Tastes Like Summer: a single parent, grumpy x sunshine romance

by Caroline Frank

Diana Castillo just wants to get some stability back in her life. Newly single with two pre-teen daughters, one of whom is recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, the knocks have come hard and fast.

When she’s offered a summer in the Hamptons for her and her girls to recoup, Diana jumps at the chance.

What she isn’t expecting is a summer fling—especially not with the hot local chef who manages to get under her skin. She’s newly divorced and has no room for anyone but her girls.

Michael Haynes is one year into the dad role after adopting his estranged biological daughter, and it’s upended his career and life in unexpected and wonderful ways. Except it’s stymied him in the kitchen, and his new restaurant venture of farm-to-table delicacies with his cousin has stalled out. He’s professionally and creatively constipated.

But when his daughter befriends two sweet and rambunctious girls, he meets their a woman with a tough exterior that has him defensive and questioning all of his parenting choices.

That friction turns into something more as Diana and her girls become his inspiration for new recipes that have his motivation sputtering back to life. The problem is that it’s got his heart resurrecting, too.

Michael and Diana’s passion has the kitchen heating up, but life has a way of reminding them this fling has an expiration date.

They’ll have to decide if a summer together is all they want or if only a taste is not enough.

Tastes Like Summer is a steamy, comteporary romance for fans of Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren.

Genres: Audiobook

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this summer romance. It follows Dianna and Michael. Dianna is recently divorced and visiting the Hamptons for the summer with her daughters, and that’s when she meets an annoyingly handsome chef who also has a daughter. Their daughters quickly become close friends at summer camp.

This is a character driven story, and from the start I loved the tension between them. Diana’s fiery, stubborn attitude was so good. I loved how Michael would snap back initially, but he also started to realise there was more going on with Diana and, in some ways, he could relate. I loved how he’s a chef and started helping and supporting her. She deserves to be loved and cherished, because her ex-husband is honestly scum. When Diana and Michael had those emotional discussions about what their relationship was and what came next, my heart was rooting for them despite the challenges. They had great chemistry, and I loved them sneaking around. All the girls were such a joy to read about, and the depth and discussion around an absent, uninterested father while navigating a diabetes diagnosis added an extra layer to the story. I’m so glad it all worked out in the end. Such a fantastic summer romance.

Lastly, I really enjoyed the audiobook for this one, and I highly recommend picking it up in this format. I’m also looking forward to adding more of Caroline’s work to my TBR, as I enjoyed her writing style.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 10hrs 39mins
Narrators: Dominique Francheski and Robb Moreira - Dual
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️.5
Spicy Chapters: 20, 24, 27 and 35
POV: First Person
Series or Standalone: Book Four In The Seasons Of Love Series
Tropes or Themes: Single Mum, Reverse Grumpy Sunshine, Single Dad, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Divorced FMC, Interracial Romance, Made Me Laugh, Diabetes, Tension, MMC Chef, Family Drama, Third Act Breakup, Sexual Content, Praise, Oral Play, Dry Humping, Kitchen Scene, Shower Scene and Office Scene.
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

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[Kassandra Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @netgalley & @dreamscape_media for an ALC of
𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕃𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 by @carolinefrankwrites 💛

I grabbed this one on a whim because the premise and cover looked so good, and I’m so glad I did! It was the perfect story to kick off summer reading season. 🥰

Michael is suddenly a full-time single dad after the loss of his daughter’s mother, while juggling a new restaurant and trying to reconnect with his little girl.

Diana is rebuilding her life post-divorce, spending the summer in the Hamptons with her two daughters. When their kids become fast friends, she and Michael keep crossing paths. Neither expects more than a fellow parent in the chaos of raising kids alone… until summer has other plans. 👀

I really enjoyed this book and these characters! We get so many fun tropes in this one: Grumpy x Sunshine, Latinx representation, forced proximity, and some spicy cooking scenes 🌶️🧑🏼‍🍳👀 just to name a few!

My heart really went out to Diana and Michael. I could relate to the challenges of parenting and juggling all the responsibilities that come with it. I have so much respect for single parents, and I think Caroline did a fantastic job capturing those real-life moments throughout the story. 👏🏻

I loved watching Michael and Diana’s relationship unfold, especially since Michael was down bad long before Diana realized it. 😍

I also loved the friendship between their daughters and appreciated the Type 1 Diabetes representation. Michael’s support for Diana and her daughter was so sweet.

The dual narration was fantastic, and each chapter was engaging to listen to. 👏🏻

Overall, this was such a sweet summer read and a great one OUT NOW on audio! ☀️ (Paperback coming in Sept)

[Janne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off quite strong. Both main characters felt well introduced with clear motivations and struggles. Both are finding their way through solo parenting, as in both cases this is quite new. I liked the way they met each other, the banter between the two. But this book suddenly shfts gears in my opinion. Suddenly it felt like a soap where there was something happening all the time. It felt like too much and got me disconnected from the story. At the end, I didn't really care abaout the couple anymore, I'm still not sure whether the attraction between the two is purely psysical or whether I missed the emotional connection. It left me with a 'meh' feeling.

Some thing a wished the audiobook did differently, is the prononciation of Diana's name. It's a part of the plot, so it became quite weird that Diana kept being introduced in the American way. Otherwise the audiobook was good to follow.

Thank you Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audiobook!

[Tricia Freiberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to ALC review this book. Caroline Frank is a new to me author who I will definitely be reading more of!

This story follows divorced single mom, Diana, and new dad, Michael. Michael is only kind of new to the role, as his daughter is 9 but he was more of a fun uncle for most of her life until her mom died. He’s now thriving as a single dad and opening a new restaurant in the Hamptons with his cousin. Diana is in the Hamptons for the summer, staying at a friend’s pool house with her two daughters while navigating her daughter’s new type 1 diabetes diagnosis. All three girls become the best of friends at a summer camp, which forces grumpy Michael and only-grumpy-towards-him Diana to spend time together.

As their friendship grows, Michael convinces Diana to let him teach her some new recipes so her family can enjoy more traditional Venezuelan foods without trigging any major blood sugar issues. She is forced to rely on him to watch the girls while she has a big meeting in Manhattan and he comes over like a knight in shining armor during a bad storm.

Diana is feisty, even if she doesn’t always feel that way, and will thrive in the law office she works for. Michael’s culinary expertise comes in handy many times, but he is clear that his job will never come before his kid.

They have some road bumps and struggles along the way, but what good romance novel doesn’t? Most importantly they find their HEA!

Fave quote: “You and those three girls ARE my life.” Compliments of our green flag, Michael 🥰

Now I need to go back and read the first three books in this series!

The audio for Tastes Like Summer is available now, paperback and ebook will be available in September.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tastes Like Summer was my introduction to Caroline Frank's writing, and it left me with all the warm, feel-good vibes of a perfect beach read. 🌊☀️💕 I experienced the story through the audiobook, and the dual narration added so much personality to the characters. The narrators did a wonderful job bringing the emotions, humor, and romance to life.

At the heart of the story is Diana, a mother doing everything she can to hold her family together after a painful divorce. Between raising two daughters, helping one adjust to a recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, managing constant stress, and figuring out her next chapter in life, she has a lot on her shoulders. Her protective instincts are strong, sometimes causing her to judge situations too quickly, especially when old wounds from her marriage start influencing her decisions. Even when she frustrated me at times, I understood where she was coming from and admired how fiercely she loved her children. ❤️

Then there's Michael. 🧑‍🍳🥰 As a chef opening a restaurant while learning the ropes of single parenthood, he's juggling just as much chaos. From the moment he enters the story, he brings a calm, steady presence that perfectly balances Diana's worries. Their first interaction is anything but smooth, but beneath the tension there's an attraction neither of them can ignore. The more time they spend together, the more their walls begin to crumble.

One of my favorite parts of the book was watching the friendship develop between their daughters. 👧🌸 Their bond naturally pulls Diana and Michael closer together, creating plenty of opportunities for heartfelt conversations, vulnerable moments, and genuine connection. The romance unfolds gradually, allowing both characters to heal, grow, and rediscover what happiness could look like.

