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Island Girls (and Boys): A YA Beach Romance and Coming-of-Age Story
From the author of Caribbean Cruising and The Boyfriend League comes another beach-perfect summer romance, perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Lauren Barnholdt, and Susane Colasanti.
3 girls plus 3 dogs plus 2 boyfriends plus 1 island equals a summer to remember!
Date: July 4
Rental type: 2-person sailboat
Rented by: Jen Taylor and Dylan Nelson
Rental time: 8:15 p.m.
Destination: Out to sea!
Life jackets: 2
Time back: ??? Don't wait up!
3 girls plus 3 dogs plus 2 boyfriends plus 1 island equals a summer to remember!
Date: July 4
Rental type: 2-person sailboat
Rented by: Jen Taylor and Dylan Nelson
Rental time: 8:15 p.m.
Destination: Out to sea!
Life jackets: 2
Time back: ??? Don't wait up!
313 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2005
21 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Hawthorne
30 books1,616 followersaka Jade Parker and also writes with her son as J.A. London
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
(also writes romance under Lorraine Heath)
Rachel Hawthorne, who also writes as Lorraine Heath and Jade Parker, is the daughter of a British beauty (her mother won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero-who played the Joker on the old Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Herts, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan. She enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She writes for both adult and young adult readers. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Americana historicals. Her novels have been recognized with a RITA, Romance Writers of America’s most prestigious award for excellence, a HOLT medallion award honoring outstanding literary fiction, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award, five Texas Gold Awards, the Golden Quill Award, the Rising Star Award as well as other awards and recognitions. Her novels have been selections of the Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Club. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today, Waldenbooks, and most recently, the New York Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
April 9, 2020
So cute little romance book specially recommended for teenagers.
It's about three best friends visiting an island to spent the summer.
Well, it has some of the areas I would not approve like letting some random island boys to sleep at your home, etc. But overall, I like this book and currently in a conflict of which rating should be given to this book. I'll give 4 stars for now.
It's about three best friends visiting an island to spent the summer.
Well, it has some of the areas I would not approve like letting some random island boys to sleep at your home, etc. But overall, I like this book and currently in a conflict of which rating should be given to this book. I'll give 4 stars for now.
July 22, 2018
added Oct 22, 20111: I really regret that I even had to give this thing one star. If I could have chosen a 0, I definitely would have.
I really don't know why I keep wasting my money on these little "romantic comedies." There is nothing romantic about it, and there sure as heck isn't anything comedic.
I thought it was going to be a nice summer read, but it was pure torture from the very beginning. The characters are unlikable and highly annoying. I'm just trying to decide which characters were worse: the main character or her ridiculous friends.
We got this character that can't stand up for herself and who is all about rules and regulations (very exciting by the way) and she lets her friends walk all over her like she's a doormat.
Her friends have the audacity to demand that they get HER grandparents' room in HER grandparents' house, and she just agrees to it and comes up with this schedule so they can switch off and each have a turn in the room.
Just when we thought everything was settled, they start taking in stray guys and animals like they own the place.
The circumstances in this book are absolutely horrible. It aggravated the crap out of me, and after ALLLLL of that, she doesn't even end up with the guy.
I'm not sure what genre this book would be under, since there was nothing even remotely funny in there, or anything romantic, I'm sure I just ruled out romantic comedy. I think this book is in a league of its own, maybe I'll call it the Crap genre, because it's full of crap I don't want to waste my time reading about.
*Chelsea was so unrealistic when she demanded to know why Jen got her grandparent's room. It's Jen's grandparents' house, her idea, and she got them all jobs. I don't believe anyone wouldn't be grateful for all that and would demand to have the biggest room, and make a smart comment that does Jen expect them to thank her for 3 months?
Chelsea was bitchy and difficult, getting mad at Jen for telling them where to put everything and asking why they had to store things where her grandparents did, why couldn't they do things differently? I laughed at the absurdity of arguing over where groceries are stored.
Amy—the proclaimed peacemaker—was no better. She thought it fair that they all take the 3 smaller rooms and no one sleep in it or take turns with the big one. Chelsea insisted Jen couldn't have it, she didn't want to let the big room go to waste, and she didn't want to have to move her stuff. Why would you get it? Better yet, why would you write a beach rom com which should be lighthearted and fun, and have 3 friends arguing over what is rightfully one of theirs?
Of course Chelsea thought she got it first--time to get a new friend!--so Amy proposed ping pong and Jen settled on dice. So aggravating that Chelsea won. She rolled a 5&4, Amy a 2&1, and Jen 1s. Terrible decision and odd numbering..
I've noticed this in another of Hawthorne's books, where she's obviously a planner and schedule-maker and thinks teenagers are too. They aren't. Jen marked on the calendar the date they're to switch, and made them initial. Because teens are big planners and people like to read people planning over the summer...
She also made sure we knew that everyone had a key, not that Jen expected them to be separated but one of them could take a walk while the other two napped. Jen worked up a budget for their summer. They have to pay the bills and split the chores. Anyone finding this exciting—or caring at all about it?
Jen reminded me of myself, wanting to go to the movies early in the day so it's cheaper. That's my MO!
Chelsea invited her bf, completely rude. But what was worse was that the girls said she didn't have to tell them he was coming. Um, yeah. She does. It isn't her house.
Chelsea made them split the meal all 4 of them ate and it only made me madder. Just bcuz he drove them in his truck. Chelsea sucks and I couldn't believe they were friends. Then she kept putting them down about not having a boyfriend.
Jen and Amy wanted to watch a movie but Noah was watching something and said he’d be later too. The nerve of both of these characters. The author clearly sat down and thought up the most annoying things she could. I don't want to be annoyed from a book, esp a summer rom com.
Jennifer got on my nerves the way she had a problem with Chelsea and Amy buying things from the shipments of souvenirs. She was all prim and proper, a real stickler for the rules, thinking they're for guests. She almost told them about the budget but didn't only bcuz she was interrupted. It's their money. Who cares?
Dylan offered to put sunscreen on her when she was on her break at the pool. I thought that was too forward and was surprised that she let him. I didn't like that he said she's a girl and he's a guy and why would he mind? Who offers to put sunscreen on a total stranger?
Jennifer needed to stop worrying about and overthinking everything. Dylan had seen them at the restaurant and she realized he must have seen Chelsea and Noah all over each other, so she's explaining to this total stranger that they hadn't seen each other in a while. Stupid!
She was worrying about him leaving since he couldn't afford to pay for the showers any longer, and wondered if she'd care. He's a stranger! You just met him! Get a grip. She rushed out and asked the owner if Dylan could get to use them for free since he'll be in the Army. Desperate!
Their car broke down and of course Dylan and Zach happened to be driving by and stopped. Oh, the lengths authors will go to throw characters together. Zach claimed he couldn't drive his motorcycle and hold a hose, so he needed one of the girls to come with him. Really? There's no bag or compartment on that thing?
They all went out to eat and Jen told Chelsea they couldn't pay for Noah. Chelsea said she'd pay for him, and Jen thanked her. What an idiot; that's her boyfriend! What are you thanking her for?
It was such a weird detail that Zach and Dylan have stripped and showered in the rain, so they wouldn't have to pay for it. How random and unnecessary to know. And such a big deal was made of it.
She asked if he had a girlfriend and then wondered if it would matter if he did. How could that not matter?
It was a lame request for her to ask him for a sand dollar for their pool stakes. I didn't like how he called her babe and just assumed she knew how to make homemade cookies. Like all girls can bake. Babe is such an outdated and stupid word. Also, totally lame to cook guys meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a fruit bowl. At the store they were talking about the coupons being tripled, whatever that meant, and having to add their spendings on a calculator. How exciting. They acted like stuffy adults and not teenagers.
The guys came over for the dinner Amy had promised them for fixing their car, and Jen thought about having them play monopoly. This author cannot write teenagers.
I was scandalized when Dylan invited her to shower in the rain with him. Whoa! That is so forward, moving so fast. It was too shocking and I didn't like what it said about him.
There were some moments, not exactly hot or extremely exciting, but enough to cause some interest. They would have been better when I was younger. He had his arm on her chair at the restaurant, held hands and walked on the beach, sat in the bed of the truck with her against his chest at the drive-in movie, and moved her hair aside.
I had been thinking the whole time that Amy was better, that she mostly agreed with Jennifer, even though she sometimes wouldn't speak up and left Jen to handle the tough subjects and didn't have a problem with things that she should've. But when she had a dog in her room, that she didn't tell Jen about, and said it was her room, her business, I disliked her as much as Chelsea. What is wrong with these people that they would disrespect someone in their family's home? Her friends SUCKED.
My aggravation hit the roof when the dog peed on the floor and Amy didn't see that it was a big deal. You wanna pay for new flooring? Jen said Noah couldn't put the dog in her grandparents' bed and he said he's not, he's putting it in Chelsea's bed. WHAT PART OF YOU'RE STAYING IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE CAN'T THESE IDIOTS UNDERSTAND?
I hate when authors have their characters walk up and overhear things. It's too convenient. Jen saw Dylan playing pool with a girl and got upset, told Amy that he kissed her last night but said it didn't mean anything. So of course Dylan walked up at that moment and heard it.
They showed up to the bonfire without anything, so Chelsea had the idea to have all those strangers over for a party. And she asked Amy what she thought. The irritation kept piling up.
I didn't like that she drank, and that he had too many beers. Wish I could get away from the drinking teenagers.
A lot of times her characters say things that just come off as really difficult, problematic, and stupid. Jen asked if he was drunk, and he said no. She then said it's not smart to go in the water when you're drunk. He said again that he wasn't drunk. He kissed her and said he'd been wanting to. Jen said she thought he wanted to go swimming. The stupidity of that statement was mind-boggling. Like there's only time or the option to do one of those things. A guy wants to kiss you, take it and be happy about it. Dylan had to say that he can want more than one thing at a time. What a stick in the mud her girls are. Sticklers for the rules, constantly thinking and planning. It's a real buzz kill. Dylan noticed she worries a lot. It's a wonder he even liked her.
I didn't like that Dylan dumped her into the water when she asked again why he was going into the Army. He said it was getting too serious. Not ok.
Amy met a guy and invited him to stay in the extra bedroom—without asking Jen. She also added a cat to the mix. I'd be finding some new friends.
It was sweet when Dylan told her not to go into work, that he wanted to spend time with her.
It felt like the summer from hell. There were 2 new dogs, eating the massive mess left in the kitchen from the party—that was Chelsea's idea, the one where she said she wouldn't let anyone inside. And a random guy who drank too much and passed out. I can't even begin to say how stupid and dangerous it is to leave an unknown drunk person in your house. And this was after Amy promised it was just 1 dog and 1 cat. At least Jen finally put her foot down with her loser friends, told them they had to clean the place or they were moving out.
Idk what's so funny about animals drinking alcohol. Alcohol can be toxic to animals, and talking about a cat being drunk, staggering around and throwing up, is not an opportunity for amusement. That would be a time to bring it to the vet, not laugh.
He wanted her to sleep in his tent with him. I just couldn't wrap my head around moving so fast with someone you just met. It was so nice when he said there hadn't been another girl before her, but I hated that he said there probably would be a girl after her. I hate the conversations girls have with guys, saying he'd probably invite another girl into his tent. Why are you asking and saying these things?!
I didn't like that his whole summer was about meeting girls and partying. That's not my kind of guy. I couldn't help thinking about him doing the same thing to other girls. At least she said if she slept with a guy she'd have to be the only girl, not one of many. He said he has fun with her so for now she's the only one he wants to be with. I hated that line. It made it seem like he would leave the minute she wasn't fun. Not a great love interest.
Chelsea had told Noah that everything was covered, so Jen told him that they were the ones paying for everything and he could help out with things. He got a job and Chelsea got mad at Jen, bcuz she wouldn't be able to be with him, and she called Jen a bitch. Jen barely said anything, just that she wanted Chels to be happy. What a doormat.
After they went clubbing until 2, Dylan asked if he was bringing her to her home or his. She said she didn't want to sleep with you. Leave it alone. I couldn't believe he asked. And she was thinking that tomorrow night she might go home with him. You just got through thinking he was going to meet other girls as he traveled up the beach, you didn't want to be one of many, and now you seem not to care. Pick something and stick with it. I had no respect for that, willing to sleep with someone you've known mere days, who you'll never see again.
Amy let another random guy in. Does she really not know the stranger policy?
It was cute that she said on their date Dylan had put sunscreen on her every 10-15 mins, claiming he wanted to protect her from the sun.
It was terrible when after Dylan left she said they'd had something special, not enough to keep him, but enough to where it meant something. That's the epitome of their relationship; all it was was a meaningful summer fling.
I couldn't believe Noah cheated on Chelsea. They were so close and kissing all the time, that was really crappy. She could have kept him as a bf and learned to not spend so much time with him.
It sucked because the whole trip exposed problems they had, and for all the complaining Jen did, she was almost as bad as they were. Always nagging, judging, getting onto them for decisions that were theirs. Amy started dating Alex and Jen and Chelsea didn't know it, didn't notice anything but their own love lives. Amy said she was alone and that's why she took in stray animals and people. But who sleeps in the same bed with someone they've known for less than 2 weeks? And Amy loved him. It made me shake my head. Move at the speed of light.
When Chelsea took Noah back like a complete idiot, Jen said she didn't care about them, Amy or Alex, or the pets. I thought she finally turned over a new leaf and would quit getting in everyone's business and lighten up. Then Chelsea announced that she was quitting her job and working at Noah's job, and Jen gave this whole spiel about her quitting on everyone and owing the campground. She hadn't learned anything.
I didn't like the lines she would make from a future POV. It threw me. For ex, she said her horoscope to hug a best friend turned out to change everything at the beginning of the chapter, and we had to go through the whole chapter to find out how. Then she planned a big 4th of July party, and all of a sudden she said there was one thing she hadn't planned on. I don't like that.
I guess you can say she showed growth, finally realized her friends' issues weren't hers and she wasn't going to say anything about their business. She even had the idea to have a big party and not worry about anything.
I forgot that Dylan left, but it was really crappy that he just abandoned her on her day off and they were supposed to go sailing. I was so mad that he was gone 35 days. That's really crappy.
I was so mad that the author didn't write out that first scene where she talked to him. Dylan showed up at the party, said he missed their sailing date, and Jen cried and ran off. Then it picked back up with her riding on his motorcycle to go sailing. She was issuing orders like she was captain and he was a lowly sailor. It sucked. I wanted to know what she said to him when she went back downstairs. And what a great date, you angrily go sailing with him like it's punishment.
He said he left because he was scared of her and what he was feeling. He'd had plans for 2 years to go along the coast, meeting girls. That sucked. Like ew. I was pissed as all hell when he said he met girls, the author said he didn't get close to them and I was like, you're dang right. But then he said he kissed a couple. WTF. I already knew this book sucked but I didn't remember that. You say you're falling hard for someone, and then you leave with no word, go off and kiss 2 other girls, and then come back like Jen deserved that. He sucked even more.
It would have been sweet had he not done that, but I didn't like his values. He was ruined completely. He said he thought he fell in love with her. He would be in the tent at night and couldn't stop thinking about her, wishing he was with her. Zach would want to go meet girls and Dylan would go out and look for sand dollars for her. Why wouldn't he have skipped girls altogether? Jen should have at least gotten to kiss other guys, like she planned to. But authors won't let the girl kiss sum1, only the guy. I was so mad and turned off when he said it was supposed to be his summer of girls, flings and one-nighters. One-night stands are the most disgusting, trashy, classless thing. To hear that he intended to sleep his way up the coast made me hate him. Terrible love interest.
You wanna talk about a bad love interest. Jen asked if it was because she wouldn't sleep with him and he said it wasn't that, because she would have eventually. Oh no you didn't! That is so sleezy. So assured he is and cocky that he can get her. Some girls have class and don't sleep with someone the first day they meet them, you creep.
He pointed out how badly she’d wanted to that night. He said he wouldn't have left if she had slept with him. I know how he meant it, he wouldn't have left the way he did if they’d had sex. But it sounded too much like he left because they didn't sleep together. You don't punish someone for not sleeping with you and you don't pressure someone into it. It said a lot about him that he left her in the lurch without saying bye because he didn't get sex. Loser.
He claimed that if he stayed longer he wouldn't have wanted to leave. How about we all try this new thing that if you love someone, you don't kiss someone else. A pretty easy concept to follow. I don't buy someone's love if they got with other people in any way.
She told Dylan that Alex had gotten lucky with Amy and he's not in the spare bedroom anymore and he asked if there was a chance he'd get lucky with her. How pushy can he get? Take no for an answer. She said there was a chance and I was blown away at the speed these teens have sex. Dylan came into her room, just opened the door, walked right in and got in bed with her and I was majorly turned off.
It was so bad that she came to the conclusion that you don't know if a guy is the one forever, but he's the guy for right now. I don't do books where a guy is for the moment. I want a happily ever after.
Jen said nothing had happened last night, but more would happen tonight. I didn't want her to go that far with Dylan because he didn’t deserve it. Save it for someone who's going to stay, not move on with other people.
I could not believe how this thing ended. He'd be leaving, but for now he was hers and that was enough. Her love would go with him and his would stay with her. That sucks. That really sucks. How about some kind of commitment? They agree to stay exclusive, keep it long distance, and meet up once he's out of the Army?
It's friends realizing they're always going to be together no matter what, things don't have to be perfect. It's not a romance and there's barely any humor. I hate books like this. And to think I actually thought I could raise my rating.
Chelsea ended up keeping the room to further my irritation. She didn’t deserve it and I can’t believe she took cheating Noah back. That ruined him and Chelsea was an idiot. And it didn’t escape my notice that Jen told Chelsea if Noah loved her he wouldn’t have kissed someone else…Dylan claimed to love her and he kissed 2 girls...
You can say she showed growth, but I care more about romance. It was all growth and no romance.
&It's crazy that she had a dolphin belly button ring and wore midriff shirts to show it off, cuz she's so boring! Wanting to be a business major, work herself up a company and become the CEO. Ugh.
I really don't know why I keep wasting my money on these little "romantic comedies." There is nothing romantic about it, and there sure as heck isn't anything comedic.
I thought it was going to be a nice summer read, but it was pure torture from the very beginning. The characters are unlikable and highly annoying. I'm just trying to decide which characters were worse: the main character or her ridiculous friends.
We got this character that can't stand up for herself and who is all about rules and regulations (very exciting by the way) and she lets her friends walk all over her like she's a doormat.
Her friends have the audacity to demand that they get HER grandparents' room in HER grandparents' house, and she just agrees to it and comes up with this schedule so they can switch off and each have a turn in the room.
Just when we thought everything was settled, they start taking in stray guys and animals like they own the place.
The circumstances in this book are absolutely horrible. It aggravated the crap out of me, and after ALLLLL of that, she doesn't even end up with the guy.
I'm not sure what genre this book would be under, since there was nothing even remotely funny in there, or anything romantic, I'm sure I just ruled out romantic comedy. I think this book is in a league of its own, maybe I'll call it the Crap genre, because it's full of crap I don't want to waste my time reading about.
*Chelsea was so unrealistic when she demanded to know why Jen got her grandparent's room. It's Jen's grandparents' house, her idea, and she got them all jobs. I don't believe anyone wouldn't be grateful for all that and would demand to have the biggest room, and make a smart comment that does Jen expect them to thank her for 3 months?
Chelsea was bitchy and difficult, getting mad at Jen for telling them where to put everything and asking why they had to store things where her grandparents did, why couldn't they do things differently? I laughed at the absurdity of arguing over where groceries are stored.
Amy—the proclaimed peacemaker—was no better. She thought it fair that they all take the 3 smaller rooms and no one sleep in it or take turns with the big one. Chelsea insisted Jen couldn't have it, she didn't want to let the big room go to waste, and she didn't want to have to move her stuff. Why would you get it? Better yet, why would you write a beach rom com which should be lighthearted and fun, and have 3 friends arguing over what is rightfully one of theirs?
Of course Chelsea thought she got it first--time to get a new friend!--so Amy proposed ping pong and Jen settled on dice. So aggravating that Chelsea won. She rolled a 5&4, Amy a 2&1, and Jen 1s. Terrible decision and odd numbering..
I've noticed this in another of Hawthorne's books, where she's obviously a planner and schedule-maker and thinks teenagers are too. They aren't. Jen marked on the calendar the date they're to switch, and made them initial. Because teens are big planners and people like to read people planning over the summer...
She also made sure we knew that everyone had a key, not that Jen expected them to be separated but one of them could take a walk while the other two napped. Jen worked up a budget for their summer. They have to pay the bills and split the chores. Anyone finding this exciting—or caring at all about it?
Jen reminded me of myself, wanting to go to the movies early in the day so it's cheaper. That's my MO!
Chelsea invited her bf, completely rude. But what was worse was that the girls said she didn't have to tell them he was coming. Um, yeah. She does. It isn't her house.
Chelsea made them split the meal all 4 of them ate and it only made me madder. Just bcuz he drove them in his truck. Chelsea sucks and I couldn't believe they were friends. Then she kept putting them down about not having a boyfriend.
Jen and Amy wanted to watch a movie but Noah was watching something and said he’d be later too. The nerve of both of these characters. The author clearly sat down and thought up the most annoying things she could. I don't want to be annoyed from a book, esp a summer rom com.
Jennifer got on my nerves the way she had a problem with Chelsea and Amy buying things from the shipments of souvenirs. She was all prim and proper, a real stickler for the rules, thinking they're for guests. She almost told them about the budget but didn't only bcuz she was interrupted. It's their money. Who cares?
Dylan offered to put sunscreen on her when she was on her break at the pool. I thought that was too forward and was surprised that she let him. I didn't like that he said she's a girl and he's a guy and why would he mind? Who offers to put sunscreen on a total stranger?
Jennifer needed to stop worrying about and overthinking everything. Dylan had seen them at the restaurant and she realized he must have seen Chelsea and Noah all over each other, so she's explaining to this total stranger that they hadn't seen each other in a while. Stupid!
She was worrying about him leaving since he couldn't afford to pay for the showers any longer, and wondered if she'd care. He's a stranger! You just met him! Get a grip. She rushed out and asked the owner if Dylan could get to use them for free since he'll be in the Army. Desperate!
Their car broke down and of course Dylan and Zach happened to be driving by and stopped. Oh, the lengths authors will go to throw characters together. Zach claimed he couldn't drive his motorcycle and hold a hose, so he needed one of the girls to come with him. Really? There's no bag or compartment on that thing?
They all went out to eat and Jen told Chelsea they couldn't pay for Noah. Chelsea said she'd pay for him, and Jen thanked her. What an idiot; that's her boyfriend! What are you thanking her for?
It was such a weird detail that Zach and Dylan have stripped and showered in the rain, so they wouldn't have to pay for it. How random and unnecessary to know. And such a big deal was made of it.
She asked if he had a girlfriend and then wondered if it would matter if he did. How could that not matter?
It was a lame request for her to ask him for a sand dollar for their pool stakes. I didn't like how he called her babe and just assumed she knew how to make homemade cookies. Like all girls can bake. Babe is such an outdated and stupid word. Also, totally lame to cook guys meatloaf, mashed potatoes and a fruit bowl. At the store they were talking about the coupons being tripled, whatever that meant, and having to add their spendings on a calculator. How exciting. They acted like stuffy adults and not teenagers.
The guys came over for the dinner Amy had promised them for fixing their car, and Jen thought about having them play monopoly. This author cannot write teenagers.
I was scandalized when Dylan invited her to shower in the rain with him. Whoa! That is so forward, moving so fast. It was too shocking and I didn't like what it said about him.
There were some moments, not exactly hot or extremely exciting, but enough to cause some interest. They would have been better when I was younger. He had his arm on her chair at the restaurant, held hands and walked on the beach, sat in the bed of the truck with her against his chest at the drive-in movie, and moved her hair aside.
I had been thinking the whole time that Amy was better, that she mostly agreed with Jennifer, even though she sometimes wouldn't speak up and left Jen to handle the tough subjects and didn't have a problem with things that she should've. But when she had a dog in her room, that she didn't tell Jen about, and said it was her room, her business, I disliked her as much as Chelsea. What is wrong with these people that they would disrespect someone in their family's home? Her friends SUCKED.
My aggravation hit the roof when the dog peed on the floor and Amy didn't see that it was a big deal. You wanna pay for new flooring? Jen said Noah couldn't put the dog in her grandparents' bed and he said he's not, he's putting it in Chelsea's bed. WHAT PART OF YOU'RE STAYING IN SOMEONE ELSE'S HOUSE CAN'T THESE IDIOTS UNDERSTAND?
I hate when authors have their characters walk up and overhear things. It's too convenient. Jen saw Dylan playing pool with a girl and got upset, told Amy that he kissed her last night but said it didn't mean anything. So of course Dylan walked up at that moment and heard it.
They showed up to the bonfire without anything, so Chelsea had the idea to have all those strangers over for a party. And she asked Amy what she thought. The irritation kept piling up.
I didn't like that she drank, and that he had too many beers. Wish I could get away from the drinking teenagers.
A lot of times her characters say things that just come off as really difficult, problematic, and stupid. Jen asked if he was drunk, and he said no. She then said it's not smart to go in the water when you're drunk. He said again that he wasn't drunk. He kissed her and said he'd been wanting to. Jen said she thought he wanted to go swimming. The stupidity of that statement was mind-boggling. Like there's only time or the option to do one of those things. A guy wants to kiss you, take it and be happy about it. Dylan had to say that he can want more than one thing at a time. What a stick in the mud her girls are. Sticklers for the rules, constantly thinking and planning. It's a real buzz kill. Dylan noticed she worries a lot. It's a wonder he even liked her.
I didn't like that Dylan dumped her into the water when she asked again why he was going into the Army. He said it was getting too serious. Not ok.
Amy met a guy and invited him to stay in the extra bedroom—without asking Jen. She also added a cat to the mix. I'd be finding some new friends.
It was sweet when Dylan told her not to go into work, that he wanted to spend time with her.
It felt like the summer from hell. There were 2 new dogs, eating the massive mess left in the kitchen from the party—that was Chelsea's idea, the one where she said she wouldn't let anyone inside. And a random guy who drank too much and passed out. I can't even begin to say how stupid and dangerous it is to leave an unknown drunk person in your house. And this was after Amy promised it was just 1 dog and 1 cat. At least Jen finally put her foot down with her loser friends, told them they had to clean the place or they were moving out.
Idk what's so funny about animals drinking alcohol. Alcohol can be toxic to animals, and talking about a cat being drunk, staggering around and throwing up, is not an opportunity for amusement. That would be a time to bring it to the vet, not laugh.
He wanted her to sleep in his tent with him. I just couldn't wrap my head around moving so fast with someone you just met. It was so nice when he said there hadn't been another girl before her, but I hated that he said there probably would be a girl after her. I hate the conversations girls have with guys, saying he'd probably invite another girl into his tent. Why are you asking and saying these things?!
I didn't like that his whole summer was about meeting girls and partying. That's not my kind of guy. I couldn't help thinking about him doing the same thing to other girls. At least she said if she slept with a guy she'd have to be the only girl, not one of many. He said he has fun with her so for now she's the only one he wants to be with. I hated that line. It made it seem like he would leave the minute she wasn't fun. Not a great love interest.
Chelsea had told Noah that everything was covered, so Jen told him that they were the ones paying for everything and he could help out with things. He got a job and Chelsea got mad at Jen, bcuz she wouldn't be able to be with him, and she called Jen a bitch. Jen barely said anything, just that she wanted Chels to be happy. What a doormat.
After they went clubbing until 2, Dylan asked if he was bringing her to her home or his. She said she didn't want to sleep with you. Leave it alone. I couldn't believe he asked. And she was thinking that tomorrow night she might go home with him. You just got through thinking he was going to meet other girls as he traveled up the beach, you didn't want to be one of many, and now you seem not to care. Pick something and stick with it. I had no respect for that, willing to sleep with someone you've known mere days, who you'll never see again.
Amy let another random guy in. Does she really not know the stranger policy?
It was cute that she said on their date Dylan had put sunscreen on her every 10-15 mins, claiming he wanted to protect her from the sun.
It was terrible when after Dylan left she said they'd had something special, not enough to keep him, but enough to where it meant something. That's the epitome of their relationship; all it was was a meaningful summer fling.
I couldn't believe Noah cheated on Chelsea. They were so close and kissing all the time, that was really crappy. She could have kept him as a bf and learned to not spend so much time with him.
It sucked because the whole trip exposed problems they had, and for all the complaining Jen did, she was almost as bad as they were. Always nagging, judging, getting onto them for decisions that were theirs. Amy started dating Alex and Jen and Chelsea didn't know it, didn't notice anything but their own love lives. Amy said she was alone and that's why she took in stray animals and people. But who sleeps in the same bed with someone they've known for less than 2 weeks? And Amy loved him. It made me shake my head. Move at the speed of light.
When Chelsea took Noah back like a complete idiot, Jen said she didn't care about them, Amy or Alex, or the pets. I thought she finally turned over a new leaf and would quit getting in everyone's business and lighten up. Then Chelsea announced that she was quitting her job and working at Noah's job, and Jen gave this whole spiel about her quitting on everyone and owing the campground. She hadn't learned anything.
I didn't like the lines she would make from a future POV. It threw me. For ex, she said her horoscope to hug a best friend turned out to change everything at the beginning of the chapter, and we had to go through the whole chapter to find out how. Then she planned a big 4th of July party, and all of a sudden she said there was one thing she hadn't planned on. I don't like that.
I guess you can say she showed growth, finally realized her friends' issues weren't hers and she wasn't going to say anything about their business. She even had the idea to have a big party and not worry about anything.
I forgot that Dylan left, but it was really crappy that he just abandoned her on her day off and they were supposed to go sailing. I was so mad that he was gone 35 days. That's really crappy.
I was so mad that the author didn't write out that first scene where she talked to him. Dylan showed up at the party, said he missed their sailing date, and Jen cried and ran off. Then it picked back up with her riding on his motorcycle to go sailing. She was issuing orders like she was captain and he was a lowly sailor. It sucked. I wanted to know what she said to him when she went back downstairs. And what a great date, you angrily go sailing with him like it's punishment.
He said he left because he was scared of her and what he was feeling. He'd had plans for 2 years to go along the coast, meeting girls. That sucked. Like ew. I was pissed as all hell when he said he met girls, the author said he didn't get close to them and I was like, you're dang right. But then he said he kissed a couple. WTF. I already knew this book sucked but I didn't remember that. You say you're falling hard for someone, and then you leave with no word, go off and kiss 2 other girls, and then come back like Jen deserved that. He sucked even more.
It would have been sweet had he not done that, but I didn't like his values. He was ruined completely. He said he thought he fell in love with her. He would be in the tent at night and couldn't stop thinking about her, wishing he was with her. Zach would want to go meet girls and Dylan would go out and look for sand dollars for her. Why wouldn't he have skipped girls altogether? Jen should have at least gotten to kiss other guys, like she planned to. But authors won't let the girl kiss sum1, only the guy. I was so mad and turned off when he said it was supposed to be his summer of girls, flings and one-nighters. One-night stands are the most disgusting, trashy, classless thing. To hear that he intended to sleep his way up the coast made me hate him. Terrible love interest.
You wanna talk about a bad love interest. Jen asked if it was because she wouldn't sleep with him and he said it wasn't that, because she would have eventually. Oh no you didn't! That is so sleezy. So assured he is and cocky that he can get her. Some girls have class and don't sleep with someone the first day they meet them, you creep.
He pointed out how badly she’d wanted to that night. He said he wouldn't have left if she had slept with him. I know how he meant it, he wouldn't have left the way he did if they’d had sex. But it sounded too much like he left because they didn't sleep together. You don't punish someone for not sleeping with you and you don't pressure someone into it. It said a lot about him that he left her in the lurch without saying bye because he didn't get sex. Loser.
He claimed that if he stayed longer he wouldn't have wanted to leave. How about we all try this new thing that if you love someone, you don't kiss someone else. A pretty easy concept to follow. I don't buy someone's love if they got with other people in any way.
She told Dylan that Alex had gotten lucky with Amy and he's not in the spare bedroom anymore and he asked if there was a chance he'd get lucky with her. How pushy can he get? Take no for an answer. She said there was a chance and I was blown away at the speed these teens have sex. Dylan came into her room, just opened the door, walked right in and got in bed with her and I was majorly turned off.
It was so bad that she came to the conclusion that you don't know if a guy is the one forever, but he's the guy for right now. I don't do books where a guy is for the moment. I want a happily ever after.
Jen said nothing had happened last night, but more would happen tonight. I didn't want her to go that far with Dylan because he didn’t deserve it. Save it for someone who's going to stay, not move on with other people.
I could not believe how this thing ended. He'd be leaving, but for now he was hers and that was enough. Her love would go with him and his would stay with her. That sucks. That really sucks. How about some kind of commitment? They agree to stay exclusive, keep it long distance, and meet up once he's out of the Army?
It's friends realizing they're always going to be together no matter what, things don't have to be perfect. It's not a romance and there's barely any humor. I hate books like this. And to think I actually thought I could raise my rating.
Chelsea ended up keeping the room to further my irritation. She didn’t deserve it and I can’t believe she took cheating Noah back. That ruined him and Chelsea was an idiot. And it didn’t escape my notice that Jen told Chelsea if Noah loved her he wouldn’t have kissed someone else…Dylan claimed to love her and he kissed 2 girls...
You can say she showed growth, but I care more about romance. It was all growth and no romance.
&It's crazy that she had a dolphin belly button ring and wore midriff shirts to show it off, cuz she's so boring! Wanting to be a business major, work herself up a company and become the CEO. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2008
Not the romance book I had expected. I always thought of these YA's romance to be just like an episode of "One Tree Hill", but this was nothing like it. I love it, it was such a touching story!
Jennifer and her two BFF's in the whole entire world decide to spend a summer together before they go their separate ways to college. You can think of it as a sort of good-bye party. The girls borrow Jen's grandparent's island house where they are completely independent and have to pay for everything themselves (including food and bills). They work at a camp resort part time where Jennifer meets this dark, handsome biker named Dylan who is about to enter the army at the end of the summer. She falls for him as time passes, but summer is ending much quicker than she thought. This book is filled with laughs, tear-jerking incidents, suprises and everything that falls in-between. This book shows the true reality of relationships; friendships in particular, how nothing is ever that easy.
I recommend this book for everyone. However this book might be more suited for those into romance novels or into touching stories. Once again, I must repeat: I loved it! It was a very touching story with a meaning behind it!
Jennifer and her two BFF's in the whole entire world decide to spend a summer together before they go their separate ways to college. You can think of it as a sort of good-bye party. The girls borrow Jen's grandparent's island house where they are completely independent and have to pay for everything themselves (including food and bills). They work at a camp resort part time where Jennifer meets this dark, handsome biker named Dylan who is about to enter the army at the end of the summer. She falls for him as time passes, but summer is ending much quicker than she thought. This book is filled with laughs, tear-jerking incidents, suprises and everything that falls in-between. This book shows the true reality of relationships; friendships in particular, how nothing is ever that easy.
I recommend this book for everyone. However this book might be more suited for those into romance novels or into touching stories. Once again, I must repeat: I loved it! It was a very touching story with a meaning behind it!
October 20, 2011
i wish i could rate this thing as 'hated it' because that's exactly how i felt about this book.i didn't just not like it,i hated it!
the characters were completely and totally unlikeable.
if my friends had acted the way hers did in this book, i would have told them to get out of the beach house.
her friends were ungrateful and complete and total brats.how could her friend expect to get the big bedroom?? it's jen's grandparents house.ugh!
&then one of her friends boyfriends comes down and they sleep in the same room,so you can just imagine what they were doing in there-in jen's grandparents bed! &they were supposed to switch rooms,but they don't because jen lets everyone run over her like a doormat.
&then jen's other friend starts bringing in stray animals like it's a dang pound or something! &of course,she doesn't listen to jen when she tells her the pets have to go.&of course,the weak-willed jen just lets it happen.i knew it was only a matter of time until this friend brought a guy in the house,too.and by cracky i was right!
so basically,the beach house turned into a pet safe haven and a place where you can bring your boyfriend and do whatever you wanted.
i'm not sure why anyone would write a book and fill it with the stuff that rachel hawthorne put in this one.
the love interest wasn't even exciting and we weren't even sure they'd get together in the end!
there was literally no point to this book.i don't remember liking anything about this book.&i don't see how anyone could possibly like this.
the characters were completely and totally unlikeable.
if my friends had acted the way hers did in this book, i would have told them to get out of the beach house.
her friends were ungrateful and complete and total brats.how could her friend expect to get the big bedroom?? it's jen's grandparents house.ugh!
&then one of her friends boyfriends comes down and they sleep in the same room,so you can just imagine what they were doing in there-in jen's grandparents bed! &they were supposed to switch rooms,but they don't because jen lets everyone run over her like a doormat.
&then jen's other friend starts bringing in stray animals like it's a dang pound or something! &of course,she doesn't listen to jen when she tells her the pets have to go.&of course,the weak-willed jen just lets it happen.i knew it was only a matter of time until this friend brought a guy in the house,too.and by cracky i was right!
so basically,the beach house turned into a pet safe haven and a place where you can bring your boyfriend and do whatever you wanted.
i'm not sure why anyone would write a book and fill it with the stuff that rachel hawthorne put in this one.
the love interest wasn't even exciting and we weren't even sure they'd get together in the end!
there was literally no point to this book.i don't remember liking anything about this book.&i don't see how anyone could possibly like this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2012
I've read a few books by this author but this one wasn't quite up to the same caliber. It is a YA story, but I don't like to read about teens sleeping with their boyfriends (or strangers), looking for a summer hookup, underage drinking and getting drunk. It also had some language.
Three friends decide to live in Jennifer's grandparents beach house for the summer after graduation to have a fun time before heading their separate ways for college. Jen is very uptight and controlling, while Amy is a peacemaker. Chelsea is annoyingly whiny and invites her boyfriend to move in without asking anyone. Dylan, Jen's love interest, was not worth her time.
I guess it was an okay read to skim through while watching the Olympics, but not one I'd necessarily recommend.
Three friends decide to live in Jennifer's grandparents beach house for the summer after graduation to have a fun time before heading their separate ways for college. Jen is very uptight and controlling, while Amy is a peacemaker. Chelsea is annoyingly whiny and invites her boyfriend to move in without asking anyone. Dylan, Jen's love interest, was not worth her time.
I guess it was an okay read to skim through while watching the Olympics, but not one I'd necessarily recommend.
March 13, 2010
I pretty much had to force myself to finish this book and when I was reading I was hoping that someone would slap these girls for being so preoccupied with random guys. Yeah they're cute, whatever! Kind of sad if the only way you can have fun with your girlfriends is to have guys along.
July 27, 2017
1.5 stars
The plot has so much potential. Three friends spend the summer together in a summer home belonging to the narrator Jen's grandparents. They get summer jobs to pay for expenses and this is supposed to teach them to be self reliant and independent.
Except they don't learn that lesson....if anything, they're more immature at the ending than the beginning.
I couldn't stand Jen's friends. They were really selfish and spoiled. Taking stray dogs (not to mention homeless guys) in when they don't own the house. Bringing a bf along and not telling anyone. Claiming the best bedroom. Ugh. Who could like these girls???! I would have kicked them both out the second day!
The love interest was very "meh." I didn't really care for him and I didn't think they had much chemistry other than that he was soooo hot. I don't think he treated her very well either.
Overall - blah and ugh.
The plot has so much potential. Three friends spend the summer together in a summer home belonging to the narrator Jen's grandparents. They get summer jobs to pay for expenses and this is supposed to teach them to be self reliant and independent.
Except they don't learn that lesson....if anything, they're more immature at the ending than the beginning.
I couldn't stand Jen's friends. They were really selfish and spoiled. Taking stray dogs (not to mention homeless guys) in when they don't own the house. Bringing a bf along and not telling anyone. Claiming the best bedroom. Ugh. Who could like these girls???! I would have kicked them both out the second day!
The love interest was very "meh." I didn't really care for him and I didn't think they had much chemistry other than that he was soooo hot. I don't think he treated her very well either.
Overall - blah and ugh.
October 22, 2012
While, I normally love a good light-hearted chicklit teen read with some fluffy romance, I just didn't like this one. It met the criteria: short enough to read in one sitting (2 hours), fun cover, cute plot. I just didn't like the characters.
3 girls who are best friends decide to spend their summer together at the beach : Chelsea, Amy and Jen. The beach house belongs to Jen's grandparents who conveniently don't need it this summer.
Well, Chelsea turns out to be a huge b*tch. First she expects to get the biggest room, even though it belongs to the homeowners- yes, Jen's grandparents. Without her connection and their consent, she wouldn't have had this place. Let the room go. Then she decides to invite her boyfriend Noah to come live with them this summer without asking/telling the girls until after he's arrived and made himself comfortable. And then she expects them to continue splitting costs 3 ways, as though he's no extra trouble. Excuse me? I think not. I wanted to b*tchslap her right off the pages and out of her friends' lives in chapter 1.
Then there's Noah who eats like a hound and doesn't do anything to contribute until he's told by Jen that he's not working. Um, yeah. You want to live away from your parents, get ready to pay your own way.
Jen spends most of her summer lamenting the fact that her best friend isn't a nice person and "This isn't how I planned it." Get over it. It's your grandparents' house. KICK HER OUT.
The book made me angrier than it made me smile. Not good.
3 girls who are best friends decide to spend their summer together at the beach : Chelsea, Amy and Jen. The beach house belongs to Jen's grandparents who conveniently don't need it this summer.
Well, Chelsea turns out to be a huge b*tch. First she expects to get the biggest room, even though it belongs to the homeowners- yes, Jen's grandparents. Without her connection and their consent, she wouldn't have had this place. Let the room go. Then she decides to invite her boyfriend Noah to come live with them this summer without asking/telling the girls until after he's arrived and made himself comfortable. And then she expects them to continue splitting costs 3 ways, as though he's no extra trouble. Excuse me? I think not. I wanted to b*tchslap her right off the pages and out of her friends' lives in chapter 1.
Then there's Noah who eats like a hound and doesn't do anything to contribute until he's told by Jen that he's not working. Um, yeah. You want to live away from your parents, get ready to pay your own way.
Jen spends most of her summer lamenting the fact that her best friend isn't a nice person and "This isn't how I planned it." Get over it. It's your grandparents' house. KICK HER OUT.
The book made me angrier than it made me smile. Not good.
December 5, 2014
Before I Read the Book...
Okay wow, so I just found the last Rachel Hawthorne standalone YA romance/vacation book that I haven't read yet! SCORE!
Summary of the Story
Three best friends share a house on an island for the summer, but things don't go as planned.
While Reading
What I Thought
I was really enjoying the story until the ending was less than satisfying. I thought the book would chronicle the girls' entire summer, but it basically only spanned about a month and a half. I would have liked to know what happens with Chelsea and Noah (if he continues to be a slut), Amy and Alex, and Jen and Dylan...
Okay wow, so I just found the last Rachel Hawthorne standalone YA romance/vacation book that I haven't read yet! SCORE!
Summary of the Story
Three best friends share a house on an island for the summer, but things don't go as planned.
While Reading
What I Thought
I was really enjoying the story until the ending was less than satisfying. I thought the book would chronicle the girls' entire summer, but it basically only spanned about a month and a half. I would have liked to know what happens with Chelsea and Noah (if he continues to be a slut), Amy and Alex, and Jen and Dylan...
May 20, 2020
Every now and then, I decide to take a break from all the dense textbooks I have to read for school and read something light-hearted and cheesy. I'd read another book by this author a couple years back, and remembered enjoying it. Based on the title and synopsis, I figured this novel wasn't going to blow my socks off, but I still thought it'd be fun.
I honestly don't know what I was expecting, but y'all it's a hot mess.
None of the characters in this are likable, plus the writing is terrible and repetitive. I lost count of how many times this narrator was whining because her perfect last summer "wasn't going as planned." It supposed to be about three best friends, but they're all self-centered jerks to each other the whole time. The only bonding scene is when after two characters both get dumped, they head out to party, and then home to cry around a bucket of chocolate ice cream.
The three girls have a huge beach house to themselves for three months, and none of them genuinely appreciate it. That is so frustrating to me because I would kill to spend a summer at the beach with my friends, and you better believe I would not be complaining the whole time.
As I was reading, I was equal parts perplexed and disgusted. This book literally set feminism back 50 years. I was incredulous at some of the lines that were in here. Like I know it's just a silly YA romance novel, but for some reason, it made me so angry. They're really aren't that many things that make me angry, but this book pushed all of my buttons.
To better illustrate why this book drove me insane, I'm going to list a few quotes below:
-"'Right now according to my horoscope, I have a guy to hook up with.'"
-"Usually, I didn't mind guys watching me. All right. I'm a normal girl. I like guys watching me. It's why I spend time making my hair look stylishly messy and putting on makeup. It's why I always wear clothes that leave my pierced belly button visible."
-"I was tired of this of this great summer I'd planned not being anything at all like I'd planned."
-"Well, a girl can't forget about boys completely - even when she's trying. The first thing we did was deck ourselves out to kill. Short skirts, sexy tops, jewelry, makeup, the whole nine yards. We were going out on the town, and we were going out big time."
"'This was supposed to be my summer of girls. Flings. One-nighters. I don't know. And then I met you and I wasn't thinking about my fantasies anymore. You were my fantasy.'"
-"Dylan was so hot. Not dressed up, of course. His black t-shirt, stretching across his shoulders, was tucked into his snug jeans. I was in low-cut jeans. My striped top stopped just above my waist. The area at the shoulders was cut away so my shoulders and a small portion of my arms were bared. It made me feel sexy. But not as sexy as he was."
-"'You gonna order or what?'
I looked down at the lobster-faced of the kid. He was probably about eight. At the moment I hated the male species. 'I'm gonna WHAT.'"
"People asked where Noah was; Chelsea said he'd moved to China. They'd asked me about Dylan, and I said he'd move to Antarctica. No one seemed to question more than that."
"He grabbed a peanut from a metal bucket and went about cracking it open. A lot of peanuts had been opened around here."
"I'd adopted the new attitude that nothing was my problem. . . unless it really was my problem."
Honestly, if you're just looking for a summer romance novel, you can do better than this. This book is not the bar. We can do so much better than this.
I honestly don't know what I was expecting, but y'all it's a hot mess.
None of the characters in this are likable, plus the writing is terrible and repetitive. I lost count of how many times this narrator was whining because her perfect last summer "wasn't going as planned." It supposed to be about three best friends, but they're all self-centered jerks to each other the whole time. The only bonding scene is when after two characters both get dumped, they head out to party, and then home to cry around a bucket of chocolate ice cream.
The three girls have a huge beach house to themselves for three months, and none of them genuinely appreciate it. That is so frustrating to me because I would kill to spend a summer at the beach with my friends, and you better believe I would not be complaining the whole time.
As I was reading, I was equal parts perplexed and disgusted. This book literally set feminism back 50 years. I was incredulous at some of the lines that were in here. Like I know it's just a silly YA romance novel, but for some reason, it made me so angry. They're really aren't that many things that make me angry, but this book pushed all of my buttons.
To better illustrate why this book drove me insane, I'm going to list a few quotes below:
-"'Right now according to my horoscope, I have a guy to hook up with.'"
-"Usually, I didn't mind guys watching me. All right. I'm a normal girl. I like guys watching me. It's why I spend time making my hair look stylishly messy and putting on makeup. It's why I always wear clothes that leave my pierced belly button visible."
-"I was tired of this of this great summer I'd planned not being anything at all like I'd planned."
-"Well, a girl can't forget about boys completely - even when she's trying. The first thing we did was deck ourselves out to kill. Short skirts, sexy tops, jewelry, makeup, the whole nine yards. We were going out on the town, and we were going out big time."
"'This was supposed to be my summer of girls. Flings. One-nighters. I don't know. And then I met you and I wasn't thinking about my fantasies anymore. You were my fantasy.'"
-"Dylan was so hot. Not dressed up, of course. His black t-shirt, stretching across his shoulders, was tucked into his snug jeans. I was in low-cut jeans. My striped top stopped just above my waist. The area at the shoulders was cut away so my shoulders and a small portion of my arms were bared. It made me feel sexy. But not as sexy as he was."
-"'You gonna order or what?'
I looked down at the lobster-faced of the kid. He was probably about eight. At the moment I hated the male species. 'I'm gonna WHAT.'"
"People asked where Noah was; Chelsea said he'd moved to China. They'd asked me about Dylan, and I said he'd move to Antarctica. No one seemed to question more than that."
"He grabbed a peanut from a metal bucket and went about cracking it open. A lot of peanuts had been opened around here."
"I'd adopted the new attitude that nothing was my problem. . . unless it really was my problem."
Honestly, if you're just looking for a summer romance novel, you can do better than this. This book is not the bar. We can do so much better than this.
December 9, 2011
Advertencia; NO ENTRES si no has leido el libro, contiene spoilers totalmente importantes sobre el drama del libro'<3
Hermosisimo como todos los que Rachel escribe *.*
Jenn; Me cayo bien, me parece que somos muuuy parecidas; tambien me pondria toda loca con el desastre de la fiesta xD
Dylan; Hermoso viejo con esos ojos que me recuerdan a Will *.* a todos mis Will's jaja. Me hizo chillar cuando se fue & aun mas cuando regreso :( pero tambien fue un tiernisimo durante el tiempo que estuvo con Jenn :3
peeeero ame totalmente el final *.* & aw que Amy tmbn tuviera alguien a quien querer & que la valorara :3
& que horror con Chelsea & sus lloriqueos! Ni siquiera al final se gano mi aprecio :/
Hermosisimo como todos los que Rachel escribe *.*
Jenn; Me cayo bien, me parece que somos muuuy parecidas; tambien me pondria toda loca con el desastre de la fiesta xD
Dylan; Hermoso viejo con esos ojos que me recuerdan a Will *.* a todos mis Will's jaja. Me hizo chillar cuando se fue & aun mas cuando regreso :( pero tambien fue un tiernisimo durante el tiempo que estuvo con Jenn :3
peeeero ame totalmente el final *.* & aw que Amy tmbn tuviera alguien a quien querer & que la valorara :3
& que horror con Chelsea & sus lloriqueos! Ni siquiera al final se gano mi aprecio :/
January 13, 2016
These girls were just awful! Disliked all the girls, especially the one that insisted on having the largest room that belonged to her friend's grandparents. And her roommates just let her boyfriend move in for the entire summer? Not to mention the lies this girl told.
August 15, 2012
I like Hawthorne but I couldn't take these characters. I couldn't finish the book. Way too obnoxious and whiny
March 22, 2016
This book made me want to harm the characters. Especially Chelsea.
August 7, 2017
I can see why my library was willing to let this go for 25 cents. The conflict was trivial, and the romance was boring. The upside is that I didn't get a book I care about sandy on the beach!
March 9, 2014
I thought "Island girls (and boys)" was an okay book. It wasn't the best book, but it wasn't the worst book. The story is that Jennifer and her two best friends (Amy and Chelsea) are staying at Jennifer's Grandparents summer house for the summer. Jennifer plans to have the best summer with Chelsea and Amy before they go off to different colleges. Her plan doesn't work when Noah, Chelsea's boyfriend arrives unexpectedly and decides to stay with them for the whole summer. Jennifer tries not to let this bother her. Jennifer meets Dylan and his friend Zach at the campground she works at. Dylan tells her he doesn't want a girlfriend, he just wants a summer all about having fun. Jennifer is cool with it, but begins to realize that she has fallen in love with Dylan. Dylan leaves unexpectedly and Jennifer feels depressed. Jennifer doesn't hear from him for two weeks until she see's him at her fourth of July party. Dylan tells her he left because he was afraid of falling in love with her and when he left he realized that he had. Jennifer takes him back because she can't stand the thought of not being with him. Love is hard to explain but sometimes when you love someone, you don't need proof.
November 4, 2012
This is it! The final summer between the three BFFs, Jen, Chelsea and Amy before they head off to college, in separate directions. The girls agree to spend their summer on an island in Jen's grandparent's beach house.It became Jen's worst nightmare when things doesn't turn out the way she envisioned everything to be. Unexpected guests starts to show up such as Chelsea's boyfriend and of course the mysterious guy, Dylan.Her relationship with her BFFs starts to get strained as well when they argue over the way their summer was supposed to go. Jen starts getting confused as she begins falling in love with Dylan with the knowledge that he's going to leave soon and he doesn't like to commit. Things worked out at last in the end though, as they begin making memories to bring to college.
This book was very cute and sweet. I liked that the book was simple and easy to read. I have to admit at some points the characters made me furious. One example would be Chelsea's constant complaining over everything, which room she gets, how much time she spends with her boyfriend, her job,etc. Even with these things, I enjoyed the book a lot and it was an easy-read.
This book was very cute and sweet. I liked that the book was simple and easy to read. I have to admit at some points the characters made me furious. One example would be Chelsea's constant complaining over everything, which room she gets, how much time she spends with her boyfriend, her job,etc. Even with these things, I enjoyed the book a lot and it was an easy-read.
February 27, 2009
This book is truly amazing, in which three girls Jen,Chelsea and Amy want to spent their vacation together before they go off to college. But things go upside down when Chelsea's boyfriend appears in the picture. What was supposed to be a a girls vacation turned out to not be all girls. With Chelsea spending all her time with her boyfriend Jen and Amy feel left out and at work Jen mets Dylan whos camping at the place Jen works at and who also is joining the army and is not staying for long. They start spending their time together because Jen is is left out once again when Amy brings in three dogs and invites a random guy over with whom she spends her time with. And before they know it Jen and Dylan fall for each other but time is running out whats going to happen when Dylan HAS to leave? Read the book to find out.
October 13, 2020
The characters are very annoying and unlikeable. Chelsea is completely ridiculous in her demands. She demands to stay in Jennifer's grandparents room, makes her friends split her boyfriends bill at a restaurant when they are trying to save money for bills, food, etc.
Amy kept bringing in animals and guys without asking Jennifer.
Jennifer allowed the animals to drink beer and eat chocolate which is sad.
They were staying at Jennifers grandparents house and Chelsea and Amy had no regard for Jennifer saying "we have to take care of it"
Also mentioned Jennifers belly button piercing 3 times? Like why?
Amy kept bringing in animals and guys without asking Jennifer.
Jennifer allowed the animals to drink beer and eat chocolate which is sad.
They were staying at Jennifers grandparents house and Chelsea and Amy had no regard for Jennifer saying "we have to take care of it"
Also mentioned Jennifers belly button piercing 3 times? Like why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2022
I hated this book. Every character was horrific and the relationships (friendships and of the romantic variety) were toxic and awful. Chelsea was selfish and whiny and disrespectful and pathetic but somehow by the end Jen was apologizing and saying, “maybe Chelsea was right”…um…what?!?? (Chelsea was *not* right.) And then Noah? And Dylan? Why were the boys in this book described with zero redeeming qualities outside of “hot”? They all sucked. All of them. We’re we even supposed to like them?! Even Amy, who was supposed to be the sweet mediator, was whiny and spineless and annoying. I know these Hawthorne books are usually pretty bad. But this wasn’t the fun kind of fun. Yikes.
May 9, 2012
I found this book to be a great addition to my summer reading list. I could completely identify with the lead character, Jen. This was one story for sure where I couldnt guess what was to happen next. I was very surprised at what happened through the course of the story but I loved every part of it. Rachel Hawthrone scores big time in my book with this one!
July 24, 2009
When I first started this book, I just expected a quick, cute read. But it was MUCH better than I initially expected.
The romance was alot deeper and more satisfying than i expected, too. Rachel Hawthorne has an awesome writing style, and I definately want to read more of her books in the future.
The romance was alot deeper and more satisfying than i expected, too. Rachel Hawthorne has an awesome writing style, and I definately want to read more of her books in the future.
June 28, 2009
I hate how books don't have a detailed blurb. This was good, but not memorable. Didn't interest me. 1/5 stars.
December 11, 2011
come on? do i really have to rate this? such a waste of money i should have stick to my fav authors...
November 28, 2017
YA romance with too much dangerous behavior. Poor role models.
May 3, 2022
I loved this book. I haven’t read YA in a while but wow this one hit me in the heart. It was so nostalgic. It took me right back to being in college and being in similar situations as Jen. I could feel every moment as if it was happening to me. Excited for her, hurt for her. So much boy and friend drama. This was a classic YA book and it was everything I would’ve wanted when I was the age to read it. It was great to be reading at the end of my vacation, even as an adult, it was fun, sweet and completely relatable. Light and innocent and fast paced, I was pretty much glued to it. All I wanted was for Jen to get the happy endings I never got when I was in that stage of life. I wish there could’ve been more at the ending, but then I think it would’ve all gotten too complicated so I guess in a way the ending was perfect.
January 17, 2023
Okay, I seriously struggled with rating this one but here's why I'm giving it 3 stars because I so desperately wanted to rate it 2 stars. Because I listened to the audiobook and the narrorator was just so bad, I couldn't take away from the fact the story was just okay. I cant base the entire rating off how I felt about the narrator. If I read the physical book it would have gotten 3 stars for me so thats where I stand. The voice for Chelsea almost made me DNF this book multiple multiple times. Most annoying voice. If you read this book just read it physically.
February 11, 2025
This book is definitely written for teens to young adults. It wasn’t the worst coming of age book I’ve read but it was pretty low on my list. Very wordy descriptions making it always present that you’re reading a book and difficult to put yourself into the character’s views. A lot of useless detail and conversations including making it a lengthy book for a short story line. U fortunately this is not a book I’d read again, and although it stayed appropriate I wouldn’t suggest it to teens or anyone at that matter.
October 27, 2025
No book will ever top this one for me. My all time favorite, and I mean that. I’ve read it like 8 times. What I love about this book is that it has very real human emotions. That excitement of leaving high school, having disagreements with best friends, meeting a guy for the first time, and having responsibility. This book is so perfect to me. The sweet build up of the romance while also navigating the friendships of the main character, is peak.
December 14, 2018
Not even gonna try to pull the punches with this one. I spent most of this book hating Chelsea and wondering why in the world Amy and Jennifer would ever want to be friends with someone like her. Then, at the end of the book, I had a moment where I said, "D**n, Chelsea actually turned out to be an okay human." So it all ends up okay in the end, even though it's a book about teenage girls.
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