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Summer Lake #7
Smile Like You Mean It
Renée Nichols returned to Summer Lake because she had nowhere left to turn. Her marriage, the charity she spent her life building, her entire life—they were all shattered when her husband was arrested. She’s getting by, even if barely standing on her own two feet. She has a job, even if it’s not the greatest. She has her childhood home to live in, even if it’s barely livable.
Gabe Morgan is back in town, too—even if he’s only visiting. Every time she gets around him her heart rate and her temperature soar, but that’s just her overactive imagination, isn’t it? He might be even hotter now than he was in high school, but he’s still the town’s golden boy. He’s the town doctor’s son, she’s the town drunk’s daughter. He’s one of life’s good guys, he’ll help her out because it’s what he does. But that’s all.
Gabe Morgan has been spending as much time as he can back in Summer Lake—though he couldn’t tell you why. He’s a partner in a successful firm of trial attorneys in New York City. He’s gone out and conquered the world as he always knew he would. So why is it every time he comes home to the lake, he feels like a failure? He’s achieved so much, but he hasn’t found happiness.
Running into Renée again has made him question everything. She told him that love, family, and happiness are the most important things in life. He’s starting to agree—but will she be the one to help him find them?
The Summer Lake contemporary romance series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
This book is intended for adult readers 18+
*************************
Each Summer Lake Romance can be read as a stand alone book – no cliff hangers here! Each book contains one couple's story. However, they are best read in order to get full enjoyment of the underlying story and friendships.
Book 1: Love Like You've Never Been Hurt Emma and Jack
Book 2: Work Like You Don't Need the Money - Pete and Holly
Book 3: Dance Like Nobody's Watching - Missy and Dan
Book 4: Fly Like You've Never Been Grounded - Smoke and Laura
Book 5: Laugh Like You've Never Cried - Michael and Megan
Book 6: Sing Like Nobody's Listening - Kenzie and Chase
Book 7: Smile Like You Mean It - Gabe and Renée
Gabe Morgan is back in town, too—even if he’s only visiting. Every time she gets around him her heart rate and her temperature soar, but that’s just her overactive imagination, isn’t it? He might be even hotter now than he was in high school, but he’s still the town’s golden boy. He’s the town doctor’s son, she’s the town drunk’s daughter. He’s one of life’s good guys, he’ll help her out because it’s what he does. But that’s all.
Gabe Morgan has been spending as much time as he can back in Summer Lake—though he couldn’t tell you why. He’s a partner in a successful firm of trial attorneys in New York City. He’s gone out and conquered the world as he always knew he would. So why is it every time he comes home to the lake, he feels like a failure? He’s achieved so much, but he hasn’t found happiness.
Running into Renée again has made him question everything. She told him that love, family, and happiness are the most important things in life. He’s starting to agree—but will she be the one to help him find them?
The Summer Lake contemporary romance series follows a group of friends from a small lakeside town in the California hills. They have kept in touch over the years and now, in their early thirties, their lives are drawing them back to Summer Lake and to each other.
This book is intended for adult readers 18+
*************************
Each Summer Lake Romance can be read as a stand alone book – no cliff hangers here! Each book contains one couple's story. However, they are best read in order to get full enjoyment of the underlying story and friendships.
Book 1: Love Like You've Never Been Hurt Emma and Jack
Book 2: Work Like You Don't Need the Money - Pete and Holly
Book 3: Dance Like Nobody's Watching - Missy and Dan
Book 4: Fly Like You've Never Been Grounded - Smoke and Laura
Book 5: Laugh Like You've Never Cried - Michael and Megan
Book 6: Sing Like Nobody's Listening - Kenzie and Chase
Book 7: Smile Like You Mean It - Gabe and Renée
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2015
423 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
S.J. McCoy
77 books1,056 followersHi, I'm SJ. A coffee addict, lover of chocolate and drinker of good red wines. I'm a lost soul and a hopeless romantic. Reading and writing are necessary parts of who I am. Though perhaps not as necessary as coffee! I can drink coffee without writing, but I can't write without coffee.
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
I grew up loving romance novels, my first boyfriends were book boyfriends, but life intervened, as it tends to do, and I wandered down the paths of non fiction for many years. My life changed completely a couple of years ago and I returned to Romance to find my escape.
I write 'Sweet N Steamy' stories because to me there is enough angst and darkness in real life. My favorite romances are happy escapes with a focus on fun, friendships and happily-ever-afters, just like the ones I write.
These days I live in beautiful Montana, the last best place. If I'm not reading or writing you'll find me just down the road in the park - Yellowstone. I have deer, eagles and the occasional bear for company, and I like it that way :0)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 24, 2015
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“You got lucky there Uncle Gabe, but you almost blew it! You’d better let me teach you about girls if you want Miss Renee to be your girlfriend.”
“I’ve been telling you for ten years Wade. I have no interest in that package of yours. And besides, I’m sure it must be almost worn out from overuse by now. “
“I’ve been searching all the time for this ever elusive meaning and purpose. I get it now, what greater meaning and purpose could there be, than love and family and happiness?”
My Review:
I adore Summer Lake and would love to live there, socialize with my favorite characters and visit the resort. Smile Like You Mean It presented a more intense and angsty read than previous books in the series - due to the rigidity, pride, and stubbornness of the main character. However, I trusted Ms. McCoy to get me to my highly desired sweet HEA ending, and as always - she came through for me with flying colors. I continue to admire her craft and skill, and revel in the interweaving of previously spotlighted characters into each story. I could, and hopefully will, continue to check in on them with subsequent volumes as long as this talented author keeps gracing us with them. S.J. McCoy rates as one of my all-time favorite go-to authors, and I will never tire of this series.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“You got lucky there Uncle Gabe, but you almost blew it! You’d better let me teach you about girls if you want Miss Renee to be your girlfriend.”
“I’ve been telling you for ten years Wade. I have no interest in that package of yours. And besides, I’m sure it must be almost worn out from overuse by now. “
“I’ve been searching all the time for this ever elusive meaning and purpose. I get it now, what greater meaning and purpose could there be, than love and family and happiness?”
My Review:
I adore Summer Lake and would love to live there, socialize with my favorite characters and visit the resort. Smile Like You Mean It presented a more intense and angsty read than previous books in the series - due to the rigidity, pride, and stubbornness of the main character. However, I trusted Ms. McCoy to get me to my highly desired sweet HEA ending, and as always - she came through for me with flying colors. I continue to admire her craft and skill, and revel in the interweaving of previously spotlighted characters into each story. I could, and hopefully will, continue to check in on them with subsequent volumes as long as this talented author keeps gracing us with them. S.J. McCoy rates as one of my all-time favorite go-to authors, and I will never tire of this series.
October 13, 2015
I enjoyed this story, it was a very sweet, angst free read and I liked Gabe and Renee, it was also good to catch up with the other residents of Summer Lake, and I look forward to reading more from this series, especially when it comes to Ben as I really want to read his story!!
However if I'm honest this wasn't my favorite of the series, and I'm not really sure why maybe because I didn't feel as invested in the characters as I normally do but I would still happily recommend this story and the series, although you could easily be read as a standalone.
However if I'm honest this wasn't my favorite of the series, and I'm not really sure why maybe because I didn't feel as invested in the characters as I normally do but I would still happily recommend this story and the series, although you could easily be read as a standalone.
October 28, 2015
Welcome Back to Summer Lake.
The Gang is all here and Michael's big time attorney brother Gabe has come home. He is at a crossroads in his life and is looking for something but not sure what. He knows he is missing out on something big but not sure of what or who. Then he sees Renee, they were friends in high school but life got in the way. Renee has been fighting her own demons. Her husband ruined the charity she ran in memory of her family and is now sitting in prison, while she is left to pick up the pieces. Left with her memories and a run down shack, the walls Renee has built have become her own personal prison. She needs to feel independent, she does not want charity but knows she can not make it alone. She needs a friend, Gabe. But with each day their friendship becomes more... does she accept it or does she run?
Smile Like You Mean It is a very special, heartwarming story of what love really means. No romance is perfect, no life is perfect. It is how you live and love that makes it worth while. SJ McCoy has been able to hit the heart of this emotion. Being able to forgive yourself and learn to let love and friendship replace that loss is the key to life. You don't have to do alone.
Personally I see SJ McCoy as an artist of words. She is able to put her heart and soul into her writing and create such beautiful stories. Smile Like You Mean It is number 7 in the Summer Lake Series however it is not the end of the story. It is not a cliff hanger but the story of Summer Lake will keep going, bringing us closer to all the friends we have come to love.
The Gang is all here and Michael's big time attorney brother Gabe has come home. He is at a crossroads in his life and is looking for something but not sure what. He knows he is missing out on something big but not sure of what or who. Then he sees Renee, they were friends in high school but life got in the way. Renee has been fighting her own demons. Her husband ruined the charity she ran in memory of her family and is now sitting in prison, while she is left to pick up the pieces. Left with her memories and a run down shack, the walls Renee has built have become her own personal prison. She needs to feel independent, she does not want charity but knows she can not make it alone. She needs a friend, Gabe. But with each day their friendship becomes more... does she accept it or does she run?
Smile Like You Mean It is a very special, heartwarming story of what love really means. No romance is perfect, no life is perfect. It is how you live and love that makes it worth while. SJ McCoy has been able to hit the heart of this emotion. Being able to forgive yourself and learn to let love and friendship replace that loss is the key to life. You don't have to do alone.
Personally I see SJ McCoy as an artist of words. She is able to put her heart and soul into her writing and create such beautiful stories. Smile Like You Mean It is number 7 in the Summer Lake Series however it is not the end of the story. It is not a cliff hanger but the story of Summer Lake will keep going, bringing us closer to all the friends we have come to love.
October 13, 2015
Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of this author, I've read her other books and they've always been a really easy 5* for me. Whilst this is an engaging and entertaining read, for me it just lacked a little of the easy sparkle that drew me into the world of the other books.
Gabe and Renee have both made appearances in previous books and there were heavy hints that their story would be along soon. Both are at a crossroads in their lives and have returned to Summer Lake for a fresh start.
Their love story is plausible, easy to read and what you'd expect from these kind of stories, but I found Renee a bit weedy, and Gabe a little stuck up. Neither of them had the spunk I've come to expect from the characters SJ creates.
We get to catch up with the gang from previous instalments, although it doesn't appear to be a bed of roses for everyone (refreshing from a romance writer but frustrating as they are my favourite couple and I hate them being in a rough patch!), so I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment to find out what happens.
Overall this is a good, entertaining read, and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed if you buy it. It certainly hasn't put me off any future reads from this author, but it definitely wasn't my favourite of the series.
I would definitely recommend the other books in this series are read first, because whilst this is a standalone you catch up with everyone else and it helps to know the makeup of the gang.
(I was gifted a copy of this book on exchange for an honest review)
Gabe and Renee have both made appearances in previous books and there were heavy hints that their story would be along soon. Both are at a crossroads in their lives and have returned to Summer Lake for a fresh start.
Their love story is plausible, easy to read and what you'd expect from these kind of stories, but I found Renee a bit weedy, and Gabe a little stuck up. Neither of them had the spunk I've come to expect from the characters SJ creates.
We get to catch up with the gang from previous instalments, although it doesn't appear to be a bed of roses for everyone (refreshing from a romance writer but frustrating as they are my favourite couple and I hate them being in a rough patch!), so I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment to find out what happens.
Overall this is a good, entertaining read, and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed if you buy it. It certainly hasn't put me off any future reads from this author, but it definitely wasn't my favourite of the series.
I would definitely recommend the other books in this series are read first, because whilst this is a standalone you catch up with everyone else and it helps to know the makeup of the gang.
(I was gifted a copy of this book on exchange for an honest review)
October 8, 2015
Another fine story from SJ McCoy. Steamy and Sweet, filled with well-drawn characters both new and old familiar friends. We get more updates on characters from previous books, and a heartfelt drama with two characters who have been on the periphery.
That being said, this was not my favorite Summer Lake book. I got tired of Renee's stubbornness, but I do think that is in part because I have known people who are like that and I just want to shake some sense into them. *I* have never been so stubborn myself. (Yeah, right. Probably a more accurate assessment is that it strikes a little too close to home.)
SJ is very good at drawing characters with real-life attributes and situations, done in a larger-than-life style that makes the reader care what her characters are going through. There are plenty of "feels" in these stories, and backstories that are tragic and heartbreaking, but the novels themselves always end up on an upbeat note. Readers should also be warned that they will want to visit Summer Lake often.
That being said, this was not my favorite Summer Lake book. I got tired of Renee's stubbornness, but I do think that is in part because I have known people who are like that and I just want to shake some sense into them. *I* have never been so stubborn myself. (Yeah, right. Probably a more accurate assessment is that it strikes a little too close to home.)
SJ is very good at drawing characters with real-life attributes and situations, done in a larger-than-life style that makes the reader care what her characters are going through. There are plenty of "feels" in these stories, and backstories that are tragic and heartbreaking, but the novels themselves always end up on an upbeat note. Readers should also be warned that they will want to visit Summer Lake often.
November 9, 2015
SJ McCoy has done it again and written another captivating read that draws you in to Summer Lake and makes you feel like you want to live there and be in the circle of friends that live there. Smile Like you Mean it follows Gabe and Renee, both have grown up in Summer Lake and both have left and made lives else where. Renee has returned following a failed marriage to a cheater a fraudster. Gabe is finding life as a successful lawyer in the city tedious and meaningless, he wants more out of life than just success and money and the last few times that he has gone back to Summer Lake he has found himself attracted to and thinking a lot about Renee. Renee too feels the attraction, but she is wary following issues that have happened in her past. Can Gabe make Renee trust him. Can Renee let Gabe in, can she give into her insecurities and let him help her and support her and stop letting the past shape her. This is a heartfelt captivating read that exports you to Summer Lake making you wish you lived there, it's also nice to catch up with some of the other Summer Lake residents as well.
October 6, 2015
This is one of the best series's out there at the moment in my opinion, and smile like you mean it, book 7 in the summer lake series didn't disappoint. I've been eagerly awaiting Gabe's story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Gabe and Renee find their happy ever after and take you on a journey of ups and downs along the way.
Both struggling with big life changes that each of us can relate to in one way or another.
I love that you revisit with all the characters and families throughout the book and also have snippets of what's coming next. Can't wait to read about what's to come of Ben and his ex that he gave his heart away to when he was younger!
Only wish I could jump into the book and be the next heroine.
Well done SJ. You've done it again.
Gabe and Renee find their happy ever after and take you on a journey of ups and downs along the way.
Both struggling with big life changes that each of us can relate to in one way or another.
I love that you revisit with all the characters and families throughout the book and also have snippets of what's coming next. Can't wait to read about what's to come of Ben and his ex that he gave his heart away to when he was younger!
Only wish I could jump into the book and be the next heroine.
Well done SJ. You've done it again.
October 11, 2015
Smile Like You Mean It by SJ McCoy, brought a smile to my face such a sweet book. I absolutely loved the book, it had everything I look for in a story, romance, happiness, sadness sex scenes with love. I really enjoyed getting to know Gabe a successful hot lawyer and Renee a beautiful separated from her marriage broken woman. I love watching Gabe and Renee work through their problems from different sides of the tracks.
This is the first book by SJ McCoy and I am so hooked on the Summer Lake series, now I will be reading them all. SJ has a special writing style that hooks you and makes you want to now about all the characters in previous books.
I was given an ARC, for my honest review.
This is the first book by SJ McCoy and I am so hooked on the Summer Lake series, now I will be reading them all. SJ has a special writing style that hooks you and makes you want to now about all the characters in previous books.
I was given an ARC, for my honest review.
October 7, 2015
Received advanced copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
SJ has done it again! This is another amazing book in the Summer Lake series. Renee and Gabe are such an amazing realistic couple. And I loved how we get to see how all of the other couples are doing. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
SJ has done it again! This is another amazing book in the Summer Lake series. Renee and Gabe are such an amazing realistic couple. And I loved how we get to see how all of the other couples are doing. Can't wait for the next book to come out.
May 13, 2020
What can I say? Reading an SJ McCoy story is like relaxing into a rocking chair with a snuggle blanket. You know your going to enjoy the story so you just kick back and read. Gabe is smart hard working and goal oriented, but lately he feels something is missing, so he comes home to Summerlake to try to figure out what it is. Renee used to feel smart hard working and goal oriented but her cheating lying thief of a husband has shown her how stupid and naive she is so she has run back to her shack of a childhood home with no money, no confidence, and no future. After seeing Renee struggling with working behind Ben's bar, Gabe begins to understand what it is that is missing from his predictable life and that is Renee. Gabe had never had an actual relationship and Renee is still a married woman so there are some ups and downs to trying to build a relationship especially when one wants to protect and help while the other is trying to be independent and strong. As long as they can learn to compromise both their lives will will be the better for it.
July 2, 2017
Brilliant
I am so loving this series.
This book was brilliant I was pulled in right from the start, Renee and Gabe's story really got to me. The emotions that are in this story just fly right of the page and hit you.
Twists, turns and surprises throughout the book, what this couple go through to be together is beyond words. At first I wasn't to keen on Renee but as you learn more of what she had to endure in the past, I began to really feel for her.
Highly recommend this book, it is so worth the 5 stars I have given it. But what I will say is read from book one, that way you know who is who.
Can't wait to read the next one.
I am so loving this series.
This book was brilliant I was pulled in right from the start, Renee and Gabe's story really got to me. The emotions that are in this story just fly right of the page and hit you.
Twists, turns and surprises throughout the book, what this couple go through to be together is beyond words. At first I wasn't to keen on Renee but as you learn more of what she had to endure in the past, I began to really feel for her.
Highly recommend this book, it is so worth the 5 stars I have given it. But what I will say is read from book one, that way you know who is who.
Can't wait to read the next one.
November 26, 2019
I love Summer Lake, I wish I could live there. Renee has had so much thrown at her but she’s trying so hard to move on and protect herself, then along comes Gabe and gives her everything she never knew she wanted.
The amazing added twist with Chance and her sister Chloe added so much to the plot line and also added to Chances story, and introduced April who’s story I can’t wait for.
I love how whilst the book is predominantly about one couple we still get updates from others and snippets dropped about future books.
The amazing added twist with Chance and her sister Chloe added so much to the plot line and also added to Chances story, and introduced April who’s story I can’t wait for.
I love how whilst the book is predominantly about one couple we still get updates from others and snippets dropped about future books.
October 9, 2018
Ok I Loved this book but I hope I don't have to worry about Pete and Holly there perfect together well they all are just love this series all ready bought next one now i. Off to read it ! I will let you know just how good it is !
Ok I'm really off to read the next book all ready bought it than put my comments in wrong box not redoing it just added to it there's nothing but awesomeness here folks i love them
Ok I'm really off to read the next book all ready bought it than put my comments in wrong box not redoing it just added to it there's nothing but awesomeness here folks i love them
May 10, 2023
Finally, a romance where neither the attraction, nor the difficulties they face, nor the way they work themselves out of them, are contrived or given short shrift! And on top of the characters and their stories are interesting, and the book is well written. Even though it is missing the "something extra" that I usually require for 4 stars, I'm making an exception for this one, just because it is significantly better than most romances, even from this author.
June 28, 2018
A Must read
I started reading this series with the Summer Lake box set books 1-3)..... After I finished I moved to this one.... Each story is its own standalone HEA, but then they ALL blend together and go SO well together. I've read through them all, you will do the same!! I CANNOT wait for SJ's next book!!!
I started reading this series with the Summer Lake box set books 1-3)..... After I finished I moved to this one.... Each story is its own standalone HEA, but then they ALL blend together and go SO well together. I've read through them all, you will do the same!! I CANNOT wait for SJ's next book!!!
June 8, 2017
Ebook
The next in the series, he's a NY C lawyer coming home because something is missing from his life. She's come home because she's lost everything, her company, her husband her reputation.
The next in the series, he's a NY C lawyer coming home because something is missing from his life. She's come home because she's lost everything, her company, her husband her reputation.
October 11, 2017
Another wonderful story in the series!
I loved this book, I am glad Gabe realized what's important in life. I can't wait to see what is ahead of them. They are great together and can't wait to see everyone else's stories.
I loved this book, I am glad Gabe realized what's important in life. I can't wait to see what is ahead of them. They are great together and can't wait to see everyone else's stories.
July 2, 2019
Gabe and Renee..
I love the story of Gabe and Renee... Wow, talk about stubborn people and how it can get in the way of happiness and keeping two people apart, from making their happily after come true..
I love the story of Gabe and Renee... Wow, talk about stubborn people and how it can get in the way of happiness and keeping two people apart, from making their happily after come true..
Read
July 29, 2019Another great book in the summer lake series
Renee and Gabe both have struggles and seeing them come together was great. This book made her laugh, cry and think. All of SJ McCoy's books have lessons to be learned in them. I can get enough of them.
Renee and Gabe both have struggles and seeing them come together was great. This book made her laugh, cry and think. All of SJ McCoy's books have lessons to be learned in them. I can get enough of them.
July 10, 2020
Loved It Great Series
I always enjoy SJ McCoy's books and love this series and getting to visit with all the characters of Summer Lake. Gabe and Ranee's story was captivating and I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to more books in the series.
I always enjoy SJ McCoy's books and love this series and getting to visit with all the characters of Summer Lake. Gabe and Ranee's story was captivating and I couldn't put it down. I'm really looking forward to more books in the series.
March 25, 2018
Great series!!
Enjoyable story, reading the series makes you feel like you are part of Summer Lake. SJ McCoy writes with feeling.
Enjoyable story, reading the series makes you feel like you are part of Summer Lake. SJ McCoy writes with feeling.
June 18, 2018
Great Story!!!!
Loved this story! Great characters and friendships, loyalty, and family support. Very romantic, sexy, sweet, heartwarming book! Enjoyed it immensely!
Loved this story! Great characters and friendships, loyalty, and family support. Very romantic, sexy, sweet, heartwarming book! Enjoyed it immensely!
September 1, 2018
Renee was not my favorite character. A little whiny for my liking, she tried too hard. I loved Gabe though. I still love how all the characters are still present and play a part in every book.
July 24, 2020
Review of Smile Like You Mean It
I absolutely loved this book and I love this series. I will be buying more of her books. She is a wonderful writer.
I absolutely loved this book and I love this series. I will be buying more of her books. She is a wonderful writer.
October 5, 2020
I loved this series, very sweet, heartwarming and entertaining
January 4, 2021
Awesome story
I've read the series books 1-7 and they're fantastic. A great group of friends and fun stories in each book.
I've read the series books 1-7 and they're fantastic. A great group of friends and fun stories in each book.
October 5, 2021
Enjoyed this book. Love Gabe and how he changes to see what is important in life. Renee is perfect for him.
April 30, 2022
I love her writing so much!
Easy to read and get lost in for hours, days even. I will be reading all the books and following Chance after I’m done with this series.
Easy to read and get lost in for hours, days even. I will be reading all the books and following Chance after I’m done with this series.
December 10, 2023
⛔️(in notes)
February 16, 2017
Gabe and Renee was a good story. I felt so bad for Renee in the is story and in the other books when she was having a hard time bar tending. Glad Gabe ended up not being so serious all the time. On to the next one.
Yes I am still waiting to read about Ben and know that it's coming but don't want the series to end...ever! Lol
Yes I am still waiting to read about Ben and know that it's coming but don't want the series to end...ever! Lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews