My Summer Bucket List

by Kimberly Brighton

One Summer. Two men. Zero intentions of falling in love.

Kacie Layne doesn’t believe in happy endings. A sharp-witted divorce attorney with a shattered heart, she’s built a career on happily-never-afters—all while harboring an unrequited crush on her best friend. When her brand of brash causes her career to capsize, she’s officially done with love, law, and anything involving heels.

The perfect escape: summer in a Sea Isle shore house. Armed with sunscreen and sarcasm, Kacie trades in her stilettos for flip flops and sets sail to rebuild her life. One rule: no men. Just sunshine, salt air, and a summer bucket list designed to turn her life around.

But the universe has a bucket list of its own.

Just as her longtime crush turns up the heat on their friendship, a scorching hot lifeguard sweeps her from the surf and into sizzling chemistry. Checking off bucket list items one-by-one, her solo summer plans soon melt into moonlit temptation as she finds herself torn between the man she always wanted and the rogue wave she didn’t see coming. With her heart caught between a rip current of history and heat, Kacie has a summer to decide if some rules are worth breaking.

Warm, witty and deliciously swoony, this romcom is about starting over, finding yourself, and discovering that love has a way of showing up—even when you don’t believe in it.

Genres: Romance

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2026

About the author

Kimberly Brighton is an award-winning romance author, incidental humorist, and asparagus enthusiast from the Philadelphia area. Her beach read romcom Cape May Series includes her debut novel, The Way to Cape May (June 2023) and A Cape May Kind of Love (February 2024). The third book in the series, Cape May Ever After, is due to be released July 2024. She studied satirical writing and screenwriting at The Second City and is the author of The Shore Blog, a travel website, and BlaBlaBlog, a humor website. The Way to Cape May is her debut novel. When not dreaming up swoony romance plots, she spends her time searching for food expiration labels and sitting at red lights. Married for 25 laugh-filled years, she’s discovered the key to a lasting marriage: takeout.

Reviews

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read a story that made me smile… made me hope…laugh… an experience summer love.

I loved Kacie. She was snarky, flirty, sweet and fun. I adored Leo he was such a great character. And I’m fully enamored with a new book boyfriend

This was a fun read and I hope there’s more to this series in the future!

[Kristen Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an unexpected delight!! I absolutely adore Kacie, our equally hilarious and thoughtful FMC! I hope we get more books in this world and I can’t wait to check out more of KB’s work! This book was just nonstop fun from start to finish!

[Jen Woolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A present from the author which I am so grateful for. As a person who is marrying a sea isle life guard and has been a local my whole life I loved it. This was an amazing book and highly recommend to any rom com readers out there! 10/10 now I want to read more from this author!

[Catherine Norselli · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a feel-good romance to toss in your beach bag, this one is it.

This is a summer romcom about Kacie Layne, a divorce attorney who’s sworn off love (and heels) after her career implodes. She retreats to a Sea Isle shore house for a “no men” summer reset, but ends up torn between her longtime crush who suddenly turns up the heat and a hot lifeguard who sweeps her off her feet. She has to decide if her rules are worth breaking for love.

It had the perfect mix of humor, heart, chemistry, and self-discovery. I loved watching Kacie’s transformation throughout her summer at the shore house. She started out so guarded, but seeing her figure out who she really was and what she truly wanted made her journey feel so rewarding. Add in the beach-town vibes, a love triangle, and plenty of funny moments, and I couldn’t put it down. She also has several other books which have the same summer beachy vibe. I can’t wait to read the rest!

[Beth Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. First I believe in having a bucket list and doing one in the summer is the best kind. This book had me from the first chapter. I was cackling out loud while reading this at the pool so I’m sure that anyone around me thought that I was nuts. I was sad when this one ended. My bestie lives at the NJ Shore so he is going to be taking me to all of the spots next summer so I can do the Summer Bucket List too. 😉 This was the first book that I read by this author but it won’t be my last.

[Ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect summer read! I really liked the call back to the first line of the story in chapter 8. I’m a big fan of call backs in stories so loved this, especially with it making the connection to the book itself and the journal from Amy, as well as the FMCs desire to write. I also loved Leo and the relationship he developed with Kacie.

[Anna Christodoulou-Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

☀️🌊🌊 Book Review | My Summer Bucket List by Kimberly Brighton 🌊☀️


Kimberly Brighton has officially become an auto-buy author for me. My Summer Bucket List was everything I wanted in a summer romance—funny, emotional, swoony, and full of heart.

The banter had me laughing out loud (the thong conversation and “Museum of He-So Fine Arts” are absolutely iconic 😂), but what truly made this book unforgettable were the characters.

Kacey’s journey was so beautifully written. Watching her step outside her comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and discover who she truly was made this story so much more than a romance. Her growth felt authentic, inspiring, and reminded me that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Leo completely stole my heart. 🩵 His huge personality and the way he confidently used words far beyond his years made every scene unforgettable. He brought so much joy, wisdom, and laughter to the story that I found myself looking forward to every chapter he was in. He wasn’t just a side character—he was the heart of the book.

And can we talk about Chase… OMG. 😍 Kimberly Brighton’s descriptions of him had me absolutely swooning. Every time he appeared on the page, I could picture him perfectly. He wasn’t just gorgeous—he was thoughtful, patient, protective, and had that effortless charm that makes you fall a little harder with every chapter. The way Kimberly described him had me wishing he could walk right off the page. 🥵📖

Kimberly Brighton created a story that reminds us it’s never too late to take chances, embrace new adventures, and become the person you’re meant to be. I laughed, I smiled, I swooned, and I never wanted it to end.

🪼 Here’s to jellyfish, bucket lists, unexpected friendships, unforgettable summers, and finding yourself when you least expect it.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer romance with unforgettable characters, laugh-out-loud moments, incredible chemistry, and all the summer feels… add My Summer Bucket List to your TBR immediately. 🌴📚💙

#BookReview #MySummerBucketList #KimberlyBrighton #SummerReads #BeachRead #Bookstagram #RomanceReader

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Beach Read Perfection!

My Summer Bucket List was absolutely charming—funny, witty, heartwarming… all the things I want in a summer romance!

I won’t tell you who I was rooting for to win Kacie’s heart because #SpoilerAlert 😉, but I was so happy she got the ending she deserved. It was such a fun, light, easy read that was practically made for a beach chair, an ocean breeze, and a sunny afternoon.

There were a couple of slower moments, and I thought Kacie’s big realization took just a teensy bit longer than I wanted. But honestly? As someone who’s usually a little slow to figure things out myself, I could appreciate that it felt realistic.

What surprised me most was how reflective this story turned out to be. Even at my age, I found myself wondering what would be on my own summer bucket list. Maybe it won’t include finding the love of my life, since he’s been by my side for over 30 years, but it reminded me that it’s never too late to dream up new adventures and surprise yourself.

I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting Kimberly Brighton twice, but she is an absolute doll. If she writes it, I’ll read it—and if this book is any indication, there’s a very good chance I’ll love it. If you’re looking for the perfect beach read this summer, this one absolutely deserves a spot in your beach bag!

[Margie McGinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another sweet love story from K. Brighton!
Kim adds so much humor to this complicated summer romance , that main character Kacie experiences, when she is given the opportunity to spend her summer in a beach town after being fired from her job as a divorce attorney. As much as Kacie doesn’t believe in “ happily ever after “ she is about to find out that her long time crush from law school and the handsome lifeguard she meets after her “ jellyfish “ encounter, will make her realize that maybe she needs to rethink her perspective on love & marriage!
I highly recommend that you add this book to your “ Bucket List” of beach reads!!!

[Kathleen Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought summer vibes big time. Kacie and Chase had such great chemistry and banter throughout the entire book, which made them both so fun. I was able to connect to Kacie’s difficulty with burning in the sun and loved that she never took herself too seriously. She was such a fun 30 something character, which I feel is so greatly lacking in books. I loved everything about this.

[Kaitlyn Hlavinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!!! I’ve been going to sea isle my whole life and read this book solely because it takes place in my favorite place on this earth. This is such a fun and witty rom com of a book. Kacie is an entertaining narrator, with her sense of humor and the footnotes (the footnote describing what a hoagie is to those people not from Philly had me cackling). I loved the references to all of the local bars and restaurants that I’ve been to many times, and had fun imagining Kacie and Chases encounter at the OD, where I too, have left because it’s too loud (lol). I liked the love triangle that Kacie found herself in, as she spent the summer figuring out who she really is and what she wants. I never liked Ben, sure he had a cute kid and was charming when he was with Kacie, but there was something off about him. I was team chase the whole way, and was so happy that Kacie and Ben didn’t end up together. 5/5 stars for this book - it was a great story, and really had me reminiscing to my summers in sea isle during college. PSA - read the epilogue part 1 and 2, as well as the authors Q&A and the book club questions at the end!! Love when authors take the time to do this.

[Kelly Zemaitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimberly Brighton has another summer hit! This time her beach romance takes place in Sea Isle and deals with a love triangle! As always, the Philly and shore references make this book awesome! I love the idea of the character being forced to take a break from her everyday pace as a lawyer and live in a summer shore house. This was a fun read, and I loved seeing how Kacie developed and grew throughout the summer!

[Christine McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous Sea Isle City love story with themes of self discovery, re-invention and true friendships. This book is even better if you’re in your 30s or 40s when life is life-ing hard and you can relate to her need to step back and just enjoy a summer off. Loved this one!

[Theresa C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out loud from the beginning. The tongue-in-cheek humor throughout the book was thoroughly enjoyable. The banter was so much fun! The setting was beautifully described. It made me miss my summers "down the shore". A bit of the lingo and abbreviations/acronyms had me scratching my head at times, which I didn't like. It made me feel a little old. It didn't take away from the story, though. I definitely recommend this fun summer read.

[Lexy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute read to kick off the summer! Bonus points as a Philly local who frequents the Jersey shore!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book to read during my annual trip to Sea Isle!

[Alice Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beach read, especially on the beach of Sea Isle!!!

[Maria Resinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect summer book! It gave happy vibes throughout. The best part-it takes place in Sea Isle City, NJ and I knew all the places mentioned. Took me back to my 20’s and early 30’s when summer in Sea Isle was mandatory!!

[Gianna Marone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect summer read!

[Jennifer Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live in wildwood, New Jersey all summer every year, and happened to pick this up at the small book store Hooked on books in Wildwood. This book was a treat. If you grew up down the shore in NJ you’ll love it for the nostalgia but then stay for an amazing plot! Great read!

[Books Blooms & Booze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only the perfect beach read, a perfect read in general! I’ve loved all of Kimberly Brighton’s books and this one might just be my favorite yet!

[Jaclyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The romcom and banter was so cute.
I hoped the entire time that Kacie and Chase would end up together. Every time she was with Ben I would cringeeeee. The chemistry may have been there 10+ years ago, but the fact that he kept blowing her off was sickening. Then poor little Leo, having my own son & to think that Ben blew him off too was so hurtful, especially for a 5 year old.

The cute little nicknames they had for each other - Jellyfish & Hot Lifeguard. Made me swoon over them. I was so happy when they finally sealed the deal.

Kacie & Chase = forever.

[Brittany Embler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly my favorite summer read this year! This book was awesome. A quick and easy read. Loved the characters. I loved that Kacie did some soul-searching and how she changes over time. I couldn’t put it down!

[Jenny Kime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TEN! This book was so entertaining and hysterical. I found myself laughing inside, chuckling, covering my mouth while reading by the pool to conceal my gleeful smile, laughing OUT LOUD while reading on the beach because I couldn’t contain it. The storyline is fantastic. I am Team Chase! The FMC is relatable. It’s a love triangle between her longtime crush and this new hot lifeguard she meets. There’s so much self-exploration within this story as well. Insightful. I felt like I was living on the Jersey Shore, experiencing it all myself. I mean so many of the scenes are just so darn cute! The Chase and Kacie relationship full of banter, flirting, jokes, humor…just makes you giddy! I anticipated FUN before reading and it exceeded my expectations! I really hope I get to see this one as a movie one day. Loved every minute of it!

[Shannon Babin (babinsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how this book made me smile! Cape May was added to my bucket list last summer and now I am adding Sea Isle. At first, I didn't like Kacie (probably because she was similar to me). But I enjoyed watching her grow up over the summer, becoming less cynical about love and marriage. I loved Chase and disliked Ben from the beginning. Leo was adorable! I love how he impacted Kacie's views on life and parenting. The beach setting was the perfect place for Kacie to realize what she really wanted out of life.

What to Expect:
--summer beach setting
--love triangle
--witty banter
--summer bucket list
--lifeguard/lawyer/single dad

Thanks so much to the author for the review copy in exchange for my review!

[Erica Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in two days. It was such a fun beach read! Kim knows that the real Wawa hoagies aren't subs (IYKYK). Relatable characters and a great twist at the end. If you want to feel like what it's like to live at the Jersey Shore for the summer, you need to read this book!

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute and funny. I found myself laughing out loud a few times I enjoyed the author's sense of humor.
Nothing earth shattering here but still a good romance.And some good themes.