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One Summer in Paradise
198 pages, Paperback
Published June 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 16, 2026
It's a quick read, I read it in a day, perfect for a day at the beach.
Jake and Becca have known each other for over ten years, when he used to declare his love for her in front of everyone at school.
Two people who simply want to scape their town and never return.
Becca manages to do so, more less, and comes back just for one summer. She runs into Jake again, who is still with his band, trying to make a name of themselves so they can leave.
And some spark will ignite between them, or perhaps it never left him.
It's a pretty entertaining book and it is well written, although I do think the first half is better than the second, since suddenly everything started happening very fast, which I understand since in the end it's a short book and doesn't allow for more.
Becca and Jake were entertaining to read, but I think that even though they're supposed to be adults, they still behave like teenagers half of the time, and that bothered me a bit.
I found the friends, both the guys in the band and Becca's, very funny to read.
I also liked the way the messages were exchanged between them in the story, as if the page were the phone's own screen.
Finally, I didn't like Becca's mother at all, probably that's the point, she is a great character to create problems. I found it incredibly annoying how she wanted to control her daughter's entire life instead of letting her live it for herself and make her own decisions. And while I liked what Becca ended up doing, I think she should have had a talk with her parents about it.
So overall, it's an entertaining book to pass the time, perfect for switching off.
Thanks to the author, Cece Cutler, for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Jake and Becca have known each other for over ten years, when he used to declare his love for her in front of everyone at school.
Two people who simply want to scape their town and never return.
Becca manages to do so, more less, and comes back just for one summer. She runs into Jake again, who is still with his band, trying to make a name of themselves so they can leave.
And some spark will ignite between them, or perhaps it never left him.
It's a pretty entertaining book and it is well written, although I do think the first half is better than the second, since suddenly everything started happening very fast, which I understand since in the end it's a short book and doesn't allow for more.
Becca and Jake were entertaining to read, but I think that even though they're supposed to be adults, they still behave like teenagers half of the time, and that bothered me a bit.
I found the friends, both the guys in the band and Becca's, very funny to read.
I also liked the way the messages were exchanged between them in the story, as if the page were the phone's own screen.
Finally, I didn't like Becca's mother at all, probably that's the point, she is a great character to create problems. I found it incredibly annoying how she wanted to control her daughter's entire life instead of letting her live it for herself and make her own decisions. And while I liked what Becca ended up doing, I think she should have had a talk with her parents about it.
So overall, it's an entertaining book to pass the time, perfect for switching off.
Thanks to the author, Cece Cutler, for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
June 19, 2026
He was a punk, she did….summer festival planning (Sk8er boi tune)
This book would make a good summer/ beach read or a nice palate cleanser after a heavy read. It’s a nice, fluffy (closed-door) romance that checks a lot of your stereotypical boxes. It’s a fast-paced, home-from-college, summer romance. Pretty easy to read in 1 or 2 sittings - As a mom of 2 under 3, I was able to finish this book in 2 days (unheard of - I know!). When I read romances, it’s all about the vibes for me, and the vibes were pretty good with this one.
Vibe Check:
✨Good Pacing - Not easily bored
✨Some giggle out loud moments
✨Entertaining side characters
✨Low stakes - Light Summer fun
✨ Swoon-worthy moments from the MMC
✨He falls first (like YEARS first)
WARNING ⚠️: I try not to give major spoilers in my reviews, however I will talk about some specifics of the book. SO if you want to go in completely blind - STOP reading here.
The characters in this one were pretty lovable. I did really like Jake, the way he’s pined for years, and stands up to Becca’s mother is swoon-worthy. Becca was very relatable as well. The tropes and friend dynamics were classic and on point. Jake’s bandmates were exactly what you’d expect, small-town townies who have big dreams but also seem to share a brain cell half the time.
Some things I wasn’t a fan of:
🤷🏼♀️Text Bubbles for text messages
🤷🏼♀️NOT HAVING A CHAPTER FOR THE SCAVENGER HUNT - WHHHYYYYYY (little dates like that I think are SO FUN and just feel like I was robbed of some cute moments!
🤷🏼♀️Actually, I felt like a lot of the fun dating scenes were kinda skipped over to move the plot along faster ☹️
🤷🏼♀️Did I miss when the band made up? Like they fought, then there's a few chapters of dating, then all of a sudden they’re practicing together? Did I miss something???
🤷🏼♀️Also, when they had sex for the first time, I didn’t quite understand how we got there. It was one of those “ABOUT TIME” moments, but from a book with dual POVs, I’d kinda expect to get Becca’s POV since she was the one initiating. Since the chapter was in Jake’s POV, it was just kind of random seeming, since there was no “reasoning” or “decision” explained.
⭐For me, star ratings don’t mean much. I tend to round to the closest full star if half stars aren’t an option (looking at you, Goodreads). If I had to give it a rating, I’d say 3.5-3.75 Stars.
⭐Do I regret reading it? No.
⭐ Was it light and fun? Yes.
⭐Was I obsessed? No.
⭐Would I recommend it? Sure - If you’re looking for a quick, easy, palette cleanser, check out this book~
This book would make a good summer/ beach read or a nice palate cleanser after a heavy read. It’s a nice, fluffy (closed-door) romance that checks a lot of your stereotypical boxes. It’s a fast-paced, home-from-college, summer romance. Pretty easy to read in 1 or 2 sittings - As a mom of 2 under 3, I was able to finish this book in 2 days (unheard of - I know!). When I read romances, it’s all about the vibes for me, and the vibes were pretty good with this one.
Vibe Check:
✨Good Pacing - Not easily bored
✨Some giggle out loud moments
✨Entertaining side characters
✨Low stakes - Light Summer fun
✨ Swoon-worthy moments from the MMC
✨He falls first (like YEARS first)
WARNING ⚠️: I try not to give major spoilers in my reviews, however I will talk about some specifics of the book. SO if you want to go in completely blind - STOP reading here.
The characters in this one were pretty lovable. I did really like Jake, the way he’s pined for years, and stands up to Becca’s mother is swoon-worthy. Becca was very relatable as well. The tropes and friend dynamics were classic and on point. Jake’s bandmates were exactly what you’d expect, small-town townies who have big dreams but also seem to share a brain cell half the time.
Some things I wasn’t a fan of:
🤷🏼♀️Text Bubbles for text messages
🤷🏼♀️NOT HAVING A CHAPTER FOR THE SCAVENGER HUNT - WHHHYYYYYY (little dates like that I think are SO FUN and just feel like I was robbed of some cute moments!
🤷🏼♀️Actually, I felt like a lot of the fun dating scenes were kinda skipped over to move the plot along faster ☹️
🤷🏼♀️Did I miss when the band made up? Like they fought, then there's a few chapters of dating, then all of a sudden they’re practicing together? Did I miss something???
🤷🏼♀️Also, when they had sex for the first time, I didn’t quite understand how we got there. It was one of those “ABOUT TIME” moments, but from a book with dual POVs, I’d kinda expect to get Becca’s POV since she was the one initiating. Since the chapter was in Jake’s POV, it was just kind of random seeming, since there was no “reasoning” or “decision” explained.
⭐For me, star ratings don’t mean much. I tend to round to the closest full star if half stars aren’t an option (looking at you, Goodreads). If I had to give it a rating, I’d say 3.5-3.75 Stars.
⭐Do I regret reading it? No.
⭐ Was it light and fun? Yes.
⭐Was I obsessed? No.
⭐Would I recommend it? Sure - If you’re looking for a quick, easy, palette cleanser, check out this book~
June 18, 2026
Thank you Cece Cutler for the eARC copy of One Summer in Paradise.
I wanna start off by staying the premise of the story is cute, a tad predictable, but cute nonetheless.
I have to be honest though, I did feel like I was reading about middle schoolers or early high schoolers rather than young adults. Maybe in my early teens I would've eaten this up, but as a mid twenties adult, it was alright.
The story was short and simple, which can be an asset, but I definitely feel like more could have been given. Show more struggle, more character development. Some areas felt rushed and I felt we, as the readers, could have benefited more from more, for lack of a better term, "slow burn." Conflicts were resolved easily, feeling were declared or realized quickly. I wish I was hooked on and dragged a bit more, if you know what I mean.
I'll say there was some fun characters, especially those in band, but I wouldve loved to see a much deeper diver and a bit more maturity from the characters
I wanna start off by staying the premise of the story is cute, a tad predictable, but cute nonetheless.
I have to be honest though, I did feel like I was reading about middle schoolers or early high schoolers rather than young adults. Maybe in my early teens I would've eaten this up, but as a mid twenties adult, it was alright.
The story was short and simple, which can be an asset, but I definitely feel like more could have been given. Show more struggle, more character development. Some areas felt rushed and I felt we, as the readers, could have benefited more from more, for lack of a better term, "slow burn." Conflicts were resolved easily, feeling were declared or realized quickly. I wish I was hooked on and dragged a bit more, if you know what I mean.
I'll say there was some fun characters, especially those in band, but I wouldve loved to see a much deeper diver and a bit more maturity from the characters
June 18, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from author.
One Summer in Paradise is a cute small-town romance. Becca and Jake’s love story is cute and it was a quick, fun read. Their story began 10 years ago when Jake had a crush as kids. I’m a sucker for slow burns though, so I was hoping the reuniting to courting to lovers stages could have happened slower and added more tension. I really like the premise of trying to find out who you are and what you want without the expectations of your parents/others/the voice in your head saying this is what you should be doing - because we’ve all been there. My husband and I did the whole “live away from home while doing our undergrads only to ultimately decide to move back home” as well. We were also friends before eventually reuniting and dating too, so this story feels extra cute.
One Summer in Paradise is a cute small-town romance. Becca and Jake’s love story is cute and it was a quick, fun read. Their story began 10 years ago when Jake had a crush as kids. I’m a sucker for slow burns though, so I was hoping the reuniting to courting to lovers stages could have happened slower and added more tension. I really like the premise of trying to find out who you are and what you want without the expectations of your parents/others/the voice in your head saying this is what you should be doing - because we’ve all been there. My husband and I did the whole “live away from home while doing our undergrads only to ultimately decide to move back home” as well. We were also friends before eventually reuniting and dating too, so this story feels extra cute.
June 11, 2026
I would like to start of by saying that I had the opportunity to receive this book as an Arc copy, but I truly loved it. I finished it in 2 days, and I felt like it was the perfect summer romance for me. I feel like the writing was just flowing for me.
I'm usually skeptical when reading a second chance, as it's not my favourite trope, but this book has me changing my mind.
I absolutely loved how Becca and Jake's relationship was portrayed, and how even after years of being apart, he was subconsciously loyal to Becca.
And there were so many moments where I found myself grinning, mostly when reading Jake's inner monologue, because it was so cute.
I feel so lucky to have discovered such a great author, I truly look forward to her future work!
I'm usually skeptical when reading a second chance, as it's not my favourite trope, but this book has me changing my mind.
I absolutely loved how Becca and Jake's relationship was portrayed, and how even after years of being apart, he was subconsciously loyal to Becca.
And there were so many moments where I found myself grinning, mostly when reading Jake's inner monologue, because it was so cute.
I feel so lucky to have discovered such a great author, I truly look forward to her future work!
June 11, 2026
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
One Summer In Paradise is a sweet small-town romance that was fun to read. Jake has always been in love with Becca. When Becca comes back to spend the summer at home after college for an internship, she reconnects with Jake. As they get to know each other, she realizes that she might just love him too.
I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other as adults. In a small town, it’s almost impossible to avoid people, and they kept running into one another – at parties, in town, at a basement concert. Seeing their interactions in front of their friends was pretty comical at times – he’s down bad but thinks he’s over it.
All in all, a cute, short read!
One Summer In Paradise is a sweet small-town romance that was fun to read. Jake has always been in love with Becca. When Becca comes back to spend the summer at home after college for an internship, she reconnects with Jake. As they get to know each other, she realizes that she might just love him too.
I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other as adults. In a small town, it’s almost impossible to avoid people, and they kept running into one another – at parties, in town, at a basement concert. Seeing their interactions in front of their friends was pretty comical at times – he’s down bad but thinks he’s over it.
All in all, a cute, short read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2026
Jake and Becca both are equally determined to get out of their small town. They’ve known each other for years when they work together for the summer music festival they really connect. This well written book pulls you right in. The characters are really easy to connect to. Their friends are incredible side characters and add great humor to the storyline. Becca‘s mother is written just perfect. She becomes an easy target to hate. I absolutely love the way this ended. This is a real enjoyable read.
Thank you to Cutler Romance for my copy of this book. All the honest opinions in this review are mine.
Thank you to Cutler Romance for my copy of this book. All the honest opinions in this review are mine.
June 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑
🎸Grumpy X Sunshine
♥️Opposites Attract
🎸Small Town
♥️Slow Burn
🎸No Spice
-ARC received from the author, all opinions are my own-
Jake has been in love with Becca since elementary school. When Becca comes home from college for the summer, for an internship they reconnect over the towns Summer festival she is in charge of planning.
This was a cute, sweet, quick summer read. The story is really well written and fast paced. It’s perfect for a quick, little, no spice, pick me up!
🫑
🎸Grumpy X Sunshine
♥️Opposites Attract
🎸Small Town
♥️Slow Burn
🎸No Spice
-ARC received from the author, all opinions are my own-
Jake has been in love with Becca since elementary school. When Becca comes home from college for the summer, for an internship they reconnect over the towns Summer festival she is in charge of planning.
This was a cute, sweet, quick summer read. The story is really well written and fast paced. It’s perfect for a quick, little, no spice, pick me up!
June 15, 2026
The story in itself isn't bad. It's a cute small town romance with a Sk8r boi feel. Yes, that Avril Lavigne song. I just couldn't fully like the characters enough. They're supposed to be adults, but the way they act makes you think they're high school seniors about to leave home for college. Kudos to them for standing their ground and going after their dreams.
June 15, 2026
One Summer in Paradise is a super cute! The town is charming, the characters are lovable, and this book is a fun and adorable read.
I picked this up and read the whole thing in a couple hours. It's easy to fall into this story. You really can't go wrong with this one if you're looking for a sweet second chance romance.
I picked this up and read the whole thing in a couple hours. It's easy to fall into this story. You really can't go wrong with this one if you're looking for a sweet second chance romance.
June 21, 2026
ARC FROM AUTHOR
This is my first time reading this authors books but it honestly wasn’t bad. I love a good small town romance and second chance romance. This book was a combination of both. I liked how we had a little foresight in the beginning about there past and everything. I really enjoyed this book.
This is my first time reading this authors books but it honestly wasn’t bad. I love a good small town romance and second chance romance. This book was a combination of both. I liked how we had a little foresight in the beginning about there past and everything. I really enjoyed this book.
June 22, 2026
Thank you to the auhtor for this arc in return of an honest review.
I read this book in one sitting, as it was only 195 pages. This had a promising plot, it just moved quicy and ended more time for character development.
While this book was cute I needed more story and more character development.
I read this book in one sitting, as it was only 195 pages. This had a promising plot, it just moved quicy and ended more time for character development.
While this book was cute I needed more story and more character development.
June 20, 2026
Received from Author. This is a cute and lighthearted read. I read this in a couple of hours and enjoyed my time reading it. The second chance and small-town romance combination were well written and it was the perfect summer read.
June 20, 2026
Early Arc Review From The Author
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