Long Hot Summer

by Esha Patel

Single dad! Grumpy/sunshine Angst Spice
Jordan loves lacrosse. She loves the idea of being a counsellor at a lacrosse camp even more.

Rod is exhausted from being a single dad. But he loves teaching kids, and his summer camp is his pride and joy, so he finally decides to take on new staff.

He wasn’t expecting Jordan. And neither were expecting the explosion of chemistry between them.

Jordan’s only staying until July. Rod hasn’t got the time for anything serious. So they can’t develop feelings for each other. They won’t. Right?

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2026

About the author

Esha Patel is a contemporary romance author with a love for diverse romances and empowering stories. She is a full-time college student in the Midwest, and loves spending time with family and friends, dancing, watching sports (Ferrari and Real Madrid are her favorites), and baking lots and lots of stuff that can probably feed multiple eleven-man soccer teams.

Feel free to follow Esha on Instagram and TikTok @eshapatelauthor!

To contact: email at authoreshapatel@gmail.com with any inquiries.

Reviews

[Megan]

Thank you to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Jordan loves lacrosse. She loves the idea of being a counsellor at a lacrosse camp even more. Rod is exhausted from being a single dad. But he loves teaching kids, and his summer camp is his pride and joy, so he finally decides to take on new staff. He wasn’t expecting Jordan. And neither were expecting the explosion of chemistry between them. Jordan’s only staying until July. Rod hasn’t got the time for anything serious. So they can’t develop feelings for each other. They won’t. Right?

Unfortunately, this is a DNF for me. Despite pushing through for around 60 pages, I wasn’t getting along with the writing from the off. This is meant to be an adult romance with two adults leading everything. Instead, it felt like I was reading from the perspective of two emotionally immature teenagers which put me off very quickly. This has all the makings of a great book - single dad, sports romance, being at a summer camp - and yet, it felt a bit like I was reading not very good fanfiction. Others may enjoy this book, but I am shelving this one indefinitely. It’s such a shame!

Overall, Long Hot Summer is not a book for me.

Thank you again to Avon Books for an advanced copy of this book.

[Chloë · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you Avon for the e-arc!!

Vibes? Immaculate.
Characters? Perfection.
Romance? Heart-stopping.
Tears? Shed.

This is far more than just a romance; it is wonderfully, heartbreakingly, breathtakingly human. I’m not sure anyone can crack my heart open and glue it back together like Esha Patel.

[☆Laura☆]

RTC


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

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something undeniably addictive about a summer romance set at camp, and Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel delivers all the tension, longing, and emotional chaos that makes the trope so irresistible. Between the sticky summer heat, the competitive energy of lacrosse camp, and the constant push-and-pull between Jordan and Rod, this book feels like a whirlwind you don’t want to escape.

Jordan is sunshine in human form — ambitious, passionate, and determined to make the most of her summer at camp. She arrives ready for a fresh experience, but what she doesn’t expect is Rod: the exhausted, overworked single dad running on caffeine, responsibility, and sheer determination. Rod carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Patel does such a strong job of making his burnout and emotional walls feel believable without ever making him unlikeable.

The chemistry between these two sparks instantly, but what makes the romance work so well is the emotional resistance underneath it. Rod doesn’t believe he has room in his life for anything complicated, while Jordan knows her stay has an expiration date. That looming deadline adds a layer of angst to every flirtation, every quiet moment, and every stolen touch. The tension absolutely simmers.

The single-dad element adds unexpected emotional depth too. Rod’s love for his child and dedication to the camp make him incredibly easy to root for, even when he’s frustratingly grumpy. Meanwhile, Jordan’s warmth balances him perfectly, creating that classic grumpy/sunshine dynamic that romance readers devour.

And yes — the spice delivers. The emotional buildup makes every intimate scene hit harder, blending vulnerability with undeniable chemistry. But beyond the romance, the book also captures that bittersweet feeling of summer ending: fleeting happiness, uncertainty, and the fear of wanting something you can’t keep.

Long Hot Summer is emotional, steamy, messy in the best way, and packed with yearning. If you love camp romances, emotionally unavailable single dads, and summer flings that start feeling dangerously real, this one belongs on your beach bag immediately.

I read this prior to release and am voluntarily sharing my honest feedback.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I really liked the characters and the plot. It was fun, romantic, sexy and a little emotional.

I really liked how easy Rod and Jordan got on with one another and how easily Jordan fit into his family. I love Jordan's connection with Tali, I thought that they were adorable and it was so lovely how Jordan was this role model for Tali.

I found the middle of the story to be a much slower pace compared to the beginning and the end but it was still enjoyable, just more chill and relaxed. It picks up again around the 65% mark and it's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for the last 3rd of the book.

I don't necessarily enjoy a 3rd act break up sometimes but I really enjoyed the way Esha Patel wrote this one. I liked that they weren't breaking up just to break up and that it actually had repercussions to the characters beyond Jordan and Rod. I like that it highlighted their issues and that we then got to see them in a setting outside of the events of the summer camp. I found the consequences of their break up to be really emotional and I definitely cried a little. I loved Rod's rain confession and his groveling and how Jordan and Rod understood each other so well, that they knew what the other person needed.

I think I would have loved to have seen more of Tali, Jordan and Rod as a family unit but I really enjoyed what we did get to see of them.

Long Hot Summer is a very heartwarming, romantic story that deals with overcoming the fears and anxieties that hold you back and I really love that.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozy Sabie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I wish I could really, really get myself to understand that the things that make you happiest are the things that can tear you apart and leave you so empty that nothing feels any more.

GENRE: Romance
RATING: 4/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Tropes: Single Dad, Sports Romance (Lacrosse), Small Town, Mental Health Rep

Overall Impression: A lovely tale that takes you on an emotional adventure (literally) with the characters as you experience their journey with them.

Blog, Newsletter & Book Clubs 🍄 Insta 🍄 Tiktok 🍄 Youtube 🍄 Threads

Review:
I've started getting into Sport Romance and when I saw that this was Single Dad x Sport Romance? I was in for the adventure!

Now, Long Hot Summer was an interesting read for me in that the way we get to know the MCs was done differently than what I'm used to. In the beginning, I had a lot of questions as to who were both of our MCs, Jordan and Rod? We only knew them as they knew each other, which was superficially and that left space for a lot of curiosity as a reader. As we progress through the story, we get to know them as they know each other and I think this was uniquely done and super fitting for both of our MCs, who have been scarred in the past and do not trust easily.

This writing style and way of exploring their love for each other won't work for all readers and will require patience from whoever reads it. I do think it is worth it, seeing them find love and finding support in one another that they never did elsewhere.

My favourite thing might just be how they both eventually shed their tough exterior and open their hearts up to each other at last. It's been a lovely way of seeing it blossom and I think it was a fun to see Jordan bonding with Rod's family, especially Tali (my recent obsession in Romance is Single parent trope as it leads so naturally to found family).

And the way Esha Patel wrote Rod and his mental health journey? Oh what a way to read it and how accurate it felt as someone who has gone through something similar. I think, ultimately, Long Hot Summer does not shy away from the heavier theme but is done in a unique narrative style that has it hitting you all at once and you get to feel the entire journey with the characters. This is especially true with both MCs, with Rod and his mental health journey plus his past with his ex and how he became a single dad. It is true with Jordan, her past and childhood, which led to the fear of being in a relationship.

I am very excited to read Esha Patel's other stories, see how her narration style plays out in there in comparison to Long Hot Summer. Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.

[Mary Vojt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for providing this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Something that makes this romance stand out among all the other romances I have read is that the two main characters get together rather fast in the book, but for me, that was such a fun change of pace. I feel with so many romance books, it's stolen glances and will they, won't they get together until the last bit of the book. But this one starts as a friend with benefits, but they both realize very quickly they have deeper feelings for each other. Because of this, I feel like we get to see more of the relationship instead of the couple getting together at the end and then the story being over.

There was a third-act breakup, which I don't usually like, but because Jordan and Rod are together for so much of the book I did not mind it as much and Rod being able to find Jordan when she does not want to be found just makes my heart swoon. I love a single dad, and Rod is a great one, who really grows in the book and is able to see letting someone in is not only good for him but his daughter.

There is some sports in this book with the lacrosse camp but I would not categorize it as a sports romance, which is fine because I really enjoyed the rest of the story.

While I enjoyed the couple getting together quickly, I wish there was a little bit more development in how the characters knew each other or go to know each other before they dived into the relationship but overall I really enjoyed this book!

[Lisa (Two Bookish Brits) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah I do love me a sports romance, especially ones that include sports that I don’t come across often.

Jordan loves lacrosse, it’s brings her a lot of joy so when she’s asked to be counsellor at a lacrosse camp she’s all for it. Teaching younger kids the sport she loves, a big yes.

Rod is a single dad. Brining up a kid on his own has took its toll but he wouldn’t change it for the world. He loves lacrosse and enjoys teaching the kids at summer camp every year.

When camp needs more help, new staff are hired but the last person he expected to see was Jordan.

Seeing the way these two react around each other is very clear that there’s attraction on both sides and boy, is there attraction. Their chemistry is off the charts hot but beyond that, they just get along so well. Jordan fits into life at camp and life with Jordan so seamlessly it was beautiful to watch.

Of course there’s some drama and when that hits my heart took a hit because I loved these two and just wanted the best for them.

Esha Patel did a brilliant job in telling Rod’s mental health journey, describing well the feelings that tear through the body. As a person that has experienced this, it felt pretty accurate. Patel didn’t shy away from telling his story and showing how hard mental health can hit and the effects it can have on friendships and relationships.

I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

[Shalini Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Long Hot Summer is an emotional, heartwarming romance that feels very real and honest.

The story follows Jordan and Rod, who start off as co-coaches. Jordan has had a crush on Rod for a while, but their relationship slowly turns into a messy friends-with-benefits situation before they finally face their feelings. Watching their journey from confusion to love is what makes this book so engaging.

Jordan is a great female lead. She may seem a little clumsy at first, but once she’s in her comfort zone, she is confident, strong, kind, and full of energy. At the same time, she is scared of getting hurt, which makes her easy to relate to.

Rod is a single parent, and his daughter Tali is the center of his world. Every decision he makes is based on how it will affect her. His struggle with depression adds depth to his character and makes his story feel more real. You can see how much he cares, not just for his daughter, but for Jordan too.

What stands out in this book is how natural the relationship feels. The feelings grow through small moments, shared time, and real-life problems. It’s not just about romance, but also about healing, trust, and learning to love again.

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy emotional stories, single-parent tropes, and two broken people finding their way back to love.

A touching and satisfying read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Releasing tomorrow (May 7th)

Thank you @eshapatelauthor for the eARC!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 rounded up. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have a great time with this. I’m really disappointed because on paper it was everything I love - single daddy, grumpy x sunshine, summer camp setting, sports romance..but it really fell flat for me.

I found both Jordan and Rod to be pretty irritating and hard to relate to - they read as teenagers rather than fully formed adults. The push and pull of their relationship seemed a bit all over the place to me as well, but it didn’t feel intentional.

The writing was frustrating, lots of tell rather than show, and the narration style just didn’t work for me. A lot of the prose was overly wordy, there were lots of redundant descriptors being used…I don’t know, it felt like it could do with another couple of strong rounds of edits and tidying up.

I will say that the second half of the book worked a lot more for me than the first half. I think the mental health rep was done well and the author really managed to capture the numb, hollow reality that comes with spirals of depression and how isolating it can be.

I guess Long Hot Summer just wasn’t for me, and that’s ok! Maybe a younger audience (ie new adult) would get on with this one a bit better than I did.

[Vee G · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional, heartfelt read!

From Jordan having a crush on Rod, to them co-coaching, to falling into that messy friends-with-benefits situation, and then dealing with everything life throws at them before finding their HEA—it was such a journey.

Single parent trope always hits because of how much emotion it brings. Watching a parent give everything (and then some) just to see their kid happy? It gets me every time. Rod was no different—every decision he made (or didn’t) always came back to Tali and how it would impact her. His struggle with depression added a lot of depth to his character too.

And the way he loved Jordan?? I ate that up. He was so gone for her, and I loved how much he appreciated her.

Jordan is such a badass FMC. I liked that she starts off a little clumsy, but once she’s in her element, she owns it completely. She’s strong, energetic, kind, and cheerful—but also guarded and scared of love.

Two heartbroken souls finding their way back to love? Yeah, that’s my thing <3

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 that I'm rounding down to a 3

Long Hot Summer is the follow-up to Esha Patel's Cross My Heart. This is Jordan and Rod's story- Jordan is a friend of May's and Rod is best friends with Colt. It's a cute tie in to the previous book but you absolutely do not have to have read it in order to enjoy this one, it works very well as a standalone.

I did like this one slightly better and the main reason was because I have a soft spot for MMCs that are single dads. Rod is SO sweet with Tali, it was definitely one of the highlights of the entire book.

The main setting here is a lacrosse summer camp, which was a lot of fun. Jordan and Rod have crushes on each other before working together at the camp from their limited interactions with each other, but it was pretty surface level until they actually get to spend more time with each other.

Though I did like this one better than Cross My Heart, I will say that it has a lot of the same issues. My main one was that the characters are written very juvenile and it was really frustrating to read at times. The story itself was very sweet, but it wasn't my favorite.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel.

A single dad meeting a fellow lacrosse player at the summer camp they’re counselors at - cute idea! I loved the sports theme and the small town vibes. The love interest in this one just came on super fast- within the first few chapters of the book, so that threw me for a loop.

Although I enjoyed the story, it ended up getting slow in the middle. I think if the story of Jordan and Rod was built up more in the beginning, it would have made the story more enjoyable overall. I also felt like the characters were portrayed more like teenagers instead of adults - I kept forgetting Rod had a daughter because of how the characters came across to me.

I think this was a cute story, but it just wasn’t one of my favorites because of how the characters were perceived.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Gutierrez-Hawkins llega a Whittaker con un verano perfectamente planeado: trabajo duro, enfoque total y cero distracciones. Su nuevo puesto como entrenadora en un campamento de lacrosse debería ser sencillo, hasta que se reencuentra con Rodney Wilson, leyenda del deporte, padre soltero y antiguo crush imposible de ignorar. En un pueblo donde todos se conocen y el calor parece intensificarlo todo, Jordan y Rod se ven obligados a convivir, colaborar y enfrentar emociones que ninguno esperaba. Lo que comienza como un acuerdo profesional pronto se transforma en una experiencia que los empuja a replantearse el amor, la familia y el valor de arriesgarse cuando la vida no sigue el guion previsto.

Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

Hot Rod and J-Dog are fantastic. Their friends with benefits to lovers story gives the reader hope. Hope that someone will see them for who they are and accept (and love) them in spite of their flaws. Rodney is a great father who has put his own life on the back burner for so long to raise Tali and while that is what a good parent does, he also yearns for more than he realizes. The way Jordan seamlessly fits into his and Tali’s lives is incredible. They all get along well, have things in common, and not once does Jordan try to replace Tali’s mom, she’s just an additional person to support. So happy we get to see this couple together after Cross My Heart. Truly such a fantastic book. Esha is a wonderful storyteller!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up

This was honestly such a cute little romance book. Both main characters were so immediately likeable, and the host of side characters were sweet and well rounded. The writing style was great, and while I'm not usually a fan of the third act breakup, I feel that it worked well with their friends with benefits to lovers arc.

The transparency this book had with mental health and abandonment issues was such a breath of fresh air. Rod was such a great dad, and I loved that Jordan wasn't trying to replace Charlotte, but instead being such a good role model to Tali. Jordan was so cool, and it was great watching her overcome her own abandonment issues from her past.

Definitely going to pick up more of Esha Patels books after this!

[Nicola Penfold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Avon books and NetGalley for this read.
This was a fun read, it was lovely reading about a single dad and as I’m normally a cowboy romance reader I loved that this mixed sport romance with cowboy themes throughout.

I thought it got a bit boring, the couple got together really quickly and I need really got why it had to be a secret, there was never the sense of a third act breakup coming but then when it happened it was predictable but also a relief.

I thought the metal health concepts were treated with care and were written very well and thoroughly and it seemed so realistic and I really understood the characters and their decisions and the bravery it takes for them to face their fears.

It was fun, it just didn’t wow me.

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story following Jordan who loves lacrosse and agrees to be a counsellor at a summer camp for a month, which is run by Rod a single father who is exhausted and needs help. and in walks Jordan.

As Rod develops feelings for Jordan can he put himself first while protecting his daughter Tali who he is very protective of especially as her mother left them when she was a baby so is very reluctant to risk getting hurt again. I loved how the story follows a single parent and what a struggles they have to deal with when it comes to romance.

I really enjoyed the hot romance between Rod and Jordan and whether they could make it work.

I would recommend for a delightful story and thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC.

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankyou Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this story but it wasn't quite what I expected. I expected a romance with abit of Lacrosse which I was excited to read about. However, I didn't realise it also had a cowgirl/ranch element.
Unfortunately these are 2 types of romance that are not my favourite which affected my enjoyment.

That being said if you like sport romances with a country twist you will probably enjoy this alot.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fun summer camp and outdoorsy read this year, this is it!!! I loved the first book in this universe, and I can say the same about this one. It was so cutesy and our main characters have genuine depth to them. They were fleshed out, and I appreciated that. I mean who doesn’t want to read a book about a kids lacrosse summer camp??? Such an easy read, I will be buying this one when it comes out!! As always a huge thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early digital arc of this one.

[Heather Donovan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this book; I hoped it would give me all the summer lovin' it promised. However, this fell flat for me. Perhaps I am not the target demographic, but the writing was a little immature. I didn't get the warm and fuzzies despite some good points. Overall, this just wasn't for me, but I am sure others may love it.

[Maggie Eckersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing the way rain after a draught is, LONG HOT SUMMER is a perfect blend of fun, emotional, hot and tender. Esha Patel charms you on every page with a healthy dose of sweetness and a dash of magic. Enjoyed every second I spent with Jordan and Rod. The romance book I didn't know I desperately needed. Stunning!

[Lauren Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes/TW:
Small town summer camp romance
Lacrosse coach FMC x single dad camp owner MMC
FWB to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Former cowgirl meets mr. Scared-of-horses
Angst & tension

Thank you Esha Patel and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book. It was ok. tbh it was a litle to insta love for me (like 20% into it) I couldnt fully connect with the characters they were adults but sometimes they felt like teenagers to me . the spice i would say is around 2 so if you like minimal spice this book is for you.

[Nicki Smithers · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley arc, thank you.

I really enjoyed this sports romance. I loved Jordan and Rod’s story, I loved reading about Jordan in Cross My Heart so was very happy to be reading her own story. The romance was well written and I found myself rooting for them from page one. I also thought the mental health representation was important and well written too.

[Elena Rueda · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,75 ⭐️ Thanks netgalley for the ARC. I really wanted to enjoy this book because the premise looked like my kind of story. But I kept forgetting how old the characters were because they didn’t really act their age. At times, it felt more like a teenage story. Also, the strong build-up at the beginning is lost pretty quickly, which makes the middle feel slow.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chemistry between these two was a lot of fun. They just understood each other and slowly fell in love. I do think that the book jumped right into their relationship and we should have gotten a prologue of when they met.

I received an arc through netgalley.