What made this story stand out was how grounded it felt. Life isn't always neat, and this book embraces that reality. Divorce, parenting challenges, self-doubt, guilt, complicated exes, career pressures, and second chances are all woven into the story in a way that feels authentic and relatable. While a few scenes leaned a little dramatic for my taste, the emotional core of the novel remained strong throughout.

Michael was easily my favorite character. 💙 His patience, kindness, and unwavering devotion to both his daughter and Diana made him impossible not to love. He consistently put family first and showed up when it mattered most. Watching him support the people he cared about was incredibly heartwarming.

Overall, Tastes Like Summer is a charming, emotional romance filled with family, healing, laughter, and hope. 🌅💕 It's a story about finding joy after heartbreak, taking risks on love again, and realizing that sometimes the people who enter your life unexpectedly end up becoming exactly what you need. If you're looking for a sweet summer romance with depth, lovable characters, and plenty of heart, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tastes Like Summer is a sweet summer romance centered on Diana, a hardworking single mom whose daughter was recently diagnosed with diabetes. She spends the summer in the Hamptons, where she meets Michael, a ridiculously attractive chef and newly devoted dad (it's a whole thing). The two immediately clash, but this is very much a he falls first situation. Michael is completely smitten, while Diana is far more guarded, still carrying the baggage of a difficult marriage and the realities of raising a child with a chronic illness on her own.

The audiobook uses dual narration, and both Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira do a great job bringing their characters to life, though I did wish it had been a duet narration. They were both new-to-me narrators, and I'm definitely adding them to my radar.

It took me a while to warm up to the characters, especially Diana. If I'm being honest, I found her a bit unlikeable and annoying until about the halfway point. She's undeniably her own worst enemy, and while that eventually made her feel more human, it made the first half of the book a little frustrating.
I also struggled with the overall story structure early on. For a good portion of the book, I wasn't entirely sure what the central conflict was supposed to be. Problems would pop up and then resolve themselves fairly quickly, making the plot feel a bit meandering. The main conflict doesn't really arrive until much later in the story.

That said, Diana and Michael have fantastic chemistry, and I completely bought into their romance. Their relationship was easily the strongest part of the book for me.
As for the diabetes storyline, I wasn't a fan of how it was utilized. It seemed to overlook how much diabetes care and technology have advanced in recent years.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but the romance worked, the chemistry was strong, and I walked away with two new audiobook narrators I'll happily listen to again.

[Maggie Arellano · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you @netgalley & @dreamscape_media for advance copy of Tastes Like Summer by @carolinefrankwrites


Taste Like Summer was what I hoped to be the perfect romance of the season.
The story is about Diana a recently divorced single mother trying to go to school, work and raising her 2 children.
She is also learning to navigate her daughters recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Her ex husband is MIA. While Diana is spending her summer in the Hamptons she meets Michael, a hot chef who is recent single father as well. This is a “enemy’s to lovers” /slow burn type of romance.

Now for my review,
Not liking the main character had me constantly wanting to DNF this book.
She is her own worst enemy, she is too over her head and over complicates everything.
Michael, was sweet selfless and constantly trying to help Diana with anything he could.
I honestly think Diana DID NOT deserve him. Her “what ifs” drove me crazy!
She avoided him, avoided the conversation they needed to have when he was nothing but understanding when they would talk. I felt like she never really apologized for ignoring him then showing up with a date to his restaurant.

At the same time I also feel like Michael fell in love too fast too quick too obsessive. And he was in the relationship on his own. Diana was constantly willing to give up.

I felt like the characters weren’t really developed. I didn’t love the diagnostic of diabetes being so over complicated. It felt like it was just like another excuse for Diana to be so selfish when it came to Michael.
The story itself felt very unnatural.
Michael is trying to make it work, expresses his love, Diana says thank you and doesn’t respond. She is constantly letting him down.

The narrator for Diana character was not the best. It was monotone and odd when it came to crying or sex scenes.

