Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights

by Celeste Dador

A swoony, patriotic romance with Gilmore Girls charm—follow First Daughter Abby as she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world.

What if the person who turns your world upside down is exactly who you're meant to find?

All First Daughter Abby Alzona wanted was one normal night. But one impulsive pizza order later, she’s front-page news—and officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister Elle.

The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s he’s sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.

As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . .

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Summer, Young Adult Romance, Forced Proximity, Summer Reads, Holiday

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 12, 2026

About the author

Celeste "C.C." Dador writes cozy rom-coms with festive flair. Much like her background in event coordination, she’s all about small details, big feelings, and making sure her readers are absolutely having their best day. Celeste lives in the Washington, D.C. area, where she blends her love of romance and public service into her stories. Still, she’ll always claim California girl status. Like many of her characters, she’s proudly Filipino American and passionate about inclusive, joy-filled love stories. When writing adult romance, which includes a dash of spice, she uses the pen name C.C. Dador.

Reviews

[Livvy ⋆˚࿔ {Boys of Tommen era} · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕣 𝔽𝕣𝕖𝕖

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝟓𝟔%

୨ৎ 𝘚𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 <3

‧₊ ̊💙✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡

⋆｡𖦹 ˚"𝐇𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐢 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐬" 𓇼 ˚｡⋆

°:•.🍒*.•🐠.•:°

"𝒢𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃, 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃, 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓈 𝐼 𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝑒𝓎𝑒𝓈"

⋆˚ 𓇼｡13+

☀︎ Romance 3/10 {Maybe a kiss, innuendo, crushes, tension}
☀︎ Cussing 2/10 {sh*t, h*ll, d*mn, a*s used very infrequently maybe a f*ck}
☀︎ Violence 1/10 {Water balloon fight, talk of how people are “obsessed” with the president}
☀︎ Tw’s {Loss of a loved one, monetary issues}

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"𝐻𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝒾𝓉, 𝒻𝑜𝒸𝓊𝓈, 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑔, 𝓉𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉"

☀️⋆｡˚𝓞𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀

I have so many mixed feelings about this book! In some aspects it was REALLY good and I enjoyed it but some parts made me cringe and want to stop reading. It was more about the vibes I was wanting at the time than the actual book itself. The concept was VERY interesting and the writing was good! I liked how it was all about the daughter of the FEMALE president! It was SO refreshing to see something NEW in a book! I feel like we mainly only see popular tropes but this one was so different and so cool! I really wish that I would have been in the mood for this one and this summer I will definitely get a copy for when I'm laying on the beach! I would definitely recommend this if you love romance! The bucket list thing is kind of cliche but I still think it's super cute!

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"𝐼 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝑜𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒"

☀️⋆｡˚𝓟𝓵𝓸𝓽

The plot was good! I think that at some parts it got off track and it would start talking about some random ass thing lol. I really liked how Abby was the first daughter of the president and everything but it felt so random at times and like it wasn't relevant. The romance also felt like a sub plot. It reminds me a lot of Love & Gelato. I liked the plot but it felt like it NEEDED to be read in summer! I don’t know everything about it because I only got a little over half way but yk lol.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"𝐼'𝓂 𝒽𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈, 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃, 𝓈𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓀𝓎"

☀️⋆｡˚𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼

☀︎⋆࿔🏖️*:･𝓐𝓫𝓫𝔂

Ok so she was SO annoying imo 😭✌ I loved that as I’ve said 1000000000 times she was the daughter of a WOMAN president! That makes me SO SO SO happy! But otherwise she was SUPER whiny and annoying. Maybe as the book goes on she may have gotten better but I didn't get that far.

☀︎⋆࿔🏖️*:･𝓖𝓪𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓵

Omg so I actually REALLY lied him and the fact that he was a photographer 🥵 Like yes. He was so sweet but also so flirty it was giving Wes Bennett hehe but Abby was SO mean to him at first and I don't know why he even puts up with her like ughhhh. I just really liked him guysssss.



☀︎⋆࿔🏖️*:･𝓞𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻𝓼

I really liked her sister! And obv I LOVED Abbys mom the president 💕 I HATED that other guy tho. Oliver or what's his face. I hated him cos like bro. She just wanted pizza man 😫✌️

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"𝐵𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝓂𝓎 𝓈𝓀𝒾𝓃 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉"

☀️⋆｡˚𝓦𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰

There were some things I didn't like about the writing but it wasn't horrible which is good. It was nothing memorable and I REALLY value good writing so this was just meh to me but it wasn't horrible.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

"𝒴𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝓈𝑜 𝑔𝑜𝓁𝒹𝑒𝓃"

☀️⋆｡˚𝓞𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵

So yeah, it was cute, but I just wasn't in the mood!

‧₊ ̊💙✩ ₊ ̊🍉⊹♡

3★

🍒💙 pre read:

AHHHH OK I NEED ANOTHER SUMMER ROMANCE TO GET ME THROUGH THIS WINTER 😭✊ I’m so excited for this one it looks like such a cutey hehe 😋💋

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Independence day romance? I can honestly say I think this is new!
I seriously should be reading this on the Fourth of July. Preferably next to a swimming pool, with a hot dog.

This book combines several things that I love.
- Checking off a bucket list.
- The “famous/important person enjoys learning how to live a normal life” thing.
- nostalgic vibey small-town summer.
- Last but not least, this ALSO has teenagers working together to support a small community and help out with an important event.

Are you kidding? This checks like, a lot of boxes for me.
A ton of things I think make for a great, and super cute young adult romance.

There is somewhat of a love triangle going on here (sort of. In theory), which leads to a slight miscommunication\one person thinks that something is going on when it really isn’t trope.
I don’t usually love this, but I wouldn’t really say that its existence in this is super overwhelming, so it was fine to me.

I felt for Abby, and how much she was effected by the life she was living.
She clearly had a lot of expectations placed on her, and wasn’t allowed to do… basically anything at all.
Imagine getting caught ordering a pizza, and being sent away to a random small town for an entire summer. As a teenager. Be so for real right now.

While I liked Abby a lot, I wish we got a little bit more character development from with Gabriel.
I didn’t not like his character, but I feel like he was somewhat surface level- so I didn’t connect with him as much.
I was happy to focus on Abby’s story though.

Random note: but how was nobody remotely phased that the first daughter just showed up and started hanging out with them?
Not a critique- I just thought it was funny!

Cute story overall, and filled with a lot of aspects that I love.
A solid YA summer romance!

Thank you to Netgalley, Random House Children’s Books | Delacorte Romance and author Celeste Dador, for providing me with the eARC of “Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 12, 2026

[Book Riot Community]

Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:

After a minor media scandal, First Daughter of the United States Abby Alzona is banished to a rundown inn in a small Virginia town for the summer until things cool off. But Abby makes lemons into lemonade by embracing her chance to be a normal teen: planning an Independence Day festival, going to barbecues and pool parties, and maybe even having her first kiss. I have a feeling a lot of us will be looking for a little escapism from the current political climate in 2026, and this delightful YA Fourth of July romance about the daughter of the first Filipina American president is just the palate cleanser we all need. —Susie Dumond

[jo ୨୧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

: huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. all thought are my own.

3.75

if one of those "red white and blue" popsicles melted and was turned into dead trees it would be this book. and i mean that with a compliment! this book was nothing short of a fun little time. if you want a book to read during the summer while the world collapses around you then this would be perfect.

i slightly regret waiting to write my review because this is one of those books you download or pick up to have a hehehaha time and then honestly forget about. which is exactly what i needed at the time i read this book. i loved the vibes of this book but mainly our fmc, abby, really pissed me off. she just genuinely got on my nerves sometimes but she did have some growing parts. our love interest, gabriel did have me giggling because he just was such a cute love interest with such a big heart. he had humor and a photography hobby? yes. i'm not gonna say hot because these characters are babies 😭😭 so i felt old reading it but aside from that.

i loved the filipino american rep because i feel like we do NOT see that in books and can we please represent minority groups??? pls??? it's really not that hard. i just wish we could have drawn out some more on that 😭 idk i feel like it could have popped out more and added so much to the romance. esp with it being labeled "a patriotic romance" you know? like let's *waves hands*

anyways, everything about this book was swoonworthy like a glass of sweet tea and had the ultimate summer vibes. a few things like oliver (our "not love interest" but abby's childhood bestie) being in the picture because of media and some other unrealistic but realistic things like calling a certain plot point "pineapplegate" which...seems a bit too on the nose considering pizza gate and i wasn't a fan of that but that's me !!! maybe i'm too educated.

cutesy book all around, pick this up if you want a fun read for the summer. xx happy reading

[Lauren Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, wholesome read perfect for young teens who want a swoony romance with zero spice (just a little kissing.) I enjoyed the perspective of the FDOTUS as she navigates her summer bucket list with her FDOTUS duties and expectations. There’s a love triangle with the FDOTUS, SSOTUS and an artsy, handsome small town boy. Super G rated. The author nailed small town charm in the form of Mystic Hollow— very Stars Hollow for all you Gilmore Girls fans. A great read for fans of Becky Dean and Kasie West.

[Honora Reese · Rating 4 out of 5]

big thanks to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review - all thoughts are my own

Well, I think it was perfect that as I read the epilogue my mom was playing America The Beautiful on the piano downstairs.

The vibes were so there with this story! Definitely summer-y and America-y so that was super cute. There was more than a healthy dose of cringe (Girl was obsessing over his face from day one, and every day after that) but ya know it was still cutesie and I loved Gabriel so much.

Oliver is a jerk. Yep. Enough said.

Abby was definitely annoying at times, but it's okay because Elle exists. 🫶🏼 Elle is such a queen but also she's me if I was the daughter of the President of the U.S. and she just generally slayed. (The matchmaking went crazy.)

I definitely enjoyed this story! It would be such a cute Independence Day read. Definitely recommend! (And no spice and very minimal swearing - like two words that I can remember, if that.)

[A.M. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This summer romance by Celeste Dador has all the banter, all the swoony moments, and so many laughs that you will be kicking your feet for more. When the world feels like it is burning down it's nice to take a moment to escape and celebrate what this country could be with this stunning Fourth of July romance.
An outstanding debut!

[sophia_thesecond (semi ia for test season)]

started on 4/21

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet summer romance and I think teen readers are going to absolutely love it. It has that extra charm that comes from the small town vacation vibes, balanced with characters whose lives are far more complicated because of who their parents are.

At its core, it’s the classic story of a U.S. president’s daughter wanting to experience life as “a regular teen,” and “acting out” by doing the kind of everyday things most of us never think twice about. Even something as simple as ordering a pizza turns into a whole adventure.

I was able to fully immerse myself in this one thanks to the complimentary eARC from Random House Children’s via NetGalley and the gifted audio from the PRH Audio Influencer Program. While the dual format didn’t necessarily add anything extra to the experience for me, I still enjoyed getting lost in the quaint world and summer atmosphere.

While I love YA for myself beyond simply accessing it for younger readers, this is one that definitely feels best suited for its intended audience. Romantic teens are going to eat this one up.

I also appreciated that the romance felt completely age appropriate, even if the characters are living lives that very few people will ever actually experience.

[Chronically Well Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books beg to be read by a lake or pool in July. This is one of those books. The summer vibes are fantastic, and the romance is so cute! And the sprinkling of secret service was the cherry on the top.

When a not so flattering moment for Abby, the president's daughter goes viral, she and her sister are sent to spend a month away from the media at her aunt's supported small business. Abby meets Gabe, and they make a deal to help each other complete their summer goals, Abby’s bucket list and Gabe’s photography portfolio. But nothing is ever simple when you're the president’s daughter.
I really liked that Abby’s mom was the president, it made for some sweeter scenes with her dad than a typical YA has. I loved Elle, how she was the perfect little sibling side kick. Gabe and the other kids from Mystic Hollow were a great contrast to Abby, Elle, and Oliver’s world, but they were still good kids. The lake party was my favorite scene I think, but I really liked most of the scenes where Abby got to let go of the first daughter role. The photography element of the story was cool to, and I think it’s something a lot of highschoolers dabble in, so it’s a cool addition.
There are no content or trigger warnings that I would give for this book, I think it’s the perfect read for a high schooler. Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys and @celestedador for a #gifted ecopy of this book to read and review.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an adorable romance! It's crazy how quick I went from thinking Abby and Oliver would be such a perfect couple to screaming that Abby and Gabriel needed to hurry up and get together. Those two were so perfect for each other and I couldn't stop reading. I was devastated to read that she wasn't able to go on the Hawaii trip anymore but now I'm so glad she stayed at the inn. It was a month of pure happiness and joy. I think it goes to show that having time to decompress without a busy schedule and access to internet can be so calming and good for the soul.

There was also so much amazing representation in this book. Starting off, the president of the U.S. in this book was her mom! I can't wait until this becomes a reality for the U.S. I would love to have a woman in office. Not only was the president a woman, but her family was Filipino! I love reading and learning about other cultures. I also loved the theme/message that celebrities are normal people too. They're not perfect and they deserve to have private and fun, fulfilling lives just like everyone else. While going on the trip to Hawaii would've been fun, I think she ended up having more fun in the small town of Mystic Hollow. Mystic Hollow was not only home to the inn that Gabriel's family owned, but also many other small businesses. They were all so cute and the bonds that they all had with each other was adorable. I love supporting small businesses and I loved to see how much the president and Abby's family cared and supported them. I enjoyed the level of competition in this as it kept me wanting to read more and more but I'm also glad that everything worked out in the end. Such a perfect HEA read.

In addition, I thought Elle was so cute and funny. I'm so glad her character was in this book. She may have complained at the beginning about not going to Hawaii anymore, which is completely understandable, but she quickly ended up having just as much fun as Abby. It was so lovely to see how happy she was and how much she supported Abby. I would totally read a second book about her and even another book on Abby and Gabriel's future together :)

[Marisa Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Show more11:40"Your New Favourite Summer Read: ★★★★★"

Some books arrive at exactly the right moment, and Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights feels tailor-made for long, lazy days and the particular kind of reading joy that leaves you smiling long after you've turned the final page. Celeste and C.C. Dador's debut is a warm, witty, and thoroughly charming YA romance that announces two serious talents in the genre.

Abby Cary-Alzona is an instantly loveable heroine — poised and put-together on the surface, but quietly aching for something real beneath the protocol and press scrutiny that comes with being First Daughter. Her longing for a single ordinary summer before college begins is deeply felt and utterly relatable, even for those of us who have never had a Secret Service detail. When a gloriously chaotic pizza-related scandal throws her into the orbit of Gabriel Calabrese — small-town photographer, charming chaos agent — the stage is set for something special.

And special it is. The forced proximity setup sings here, with the backdrop of Gabriel's family inn and the countdown to the Fourth of July festival lending the story a sun-drenched urgency that keeps the pages turning. The Gilmore Girls comparisons are well earned — there is the same quality of small-town warmth, sharp dialogue, and a community that feels genuinely lived-in rather than merely decorative.

What elevates this above the crowded field of YA romance, however, is the emotional depth running beneath the swoony surface. Abby's bucket list of missed teen experiences — parties, picnics, and the terrifying possibility of a first kiss — is handled with real tenderness, and her journey toward choosing her own life rather than the one mapped out for her gives the novel a quiet resonance that lingers. Gabriel, meanwhile, avoids every pitfall of the love interest archetype; he is funny, perceptive, and genuinely worth rooting for.

Joyful, heartfelt, and utterly unputdownable — a debut that marks the Dadors as names to watch and the perfect companion for summer.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

POV: You just wanted a drama-free summer… and instead you went viral. 😳🍕

Abby’s one request before college? Zero headlines. Zero chaos. Just normal.

But after a White House run-in with Gabriel Calabrese (aka charming, chaotic, small-town photographer energy), a pizza delivery mishap turns into front-page humiliation. So naturally, she’s shipped off to his family’s cozy country inn for damage control.

Yes. His family’s inn.

Forced proximity? ✔️
Opposites attract? ✔️
Small-town Fourth of July chaos? ✔️
Secret summer bucket list? ✔️

As they scramble to save the town festival, Gabriel gives Abby something she’s never really had—bonfires, picnics, messy laughter, and maybe… her first real kiss.

Reluctant royalty meets small-town sunshine, and suddenly “normal” doesn’t look so boring anymore.

If you love soft summer romance with Gilmore Girls vibes and swoony slow-burn tension, this one’s calling your name. 🌼✨

This book got me SO into a summer vibe and got me out of my reading slump. Loved that Abby's mom is PRESIDENT! Dad is a very cool First Gentleman. The romance between Gabriel and Abby is a slow burn, one that keeps you reading. It reminded me of the movie First Daughter (?) with Katie Holmes and how she struggles to have a normal life as the FD.

I would love to know if the author was able to interview any first daughters, especially ones who had to live at the White House during their HS years. The author definitely gets across Abby and her sister's frustration with being followed around all the time; the expectations of being the "perfect" first daughters, etc. The fact that Abby is "grounded" to Mystic Hollow actually helps her become more independent, focusing on not just her "bucket" list, but how she can save the community. Congrats on your debut novel! Can't wait to read more of your books in the future! Thank you Netgalley for the Digital ARC!

[rue ♡ what rue reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫶🏼 read if you love:

— french fries with your ice cream
— astrophotography
— summer romance
— the movies "my date with the president's daughter" or "first daughter" or "chasing liberty"
— opposites attract
— stars hollow vibes

i had an absolute blast reading this holiday-themed summer romance! and what better year to release this story into the world than during America's 250th year?!

while i don't agree with abby on whether pineapple belongs on pizza (i say yum!!) i loved getting to see her blossom and come out of her shell as she chased her not-so-secret summer bucket list. her love and respect for her parents, her kindred relationship with her sister, and the chance she took on a small town despite the circumstances, all made her the perfect female lead.

gabriel? swoony, broody and artsy. need i say more? i loved the way he egged abby on and inevitably helped her loosen up but at the same time respected her position as FDOTUS and the unique hardships that come with that. plus, how can you not fall for a guy who wears chucks with his tuxedo or uses you as his muse?

the small town characters gave stars hollow vibes without being annoying (looking at you kurt 👀) and i so wish there's was a pat's ice cream near me cause now im craving a pike special like nobody's business 🍟🍦

this was such a cute YA romance and i highly recommend you add this to your summer reading list, especially around the 4th of july!! 🇺🇸

==

🫑: kisses
🤬: none
⚠️: parental death (in the past)

Thank you @bookedwiththeemilys @delacorteromance and @celestedador for the #gifted copy. All opinions are my own and honest.

💗 Follow me on Instagram for more no spice reads and recs! 👉🏼 Instagram.com/WhatRueReads

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights was a cute and enjoyable summer read.

This YA contemporary has a fun, charming premise that immediately pulled me in, and I really liked the mix of political spotlight meets small-town escape. Watching Abby trade headlines and pressure for one unforgettable summer gave the story a light, feel-good energy that made it easy to settle into.

The romance was sweet, and I enjoyed Abby and Gabriel together. Their opposites attract dynamic worked well, especially with the forced proximity element bringing them together in a way that created both tension and plenty of cute moments. The slow burn between them suited the tone of the story and made their connection feel natural as the summer unfolded.

The small-town setting added a lot of charm. It had that cozy summer atmosphere that makes books like this so easy to enjoy—community events, warm nights, and the kind of backdrop that feels perfect for self-discovery and first love.

At times, it did read a little young for me, but since this is firmly YA, that made sense for the intended audience and overall tone. While it kept me from fully connecting in a few moments, the story still had plenty of heart and sweetness.

There was one character I didn’t totally love, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience.

The ending was cute and wrapped everything up in a satisfying way that fit the story well.

Overall, Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights is a charming debut with summer vibes, sweet romance, and a heartfelt coming-of-age feel. Huge thank you to Celeste Dador and NetGalley for the ARC

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stars. Stripes & Summer Nights" was a really cute book overall. I loved the conflict of family vs. self and how Abby just wanted to experience the life of a normal teen. The idea that kids can be kids and should be allowed to have mistakes or flaws really struck me. However, I will admit, there were times when I wanted to yell at Abby and tell her to just pay more attention to her surroundings and open her eyes (especially about Gabriel...). The other characters aside from Abby were really well written. I loved how down-to-earth Abby's mom (aka the president) was, and Gabriel was definitely one of the sweetest love interests I have seen, especially when you get past his rough exterior. Abby's sister, who actually had a really important role in pushing Abby out of her comfort zone, was also really fun. The underlying theme of grief and potential loss for the Calabrese family really added some gravity to the story, which was great. The romance was perfectly focused in the story, with a nice balance between Abby's love life and the deeper issues. Overall, "Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights" was an engaging, fast-paced beach read with some really good writing and problems that everyday teens can relate to (maybe not quite on that level, though). The emphasis on figuring out family and the future, not just finding love, was perfect. I definitely recommend if you are looking for a fun summer read. Abby will have you cheering for her all the way.


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Booked with the Emilys, the author, and Delacorte Romance for the gifted eARC!

As first daughter, Abby is always in the spotlight and just wants one normal summer before her senior year. She creates a bucket list full of activities she wants to do before the summer is over. She's also expecting that Oliver, the Vice President's son will ask her to date this summer which will be perfect as they spend time in Hawaii together. Everything goes awry when she meets Gabe at a White House event which leads to an unfortunate event with pineapple pizza. Now, Abby is stuck spending her summer in the small town of Mystic Hollow, at the inn owned by Gabe's family. She's forced to change her summer bucket list, but soon realizes it might not be that bad spending extra time with Gabe.

This was an adorable YA read that is perfect for summer. I absolutely love that this book includes a female president! Abby's relationship with her sister Elle is so cute. The bucket list helped move the plot along and created some fun moments as Abby explored what it is like to be a "normal" teen. The romance that developed between Abby and Gabe was sweet and grew at a really nice pace. It never moved past kisses, which is perfect for the intended audience. There was also just the right amount of drama and tension throughout the story. It did feel like things wrapped up a little bit too quickly and easily at the end, but overall this was a really fun and cute read!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was adorable! It was a sweet and fun YA romance that perfectly captured the feelings of growing up and figuring out who you are.
I felt for Abby! I am a fellow perfectionist and rule follower, and I empathized with her desire to be the perfect daughter for her parents. She was struggling with trying to break out of that mold, but at the same time, she did represent her family in a unique way. I thought her growth was handled with a lot of nuance. She didn’t become a rebel because that would have been out of character, but she did learn how to stand up for herself in a way that made sense.
Also, I loved the family vibes! Every member of the family was so sweet and supportive and the parents were actually involved in their kids’ lives. While there were some realistic secrets and tension, I think overall the adult figures were very positive in this story. And Elle was so much fun! Her energy and optimism was the perfect foil for Abby’s more calm and collected demeanor.
Gabriel was a huge sweetheart! While I would have loved to see a bit more of his personality, the story was more about Abby and her growth as a person. He really pushed her to become the best that she could be. And the small town vibes were so fun! I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan, so this was right up my alley.
I would definitely recommend this sweet YA read! It is the perfect summer book just in time for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month.
I received an ARC

[Tisha "Manic Reads" · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Meg Cabot and Katherine McGee will love this YA novel about what happens when a first daughter finds herself in trouble and gets herself exiled to a small town in Virginia for the summer.

The book is a little slow paced at first, with the first 20% taking over just one night and starting the inciting incident, but quickly picks up once Abby and her sister, Elle, get to Mystic Hollow. I loved the feeling of summer days gone by, where communities would get together and have barbecues and fireworks, you might go hiking on a trail, and you can practically see the sparklers in the kid's hands as they run by.

The relationships are beautiful in the book as well. It is good to see a sisterly relationship that, while teasing, is still a good strong bond. The parents are still a presence and show that they love their children, and the aunt is a great motherly figure to have around. Gabe, as a love interest, is almost too perfect. His pizza taste non-withstanding, he is an ideal person to have around your daughters, creative, and overall a genuine guy. I wish we got to know a little bit more about him and what made him tick throughout the book.

Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read, a perfect summer romance that is hard to put down!

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for the honest review.

[Krissbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Release Date: May 12,2026
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

🇺🇸🎇 Holiday Romance
❌🌶️ No Spice
💕 Swoon Worthy
🇵🇭 Filipino-American Heritage
👩‍❤️‍👨 Forced Proximity
📋Bucket List Adventures

Abby Alzona is America’s First Daughter and she takes that role seriously but she can’t wait to relax and have a stress free filled summer! All will be made possible during her trip to Hawaii where she plans to check off the items on her bucket list, including getting her first kiss. Unfortunately, one night of normal fun and bad press gets her sent to a small-town where she is forced to be near the very same cute boy, Gabe, who caused her Hawaii plans to be cancelled in the first place.

This is such a cozy and swoony YA romance. The characters seemed very relatable and I found many aspects of Abby’s personality to be similar to mine when I was a teenager. The author did a great job at introducing multiple characters throughout the book without it being confusing and they were all very well developed. I truly enjoyed reading every bit of this book and can’t wait for others to read it too! @celestedador has made a fan out of me and I can’t wait to read what else she releases in the future.

Thank you to @netgalley and @delacorteromance for allowing me to read an advanced reader copy of Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the publishers and NetGalley for sending me a free eARC copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book follows Abby, the first daughter, who happens to get in a big scandal over ordering a pizza. As a way to keep her out of the media, Abby's parents send her to Mystic Hollows, a charming small town. The only catch? She will be living at the inn with Gabriel, the boy who got her in trouble to start with, but as the summer goes on, and Gabriel helps Abby check off her summer bucket list, Abby learns more about herself, and maybe even falls in love.

This was a very cute read. I enjoyed the plot. A summer bucket list is a quintessential YA and teen summer romance book trope, and it makes sense that Abby feels the need to have fun for once. Abby experiences good character growth throughout the book, and she learns that she doesn't have to follow a predictable blueprint for her life. I also really enjoyed the supporting cast of characters, especially Elle, Abby's younger sister. Gabriel was a good love interest. He was charming and cared about giving Abby normalcy. The romance was sweet and wholesome, definitely appropriate for YA audiences. Also, I can appreciate that at the end, Oliver did not have a hissy fit about Abby's relationship, and that they could truly just be friends.

[Readingbythepool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun summer read. ☀️🇺🇸📚

Abby Cary-Alzona is the First Daughter, but what she really wants is one normal summer to just be a regular teenager. After a pizza delivery scandal lands her in the headlines (yes… a pizza delivery scandal 😂), her plans change and she ends up spending the summer in Mystic Hollow instead.

And that’s where things get really fun.

Abby has a secret summer bucket list she’s never told anyone about, and Gabriel, who lives in Mystic Hollow ends up helping her start checking things off. I loved watching their relationship unfold, and the bucket list angle made this especially fun.

This was sweet, charming, and honestly just a perfect warm-weather read. I loved the First Family/political angle too (former Poli Sci major here, so of course I was into that 🇺🇸). It had romance, summer adventure, a little scandal, and so much hear

This felt like the kind of book that would be perfect to read by the pool, toss in a beach bag, or save for the Fourth of July. I highly recommend reading this one.

Thank you to Delacorte Romance, Love Underlined, and the author for the gifted ARC 🩵

[Lani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a really cute YA romance that’s all about living life to the fullest. I personally enjoyed the story a lot. It mainly focuses on the female main character trying to find herself and pushing herself out of her comfort zone, which is not easy considering she’s the daughter of the US president and very limited in what she can do.
The romance is more on the slower side, and I think readers who enjoy a softer, YA-style love story will really like this. There were some genuinely funny moments, but the book also touched on more serious topics, which gave the story a bit more depth.
I did have some trouble fully connecting with the characters, but that might just be an age thing for me at this point. Even so, I still had a good time reading it and stayed interested throughout.
There were a few moments that felt a little unrealistic, but honestly, it’s a YA book, so that didn’t bother me much.
Overall, this was a sweet, enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to young adult readers who like slower romances and stories about self discovery.
3,75

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the premise of this book of first daughter, the aesthetic of Gilmore Girls was sweet and nice to read. If you love Gilmore Girls and small-town romance, you will enjoy this book and the characters even more. I had a great time with the characters Abby and Gabriel. It truly captured the life of being the President's daughter and the moments that feel overwhelming and even chaotic when it comes to the public eye. I would say the book definitely felt like YA to me personally. It was hard to see the characters, not even younger than 16, in my head while reading. Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights had special moments of connection, found friendships, and sisterhood that made the story more special. Definitely when reading, I was reminded of the movie First Daughter with Katie Holmes. It was fun all the way to the end, and I felt even closer to the characters. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for this early copy of Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights that comes out May 12, 2026.

[Chris G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights
Celeste Dador

Mom is Filipina and the first woman US president. Dad is white and a retired astronaut. Abby has just finished her junior year and has summer plans in Hawaii that include best friend Oliver, the son of the vice president. Maybe this is the time that she and Oliver can shift out of perfect political kids mode and test out what could be a genuine attraction. Abby knows that her first responsibility is not to make her mom’s job any harder, but life under a press microscope leaves very little room for acting on impulse, but a choice she makes at an Italian state dinner leaves her grounded with the Hawaii trip cancelled. Instead she is sent to a small town to stay with her aunt, and where she gets a taste of the more normal life she craves. A sweet summer romance. Earc from Edelweiss

[Anna Serfass · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

Tropes:
🇺🇸Forced proximity
❤️Opposites attract
🇺🇸Summer romance
🤍Holiday romance
🇺🇸Bucket list adventures
💙Small town charm
🇺🇸Reluctant royal

Thank you partners @bookedwiththeemilys @celestedador and @delacorteromance for this #gifted arc.

First off, love that the president is a woman in this book. This is Celeste Dador’s debut YA romance novel.

In the beginning of this book you think that Abby and Oliver will become a couple since they are the children of the First Lady and Vice President. Kinda glad that there was a little twist on the love story.

Abby meets Gabe at one of the White House’s dinner through her aunt. Abby has a list of firsts that she wants to check off before her senior year of high school.

Make sure you grab this book when it comes out on May 12th. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.

[Jaime Moschera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights is a cute, wholesome YA romance that blends small-town charm with self-discovery and a bit of political drama. Abby just wants a normal summer before college, but being the First Daughter makes that nearly impossible, especially after a scandal sends her to a small town where she meets Gabriel. Their dynamic is fun and filled with banter, and I liked watching their connection grow as Abby starts experiencing a more “normal” teen life and checking things off her summer bucket list. The story leans light and feel-good, with a strong focus on family, growing up, and figuring out who you are, and while it stays very clean and low drama, it still delivers a sweet and satisfying romance. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Hannah Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's Books for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cute romance book!! For this to be the author's first book, I am so surprised! The story follows Abby who is the first daughter as she navigates a summer in a quiet small town that reminded me of Stars Hollow. She meets Gabriel who is the inn owner's son and they start to develop feelings. This book is perfect for readers who are looking for a cozy Fourth of July romance with no spice! It includes themes of summer love, self discovery, and the weight of parent expectations. I highly enjoyed this book, but I did feel the pacing towards the beginning of the book was a little slow. Overall, still a great read that I absolutely would recommend!

[CLayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This charming YA contemporary debut is full of small-town warmth and summer nostalgia. After a minor scandal, Abby is sent away to stay at an inn an experience that unexpectedly gives her a glimpse of a more “normal” teenage life.

In Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights by Celeste Dador, we follow First Daughter Abby as she navigates her younger sister’s chaos, her first real taste of independence, and the complicated feelings that come with falling for someone who initially seems all wrong for her.

This is a clean YA romance with strong Fourth of July summer vibes, perfect for readers who enjoy sweet first-love stories and coming-of-age journeys.

Thank you to Booked with the Emilys, the author, and Delacorte Romance for the gifted eARC!

[sya ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise and the cover caught my attention right away, but this ended up being just an okay read for me. It was cute, and I really liked the setting, but overall it felt a bit too juvenile. I liked Abby and found her relatable, and I appreciated her growth, but I wanted more depth from her and the side characters to make the story more engaging and memorable. The romance was fine, but it didn’t leave a strong impression on me. It might just be that I’m no longer the target age for this kind of story. Still, it was a light and quick read, and I did enjoy parts of it. I think younger readers, especially those looking for a sweet summer romance read, would enjoy it more.