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Burnout Summer: The escapist new friends-to-lovers romcom, the perfect holiday read
PRE ORDER NOW! For fans of Christina Lauren and Carley Fortune comes a swoon worthy romcom about finding fun and love again after life almost burns you out...
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Camille Luna’s life is not going according to plan. Her corporate job drains her soul, her student loans won’t quit, and her ex is now the wedge between her once-close college friendship group.
When a bad night ends in a holding cell and one phone call, it’s Danny — the charming slacker of their group turned unexpected success story—who answers.
Now running a seaside restaurant in Elswick, Rhode Island, Danny offers her the perfect a summer of waitressing shifts, beach walks and late-night swims. With no five year plan in insight, Cam finds herself reigniting old dreams, and catching serious feelings for Danny…
But summer isn’t forever. With September looming, Cam must return to the safe, burned-out version of herself, or take a risk on the life — and the love — she never saw coming.
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- Friends to lovers
- Golden retriever energy
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Camille Luna’s life is not going according to plan. Her corporate job drains her soul, her student loans won’t quit, and her ex is now the wedge between her once-close college friendship group.
When a bad night ends in a holding cell and one phone call, it’s Danny — the charming slacker of their group turned unexpected success story—who answers.
Now running a seaside restaurant in Elswick, Rhode Island, Danny offers her the perfect a summer of waitressing shifts, beach walks and late-night swims. With no five year plan in insight, Cam finds herself reigniting old dreams, and catching serious feelings for Danny…
But summer isn’t forever. With September looming, Cam must return to the safe, burned-out version of herself, or take a risk on the life — and the love — she never saw coming.
--------------------
- Friends to lovers
- Golden retriever energy
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2026
About the author
Jenna Ramirez
2 books129 followersJenna Ramirez was raised outside of Washington, D.C. in the Maryland suburbs until college brought her to California. After graduating, she remained in sunny Los Angeles, where she works in entertainment marketing. When she’s not writing, she spends her free time complaining about the lack of rain, ranking chai lattes in the city, and chasing her crazy rescue Chihuahua Fitzwilliam, named after the equally prickly Mr. Darcy.
Her debut novel, Burnout Summer, is available from Saturday Books.
Her debut novel, Burnout Summer, is available from Saturday Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 663 reviews
May 26, 2026
Beachside romance? Check. Friends-to-lovers tension? Check. Quarter-life panic and a messy heroine trying to piece her life together? Absolutely.
This novel had all the ingredients I usually fall headfirst into, and to its credit, it delivers a breezy setup that’s incredibly easy to sink into. The Rhode Island setting alone feels like a long exhale — ocean air, late-night shifts at a buzzing restaurant, and that familiar “maybe this summer will fix everything” energy that hooks you from the first chapter.
Camille Luna’s life collapses in record time: job gone, confidence shattered, friendships strained, and debt weighing on every decision she makes. Cue Danny Brennan, longtime friend and golden-retriever-level sweetheart, who swoops in with a couch, a job, and an open door when she needs it most. Their history gives the book its warmest spark, and watching their dynamic shift from comfortable to complicated is the kind of slow burn I always appreciate.
But — and this is where my rating lands at a firm three stars — I just could not connect with Camille the way I wanted to. Her self-absorption didn’t just peek through; it took center stage. I completely understand a character spiraling under pressure, I understand fear of failure, I understand feeling left behind… but her tunnel vision often made it difficult to feel invested in her journey. Danny, in contrast, feels like a character pulled straight out of a comfort-read: steady, patient, perceptive, and far too forgiving. Their chemistry works, but I sometimes found myself wishing he demanded a little more from her — or that she saw beyond herself sooner.
Still, the novel shines in its atmosphere: the restaurant scenes are vibrant, the side characters add color and humor, and the sense of starting over — really starting over — rings authentic. Even when I was frustrated with Camille, I could see exactly why she was overwhelmed, and the story captures that post-college limbo with honesty. The romance is tender, the pacing has an easy rhythm, and the summer setting is pure escapism.
This is a book I wanted to adore, and while I enjoyed the ride, the emotional disconnect with the heroine kept it from hitting the level of swoon I hoped for. But if you love messy growth arcs, seaside romance, and a loyal hero who has been quietly in love for years, this is still a satisfying, feel-good read to pick up.
A warm thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This novel had all the ingredients I usually fall headfirst into, and to its credit, it delivers a breezy setup that’s incredibly easy to sink into. The Rhode Island setting alone feels like a long exhale — ocean air, late-night shifts at a buzzing restaurant, and that familiar “maybe this summer will fix everything” energy that hooks you from the first chapter.
Camille Luna’s life collapses in record time: job gone, confidence shattered, friendships strained, and debt weighing on every decision she makes. Cue Danny Brennan, longtime friend and golden-retriever-level sweetheart, who swoops in with a couch, a job, and an open door when she needs it most. Their history gives the book its warmest spark, and watching their dynamic shift from comfortable to complicated is the kind of slow burn I always appreciate.
But — and this is where my rating lands at a firm three stars — I just could not connect with Camille the way I wanted to. Her self-absorption didn’t just peek through; it took center stage. I completely understand a character spiraling under pressure, I understand fear of failure, I understand feeling left behind… but her tunnel vision often made it difficult to feel invested in her journey. Danny, in contrast, feels like a character pulled straight out of a comfort-read: steady, patient, perceptive, and far too forgiving. Their chemistry works, but I sometimes found myself wishing he demanded a little more from her — or that she saw beyond herself sooner.
Still, the novel shines in its atmosphere: the restaurant scenes are vibrant, the side characters add color and humor, and the sense of starting over — really starting over — rings authentic. Even when I was frustrated with Camille, I could see exactly why she was overwhelmed, and the story captures that post-college limbo with honesty. The romance is tender, the pacing has an easy rhythm, and the summer setting is pure escapism.
This is a book I wanted to adore, and while I enjoyed the ride, the emotional disconnect with the heroine kept it from hitting the level of swoon I hoped for. But if you love messy growth arcs, seaside romance, and a loyal hero who has been quietly in love for years, this is still a satisfying, feel-good read to pick up.
A warm thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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July 28, 2026
Sometimes a girl just needs to read some good chick lit, okay? It's the literary equivalent of watching a '90s rom-com. Speaking of which, I should really rewatch French Kiss. Anyway, I digress, but that's exactly why I picked up Burnout Summer by Jenna Ramirez. That, and I loved the synopsis.
Camille, Cam to her friends, has just been fired from the corporate job she hated... and arrested the very same day. Talk about a horrible, no-good, awful day! One of her closest college friends, Danny, picks her up when she gets out of the clink and suggests she spend the summer in Rhode Island helping him run his restaurant while she catches her breath and figures out what's next. She agrees. This summer will change everything.
I really connected with the characters. Even when Cam's obliviousness made me want to shake her, I understood her. And Danny? Where can I buy myself a Danny? He was wonderful, with just as much depth and complexity as Cam. The beach setting became an honorary character in its own right. I could practically picture myself at Beau's, feeling the ocean breeze while serving iced tea. This is a fantastic summer read, but it might be an even better winter one, offering a sunny escape when you're wearing three pairs of socks, a sweater, and you're still wrapped in a blanket.
Exploring themes of burnout, choosing fulfillment over expectations, the complexity of found family, personal growth, and rediscovering yourself, Ramirez's writing is warm, conversational, and emotionally grounded. The story unfolds through natural dialogue, quiet character moments, and believable emotional growth. Cam and Danny's relationship feels earned, with their chemistry developing through shared glances, brushing fingertips, and easy conversation. The prose is clean and highly readable, favoring accessibility over stylistic flourish and keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their emotional journeys. This isn't a novel that tries to impress you with elaborate prose. Instead, it quietly invites you into these characters' lives until you're fully invested in where they end up.
I had so much fun reading Burnout Summer. By the end, Cam, Danny, and the rest of the crew felt like family. Readers who enjoy chick lit, especially fans of Sophie Kinsella (may she rest in peace) and Mhairi McFarlane, will likely find plenty to love here.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— a heartfelt summer escape
🌶️ Spice: 3/5. Contains two open-door scenes.
Let's Discuss:
Would you choose a stable job you dislike or risk everything for a life that makes you happier?
I read a digital copy made available by Saturday Books through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
Camille, Cam to her friends, has just been fired from the corporate job she hated... and arrested the very same day. Talk about a horrible, no-good, awful day! One of her closest college friends, Danny, picks her up when she gets out of the clink and suggests she spend the summer in Rhode Island helping him run his restaurant while she catches her breath and figures out what's next. She agrees. This summer will change everything.
I really connected with the characters. Even when Cam's obliviousness made me want to shake her, I understood her. And Danny? Where can I buy myself a Danny? He was wonderful, with just as much depth and complexity as Cam. The beach setting became an honorary character in its own right. I could practically picture myself at Beau's, feeling the ocean breeze while serving iced tea. This is a fantastic summer read, but it might be an even better winter one, offering a sunny escape when you're wearing three pairs of socks, a sweater, and you're still wrapped in a blanket.
Exploring themes of burnout, choosing fulfillment over expectations, the complexity of found family, personal growth, and rediscovering yourself, Ramirez's writing is warm, conversational, and emotionally grounded. The story unfolds through natural dialogue, quiet character moments, and believable emotional growth. Cam and Danny's relationship feels earned, with their chemistry developing through shared glances, brushing fingertips, and easy conversation. The prose is clean and highly readable, favoring accessibility over stylistic flourish and keeping the focus squarely on the characters and their emotional journeys. This isn't a novel that tries to impress you with elaborate prose. Instead, it quietly invites you into these characters' lives until you're fully invested in where they end up.
I had so much fun reading Burnout Summer. By the end, Cam, Danny, and the rest of the crew felt like family. Readers who enjoy chick lit, especially fans of Sophie Kinsella (may she rest in peace) and Mhairi McFarlane, will likely find plenty to love here.
Nerd Rating: 🤓🤓🤓🤓— a heartfelt summer escape
🌶️ Spice: 3/5. Contains two open-door scenes.
Let's Discuss:
Would you choose a stable job you dislike or risk everything for a life that makes you happier?
I read a digital copy made available by Saturday Books through NetGalley, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
📚 More book reviews and bookish content:
https://www.ispeakbooknerd.com
May 19, 2026
4.5 stars!
here's the thing, i would protect danny with MY LIFE!!! this man is one of the sweetest most caring men ever. the way he loves camille with his entire being but also sets it aside because at the end of the day, all he wants is for her to be happy 😩 god i love him!!!!!
i really enjoyed this book. it was a great reflection on the emotional turmoil and very real weight and exhaustion of trying to find your way in your 20s. this idea that we have to cross certain finish lines by a specific age and wrestling with the emotions of failing to even get close to the finish line. seeing all your friends or classmates cross with ease. feeling stuck in a job you don't even like. pushing aside what you really want because money and living feels impossible. jenna ramirez captured all of those complex feelings so so well in this book.
it was honestly so refreshing to see camille let herself go and let herself enjoy life again. and danny never stopped pushing her to go after what she's truly passionate about and what she truly enjoys doing. i love love love how we could feel how freeing that was for camille.
absolutely love the friend group and how they worked through different challenges and obstacles, always supporting and loving one another. and of course i adore camille & danny!! their relationship was a process & i loved watching it unfold 🥹 the way they love each other exactly for who they are !!!!!!
thank you so much St. Martins Press & Saturday Books for the arc! this is my honest review.
here's the thing, i would protect danny with MY LIFE!!! this man is one of the sweetest most caring men ever. the way he loves camille with his entire being but also sets it aside because at the end of the day, all he wants is for her to be happy 😩 god i love him!!!!!
i really enjoyed this book. it was a great reflection on the emotional turmoil and very real weight and exhaustion of trying to find your way in your 20s. this idea that we have to cross certain finish lines by a specific age and wrestling with the emotions of failing to even get close to the finish line. seeing all your friends or classmates cross with ease. feeling stuck in a job you don't even like. pushing aside what you really want because money and living feels impossible. jenna ramirez captured all of those complex feelings so so well in this book.
it was honestly so refreshing to see camille let herself go and let herself enjoy life again. and danny never stopped pushing her to go after what she's truly passionate about and what she truly enjoys doing. i love love love how we could feel how freeing that was for camille.
absolutely love the friend group and how they worked through different challenges and obstacles, always supporting and loving one another. and of course i adore camille & danny!! their relationship was a process & i loved watching it unfold 🥹 the way they love each other exactly for who they are !!!!!!
thank you so much St. Martins Press & Saturday Books for the arc! this is my honest review.
November 6, 2025
A fun read about new beginnings, changes, friends, and romance. Camille has been fired from her corporate job, and her best friend Danny says stay with me for the summer. She goes and he offers her a job at his bar/restaurant. During the summer they kiss once. A friend stops by and says send me your resume. A few weeks later Camille gets a job offer in another state. She and Danny have spent more time together. He tells her he’s always loved her. What?! What will she do? Stay or take the job because she has bills to bill?
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
November 22, 2025
“Are you lonely?” she asked quietly. “Aren’t we all a little lonely?”
A quarter-life-crisis leads to a second coming of age novel about a 25 year old Gen Z who finds herself fired because "her heart isn't in it" in her Corporate World job. Shortly thereafter she finds herself in jail for having a bit of a meltdown in the presence of a police officer. But Camille's Knight in Shining Armor comes in the form of her best friend Danny, who takes her back to her hometown and allows her the privilege of working at Beau's, his tavern, while she finds out what is next. Armed with a mountain of personal and student debt, Camille has done nearly everything right and is still not thriving.
“I’m not averse to seafood. It’s just . . . at the bottom of the list of food I want to eat.”
Camile, naturally, falls in love with Danny, who has some of the most romantic and gorgeous expressions of love. It is a best-friends-to-lovers trope with side characters who have a lot of potential. Her ex boyfriend Cory has found love and is getting married, but 2 other friends are about to have books of their own. I am sure this will be first in a series, and I can't wait to read the others. Ramirez absolutely captures the voice and the spirit of Gen Z, and brings the reader to the feeling of malaise we all feel at the point in which the government thinks we are an adult but the workforce very much treats us as a child. The characters are really quintessential 25 year olds and their voice and struggles are really authentic- Student loan debt and rent are 80% of her now non-existent income. Boomers and Millenials in the work force are very confused by Gen z not wanting to put work at the center of their world.
“Twenty-five is about figuring stuff out. It’s okay to be lost.”
I give this book an enthusiastic 4 stars- it is very well done as a debut and it is a romance that has some deeper themes. I look forward to what is coming next from this talented new voice in fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. Book to be published May 12, 2026.
A quarter-life-crisis leads to a second coming of age novel about a 25 year old Gen Z who finds herself fired because "her heart isn't in it" in her Corporate World job. Shortly thereafter she finds herself in jail for having a bit of a meltdown in the presence of a police officer. But Camille's Knight in Shining Armor comes in the form of her best friend Danny, who takes her back to her hometown and allows her the privilege of working at Beau's, his tavern, while she finds out what is next. Armed with a mountain of personal and student debt, Camille has done nearly everything right and is still not thriving.
“I’m not averse to seafood. It’s just . . . at the bottom of the list of food I want to eat.”
Camile, naturally, falls in love with Danny, who has some of the most romantic and gorgeous expressions of love. It is a best-friends-to-lovers trope with side characters who have a lot of potential. Her ex boyfriend Cory has found love and is getting married, but 2 other friends are about to have books of their own. I am sure this will be first in a series, and I can't wait to read the others. Ramirez absolutely captures the voice and the spirit of Gen Z, and brings the reader to the feeling of malaise we all feel at the point in which the government thinks we are an adult but the workforce very much treats us as a child. The characters are really quintessential 25 year olds and their voice and struggles are really authentic- Student loan debt and rent are 80% of her now non-existent income. Boomers and Millenials in the work force are very confused by Gen z not wanting to put work at the center of their world.
“Twenty-five is about figuring stuff out. It’s okay to be lost.”
I give this book an enthusiastic 4 stars- it is very well done as a debut and it is a romance that has some deeper themes. I look forward to what is coming next from this talented new voice in fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. Book to be published May 12, 2026.
May 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC 🎧💞
4 ⭐️, 2 🌶️🌶️
I’m a SUCKER for a beach town romance 🧡. FMC Camille (Cam) Luna has hit rock bottom, and is invited to spend the summer with friend MMC Danny in Rhode Island helping out with his inherited bar/restaurant. In the ultimate friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance Cam rediscovers her love of writing, and makes amends with her estranged friend group all while her relationship with Danny blossoms into more than just friendship. Danny is a nugget-baby angel come to life and is kind, funny and empathetic- the ULTIMATE book boyfriend 💖. The story flowed nicely and I felt like there was just the right amount of spice (and that is saying A LOT for someone who has a high spice tolerance 🌶️ ❤️🔥).
🎧 the DUET audio performance was EXCELLENT and I really enjoyed both narrators (Victoria Villareal & Michael Gallagher). This was such a pleasant story to listen to, I was immediately relaxed and locked in whenever I had it on in the background. The hours flew by while listening to this one.
My only critique was with the friend group itself. It felt like they all were laying the blame on them growing apart on Cam and I didn’t like that at all. I felt like she was very good at being accountable for her portion of the friendships once it was brought to her attention, but it didn’t seem like the rest of the group did much self-reflection and that felt unfair at times. Friendships can be messy sometimes and they ebb and flow. I think this book did a good job of illustrating the complications that come along in friend groups ❤️🩹.
Overall, it turns out that I actually DO like friends-to-lovers and slow-burn tropes when they are as well-written as this story. I guess you just need the write author to bring those tropes to life in a meaningful way. I LOVED the multi-cultural representation as well. This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last 💫.
4 ⭐️, 2 🌶️🌶️
I’m a SUCKER for a beach town romance 🧡. FMC Camille (Cam) Luna has hit rock bottom, and is invited to spend the summer with friend MMC Danny in Rhode Island helping out with his inherited bar/restaurant. In the ultimate friends-to-lovers, slow-burn romance Cam rediscovers her love of writing, and makes amends with her estranged friend group all while her relationship with Danny blossoms into more than just friendship. Danny is a nugget-baby angel come to life and is kind, funny and empathetic- the ULTIMATE book boyfriend 💖. The story flowed nicely and I felt like there was just the right amount of spice (and that is saying A LOT for someone who has a high spice tolerance 🌶️ ❤️🔥).
🎧 the DUET audio performance was EXCELLENT and I really enjoyed both narrators (Victoria Villareal & Michael Gallagher). This was such a pleasant story to listen to, I was immediately relaxed and locked in whenever I had it on in the background. The hours flew by while listening to this one.
My only critique was with the friend group itself. It felt like they all were laying the blame on them growing apart on Cam and I didn’t like that at all. I felt like she was very good at being accountable for her portion of the friendships once it was brought to her attention, but it didn’t seem like the rest of the group did much self-reflection and that felt unfair at times. Friendships can be messy sometimes and they ebb and flow. I think this book did a good job of illustrating the complications that come along in friend groups ❤️🩹.
Overall, it turns out that I actually DO like friends-to-lovers and slow-burn tropes when they are as well-written as this story. I guess you just need the write author to bring those tropes to life in a meaningful way. I LOVED the multi-cultural representation as well. This is my first book by this author, but it won’t be my last 💫.
March 22, 2026
Yall, I LOVED this book so much. I devoured it in two days because I just couldn't put it down.
Not only did this summery rom com have my absolute favorite trope (friends to lovers) and a fun cast of characters reminiscent of Friends, it's set it an small coastal town and gave all the Emily Henry vibes I love but with a diverse cast of characters.
Burnout Summer is all about dealing with post-grad woes (and crippling student loans), coping with a changing friend group dynamic, and learning about the little (big) things that bring you joy and ignite your passion.
The friends to lovers aspect was my favorite part of this story. Watching Cam and Danny's relationship develop throughout the story had me screaming and kicking my feet. It's the kind of romance that makes me throw the book across the room and then immediately pick it back up lol Danny was just so sweet and caring and charming and is now my new favorite book bf.
Cam was a frustrating fmc, but in a way where I appreciated her flaws and her imperfections. I really loved her character and related to her immensely. And she's also Jewish and Mexican American, so I really enjoyed reading about her growing up with a mixed cultural/religious identity.
I'm so excited for Burnout Summer to be out in the world (PUB DAY: May 12!!) and for everyone to join Cam and Danny in Elswick, Rhode Island!
And while yall wait for book one, I'm already itching to read what I think will be book two from Drew's pov (please let it be true!) 🤞🏼
Not only did this summery rom com have my absolute favorite trope (friends to lovers) and a fun cast of characters reminiscent of Friends, it's set it an small coastal town and gave all the Emily Henry vibes I love but with a diverse cast of characters.
Burnout Summer is all about dealing with post-grad woes (and crippling student loans), coping with a changing friend group dynamic, and learning about the little (big) things that bring you joy and ignite your passion.
The friends to lovers aspect was my favorite part of this story. Watching Cam and Danny's relationship develop throughout the story had me screaming and kicking my feet. It's the kind of romance that makes me throw the book across the room and then immediately pick it back up lol Danny was just so sweet and caring and charming and is now my new favorite book bf.
Cam was a frustrating fmc, but in a way where I appreciated her flaws and her imperfections. I really loved her character and related to her immensely. And she's also Jewish and Mexican American, so I really enjoyed reading about her growing up with a mixed cultural/religious identity.
I'm so excited for Burnout Summer to be out in the world (PUB DAY: May 12!!) and for everyone to join Cam and Danny in Elswick, Rhode Island!
And while yall wait for book one, I'm already itching to read what I think will be book two from Drew's pov (please let it be true!) 🤞🏼
January 9, 2026
“Four years after graduation, life isn’t going the way Camille Luna expected. Her corporate career is soul-sucking, she's in debt from student loans, and her breakup with her ex has created a serious rift between her college best friends. When her spiraling lands her in jail for the night, it's Danny Brennan —the lovable burnout from their college clique— who bails her out and offers the perfect solution to her quarter-life crisis: a summer by the beach.”
☀️
Camille is slowly burning out. If it’s not one things, it’s another. She’s lost her job, lost her boyfriend and was recently arrested. Yikes. And she’s also neck-deep in student loans.
Her friend from college (who also bailed her out), Danny has a solution. He’s offering Cam a summer break from her current routine. His family has a restaurant along the coast of Rhode Island. Danny suggests that Cam should work the summer to focus on paying off her student loans. With all the time spent together in and out of work, it’s hard deny this is won’t be a steamy friends to lovers.
🏖️ 🌊❤️🔥
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. Out May 12, 2026 ☀️
☀️
Camille is slowly burning out. If it’s not one things, it’s another. She’s lost her job, lost her boyfriend and was recently arrested. Yikes. And she’s also neck-deep in student loans.
Her friend from college (who also bailed her out), Danny has a solution. He’s offering Cam a summer break from her current routine. His family has a restaurant along the coast of Rhode Island. Danny suggests that Cam should work the summer to focus on paying off her student loans. With all the time spent together in and out of work, it’s hard deny this is won’t be a steamy friends to lovers.
🏖️ 🌊❤️🔥
Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance. Out May 12, 2026 ☀️
March 14, 2026
Thank you
📖 Book Review 📖 Some people struggle through mid-life, for others their quarter-life presents as the real dumpster fire. Cam falls into the latter category and her best friend Danny has just offered her a sabbatical summer for a chance to escape from the burnout that is her life. Jenna Ramirez reminds us that there are two constants whenever life gets tough: the beach and the people who love and support us. Burnout Summer is a heartwarming story that will have you rooting for love with sandy toes and salty waves crashing nearby…
📖 Book Review 📖 Some people struggle through mid-life, for others their quarter-life presents as the real dumpster fire. Cam falls into the latter category and her best friend Danny has just offered her a sabbatical summer for a chance to escape from the burnout that is her life. Jenna Ramirez reminds us that there are two constants whenever life gets tough: the beach and the people who love and support us. Burnout Summer is a heartwarming story that will have you rooting for love with sandy toes and salty waves crashing nearby…
July 2, 2026
I signed up for this on NetGalley because the little blurb sounded cute, but I really had no idea what to expect and I'm SO glad I was able to pick this up! It was such a pleasant surprise!!!
My favorite part was definitely Cam's journey of starting over and figuring out who she is outside of all the expectations she had been carrying around for years. I think there's something super relatable about the idea of doing everything "right" and following all the rules of life you're supposed to and still ending up feeling lost/disappointed anyway. I really loved the message that it's okay to slow down, rest, and reevaluate what you actually want instead of what everyone else expects from you.
The romance was adorable and I actually really appreciated that it kind of shared the spotlight with Cam's personal growth rather than completely taking over the whole plot. Danny was my favorite character by far and easily one of my favorite love interests I've read in a while. He is so patient, supportive, kind (and has a dog!!!), and is exactly the type of person you'd want in your corner when you're trying to figure life out. I really liked watching their relationship develop alongside everything else going on in the story.
I also really enjoyed the friend group dynamics and the small-town setting! Especially the cozy atmosphere surrounding Beau's restaurant! The friendships weren't perfect and I liked that the book allowed them to be messy, complicated and realistic while still showing how much these characters cared about one another. I really hope this turns into a series so that each of the friends in this friend group can have their own book or even some of Beau's employees!!!
I did this book through audiobook only! I wish I could have done immersive, but it sadly wasn't available at my library! Listening entirely on audiobook can sometimes be difficult for me because I tend to follow stories more easily when I'm reading along visually, but I had absolutely no problems staying engaged or keeping track of what was happening here! The narrators felt really natural, distinct and I loved how full of personality they sounded. The narration also worked beautifully at every speed I listened to from 2x to 3x. The narrators seriously made the characters feel so real and I think they elevated an already enjoyable story!
Again, I'm really glad I got the chance to read this, and I'd definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy romances that balance the love story with other themes like friendship and self-discovery! I loved Jenna Ramirez' writing and I am very much looking forward to reading more by her in the future!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook!
My favorite part was definitely Cam's journey of starting over and figuring out who she is outside of all the expectations she had been carrying around for years. I think there's something super relatable about the idea of doing everything "right" and following all the rules of life you're supposed to and still ending up feeling lost/disappointed anyway. I really loved the message that it's okay to slow down, rest, and reevaluate what you actually want instead of what everyone else expects from you.
The romance was adorable and I actually really appreciated that it kind of shared the spotlight with Cam's personal growth rather than completely taking over the whole plot. Danny was my favorite character by far and easily one of my favorite love interests I've read in a while. He is so patient, supportive, kind (and has a dog!!!), and is exactly the type of person you'd want in your corner when you're trying to figure life out. I really liked watching their relationship develop alongside everything else going on in the story.
I also really enjoyed the friend group dynamics and the small-town setting! Especially the cozy atmosphere surrounding Beau's restaurant! The friendships weren't perfect and I liked that the book allowed them to be messy, complicated and realistic while still showing how much these characters cared about one another. I really hope this turns into a series so that each of the friends in this friend group can have their own book or even some of Beau's employees!!!
I did this book through audiobook only! I wish I could have done immersive, but it sadly wasn't available at my library! Listening entirely on audiobook can sometimes be difficult for me because I tend to follow stories more easily when I'm reading along visually, but I had absolutely no problems staying engaged or keeping track of what was happening here! The narrators felt really natural, distinct and I loved how full of personality they sounded. The narration also worked beautifully at every speed I listened to from 2x to 3x. The narrators seriously made the characters feel so real and I think they elevated an already enjoyable story!
Again, I'm really glad I got the chance to read this, and I'd definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy romances that balance the love story with other themes like friendship and self-discovery! I loved Jenna Ramirez' writing and I am very much looking forward to reading more by her in the future!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook!
May 16, 2026
Updated after reading the audiobook
⭐ (Story) 4
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 1.5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 23, 28
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2.5
👫 Danny + Milly
📚 Tropes/Themes: forced proximity, just for the summer, friends to lovers, is always been you, finding yourself/coming of age-ish, starting over
👀 Single POV 3rd person
🎙️ Duet narration (Michael Gallagher + Victoria Villareal)
⏰ Approx 5 hours @ 2x
💔 Content warnings: being arrested
🎀 Special editions: none
All right, I had to sit with this book for a little bit before I could write my review. First of all, I did originally dnf the ebook because I was having a hard time staying focused, but I noticed that the audiobook was available on netgalley and decided to try again with that. Obviously since I finished that was a better experience 😂
I think the best way to describe this story is it's a love letter to Gen Zers who are currently studying to find their place as newly(ish) minted adults in this world. And I think that if I were currently 26 I would have had a much different reaction to this story. Unfortunately I'm an elder millennial...practically Gen X...so I have a much different perspective now.
I do remember being this age and working through the separation trauma of leaving college. And I genuinely mean trauma - college was the first place I felt I belonged and found my group and frankly when I had to move home to start over it was akin to a death. But looking back now I can see it for what it is: life ebbs and flows and changes, and that's ok.
And financially, I've literally lived through nearly the same thing. Deferment for economic hardship, maxing out cc's, impulse purchases because of the momentary thrill. Even worse, I pursued a college degree I really wanted, but ended up not wanting to do that as a career by the end 😂 HOWEVER the FMC def needs to shoulder the blame some here. (I ended up attending what was essentially a trade school)
Anyway, all those long ass paragraphs to say I definitely get where Cam is coming from, But the emotional impact that that this had on me was much more subdued than it probably would have been if I read this in my 20s.
That's not to say this is badly written or anything, actually I think it's really well done, hence giving it four stars. Just that, it's a stage of life and it will most likely change and end and you'll get through it. I also did not expect this to end up being a series- or at least the epilogue from Drew's perspective makes me think it's going to be a series. I'm genuinely undecided if I'll read it but it definitely won't be an ARC read with a timeline.
As for the narrators, it was such a pleasant surprise to see that it was duet for a single POV. The narrators did a great job, although sometimes I found it hard to differentiate between the different guy voices.
Dnf @23%
I find myself continually picking another book to read over this one, and sorta dreading the thought of having to finish it. I guess it's just not grabbing me?
⭐ (Story) 4
⭐ (Narrator) 5
🌶️ 1.5
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 23, 28
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 2.5
👫 Danny + Milly
📚 Tropes/Themes: forced proximity, just for the summer, friends to lovers, is always been you, finding yourself/coming of age-ish, starting over
👀 Single POV 3rd person
🎙️ Duet narration (Michael Gallagher + Victoria Villareal)
⏰ Approx 5 hours @ 2x
💔 Content warnings: being arrested
🎀 Special editions: none
All right, I had to sit with this book for a little bit before I could write my review. First of all, I did originally dnf the ebook because I was having a hard time staying focused, but I noticed that the audiobook was available on netgalley and decided to try again with that. Obviously since I finished that was a better experience 😂
I think the best way to describe this story is it's a love letter to Gen Zers who are currently studying to find their place as newly(ish) minted adults in this world. And I think that if I were currently 26 I would have had a much different reaction to this story. Unfortunately I'm an elder millennial...practically Gen X...so I have a much different perspective now.
I do remember being this age and working through the separation trauma of leaving college. And I genuinely mean trauma - college was the first place I felt I belonged and found my group and frankly when I had to move home to start over it was akin to a death. But looking back now I can see it for what it is: life ebbs and flows and changes, and that's ok.
And financially, I've literally lived through nearly the same thing. Deferment for economic hardship, maxing out cc's, impulse purchases because of the momentary thrill. Even worse, I pursued a college degree I really wanted, but ended up not wanting to do that as a career by the end 😂 HOWEVER the FMC def needs to shoulder the blame some here. (I ended up attending what was essentially a trade school)
Anyway, all those long ass paragraphs to say I definitely get where Cam is coming from, But the emotional impact that that this had on me was much more subdued than it probably would have been if I read this in my 20s.
That's not to say this is badly written or anything, actually I think it's really well done, hence giving it four stars. Just that, it's a stage of life and it will most likely change and end and you'll get through it. I also did not expect this to end up being a series- or at least the epilogue from Drew's perspective makes me think it's going to be a series. I'm genuinely undecided if I'll read it but it definitely won't be an ARC read with a timeline.
As for the narrators, it was such a pleasant surprise to see that it was duet for a single POV. The narrators did a great job, although sometimes I found it hard to differentiate between the different guy voices.
Dnf @23%
I find myself continually picking another book to read over this one, and sorta dreading the thought of having to finish it. I guess it's just not grabbing me?
May 18, 2026
⭐️ 5/5. I think @jennaramirezbooks hot summer romance, Burnout Summer, will be this year’s Emily Henry summer romance!
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! This is a dual-narration where the narrators did an amazing job using different voices for the different characters and immersing me in the story!
Cam is 4 years out of college, her friend group still hasn’t fully recovered from her breakup with her college boyfriend Korey, she has just been fired from her corporate marketing job she hates, and she is in jail for a misdemeanor that really was a huge misunderstanding. Cue one of her best friends, Danny, who has just driven 7 hours from Rhode Island to DC to pick her up from jail and her quarter-life crisis. Suddenly stuck with no job, an ending lease, and a huge pile of student loans and credit card debt, Cam doesn’t know where to turn; until Danny convinces her to spend the summer in Rhode Island with him working at his restaurant and trying to recover from her bad case of burnout.
As the days in Rhode Island full of shifts at the restaurant, dips in the ocean, a reignited passion for writing, and laughter with Danny fly by, Cam starts to wonder what she really wants from life, and what she can afford to want. Can she leave the security of the corporate world behind? Can she give in to her budding feelings for Danny, even if it could fracture their finally-healing friend group?
I absolutely loved this story and Danny is a top book boyfriend and amazing human. Frankly, he is too good for Cam for a lot of the book as she works through issues of being self-absorbed. However, she also functions in a way that is primarily motivated by her fears, and I personally know what it’s like falling into that trap. But Danny is able to slowly help her step out of making decisions only motivated by fear, and he sticks by her side in the ultimate slowburn summer beachy romance.
This book gave off major Emily Henry energy by mixing summer vibes, witty and well-developed characters, and real, deep emotions. It has the “main character is a writer and we’re at the beach” theme from Beach Read, the “dedicated friend group but then two people in the friend group break up” theme from Happy Place (and not the crazy miscommunication), and the “friends to lovers slowburn” of People We Meet on Vacation.
Also, there is a moment where the MMC, Danny, finally says, “F*ck it.” And I know how all is book girlies feel about that!
And, it ends with a perfect setup for a sequel about Drew, one of the other friends in their college friend group. Jenna, please tell me you’re writing a sequel!!
Also, shoutout to Jenna for using actual chapter names and not just numbers. That’s something that is so underrated and needs to make more of a comeback!
Thank you @macmillan.audio for the chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review! This is a dual-narration where the narrators did an amazing job using different voices for the different characters and immersing me in the story!
Cam is 4 years out of college, her friend group still hasn’t fully recovered from her breakup with her college boyfriend Korey, she has just been fired from her corporate marketing job she hates, and she is in jail for a misdemeanor that really was a huge misunderstanding. Cue one of her best friends, Danny, who has just driven 7 hours from Rhode Island to DC to pick her up from jail and her quarter-life crisis. Suddenly stuck with no job, an ending lease, and a huge pile of student loans and credit card debt, Cam doesn’t know where to turn; until Danny convinces her to spend the summer in Rhode Island with him working at his restaurant and trying to recover from her bad case of burnout.
As the days in Rhode Island full of shifts at the restaurant, dips in the ocean, a reignited passion for writing, and laughter with Danny fly by, Cam starts to wonder what she really wants from life, and what she can afford to want. Can she leave the security of the corporate world behind? Can she give in to her budding feelings for Danny, even if it could fracture their finally-healing friend group?
I absolutely loved this story and Danny is a top book boyfriend and amazing human. Frankly, he is too good for Cam for a lot of the book as she works through issues of being self-absorbed. However, she also functions in a way that is primarily motivated by her fears, and I personally know what it’s like falling into that trap. But Danny is able to slowly help her step out of making decisions only motivated by fear, and he sticks by her side in the ultimate slowburn summer beachy romance.
This book gave off major Emily Henry energy by mixing summer vibes, witty and well-developed characters, and real, deep emotions. It has the “main character is a writer and we’re at the beach” theme from Beach Read, the “dedicated friend group but then two people in the friend group break up” theme from Happy Place (and not the crazy miscommunication), and the “friends to lovers slowburn” of People We Meet on Vacation.
Also, there is a moment where the MMC, Danny, finally says, “F*ck it.” And I know how all is book girlies feel about that!
And, it ends with a perfect setup for a sequel about Drew, one of the other friends in their college friend group. Jenna, please tell me you’re writing a sequel!!
Also, shoutout to Jenna for using actual chapter names and not just numbers. That’s something that is so underrated and needs to make more of a comeback!
January 23, 2026
Not gonna lie for the sake of NG, but I would have DNF’d Burnout Summer if it wasn’t for it being an ARC, and based on the description I believed this was totally up my alley. Glad I held on through the first 35% because once certain details were out the way, the electric tension and the will they, won’t they, I love so much could really begin. Now the over abundance of details is a very ME thing. Not the books. The details of this quaint East Coast town our FMC, Camille, finds herself staying with Danny, are enough to make me wanna move there. But for me, too much scenic detail or day to day mundane details stall a stories pacing. But for those who love and can get lost in the nuance of the details, you’ll be in heaven because author has a gift for it. Friends to lovers trope with a subplot of a quarter life crisis on page after page. Poor girl was not having a good year. All the secondary characters were fun to get to know, and I have a feeling we’ll be back here for another of the group. Yay! Definitely a recommend.
Thanks NetGalley. As always these opinions are my own.
Thanks NetGalley. As always these opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the advanced copy! Burnout Summer is a novel set in a small beach town where Cam, college graduate fired from her corporate job, is given the opportunity to take a break and focus on finding herself. Cam has a very relatable story to many, college degree with substantial student debt, college friend groups that have drifted apart, and the mid-20s existential crisis.
The FMC did get on my nerves sometimes, the MMC was almost too perfect. Cam stressed far too much thinking she would break up the friend group and permeated though her entire being. This is a story of finding oneself and learning how to power through the stressors in life. As for the writing, it did get a little sloggy for a few chapters, but it picked up again. It’s a simple (in a good way) read so if you are looking for a light read, I would give this one a go! Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to a lot of people I know.
The FMC did get on my nerves sometimes, the MMC was almost too perfect. Cam stressed far too much thinking she would break up the friend group and permeated though her entire being. This is a story of finding oneself and learning how to power through the stressors in life. As for the writing, it did get a little sloggy for a few chapters, but it picked up again. It’s a simple (in a good way) read so if you are looking for a light read, I would give this one a go! Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to a lot of people I know.
April 22, 2026
4.5/5. This one had me in my feels and remembering how scary learning how to adult was after college. The friendship between Cam and Danny stood out to me. I loved the way he showed up for her and quietly supported her. I also appreciated the way he called her out on her sh*t. I loved the way Cam reminded him of who he was and what he loved. Their friendships with Drew, Morgan, and Cory were messy and complicated, but also grounded and real. Cam was so hard on herself and also very selfish and self serving, so it took me a minute to root for her. I do think she took advantage of Danny at times, and I’m glad Esme was there to call her on it. I did sometimes feel like Danny was too passive about his life and his feelings for Cam. The plot was perfectly timed and kept me turning pages. The ending was sweet and wrapped up the story well. Thanks to Saturday Books for this ARC copy!
April 6, 2026
Burnout Summer
By: Jenna Ramirez
- friends to lovers
- college friend group
- slow burn
- he falls first
- small beach town vibes
- pub date: 5/12/2026
Camille “Cam” Luna is a twenty-something who’s burnt out from the never-ending climb of the corporate world, drowning in debt, and struggling with the changes in her friend group post-college. When suddenly getting fired leads to her rock bottom — getting arrested — one of her best friends, Danny Brennan, bails her out and invites her to spend the summer with him in Elswick, Rhode Island, where he runs his uncle’s seaside restaurant. As Cam spends long days by the ocean, reconnecting with Danny, working at his restaurant, and writing now that she finally has the time, she begins to discover her true self, redefine what success means, and find that the path she always chased might not be the one that makes her happy.
This book had me HOOKED!! The chemistry between Danny and Cam was just too good, I couldn’t stop reading! Elswick was charming and I just loved the cozy beach town vibes & endearing friend group!
Content/trigger warnings: grief & loss, financial struggle & debt, and mental health struggles (depression & a panic attack)
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for access to this ARC in return for my honest review!
By: Jenna Ramirez
- friends to lovers
- college friend group
- slow burn
- he falls first
- small beach town vibes
- pub date: 5/12/2026
Camille “Cam” Luna is a twenty-something who’s burnt out from the never-ending climb of the corporate world, drowning in debt, and struggling with the changes in her friend group post-college. When suddenly getting fired leads to her rock bottom — getting arrested — one of her best friends, Danny Brennan, bails her out and invites her to spend the summer with him in Elswick, Rhode Island, where he runs his uncle’s seaside restaurant. As Cam spends long days by the ocean, reconnecting with Danny, working at his restaurant, and writing now that she finally has the time, she begins to discover her true self, redefine what success means, and find that the path she always chased might not be the one that makes her happy.
This book had me HOOKED!! The chemistry between Danny and Cam was just too good, I couldn’t stop reading! Elswick was charming and I just loved the cozy beach town vibes & endearing friend group!
Content/trigger warnings: grief & loss, financial struggle & debt, and mental health struggles (depression & a panic attack)
Thank you to NetGalley & the author for access to this ARC in return for my honest review!
April 1, 2026
This just didn’t work for me at all.
Cam was a really tough main character to spend an entire book with. I get what the author was going for—quarter-life crisis, burnout, feeling stuck—but it came across as overwhelmingly self-focused. Instead of growing on me, she actually became more frustrating as the story went on. By the end, I was actively dreading being in her head.
Danny was the only bright spot. He’s thoughtful, steady, and clearly cares about the people around him, which only made it harder to watch how everything played out. The imbalance between them made the romance feel off from the start. I never felt the emotional pull you want from friends-to-lovers, which is disappointing because it’s a trope I usually love.
The friend group dynamic didn’t help either. It felt tense in a way that wasn’t compelling—just exhausting. There’s so much lingering resentment and weird loyalty that it stopped feeling believable. At some point, it really felt like they’d all be better off letting each other go.
And Chapter 24… I genuinely wish I could unread it. That moment completely took me out of the story and I couldn’t recover from it after.
There are hints of what this could have been—a beachy reset, found direction, second chances—but none of it landed. It just left me irritated more than anything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cam was a really tough main character to spend an entire book with. I get what the author was going for—quarter-life crisis, burnout, feeling stuck—but it came across as overwhelmingly self-focused. Instead of growing on me, she actually became more frustrating as the story went on. By the end, I was actively dreading being in her head.
Danny was the only bright spot. He’s thoughtful, steady, and clearly cares about the people around him, which only made it harder to watch how everything played out. The imbalance between them made the romance feel off from the start. I never felt the emotional pull you want from friends-to-lovers, which is disappointing because it’s a trope I usually love.
The friend group dynamic didn’t help either. It felt tense in a way that wasn’t compelling—just exhausting. There’s so much lingering resentment and weird loyalty that it stopped feeling believable. At some point, it really felt like they’d all be better off letting each other go.
And Chapter 24… I genuinely wish I could unread it. That moment completely took me out of the story and I couldn’t recover from it after.
There are hints of what this could have been—a beachy reset, found direction, second chances—but none of it landed. It just left me irritated more than anything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75 Stars
Burnout Summer was a sweet, beachy friends-to-lovers romance with a relatable look at burnout, student debt, changing friendships, and that uncomfortable feeling of no longer knowing where you fit. I enjoyed Camille and Danny’s history and the tension between chasing the life you planned versus choosing the one that actually makes you happy. A few parts moved a little slowly for me, but overall this was a fun summer listen with plenty of heart.
🎧 Narrated by Michael Gallagher and Victoria Villareal, who both did a great job bringing Camille and Danny’s story to life.
Notable Quotes:
“Maybe she wasn’t as important to them as they were to her. Maybe they’d outgrown her. Maybe they didn’t need her anymore. And if that was the case, were they even friends?”
“Feelings for someone don’t come with an expiration date.”
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
Burnout Summer was a sweet, beachy friends-to-lovers romance with a relatable look at burnout, student debt, changing friendships, and that uncomfortable feeling of no longer knowing where you fit. I enjoyed Camille and Danny’s history and the tension between chasing the life you planned versus choosing the one that actually makes you happy. A few parts moved a little slowly for me, but overall this was a fun summer listen with plenty of heart.
🎧 Narrated by Michael Gallagher and Victoria Villareal, who both did a great job bringing Camille and Danny’s story to life.
Notable Quotes:
“Maybe she wasn’t as important to them as they were to her. Maybe they’d outgrown her. Maybe they didn’t need her anymore. And if that was the case, were they even friends?”
“Feelings for someone don’t come with an expiration date.”
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
August 10, 2026
I think we can all understand the burnout that Camille is experiencing throughout this book. When things keep piling up, we always tell ourselves that eventually things will slow down and we’ll be able to manage everything later. Of course, later never seems to come. There were definitely moments when Camille’s anxiety was sending me into a tailspin of a panic attack right along with her. Thank goodness for the romance, the funny moments, and Danny as a love interest in general. They added just enough lightness to pull Camille, and me as the reader out of that downward spiral.
June 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
The overall concept of this book is one that I absolutely adore. A guy rushing in to help his college friend when she’s at a dead end and desperately needs a fresh start? Sign me up. I was fully expecting forced proximity, living together, and all the feelings that come with it.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would.
My biggest issue was the FMC. She came across as very self-involved and seemed to think everything revolved around her. It made it difficult for me to connect with her, especially when the MMC was constantly showing up for her and doing so much to support her.
The MMC was honestly the saving grace of this book. From the very beginning, it was obvious how much he cared about her, and I loved watching him quietly show his feelings through his actions. The problem was that she seemed completely oblivious to both his feelings and her own. It took until the last twenty pages for her to finally realize she loved him, and by that point it felt rushed rather than satisfying.
While I enjoyed the premise and really loved the MMC, the romance never fully delivered for me because of the imbalance between the characters. The ending definitely hints that there could be another book, and I’m still on the fence about whether I’d pick it up.
The overall concept of this book is one that I absolutely adore. A guy rushing in to help his college friend when she’s at a dead end and desperately needs a fresh start? Sign me up. I was fully expecting forced proximity, living together, and all the feelings that come with it.
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would.
My biggest issue was the FMC. She came across as very self-involved and seemed to think everything revolved around her. It made it difficult for me to connect with her, especially when the MMC was constantly showing up for her and doing so much to support her.
The MMC was honestly the saving grace of this book. From the very beginning, it was obvious how much he cared about her, and I loved watching him quietly show his feelings through his actions. The problem was that she seemed completely oblivious to both his feelings and her own. It took until the last twenty pages for her to finally realize she loved him, and by that point it felt rushed rather than satisfying.
While I enjoyed the premise and really loved the MMC, the romance never fully delivered for me because of the imbalance between the characters. The ending definitely hints that there could be another book, and I’m still on the fence about whether I’d pick it up.
May 1, 2026
This is a nice, sweet, very predictable friends-to-lovers romance. There is little new in this book but it was an enjoyable light read with some sweet tension and an ideal MMC.
The book does a good job of presenting the very real and current challenges for 20-somethings in finding personally rewarding work when they are burdened by overwhelming student loan debt and are living paycheck to paycheck.
The FMC, Cam, is trying to deal with the stress of her personal debt and her own sense of hopelessness after being fired. She lands in a Rhode Island beach town with one of her college besties and our MMC, Danny, who clearly loves her. Everyone sees this but Cam. Everyone.
Cam’s financial and career struggles are real but the problem is they are her entire personality. She internalizes, complains and physically cries constantly about her two biggest fears - her debts and losing her group of college best friends. Yet, these are the two main things she actively neglects. She is so self-focused, even when she’s acknowledging her selfishness, that it’s difficult to see her appeal to Danny or to feel compelled by her.
The book does pick up after the mid-point when the miscommunication between the MCs that is pervasive through the first half is finally put to rest. Although the scenic beach setting on the Rhode Island coast is dreamy, there is too much day-to-day detail for me about everyone’s goings on and what’s for breakfast. There is good romantic tension between the MCs and the MMC is very sweet. The epilogue is a blatant setup for a follow up book for a supporting character when I would have rather had more closure on the two MCs.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet story - great light summer read. You won’t see anything new or different but it does have a nice HEA and there are some good feels along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jenna Ramirez for the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.
The book does a good job of presenting the very real and current challenges for 20-somethings in finding personally rewarding work when they are burdened by overwhelming student loan debt and are living paycheck to paycheck.
The FMC, Cam, is trying to deal with the stress of her personal debt and her own sense of hopelessness after being fired. She lands in a Rhode Island beach town with one of her college besties and our MMC, Danny, who clearly loves her. Everyone sees this but Cam. Everyone.
Cam’s financial and career struggles are real but the problem is they are her entire personality. She internalizes, complains and physically cries constantly about her two biggest fears - her debts and losing her group of college best friends. Yet, these are the two main things she actively neglects. She is so self-focused, even when she’s acknowledging her selfishness, that it’s difficult to see her appeal to Danny or to feel compelled by her.
The book does pick up after the mid-point when the miscommunication between the MCs that is pervasive through the first half is finally put to rest. Although the scenic beach setting on the Rhode Island coast is dreamy, there is too much day-to-day detail for me about everyone’s goings on and what’s for breakfast. There is good romantic tension between the MCs and the MMC is very sweet. The epilogue is a blatant setup for a follow up book for a supporting character when I would have rather had more closure on the two MCs.
Overall, this was a nice, sweet story - great light summer read. You won’t see anything new or different but it does have a nice HEA and there are some good feels along the way.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jenna Ramirez for the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts.
July 1, 2026
THE book of the summer
August 9, 2026
Great summer read! Drop your summer read suggestions for me in the comments!
July 26, 2026
Thank you so much to MacMillan Audio for the complimentary ALC!
Thank you so much to St Martin's Press & Saturday Books for the awesome PR package!
I was a little apprehension going into this book as a book friend wasn't able to finish. THOUGH it was not because of how the book was written it was more of the context of the story. She just could not relate whereas I still am in a time of my life where some of the journey that our FMC Camille felt familiar. It's hard to describe what genre this book falls under as the core of this book is centered about friendship. Not that the book needs to be put in a specific box but I think people should know going into it that this isn't a full on romance book. There is a romance storyline that is woven throughout it and plays more into it in the 2nd half but this book is about adult friendship.
As I approach my 40s with no children and my sibling lives in another state, making friends and keeping friends at least for me is hard. This book tackles how post college young adults are navigating friendships. Camille thinks she is being isolated after she and Corey, another member of their friendship, broke up but she is reminded on how she chose to isolate herself. It really made me reflect on the effort that I have made in friendships and how there are times where I felt I needed to take a step back and then ones where I have to ask myself, am I the problem? Do I need to make more of an effort? So I really felt the insecurities and the sadness that Camille was going through throughout the book.
As I mentioned there is a romance, Danny took over his uncle's restaurant in Rhode Island and hires Camille to work at the restaurant for the summer while she tries to figure out what she wants. I really thought Danny was a good spar partner for Camille and I mean that in the sense that he challenges her. She has in her head a series of things that one should be accomplishing first whereas Danny is asking why? Why do you have to do that? She also was scared to give in to her growing feelings for Danny who by the way has been in love with her for years but always just watched her from the sideline since she was with his friend. She mostly was scared because she didn't want the group to shift like it had after her and Corey broke up.
I read this one via audiobook and this was done in a duet style done by Victoria Villareal and Michael Gallagher. I really liked Victoria's narration and Michael's tone was so relaxed that it felt like a kid that has been leaving by the beach so it worked! Michael has a huge backlist catalog of audiobooks that he worked on but Victoria is still a newer author. I would listen to both of them again.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I am glad that I went for it as I really was wrapped up in Camille's story and her navigating what she wants to do next in all aspects of her life.
Notable Quotes:
"Maybe she wasn't as important to them as they were to her.
Maybe they'd outgrown her.
Maybe they didn't need her anymore.
And if that was the case, were they even friends?"
"Feelings for someone don't come with an expiration date."
"Friendship isn't perfect. It's fucking messy and frustrating sometimes. But...when you love a group of people like we love each other, you're willing to brave any storm. We've changed. But that's natural. We're growing up. And that means we'll happily evolve for your next steps."
Thank you so much to St Martin's Press & Saturday Books for the awesome PR package!
I was a little apprehension going into this book as a book friend wasn't able to finish. THOUGH it was not because of how the book was written it was more of the context of the story. She just could not relate whereas I still am in a time of my life where some of the journey that our FMC Camille felt familiar. It's hard to describe what genre this book falls under as the core of this book is centered about friendship. Not that the book needs to be put in a specific box but I think people should know going into it that this isn't a full on romance book. There is a romance storyline that is woven throughout it and plays more into it in the 2nd half but this book is about adult friendship.
As I approach my 40s with no children and my sibling lives in another state, making friends and keeping friends at least for me is hard. This book tackles how post college young adults are navigating friendships. Camille thinks she is being isolated after she and Corey, another member of their friendship, broke up but she is reminded on how she chose to isolate herself. It really made me reflect on the effort that I have made in friendships and how there are times where I felt I needed to take a step back and then ones where I have to ask myself, am I the problem? Do I need to make more of an effort? So I really felt the insecurities and the sadness that Camille was going through throughout the book.
As I mentioned there is a romance, Danny took over his uncle's restaurant in Rhode Island and hires Camille to work at the restaurant for the summer while she tries to figure out what she wants. I really thought Danny was a good spar partner for Camille and I mean that in the sense that he challenges her. She has in her head a series of things that one should be accomplishing first whereas Danny is asking why? Why do you have to do that? She also was scared to give in to her growing feelings for Danny who by the way has been in love with her for years but always just watched her from the sideline since she was with his friend. She mostly was scared because she didn't want the group to shift like it had after her and Corey broke up.
I read this one via audiobook and this was done in a duet style done by Victoria Villareal and Michael Gallagher. I really liked Victoria's narration and Michael's tone was so relaxed that it felt like a kid that has been leaving by the beach so it worked! Michael has a huge backlist catalog of audiobooks that he worked on but Victoria is still a newer author. I would listen to both of them again.
Overall I really enjoyed this and I am glad that I went for it as I really was wrapped up in Camille's story and her navigating what she wants to do next in all aspects of her life.
Notable Quotes:
"Maybe she wasn't as important to them as they were to her.
Maybe they'd outgrown her.
Maybe they didn't need her anymore.
And if that was the case, were they even friends?"
"Feelings for someone don't come with an expiration date."
"Friendship isn't perfect. It's fucking messy and frustrating sometimes. But...when you love a group of people like we love each other, you're willing to brave any storm. We've changed. But that's natural. We're growing up. And that means we'll happily evolve for your next steps."
July 9, 2026
I’m a firm believer that you read a book when it will have the most impact on you and that not every book has the same level of impact. Some may just make you smile or cry or take you away from real life for a while, but then there are some that will speak right to your soul. Truth or support or that feeling of being seen or understood, for me that was Burnout Summer. It hit me at just the right time. You don’t have to be in the same situation as the characters for the words to be felt, sometimes the way the author tells the story is just that powerful. Camille’s story of how she struggled to find herself and what serves her, paired with Danny’s unwavering faith and willingness to show her another way was the perfect story. And just like that Jenna Ramirez’s Burnout Summer becomes one of my favorite books of the year. It’s a fantastic debut and I’m so glad I grabbed an ARC at YALLFest and waited until now, when it would leave the biggest mark, to read it.
May 6, 2026
A friends to lovers summer romance that deals with also some really real world situations. Camille, Cam, has a corporate career…or at east she did. She also has a lot of student loan debt and credit card debt. When a night out Lance, her in jail, her best friend Danny comes all the way to pick her up. Danny since college has had it a lot “easier”. He inheritance Beau’s restaurant after his uncle died. Now after Beau has saved Cam he invites her back to Road Island to let her stay and recover from her burnout.
I could tell this was a debut. And I feel like I could tell this was a debut due to how the writing was please let me explain. I started off with this one just listening to the audio and I feel like as I was listening to the narration there’s a specific way the flow of talking happens and it didn’t feel as fluid to me. It still was really good. But as this is a duet narration, it just felt also a little off not the narrators, but the writing at times. I don’t know if any one else feels the same way as me but it was mostly for the beginning of the book that I felt this way I didn’t feel this way throughout the whole entire book.
I really liked Danny’s character. In this situation, we have a he falls first. Well, he has fallen first and he fell a long time ago, baby. He just wants to help her. He’s so kind and he’s very patient. I need to find myself a Danny. Now Camille, I liked her. I think she was OK. I wish there was more character growth. I feel like how many times her student debt was talked about, and that’s so fair, it started giving me anxiety. Which is not really how I want to feel when I read a book.
I did like the chemistry between Danny and Camille their banter, their friendship.
The narrators were fantastic Michael Gallagher is somebody I am familiar with and he did a fantastic job as always pacing the tone of his voice matched Victoria Villareal very well. Very easy listen to it high rates of speed, pleasant even at lower rates of speed and just a fantastic performance overall. It was seamlessly cut together. The production was very well done.
Thank you to MacMillan audio and St Martins Press|Saturday Books for the complimetnary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I could tell this was a debut. And I feel like I could tell this was a debut due to how the writing was please let me explain. I started off with this one just listening to the audio and I feel like as I was listening to the narration there’s a specific way the flow of talking happens and it didn’t feel as fluid to me. It still was really good. But as this is a duet narration, it just felt also a little off not the narrators, but the writing at times. I don’t know if any one else feels the same way as me but it was mostly for the beginning of the book that I felt this way I didn’t feel this way throughout the whole entire book.
I really liked Danny’s character. In this situation, we have a he falls first. Well, he has fallen first and he fell a long time ago, baby. He just wants to help her. He’s so kind and he’s very patient. I need to find myself a Danny. Now Camille, I liked her. I think she was OK. I wish there was more character growth. I feel like how many times her student debt was talked about, and that’s so fair, it started giving me anxiety. Which is not really how I want to feel when I read a book.
I did like the chemistry between Danny and Camille their banter, their friendship.
The narrators were fantastic Michael Gallagher is somebody I am familiar with and he did a fantastic job as always pacing the tone of his voice matched Victoria Villareal very well. Very easy listen to it high rates of speed, pleasant even at lower rates of speed and just a fantastic performance overall. It was seamlessly cut together. The production was very well done.
Thank you to MacMillan audio and St Martins Press|Saturday Books for the complimetnary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2026
Camille is a 25 year old who just got fired from a corporate job that she found soul-sucking and ends up in jail with her best friend Danny to bail her out. Without any plans of what to do next, Danny invites Camille to come spend the summer with him in Elswick, Rhode Island and try to figure out what makes her happy again.
I will say I found this a little bit slow to get into, and for about the first 30-40% of the book I found Cam to be insufferably selfish, to the point that I was like girl I understand we’re all busy but you didn’t know basic details about your friends’ lives even though you focus on them to an unhealthy degree??
In spite of the slow start and Cam being incredibly self-centered at first, she does start to see the error of her ways thanks to the help of our local heartthrob Danny. I love Danny, he’s such a golden retriever character who’s so sure of himself and how he wants to live his life, it’s refreshing when compared to Cam’s overwhelming anxiety. He also literally has a golden retriever so there’s that.
Overall, this was a fun romance with a lot of relatable moments about being in your twenties and realizing that your friends won’t be close anymore, your relationships will change, and maybe those goals you’ve been working toward don’t actually fit you anymore, and I’d definitely recommend it, with the caveat that you need to be patient for Cam’s redemption arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I will say I found this a little bit slow to get into, and for about the first 30-40% of the book I found Cam to be insufferably selfish, to the point that I was like girl I understand we’re all busy but you didn’t know basic details about your friends’ lives even though you focus on them to an unhealthy degree??
In spite of the slow start and Cam being incredibly self-centered at first, she does start to see the error of her ways thanks to the help of our local heartthrob Danny. I love Danny, he’s such a golden retriever character who’s so sure of himself and how he wants to live his life, it’s refreshing when compared to Cam’s overwhelming anxiety. He also literally has a golden retriever so there’s that.
Overall, this was a fun romance with a lot of relatable moments about being in your twenties and realizing that your friends won’t be close anymore, your relationships will change, and maybe those goals you’ve been working toward don’t actually fit you anymore, and I’d definitely recommend it, with the caveat that you need to be patient for Cam’s redemption arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!
June 5, 2026
(4.5 stars) Thank you @saturdaybooks and @macmillan.audio for the gifted audiobook! #macaudio2026
For the four years since her graduation, Camille Luna has been caught in a vicious cycle - a soul-sucking grind up the corporate ladder, debilitating student loans, and a cost of living that has her struggling to make ends meet. Then even that implodes and Danny Brennan, her college friend who was more burnout than corporate climber, ends up picking her up from jail. Danny convinces Cam to join him for the summer in Rhode Island where he inherited a beachside restaurant. She’ll have a moment to breathe and plan her next steps. What unfolds is a transformative summer of healing, personal revelations and new-found feelings.
If this book had been in existence when I was 22, I may very well have taken a different path early in my career! The focus on finding your passion and focusing on happiness over typically-interpreted success is really lovely. On top of that, how can you not love a friends-to-lovers story where he has literally been down bad THE WHOLE TIME combined with a complicated and sincere coming of age college found family, a beach setting, a cute dog, tattoos a MMC with SL glasses? Yeah, this is a great one.
🎧 On audio: Michael Gallagher and Victoria Villareal are really, really excellent in this performance. I absolutely adored it. (10 hrs and 16 mins)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
For the four years since her graduation, Camille Luna has been caught in a vicious cycle - a soul-sucking grind up the corporate ladder, debilitating student loans, and a cost of living that has her struggling to make ends meet. Then even that implodes and Danny Brennan, her college friend who was more burnout than corporate climber, ends up picking her up from jail. Danny convinces Cam to join him for the summer in Rhode Island where he inherited a beachside restaurant. She’ll have a moment to breathe and plan her next steps. What unfolds is a transformative summer of healing, personal revelations and new-found feelings.
If this book had been in existence when I was 22, I may very well have taken a different path early in my career! The focus on finding your passion and focusing on happiness over typically-interpreted success is really lovely. On top of that, how can you not love a friends-to-lovers story where he has literally been down bad THE WHOLE TIME combined with a complicated and sincere coming of age college found family, a beach setting, a cute dog, tattoos a MMC with SL glasses? Yeah, this is a great one.
🎧 On audio: Michael Gallagher and Victoria Villareal are really, really excellent in this performance. I absolutely adored it. (10 hrs and 16 mins)
Book: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🎧 Audio performance: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
🔥 Spice: 🌶️🌶️
June 3, 2026
Burnout Summer has one of my favorite covers of the summer, but unfortunately the story didn't work for me. I was unable to root for anyone in this book, and I don't feel like anyone in this story will still be friends in 10 years. I had high hopes, but the immature characters ruined this for me.
A note for anyone considering the audiobook - it was third person dual narration, so it was jarring to have the male character jump in for his lines due to the choice of tense.
It made for a really entertaining book club discussion, so that is a redeeming factor... kinda.
Thank you Saturday Books for the free e-arc.
A note for anyone considering the audiobook - it was third person dual narration, so it was jarring to have the male character jump in for his lines due to the choice of tense.
It made for a really entertaining book club discussion, so that is a redeeming factor... kinda.
Thank you Saturday Books for the free e-arc.
July 28, 2026
4.75⭐
I absolutely loved this book and ended up enjoying it a lot more than I originally thought I would because it read so incredibly well. The narrative focused much more on the budding friendship and the slow crawl romance between the two leads rather than relying heavily on spice. That approach was super refreshing for someone like me who does not read many romance novels and prefers the emotional relationship building over explicit sex scenes. Plus the audio featured both male and female narrators who actually voiced their character no matter who was the focus of the chapters and it felt like they were actually having back and forth conversations through the book which was pretty cool.
I completely adored both Cam and Danny and I really liked witnessing the distinct journeys toward love between the two. However, the slow burn dynamic was quite frustrating at times because their obvious attraction was undeniable. Having nothing in the way of them actually being together created an invisible hurdle that felt a bit unnecessary but I loved their emotional connection regardless. What was painfully obvious to us as the reader was not quite so apparent for Cam but that made the reading experience wonderfully interactive. There were multiple times where I just wanted to scream at her to open her eyes and I desperately wanted to yell at Danny to just tell her how he felt.
Things kick off when Cam unexpectedly loses her job and has to take her college best friend Danny up on his generous offer to waitress at his restaurant. She reluctantly moves to his seaside town for the summer to figure out her next steps in life. This was essentially a tale about two former classmates navigating adulthood with Cam thinking she had things figured out until she suddenly didn't while Danny spend the majority of his college days on the outside looking in of his friend group and underestimated along the way. While in this new town though, she realizes exactly how well liked Danny truly is and slowly begins to see him in a far different light than she did when they were in college together.
Meanwhile it is quite obvious that Danny has been harboring feelings for Cam for several years but simply never found the right time to let those affections be known. Cam is still recovering from a messy college breakup with her ex but she has other heavy issues she is actively working through like choosing an entirely new career path. The side characters were extremely funny and complimented the mains quite well with Drew being a particular favorite of mine. Based on the way the book ended it screamed sequel so I wouldn't mind seeing his journey take center stage in a possible book two.
I know I said I'm not a huge fan of spice but I have to mention chapter twenty three in this book which was a great example of combining spice with some fun and outlandish entertainment as it featured a crazy sex toy mishap and a sowing of oats that was long overdue! This was a good book. A really good book. I just wish the actual endgame was not quite so obvious but I still loved the hilarious trek to get there.
I absolutely loved this book and ended up enjoying it a lot more than I originally thought I would because it read so incredibly well. The narrative focused much more on the budding friendship and the slow crawl romance between the two leads rather than relying heavily on spice. That approach was super refreshing for someone like me who does not read many romance novels and prefers the emotional relationship building over explicit sex scenes. Plus the audio featured both male and female narrators who actually voiced their character no matter who was the focus of the chapters and it felt like they were actually having back and forth conversations through the book which was pretty cool.
I completely adored both Cam and Danny and I really liked witnessing the distinct journeys toward love between the two. However, the slow burn dynamic was quite frustrating at times because their obvious attraction was undeniable. Having nothing in the way of them actually being together created an invisible hurdle that felt a bit unnecessary but I loved their emotional connection regardless. What was painfully obvious to us as the reader was not quite so apparent for Cam but that made the reading experience wonderfully interactive. There were multiple times where I just wanted to scream at her to open her eyes and I desperately wanted to yell at Danny to just tell her how he felt.
Things kick off when Cam unexpectedly loses her job and has to take her college best friend Danny up on his generous offer to waitress at his restaurant. She reluctantly moves to his seaside town for the summer to figure out her next steps in life. This was essentially a tale about two former classmates navigating adulthood with Cam thinking she had things figured out until she suddenly didn't while Danny spend the majority of his college days on the outside looking in of his friend group and underestimated along the way. While in this new town though, she realizes exactly how well liked Danny truly is and slowly begins to see him in a far different light than she did when they were in college together.
Meanwhile it is quite obvious that Danny has been harboring feelings for Cam for several years but simply never found the right time to let those affections be known. Cam is still recovering from a messy college breakup with her ex but she has other heavy issues she is actively working through like choosing an entirely new career path. The side characters were extremely funny and complimented the mains quite well with Drew being a particular favorite of mine. Based on the way the book ended it screamed sequel so I wouldn't mind seeing his journey take center stage in a possible book two.
I know I said I'm not a huge fan of spice but I have to mention chapter twenty three in this book which was a great example of combining spice with some fun and outlandish entertainment as it featured a crazy sex toy mishap and a sowing of oats that was long overdue! This was a good book. A really good book. I just wish the actual endgame was not quite so obvious but I still loved the hilarious trek to get there.
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