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Summer Of Love
Brooke Adriani is living the Key West dream. A successful real estate broker, her days are filled with well-heeled clients, sunshine, yoga and a healthy dose of her best friend, Justin. Tragedy early in life may have faltered her ability to get close to others but between that intoxicating island air, an all-knowing hula doll and an otherwise contented existence, who has time for that fairytale love stuff anyway? After all, her no-nonsense Brooklynite father instilled tangible values in her – Hard work. Business acumen. Professional integrity. In fact, nobody is more surprised than Brooke when her father falls in love with a local woman who couldn’t be more opposite from him. Even more disconcerting than her father head over heels is the gorgeous, spirited daughter of his new love… Struggling photographer Amber Lucas is devastated after being pushed back into the closet – literally - and discovering that her sort-of girlfriend had a girlfriend all along. Insult is heaped upon injury after being invited to participate in a prestigious photography exhibition – As the administrative assistant. With a bruised pride but optimistic outlook, she takes the opportunity in hopes of leaving her broken heart behind and spending time with her ex-flower child mother. No matter that her mother has fallen in love and seems even dreamier than usual or that her love interest’s daughter is a snob. The last thing she needs is another ice queen. Brooke and Amber are less than pleased that they’ve been thrown into each other’s lives, but the undeniable chemistry brings all sorts of uncomfortable questions about growing up, coming out and whether two imperfect people truly can overcome their flaws to make the sizzling season their own summer of love. Under the scorching island sun, one thing is for sure – This summer is going to be far from boring.
- GenresFemme FemmeRomanceLGBT
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2017
13 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Quinn
3 books9 followersAshley Quinn is an avid writer, voracious reader and lover of all things art. A born-and-raised Chicago girl, Ashley relocated to Dallas, Texas in 2014 and quickly discovered that she loves Tex-Mex, is terrified of Texas drivers and doesn't miss the blizzards. She also finds herself on the perpetual hunt for good deep-dish pizza in the South.
With a B.A. in Marketing Communications from Columbia College Chicago and many years of professional communications, copywriting and content strategy experience across a diverse range of industries, Ashley's first love remains creative writing. She enjoys writing fiction and lesbian romance featuring relatable, developed characters and unique situations. Her novels include:
--All That Glitters (2012)
--Texas Blues (2016)
--Summer Of Love (2017)
She lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her partner and their two spoiled dogs. They are usually planning their next adventure, while Ashley continues to write future books. Connect with her at her website (www.ThisIsAshleyQuinn.com), through Facebook (Facebook.com/AshleyQuinnWrites) or on Instagram (@ashleyquinnwrites).
With a B.A. in Marketing Communications from Columbia College Chicago and many years of professional communications, copywriting and content strategy experience across a diverse range of industries, Ashley's first love remains creative writing. She enjoys writing fiction and lesbian romance featuring relatable, developed characters and unique situations. Her novels include:
--All That Glitters (2012)
--Texas Blues (2016)
--Summer Of Love (2017)
She lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her partner and their two spoiled dogs. They are usually planning their next adventure, while Ashley continues to write future books. Connect with her at her website (www.ThisIsAshleyQuinn.com), through Facebook (Facebook.com/AshleyQuinnWrites) or on Instagram (@ashleyquinnwrites).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 25, 2017
Icy blonde real estate player and a compassionate recently heartbroken new-age type meet. They're both hot; the attraction is palpable. Oh, and they're staying under the same roof. All a pleasant setup for a lovely read. If you're well-versed in lesfic, you could pick up on a formula, which isn't bad as long as the execution works. Ashley Quinn has me impressed.
I'm partial to ice queens often, but actually, I found my heart fluttering for Amber more than Brooke. She's so earnest and loves with every part of herself. A true cinnamon roll that should be protected from all the horrors of the world.
Amber and Brooke have undeniable chemistry that I enjoyed following. It gave me all the fuzzies and that's what we could all use sometimes, right?
A few nitpicks kept this from flying to 5 Star Land for me. One: After all that buildup, I could've used more sex? I mean, they had all the trust and compatibility and naughty thoughts, so I'd expected that manifested in more scenes than . Two: A few problems could've been solved with like, two sentences . Lena sucks so hard, ugh. Three: I thought there would be more significance with the Hula girl good luck charms? Maybe I'm thinking too hard about it.
Blah, saying negative stuff makes me sad because I really, really enjoyed this read. It showed principles of self improvement that I appreciated, like Amber's career path. She wasn't bound into a rigid mold of what's expected of an average photographer; she gravitated to what she enjoyed.
Please give it a read and bask in the glory of pretty women failing to fight their magnetism and Sandra, possibly one of the greatest mother portrayals I've read this year. Good stuff!
I'm partial to ice queens often, but actually, I found my heart fluttering for Amber more than Brooke. She's so earnest and loves with every part of herself. A true cinnamon roll that should be protected from all the horrors of the world.
Amber and Brooke have undeniable chemistry that I enjoyed following. It gave me all the fuzzies and that's what we could all use sometimes, right?
A few nitpicks kept this from flying to 5 Star Land for me. One: After all that buildup, I could've used more sex? I mean, they had all the trust and compatibility and naughty thoughts, so I'd expected that manifested in more scenes than . Two: A few problems could've been solved with like, two sentences . Lena sucks so hard, ugh. Three: I thought there would be more significance with the Hula girl good luck charms? Maybe I'm thinking too hard about it.
Blah, saying negative stuff makes me sad because I really, really enjoyed this read. It showed principles of self improvement that I appreciated, like Amber's career path. She wasn't bound into a rigid mold of what's expected of an average photographer; she gravitated to what she enjoyed.
Please give it a read and bask in the glory of pretty women failing to fight their magnetism and Sandra, possibly one of the greatest mother portrayals I've read this year. Good stuff!
August 6, 2017
This is a really straight forward, feel good, pure romance with two very likable and different leads. Brooke is the detached, commitment phobic professional while Amber is the all-heart-in, open, life-crisis-but-pick-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps kind of girl and they make for a great pair.
The fact that their parents are the ones dating and are the reason they've come to meet each other throws in an interesting scenario. Amber's mom plays as big of role in the story as the two leads and, in general, the supporting cast is strong.
The story hits a trope here and there but also nicely avoids others. I particularly liked that the author had Amber pursue what her desires were despite any other person's influence. That's a healthy thing to do and I don't see it happen often.
The dialogue and interactions between all of the characters makes it rise above the fold. As an indie, it's definitely a solid read and actually better than most professionally published romances out there. I thought it was just really nicely done.
I ran across some minor editorial issues but, on the whole, the book is bang on quality.
Recommend.
The fact that their parents are the ones dating and are the reason they've come to meet each other throws in an interesting scenario. Amber's mom plays as big of role in the story as the two leads and, in general, the supporting cast is strong.
The story hits a trope here and there but also nicely avoids others. I particularly liked that the author had Amber pursue what her desires were despite any other person's influence. That's a healthy thing to do and I don't see it happen often.
The dialogue and interactions between all of the characters makes it rise above the fold. As an indie, it's definitely a solid read and actually better than most professionally published romances out there. I thought it was just really nicely done.
I ran across some minor editorial issues but, on the whole, the book is bang on quality.
Recommend.
May 15, 2021
‘You just meet someone and something shifts. You’d do anything for them because they bring so much joy into your life.’
So, it took Brooke and Amber, the MCs a long time to meet. Anticipation does make pleasure intense because the wait was more than worth it.
That was some first meeting. It was simple but felt really special. I was grinning throughout their interaction. Hell I was grinning throughout the book. Sandra, bless her, was such a shipper.
All the characters were well fleshed out and the chemistry between the MCs just flows.
.
Brooke was all: I am ignoring Amber..I am ignoring Amber....Amber wanna go to beach with me ?
The book was kind of frustrating slow, where I was like "ahh just kiss already" which they did eventually. I really liked this book and the couple. They fit so well.
So, it took Brooke and Amber, the MCs a long time to meet. Anticipation does make pleasure intense because the wait was more than worth it.
That was some first meeting. It was simple but felt really special. I was grinning throughout their interaction. Hell I was grinning throughout the book. Sandra, bless her, was such a shipper.
All the characters were well fleshed out and the chemistry between the MCs just flows.
.
Brooke was all: I am ignoring Amber..I am ignoring Amber....Amber wanna go to beach with me ?
The book was kind of frustrating slow, where I was like "ahh just kiss already" which they did eventually. I really liked this book and the couple. They fit so well.
June 18, 2017
A worthy read.
I've read a couple books by this author and this is hands down my favorite. The two main characters were flawed but very likable. There is enough angst between all the characters but suffocatingly so. The book centers around Amber (28 years old, dead-end life path, the "other woman") and Brooke (33 years old, highly successful, loving but closed, still closeted to her dad). Their parents start dating seriously and thus the two meet. Typical formula here but just so well done that you can't help but like it. Give it a go...cheaper than other books and better read than some of the more expensive ones.
I've read a couple books by this author and this is hands down my favorite. The two main characters were flawed but very likable. There is enough angst between all the characters but suffocatingly so. The book centers around Amber (28 years old, dead-end life path, the "other woman") and Brooke (33 years old, highly successful, loving but closed, still closeted to her dad). Their parents start dating seriously and thus the two meet. Typical formula here but just so well done that you can't help but like it. Give it a go...cheaper than other books and better read than some of the more expensive ones.
June 28, 2017
This is the second book from the author and I enjoyed both of them a lot. The story is very simple: the main characters have to share a space because their parents have a relationship. Up to this point everything is fine until the girls start having feelings for each other. This very simple formula works well because the author creates a very cute, romantic and interesting story. I recommend it for cheesy people like me.
December 2, 2017
There are many, many sweet and loveable things about this book.
I liked sensible, no-nonsense Brooke. I loved Amber's seriousness, her naivete and her artistic soul. But I must admit that I loved the portrayal of Amber's mum even more. If I had to pick and choose who I'd like to fall in love with in this book it would be her.
So poor, artistic Amber gets thrown together with rich, practical Brooke because their parents have fallen in love. If it wasn't a lesbian romance we would insist at this point that it was. So how we like this book will now mainly be dependent on our expectations and preferences. If you love a sweet getting to know each other, struggling with your attraction, knowing that you'll leave not wanting to commit, an angsty misunderstanding with the ex and a dramatic hospital visit kinda thing - then you really should come in for the ride. If you're saying: "Oh no, have been there, have seen it - want a new take." then you should clearly pass this by.
However, one thing needs to be said: This book cover is the most horrendous I've seen in a very long time. That's why this rates only three stars with me.
I liked sensible, no-nonsense Brooke. I loved Amber's seriousness, her naivete and her artistic soul. But I must admit that I loved the portrayal of Amber's mum even more. If I had to pick and choose who I'd like to fall in love with in this book it would be her.
So poor, artistic Amber gets thrown together with rich, practical Brooke because their parents have fallen in love. If it wasn't a lesbian romance we would insist at this point that it was. So how we like this book will now mainly be dependent on our expectations and preferences. If you love a sweet getting to know each other, struggling with your attraction, knowing that you'll leave not wanting to commit, an angsty misunderstanding with the ex and a dramatic hospital visit kinda thing - then you really should come in for the ride. If you're saying: "Oh no, have been there, have seen it - want a new take." then you should clearly pass this by.
However, one thing needs to be said: This book cover is the most horrendous I've seen in a very long time. That's why this rates only three stars with me.
June 27, 2017
Since I just read her first book a few days ago I can say that her writing improved and with that it definitely deserves another star.
I remember kyss mig with this one, the Swedish version of Imagine me and you. Well, minus the guy Fiancé.
This book is easy going, just enough angst that will get you interested, enough drama that will get you hooked.
Their love story is more like love at first sight but they didn't act on it right away.
Secondary characters are also likable.
I like this one enough that I'm thinking of adding this to my favs. Let's see.
4.25-4.5 :)
I remember kyss mig with this one, the Swedish version of Imagine me and you. Well, minus the guy Fiancé.
This book is easy going, just enough angst that will get you interested, enough drama that will get you hooked.
Their love story is more like love at first sight but they didn't act on it right away.
Secondary characters are also likable.
I like this one enough that I'm thinking of adding this to my favs. Let's see.
4.25-4.5 :)
July 11, 2017
Good build up of the characters relationship. Loved that the father and mother had a big part in the story and had a loving relationship. Happy endings all around, but isn't that why we read romance?!
August 23, 2017
Very well done!
I've always enjoyed this writer's books. This was very well done! Having recently visited Key West last year, the setting of this book was very enjoyable! The two main characters Brooke and Amber were well developed and the plot line of the story was spot on! The supporting cast (Sandra/Amber's mother, and Justin/Brooke's best friend) are just adorable! Well done!
I've always enjoyed this writer's books. This was very well done! Having recently visited Key West last year, the setting of this book was very enjoyable! The two main characters Brooke and Amber were well developed and the plot line of the story was spot on! The supporting cast (Sandra/Amber's mother, and Justin/Brooke's best friend) are just adorable! Well done!
July 7, 2017
I liked this. I've been to Key West many times. It is always hot, expensive, and fun.
Driving down there is the best, because once you hit the Seven Mile Bridge... I can't explain it. Your car is on the bridge, beautiful blue clear water to either side of you, glistening in the hot sun. You feel like you're really in the middle of the ocean, safe, and excited. That's the best part of the trip for me. That car ride down is some of my happiest memories. That bridge feels so freeing after being surrounded by... basically swamps if you take the scenic route. :)
The weather in Florida is unpredictable, so look up the weather before you leave the house, but you probably shouldn't trust that either. Weather changes in Florida are an ongoing joke.
