Just Another Summer Escape

by Erin Branscom

He’s a charming Coconut Beach bartender allergic to forever. I’m the runaway bride with a ticking marriage deadline I can’t ignore…

Cal Bennett was supposed to be a solution. I need to be married before my thirtieth birthday, or I lose my family’s billion-dollar company. He needs nothing from me except honesty and maybe a little fun. So we make a deal. A fake marriage. Simple. Temporary. Safe. What could go wrong?

Except there is nothing fake about this chemistry between us.

Between family dinners and early-morning surf lessons, I’m falling for a man who feels nothing like the cold boardrooms waiting for me back in Manhattan. I fall for his family and his friends. The messy, beautiful island life I was never meant to keep.

Everything seems manageable until I step into my role as CEO and the headlines start circling. New York expects its heiress back. Coconut Beach wants me to stay. And my fake husband is starting to feel dangerously real.

Now I have to decide if this was just Just Another Summer Escape…

Or the one love I’m brave enough to fight for.

Just Another Summer Escape is a small-town summer romcom with a runaway bride and a marriage of convenience. Each book in the Coconut Beach series is a standalone, and you can read the books in any order! Grab some sunscreen and an iced coffee and get ready to live the sweet life in Coconut Beach!

Genres: Summer

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

About the author

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Erin Branscom is a creator of happily-ever-afters, crafting spicy, Hallmark-like romances that make readers fall head over heels for charming small towns. When she's not writing heart warming stories, Erin can be found anywhere there are dogs, with a cup of coffee in hand, or lost in a good book. As a passionate Scorpio, she brings intensity and heart to everything she does. Dive into her world and discover love, warmth, and a touch of spice in every story.

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Reviews

[Katie Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Another Summer Escape
By: Erin Branscum

I couldn’t not notice her here. Even when she’s not around, she takes up my thoughts. That realization makes me clear my throat and focus very hard on unlocking the door.

“Silvie, you’re wife material. And that asshole? He wasn’t worthy.”

“She keeps calling me hot bartender,” he tells Wilby.
Wilby looks at me, his eyes widening, and mutters. “Well, if the shoe fits.”

Cal and Sylvie’s story is so freaking cute and I was sucked in from the beginning! We meet Sylvie at her wedding only to find out some shady business has been going on and she runs away and goes straight to Coconut Beach where she meets Cal. Sylvie is a badass CEO and to keep that titled she must marry before her 30th birthday. Cal steps up to be her fake husband and what happens after is a whole lot of family drama and some surprises! I loved this read and the setting and can’t wait to go back!

Tropes:
Small Town
Runaway Bride
CEO x Bartender
Marriage of Convenience
Opposites Attract
Summer Romcom

Spice starts at: 73%

Spice: 1.5/4
Stars: 4.5/5

Available on May 28, 2026

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just recently released called, Just Another Summer Escape. This is about Silvie, when her world crumbles on her wedding day and she needs to get out of there fast, she escapes to the one place she always felt safe and happy, Coconut Beach. When she gets there she meets Cal, the handsome and kind-hearted bartender at Cocktails & Chaos, and their connection is instant. As the days go by and they spend time together, the pull between them is absolutely undeniable. He isn't looking for anything serious but she is going to lose the family business, a billion dollar company, her legacy if she doesn't marry by the time she's 30 and she's almost out of time. So Cal offers to marry Silvie so she doesn't lose the company, it's just temporary, a fake marriage. But the attraction between them is anything but fake. And then suddenly their hearts are involved and it's all become very real. And this life Silvie created for herself to escape, has become something she wants to keep. She is being pulled in two different directions.
I'm a total beach girly so I absolutely adored this story! This is the perfect summer read! It gives all the tropical, beachy vibes, has a sweet love story, fantastic humor and banter, the best side characters, and even an emotional support iguana! I felt like I stepped into Coconut Beach while reading this story and I didn't want to leave! This was a small beach town summer romcom, with a runaway bride, opposites attract, marriage of convenience, forced proximity, and found family. And of course, as soon as Silvie shows up at Cocktails & Chaos and has a "sex on the beach" cocktail, I knew I had to make myself one to enjoy while reading this story! I absolutely loved this book! 💜📚

Thank you to the author and her team for this physical ARC and eARC of Just Another Summer Escape, in exchange for an honest review.

[Miia Salomäki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Another Summer Escape is the third book in Coconut Beach series, a set of four books that can be read in any order or as standalones. The story is set in a fictional small island town of Coconut Beach, Florida. At the beginning we find the FMC Sophie running away from her wedding when she finds our her fiancé has been screwing her sister. She flies to lick her wounds at Birdie’s, her childhood nanny who lives in Coconut Beach. Cue in Cal, the hot bartender at the local tiki bar she meets on her first night there. Add in the fact that Sophie is running a successful finance company in Manhattan and stands to lose it all if she doesn’t get married by her 30th birthday… which is in a few months. What do we get? One fake marriage that starts feeling not so fake, a lot interesting side characters, an iguana, and a few surprises as well.
I enjoyed listening to the book playlist while reading. This would make a perfect summer read with sunrise and a tumbler of sangria.
This book is for you if you like
📖 runaway bride
📖 small town romance
📖 beach vibes
📖 fake marriage
📖 he takes care of her
📖 slow burn
📖 CEO x bartender
📖 opposites attract
📖 found family
🌶️🌶️

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this so much. Cal and Sylvie couldn’t be anymore opposite than what they were. Cal lives the island life. Laid back, surfing, runs the bar. Sounded so relaxing and wonderful. Silvie on the other hand, works in the big city, corporate lifestyle. Deadlines. Little fun to be had. So when she gets to the island to get in some relaxation, things take a twist. Fake marriage it is so Cal doesn’t lose his inheritance.
This was so much fun. So sweet, and satisfying seeing the two of them spend time together. They relaxed and surfed. She fell in love with his family. But her time there was almost done. She needed to make a decision.
I loved seeing these two blossom, their banter, their moments. It was so genuine between them. So much fun, and I loved her decision. It was perfect.

[Meagan Honea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I can breathe again. It’s safe to be…me.”

5 ⭐️

Upon learning that her fiancé has been cheating on her with her sister, Silvie flees from her wedding to the only safe place she’s ever known- Coconut Beach.

Needing a drink, Silvie goes to the local bar. Cal, the tattooed hot bartender, is immediately drawn to the beautiful but depressed woman in a wedding dress.

Learning she must be married by her 30th birthday or else she loses her family’s company, Cal volunteers to be her fake husband.

But what starts as a fake marriage, quickly becomes something very real.

What to expect:
👰🏼‍♀️ Small town
🌅 Runaway bride
👰🏼‍♀️ CEO x bartender
🌅 Marriage of convenience
👰🏼‍♀️ Opposites attract
🌅 Summer romcom

Thoughts:
This was sweet. Might be my favorite Erin Branscom romcom yet.

[Nicole Wheelbarger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was totally a summer vibe! I loved the throw back to Erin’s other series too. Runaway bride meets bartender for a summer fling that leads to fake dating to try to save her family’s company but with some secret identities involved.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

how could I not love a book written by Erin?? JUST PERFECT OMG 😭😭😭

[Carli.Reads.A.Latte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am absolutely reeling after finishing Just Another Summer Escape by Erin Branscom. If you’re looking for a book that perfectly captures the "burn it all down to find yourself" energy, this is it. It is a high-stakes, fake-marriage romance that actually manages to feel grounded in real emotional stakes, and honestly, I haven't been this obsessed with a lead couple in a long time.

The story kicks off with Silvie Montclair, a high-powered, career-driven woman who is literally seconds away from walking down the aisle to secure her inheritance, her family’s billion-dollar empire, aka her Boardroom Prison. She’s "sewn into" a dress that feels like a prison, starving herself on a diet her "almond mom" forced on her, and drowning in chemical warfare levels of hairspray.

Then, the bomb drops. Minutes before the ceremony, Silvie discovers her fiancé, Tyler the Turd (the only appropriate nickname for him), has been sleeping with her socialite sister, Belladonna, for five months. The betrayal isn't just a plot device, it's a catalyst. Watching Silvie confront them with a "terrifying calm" was one of the most satisfying things I've read all year. She doesn't just cancel the wedding, she flees to Coconut Beach, aka Island Freedom, to find herself.

Enter Cal Bennett. He’s the local bartender/surfer/fixer who is the antithesis of the "cold boardrooms" of Manhattan. The deal is simple: a fake marriage to satisfy the terms of her grandmother’s will so she can still become CEO. But it’s the people of Coconut Beach that really bring this story to life.

We have to talk about Birdie! She is such a massive character in this book, the kind of soul who anchors the community. And then there’s Wilby, the absolute star who we simply cannot leave out of this review. The local flavor is rounded out by The Bees, whose adventures and constant presence make the island feel lived-in and hilariously meddlesome.

One of my favorite moments of Silvie’s integration into island life is her interaction with Iggy, the Iguana who famously doesn’t like men. Watching Silvie talk to him felt like such a sweet, grounded contrast to her high-stress New York life.

But here’s where Erin Branscom excels: the chemistry. Between early-morning surf lessons and family dinners, the lines don't just blur, they vanish, making this "fake" marriage feel dangerously real. Cal isn't just a "beach guy." He’s a former NYU finance student who left the rat race to care for his mother, Carly. Seeing him handle Silvie’s intimidating father, Charles Montclair, with drinks and lunch like it was just another Tuesday was a major "swoon" moment.

Erin Branscom doesn't shy away from the "spicy" side of things. The transition from "we need to talk" to "we bang each other senseless" (Cal’s words, not mine!) was electric. There is a vividness to their intimacy, from a "slow and devastating" sex dream Silvie has to the real-world chemistry that leaves her "practically drooling" at the sight of his arms. It’s high-heat, on-page adult content, but it always feels rooted in their growing emotional connection.

What I loved most was the exploration of "identity" versus "role":
* Silvie’s Transformation: She goes from a woman who didn't recognize her own hollow-eyed reflection in a wedding mirror to someone who stands barefoot in her New York penthouse, realizing she’s "homesick for a man at a beach in a tiki bar," solidifying the complexity of home.

* Cal’s Vulnerability: He’s a man who "built his family from scratch" and is terrified of Silvie being "just another summer escape." His fear that her love is just a "vacation from real life" adds a poignant layer to the typical small-town romance tropes.

Is It Worth the Escape? Absolutely. The dialogue is unhurried and comfortable, the setting is lush (the map of Coconut Beach Island is such a cute touch!), and the emotional payoff is earned. It’s a story about realizing that you don't have to follow a plan to save an empire if that empire is actually a prison.

4/5 stars for the absolute boss move of catching your fiancé, ditching the "Turd," and still managing to secure the bag, and a much better man, all by the end of the summer.

[chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's official I'm moving to Coconut Beach 🌴🌺

This book was such a feel-good romcom read to start off my summer reading that I'm actually excited to read the rest in the series. It was also my first from this author and I'm such a fan I cant wait to read some of her other books!!! Some spoilers ahead.....

This story is based around Silvie, a billionaire heiress trying to save her company. In the first chapter, she finds out her fiance and sister were having a secret affair behind her back for almost the entirety of their engagement while she was planning the wedding and working crazy work hours. She was having a bad feeling all day and when she confronts them both it gets even worse, she runs aways from her own wedding and flies under the radar to stay with her childhood nanny in Coconut Beach. She stays there for the foreseeable future while trying to find herself again eating the food she wants and doing things shes never thought she would do. She's care free and living her best life and everything feels right again especially when you add a hot bartender in the mix.

Cal is hands down one of my favorite "book husband" he's such a laid back kind of guy that you just can't help falling for him. When Silvie happens to stumble into his bar in her tattered wedding dress he's instantly attracted to her even if she looked like a total train-wreck. He can't explain the connection, it just happens and he knows he's screwed. When Cal agrees to "fake" marry Silvie to save her position/company they both fight so hard to keep their feelings in check constantly reminding themselves that it's all fake. But when they can't help falling for each other more and more the slow-burn is sooooo good that when they finally get to the finish line it's completely worth it!!

Overall, I loved this book from the beginning to end. From the roller coaster of a ride of Silvie and Cal's relationship and all the side characters, Birdie, Wilby and lets not forget Iggy. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy so I can come back to Coconut Beach and read it over and over again.

****I received a Advance Readers Copy from the author and these opinions are my own****

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Silvie and Cal and their relationship! I could not put this book down once I started it.

Silvie just wants to save her families company but she needs to be married to do it. Cal is a bartender she meets after running away from her wedding. Now they are getting fake married to save her company but will the marriage stay fake or will it become real?

I loved Cal he was such a sweetheart and the perfect person for Silvie. He might be a bartender at a bar on an island but he fits into the crazy New York life she lives too. He lifted her up and helped her become the person she needed to be.

Silvie comes to Coconut Beach to get away from the nightmare she experienced. She never expected to meet someone like Cal while running around in a ruined wedding dress.

I loved her relationship with his mother it was so stinking sweet! She deserved someone because her family isn’t always the best.

I absolutely loved Wilby! He might be her assistant and best friend but he was an absolute joy to read about. That guy is a mastermind both with fashion and Silvie and Cal’s relationship.

I have to mention Iggy too because that little guy was funny with what seemed to be his hatred for men.

There was one point where I wanted to punch both of them because they weren’t thinking and were being stupid. I’m just glad it worked out in the long run because I was worried for a second on what was going to happen.

Can I just say I hate her sister. I’m sorry but you don’t do what she does that is wrong and I don’t just mean the one thing she did I mean everything she does. A sister should support you not do what she did.

Overall I really liked this book and I’m in love with this whole world. I love seeing all the characters from the other books and of course the Bees and their shenanigans. One of my favorite quotes from this book was the Bees before going to cause some trouble. Those old ladies never fail to make me laugh. I read this book as an arc.

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I just want you, Silvie. All of you. CEO you. Beach you. Every version of you that you’ll give me. I want the whole damn thing.”


Ok first of all F. That guy. And a couple others too but I won't spoil the drama! The family that's been built though 🥹

 

I was hooked on this one well before the first chapter ended. Reeled in so quickly. I absolutely love this author and I must say this one might of become my favorite book by her. (I'll prob say that about every book I read from her but hey it was THAT GOOD) 


Silvie- runaway bride. With excellent reason by the way. She heads to Coconut Beach to escape her reality. She has to get married before her birthday in order to take over the families billion dollar company. Clearly since she ran away from her wedding the clock is ticking. 


Cal- bartender. Has pretty much sworn off relationships because he wants something deeper than surface level. (Swoon 😍) Makes a deal for a fake marriage with Silvie. I swooned. A lot. He is 🥵  


This slow burn is scrumptious! Erin Branscom is seriously the spicy Hallmark queen. She writes these characters that you can't help but falling in love with and not just the MC's! Can we talk about the Bees for a second? #goals they are FUNNY and I want to be like them when I grow up 🤣 and Wilby! Such an amazing bestie to Silvie 😍 Every book she writes I get so invested in all the characters. 


I couldn't put this one down. All the feel good vibes, perfect amount of spice, humor, sprinkled with some drama, characters that you absolutely fall in love with. This book is absolute perfection!! Highly recommend! 🫶



✔️Runaway Bride

✔️Opposites attract

✔️Found family 

✔️Small town romance

✔️Swearing off relationships.. until her 

✔️Sizzling summer fling

✔️Marriage of convenience 

[Jenna Lundberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Just Another Summer Escape* by Erin Branscom was such a refreshing, feel-good read that completely pulled me into its warm, sun-soaked atmosphere. It has that perfect blend of light romance, emotional depth, and personal growth that makes it hard to put down. What starts as an escape quickly turns into something much more meaningful, and I loved every step of that journey.

Cal is such an easy character to get invested in. He has that calm, steady presence that makes him instantly likable, but there’s also a quiet depth to him that unfolds over time. He’s clearly been through things that shaped how he approaches life and relationships and watching him slowly open up especially around Silvie was really satisfying. There’s a sincerity to him that makes all his actions feel genuine.

Silvie is equally compelling in her own way. She comes into the story looking for a break, but it’s obvious she’s carrying more than just everyday stress. I loved how her character balances strength with vulnerability she’s independent and determined, but also learning how to let her guard down. Her growth feels natural, and you really root for her as she starts to rediscover herself.

Together, Cal and Silvie have such a soft but undeniable chemistry. Their connection builds gradually, which makes every shared moment feel more meaningful. There’s a comforting, almost peaceful quality to their relationship, but it’s still filled with emotional tension as they both navigate their pasts and what they want moving forward.

Overall, this was such a heartwarming and engaging read. If you’re looking for a romance that feels like a true escape with lovable characters, emotional depth, and a beautiful slow-burn connection *Just Another Summer Escape* is definitely worth picking up.

[Amber H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wastes absolutely no time pulling you in. The opening alone sets the tone: high stakes, messy emotions, and a main character making a bold, life-altering decision. From there, it doesn’t really let up.

Silvie’s situation is more than just a runaway bride trope—it’s layered with pressure, obligation, and a looming deadline tied to her family’s business. Her escape to Coconut Beach feels less like a vacation and more like a necessary reset, which gives the story a bit more emotional weight than you might expect going in.

Cal, on the other hand, is grounded and intentional. He’s not interested in anything superficial, which makes the fake marriage setup more interesting than usual. Their arrangement isn’t just convenient—it challenges both of them in ways that feel believable. The slow progression of their relationship is one of the book’s stronger elements; it takes its time without dragging.

The supporting cast adds a lot of texture. The Bees bring humor and energy, while characters like Wilby help anchor Silvie emotionally. None of them feel like filler—they each contribute to the sense of community that builds throughout the story.

What stands out most is the balance. The book blends romance, humor, and conflict without leaning too heavily in one direction. There’s enough tension to keep things engaging, but it still delivers on the comfort and escapism you’d expect from a summer read.

Overall, it’s a well-paced, character-driven romance with a satisfying emotional arc. If you like fake dating, slow burn dynamics, and strong supporting characters, this one is worth picking up.

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Runaway bride
- He falls first
- Fake marriage
- Beach read
- Slow burn

I cannot say enough good things about this book and this multi-author series. This is the PERFECT start to my summer reading season. It has all of the beachy vibes (hello, it's set in a town called Coconut Beach!), it has all of the small town quirky characters (those BEES!), it has compelling and romantic stories...sigh. Let me just go grab my towel and sunscreen.

This entire series is set in roughly the same time frame, so we see both sides of the stories (from the main characters and the characters from the other books), which makes all of them feel SO REAL!

This story focuses on bartender Cal (I fell in love with him in Just Another Summer Crush) and runaway bride Silvie. Call is attracted to Silvie immediately, but has no interest in a relationship...or does he?

There was a stipulation in her grandmother's will that states Silvie must be married by 30 or her entire family will lose their business. That's a lot of pressure to put on someone! Silvie thought she had it covered until she found out...on her wedding day....that her fiance and her sister have been having an affair. So she runs to the only place she feels safe - Coconut Beach and her former nany Birdie.

But the stipulation won't go away just because her marriage fell through.... so in steps Cal to help her out. It doesn't hurt that Silvie is wildly attracted to him.... :)

I loved how this book casually referenced the Wisteria Cove series...another series I absolutely adore!

This is such a fun read!!!!

[Samiksha Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Just finished this book and OMG… exactly what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. A complete 6⭐️ feel-good read and one of the happiest books I’ve read in such a long time, perfect summer romcom❤️

This story gave me everything laughter, frustration, smiles, happy tears 🥹, and that warm wholesome feeling you never want to end. I honestly didn’t want the story to be over.

🏝️ Tropical beach vibes: Set on Coconut Beach Island, the setting is pure summer paradise and will make you want to book a vacation immediately.

💍 The Plot:
Silvie runs away from her wedding after discovering her fiancé has been cheating with her sister. She escapes to Coconut Beach Island to stay with Birdie, her beloved former nanny and safe place. But Silvie’s life is still complicated she must get married before turning 30 to secure the future of her billion-dollar company because of a clause in her grandmother’s will.

Enter Cal: the charming, hot bartender with a heart of gold who returned to the island six years ago to care for his mother and now steps up to help save Silvie’s career. Sparks fly instantly, but they pretend to be just friends… until a fake marriage plan turns into something very real.

❤️ Why I loved it:
Cal and Silvie were adorable, swoony, and full of chemistry 🤌. And the side characters? Absolute perfection. Wilby, Birdie, Bees, Jonah, Cal’s mom… I want to move to this island just to be friends with them.

If you want a wholesome, romantic, funny, comforting read that feels like sunshine in book form… MUST READ THIS!!

[Bibliogal14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me up until 2am on a work night because I couldn’t stop reading. From the moment Sylvie enters Cal’s beach town bar, he’s smitten and feels strangely protective of the runaway bride. Sylvie is not only hiding away from her ex-fiancé who cheated on her but also a family with their values wrapped up in corporate business over the wellbeing of their daughter.

Cal and Sylvie’s friendship continues to develop until Sylvie learns she has to take action or risk losing her role as future CEO of her company, per a pesky marriage clause her grandmother left in the will. Cal is only too happy to help, but the feelings between them are certainly not fake.

Can Sylvie have it all? A thriving career, and an unexpectedly real husband? Or will it all come crumbling apart?

In true Erin Branscom fashion, the small town of Coconut Beach and all of the side characters in it take center stage and make you want to live in this fictional world that she’s made real. The grumpy fisherman has my heart.

This is the perfect summer read to add to your tbr, and lucky for you there’s three other companion novels written within the same town by other authors!

Fave Quotes:
“God, I miss bread. I miss all carbs, actually. I literally dreamed about my cake today. The cake. Not the marriage. That should have been a sign, too.” 😂

“One of my makeup artists says something, but I realize she isn’t even talking to me. This whole wedding is for me, yet I feel like I’m invisible. It’s happening all around me and I’m being sucked into a black hole of flowers and tulle and eager wedding guests against my will.”

“I literally never want to be the bigger person ever again. In fact, we can all go to hell. I’ll drive the bus.” 🙌

“He’s unexpectedly handsome, and I can’t help but notice. Sun-kissed skin, dark hair that curls, and a smile that’s as warm as the air breezing in off the ocean.” 🥰💕

“Dam*it, I knew I wouldn’t be good at this friend stuff. Friends don’t like staring at their friend’s pouty lips.” 🥵💙

“Most guys? We know within the first ten seconds if we like someone. And we know in the first month if they’re wife material. That guy knew he couldn’t measure up to you. It’s his problem, not yours… Silvie, you’re wife material. And that as*hole? He isn’t worthy.” 🥺😍😭

[Heather Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin has a way of creating a world that makes you want to pack up and move to. First Freedom Valley, then Bridger Falls, Wisteria Cove and now Coconut Beach! A place of warmth, love, community and honestly the perfect place to escape to!

Silvie finds out on her WEDDING DAY that her sister and fiancé have been secretly dating behind her back. Completely no F's attitude she leaves despite all the pleading and begging, hops on a plane to Coconut Beach to visit a true mother figure, Birdie. While there she meets Cal, the "hot" bartender and instantly feels a connection to him. He's smart, kind, caring and has total golden retriever energy. Like seriously, I couldn't find a single red flag about this man! Stuck between a rock and a hard shell, Silvie finds herself lost on what to do. If she doesn't marry in the next few months before her birthday, she will lose her spot in her family's company and won't become CEO. Instead, her sister will become the new CEO. Cal being the retriever he is, volunteers to have a marriage of convenience with her to help her out as friends. We all know how that is going to turn out....

Just Another Summer Escape is full of laughs, tension, swooning and more laughs. Cal & Silvie grew and healed parts of each other that they never realized. They are true soulmates in every way and deserved all the love they got. If you are looking for a perfect summer/beach read then this book is it! Also there's a "prehistoric" pet lizard named Iggy and a "Golden Girls" group named The Bees that will have you rolling in laughter and makes you want to be them when you get old.

[Angie Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I spent my whole life in places with people who expect things from me...I'm done being pulled by their strings. I'm no one's puppet."

Today should be the happiest day of Silvie's life. She is getting married to her boyfriend and will soon inherit the family company. Her grandmother's will stated in order for Silvie to inherit the company she had to be married before she turned thirty. But for some reason she is not happy at all. She feels like she's being sucked into a black hole against her will.

But when Silvie sees some messages from her fiance on her sister's phone she finds out that they have been sleeping together for five months and are in love. Sivlie runs away to the one person she has always felt like cared for her. Her former nanny Birdie's place in Coconut Beach Florida.

Cal couldn't be more different than Silvie. Where she is comfortable in a boardroom making decisions, Cal is happy riding the waves and serving up the locals behind the bar at Cocktails and Chaos. New York is not the life for him. In fact, he left that life years ago.

When Silvie finds herself in need of a husband and fast, Cal offers up his services. But does he really know what he is getting himself into? Will this marriage really be temporary? What will Cal do when Silvie goes back to New York?

The chemistry between Silvie and Cal is amazing! He helps her realize there is more to life than a boardroom and she helps him realize he has to start living a life for himself.

Troupes include:
Small town
Runaway bride
CEO/bartender
Marriage of convenience

[Ayesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just another Summer escape by Erin Branscom is a beautifully written small town rom com book. It revolves around cal and Silvie. The narrative pace of this book is medium and It is a feel good book. I enjoyed the setting and atmosphere of the coconut beach , it was calm and soothing to read about such a beautiful place.

The plot was really Intriguing right from the beginning and the narrative pace was really good. I enjoyed each and every scene of it. The character of Silvie was like sunshine and it was heartwarming to read how she made her home in coconut beach. The chemistry between Cal and Silvie was electric and I enjoyed reading each and every moment between them. She was a strong independent woman who stood for herself and was such an amazing CEO.

Cal was a selfless man and I did like how he took care of his mother. His bond with Jonah was amazing and it was emotional to read his backstory. The highlight of this story was his unconditional support for Silvie in each and every event.The love he had for Silvie was totally pure and real, nothing was fake in it.

All the other characters like Birdie, her whole group of Bees, Summer, Jonah , Cal's mother, made this story more interesting. The negative characters were truly disgusting and as the story progresses the dislike for them increases.I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys small town rom com and a feel good book.😊

I enjoyed this book a lot!!

[Bri Kemme · Rating 5 out of 5]

•Spoilers present•
•I honestly cannot blame this runaway bride, her husband to be is a disgrace to men. Silvie is just about to walk down the aisle to marry a mistake of a man in order to save her family’s billion dollar company. Little did she know her life as about to get super complicated. Fleeing to Coconut Beach to be with Birdie, her childhood nanny, she’s almost to her safe house when she feels a pull to go to the local bar. Mind you she is still sown into wedding dress… She walks in and immediately draws everyone’s eyes. Including the super kind easy going, Cal, the local bartender (who is a hugeeee softy). After way too many drinks, and a few questionable decisions she ends up back at Birdie’s. Cal was a perfect gentleman and made sure she was safe. Silvie sure didn’t mind how kind Cal was and even seems keen on being his friend. When the board of directors at Silvie’s job makes a move to replace her as CEO, she has her assistant (and bestie Wilby) come to town. As he meets Cal, he realizes that Silvie and Cal have the chemistry to pull off a fake wedding scheme. Silvie is hard against it, but Cal agrees to help. Can they save her legacy or will they fail miserably? This book was so good, I read it all in one day! There is heartbreak, love, found family, and drama. I’m enjoying this series so much, and cannot wait to devour book four!•

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough good things about this book and this multi-author series. This is the perfect read to start off your summer. It has all the beachy vibes, it has small town quirky characters (which I freaking love) and those Bee's :) it has romance stories...you won't be disappointed in reading these books.

Ahh I loved Cal and Silvie with my whole heart. I love Cal from book 1. He is always supportive, doesn't look for attention but always has wise words of wisdom. It must be the bartender in him. Silvie is a runaway bride who finds herself sitting at Cal's bar, Cocktails & Chaos. Cal is attracted to Silvie immediately, but has no interest in a relationship...or does he?

Silvie was given a stipulation from her grandmother's estate that dictates that she must be married by the age of 30 or the entire family will lose the business. Silvie has 3 months to get married or her family legacy is gone. Silvie thought this was handled but when she finds out on her wedding day that her fiance has been having an affair with her sister...so she runs away to Coconut Beach.

But the stipulation is still there...Cal the giant green flag MC, steps in to help Silvie. It doesn't help that they are both wildly attracted to one another.

This was such a fun read. Watching them try and skirt around their feelings and deny what they want. I highly recommend this one!

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Erin Branscom for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Welcome to Coconut Beach! Erin gets me again with her small towns that feel so complete with a cast of characters. Silvie finds herself on a private jet with one destination in mind after running away from her wedding. And honestly, if I was marrying someone as disgusting as her ex fiancé I would’ve run away too, so no blame there, my girl. She immediately meets cow who we ran into in Erin’s wisteria Cove series. Not that this is related to the book, but I love when authors drop little Easter eggs of their other series in their current series or book that they’re writing it just makes the whole world feel so full for me.

If you know me, you know, I am a true enemies to lovers girl. But something about the way Erin writes friends to lovers has me very seriously reconsidering my decisions. Even though I know immediately count and Sylvie were meant to be they did remain friends and help out for a good while before giving into their desires

One of my favorite things about this book is the side characters. Wilby, Birdie, and the bees were just amazing and I truly think you need to read the rest of the series as well to get as much of these characters in as possible!!

This is a definite read for me. Enjoy your time at Coconut Beach.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silvie Montclair has to marry by 30 to inherit her family's company. On the day of her wedding, minutes before she walks down the aisle, she discovers deception. She runs to the only person who has always had her back, her former nanny Birdie. Once she hits Coconut Beach she feels relief, able to take breaths, and heal the fractured parts of herself. She meets Cal Bennett while waiting for Birdie. He has his own set of secrets. As she begins to repair the fractures in her life, she and Cal get to know one another. Here's the thing about Coconut Beach--everyone knows everyone and they all stick together. When it's evident that time is running short on Silvie's deadline, Cal agrees to a marriage of convenience. Except nothing feels fake about it. Knowing Cal's mother's fear of leaving the house, Silvie changes the wedding venue to include Carly in the festivities. And if Cal wasn't already falling for Silvie, that sealed the deal. Even amid all the turmoil and drama that she's facing, Silvie still manages to think of other people who matter. This was an easy read that was full of fun, a little bit of tension, and a whole lot of chemistry.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Rachel Richeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC from the author, and I’m so thankful I loved this book so much. Honestly, I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Erin Branscom, and this one was no exception. It’s part of a series of interconnected standalones set in Coconut Beach, and I’m completely hooked on this world.
Sylvie is racing to get married before her 30th birthday to save her company, while Cal has sworn off ‘forever’. What starts as a fake marriage quickly turns into something much deeper, and the story that unfolds is beautiful.
This book offers more than just romance. It’s layered with emotion, healing, strength, and humor.
Cal is the ultimate golden retriever hero. The way he cares for his mom absolutely made me swoon. He is kind, caring, and protective.
Sylvie has been through so much, and I loved watching her rediscover her strength, learn to love herself again, and embrace a slower, more intentional life while still fighting for what she wants.
And the side characters! Birdie is an absolute gem (and the bees—hilarious). Wylbie was such a fun addition, and I really hope he gets his own book someday.
I can’t wait to continue this series… and honestly, can I move to Coconut Beach now?

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisteria Cove fans brace yourselves because we have an update and a new family member to add to the Bennett family. I could scream right now lol. Cal is the hot bartender in coconut beach all the girls love him and flirt with him but Cal isn’t that type of guy. Yes he friendly flirts back to avoid insulting the ladies but deep down he is reserved and just dealing with life struggles like working too much and taking care of his mother. He doesn’t have time for anything else until runaway bride Silvie lands in coconut beach. Silvie is strong and is also a workaholic but her mom ,sister, and ex are a piece of work trying to take the company she worked so hard to build. When this fake marriage between Cal and Silvie is proposed they both know that there is nothing fake about it. Now they have to stop pretending and let the stubbornness go because there’s a company on the line and a love many only dream of. Silvie is a force to be reckoned with and I want to be her when I grow up lol. Cal is so lovable and you just want him to be happy as soon as you read this book. These two balance each other out perfectly I love it.

[Lexie Parizek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was easily a 6 star read for me. It had me in a CHOKEHOLD! I finished it in like 3-4 hours and couldn’t fall asleep without getting through it. It was everything I was hoping for when I read about this book coming out.

I loved the main characters and the side characters were just as amazing! The FMC and MMC are both so amazing and I loved watching them learn to put themselves first. They both deserved so much and refused to accept it, instead settling and putting themselves last so they could be there for other people.

Together, they learn that their own happiness is important and to follow their own wants, to make their own path. They can still be there for others without putting themselves last. The growth and strength from them was amazing to watch. And the love they give each other and everyone else around them was everything…

If you could have a golden retriever FMC and MMC, this would be it. They were truly made for each other and I wish I had more of their story! I wasn’t ready for it to be over yet, even after the epilogue. This is an immediate book trophy for me, so I will be buying this asap!

Thank you Erin Branscom for the early copy - all opinions are my own!

[Charlotte Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you so much to the author for letting me ARC read. This is an honest review and contains all my own thoughts*

Oh this was the perfect summer read! I absolutely adored the setting of Coconut Beach, what a great mix of that small-town cosy vibe plus a beautiful beach paradise.
Erin Branscom is always so good at writing her characters, both Silvie and Cal feel so fleshed out and realistic. They both have their flaws and insecurities, and their love and loyalty for each is so natural and strong. Honestly, all the characters in this are brilliant, not just our main couple. Everyone feels so well-written and thought out. People like Birdie and Wilby are so lovely and I just want to be best friends with them, vs Silvie's delightful family who I just love to hate.
I really loved the relationship build up in this one. Even though it was quite quick, it didn't feel rushed at all, just super natural and sweet. Cal's chapters I loved especially for this, his devotion to Silvie is just so cute.
I thoroughly enjoy this author's writing style and can definitely recommend her books. This one is going to be great to get you in that summer mood, and I'm recommending to myself to go back and finish the Wisteria Cove books

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and Spicy Marriage of Convenience

No Spoiler Review:

Erin Branscom became a favorite author of mine in 2025, and Just Another Summer Escape is the perfect example of why! I love Silverlyn ‘Silvie’ and Cal so much. They are both kind, smart, and assertive characters whose complicated circumstances—including a high-stakes fake marriage to save a family company—are the real problem standing in their way.

I was hooked right at the beginning. Some of the characters were so selfish and narcissistic that I wanted to yank their hair right off their heads! Their betrayal devastated Silvie, but it didn’t shatter her. While she can appear a bit aloof because of her polished professional life, her escape to Coconut Beach reveals her true heart. The sea breeze is empowering, and the local friends she meets become the ultimate found family. 

The plot has just the right amount of tension and conflict, and the chemistry between Silvie and Cal is tested in ways that kept me quickly turning pages! I felt so connected to them that I didn’t want to leave! Thankfully, there are three other Coconut Beach standalone novels by different authors waiting to be read.

***I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author. The opinions expressed are my own.***

[beccy clish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc

I have read several books by this author so was super excited to get this arc! We are back at coconut beach for cal and Syvies story and it’s a good one.

If you like small town cosy romances then this is for you! Sylvia is a rich soon to be ceo of her families business in New York There is a clause though - she needs to be married by her 30th birthday. Cal is a small town Barman/manager who left New York to return to coconut beach so that he could care for his mom.

Sylvia is a runaway bride and heads to coconut beach as that’s where her nanny retired to and right now she needs her. Let’s just say her mum and sister aren’t good people. There she meets cal and despite the fact they both fancy each other like crazy neither admits it and when they agree to a fake marriage in order for Sylvia to get her company it doesn’t stay fake for long.

This is a proper ‘holiday type’ romance and it keeps you smiling from start to finish. Not only that but when I retire I so want to be a bee 🤣🤣

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Another Summer Escape is full of feel good vibes, humor, spice, found family, and a romance that feels meant to be. It's a perfect summer read!

What you get....
♡Summer Romcom
♡Runaway Bride
♡Opposites Attract
♡Small Beach Town
♡Summer Fling
♡Fake Marriage
♡Marriage of Convenience
♡She's CEO of Her Company
♡Flirty Bartender
♡He Secretly Yearns For Her
♡Hidden Identity
♡Forced Proximity
♡She Falls Harder Than She Planned
♡Found Family

I was hooked before the first chapter even ended. Erin has done it again, another great story I couldn't put down!!

Silvie is a runaway bride trying to save her family’s company. She escapes to Coconut Beach and runs straight into Cal, the swoony bartender with all the green flag energy.

Their fake marriage turns into a slow burn romance that’s fun, sweet, and full of heart. Cal is pure golden retriever perfection, and Silvie’s journey toward healing and confidence made me love her even more.

The side characters are the best! The Bees, Birdie, Wilby, they make Coconut Beach feel like a place I want to live!!