What do you think?
Summers' Deceit
Jane Callahan is a reclusive, seventeen-year-old high school student dealing with the death of her beloved brother. Her home in Southern California with her mother is a constant reminder of her loss and pain. In hopes of escaping her past she moves to North Bend Oregon to live with her father, where she meets a beautiful boy named Aidan Summers. Jane is intrigued by his looks as well as his unusual ways of attempting to get her attention. After months of uncommon conversation and frustration, an uncertain romance brews between Jane and Aidan, but Aidan has a ghastly secret that could destroy everything.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 18, 2024
This story is very dialogue heavy, which is something I usually enjoy, however, the lack of descriptions about character’s locations, positions etc makes it read more like a script than a novel. At best it feels like it’s missing something, at worse, it makes it logistically difficult to follow. The overall effect is the world of Summer’s Deceit feels empty and hollow, completely lacking in atmosphere or sense of place.
It didn’t help that a lot of the dialogue was incredibly repetitive ‘do you feel safe? Do you trust me? - You shouldn’t trust me’ was basically on a loop between Jane (the main character) and the love interest.
The pacing is a big problem: somehow too fast and too slow at the same time. It meanders through some of the more boring and inconsequential scenes, then thunders through what should be important moments at break-neck speeds. It reads almost like a stream of consciousness.
There is a baffling lack of consequence for nearly anything that happens in the story (until the very end); There are (what should be) big events in the characters lives that have basically no impact on them and are never mentioned again. There are big revelations and secrets shared that cause no obvious change to the character’s relationships. Characters have their loved ones in danger and are put through traumatic events which the narrative almost seems to forget about after it has happened. The dangers the characters face are done away with almost laughable ease. It contributes the the feeling of hollowness throughout the story.
Other than Becky (the MC’s best friend), non of the characters really seem to have defined personalities.
The main character, Jane, does have a semblance of character but the author relies too much on overtly telling us her traits rather than showing us. There are several missed opportunities to expand her personality, ie at the start it is hinted she has an alcohol problem, but this is hardly mentioned again when she moves, and isn’t something she even thinks about. There are lots of contradictions in her character.
The main love interest, Aidan is inconsistent and confusing. His main personality trait seems to be that he’s incredibly handsome. His introduction makes him seem like a petulant weirdo, and the ongoing chapters do little to expand on his personality or display to the reader who he is and why Jane would fall for him. The rival character Rudy is probably the most underbaked.
The characters act like aliens and often don’t react to things or ask questions that any normal person would. If the author is intending to portray incongruent personalities, it really didn’t seem intentional- instead it felt like the author hadn’t put enough thought into how previous events of the story should impact the characters going forward.
The prose does improve somewhat in later chapters and there are a few individual scenes that are written well. It felt like nearly all the scene transitions are done by Jane falling asleep, which became very repetitive, and also added to the weirdness of her character (falling asleep in situations no normal person would fall asleep in).
I don’t want to be too much of a hater, so I’ll mention some things I did like; I liked the character of Becky (the best friend). It was refreshing to see the outgoing flirty best friend not be demonised as she is in a lot of YA novels, and out of everyone she had the clearest and most consistent character. Her relationship with the heroine was nice and perhaps the only parts that felt real. She’s kind of underbaked but I did like Luna as well (or at least, Luna’s potential).
The frustrating thing is that this story has the potential to be so much better. The Sevren is a cool name, and the lore that the author has created around them has the potential to be a really intriguing mix between cult and vampire. But a few goofy scenes early on (the Sevren following the characters with a custom Sevren name plate on the car sticks out) ruins them. The author’s portrayal of the Sevren is so confusing by the end of the story I don’t know if they are meant to be actually supernatural or they’re just crazy cultists(?). The general poor escalation of the mystery really takes away a lot of their threat and by the end of the book they seem pathetic.
The overall issue is that is feels like a first draft. There is potentially a good story hidden within there, but it needs some serious work-shopping. Maybe expanding on certain scenes and condensing others, redesigning the narrative to escalate the mystery of the story in a more seamless way that doesn’t feel so jarring. I don’t want to give away spoilers in this review but the handling of the story’s villains is probably the worst/weakest part. The author should think more seriously about the themes, character arcs and setting/atmosphere to create a more cohesive story.
Twilight comparisons seem redundant at this point; I’m aware supernatural YA romance can be a derivative genre so it seems unfair to be too harsh about this. But unfortunately, Twilight was a cultural icon and if you write a story were a withdrawn heroine leaves her mother in a sunny state, to come stay at a childhood home with her father, and instantly catches the attention of a mysterious supernatural handsome boy who constantly harps on about how dangerous he is, the comparisons are inevitable. If the author ever did rework this, I’d recommend changing a few things about the setting so this story can form its own identity.
It didn’t help that a lot of the dialogue was incredibly repetitive ‘do you feel safe? Do you trust me? - You shouldn’t trust me’ was basically on a loop between Jane (the main character) and the love interest.
The pacing is a big problem: somehow too fast and too slow at the same time. It meanders through some of the more boring and inconsequential scenes, then thunders through what should be important moments at break-neck speeds. It reads almost like a stream of consciousness.
There is a baffling lack of consequence for nearly anything that happens in the story (until the very end); There are (what should be) big events in the characters lives that have basically no impact on them and are never mentioned again. There are big revelations and secrets shared that cause no obvious change to the character’s relationships. Characters have their loved ones in danger and are put through traumatic events which the narrative almost seems to forget about after it has happened. The dangers the characters face are done away with almost laughable ease. It contributes the the feeling of hollowness throughout the story.
Other than Becky (the MC’s best friend), non of the characters really seem to have defined personalities.
The main character, Jane, does have a semblance of character but the author relies too much on overtly telling us her traits rather than showing us. There are several missed opportunities to expand her personality, ie at the start it is hinted she has an alcohol problem, but this is hardly mentioned again when she moves, and isn’t something she even thinks about. There are lots of contradictions in her character.
The main love interest, Aidan is inconsistent and confusing. His main personality trait seems to be that he’s incredibly handsome. His introduction makes him seem like a petulant weirdo, and the ongoing chapters do little to expand on his personality or display to the reader who he is and why Jane would fall for him. The rival character Rudy is probably the most underbaked.
The characters act like aliens and often don’t react to things or ask questions that any normal person would. If the author is intending to portray incongruent personalities, it really didn’t seem intentional- instead it felt like the author hadn’t put enough thought into how previous events of the story should impact the characters going forward.
The prose does improve somewhat in later chapters and there are a few individual scenes that are written well. It felt like nearly all the scene transitions are done by Jane falling asleep, which became very repetitive, and also added to the weirdness of her character (falling asleep in situations no normal person would fall asleep in).
I don’t want to be too much of a hater, so I’ll mention some things I did like; I liked the character of Becky (the best friend). It was refreshing to see the outgoing flirty best friend not be demonised as she is in a lot of YA novels, and out of everyone she had the clearest and most consistent character. Her relationship with the heroine was nice and perhaps the only parts that felt real. She’s kind of underbaked but I did like Luna as well (or at least, Luna’s potential).
The frustrating thing is that this story has the potential to be so much better. The Sevren is a cool name, and the lore that the author has created around them has the potential to be a really intriguing mix between cult and vampire. But a few goofy scenes early on (the Sevren following the characters with a custom Sevren name plate on the car sticks out) ruins them. The author’s portrayal of the Sevren is so confusing by the end of the story I don’t know if they are meant to be actually supernatural or they’re just crazy cultists(?). The general poor escalation of the mystery really takes away a lot of their threat and by the end of the book they seem pathetic.
The overall issue is that is feels like a first draft. There is potentially a good story hidden within there, but it needs some serious work-shopping. Maybe expanding on certain scenes and condensing others, redesigning the narrative to escalate the mystery of the story in a more seamless way that doesn’t feel so jarring. I don’t want to give away spoilers in this review but the handling of the story’s villains is probably the worst/weakest part. The author should think more seriously about the themes, character arcs and setting/atmosphere to create a more cohesive story.
Twilight comparisons seem redundant at this point; I’m aware supernatural YA romance can be a derivative genre so it seems unfair to be too harsh about this. But unfortunately, Twilight was a cultural icon and if you write a story were a withdrawn heroine leaves her mother in a sunny state, to come stay at a childhood home with her father, and instantly catches the attention of a mysterious supernatural handsome boy who constantly harps on about how dangerous he is, the comparisons are inevitable. If the author ever did rework this, I’d recommend changing a few things about the setting so this story can form its own identity.
August 26, 2018
This is the first time I have read by this author and I must say this book was so much like "Twilight" but a lot harder to follow. By halfway I was so confused to Aiden explanation too Jane as to what he is and how he become what he is today. I almost gave up reading at this time as there were too many times I was not quite following this story. I did read on a bit further but I did have to give up before the end.
June 28, 2018
Summers Deceit is an entertaining novel with interesting and engaging characters. I enjoyed Jane's quirky, teenage, socially awkward personality and Aidens enigmatic character. The story had enough twists to make it engaging without complicating the plotline. The writer has a captivating style and flow that makes this novel a delight.
I look forward to continuing the series.
I look forward to continuing the series.
November 8, 2018
The story starts with a bang, but slows down considerably when it jumps a few years to the present. It takes a while to picks up again, but once it does it maintains the pace until the end.
Summer's Deceit revolves around a high school girl who is still mourning the death of her brother. She relocates from California (living with her mother) to Oregon (living with her dad). She reconnects with old friends and meets new ones - in particular, a pale-skinned boy named, Aidan Summers.
Although, the story doesn't openly call Aidan a vampire, and doesn't delve deep into vampire-lore, it does have a 'Twilight-y' feel to it.
I liked many things about the story such as the writing and some of the dialogue. There were a few really tender moments between the hero and heroine, but overall I found it hard to connect with them or believe their romance. It was difficult to buy into a relationship where the guy had to tell the girl 'I won't hurt you' and 'trust me' in nearly every scene. Plus, I kept picturing the characters to be younger than they were supposed to be. I also got confused at times figuring out who was whom (which could be just me).
The end brought a slight twist; not a cliffhanger per se, but hints at a sequel. Readers who enjoy Paranormal YA might like this story.
Disclaimer: I got an eARC and was happy to give an honest review
Summer's Deceit revolves around a high school girl who is still mourning the death of her brother. She relocates from California (living with her mother) to Oregon (living with her dad). She reconnects with old friends and meets new ones - in particular, a pale-skinned boy named, Aidan Summers.
Although, the story doesn't openly call Aidan a vampire, and doesn't delve deep into vampire-lore, it does have a 'Twilight-y' feel to it.
I liked many things about the story such as the writing and some of the dialogue. There were a few really tender moments between the hero and heroine, but overall I found it hard to connect with them or believe their romance. It was difficult to buy into a relationship where the guy had to tell the girl 'I won't hurt you' and 'trust me' in nearly every scene. Plus, I kept picturing the characters to be younger than they were supposed to be. I also got confused at times figuring out who was whom (which could be just me).
The end brought a slight twist; not a cliffhanger per se, but hints at a sequel. Readers who enjoy Paranormal YA might like this story.
Disclaimer: I got an eARC and was happy to give an honest review
February 2, 2019
The story started really well and I enjoyed it for a while then it just slowed down. It did took up the pace in the end but overall it was an average read for me. I liked it well enough though. I think characters are good and story is interesting.
The story revolves around a teenage girl Jane. After her brother's murder, when her mother falls apart she decides to live with her father. Her father lives alone in a different state. As she starts her life in a new place and meets new people she finds out things that should have been left hidden. Solving her brother's murder might end up destroying her peace of mind forever.
Story does sound like Twilight but I think in certain ways it is much better and with how it ended I do hope that author will take into entirely different direction from hear onward. (Just hoping because I never liked Twilight and definitely don't want to see more parallels).
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
The story revolves around a teenage girl Jane. After her brother's murder, when her mother falls apart she decides to live with her father. Her father lives alone in a different state. As she starts her life in a new place and meets new people she finds out things that should have been left hidden. Solving her brother's murder might end up destroying her peace of mind forever.
Story does sound like Twilight but I think in certain ways it is much better and with how it ended I do hope that author will take into entirely different direction from hear onward. (Just hoping because I never liked Twilight and definitely don't want to see more parallels).
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
July 2, 2018
I really enjoyed this book!
Jane is a socially anxious high schooler who moves to her father's home in Oregon to get away from a tragic family event. In Oregon, she is reunited with some childhood friends and meets the mysterious and attractive Aiden whom she falls in an uncertain love with. There is plenty of romantic tension between them and it seems a couple other boys may be jealous, adding to the tension.
The writing style is fun and easy to read, letting the reader discover and unravel past and current events and get to know the motivations of the main characters. There is plenty of romantic interest, action, and intrigue to engage the reader and leave them wanting more. The book will appeal to anyone wanting to read young adult romance and action horror/fantasy.
I look forward to the next book of the trilogy!
Jane is a socially anxious high schooler who moves to her father's home in Oregon to get away from a tragic family event. In Oregon, she is reunited with some childhood friends and meets the mysterious and attractive Aiden whom she falls in an uncertain love with. There is plenty of romantic tension between them and it seems a couple other boys may be jealous, adding to the tension.
The writing style is fun and easy to read, letting the reader discover and unravel past and current events and get to know the motivations of the main characters. There is plenty of romantic interest, action, and intrigue to engage the reader and leave them wanting more. The book will appeal to anyone wanting to read young adult romance and action horror/fantasy.
I look forward to the next book of the trilogy!
June 19, 2018
This review may be a little odd.... I am having a hard time writing one. But here goes. Overall story was ok. Writing style I really enjoyed. Would like to see is some future works from this author improve.
This story is so similar to Twilight, it screams Twilight with almost every page. Biggest difference is my other issue, which is that the heroine in this story falls FLAT. Zero personality. Shes wimpy and whiny. Even when others believe in her she falls flat. I found no connection with this character at all.
Jane packs up and leaves a wishy-washy immature mother in sunny Cali to move to Wash with her dad. Small town, small school, "Hunters", best male friend since childhood who is in love with her..... Seeing the pattern. Only big difference is Jane had a twin brother who was killed. I definitely felt Jane needs a good amount of work up on the personality. She is in "love" with Aidan, yes gets tingly about every man who touches her. Which is several considering most the male characters that have more than a sentence or 2 end up head over heels for her. Again this story was NOT horrible. I just felt it was lacking. (Just an FYI I LOVE Twilight, so I dont mind that)
This story is so similar to Twilight, it screams Twilight with almost every page. Biggest difference is my other issue, which is that the heroine in this story falls FLAT. Zero personality. Shes wimpy and whiny. Even when others believe in her she falls flat. I found no connection with this character at all.
Jane packs up and leaves a wishy-washy immature mother in sunny Cali to move to Wash with her dad. Small town, small school, "Hunters", best male friend since childhood who is in love with her..... Seeing the pattern. Only big difference is Jane had a twin brother who was killed. I definitely felt Jane needs a good amount of work up on the personality. She is in "love" with Aidan, yes gets tingly about every man who touches her. Which is several considering most the male characters that have more than a sentence or 2 end up head over heels for her. Again this story was NOT horrible. I just felt it was lacking. (Just an FYI I LOVE Twilight, so I dont mind that)
February 12, 2023
This story is told from Jane's point of view, leaving her past to start anew after the loss of her brother, Daniel. Jane dwells a lot on her brother's death, experiencing nightmares as she relives the concept of his death. Jane struggles to catch a break in her time in Oregon and she and Becky are thrown into a new reality with Aiden and others. The writing is young and dialogue-heavy, following teenagers facing two worlds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 9, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. The unique premise and mystery kept me wanting to read more. The author’s writing style was unique as well and brought me into the story and the characters’ lives. It was unlike anything I’ve read before and had interesting twists that took me where I didn’t expect. I’m looking forward to the release of the others in this series. The next book is from Aidan’s POV, which is an intriguing concept. Well done.
March 13, 2026
No thanks
I thought this would be similar to twilight, but.....no. the writing seemed juvenile; like the author was trying too hard . I got about 2\3 through the book and I didn't really like any of the characters or the plot.
I thought this would be similar to twilight, but.....no. the writing seemed juvenile; like the author was trying too hard . I got about 2\3 through the book and I didn't really like any of the characters or the plot.
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and the journey that the author took me on. It has many twists to keep you guessing!
March 1, 2025
I highly recommend you read this book, well developed characters, captivating plot, and beautiful structure in the dialogues. Great job Sara J Bernhardt.
October 13, 2018
If you love the Twilight series, you’ll probably appreciate this tale. For the first half of the novel the storylines are very similar, as are the characterizations. The novel does have a different ending so it’s certainly not like re-reading the same book, but the overall feel of the story will undoubtedly lead to making comparisons.
I found the writing to be solid throughout, although some of the dialogue was stilted and repetitive. The storyline stayed within what one would expect from the genre and, although the continuity wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t flawed enough to detract from the tale. There were times certain aspects of the story didn’t flow, as if perhaps the author had lost her way, but she brought it back nicely and the miscues were easy to overlook. I will keep track of this author, as she has some talent, in the hopes that her future works will be in a different genre or thematic universe.
All in all, if you are looking for an easy, and comfortable, read to pass the time on a cold afternoon, you will probably find this quite enjoyable.
Solid 3 stars
I found the writing to be solid throughout, although some of the dialogue was stilted and repetitive. The storyline stayed within what one would expect from the genre and, although the continuity wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t flawed enough to detract from the tale. There were times certain aspects of the story didn’t flow, as if perhaps the author had lost her way, but she brought it back nicely and the miscues were easy to overlook. I will keep track of this author, as she has some talent, in the hopes that her future works will be in a different genre or thematic universe.
All in all, if you are looking for an easy, and comfortable, read to pass the time on a cold afternoon, you will probably find this quite enjoyable.
Solid 3 stars
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews