Jump to ratings and reviews

HOT GREEK SUMMER

Widow Cassie Merrill wants to move on, she really does. A hundred percent. Okay, maybe eighty percent. Four years after her husband leaves “involuntarily,” a vacation to Crete with her best friend Bea seems like the perfect remedy to jumpstart her life.

At the beach on their first day, Bea—always a sucker for a good head of hair—forms an attachment to a local hottie. She then pairs the reluctant Cassie with his tagalong cousin Stavros as a fourth for a too-cozy dinner.

Still guarded, Cassie knows that until she pushes past her old memories and fulfills the vow made to her husband, she will never move forward. Fighting FOMO—Fear of Moving On—she honors her pheromones and accepts Stavros’ invitation to have lunch at his favorite beach, Legaria, drink a little retsina and nap in the sun by the Mediterranean.

With Stavros’ kindness and energy, and bossy yet loyal Bea egging her on to let go of the past, she just might find romance again. Will their love affair last longer than one Hot Greek Summer?

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Shirley Goldberg

6 books486 followers
Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who’s lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting their lives and loves over. Her new books Hot Greek Summer and Wrong Wrong Right are coming March andJuly 2026.

Middle Ageish, Eat Your Heart Out, and A Little Bit of Lust are all part of the Starting Over trilogy. They're humorous/romantic women's romantic fiction with a dash of rom com for readers who enjoy the mature hero and heroine. And "mature" is not a synonym for stodgy. As Sunny Chanel says, "I'm middle-aged, not dead." https://www.amazon.com/Shirley-Goldbe...

But wait, there's more! Middle Ageish, Shirley's take on starting over and dating in your middle ages has been revised and has a new cover––grab it everywhere.

Shirley's friends like to guess which stories from the novel are true. 

Shirley's website http://shirleygoldberg.com offers a humorous look at living single, cultivating men friends and dating later in life. .

Tune in and get ideas for your next read and links to book freebies and deals in Shirley's newsletter. Grab 'em whilst they're hot!

Shirley's characters believe you should never leave home without your sense of humor and she agrees.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
5 (19%)
4 stars
13 (50%)
3 stars
5 (19%)
2 stars
3 (11%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Shyames.
454 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 21, 2026
This was a really enjoyable read, and I'm so glad it’s a middle-aged romance—a nice change of pace from the mainstream obsession with characters who are 25 at the most.

Cassie's husband died four years ago, and she’s taking a trip to Crete with her best friend, Bea. Bea keeps pushing her to loosen up and start moving on, while Cassie remains apprehensive about the whole idea. One day, they meet Petros on the beach, and later that evening, he brings his cousin, Stavros, to meet them at the bar. It doesn't take long for both couples to hit it off, though as you can imagine, Cassie's walls aren't the easiest to break down. That’s not to say Stavros doesn't have his own baggage: the man is divorced and his son isn't exactly making life easy for him at the moment. A sweet bonus is that, back in the States, they actually don't live that far away from each other!

Although this is a dual-POV narration, Cassie is definitely the lead here, and we spend most of the chapters inside her head. Both Cassie and Stavros have their own issues to work through, their own insecurities, and moments of panic. But throughout it all, they keep it real. I quite enjoyed the fact that the characters actually talk to each other. Sure, they have their quiet moments and need their own space, but soon enough they’re back together talking things out. This is exactly what I like to see—growing on your own and then growing together.

One thing that irked me a bit was the epilogue; it felt slightly as though Cassie was still holding herself back and dealing with the same issues after all this time. But I suppose she's on the right track, so she’ll get there eventually.

If you enjoy a summer romance with a sprinkle of "second big love" and actual grown-ups figuring their lives out, this one is definitely for you.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Profile Image for Blagica .
1,519 reviews21 followers
June 29, 2026
I am almost ashamed to admit how long it took me to finally sit down and review this absolute gem of a summer read! If you’re a 90s kid who grew up glued to the TV during the iconic TGIF lineup, you will instantly get my vibe here: if Uncle Jesse and Aunt Becky from Full House had their own romance novel, it would be this exact book. Now that I’ve gotten that essential piece of pop-culture praise out of my system, let’s dive into this gorgeous story.

Hot Greek Summer is an absolute delight—a feel-good contemporary romance that caught me off guard with its impressive emotional weight. The sun-drenched backdrop of Crete is so vividly drawn and atmospheric that it doubles as a perfect literary getaway, sweeping you right along with the characters.

What really sets this book apart, though, is its tender exploration of grief and the winding path to healing. Cassie’s emotional arc resonates so deeply; the author beautifully captures that heavy internal tug-of-war between honoring the past and finally allowing yourself to embrace the future. Stavros is the ideal counterweight for her—endlessly charming on the surface, but grounded by a rich, layered complexity of his own.

Instead of rushing their bond, the romance unfolds as a beautifully paced slow-burn, crackling with just the right amount of romantic tension. I loved how effortlessly the narrative balances bright, lighthearted vacation moments with poignant reflections on second chances and personal growth.

The Verdict: A touching, vibrant summer escape that's a must-read for anyone who appreciates a romance with genuine substance and a breathtaking setting. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author. A well-deserved 4 stars!
Profile Image for Gabriel.
136 reviews110 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 3, 2026
First of all, thank you Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book not knowing what it was about. Honestly, the title made me interested. I thought that this was a feel-good romance but I was shocked when I realized that the story was a bit steamy. I don't really believe in instalove but other than that I think the overall execution of the story is okay.
Profile Image for Tanisha.
287 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 22, 2026
I always enjoy picking up romances that step outside the typical age range, so a later-in-life love story immediately caught my attention. Stories featuring older characters brings a different kind of emotional depth and life experience, and this one really leaned into that. The setting in Crete added such a beautiful backdrop, and it made the entire story feel like a bit of an escape.

The book is told in alternating point of view, though we spend most of the time with the FMC, which I really enjoyed. Her journey felt heartfelt and meaningful, and I appreciated how the story explored moving forward after loss and finding love again later in life. The MMC was easy to root for, and I loved the way his feelings developed. Their connection felt genuine and mature, which made their romance especially satisfying to watch unfold.
While one of the side characters did not fully grow on me, I still appreciated how the supporting cast helped move the story along and created opportunities for the main couple to connect.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. The setting, the later-in-life romance, and the emotional themes made it a memorable read. I did wish the ending and epilogue had been a bit more expanded, but it still left me happy to have taken the journey with these characters.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Profile Image for Rainbow Bookish Owl.
75 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 2, 2026
I really enjoyed Hot Greek Summer by Shirley Goldberg. It was such a fun and heartwarming read, especially getting to spend time with Cassie and Stavros, as well as Bea and Petros. Their stories felt vibrant and full of personality, and I appreciated how the romantic tension unfolded in a sunny, escapist setting.

One of the aspects I liked most was the focus on love after partner loss or divorce. The book handles the idea that life (and romance) doesn’t simply end after heartbreak with warmth and optimism. It was refreshing to see characters navigating second chances later in life, especially since both protagonists are older than those in many contemporary romances. That perspective gave the story a layer of maturity and emotional depth that I found really appealing.

Cassie did frustrate me at times as it sometimes felt like it took her a long while to truly let herself relax and embrace the possibilities in front of her. However, her hesitations were understandable given her past, and they ultimately made her growth more satisfying.

Overall, I’d rate this about 3.5 stars. It’s an engaging, feel-good romance with meaningful themes about resilience, healing, and opening your heart again. While there were moments that tested my patience, I genuinely enjoyed the journey and found it to be a charming and uplifting read.
Profile Image for Jess (lucky.bookclub)  Hilbert.
305 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 23, 2026
I really wanted this one to work for me, but unfortunately it just didn’t come together in a satisfying way. The premise had a lot of potential, especially with an older cast of characters navigating love, friendship, and reinvention later in life, which is refreshing to see in a romance. There were moments where that idea shone through, particularly in the focus on second and third acts of life and the reminder that it’s never too late to start again.

That said, the story itself felt unfocused, and I struggled to connect with the characters or understand their motivations. The plot never fully settled into a clear direction, which made it difficult to stay engaged, and much of the emotional development felt rushed or unearned. I found myself wanting more depth and cohesion to support the setting and the relationships.

I do admire the effort it takes to write and publish a book, and I think readers looking for a light, escapist vacation setting with an older heroine may still find something to enjoy here. For me, though, this one ultimately wasn’t a match.

Thank you NetGalley and bookbuzz.net for the ARC!
Profile Image for Elizabeth McVay.
43 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2026
Hot Greek Summer by Shirley Goldberg was a really enjoyable, feel-good read with more depth than I expected. The setting in Crete was beautiful and immersive, and it added such a fun, escapist element to the story.

I loved that this book explored grief and moving on in a realistic way. Cassie’s journey felt honest and relatable, especially the push and pull between holding onto the past and allowing herself to experience something new. Stavros was a great match for her, bringing both charm and his own emotional complexity to the story.

The romance had a natural build with just the right amount of tension, and I appreciated that it wasn’t rushed. It balanced lighter, fun moments with more meaningful themes about healing and second chances.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, summery read that I’d recommend if you enjoy romance with emotional depth and a strong sense of place.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Abeba.
23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 26, 2026
3.5 stars!

I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s a light hearted travel romance that was easy to get into and fun to follow. The plot was engaging overall, though I did find the main character a little frustrating at the beginning, she seemed quite resistant to going out with the MMC for no good reason.

That said, the romance developed nicely as the story progressed. Toward the end, it did feel like it dragged slightly, particularly with the heavier focus on the MMCs son, which took away from the pacing a bit.

Overall, I still had a great time reading this and would recommend it to others who enjoy a summery, escapist romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,102 reviews29 followers
April 13, 2026
I would love to give this book more stars. The description of Crete as a whole is stunning. You can't help but imagine the island. The white beaches, the homes, just everything. But for me, that's the only 5-star rating for this book.

The book does get muddled in parts, and in other parts, it drags on and becomes a tedious read. I was excited because the characters were older. It's nice to read about characters more my age, living life, engaging in sex, and finding a new love. Cassie and Stavros make a nice couple. Stavros has to get through Cassie's walls, and Cassie has to show Stavros that not all women are like his ex-wife.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Hot Greek Summer. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Profile Image for Marina  L..
1,054 reviews23 followers
June 17, 2026
A friend told me about this book because she knows I can never resist a good second-chance romance, and she was absolutely right about this one.
One of my favourite parts was the friendship between Cassie and Bea. They felt like two real friends rather than characters on a page. Bea made me smile more than once, and I liked how she kept pushing Cassie when she needed it most.
I really enjoyed watching Cassie take small steps toward a new chapter in her life. Some parts made me a little emotional because her feelings seemed very real. I ended up cheering for her more than I expected. When I finished the book, I honestly wished I had a little more time with these characters. I highly recommend this fantastic story.
Profile Image for R.W. Richard.
Author 14 books8 followers
August 2, 2026
Hot Greek Summer is more than an escapist summer vacation. The theme of love lost and second chances for a middle-aged woman, Cassie, is compelling. On the gorgeous Greek island Crete, long dormant things heat up for her on her journey back to truly living with love as the pillar to a better life. There's romance and it is spicey.
This is a summer romance about finding love again after loss. If you're looking for a mature romance featuring believable characters, spectacular Greek scenery, and a touching "second chance at love" novel, I'd recommend giving this one an undivided read.
Yet it is not fluff. It tackles what it means to be human. And as a woman, what part satisfies best our journey on Earth.
Profile Image for J.
4,541 reviews22 followers
May 10, 2026
A great standalone romance read. I really enjoyed that our main characters Cassie and Stavros are a bit later in life characters - I mean, they're not old but they're not the usual 20 somethings. I also liked the dual point of view and the character grown of each of our main characters as well as their growth as a couple. I love how this is a story of hope and life after the death of your partner as well as life after divorce. I love the vaca and bestie aspects too! Very much enjoyed and look forward to seeing what's to come!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Talya.
208 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2026
Hot Greek Summer was a fun summer read for me. Give me more main characters who are not in their early twenties! The story is set on the beautiful island of Crete, where two best friends escape for a girls' trip. The main character, Cassie, lost her husband a few years earlier and is reluctant to move on. Can the beautiful, sultry island, with its delicious food (and men), help her?
This is more than just a vacation romance. The relationships carry the emotional weight Cassie needs to begin healing. The novel is lush and gets spicy. The vivid setting adds to its charm. It was the perfect escapist read.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
195 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2026
Cassie is still mourning her late husband but she agrees to go on a trip with her best friend Bea to the place, she honeymooned with Jay. She was not looking for a man but nevertheless, he found her. Would Cassie ever give chance to Stavros?

I enjoyed reading the story and more specifically enjoyed reading about Crete- the island, the food, the people. The story is so realistic and wholesome, that you will definitely immerse in the experience.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.
Profile Image for Victoria.
149 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2026
2.5 starts for me. Cute but something about the writing that I couldn't get passed. I wish I could explain it better but there were moments that felt disconnected or that made things feel like they jumped from one thing to the next. I also didnt care for the double POV considering there wasn't much for the MMC. I had a hard time attaching myself to the FMC as well... something about her inner dialog that I just couldn't handle.
197 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2026
This book had me feeling all the feels. From a second chance at love it did not disappoint. When widower Cassie went on a trip to Greece to relive the yesteryears, she didn't expect to meet someone like Starvos. I felt all the emotions that was portrayed in the book and I know this won't be my last book by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Genoveva.
1,726 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2026
OMG the emotional rollercoaster I was put through reading this one! Cassie was a likeable character that you could understand why she was very much hesitant with Stavros. I love that we get her look back at her marriage with her now deceased husband. I enjoyed that we get to see how the connections between him and Stavros are different. I 100% got why she tried her best not to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Courtney.
324 reviews
March 31, 2026
Spicy quick Greek read for the summer. Easy to follow along with the characters, all avoiding their own issues while trying to navigate summer in Greece. We follow Cassie and Bea on their Summer holiday which quickly turns into a summer romance for both, in their own ways trying to overcome obstacles.
17.6k reviews200 followers
April 20, 2026
She is a widow and she has not moved on from that moment in time. She is going on holiday with her best friend when a meal out wth her best friend becomes a foursome. She will find it is nice to have a new outlook on her life so see if it becomes more than a holiday ring
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a beautiful tale
Profile Image for May G..
434 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2026
Emotional

This is not a light romance, it's emotional and I loved that. I liked that it's a story about second chances and also, I think it's a very deep story.
I also loved the setting. The descriptions made me want to book a trip to Greece immediately. There was a warmth to the story that made it an easy and comforting read, and the friendships were just as enjoyable as the romance itself.
Profile Image for Ally G.
269 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2026
3.5 stars! I enjoyed this vacation/travel romance. As someone in their 40s, I also appreciated the later-in-life romance - it's always nice to read that perspective. The story was engaging and fun, the chemistry was fabulous, and I loved the way the author painted the setting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this one!
Profile Image for Jen Nagy.
40 reviews
March 7, 2026
This story was not for me. I couldn’t connect with the characters, I found them annoying and not well developed. It started out okay but went downhill fast. It would have been a DNF except I stuck it out at a NetGalley early read.
41 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2026
Such a great story. I love love love Cassie and Stavos! Very well written with great story building and a timeline that progresses nicely. 100% recommend.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews