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Step Summer
McKenna
I’ve spent the three years I’ve known Blake Reynolds looking at him out of the corner of my eye, too afraid to look closer and like what I see. No matter that he has the warm, hazel eyes of a person who’s seen the world, a body built by professional lacrosse and decorated with gorgeous tattoos, and a heart that believes in me even when no one else seems to—I can’t like him. Not the way I want to. So I don’t look until I have to, until we’re forced to spend the summer living in the same beach house.
And then I can’t look away.
Blake
McKenna Maycomb is everything the girl of your dreams should be—funny, sweet, and gorgeous. She’s more than a naive dreamer like everyone believes, and I want to protect her from the world. And from myself. With a fresh breakup behind me and an addiction I’m trying to quit, I’m no good for anyone right now. But Kenna looks past that and sees me, believes I’m the good guy she wants. She’s wrong about me, but I can’t help trying to prove her right. And the more late night swims and beach bonfires between us, the more the connection between us grows too. But I’m ten years older than her and McKenna’s not mine to love—not as long as our parents are married. That’s right, I said our parents. I’m McKenna’s stepbrother.
Loving her could destroy my family. Losing her could destroy my heart.
I’ve spent the three years I’ve known Blake Reynolds looking at him out of the corner of my eye, too afraid to look closer and like what I see. No matter that he has the warm, hazel eyes of a person who’s seen the world, a body built by professional lacrosse and decorated with gorgeous tattoos, and a heart that believes in me even when no one else seems to—I can’t like him. Not the way I want to. So I don’t look until I have to, until we’re forced to spend the summer living in the same beach house.
And then I can’t look away.
Blake
McKenna Maycomb is everything the girl of your dreams should be—funny, sweet, and gorgeous. She’s more than a naive dreamer like everyone believes, and I want to protect her from the world. And from myself. With a fresh breakup behind me and an addiction I’m trying to quit, I’m no good for anyone right now. But Kenna looks past that and sees me, believes I’m the good guy she wants. She’s wrong about me, but I can’t help trying to prove her right. And the more late night swims and beach bonfires between us, the more the connection between us grows too. But I’m ten years older than her and McKenna’s not mine to love—not as long as our parents are married. That’s right, I said our parents. I’m McKenna’s stepbrother.
Loving her could destroy my family. Losing her could destroy my heart.
- GenresRomance
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2019
47 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Gallagher
11 books42 followersTanya Gallagher is the Seattle-based author of contemporary New Adult and Adult romances about smart, strong women and the sexy men who love them. Her books include the fun, sexy X Enterprises romcom series, A Slippery Slope, and Step Summer, which releases in June 2019. Tanya traded pencil skirts in the boardroom for stories in the bedroom and hasn’t looked back since. You can find her traveling the world in search of beautiful scenery and delicious cake, and at penchantforpleasure.com, where she happens to sell one of the most popular brands of personal lubricant for your naughty bits. True story.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 6, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 "More than Forbidden Romance" Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When one starts a Forbidden Romance Novel, the last thing he/she will ever expect it to be is enlightening and inspirational. But it was and in the very best of ways!
It was a coming of an age novel where a young girl name Mckenna is about to drop out of grad school to pursue her interest and passion in flowers to be a florist. For many people leaving something like Medical school to pursue a job of Florist is not only a tough decision, it's a risky and a foolish one. And that's what everyone made her feel, all except one - Our Hero(And my new book boyfriend).
"You know sharks come out at sunset.” Mckenna huff out a laugh.
“Live your life, Mckenna. You’re too young to be worrying about improbable things. Worry about what you can control"
"All those things I said before don’t feel true anymore,” Blake says, his voice raw. “I don’t want to be the one who tells you what’s right for you. The rest of the world has been doing that to you for your whole life. I don’t want to show you the world and tell you you can’t have it. I want to be the one to give it to you"
Me during that time-
But that's the thing about Romance novel, isn't it, they never take away your hope - they just give your thoughts a sense of direction, a semblance of inner peace you never thought you needed and the reality that you don't ever need a man (or any other person for that matter) to make you happy. The Irony.
And that's exactly how this novel made me feel!
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and something in my throat gets so thick I need to blink hard to hold back tears. Don’t let this end. Please let it be real.
“Everything okay?”
She sighs. “Just my dad, bugging me about school.”
“If it makes you feel better, parents usually have good intentions and bad execution.”
“Sometimes. Sometimes they’re just selfish"
"Nothing you want is wrong, McKenna.”
“Except for you,” she whispers, looking gutted. “Isn’t that what you keep telling me"
But honestly this is a beautiful book, well written and perfectly executed-
He hands me the bouquet, its pretty scent perfuming the air, and I look close enough to discover the same flowers that I wear on my skin. “Sweet peas for pleasure,” he says. “Gladiolus for remembrance. And peonies for a happy life.” He’s breathing hard, his voice thick. “Sometimes you think the world isn’t listening to you and what you want. But I’m listening, Kenn. It just took me a while to understand what you were trying to say"
This wasn't just about forbidden romance but how two souls who lost their way come together to find themselves and each other. It was funny, sarcastic, sad, happy and most of all, it was beautiful . This book was beautiful in every sense it could have been and i loved it for that!
An ARC was provided to me by the Author in exchange of an honest Review.
5 "More than Forbidden Romance" Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When one starts a Forbidden Romance Novel, the last thing he/she will ever expect it to be is enlightening and inspirational. But it was and in the very best of ways!
It was a coming of an age novel where a young girl name Mckenna is about to drop out of grad school to pursue her interest and passion in flowers to be a florist. For many people leaving something like Medical school to pursue a job of Florist is not only a tough decision, it's a risky and a foolish one. And that's what everyone made her feel, all except one - Our Hero
"You know sharks come out at sunset.” Mckenna huff out a laugh.
“Live your life, Mckenna. You’re too young to be worrying about improbable things. Worry about what you can control"
"All those things I said before don’t feel true anymore,” Blake says, his voice raw. “I don’t want to be the one who tells you what’s right for you. The rest of the world has been doing that to you for your whole life. I don’t want to show you the world and tell you you can’t have it. I want to be the one to give it to you"
Me during that time-
But that's the thing about Romance novel, isn't it, they never take away your hope - they just give your thoughts a sense of direction, a semblance of inner peace you never thought you needed and the reality that you don't ever need a man (or any other person for that matter) to make you happy. The Irony.
And that's exactly how this novel made me feel!
He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and something in my throat gets so thick I need to blink hard to hold back tears. Don’t let this end. Please let it be real.
“Everything okay?”
She sighs. “Just my dad, bugging me about school.”
“If it makes you feel better, parents usually have good intentions and bad execution.”
“Sometimes. Sometimes they’re just selfish"
"Nothing you want is wrong, McKenna.”
“Except for you,” she whispers, looking gutted. “Isn’t that what you keep telling me"
But honestly this is a beautiful book, well written and perfectly executed-
He hands me the bouquet, its pretty scent perfuming the air, and I look close enough to discover the same flowers that I wear on my skin. “Sweet peas for pleasure,” he says. “Gladiolus for remembrance. And peonies for a happy life.” He’s breathing hard, his voice thick. “Sometimes you think the world isn’t listening to you and what you want. But I’m listening, Kenn. It just took me a while to understand what you were trying to say"
This wasn't just about forbidden romance but how two souls who lost their way come together to find themselves and each other. It was funny, sarcastic, sad, happy and most of all, it was beautiful . This book was beautiful in every sense it could have been and i loved it for that!
An ARC was provided to me by the Author in exchange of an honest Review.
June 9, 2019
I am a huge fan of Tanya Gallaghers work, so I had hopes for this one. STEP SUMMER is, as the title suggests, a step-sibling romance, told in dual POV. Blake is ten years older than McKenna, and his father is married to her mother. After an awkward first meeting at their parents wedding some years previously, these two haven’t really spent much time together, but are suddenly forced to share a house over the summer. Blake has his issues; recovering alcoholic and an ex-girlfriend trying to win him back, which all made for plenty of drama, while McKenna, being 19, dealt with a lot of the drama in a less than mature way
It was a fairly quick and enjoyable read, but lacked that humour that I’m used to from TG.
It was a fairly quick and enjoyable read, but lacked that humour that I’m used to from TG.
December 18, 2019
2.5 Stars
It started off really well but by 60%, I was speed reading so I could be done with it asap. I don't think either character or the plot were 100% developed and the angst of what would happen when their parents found out fizzled out so fast. Besides not feeling their connection or love, I was indifferent about both characters. Blake is recently out of rehab and getting over a cheating ex while McKenna is debating whether she wants to go to med school or start a florist business. I think there was too much focus on that drama versus the taboo element, which really had a laughable outcome because the parents didn't care.
The writing also bugged me at times. It came off as trying to sound poetic and lyrical but fell flat, instead sounding cliche and corny. I never felt the "soul mate connection" that the author was trying to inspire. Additionally, I heavily skimmed the steamy bits as they made me laugh and cringe at the same time. The ending was rather lackluster IMO, featuring some miscommunication and little to no closure about their future. I wish the last half of the story was the same caliber as the first.
It started off really well but by 60%, I was speed reading so I could be done with it asap. I don't think either character or the plot were 100% developed and the angst of what would happen when their parents found out fizzled out so fast. Besides not feeling their connection or love, I was indifferent about both characters. Blake is recently out of rehab and getting over a cheating ex while McKenna is debating whether she wants to go to med school or start a florist business. I think there was too much focus on that drama versus the taboo element, which really had a laughable outcome because the parents didn't care.
The writing also bugged me at times. It came off as trying to sound poetic and lyrical but fell flat, instead sounding cliche and corny. I never felt the "soul mate connection" that the author was trying to inspire. Additionally, I heavily skimmed the steamy bits as they made me laugh and cringe at the same time. The ending was rather lackluster IMO, featuring some miscommunication and little to no closure about their future. I wish the last half of the story was the same caliber as the first.
May 31, 2019
➳ Rate: 4/ 5 stars
Step Summer is an age gap, super cute step brother romance set in a cute beachy town that will give you all the summer vibes you need.
McKenna and Blake are two lost souls who have major decisions to make, who need to find themselves and figure out what is best for them. Two souls who happen to be step brothers and forced to spend the summer together at McKenna's old grandparent's house. An attraction has always been there since the first moment they met at their parents wedding but back then McKenna's was underage... later Blake got a girlfriend and let's not forget the fact that they are stepbrothers. McKenna has avoided Blake like the plague because she just can't keep her eyes off him, so now that they are forced together in this summer home alone... there is no way to avoid him. The opposite is true, now they get to know each other for real and in doing so the attraction grows stronger and feelings come out of left field.
These two have the best summer together, getting to know each other and helping each other with their issues until a surprise visit ruins it all and their secret is out. What happens now? Will they work everything else in their lives and be together or will they let the forbideness of their relationship end it all?
It's up to you to find out! I adored these two. They form a special bond and I was rooting for them from the start. I felt so bad for McKenna... do you do what makes you happy or do you do what your parents want so you don't let them down? She struggles a lot with what to do but Blake helps her see that she should come first. I love that Blake is there for her and helps her choose what's best for her and not for everyone around her.
This is my first Tanya Gallagher book and I really enjoyed her writing and this sweet love story with all the summer vibes I need to feel like I'm on vacay without leaving my house.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
Step Summer is an age gap, super cute step brother romance set in a cute beachy town that will give you all the summer vibes you need.
McKenna and Blake are two lost souls who have major decisions to make, who need to find themselves and figure out what is best for them. Two souls who happen to be step brothers and forced to spend the summer together at McKenna's old grandparent's house. An attraction has always been there since the first moment they met at their parents wedding but back then McKenna's was underage... later Blake got a girlfriend and let's not forget the fact that they are stepbrothers. McKenna has avoided Blake like the plague because she just can't keep her eyes off him, so now that they are forced together in this summer home alone... there is no way to avoid him. The opposite is true, now they get to know each other for real and in doing so the attraction grows stronger and feelings come out of left field.
These two have the best summer together, getting to know each other and helping each other with their issues until a surprise visit ruins it all and their secret is out. What happens now? Will they work everything else in their lives and be together or will they let the forbideness of their relationship end it all?
It's up to you to find out! I adored these two. They form a special bond and I was rooting for them from the start. I felt so bad for McKenna... do you do what makes you happy or do you do what your parents want so you don't let them down? She struggles a lot with what to do but Blake helps her see that she should come first. I love that Blake is there for her and helps her choose what's best for her and not for everyone around her.
This is my first Tanya Gallagher book and I really enjoyed her writing and this sweet love story with all the summer vibes I need to feel like I'm on vacay without leaving my house.
➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.
➳ Order at: Amazon UK ⁕ Amazon US
➳ Follow me on: Blog ⁕ Instagram ⁕ Facebook ⁕ Twitter
June 4, 2019
McKenna dream is to own her own flower shop. This summer she need to make the biggest decision of her life. Go back to college with her best friend Brooke or live out her about opening her own flower shop.
When Blake needs a place to crash for the summer after coming home from rehab and seeing his girlfriend with another man. He goes to his dad and step mom. They suggest he stays at the summer house with his step sister McKenna. What could possibly go wrong?
When McKenna and Blake start sharing the house by themselves they need to be in their best behavior. They’re both off limits. Blake ten year older than McKenna and should stay away. McKenna only nineteen years old knows she should stay away. As they get closer and lines get crossed. But how can you stay when it feels so right?
They both found each other in the right time in theirs life. They bring out the best in each other. And challenge each other in ways you didn’t see coming. You’ll laugh, you’ll have a smile on your face the whole time. And maybe even some happy tears like me.
Tanya created such an amazing story. Slow burning, angsts and oh so forbidden. Step Summer is the best summer read for you to get lost this season. You’ll be rooting for McKenna and Blake happiness and love from the beginning.
In the words of McKenna “shoulds are no good”.
I absolutely was glad to get the ARC and I’m glad I was able to give an outstanding review.
June 11, 2019
“It’s an exquisite kind of torture to hold back from a temptation that’s asking for you, that’s calling you by your name.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step Summer is the first book I’ve read by Tanya Gallagher, and I bet you can’t guess why I was drawn to it. Fine. It was totally the forbidden relationship and age-gap!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Blake and McKenna gave me all the feels. Their connection was so strong, that at times, I forgot they were step-siblings. And they didn’t give into that connection easily. They fought it, and tried to ignore it. But in the end, they accepted, encouraged, and totally “got” each other on multiple levels. That’s something entirely too hard to just push aside.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step Summer is probably one of the sweetest forbidden romances I’ve ever read. It’s hard not to love these characters, and pull for them from the beginning. So, if you enjoy romances in this trope, then you should definitely add this one to your summer reading list! Also, everyone needs a Blake in their life! 😍
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step Summer is the first book I’ve read by Tanya Gallagher, and I bet you can’t guess why I was drawn to it. Fine. It was totally the forbidden relationship and age-gap!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Blake and McKenna gave me all the feels. Their connection was so strong, that at times, I forgot they were step-siblings. And they didn’t give into that connection easily. They fought it, and tried to ignore it. But in the end, they accepted, encouraged, and totally “got” each other on multiple levels. That’s something entirely too hard to just push aside.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step Summer is probably one of the sweetest forbidden romances I’ve ever read. It’s hard not to love these characters, and pull for them from the beginning. So, if you enjoy romances in this trope, then you should definitely add this one to your summer reading list! Also, everyone needs a Blake in their life! 😍
May 7, 2019
↪ R E V I E W ↩
This is a NEW to me author & books! I appreciate my ARC and was hooked by the blurb mainly, plus the fact that I love me some forbidden romance that is still very sweet!
McKenna is a young lady who is torn in life. Not sure to either continue a dream her family wants for her or stay home and follow her dream of running a flower-shop. Therefore she stays at her family's summer house, to try and get her life in order. Enter Blake her step-brother who is in the same predicament, Needing to decide what and where to go next. What went from innocent flirtation and a familiar state, turned to heat.
There is a lot in here, secrets, mystery, romance, guilt, slow-burn, angsty, and oh so sweet! It's a perfect summer read to be honest. I am glad that I gave this a try and the writing style is just SMOOTH! I love those because it makes the story easy to read and the transitions perfect. The sexy scenes in this, again, also something that was perfectly executed! The characters may have been young, but mature enough even for me to be ale to read. (If you know me, you know how much I have issues with young characters and the immaturity!) This was excluded because there was a maturity to it's level!
RATING: 4.5 ★
RECOMMENDED? ☑
↪ H A P P Y - R E A D I N G ↩
This is a NEW to me author & books! I appreciate my ARC and was hooked by the blurb mainly, plus the fact that I love me some forbidden romance that is still very sweet!
McKenna is a young lady who is torn in life. Not sure to either continue a dream her family wants for her or stay home and follow her dream of running a flower-shop. Therefore she stays at her family's summer house, to try and get her life in order. Enter Blake her step-brother who is in the same predicament, Needing to decide what and where to go next. What went from innocent flirtation and a familiar state, turned to heat.
There is a lot in here, secrets, mystery, romance, guilt, slow-burn, angsty, and oh so sweet! It's a perfect summer read to be honest. I am glad that I gave this a try and the writing style is just SMOOTH! I love those because it makes the story easy to read and the transitions perfect. The sexy scenes in this, again, also something that was perfectly executed! The characters may have been young, but mature enough even for me to be ale to read. (If you know me, you know how much I have issues with young characters and the immaturity!) This was excluded because there was a maturity to it's level!
RATING: 4.5 ★
RECOMMENDED? ☑
↪ H A P P Y - R E A D I N G ↩
June 5, 2019
A beautifully deep, heartfelt forbidden love story with delicious tension and even better payoff
Every now and then we come to a point in our lives where we question the path we’re on. Why are we doing what we’re doing? Is it really what we want to do? Or worse — is it even possible to stop what has been set in motion? McKenna and Blake are both in this place, though they’re ten years apart in age.
McKenna, at the tender age of nineteen, already knows what she wants to do with her life. But everyone else in her life has different ideas. Until Blake, who makes her feel like she really could pursue her dreams. Not to mention he’s smoking hot.
But Blake isn’t exactly in a position to let McKenna fall for him as he’s fresh out of rehab, a bad relationship, and a career as a professional athlete that had turned from being something he loved into something that was feeding his addictions. So naturally, he is wary of letting McKenna become simply another addiction.
But mostly, they just can’t. Like, their parents are married to each other kind of can’t. Aside from the perceived taboo, McKenna feels like she’s on tenterhooks with her parents as it is. And Blake feels similarly, having leaned on them hard as he tries to get his life back together.
The heartfelt depth and emotion in their story immediately sets the stakes high, but their genuine connection and the intense desire they have for each other keeps you turning pages. It’s not just will they or won’t they. It’s when. Because the sexual tension was unbearably delicious, and I just knew when they gave in it would be epic (P.S. I wasn’t disappointed). But this book was obviously so much deeper than that, because I still cared what that would do to each of their futures. And to their family. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed there, either. This was a well written, beautifully sexy and emotional story that I absolutely devoured. I’d call it a perfect summer read, but really it’s a perfect anytime read for romance lovers.
Every now and then we come to a point in our lives where we question the path we’re on. Why are we doing what we’re doing? Is it really what we want to do? Or worse — is it even possible to stop what has been set in motion? McKenna and Blake are both in this place, though they’re ten years apart in age.
McKenna, at the tender age of nineteen, already knows what she wants to do with her life. But everyone else in her life has different ideas. Until Blake, who makes her feel like she really could pursue her dreams. Not to mention he’s smoking hot.
But Blake isn’t exactly in a position to let McKenna fall for him as he’s fresh out of rehab, a bad relationship, and a career as a professional athlete that had turned from being something he loved into something that was feeding his addictions. So naturally, he is wary of letting McKenna become simply another addiction.
But mostly, they just can’t. Like, their parents are married to each other kind of can’t. Aside from the perceived taboo, McKenna feels like she’s on tenterhooks with her parents as it is. And Blake feels similarly, having leaned on them hard as he tries to get his life back together.
The heartfelt depth and emotion in their story immediately sets the stakes high, but their genuine connection and the intense desire they have for each other keeps you turning pages. It’s not just will they or won’t they. It’s when. Because the sexual tension was unbearably delicious, and I just knew when they gave in it would be epic (P.S. I wasn’t disappointed). But this book was obviously so much deeper than that, because I still cared what that would do to each of their futures. And to their family. Thankfully I wasn’t disappointed there, either. This was a well written, beautifully sexy and emotional story that I absolutely devoured. I’d call it a perfect summer read, but really it’s a perfect anytime read for romance lovers.
May 13, 2019
This isn’t my first read by Tanya, so when she asked if I wanted an ARC in return for an honest review, I was all over it!!
I love me some forbidden romances. So I was excited to read Blake and McKenna’s story. Meeting at their parents wedding but not knowing that they were becoming step siblings.
It was pretty much lust at first site for both of them but McKenna couldn’t get Blake out of her head no matter how hard she tried to stay far away from him. She avoided him at family functions by going to her dads instead. But when she came home after working at her summer job, she got the shock of her life!
Blake never acted on his feelings for McKenna after learning she was his new step sister and their age gap. After walking in on his girlfriend cheating on him in his home, he needed a change. What he wasn’t expecting was to be spending his summer with McKenna. But now she is older and he is having a hard time fighting his feelings.
This was such a beautiful story! Just loved everything about Blake and McKenna. Tanya knows how to write steamy books, this was a different style then her other books but equally as good! Don’t get me wrong, there is PLENTY of steamy in this book!
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love me some forbidden romances. So I was excited to read Blake and McKenna’s story. Meeting at their parents wedding but not knowing that they were becoming step siblings.
It was pretty much lust at first site for both of them but McKenna couldn’t get Blake out of her head no matter how hard she tried to stay far away from him. She avoided him at family functions by going to her dads instead. But when she came home after working at her summer job, she got the shock of her life!
Blake never acted on his feelings for McKenna after learning she was his new step sister and their age gap. After walking in on his girlfriend cheating on him in his home, he needed a change. What he wasn’t expecting was to be spending his summer with McKenna. But now she is older and he is having a hard time fighting his feelings.
This was such a beautiful story! Just loved everything about Blake and McKenna. Tanya knows how to write steamy books, this was a different style then her other books but equally as good! Don’t get me wrong, there is PLENTY of steamy in this book!
5️⃣🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 7, 2019
4.5 Stars
Step Summer is the best kind of forbidden romance, the kind that gives you every reason why it’s wrong but you just know in your heart it’s right.
McKenna & Blake are both at a crossroads, she’s trying to choose her path & he’s trying to find a new one. They both escape to the family beach house for the summer to find themselves, and find each other along the way.
While this book may be based on a forbidden romance, it is actually one of the most inspirational books I’ve read in a long time. I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes throughout, and I loved every word. This book is about love, friendship, family, and following your dreams. It’s the best kind of love story, one that’s truly genuine, and I loved these characters from the very beginning. I loved them separately & together, and I devoured their story.
Step Summer is beautifully written, with amazing characters and I absolutely loved it! This was my first book by Tanya Gallagher, and I can’t wait to read more!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
You always have a choice. And no matter what you choose, no matter what you want, the people who are meant to be in your life will love you.
Step Summer is the best kind of forbidden romance, the kind that gives you every reason why it’s wrong but you just know in your heart it’s right.
McKenna & Blake are both at a crossroads, she’s trying to choose her path & he’s trying to find a new one. They both escape to the family beach house for the summer to find themselves, and find each other along the way.
While this book may be based on a forbidden romance, it is actually one of the most inspirational books I’ve read in a long time. I couldn’t stop highlighting quotes throughout, and I loved every word. This book is about love, friendship, family, and following your dreams. It’s the best kind of love story, one that’s truly genuine, and I loved these characters from the very beginning. I loved them separately & together, and I devoured their story.
Step Summer is beautifully written, with amazing characters and I absolutely loved it! This was my first book by Tanya Gallagher, and I can’t wait to read more!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
May 20, 2019
Step Summer by Tanya Gallagher
★★★★
I was lucky enough to be able to read the ARC of this book in return for an honest review. I can always count on Tanya Gallagher to give me something relaxing and easy to read, with strong and funny leading women and some nice sexy scenes too. I was not let down with Step Summer.
I’m not going to lie - a step-sibling plot made me a little nervous. There are so many ways to do this plot wrong but Gallgher handled it well, without making things weird. Both Blake and McKenna were practical and realistic characters - I often find in a romance novel characters can be dramatic, over the top or absolutely blinded by their love and attraction but this didn’t happen in Step Summer.
I was surprised by how sweet and caring Blake and McKenna were to each other, it had me grinning and squealing. They so genuinely cared about each other, I loved it so much. But then it wasn’t all sweet - it was hot and sexy. Gallagher knows when something needs to be cute and innocent and she knows when it has to make us blush and bite our lips.
I definitely recommend it to every romance fan - especially if you love forbidden romance.
★★★★
I was lucky enough to be able to read the ARC of this book in return for an honest review. I can always count on Tanya Gallagher to give me something relaxing and easy to read, with strong and funny leading women and some nice sexy scenes too. I was not let down with Step Summer.
I’m not going to lie - a step-sibling plot made me a little nervous. There are so many ways to do this plot wrong but Gallgher handled it well, without making things weird. Both Blake and McKenna were practical and realistic characters - I often find in a romance novel characters can be dramatic, over the top or absolutely blinded by their love and attraction but this didn’t happen in Step Summer.
I was surprised by how sweet and caring Blake and McKenna were to each other, it had me grinning and squealing. They so genuinely cared about each other, I loved it so much. But then it wasn’t all sweet - it was hot and sexy. Gallagher knows when something needs to be cute and innocent and she knows when it has to make us blush and bite our lips.
I definitely recommend it to every romance fan - especially if you love forbidden romance.
June 7, 2019
“It’s worth everything, Kenn. You deserve happiness. We all do.”
I can’t even tell you how much I love McKenna and Blake. Their story was one of seeking out what you want most in life; learning to make choices for yourself and not others; living in the moment; accepting yourself, mistakes and all; and opening your heart to true love.
I’ll be honest, this isn’t the first book I’ve read by Tanya. I’ve read (and reread) every single one and they’re all so good. I absolutely love her writing style. When she asked me to read an ARC for Step Summer I answered with a YES so fast, not knowing much about the synopsis.
I’m not one to go for forbidden romances, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself instantly obsessed once I started reading. The heat and love between Blake and McKenna is palpable.
I love McKenna and her bold, badass self. She knew what she wanted and sought it out. She lives her life wild and free.
And, Jesus, I need an outdoor shower. STAT!
I will always be a fan of anything Tanya writes and I pretty much think you should read this book (and all her others) so we can be best friends. ❤️
I can’t even tell you how much I love McKenna and Blake. Their story was one of seeking out what you want most in life; learning to make choices for yourself and not others; living in the moment; accepting yourself, mistakes and all; and opening your heart to true love.
I’ll be honest, this isn’t the first book I’ve read by Tanya. I’ve read (and reread) every single one and they’re all so good. I absolutely love her writing style. When she asked me to read an ARC for Step Summer I answered with a YES so fast, not knowing much about the synopsis.
I’m not one to go for forbidden romances, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself instantly obsessed once I started reading. The heat and love between Blake and McKenna is palpable.
I love McKenna and her bold, badass self. She knew what she wanted and sought it out. She lives her life wild and free.
And, Jesus, I need an outdoor shower. STAT!
I will always be a fan of anything Tanya writes and I pretty much think you should read this book (and all her others) so we can be best friends. ❤️
May 10, 2019
McKenna and Blake meet during their parents wedding, but either of them have no idea of each other. From the getgo, they had this immediate attraction this connection, but all comes falling down when they're officially introduced. Talk about(queue the music) wah wah wah......
They actually over the years steer clear of each other. They feel things, confused, knowing that whatever it is, if they chased these feelings, it would end badly.
Kenn is actually trying to figure out what to do with her life. Going into Pre med in college or owning her own flower shop, which is her passion. She has one summer to figure it out. Blake is trying to figure out his own life, and he needs to do it at the same family summer house that Kenn is staying. Blake has the summer to get away from the drama in his life that happened. Blake is actually battling and recovering from his addiction to pain pills. He has these feelings for McKenna, but he needs to control it
This story was enjoyable. OH my all the angst! I really enjoyed their chemistry, their connection, the looks, the steam......
They actually over the years steer clear of each other. They feel things, confused, knowing that whatever it is, if they chased these feelings, it would end badly.
Kenn is actually trying to figure out what to do with her life. Going into Pre med in college or owning her own flower shop, which is her passion. She has one summer to figure it out. Blake is trying to figure out his own life, and he needs to do it at the same family summer house that Kenn is staying. Blake has the summer to get away from the drama in his life that happened. Blake is actually battling and recovering from his addiction to pain pills. He has these feelings for McKenna, but he needs to control it
This story was enjoyable. OH my all the angst! I really enjoyed their chemistry, their connection, the looks, the steam......
May 6, 2019
Torn between returning to her pre-med studies, and her dream to run a flower shop, 19-year-old McKenna is urged to stay at her family’s summer beach house to take some time and make life-altering decisions. Unbeknownst to her Blake, her attractive step-brother, is also encouraged to stay at the beach house and sort out his life, post-rehab. It’s clear from the start that a VERY strong attraction exists between the two; but it’s an absolutely forbidden attraction. Told through the dual POV’s of McKenna and Blake, the events of the summer and the unavoidable sexual tension growing between them, Step Summer pulls you in deep and keeps you on the edge of your toes with a “will they/won’t they” tease. This is one hot summer read. Can they resist their urges, or will the dam of desire burst, drenching them in the ultimate forbidden summer romance? You’ll be secretly wishing for it to happen the entire time.
June 7, 2019
Step Summer is an easy read, age gap and step brother romance. It was so easy to get lost in this book while reading it.
Set in the summer in a cute shore town, Mckenna and Blake are both staying at the beach house to straighten their lives out but the plan might go the way it was supposed to. They’re both thrust by their parents into staying there for the summer and it starts out as an awkward stay for both of them. Even though they’re step siblings they’ve never spent much time together. As the days turn into weeks and they spend more time together, the heat turns up quickly between the two.
Mckenna and Blake’s chemistry was so right that I forgot they were step brother/sister most of the time. They were super compatible and their story flowed so well.
The storyline also flowed well and I love that everything moved at a good pace. It’s a perfect fun summer read and I love the forbidden aspect to it. Definitely recommend
Set in the summer in a cute shore town, Mckenna and Blake are both staying at the beach house to straighten their lives out but the plan might go the way it was supposed to. They’re both thrust by their parents into staying there for the summer and it starts out as an awkward stay for both of them. Even though they’re step siblings they’ve never spent much time together. As the days turn into weeks and they spend more time together, the heat turns up quickly between the two.
Mckenna and Blake’s chemistry was so right that I forgot they were step brother/sister most of the time. They were super compatible and their story flowed so well.
The storyline also flowed well and I love that everything moved at a good pace. It’s a perfect fun summer read and I love the forbidden aspect to it. Definitely recommend
May 9, 2019
Luckily I got to read and review for one of Tanya Gallagher’s other books and I’m so happy she reached out to me and asked me if I wanted to read and review “Step Summer”. Ya’ll this book is so good! It’s steamy and has some sweet moments. I’m not going to lie it took me a hot minute to get over that the fact that Blake and McKenna are step siblings. I just kept telling myself they’re not related when I was reading the first couple chapters and then after that I was over it and much more focused on BLAKE! Ya’ll BLAKEEEEE! He might have had a rough patch in his life with his addiction to his pain meds he was taking for a lacrosse injury but he got over it and he is SOOOOO sweet to McKenna. Every girl (or guy) needs a Blake in their life. Stop what you’re doing and go pre-order “Step Summer” it comes on June 6th and you’re not going to want to miss out reading this book.
May 29, 2019
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Looking for a forbidden romance? This is the one for you!
Blake & McKenna meet for the first time at their parents wedding and are instantly attracted to each other. They then avoid each other at all costs because they know their attraction can't go anywhere.
A few years later, Blake is coming out of rehab after a bout with addiction. His parents arrange for him to stay with McKenna at the family's beach house. McKenna is trying to figure out whether or not to drop out of school and pursue her dream of opening her own flower shop. With both of them being in the same place, their attraction seems to increase and as they get to know each other. As time goes on, it's getting harder and harder for them to deny their impulses. They give in and then wonder if it was the right thing to do.
What will their parents say about this? They are step siblings after all, will this romance pan out?
Looking for a forbidden romance? This is the one for you!
Blake & McKenna meet for the first time at their parents wedding and are instantly attracted to each other. They then avoid each other at all costs because they know their attraction can't go anywhere.
A few years later, Blake is coming out of rehab after a bout with addiction. His parents arrange for him to stay with McKenna at the family's beach house. McKenna is trying to figure out whether or not to drop out of school and pursue her dream of opening her own flower shop. With both of them being in the same place, their attraction seems to increase and as they get to know each other. As time goes on, it's getting harder and harder for them to deny their impulses. They give in and then wonder if it was the right thing to do.
What will their parents say about this? They are step siblings after all, will this romance pan out?
June 6, 2019
This was the perfect read to kick off the summer. It gave me every single summer vibe I needed.
I am a huge fan of forbidden romance and this one has the step sibling angle and an age gap and I was just all kinds of here for it.
I love Blake and McKenna so much. They’re each at a crossroads in their life and need a summer to clear their heads and figure out their next moves. I love how much Blake supports McKenna’s dreams and how much she’s there for him and is a rock for him and doesn’t doubt him as much as everyone else around him seems to.
They have this undeniable chemistry and I loved seeing them try to resist it as much as I loved watching them give in to it.
I am a huge fan of forbidden romance and this one has the step sibling angle and an age gap and I was just all kinds of here for it.
I love Blake and McKenna so much. They’re each at a crossroads in their life and need a summer to clear their heads and figure out their next moves. I love how much Blake supports McKenna’s dreams and how much she’s there for him and is a rock for him and doesn’t doubt him as much as everyone else around him seems to.
They have this undeniable chemistry and I loved seeing them try to resist it as much as I loved watching them give in to it.
December 3, 2021
Well I don't hate this book. However, it's a little boring
So Mckenna who is 18 iirc, is taking a gap year and living in her family's beach house. Until Blake, her much older step-brother has to live with her. Which is weird, especially from Mckenna's mom part. How could she let her daughter to live in the same house with a man 10 year her senior? Men are dangerous, come on. And he's a recovering alcoholic who can collapse any time.
Oh they also try to find what they want in their life. How to live without dissappointing their loved ones etc.
So Mckenna who is 18 iirc, is taking a gap year and living in her family's beach house. Until Blake, her much older step-brother has to live with her. Which is weird, especially from Mckenna's mom part. How could she let her daughter to live in the same house with a man 10 year her senior? Men are dangerous, come on. And he's a recovering alcoholic who can collapse any time.
Oh they also try to find what they want in their life. How to live without dissappointing their loved ones etc.
June 3, 2019
Step brothers is a trope that I honestly haven’t read that many books about. Step Summer is the first one I’ve read in a long time. The main characters have a 10 year age gap. They are both in cross points in their lives. I enjoyed this one. There were a few points I thought were a little rushed and I wanted to dig a little deeper. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
I voluntarily read an early copy.
July 6, 2019
What a fun beach read with some serious moments, too :).
Blake and McKenna are both in a season of transition. When they are forced to share the family beach house, it causes them to not only change the direction of their lives, but how they view each other.
Be prepared to get hot, not only from sunbathing on the beach, but the contents of this delightful romance :).
* I know Tanya via my RWA chapter, but she did not ask me to provide a review of her book.
Blake and McKenna are both in a season of transition. When they are forced to share the family beach house, it causes them to not only change the direction of their lives, but how they view each other.
Be prepared to get hot, not only from sunbathing on the beach, but the contents of this delightful romance :).
* I know Tanya via my RWA chapter, but she did not ask me to provide a review of her book.
June 6, 2019
”I don’t want to be the one who tells you what’s right for you. The rest of the world has been doing that to you for your whole life. I don’t want to show you the world and tell you you can’t have it. I want to be the one to give it to you.”
SIGHHHHHHHHH! This. Man. *bites lip and rolls eyes* This was the perfect forbidden romance pick me up! Step Summer by Tanya Gallagher is HERE and honestly, Blake and McKenna are PERFECT for each other!
Forbidden romance is easily one of my fav genres. It’s definitely my guilty pleasure since I don’t read it as often as I wish I could. So when I do get a chance to sink into one, I rate it HARD! I was pleased by the in-depth writing by Tanya! This is my first read by her and SO did not disappoint! The tale weaved with that extra spice of forbidden ness in the book was TO. DIE. FOR!
The lust and angst almost had me. Blake and McKenna are so achingly compatible for one another, you almost forget their step siblings! It was so easy to get lost in this one and I just appreciate a good read that draws you in and doesn’t spit you out on the other side until well after you’ve finished the book! If that’s what you cling to in a romance, this read is for you!
SIGHHHHHHHHH! This. Man. *bites lip and rolls eyes* This was the perfect forbidden romance pick me up! Step Summer by Tanya Gallagher is HERE and honestly, Blake and McKenna are PERFECT for each other!
Forbidden romance is easily one of my fav genres. It’s definitely my guilty pleasure since I don’t read it as often as I wish I could. So when I do get a chance to sink into one, I rate it HARD! I was pleased by the in-depth writing by Tanya! This is my first read by her and SO did not disappoint! The tale weaved with that extra spice of forbidden ness in the book was TO. DIE. FOR!
The lust and angst almost had me. Blake and McKenna are so achingly compatible for one another, you almost forget their step siblings! It was so easy to get lost in this one and I just appreciate a good read that draws you in and doesn’t spit you out on the other side until well after you’ve finished the book! If that’s what you cling to in a romance, this read is for you!
June 20, 2019
Such a fun summer book!
October 3, 2019
4.5 Stars
July 4, 2020
Estuvo bueno pero decayó bastante al final, el desenlace fue muy apresurado >.<
May 1, 2019
Step Summer is a fabulous forbidden romance that still qualifies as a sweet, summer read. If you love step-sibling romances that don't feel dirty, then this is a great choice. It's light, but hot (hello, shower sex) and has the perfect amount of angst and drama.
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