Overall not my favorite at all.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tastes Like Summer by Caroline Frank (June 2026) [reading in May] PB & EB (Sept. 2026)
Seasons of Love #4
10h 39m narrated by Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira, 359 pages
ALC courtesy of Dreamscape, RB Media, and NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Rating as a movie: XX for strong sexual content

Featuring: Single Parents, Grumpy/Sunshine, Hamptons, New York; Divorcée, Chef, Latinx Characters, Diabetes - Type 1, Meet-Ugly, Healing From Divorce, Sag Harbor, New York; New Family Dynamics, Finding Inspiration, Long Island, New York; Summer Fling, August, Venezuelan MC, Denver, Colorado; Memorial Day Weekend, Sisters, House Sitting, Characters From Previous Books, Custody Battle, Death of Parent, Enemies-to-Lovers, Sex - Detailed, Restaurant, Helicopter Mom, 9-year-olds, Abandonment

My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏝👩‍👧‍👧👨‍👧🧑‍🍳⚖️🇻🇪🗽

My thoughts: There is so much to love about this story! The plot progression is wonderfully refreshing and brings something unique to the genre, and the characters are fantastic. I will say that a few moments felt a little melodramatic for my taste, and the male narration didn't quite work for me—some of his dialogue during the romance scenes felt a bit forced. Even with those small bumps, the strong, original storylines kept me hooked. I'm adding the rest of the Seasons of Love series to my TBR!

Recommend to others: Yes. This was a good time.

Seasons of Love
1. Fall Into You (2023)
2. Shall We Dance? (2023)
Happily Ever Disaster (2023)
3. Second Chance Snowmance (2023)
4. Tastes Like Summer (2026)

Songs for the soundtrack: "Cruel Summer" by Taylor Swift

Books and Authors mentioned: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty [screenplay based on] The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty; Nineteen Eighty-Four (1984) by George Orwell

[Jen Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is messy, divorce is messy, jealous ex's are messy, and so is guilt. All of that is apparent in Tastes Like Summer! Diana is on her own and struggling to maintain her child's newly diagnosed diabetes, the lack of her daughter's father, and starting a new career. Diana wants the best life for her children, but has struggled to do what was best for her as well. They meet Michael and his daughter over the summer, and life doesn't feel quite as messy for a while.

Michael is a new father and is starting a new restaurant. His first meeting with Diana doesn't go well, but the attraction is undeniable. Michael feels out of his depth with fatherhood, a new business owner, and now with Diana. However, all of the daughters attending the same summer camp and becoming friends means Michael and Diana will spend a lot of time together. The more time together, the more feelings build as they open up showing emotions and vulnerability.

Diana is a mama bear through and through, is quick to jump to assumptions based on previous experience with her ex, and also lets her ex use negativity to put doubts in her head. Michael has such a tender heart and loves with his whole self. He is steadfast throughout all scenarios and always put their children's needs first.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced read in exchange for an honest review. This story replicates real life and the obstacles many new adult relationships involving children face.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely romance read. A standalone, single parent romance with our main characters being recent divorcée, Diana Castillo and unexpected single dad and chef, Michael Haynes. I loved their meet cute where they start off as anything but friends. The one rule most parents adhere to is never to seriously critique someone else's parenting, which they both do and it subsequently feeds into their insecurities. Let's be real, most good parents have insecurities and the comment (encouragement) even mentioned in this book is, if you're worried or upset, that means your being a better parent than most. I've said a version of that to some close friends who feel like failing parents. I loved how both of these amazing parents are so focused on their kids and doing what's best for them - but sometimes (not always) doing what you need as an adult is what's best for them. They can see you love, grow and conquer work and relationships in a healthy way. I think Diana more than once did a disservice to her girls, but I know that it was done with the best of intentions and I love how the storyline progressed to a HEA for everyone! The dual narration for our main characters was well done and the storyline flowed smoothly and was not just captivating but well balanced with sweet, heat, humor and more. A great listen!

This title was given to me thanks to NetGalley and I voluntarily provided this review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this title

[Renee Polks Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 3/5

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ALC of this book.

This hallmark summer palate cleanser was my first Caroline Frank read.

This book is very much a grumpy/sunshine with single parent drama. Both Diana and Michael has their own issues they are dealing with both personally and parentally. However, I found that Diana came off as selfish and rude, which I know is partly caused by her struggles, but it just came across the wrong way in fiction.

Michael on the other hand, was incredibly patient and navigated their entire romance arc - in my opinion.

The Hamptons beachy setting and the foodie scene really gives off a 'potential summer love' vibe. I am definitely a sucker for a late sunset on the beach with food, wine and a hot man kinda girl, so this was an easy comfort read.

~NOTE~
If you're not a third act break up reader, then maybe this isn't for you. You are reading about what love looks like for adults who have already experienced love and heartbreak, and are navigating the balance of children priorities vs new love interests (and sometimes, that balance can take time to form).

🎧 The dual narration was good, but I always believe duet would be best for romances. The narrators still did a great job and I found them easy to listen to.

☀️ Summer Romance
🍳 Chef MMC with sass
🔥 Grumpy / Sunshine
❤️ Emotional healing

[Sam Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for the opportunity to listen to Tastes Like Summer by Caroline Frank. Narrated by Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira.

Recently divorced Diana, is trying to juggle a new diagnosis for her daughter and another preteen daughter in a new house for the summer.

Michael is a semi- new father to his estranged daughter. Balance a huge career opportunity with being a single Dad is a difficult balance.

These two rub each other the wrong way immediately and somehow their daughters become the best of friends. Which forces them to retract claws and have a truce. Which turns into a friendship and a safe support for one another.

Sparks end up flying and real life continues to get in the way. How will these two balance it all?

I could relate to both characters as a parent. I think Diana is written really well. Rough around the edges, trying to prioritize her girls as well as work and school. Fully coming to terms with her new life and new diagnosis for her daughter. Yet, trying to hold herself together to not emotionally fall apart. She's fierce, hurt, and pissed off half the time. Very realistic.

Michael was a bit difficult to connect to since his story doesn't make sense to me. I do think these two had chemistry and worked well together.

Both narrators did a good job.

I recommend for romance lovers.

[Marylovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Review of Tastes Like Summer
by Caroline Frank
Narrated by Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was an enjoyable romance listen with relatable characters and plenty of heart.

Recently divorced, Diana Castillo is navigating life with her two young daughters, one of whom has Type 1 diabetes. When she accepts a friend's offer to stay at a lakeside cottage for the summer, she hopes for a fresh start and a chance to regroup. Her first meeting with Michael Caines is anything but smooth, making for a memorable and entertaining meet-cute.

I enjoyed listening to Diana and Michael's story unfold as their relationship developed from a rocky beginning into something much deeper. The family dynamics added warmth and realism, and I appreciated how the challenges of parenting a child with a chronic illness were incorporated into the story.

Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira delivered strong performances that helped bring the characters and their emotions to life.

Overall, *Tastes Like Summer* was a sweet, engaging romance that balanced humor, family, and romance well. A great choice for readers looking for a heartfelt contemporary love story.
Thanks to Netgalley and its publisher for ALC

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC of this 4-star listen!
There’s so much to enjoy in this story. It feels fresh and a bit different from others in the genre, with engaging characters and a plot that keeps things moving. While a few scenes felt slightly over-the-top and parts of the male narration didn’t quite land for me—especially in the romantic moments—the story still held my attention from start to finish. The writing captures real-life challenges, making the characters easy to relate to as they navigate complicated, messy situations.
Diana is trying to rebuild her life after divorce while caring for her two daughters, including one with a recent medical diagnosis, so a summer getaway feels like a much-needed reset. There, she unexpectedly connects with Michael, a chef struggling to find his spark again while adjusting to fatherhood. As their kids bond, so do they, and what begins as tension grows into something deeper. But with real-life responsibilities waiting, they must decide if their connection is just for the summer or worth something more. I recommend this sweet summer romance.

[Megan - MegsMarginMusings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Tastes Like Summer by Caroline Frank as an audiobook ARC from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. The audiobook was narrated by Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira. This was a heartfelt, high‑angst summer romance centered on two single parents trying to rebuild their lives. Diana Castillo is newly divorced, juggling two pre‑teen daughters and the emotional weight of a recent type 1 diabetes diagnosis. What she doesn’t expect is Michael Haynes, a chef‑turned‑new‑dad whose creative spark has fizzled until Diana and her girls crash into his world. Their friction, chemistry, and shared experiences as single parents create a believable push‑pull that fuels both the romance and the emotional stakes.

The plot is engaging and the central conflict has real weight, though both leads occasionally felt a bit much. Diana’s fear and guilt often ran her life, and Michael’s intensity about their connection sometimes tipped past what I prefer. Still, the dual narration is lovely, the setup is compelling, and the emotional payoff lands. If you enjoy angsty summer romances with single‑parent dynamics and a guaranteed HEA, this one will hit the spot.

[Abookaday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needing a fresh start after her divorce, Diana heads to the Hamptons with her two daughters for the summer. Between navigating her younger daughter Emmy’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and dealing with an absent ex-husband, she’s doing her best to hold everything together. Her older daughter, Camilla, is struggling too, especially with all the strict meal changes at home.

Things get off to a rough start when Diana clashes with Michael after criticizing his parenting. Michael is adjusting to raising his daughter, Rachel, after the loss of her mother, and neither of them is looking for more complications. But when their daughters become fast friends, Diana and Michael keep getting thrown together, and their initial sparks of irritation slowly turn into something much sweeter.

I enjoyed watching these two open up to each other while learning that neither of them had to carry everything alone. This was a sweet summer romance with family, second chances, and plenty of heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[LAJordan Leigh Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the gifted audiobook. I have really liked this series & expected to love this one.

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 The narrators, Dominique Franceschi & Robb Moreira, are lovely—gorgeous voices and really natural at voice changes as necessary for conversations with different characters.
🤩 Captivating meet-again cute!
🤩 LOL funny!
🤩 Enemies-to-lovers vibes but their kids want to hang out.
🤩 I adore Michael but Diana kinda drives me nuts. I was annoyed with her, but I think I was supposed to be. 🫣
🤩 And I totally laughed out loud at the love triangle she got herself into.
🤩 Child with T1D representation.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I don’t think she would have brought a store bought apple pie, for so many reasons. 🥧
💫 I don’t know if he just said that or thought it only. I should’ve requested the ebook too.
💫 Diana probably needs some post divorce therapy.
💫 The timing of some things feels off.
💫 It just feels forced. Something about it just isn’t giving me the feels.
💫 It was all so difficult—it made me not believe in their hea. 🙈

[Traci Hoffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance set in the Hamptons with a chef main character! Tastes Like Summer was my first book by Caroline Frank. I listened to the audio book and the narrators were great- and I loved the dual narration. I always love when a chef is one of the main characters- and Michael did not disappoint! I had a harder time warming up to Rosie- but ultimately came to appreciate her.
Rosie is recovering from a difficult marriage and divorce- and has the opportunity to spend the summer in the Hamptons at a friend’s guest home. Rosie has two daughters, one recently diagnosed with T1 diabetes. She clashes with Michael when they first meet, taking out some of her baggage with her ex husband on Michael. Michael is a single dad to a daughter who becomes fast friends with Rosie’s daughters. Slowly Rosie begins opening up to Michael and the question becomes can their romance survive the end of summer.
Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an early audiobook of this story. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐ Thank you NetGalley for this Advanced Listener Copy in exchange for an honest review.

We follow single mother of two, Diana as she meets a man at summer camp drop off who turns her life upside down. Michael, a chef and "new" dad, is trying to get his life together and prove himself as a good father after his daughter's mother passed away.

While their connection grows strong, a meddling ex, a booming new restaurant, and a whole lot of distance threaten to keep these two apart for good.

This was an adorable romance between two single parents. It is currently being advertised at a "grumpy x sunshine" story, which doesn't seem to fit these characters at all. Additionally, totally personal preference, but I generally don't enjoy reading about kids or parents in books.

That being said, I did really enjoy the book despite those issues. This is a feel good summer romance with depth and heart and I'd recommend giving it a read!

Also, so glad to see a duet narration! Let's make this the standard for romance books, please!

[Brea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The dual narration brought Diana and Michael's story to life, and both narrators did a great job capturing the humor, chemistry, and emotional moments. Their performances made it easy to stay invested from beginning to end.
As two single parents brought together through their children at summer camp, Diana and Michael have plenty on their plates. Between co-parenting challenges, grief, a recent divorce, and navigating a new Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, this story has more emotional depth than your typical summer romance. I especially enjoyed Michael's career as a chef and how food became such a meaningful part of the story.
The pacing was a little slow in places, and Diana's hesitation occasionally tested my patience, but the relationship felt earned and the family dynamics kept me invested. If you're looking for a mature romance with lovable kids, heartfelt moments, and a strong audiobook performance, this is a great pick.
Thank you, Caroline Frank, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy.

[Melanie Placinta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a stinking cute love story 😭 single mom meets single dad in a rocky start to their friendship/relationship. But their kids become fast friends at their summer program and that sparks the beginning of something between their parents.

The mom Diana is recently divorced and trying to navigate life and her career with her two daughters, one of which has T1 diabetes. Needless to say homegirl has a lot on her plate.

Michael is a Chef that recently stepped into the dad role when the mother of his child passed away. He’s trying to handle his new restaurant venture and fatherhood.

The relationship between the two parents starts off rocky but they eventually get involved with each other and let’s just say “Yes, Chef” 🥵 the one thing I maybe didn’t love is the third act break up (not a huge fan of those) but this one doesn’t feel like some forced drama just because. Overall would absolutely recommend this cute romance!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫

I listened to Tastes Like Summer by Caroline Frank and found it to be a realistic story about adults navigating life’s messy, complicated moments. The characters felt like real people dealing with real problems, which made the story easy to connect with.

I was rooting for the MMC from the very beginning and found myself wanting things to work out for him. It took me a little longer to warm up to the FMC, but as the story progressed, I appreciated her growth and understood her perspective more.

I’m not always a fan of a third-act breakup, but in this case it fit the story and helped keep the relationship feeling authentic rather than overly perfect. While it wasn’t a complete hit for me, I enjoyed the emotional journey and the mature look at love, family, and second chances.

A solid 3.5-star listen that will likely appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven romances with realistic challenges and imperfect but relatable characters.

[Prema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 ⭐

Single mom and single dad where their kids become best friends one of my new favourite tropes.

Michael's journey into single parenthood and he way he stepped up for his daughter felt different from what I usually read. I loved how naturally he included Diana's kids in conversations and how much care he showed throughout the book for them and Diana.

Both Michael and Diana struggle with doubts about their parenting and I liked seeing them reassure and support each other. Their bickering at the beginning was both annoying and fun to read.

I wasn't a fan of Diana jumping to conclusions at first although I understood where some of her worries came from. My biggest issue was Diana's ex-husband. He definitely didn't get the consequences he deserved.

The kids were adorable to read about. Overall this was an easy, enjoyable and quite realistic book with a family dynamic and a romance I loved.

Thank you for the ARC!

[Charese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a 3.5 start for me. This is a sweet summer romance if you're looking for one. I really enjoyed that this book had chronic illness representation in it. With that being said this book took me a while to get into, I felt that the characters teetered on slightly annoying and a little immature in the beginning half and with them both have daughters it took me a back a little. The main conflict in this story seemed to come very late in the story which is when I found I started to really get into this one. All in all, I enjoyed this one.

The audiobook uses dual narration, and both Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira do a great job bringing their characters to life. I absolutely love duet but dual is better that just one voice actor. I don't think I've listened to either of these narrators before and they really were enjoyable. I'll have to pick up more from them.

Thank you NetGalley for this ALC.

[Roslyn McClain-Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC of this book.
Tastes Like Summer is a cute read that is perfect for summer. Single mom Diana is learning to navigate life as a divorcee. She discovers that one of her young daughters is diabetic and she is learning how to adjust life to meet her needs. We find out that her ex-husband is a real loser and the children suffer because of it. Michael (our MMC) is learning how to be a dad after taking custody of his daughter a year prior due to the death of her mother. Diana and Michael meet at a wedding and there is an instant dislike. Diana is responsible for this due to her overbearing nature. I disliked her a bit in the beginning because of her abrasive attitude. She was hard to connect with but she did grow on me after a while. I adored Michael from the very start. These two have great chemistry and the narrators of the book did a great job of bringing the characters to life.

[Skeena8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taste of summer is a sweet romance in a hectic life of being a single parent. This isn’t an enemies to lovers but more like I judged you and now we’re angry to lovers. As camp parents with kids who want play dates they parents are thrown into each others paths. I love the strong determine outer persona that Diana has to be. Who she is forced to be as a single mom to two girls one child with diabetes. Michael is a chef who is a new parent after his daughters mom past away and he had to step up and not be the fun uncle anymore.
The story is so perfect and progresses with sassy moments and flirty moments that will make you fall in love right alone side them. The narrators Dominique Franceschi and Robb Moreira. Both are new to me narrators who were fantastic. Easy to listen to and had great voice balance and chemistry. I would definitely listen to them both again and really enjoyed this production.

[Courtney Rosenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and it was my first audiobook ARC and I picked this book on a whim based on the cover and it sounding like the perfect way to kick off the summer season of reading. I am so happy I did as this was a cute story and definitely a great way to start the summer reading season. I really enjoyed all the representation from this book such as the one daughter was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, and Diana is a strong, Latina woman and an amazing single mother. Anyone looking for a grump x sunshine, forced proximity, single parents romance then I definitely recommend reading or listening to this book. I do love a duet for a romance book like this however the dual narration between the two narrators was really good and they were super easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Caroline Frank for the ARC and I will definitely be reading more of Caroline’s books in the future.

[Rebecca Fairchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tastes Like Summer was a heartfelt romance that blended family, healing, and second chances. I especially enjoyed the parenting aspects of the story and watching Diana and Michael navigate careers, family responsibilities, and a growing relationship.

My heart really went out to Diana, especially dealing with her difficult ex while raising two daughters, one recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I loved how Michael not only fell for Diana but also embraced her daughters and took the time to learn about her child’s diabetes.

Some parts felt a little long, but the story always returned to what mattered most—the characters, their growth, and their journey toward love. Overall, a sweet summer romance with plenty of heart. 💕📚☀️

[Catarina Domingos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book completely stole my heart. 💛

It's so much more than a romance—it's a beautiful story about parenthood, the struggles that come with it, and how we're all just trying to do our best for the people we love. 🫶

We get a wonderful single dad and a lovable single mom, but the three little girls truly shine throughout the story. 🥹✨ They brought so much joy, laughter, and warmth to every page.

If you're looking for the perfect summer read 🌊☀️ with *grumpy x sunshine* vibes 😏🌼, plenty of funny moments 😂, heartfelt emotions, and a romance that feels incredibly sweet and genuine, this is definitely one to pick up.

And if you're a parent, I think you'll connect even more with the honest and emotional reflections on family and raising children. ❤️

This book left me smiling, emotional, and with the warmest heart. 📖💕

[Erika B. Sappia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to this audiobook! The characters felt relatable, real and I loved the narrator's performances. Dominique Franceschi truly embraced Diana and the struggles a single LATINA mother often has to endure. Let's not even get started with her terrible ex-husband who shows up, plays pretend dad and thinks he still has a full say and control in Diana, Cami, and Emi's lives. Rob Moreira did a wonderful job portraying the confident yet vulnerable single father. This was a story layered with a flawed heroine, a hero just doing his best trying not to fail and I loved that even the children had problems of their own. I'm very happy I listened to this book before ordering the paperback. Thank you so much NetGalley for this ALC for me to listen and review. The narrators are truly a treat to my ears.