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Daring Summer
A hot summer beach—
A marriage gone wrong—
Daring eyes and daring love—
Betrayed by a secret passion.
A fast-paced novel that sparkles with passion, mystery and suspense. A perfect summer read, or cozy-by-the-fire adventure.
—Emma Sheffington
Kim feels trapped in a loveless marriage to a jealous, wealthy older man. He blames her for crippling him in an auto accident that he himself caused. Kim strives to make the marriage work, despite her husband’s blame, verbal abuse, and bitterness. When she meets a wickedly handsome man on the beach, she fights not to want him, not to want a new life and not to fall in love.
But Derek is seductive and irresistible—a former soldier who has recently come to town to start a landscaping business. Kim falls hard for him, as he does to her. Although Kim wants a divorce, her husband finds out about their affair and devises a plot to destroy them both. They must struggle to survive a web of lies, deceit and dangerous passion.
A marriage gone wrong—
Daring eyes and daring love—
Betrayed by a secret passion.
A fast-paced novel that sparkles with passion, mystery and suspense. A perfect summer read, or cozy-by-the-fire adventure.
—Emma Sheffington
Kim feels trapped in a loveless marriage to a jealous, wealthy older man. He blames her for crippling him in an auto accident that he himself caused. Kim strives to make the marriage work, despite her husband’s blame, verbal abuse, and bitterness. When she meets a wickedly handsome man on the beach, she fights not to want him, not to want a new life and not to fall in love.
But Derek is seductive and irresistible—a former soldier who has recently come to town to start a landscaping business. Kim falls hard for him, as he does to her. Although Kim wants a divorce, her husband finds out about their affair and devises a plot to destroy them both. They must struggle to survive a web of lies, deceit and dangerous passion.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2019
53 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Douglas
45 books342 followersElyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age and graduated with a Master's Degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers, and avid readers. Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: "Time Change," The Summer Letters," "Daring Summer," The Christmas Eve Series" and "Time Stranger." They reside in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 10, 2019
Kim Ryan is married to Ben Maxwell and lately things have not been going well. Ben is older than Kim and constantly accusing her of cheating on him with her close friend Carl Lancer. When Ben makes a decision one night the results are devastating and now Kim finds herself more isolated than before.
On Kim’s birthday she meets a handsome stranger on the beach named Derek Gray who is a former
soldier that owns his own landscaping company. Kim is lonely for companionship and the two form a close bond which begins to turn into more.
But is Ben going to let Kim go willingly or is he aware of much more than Kim could ever realize and has his own plans for Kim and Derek?
This was a super interesting read and won’t appeal to everyone because of the cheating aspect but I
really enjoyed it and it definitely brought up some great moral dilemmas for Kim.
I really liked Kim and I hated how she found herself in a loveless marriage when she truly had good
intentions and after the accident she was being pushed further and further away by Ben. I had no idea why she stayed with him after the things he did and that was the real fault I found with her. She was treated so badly by Ben and taken out of things but she remained with him.
I liked Derek’s character and he was a little torn on what he should be doing with Kim. He was attracted to her but initially was not looking for any type of relationship but at a certain point after an incident Derek realized how much he actually cared about Kim.
There is a point in the book that you realize how much Ben is really aware of and things begin to get super tense as you are waiting for something to happen as you see what Ben is doing and you know he is manipulating everything.
Things go sideways fast and I knew Kim was innocent but I also knew that Ben had to money to go up against her and win. I had a feeling I knew who was behind certain things but definitely had my fingers crossed. I loved Maggie Stone and I hope the author gives her a book of her own!
The end had a moment where I was able to take a deep breath and I was so thankful for the truth
coming out. It really made me wonder why no mention of the will took place in court.
The very end was awesome and I wasn’t surprised about Ben! By Rebecca
On Kim’s birthday she meets a handsome stranger on the beach named Derek Gray who is a former
soldier that owns his own landscaping company. Kim is lonely for companionship and the two form a close bond which begins to turn into more.
But is Ben going to let Kim go willingly or is he aware of much more than Kim could ever realize and has his own plans for Kim and Derek?
This was a super interesting read and won’t appeal to everyone because of the cheating aspect but I
really enjoyed it and it definitely brought up some great moral dilemmas for Kim.
I really liked Kim and I hated how she found herself in a loveless marriage when she truly had good
intentions and after the accident she was being pushed further and further away by Ben. I had no idea why she stayed with him after the things he did and that was the real fault I found with her. She was treated so badly by Ben and taken out of things but she remained with him.
I liked Derek’s character and he was a little torn on what he should be doing with Kim. He was attracted to her but initially was not looking for any type of relationship but at a certain point after an incident Derek realized how much he actually cared about Kim.
There is a point in the book that you realize how much Ben is really aware of and things begin to get super tense as you are waiting for something to happen as you see what Ben is doing and you know he is manipulating everything.
Things go sideways fast and I knew Kim was innocent but I also knew that Ben had to money to go up against her and win. I had a feeling I knew who was behind certain things but definitely had my fingers crossed. I loved Maggie Stone and I hope the author gives her a book of her own!
The end had a moment where I was able to take a deep breath and I was so thankful for the truth
coming out. It really made me wonder why no mention of the will took place in court.
The very end was awesome and I wasn’t surprised about Ben! By Rebecca
August 1, 2019
Daring Summer by Elyse Douglas is a well-crafted tale that will keep you reading as you need to know the outcome. This story aptly epitomize the saying by Confucius, ‘’before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves’’.
An interesting cast of characters that helped to drive the plot. It was fun getting to know each of them. Their thoughts and the events that drove their actions stood out making it easy to connect to them. Cheating in no form is justifiable, but I understood why Kim ended up in Derek’s arms. I sympathized with her, even though I kept wondering why she stayed with a man who treated her with such contempt. Love between a man and a woman will burn hot, but if they do not nurture it would fizzle out. This was Kim’s experience.
Ben is manipulative and devious. He accuses Kim of cheating. His friends fed into his paranoia. It didn’t help that he was twenty-nine years older than her.
Derek a former soldier turned landscaper. He wants nothing to do with women, as he believes they are not worth the trouble, but Kim was a completely different ball game. One look, one taste and he was a goner. He could not get enough of her. It is true when they say forbidden fruit is rather tasty. However, tasting of the forbidden fruit may just prove fatal.
Daring Summer was an interesting and riveting read. I enjoyed the courtroom drama and loved how the events in that regard unfolded. It did not take long for me to figure out what Ben was planning for his wife and who assisted him. What had me on edge was learning if would get away with his diabolical plan.
The story delivered a perfect blend of romance and suspense. The story had depth and was well developed. I have to say though sometimes Derek and Kim were reckless in their meetings after they discovered what Ben had been planning. Why give the man more ammunition to work against them? SMH
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, I enjoyed this book. This is my first foray with the author and I had a good time
An interesting cast of characters that helped to drive the plot. It was fun getting to know each of them. Their thoughts and the events that drove their actions stood out making it easy to connect to them. Cheating in no form is justifiable, but I understood why Kim ended up in Derek’s arms. I sympathized with her, even though I kept wondering why she stayed with a man who treated her with such contempt. Love between a man and a woman will burn hot, but if they do not nurture it would fizzle out. This was Kim’s experience.
Ben is manipulative and devious. He accuses Kim of cheating. His friends fed into his paranoia. It didn’t help that he was twenty-nine years older than her.
Derek a former soldier turned landscaper. He wants nothing to do with women, as he believes they are not worth the trouble, but Kim was a completely different ball game. One look, one taste and he was a goner. He could not get enough of her. It is true when they say forbidden fruit is rather tasty. However, tasting of the forbidden fruit may just prove fatal.
Daring Summer was an interesting and riveting read. I enjoyed the courtroom drama and loved how the events in that regard unfolded. It did not take long for me to figure out what Ben was planning for his wife and who assisted him. What had me on edge was learning if would get away with his diabolical plan.
The story delivered a perfect blend of romance and suspense. The story had depth and was well developed. I have to say though sometimes Derek and Kim were reckless in their meetings after they discovered what Ben had been planning. Why give the man more ammunition to work against them? SMH
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, I enjoyed this book. This is my first foray with the author and I had a good time
July 29, 2019
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I want to begin by warning more sensitive readers concerning the content. There is no gratuitous violence in this book. There are also no graphic love scenes. However, the reader will encounter profanity and infidelity. While the story and book are well-written, just know this is not a cozy and/or sweet romantic suspense novel.
I completely adore the writing style and pace of this book. I felt as though I was invested in the lives of the characters from the beginning. This story has the perfect formula for a romantic suspense novel with characters that are relatable and intriguing. The suspense is never too intense, but it will keep the reader guessing and coming back for more. The heat level of the romance is just about right for this genre of book.
To be honest, my only complaint is that the two main characters are rewarded for lying and cheating. Granted, the old guy is mean and heartless, and no matter what, he was going to do all he could to exact revenge on his wife. I understand that fully. However, I would have appreciated more remorse for what the main couple did. Sure, they go through their share of struggles, but I do prefer stories where true righteousness prevails. I understand that things happen, but this is just my personal belief.
However, with that exception, this book was fantastic. I could see it easily being made into a movie that would capture the imagination of many. I know I'd tune in if that ever should happen!
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I want to begin by warning more sensitive readers concerning the content. There is no gratuitous violence in this book. There are also no graphic love scenes. However, the reader will encounter profanity and infidelity. While the story and book are well-written, just know this is not a cozy and/or sweet romantic suspense novel.
I completely adore the writing style and pace of this book. I felt as though I was invested in the lives of the characters from the beginning. This story has the perfect formula for a romantic suspense novel with characters that are relatable and intriguing. The suspense is never too intense, but it will keep the reader guessing and coming back for more. The heat level of the romance is just about right for this genre of book.
To be honest, my only complaint is that the two main characters are rewarded for lying and cheating. Granted, the old guy is mean and heartless, and no matter what, he was going to do all he could to exact revenge on his wife. I understand that fully. However, I would have appreciated more remorse for what the main couple did. Sure, they go through their share of struggles, but I do prefer stories where true righteousness prevails. I understand that things happen, but this is just my personal belief.
However, with that exception, this book was fantastic. I could see it easily being made into a movie that would capture the imagination of many. I know I'd tune in if that ever should happen!
June 14, 2019
Elyse Douglas - Daring Summer - Reviewed 6/14/19
Love, betrayal, daring, summer fling that turns to True Love!
Kim falls in love with an older man that turns suspicious and vicious. After he tried to kill himself but yet survives as a cripple Kim finally realizes that he is incapable of love! Still, she tries to make him love her again and give their marriage another try. Kim is lonely as the cruelty, accusations, and animosity continue. While trying to keep her sanity she spent time alone on the beach and observes a handsome man and his dog. After trying to ignore him she realizes that she needs companionship. They start an affair and she falls head over heels in love!
What did I like? Emotional, exciting, sexual and suspenseful! Everyone hopes that they will find that one person in the world that will make it all worth it. Sometimes we even get a second chance!
What will you like? Sensitive, thrilling, passionate, gripping with intense mysteries along with lots of sex. Exceptional characters that will have you on the edge of your seat and best of all the ending is one that you will never see coming. A great read any time of the year, just be sure to make time because you will not be able to put this down.
Love, betrayal, daring, summer fling that turns to True Love!
Kim falls in love with an older man that turns suspicious and vicious. After he tried to kill himself but yet survives as a cripple Kim finally realizes that he is incapable of love! Still, she tries to make him love her again and give their marriage another try. Kim is lonely as the cruelty, accusations, and animosity continue. While trying to keep her sanity she spent time alone on the beach and observes a handsome man and his dog. After trying to ignore him she realizes that she needs companionship. They start an affair and she falls head over heels in love!
What did I like? Emotional, exciting, sexual and suspenseful! Everyone hopes that they will find that one person in the world that will make it all worth it. Sometimes we even get a second chance!
What will you like? Sensitive, thrilling, passionate, gripping with intense mysteries along with lots of sex. Exceptional characters that will have you on the edge of your seat and best of all the ending is one that you will never see coming. A great read any time of the year, just be sure to make time because you will not be able to put this down.
July 23, 2019
Love. Lust. Money. Revenge. What else could a person ask for in a good summer read? Maybe one or two other things, and you might just find those in this Daring Summer by Elyse Douglas as well.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were completely happy, only to have the tables turned on you without any real warning?
Kim believed she had it all – a good life, a loving husband – until things changed. She’d hold on, though, hoping things would get back to normal. But would they?
After a tragic event, Kim finds herself feeling imprisoned. Will she be able to able to climb her way out of despair? People who have had to do this themselves understand how difficult Kim’s journey will be. What she will have to give up, what she will need to hold on to, and how much strength and courage it take for her to survive.
Based on unfounded feelings from before, Kim’s husband has made decisions that concern them both. Will his heart find it’s way back to his wife? Or will she be forced to leave her life behind to find the happiness that all of us deserve? Both Kim and her husband have tough choices to make if things are going to get back on track. The question is whether they will both choose to.
Elyse Douglas’s descriptions help her readers to envision the people and places in her book Daring Summer, allowing us to feel as though we are really there. Her characters seem like real people with her descriptions and explanations of emotion. While reading, I felt as though I was really there on the beach, almost able to feel that breeze off the water.
This book is a great summer read. A movie waiting to happen? I believe so.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you were completely happy, only to have the tables turned on you without any real warning?
Kim believed she had it all – a good life, a loving husband – until things changed. She’d hold on, though, hoping things would get back to normal. But would they?
After a tragic event, Kim finds herself feeling imprisoned. Will she be able to able to climb her way out of despair? People who have had to do this themselves understand how difficult Kim’s journey will be. What she will have to give up, what she will need to hold on to, and how much strength and courage it take for her to survive.
Based on unfounded feelings from before, Kim’s husband has made decisions that concern them both. Will his heart find it’s way back to his wife? Or will she be forced to leave her life behind to find the happiness that all of us deserve? Both Kim and her husband have tough choices to make if things are going to get back on track. The question is whether they will both choose to.
Elyse Douglas’s descriptions help her readers to envision the people and places in her book Daring Summer, allowing us to feel as though we are really there. Her characters seem like real people with her descriptions and explanations of emotion. While reading, I felt as though I was really there on the beach, almost able to feel that breeze off the water.
This book is a great summer read. A movie waiting to happen? I believe so.
August 7, 2019
This was a super interesting read and won’t appeal to everyone because of the cheating aspect but I really enjoyed it and it definitely brought up some great moral dilemmas for Kim.
I really liked Kim and I hated how she found herself in a loveless marriage when she truly had good intentions and after the accident she was being pushed further and further away by Ben. I had no idea why she stayed with him after the things he did and that was the real fault I found with her. She was treated so badly by Ben and taken out of things but she remained with him.
I liked Derek’s character and he was a little torn on what he should be doing with Kim. He was attracted to her but initially was not looking for any type of relationship but at a certain point after an incident Derek realized how much he actually cared about Kim.
There is a point in the book that you realize how much Ben is really aware of and things begin to get super tense as you are waiting for something to happen as you see what Ben is doing and you know he is manipulating everything.
Things go sideways fast and I knew Kim was innocent but I also knew that Ben had to money to go up against her and win. I had a feeling I knew who was behind certain things but definitely had my fingers crossed. I loved Maggie Stone and I hope the author gives her a book of her own!
The end had a moment where I was able to take a deep breath and I was so thankful for the truth coming out. It really made me wonder why no mention of the will took place in court.
The very end was awesome and I wasn’t surprised about Ben!
I really liked Kim and I hated how she found herself in a loveless marriage when she truly had good intentions and after the accident she was being pushed further and further away by Ben. I had no idea why she stayed with him after the things he did and that was the real fault I found with her. She was treated so badly by Ben and taken out of things but she remained with him.
I liked Derek’s character and he was a little torn on what he should be doing with Kim. He was attracted to her but initially was not looking for any type of relationship but at a certain point after an incident Derek realized how much he actually cared about Kim.
There is a point in the book that you realize how much Ben is really aware of and things begin to get super tense as you are waiting for something to happen as you see what Ben is doing and you know he is manipulating everything.
Things go sideways fast and I knew Kim was innocent but I also knew that Ben had to money to go up against her and win. I had a feeling I knew who was behind certain things but definitely had my fingers crossed. I loved Maggie Stone and I hope the author gives her a book of her own!
The end had a moment where I was able to take a deep breath and I was so thankful for the truth coming out. It really made me wonder why no mention of the will took place in court.
The very end was awesome and I wasn’t surprised about Ben!
July 15, 2019
‘Daring Summer’ opens with Ben driving recklessly, with his wife, Kim asking him to slow down. He accuses her of having an affair and seems intent on killing both of them. He finally stops and Kim gets out of the car and walks. He races off but when Kim walks further up the road, she sees Ben’s car crashed and he is trapped inside.
Kim has thought about leaving Ben many times but hopes Ben will change. She wants their marriage to work. Now Ben is paralyzed and in a wheel chair and he blames her. He is more volatile than ever before.
Kim spends a lot of time on the beach, especially at night when she has time to herself. One night she sees a man with his dog. Eventually she meets the man, Derek. They embark in a daring affair and of course, Ben finds out about it. What happens next is shocking.
You may think that you have heard this story before however, the husband and author team of Elyse Douglas bring a welcome spin to this romantic suspense. I rarely read romantic suspense because after reading a few, they all seem like the same formula with name changes. However, I am a fan of Elyse Douglas so decided to give ‘Daring Summer’ a try. I am so glad I did. It was the perfect summer read and it left me breathless.
I highly recommend ‘Daring Summer’! Whatever you do, do not start reading it if you have somewhere to go that day! It is impossible to put down!
Kim has thought about leaving Ben many times but hopes Ben will change. She wants their marriage to work. Now Ben is paralyzed and in a wheel chair and he blames her. He is more volatile than ever before.
Kim spends a lot of time on the beach, especially at night when she has time to herself. One night she sees a man with his dog. Eventually she meets the man, Derek. They embark in a daring affair and of course, Ben finds out about it. What happens next is shocking.
You may think that you have heard this story before however, the husband and author team of Elyse Douglas bring a welcome spin to this romantic suspense. I rarely read romantic suspense because after reading a few, they all seem like the same formula with name changes. However, I am a fan of Elyse Douglas so decided to give ‘Daring Summer’ a try. I am so glad I did. It was the perfect summer read and it left me breathless.
I highly recommend ‘Daring Summer’! Whatever you do, do not start reading it if you have somewhere to go that day! It is impossible to put down!
July 25, 2019
Wow, what an absolutely fascinating read. What starts off as a simple forbidden romance turns into so much more. I haven't read this type of romantic suspense before, one that weaves between love, hate, revenge, fear, terror and loss, and then culminates in a gripping courtroom drama.
From the very beginning, I sympathized with Kim, whose utter despair and broken-heartedness bleeds through every page. When she first meets Derek, I didn't feel much for him and thought his feelings for Kim were superficial at best. But as the story progresses, you come to find out that nothing is what it seems in this twisting, compelling tale of love gone wrong.
I've read this author's time travel novels and they are excellent reads. But I have to say they really excel at this type of convoluted love story. You really need to read this book for yourself to see what you've been missing. It's not only a great summer beach read, it's a great read for any time of the year.
From the very beginning, I sympathized with Kim, whose utter despair and broken-heartedness bleeds through every page. When she first meets Derek, I didn't feel much for him and thought his feelings for Kim were superficial at best. But as the story progresses, you come to find out that nothing is what it seems in this twisting, compelling tale of love gone wrong.
I've read this author's time travel novels and they are excellent reads. But I have to say they really excel at this type of convoluted love story. You really need to read this book for yourself to see what you've been missing. It's not only a great summer beach read, it's a great read for any time of the year.
June 2, 2019
A fantastic page turner
This is my first book by Elyse Douglas and what a book it was. I was so engrossed in this book that I finished it in one day. Kim is married to the much older Ben. When Ben thinks Kim is having an affair,he drives recklessly and crashes, which results in him being paralyzed from the waist down. Kim got out of the car before the crash. Ben changes after the crash. He hardly has anything to do with his wife. Eight months after the crash, Kim meets Derek. They have an affair, until Ben does an about face and tells Kim he wants a second chance. Now things really get interesting. No spoilers so grab your copy and see what happens in this suspenseful read.
This is my first book by Elyse Douglas and what a book it was. I was so engrossed in this book that I finished it in one day. Kim is married to the much older Ben. When Ben thinks Kim is having an affair,he drives recklessly and crashes, which results in him being paralyzed from the waist down. Kim got out of the car before the crash. Ben changes after the crash. He hardly has anything to do with his wife. Eight months after the crash, Kim meets Derek. They have an affair, until Ben does an about face and tells Kim he wants a second chance. Now things really get interesting. No spoilers so grab your copy and see what happens in this suspenseful read.
July 9, 2020
Daring Summer
Ben was so jealous of Kim that he constantly thought she was cheating even right before his eyes. Kim loved him and would not cheat. After an accident Ben became paralyzed from the waist down. Kim was in a prison so to speak taking care of Ben and nothing else. Later Kim met Derek on the beach. They fell in love. Ben knew and made it look like Kim was trying to kill him. In court the cook told on she seen a nurse plant the poison in Kim’s drawer. Kim was free and divorced Ben. Ben killed him self but all else ended well.
Ben was so jealous of Kim that he constantly thought she was cheating even right before his eyes. Kim loved him and would not cheat. After an accident Ben became paralyzed from the waist down. Kim was in a prison so to speak taking care of Ben and nothing else. Later Kim met Derek on the beach. They fell in love. Ben knew and made it look like Kim was trying to kill him. In court the cook told on she seen a nurse plant the poison in Kim’s drawer. Kim was free and divorced Ben. Ben killed him self but all else ended well.
January 3, 2020
I came very close many times before I reached the halfway mark to just stop and read something else. Actually I did stop and read another book... I came back out of a lazy desire to give it one more shot because I have enjoyed everything else by this author.
It unfortunately in my opinion is not the best book by Elyse Douglas and I would hope if you are first exploring this author you do not begin here.
The first half of the book is a long and whiny road...
It unfortunately in my opinion is not the best book by Elyse Douglas and I would hope if you are first exploring this author you do not begin here.
The first half of the book is a long and whiny road...
October 26, 2020
I have read several Elyse Douglas books and enjoyed them all especially "The Summer Letters."..This one just wasn't as good as the others, for me anyway..I didn't care much for the characters and it was pretty much predictable...The first chapter drew me in right away but after that I was disappointed..
January 25, 2026
A good suspenseful read where she puts on a megalomaniac story that a juror was bought and paid for to influence the jury. He pulled it off and they found her guilty without a stitch of evidence to back it up—- unbelievable! Yet thatks to a housekeeper that couldn’t live with herself if she didn’t come clean the charges were dismissed.
April 25, 2020
Great story. Lots of twists that kept me reading. Not a surprise ending but very pleasing.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews