what drama is unfolding, their love and respect for one another reigns supreme. I also am a little sad that I can’t go and buy myself some sweets from their shop. Because it all sounds amazing.
I’ll leave you with this- I was just so happy reading this book and I truly enjoyed every page. It has that effervescence you want in a summer read balanced with some heartache and longing to keep you on your toes.
And let’s hope we can all find someone who will research new book releases and preorder them so they’re ready at the bookstore when we get there because that would have been THE moment for me!
Thank you to Berkley for the early copy!
When you start reading, you realize there is that perfect combination of things happening. Chemistry, lies, drama, family dynamics and you can just see how the ingredients are laid out for the ideal recipe.
Noelle and Jeremiah’s relationship might start out as a fake one, but the tension is there immediately and I love that we get dual POV so we get that yearning from both sides.
The Smith family is incredible and I love how no matter what drama is unfolding, their love and respect for one another reigns supreme. I also am a little sad that I can’t go and buy myself some sweets from their shop. Because it all sounds amazing.
I’ll leave you with this- I was just so happy reading this book and I truly enjoyed every page. It has that effervescence you want in a summer read balanced with some heartache and longing to keep you on your toes.
And let’s hope we can all find someone who will research new book releases and preorder them so they’re ready at the bookstore when we get there because that would have been THE moment for me!
Thank you to Berkley for the early copy!
February 16, 2026
The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest was an absolute five-star read for me . It is the kind of book that just felt good from beginning to end. It’s warm, romantic, and completely satisfying in the way only a perfectly executed slow-burn can be.
If you love a fake dating trope paired with a he falls first and falls hard dynamic, this one is going to steal your heart. Watching the relationship unfold at a deliciously slow pace made every moment feel earned. The tension, the yearning, the subtle emotional shifts it was all done so beautifully. I enjoyed the build-up from start to finish, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
One of my favorite elements was that the characters were total bookies. There’s something so relatable and comforting about romance characters who love books as much as we do. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity that made me connect with them even more deeply.
This story had warmth woven into every chapter! The kind that makes you want to curl up somewhere cozy and read without stopping. Huge thank you to the author and Berkeley Pub Group for adding this gem to my TBR and delivering such a heartfelt, swoony romance.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn summer romance with lovable, bookish characters and a MMC who falls hard? Add this to your list immediately. 💛📚
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
If you love a fake dating trope paired with a he falls first and falls hard dynamic, this one is going to steal your heart. Watching the relationship unfold at a deliciously slow pace made every moment feel earned. The tension, the yearning, the subtle emotional shifts it was all done so beautifully. I enjoyed the build-up from start to finish, and the payoff was absolutely worth it.
One of my favorite elements was that the characters were total bookies. There’s something so relatable and comforting about romance characters who love books as much as we do. It added an extra layer of charm and authenticity that made me connect with them even more deeply.
This story had warmth woven into every chapter! The kind that makes you want to curl up somewhere cozy and read without stopping. Huge thank you to the author and Berkeley Pub Group for adding this gem to my TBR and delivering such a heartfelt, swoony romance.
If you’re looking for a slow-burn summer romance with lovable, bookish characters and a MMC who falls hard? Add this to your list immediately. 💛📚
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
February 21, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 Magic happens at the seashore. The cottage on the shores of Heart Beach, New Jersey has been a place to gather and create memories for the Smith family for generations; and perhaps the salt air is the secret ingredient to their famed baked goods brand. But the summer after the patriarch’s loss is a tough one and his grandson will do anything to get out of spending it with his family. And when his fake dating summer plan backfires, it’s no surprise because we all know that about falling in love on the shore.
The Summer Girlfriend is everything you ever wanted for a summer romance but with a pristine plot development and beautifully layered character development. Noelle Lewis is no stranger to hard work, dedication, and an uncanny amount of bad luck that she persists against tirelessly. This summer at the beach with the Smith family is just what this fierce lady deserves and Kristina Forest has us all rooting for love. I have a serious Vitamin D deficiency so thank goodness for this book to hold me over while I patiently wait for summer!
📖 Book Review 📖 Magic happens at the seashore. The cottage on the shores of Heart Beach, New Jersey has been a place to gather and create memories for the Smith family for generations; and perhaps the salt air is the secret ingredient to their famed baked goods brand. But the summer after the patriarch’s loss is a tough one and his grandson will do anything to get out of spending it with his family. And when his fake dating summer plan backfires, it’s no surprise because we all know that about falling in love on the shore.
The Summer Girlfriend is everything you ever wanted for a summer romance but with a pristine plot development and beautifully layered character development. Noelle Lewis is no stranger to hard work, dedication, and an uncanny amount of bad luck that she persists against tirelessly. This summer at the beach with the Smith family is just what this fierce lady deserves and Kristina Forest has us all rooting for love. I have a serious Vitamin D deficiency so thank goodness for this book to hold me over while I patiently wait for summer!
April 26, 2026
My First ARC!! 💥💥💥
This one? Ate. I love a good fake relationship trope, and this delivered exactly what I needed and then some. The chemistry felt natural, the tension was tensioning, and the emotional moments hit just right without feeling forced.
Jeremiah? A whole class act. The kind of MMC that makes you pause and smile because the way he shows up is just… chef’s kiss. Attentive, intentional, and not doing the absolute most—just doing the right things.
What really stood out to me was how easy it was to root for them. Nothing felt overly dramatic, just real feelings developing in a situation that started off fake but quickly became anything but.
Such a fun, swoony summer read—I was locked in from start to finish.
This one? Ate. I love a good fake relationship trope, and this delivered exactly what I needed and then some. The chemistry felt natural, the tension was tensioning, and the emotional moments hit just right without feeling forced.
Jeremiah? A whole class act. The kind of MMC that makes you pause and smile because the way he shows up is just… chef’s kiss. Attentive, intentional, and not doing the absolute most—just doing the right things.
What really stood out to me was how easy it was to root for them. Nothing felt overly dramatic, just real feelings developing in a situation that started off fake but quickly became anything but.
Such a fun, swoony summer read—I was locked in from start to finish.
May 4, 2026
2.5 stars rounded up
With a fake dating premise and a beach house setting, The Summer Girlfriend is a fun beach read! I thought the setup of the story was really strong, and I liked all of the side characters. On the other hand, the main characters started with depth, but quickly became boring and shallow, especially when it comes to the romance. There were a lot of montages where we were told things they were doing without experiencing the story with them, so when they were in love, it came out of nowhere for me. When the MCs would talk, they’d recycle the same 2 conversations, and don’t even get me started on the sex scenes (clinical and not adding to the plot or character relationships at all). I did have a fun time with the story to start, though!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
With a fake dating premise and a beach house setting, The Summer Girlfriend is a fun beach read! I thought the setup of the story was really strong, and I liked all of the side characters. On the other hand, the main characters started with depth, but quickly became boring and shallow, especially when it comes to the romance. There were a lot of montages where we were told things they were doing without experiencing the story with them, so when they were in love, it came out of nowhere for me. When the MCs would talk, they’d recycle the same 2 conversations, and don’t even get me started on the sex scenes (clinical and not adding to the plot or character relationships at all). I did have a fun time with the story to start, though!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for granting my request to read this e-ARC and provide my honest opinion.
Honestly, this book had this kind of stop-and-start energy, and I don't know how best to describe it than what I just said. I will read, and it will be as though I'm following, and then I'm thrown when I find out that it was thought and not said – that thing characters do when they are in their head, yeah, and not knowing when the POV was going to shift didn't help as well.
And the fake dating, oh my goodness 😩 I was a little bit tired of the constant back and forth, but what I did love was the close-knit family; it was so wholesome, and I genuinely enjoyed the whole idea of having a legacy, and one such as is the Smith's Sweets; I understood what Jeremiah was going through and why he felt like he was falling short!!
Jeremiah and Noelle are so cute together, but if not for the arrangement between them that made things a tad bit awkward, I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more!
Overall, if you're a fan of a close-knit family, rich boy × struggling girl, summer romance, fake dating, FMC who loves books and sweets, you might enjoy this one, and please, if you do know someone that needs a bridesmaid for hire, I'm down 😉😂. Thank you for the e-ARC once again.
Honestly, this book had this kind of stop-and-start energy, and I don't know how best to describe it than what I just said. I will read, and it will be as though I'm following, and then I'm thrown when I find out that it was thought and not said – that thing characters do when they are in their head, yeah, and not knowing when the POV was going to shift didn't help as well.
And the fake dating, oh my goodness 😩 I was a little bit tired of the constant back and forth, but what I did love was the close-knit family; it was so wholesome, and I genuinely enjoyed the whole idea of having a legacy, and one such as is the Smith's Sweets; I understood what Jeremiah was going through and why he felt like he was falling short!!
Jeremiah and Noelle are so cute together, but if not for the arrangement between them that made things a tad bit awkward, I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more!
Overall, if you're a fan of a close-knit family, rich boy × struggling girl, summer romance, fake dating, FMC who loves books and sweets, you might enjoy this one, and please, if you do know someone that needs a bridesmaid for hire, I'm down 😉😂. Thank you for the e-ARC once again.
April 20, 2026
This was a cute read, but unfortunately I was disappointed. I am a sucker for the fake dating trope, and with all the family drama this promised to be juicy but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between the two MCs. I enjoyed the summer vibes and the character growth both main characters went through, but I wish I felt more of the romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
May 1, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkeley Publishing for the ARC of this title. This is a fantastic summer read. Noelle is down on her luck when Jeremiah makes her a proposal she can’t refuse. In this fake dating story, there is friendship and family drama. I absolutely loved the Smiths. Everyone needs a family like theirs. This will be a huge summer romance hit. 4.5 stars.
Read
March 16, 2026ABSOLUTELY THE PERFECT SUMMER ROMANCE! This is soooo family🥹 Jeremiah and Noelle have my heart foreverrrrr. Need everyone to get this book now!!
May 10, 2026
what a fun fake dating summer romance!! the perfect beach read coming just in time for the summer. i loved both our MCs and really appreciated their open communication with each other. the story felt a touch too long, which is the main reason why it wasn’t a five star read for me.
read if you like:
- fake dating
- dual POV
- no third act breakup
- slowish burn
thank you so much to Berkley for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own!
read if you like:
- fake dating
- dual POV
- no third act breakup
- slowish burn
thank you so much to Berkley for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own!
March 23, 2026
ARC BOOK REVIEW
The Summer Girlfriend By kristinaforest
Thank you to netgalley and berkleyromance berkleypub for this Advanced copy.
I enjoyed this summer romance. I’m a big fan of fake dating tropes & the story was very sweet. The characters were pretty well developed in my opinion. I liked the dynamics between the characters.
Sometimes books that have many characters can be overwhelming. However in this story each character’s role mattered. I loved the splash of spice. This romance is one I recommend for romance girlies that get a rise from the ‘build up. The cover is beautiful as well!
The Summer Girlfriend By kristinaforest
Thank you to netgalley and berkleyromance berkleypub for this Advanced copy.
I enjoyed this summer romance. I’m a big fan of fake dating tropes & the story was very sweet. The characters were pretty well developed in my opinion. I liked the dynamics between the characters.
Sometimes books that have many characters can be overwhelming. However in this story each character’s role mattered. I loved the splash of spice. This romance is one I recommend for romance girlies that get a rise from the ‘build up. The cover is beautiful as well!
March 20, 2026
My rating 4.25 ⭐
This is a great summer read. It is a lighthearted and feel good book! I was just smiling while reading the entire book!
Noelle is currently working several jobs to support herself and save up to return to college to finish up her degree in library science. Her dream has always been to become a librarian. Noelle turned to books and the library became her refuge, when she was going through some hard times. I love it when books become a source of comfort for someone.
Jeremiah’s grandparents founded Smith Sweets, a family owned business that makes desserts and other sweet treats. I loved reading about the family legacy and the significance of owning a beach house at Heart Beach. Jeremiah opted to step down from the family business and find success on his own. This caused a rift between him and certain family members. He hasn’t returned to Heart Beach since the death of this grandfather two years ago. Now his mother is expecting him and his siblings to spend the summer at the beach house and he needs to find himself a “fake” girlfriend, since he lied to his family about having one.
Noelle and Jeremiah had instant chemistry and I loved their meet cute at the bookstore. Jeremiah had me swooning because he literally handed over his credit card to Noelle, giving her unlimited access to buy herself a new summer wardrobe. Both were dealing with some issues from their past but loved how they were able to lean on each other for support. I enjoyed Jeremiah’s growth throughout the book. I loved the Smith family and their family dynamics and how welcoming they were of Noelle. Sure there was some conflict and family secrets but it just added more depth to the story.
This is a perfect beach or poolside read if you’re in the mood for summer vibes!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC! All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a great summer read. It is a lighthearted and feel good book! I was just smiling while reading the entire book!
Noelle is currently working several jobs to support herself and save up to return to college to finish up her degree in library science. Her dream has always been to become a librarian. Noelle turned to books and the library became her refuge, when she was going through some hard times. I love it when books become a source of comfort for someone.
Jeremiah’s grandparents founded Smith Sweets, a family owned business that makes desserts and other sweet treats. I loved reading about the family legacy and the significance of owning a beach house at Heart Beach. Jeremiah opted to step down from the family business and find success on his own. This caused a rift between him and certain family members. He hasn’t returned to Heart Beach since the death of this grandfather two years ago. Now his mother is expecting him and his siblings to spend the summer at the beach house and he needs to find himself a “fake” girlfriend, since he lied to his family about having one.
Noelle and Jeremiah had instant chemistry and I loved their meet cute at the bookstore. Jeremiah had me swooning because he literally handed over his credit card to Noelle, giving her unlimited access to buy herself a new summer wardrobe. Both were dealing with some issues from their past but loved how they were able to lean on each other for support. I enjoyed Jeremiah’s growth throughout the book. I loved the Smith family and their family dynamics and how welcoming they were of Noelle. Sure there was some conflict and family secrets but it just added more depth to the story.
This is a perfect beach or poolside read if you’re in the mood for summer vibes!
Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC! All opinions expressed are my own.
May 2, 2026
MY FIRST 5 STAR ROMANCE BOOK in 2026!
*ARC REVIEW*
This was my first Kristina Forest book and I had such a good time! Such a fun summer romance. I loved the family banter and felt that Jeremiah and Noelle were made for eachother. They fit so well from the very beginning and I have literally no notes for anything in the story to be changed. Such a heartwarming read. I suggest this story if your looking for all the lovey dovey feels and just a sweet sweet story. I cant wait to dive into Kristina's writing. I literally ran to download the rest of her books on Libby so all summer long she will be dominating my tbr lol.
Thank you netgalley and Berkley for the e-Arc.
*ARC REVIEW*
This was my first Kristina Forest book and I had such a good time! Such a fun summer romance. I loved the family banter and felt that Jeremiah and Noelle were made for eachother. They fit so well from the very beginning and I have literally no notes for anything in the story to be changed. Such a heartwarming read. I suggest this story if your looking for all the lovey dovey feels and just a sweet sweet story. I cant wait to dive into Kristina's writing. I literally ran to download the rest of her books on Libby so all summer long she will be dominating my tbr lol.
Thank you netgalley and Berkley for the e-Arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 2.5 stars
I was so ready to fall in love with The Summer Girlfriend. I'd been meaning to try another Kristina Forest book after Zyla and Kai and I was in desperate need of some fake dating inspo, so when I saw the The Summer Girlfriend on Netgalley, it felt like perfect timing.
I'll read anything with a bookish MC, a summer beach house, and a little bit of grief, and when you add in an only child being welcomed into a big, happy family, a family-owned bakery, and a hot, rich man paying you to be his pretend girlfriend, I was ready to soak in the summer vibes and pester Kristina Forest until she told me where I could find my own Jeremiah. The story started off strong and had so much potential, but it quickly fell apart. I'll blame my busy schedule for making this a week-long read, but if I'm being completely honest, I felt myself falling into a mini-slump halfway through.
The main issue with The Summer Girlfriend was the pacing, which, I think, really boiled down to the overall plot and premise and the storytelling.
1) The Plot/Premise
The romance felt both incredibly rushed and forced. The fake dating trope, by nature, requires a level of suspended disbelief. I get that. But you can't tell me that, in a day and age when women would rather be alone in the woods with a literal bear than a man, that Noelle would immediately agree to go on an overnight trip with a random man she met in the parking lot. (I don't care how hot he looks; serial killers come in all shapes and sizes.) I already thought the fact that she told Jeremiah about her side hustle as a bridesmaid-for-hire within seconds of meeting him was hard to believe, but the immediacy with which they came up with and agreed to the fake dating plot was beyond the reach of my admittedly overactive imagination.
I was still willing to overlook it (I love fake dating, but even I have to acknowledge it's pretty ridiculous,) but I wasn't able to connect with the romance. Because Noelle and Jeremiah weren't particularly developed, the romance felt super insta-lusty. The entire timeline of the relationship was so weird to me. The blink-and-you-miss-it first act break-up came out of nowhere and didn't have the emotional stakes or tension I think Kristina Forest was aiming for. I honestly think a lot of the book's problems could've been solved if she'd pushed out the timeline. I really think the story would've made a lot more sense if Noelle and Jeremiah's agreement was for the summer even if he was only planning to go to Heart Beach for two weekends. It would've given the romance more time to develop and just made a lot more sense even from a logistical perspective. I also don't get why they needed to stage a break-up in front of his family and thought that entire scene felt particularly forced and unnecessary.
2) The Story "Telling"
You know the age-old adage, "show, don't tell"? The Summer Girlfriend could've used a lot less telling. So many of the scenes--especially towards the latter half of the book--were basically a bunch of montages stacked together. We missed out on all the fun of fake dating because their entire relationship was glossed over in sweeping chunks of text when Kristina Forest essentially waved her hands and went "and then this happened" without actually showing any of it happening. We didn't get to see Noelle and Jeremiah's relationship develop because instead of showing us their dates, conversations, and text threads, Kristina Forest told us about them in paragraph after paragraph. I already had a hard time connecting with either of the characters, and the lack of actual on-page interaction (and no, I don't count the blessedly short back-to-back-to-back sex scenes thrown in) between them made it so much harder to feel invested in the romance.
The story as a whole didn't feel very complete or developed. Neither character had particularly strong character arcs, and the conflict, either internal or external, just wasn't really there. The story lacked tension, and because there wasn't one central conflict that drove the story, the plot was all over the place. Forest threw a few minor issues into the story as "obstacles" in Noelle and Jeremiah's relationship, but none of them were particularly compelling or developed. The constant references to the power imbalance (since Jeremiah was paying Noelle) and the many times he acknowledged his privilege in general felt disingenuous and a little performative. It's not that I think Forest doesn't believe what she was writing, but it was clunky and didn't naturally flow with the rest of the story, which, admittedly, didn't have much flow to begin with. I don't know if I just noticed it more because it was getting harder and harder to stay engaged while reading, but it felt like the quality of the writing got progressively worse. It felt like we were bombarded with a lot of inane information, and the writing itself felt dry and
I loved The Summer Girlfriend in theory; unfortunately, the actual execution was lacking. I'm actually really invested in Amara and Danny's story, though, because I'm a sucker for anything with mutual pining so here's hoping my next trip to Heart Beach is better 🤞🏼
Thank you Berkley for providing an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I was so ready to fall in love with The Summer Girlfriend. I'd been meaning to try another Kristina Forest book after Zyla and Kai and I was in desperate need of some fake dating inspo, so when I saw the The Summer Girlfriend on Netgalley, it felt like perfect timing.
I'll read anything with a bookish MC, a summer beach house, and a little bit of grief, and when you add in an only child being welcomed into a big, happy family, a family-owned bakery, and a hot, rich man paying you to be his pretend girlfriend, I was ready to soak in the summer vibes and pester Kristina Forest until she told me where I could find my own Jeremiah. The story started off strong and had so much potential, but it quickly fell apart. I'll blame my busy schedule for making this a week-long read, but if I'm being completely honest, I felt myself falling into a mini-slump halfway through.
The main issue with The Summer Girlfriend was the pacing, which, I think, really boiled down to the overall plot and premise and the storytelling.
1) The Plot/Premise
The romance felt both incredibly rushed and forced. The fake dating trope, by nature, requires a level of suspended disbelief. I get that. But you can't tell me that, in a day and age when women would rather be alone in the woods with a literal bear than a man, that Noelle would immediately agree to go on an overnight trip with a random man she met in the parking lot. (I don't care how hot he looks; serial killers come in all shapes and sizes.) I already thought the fact that she told Jeremiah about her side hustle as a bridesmaid-for-hire within seconds of meeting him was hard to believe, but the immediacy with which they came up with and agreed to the fake dating plot was beyond the reach of my admittedly overactive imagination.
I was still willing to overlook it (I love fake dating, but even I have to acknowledge it's pretty ridiculous,) but I wasn't able to connect with the romance. Because Noelle and Jeremiah weren't particularly developed, the romance felt super insta-lusty. The entire timeline of the relationship was so weird to me. The blink-and-you-miss-it first act break-up came out of nowhere and didn't have the emotional stakes or tension I think Kristina Forest was aiming for. I honestly think a lot of the book's problems could've been solved if she'd pushed out the timeline. I really think the story would've made a lot more sense if Noelle and Jeremiah's agreement was for the summer even if he was only planning to go to Heart Beach for two weekends. It would've given the romance more time to develop and just made a lot more sense even from a logistical perspective. I also don't get why they needed to stage a break-up in front of his family and thought that entire scene felt particularly forced and unnecessary.
2) The Story "Telling"
You know the age-old adage, "show, don't tell"? The Summer Girlfriend could've used a lot less telling. So many of the scenes--especially towards the latter half of the book--were basically a bunch of montages stacked together. We missed out on all the fun of fake dating because their entire relationship was glossed over in sweeping chunks of text when Kristina Forest essentially waved her hands and went "and then this happened" without actually showing any of it happening. We didn't get to see Noelle and Jeremiah's relationship develop because instead of showing us their dates, conversations, and text threads, Kristina Forest told us about them in paragraph after paragraph. I already had a hard time connecting with either of the characters, and the lack of actual on-page interaction (and no, I don't count the blessedly short back-to-back-to-back sex scenes thrown in) between them made it so much harder to feel invested in the romance.
The story as a whole didn't feel very complete or developed. Neither character had particularly strong character arcs, and the conflict, either internal or external, just wasn't really there. The story lacked tension, and because there wasn't one central conflict that drove the story, the plot was all over the place. Forest threw a few minor issues into the story as "obstacles" in Noelle and Jeremiah's relationship, but none of them were particularly compelling or developed. The constant references to the power imbalance (since Jeremiah was paying Noelle) and the many times he acknowledged his privilege in general felt disingenuous and a little performative. It's not that I think Forest doesn't believe what she was writing, but it was clunky and didn't naturally flow with the rest of the story, which, admittedly, didn't have much flow to begin with. I don't know if I just noticed it more because it was getting harder and harder to stay engaged while reading, but it felt like the quality of the writing got progressively worse. It felt like we were bombarded with a lot of inane information, and the writing itself felt dry and
I loved The Summer Girlfriend in theory; unfortunately, the actual execution was lacking. I'm actually really invested in Amara and Danny's story, though, because I'm a sucker for anything with mutual pining so here's hoping my next trip to Heart Beach is better 🤞🏼
Thank you Berkley for providing an eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 🌟 (rounded up for NetGalley)
Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for an eARC of this book, and Berkley for a physical ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
**I don’t want to use the spoiler tag, but this might have some very minor spoilers**
As a reader, there is nothing more heartbreaking than not being absolutely in love with one of your most anticipated reads of the year. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the premise of the book is very intriguing. There was a lot that I did love about The Summer Girlfriend; however, there were also some things that left me wanting a little bit more.
In this story, we follow Noelle and Jeremiah. Noelle, the FMC, is a hardworking bridesmaid-for-hire, determined to finish her degree after an unfortunate situation derailed her school progress years prior. She works as a stand-in bridesmaid to try to help cover the cost of tuition, and after losing her second job working at a bookstore, she’s in need of an additional source of income that will help her fund her dreams of finishing school and becoming a librarian.
Jeremiah, the MMC, is trying to forge his own path after a lifestyle of partying leaves him feeling like the failure of his family. Coping with the loss of his grandfather and regretting their last conversation, he’s avoiding his family’s beach house by telling them that he has been spending time with his girlfriend. Only, there is no girlfriend. With both having their reasons for needing a little support, they agree that Noelle will play the role of Jeremiah’s girlfriend, so she can be paid, and he can appear as if he wasn’t lying to his family.
One thing about me is I’m going to eat up a fake dating trope. That was one of the main factors that drew me to this book. I loved seeing the lines start to blur and feelings start to develop, even when they tried not to allow it. Jeremiah, in particular, noticed the little things about Noelle and treated her with care, and it was really sweet to see his thoughtfulness throughout the story (not saying Noelle wasn’t thoughtful, too).
I also enjoyed the Smith family dynamic. A strong family unit was something that Noelle wasn’t fortunate to have growing up, so she got to experience it through them, and I think that was one of the strongest parts of this book. Each family member was well thought out, and I understood their personalities with ease.
Being an East Coast girlie – and having family in the Northeast, in particular – I REALLY loved the East Coast summer nostalgia that this book created. I could picture the boardwalk with all of its activities. I loved that this was a black community, which is not something that I had growing up visiting similar areas, but I would have loved. In addition to the close-knit family, you could tell the community was close-knit too, and I really enjoyed that.
I will preface this by saying that this was my first Kristina Forrest read, so I was not familiar with her writing style, so that is partially on me. I think where I struggled most with this book was the third-person point of view it was told in. I know that I don’t always connect well with third-person, especially in contemporary romance, so it made it difficult for me to fully connect with the characters. I felt there were times when we were told things rather than shown them. I would have loved to have been able to fully understand what the main characters were thinking and see them work through their thoughts, rather than be told a summary of what was going on internally for them. It made it difficult for me to feel fully connected to them and invested in their love story
I also was not a fan of the third-act conflict, as I am often not in contemporary romance. We can have the characters go through something difficult without needing time apart from each other. Given they were on a time crunch anyway, it was very frustrating that Noelle took so much time away when that didn’t have to be the case.
There were a few pacing issues as well, which took me out of the story at times. In some cases, we would have a flashback, info dumping, and characters' thoughts all in one, so it made it difficult to keep up with. There were some appropriate scene breaks, but then there were times when there wasn’t a scene break where one could have been used.
All in all, I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a heartfelt, but fun, summertime read. It did make me want to be on a beach, and I think the overall story was able to achieve what it set out to. I also very much NEED Amara’s story.
Thank you, Berkley and NetGalley, for an eARC of this book, and Berkley for a physical ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
**I don’t want to use the spoiler tag, but this might have some very minor spoilers**
As a reader, there is nothing more heartbreaking than not being absolutely in love with one of your most anticipated reads of the year. The cover is absolutely gorgeous, and the premise of the book is very intriguing. There was a lot that I did love about The Summer Girlfriend; however, there were also some things that left me wanting a little bit more.
In this story, we follow Noelle and Jeremiah. Noelle, the FMC, is a hardworking bridesmaid-for-hire, determined to finish her degree after an unfortunate situation derailed her school progress years prior. She works as a stand-in bridesmaid to try to help cover the cost of tuition, and after losing her second job working at a bookstore, she’s in need of an additional source of income that will help her fund her dreams of finishing school and becoming a librarian.
Jeremiah, the MMC, is trying to forge his own path after a lifestyle of partying leaves him feeling like the failure of his family. Coping with the loss of his grandfather and regretting their last conversation, he’s avoiding his family’s beach house by telling them that he has been spending time with his girlfriend. Only, there is no girlfriend. With both having their reasons for needing a little support, they agree that Noelle will play the role of Jeremiah’s girlfriend, so she can be paid, and he can appear as if he wasn’t lying to his family.
One thing about me is I’m going to eat up a fake dating trope. That was one of the main factors that drew me to this book. I loved seeing the lines start to blur and feelings start to develop, even when they tried not to allow it. Jeremiah, in particular, noticed the little things about Noelle and treated her with care, and it was really sweet to see his thoughtfulness throughout the story (not saying Noelle wasn’t thoughtful, too).
I also enjoyed the Smith family dynamic. A strong family unit was something that Noelle wasn’t fortunate to have growing up, so she got to experience it through them, and I think that was one of the strongest parts of this book. Each family member was well thought out, and I understood their personalities with ease.
Being an East Coast girlie – and having family in the Northeast, in particular – I REALLY loved the East Coast summer nostalgia that this book created. I could picture the boardwalk with all of its activities. I loved that this was a black community, which is not something that I had growing up visiting similar areas, but I would have loved. In addition to the close-knit family, you could tell the community was close-knit too, and I really enjoyed that.
I will preface this by saying that this was my first Kristina Forrest read, so I was not familiar with her writing style, so that is partially on me. I think where I struggled most with this book was the third-person point of view it was told in. I know that I don’t always connect well with third-person, especially in contemporary romance, so it made it difficult for me to fully connect with the characters. I felt there were times when we were told things rather than shown them. I would have loved to have been able to fully understand what the main characters were thinking and see them work through their thoughts, rather than be told a summary of what was going on internally for them. It made it difficult for me to feel fully connected to them and invested in their love story
I also was not a fan of the third-act conflict, as I am often not in contemporary romance. We can have the characters go through something difficult without needing time apart from each other. Given they were on a time crunch anyway, it was very frustrating that Noelle took so much time away when that didn’t have to be the case.
There were a few pacing issues as well, which took me out of the story at times. In some cases, we would have a flashback, info dumping, and characters' thoughts all in one, so it made it difficult to keep up with. There were some appropriate scene breaks, but then there were times when there wasn’t a scene break where one could have been used.
All in all, I would recommend this to someone who is looking for a heartfelt, but fun, summertime read. It did make me want to be on a beach, and I think the overall story was able to achieve what it set out to. I also very much NEED Amara’s story.
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