The book talked about some definite tourist attractions, but the island really is small, so it can get crowded.
Think of it as the New Orleans of Florida if you will (literally). One time I was driving by a nice all white church, people were coming out in their Sunday Best and across the street (the other side of my car) was an adult video store with gaudy flashing lights to let you know they were open for business. I laughed so hard I had to stop in the middle of the road.
The story was really good, and I enjoyed it. I see what people mean when they compared it to Kiss Me. It was different though, and I was glad for the differences.
I haven't read a lot of stories with two people meeting this way, and I must say if Sandra existed I would marry her in a heartbeat. Usually the elderly, and spunky, grandma is the one making me smile, but this time is was the mom. The author couldn't have written a more lovely woman.
I was frustrated due to misunderstandings because they could be resolved with a conversation, but it isn't uncommon in romance novels.
The interactions between the main characters were sweet and... friendly. I don't mean this in a bad way, at all. It reminded of the normalcy in getting to know someone, and that was really nice.
I honestly don't have much to say about the book. If you want a nice read, then I suggest picking this up.
This has made me want to drive down though, so I suppose it may do the same to some readers out there. Here's some advice: Eat at Paseo.
I don't like pork unless I know who cooked it, but believe me when you order a platter with pulled pork from there you will die and go straight to heaven. Their food is delicious. Damn, now I'm craving it. :)
Bring an umbrella just in case, though you can probably leave it in the car. Bring sunscreen, even if you swear to the sun gods that you tan well, just do it. Bring a hat. Also, if you're going in the summer, please bring sandals to wear while walking in the sand. I know the whole point is to get your toes in the sand, but you'll thank me when you don't burn your toes off because the sand is so hot you're running for the water like a goof.
Things may be more expensive, so also bring your own bottled water. I feel like I don't need to say this, but I was born an islander, so it may not be so obvious to anyone who isn't used to heat and humidity. Bring mosquito repellent.
When the girls were the first thing I thought about was mosquitoes. They don't care who you are, where you're from, or if you're trying to have a good time. They will eat you alive. No part of you is safe.
I hope other people enjoy this book as much as I have. I even threw my phone down at A nice read on a sunny day.
Driving down there is the best, because once you hit the Seven Mile Bridge... I can't explain it. Your car is on the bridge, beautiful blue clear water to either side of you, glistening in the hot sun. You feel like you're really in the middle of the ocean, safe, and excited. That's the best part of the trip for me. That car ride down is some of my happiest memories. That bridge feels so freeing after being surrounded by... basically swamps if you take the scenic route. :)
The weather in Florida is unpredictable, so look up the weather before you leave the house, but you probably shouldn't trust that either. Weather changes in Florida are an ongoing joke.
The book talked about some definite tourist attractions, but the island really is small, so it can get crowded.
Think of it as the New Orleans of Florida if you will (literally). One time I was driving by a nice all white church, people were coming out in their Sunday Best and across the street (the other side of my car) was an adult video store with gaudy flashing lights to let you know they were open for business. I laughed so hard I had to stop in the middle of the road.
The story was really good, and I enjoyed it. I see what people mean when they compared it to Kiss Me. It was different though, and I was glad for the differences.
I haven't read a lot of stories with two people meeting this way, and I must say if Sandra existed I would marry her in a heartbeat. Usually the elderly, and spunky, grandma is the one making me smile, but this time is was the mom. The author couldn't have written a more lovely woman.
I was frustrated due to misunderstandings because they could be resolved with a conversation, but it isn't uncommon in romance novels.
The interactions between the main characters were sweet and... friendly. I don't mean this in a bad way, at all. It reminded of the normalcy in getting to know someone, and that was really nice.
I honestly don't have much to say about the book. If you want a nice read, then I suggest picking this up.
This has made me want to drive down though, so I suppose it may do the same to some readers out there. Here's some advice: Eat at Paseo.
I don't like pork unless I know who cooked it, but believe me when you order a platter with pulled pork from there you will die and go straight to heaven. Their food is delicious. Damn, now I'm craving it. :)
Bring an umbrella just in case, though you can probably leave it in the car. Bring sunscreen, even if you swear to the sun gods that you tan well, just do it. Bring a hat. Also, if you're going in the summer, please bring sandals to wear while walking in the sand. I know the whole point is to get your toes in the sand, but you'll thank me when you don't burn your toes off because the sand is so hot you're running for the water like a goof.
Things may be more expensive, so also bring your own bottled water. I feel like I don't need to say this, but I was born an islander, so it may not be so obvious to anyone who isn't used to heat and humidity. Bring mosquito repellent.
When the girls were the first thing I thought about was mosquitoes. They don't care who you are, where you're from, or if you're trying to have a good time. They will eat you alive. No part of you is safe.
I hope other people enjoy this book as much as I have. I even threw my phone down at A nice read on a sunny day.
July 15, 2017
Nice read that has me wanting to try yoga and meditation
Quite a nice read about the journey of Amber and Brooke. There was some really great character personality twists which were endearing and unexpected. The characters and their journeys as individuals and as a couple were plausible and had me as a reader wanting to react right along with them. I often found myself smiling, laughing and questioning why decisions were or weren't made by the characters in certain sticky situations. The book kept me engaged and wanting to know more about yoga, these beautiful characters and their friends and family and what the future holds in store for them. I have never visited Key West, but if any of the places from the book exist, I feel as if I must grab my family, my camera and go and explore. Thank you for a great read. Be well and keep on writing.
Quite a nice read about the journey of Amber and Brooke. There was some really great character personality twists which were endearing and unexpected. The characters and their journeys as individuals and as a couple were plausible and had me as a reader wanting to react right along with them. I often found myself smiling, laughing and questioning why decisions were or weren't made by the characters in certain sticky situations. The book kept me engaged and wanting to know more about yoga, these beautiful characters and their friends and family and what the future holds in store for them. I have never visited Key West, but if any of the places from the book exist, I feel as if I must grab my family, my camera and go and explore. Thank you for a great read. Be well and keep on writing.
May 22, 2018
Very well written story. This story start with Brooke found out her father is in serious relationship with his girlfriend. Ready or not, Brooke need to face the reality that her family will no longer consist of two. In that circumstances, she unexpectedly meet Amber (a daughter of Sandra--his father girlfriend)
The story focused on Brooke and Amber as they start to live together and being friends. Brooke is more on the cool side while Amber is very friendly and easy going. They didn't click well at first considering how different they are. But when they on right spot, their banter was great. I really love how they friendship start to growing, I can totally imagine that and it was very pleasant to read.
It's a romance. So after that they start to develop feeling for each other, and there drama. Romance tropes here and there. Still it executed very well. We also got some glimpse of Amber Father and Sandra romance. They also have very good story and I love Sandra so much.
This is good romance story with good supporting cast. An enjoyable read if you want something "done before" and "light story".
The story focused on Brooke and Amber as they start to live together and being friends. Brooke is more on the cool side while Amber is very friendly and easy going. They didn't click well at first considering how different they are. But when they on right spot, their banter was great. I really love how they friendship start to growing, I can totally imagine that and it was very pleasant to read.
It's a romance. So after that they start to develop feeling for each other, and there drama. Romance tropes here and there. Still it executed very well. We also got some glimpse of Amber Father and Sandra romance. They also have very good story and I love Sandra so much.
This is good romance story with good supporting cast. An enjoyable read if you want something "done before" and "light story".
June 7, 2017
Great book
I really enjoyed this story. I loved both the ladies' relationship and their parents. I really thought the characters were a lot of fun!
I really enjoyed this story. I loved both the ladies' relationship and their parents. I really thought the characters were a lot of fun!
December 10, 2017
HaLey. 811
January 29, 2021
A sweet romance with a little angst which I always enjoy.
July 31, 2017
This an easy-going story set in Key West, a place I have always wanted to visit and creator of my favourite pie. I felt vaguely tropical as I read it - how is that? I could feel the oppressive heat and the cool ocean breeze as I read. I enjoyed the relationships between the main and minor characters (I liked Mom!) but still set the book down for some reason. I felt I knew where the conflicts were coming and where the story was going. I'll have to check back. I was intrigued by something else on Kindle Unlimited which turned into a major bust so it serves me right. I can't really complain of this following a 'romantic fiction' formula as it is what it is.
June 20, 2017
I love this author's books. Her characters are always well rounded. They have their flaws, their fears and sometimes a little stobborness but are caring, kind and considerate. Brooke and Amber are pretty much opposite when they meet. Brooke is closed off, wary and in the closet. She doesn't want a close relationship. Amber is hurting from a break up but always smiles, makes a person feel at ease and very open. These two don't hit it off right away, in fact one of my favourite lines of the story came from Brooke "And she wasn't exactly friendly to me either. She has a strange contempt for '80s power ballads." This had me laughing. Summer of love has a great cast of supporting characters including both Amber and Brooke's parents. I love how all these characters grow throughout the story. This is 4 stars from me. It's a lovely relaxing summer romance read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews