The Summer Stand-In

by Kyeate

In the close-knit Black coastal community of Sable Key, Zuri Robinson takes a risk that brings her face-to-face with Olan Boudreaux, someone she thought she would avoid. What begins as a business arrangement soon becomes much more, drawing her into a world filled with legacy, power, and secrets. As their connection deepens and old truths come to light, Zuri must confront her past, question her own value, and decide what kind of future she wants in a place that never truly welcomed her.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

Reviews

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was…interesting lol. The writing had a very flowery prose style that created a lot of atmosphere, and there was tension woven throughout the story that kept me curious about where things were headed. The small-town setting also added to the vibe because everybody seemed connected in some way, and there were a lot of family secrets and unexpected relationships unfolding towards the middle/end of the story.

I can’t even fully explain how I feel about this book because parts of it worked for me and parts of it didn’t. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, but I never fully settled into the story emotionally. Also, not to nitpick, but the repeated use of the word “steady” started to stand out to me after a while and became a little distracting.

Overall, I wouldn’t say I disliked it, but it definitely left me sitting in the middle trying to decide how I actually felt once I finished. This is my first read by this author, but I’ll definitely read something else.

[LaDonna B · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good

This was a really good read. I didn’t know how it was going to play out but it all came together in the end. That dang Olivia was something else smh

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a difference a three-day weekend makes! Zuri receives an invitation out of the blue to play "fake" girlfriend to Olan Boudreaux in the wealthy coastal town of Sable Key. She is familiar with the area as her mother worked for the Boudreaux family for many years. But why does Olan want me? She quickly decides to go through with the rouse, as the payout is substantial. It's just three days right, what's the worst that could happen? Zuri rolls her shoulders back and goes to work!

I wondered why Olan chose Zuri as well, with all the women that he could have chosen. However, he was a man with a plan. He needed a woman who was smart, and strong enough to stand up to his mother, Olivia, as she is overbearing as all get out! 😤 I enjoyed Zuri going toe to toe with Olivia without batting an eye. Neither Olan nor Zuri anticipated the feelings that quickly grew as they spent time together. However, they didn't back down from them, they were welcomed. Then here comes the ish! 👀 There is always some drama in wealthy families, but them damn secrets.... 🤯😮 Enjoyed this! 👍🏿👍🏿

[K_Clear22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I really thought this book was a mystery book because it was very suspenseful, which was very interesting. The setting was everything! It almost gave me a Martha’s Vineyard type of vibe “ with successful Black people in their own space just enjoy enjoying life. It was a lot of secrets amongst the family, like a lot of secrets. That’s why I feel like the best way to describe this book is suspenseful. I feel like if it was turned into a mystery book, it could have been a really good thriller.

I love how Kyeate created the main character to have his own mindset. He was not moved by mom or any of the other characters. I love how the FMC was straightforward. She had a backbone she stood for what she thought was right and she did not back down.

Of course you know there’s always a little evil mother-in-law somewhere trying to change stuff. I like how the Dad was still there and playing roll even though he wasn’t there and that’s what was really interesting. It was amazing to see how the pieces came together . I was not expecting that type of ending at all.

[_dulcekk · Rating 4 out of 5]

so much more!

Zuri is a woman who has a need that needs to be met and isn’t ashamed to sign the contract to get things done. However, neither her nor Olan expected things to go the way they did. I loved their chemistry and their attempt at trying not to let on that they were indeed feeling one another, on that level. Zuri may not have come from money but she held her own and I LOVED how she did not allow Olivia to intimidate her! Olivia was a piece of work with SO MANY skeletons in her closet. The small coastal town had a lot of foolery going on; I was appalled LOL! The amount of twists… clutching my pearls! I loved how the story wrapped up and how Zuri stood in ALL her glory in the end.

[Breeana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introduction to the author....

Reading this story makes me want to explore her catalog. I intend to do just that! Now Olan and Zuri were cute, I liked Zuri's personality in the beginning towards the middle she become this insecure person and I wasn't impressed because she was already shown to be unbothered by their family and their riches. Halfway through the book Zuri did a complete 360 and I was confused. I'm glad they truth was revealed and everyone got their happily ever after.

[Ieshia Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer Stand-In

Woah! The rich is messy not matter the skin tone. The way those secrets were spilling out once the first one was revealed is crazy. Zuri already had a different life but the world of Sable Key was on another level. Then you have Olan who needed assistance finding himself again but he didn’t know that would happen in 3 days! Olivia made me wanna grab her up, Alma made me wanna hug her and learn from her and Clifford stood 10 toes down about his. Keylan got it together and I’m happy for him and Tori!

[Terri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book!

I enjoyed this book! Zuri and Olan were cute together! I didn’t like Olivia and Michelle-they were doing too much lol. Team Alma all the way. It’s wild how secrets come out and change everything. I love how the author, Kyeate develops her characters! One of my favorite authors!

[Chameria Dade · Rating 5 out of 5]

something should have been added

Between her reading the letter and signing the contract. It’s like something was missing. She gave in too easy. And the dad being sick meh wasn’t really needed he could have just been there.

[Sassy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍

This made me think of the Hamptons or Martha Vineyard and the tv show Revenge. Secrets revealed & Love found. Bonds created 🔥🔥🔥

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️