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Cruel Summer #2
Summer Seduction
Marlo and Ray's story continues…
I wanted revenge.
And I got it in the best way possible.
Ray has always driven me insane, now that we're older, all I want is to make her feel the pain she put me through for four years.
And then suddenly, everything shifts and I realize I just want her,
It's bad enough that I'm the camp director — her boss.
Our love is equal to our hate for one another and the burning tension between us refuses to relent. If anything it's gotten worse.
I push her.
She pushes back.
Passion, whether it be born of love or hate — is a powerful beast, one I'm refusing to tame.
I wanted revenge.
And I got it in the best way possible.
Ray has always driven me insane, now that we're older, all I want is to make her feel the pain she put me through for four years.
And then suddenly, everything shifts and I realize I just want her,
It's bad enough that I'm the camp director — her boss.
Our love is equal to our hate for one another and the burning tension between us refuses to relent. If anything it's gotten worse.
I push her.
She pushes back.
Passion, whether it be born of love or hate — is a powerful beast, one I'm refusing to tame.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2018
241 people are currently reading
923 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.5k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
December 29, 2019
This really took me back to summer camp.
Great book, Rachel Van Dyken is a terrific writer and really develops the characters well. She gives them so much depth and feelings that you end up feeling for them. The relationship between Marlo and Ray is growing in this book and even though they are both immensely afraid to put themselves out there for fear that the other will end up rejecting them them, they are building something slowly.
While the camp is putting together the production of Dirty Dancing, Ray is in charge of the choreography, which is her weak area. Though she is a triple threat (acting, singing, dancing), the dancing is the one area she has been unable to just let herself go and be vulnerable. This is another area she fears rejection, it all stems from her parents rejecting her. She keeps alluding to losing someone and that being the reason that her parents have never shown her love. It sounds like it was a brother at a young age.
It seems that Marlo doesn’t know about this, it must have happened prior to him being placed with his foster parents who lived near Ray and worked for her parents. Marlo has been noticing that she has nobody on her side though, she is alone and her parents were never there.
The supporting characters are hilarious in this book, especially Jackson and Brax, the other two camp counselors that are friends of Marlon and Ray. They provide quite a bit of side commentary and comic relief. Like the first, this book ends with a cliffhanger, and it is a doozy. I am definitely grabbing book 3 right away and staying up all night to finish it. 🤯
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Great book, Rachel Van Dyken is a terrific writer and really develops the characters well. She gives them so much depth and feelings that you end up feeling for them. The relationship between Marlo and Ray is growing in this book and even though they are both immensely afraid to put themselves out there for fear that the other will end up rejecting them them, they are building something slowly.
While the camp is putting together the production of Dirty Dancing, Ray is in charge of the choreography, which is her weak area. Though she is a triple threat (acting, singing, dancing), the dancing is the one area she has been unable to just let herself go and be vulnerable. This is another area she fears rejection, it all stems from her parents rejecting her. She keeps alluding to losing someone and that being the reason that her parents have never shown her love. It sounds like it was a brother at a young age.
It seems that Marlo doesn’t know about this, it must have happened prior to him being placed with his foster parents who lived near Ray and worked for her parents. Marlo has been noticing that she has nobody on her side though, she is alone and her parents were never there.
The supporting characters are hilarious in this book, especially Jackson and Brax, the other two camp counselors that are friends of Marlon and Ray. They provide quite a bit of side commentary and comic relief. Like the first, this book ends with a cliffhanger, and it is a doozy. I am definitely grabbing book 3 right away and staying up all night to finish it. 🤯
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Amazon|Twitter|BookBub
August 28, 2018
Rachel Van Dyken continues turning on the heat with the second installment of the Cruel Summer trilogy, Summer Seduction which picks up right where Summer Heat left off.
The die has been cast, Marlon wanted revenge over Ray for the four years of suffering she inflicted on him during high school. They loved each other, but she pretended otherwise. Now that he’s the director of a prestigious drama camp where Ray is the new instructor, Marlon has the upper hand. And after braking her heart just as she broke hers, he realizes that what he truly wanted wasn’t’ revenge. He wanted to girl he’s always loved. Can they trust each other with their hearts or will they continue to push back? Either way, it’ll be hot and intense.
RVD continues layering her characters, both main and supporting alike. Ray and Marlon in particular continue revealing their high school relationship along with the present day people they’ve become all while trying to figure out what the mean to each other and what had started to spark in the previous book is now blazing hot inferno.
I had been anxiously waiting for this book and wasn’t disappointed. RVD hooked me right from the start with a great story line, wonderful characters, the angst, the heat, the humor. I couldn’t put it down and when I got to the end I definitely wanted more.
Summer Seduction is book #2 of the Cruel Summer trilogy by Rachel Van Dyken. Told from both points of view with a cliffhanger.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
The die has been cast, Marlon wanted revenge over Ray for the four years of suffering she inflicted on him during high school. They loved each other, but she pretended otherwise. Now that he’s the director of a prestigious drama camp where Ray is the new instructor, Marlon has the upper hand. And after braking her heart just as she broke hers, he realizes that what he truly wanted wasn’t’ revenge. He wanted to girl he’s always loved. Can they trust each other with their hearts or will they continue to push back? Either way, it’ll be hot and intense.
"I realized that even though we were at a ceasefire..
Even though I knew she was off-limits for now...
I hadn't woken up that happy in a really long time."
RVD continues layering her characters, both main and supporting alike. Ray and Marlon in particular continue revealing their high school relationship along with the present day people they’ve become all while trying to figure out what the mean to each other and what had started to spark in the previous book is now blazing hot inferno.
I had been anxiously waiting for this book and wasn’t disappointed. RVD hooked me right from the start with a great story line, wonderful characters, the angst, the heat, the humor. I couldn’t put it down and when I got to the end I definitely wanted more.
Summer Seduction is book #2 of the Cruel Summer trilogy by Rachel Van Dyken. Told from both points of view with a cliffhanger.
* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via Social Butterfly. I am voluntarily reviewing this title. *
Stalk me on FaceBook * Twitter * Pinterest Book Teasers * More reviews
September 3, 2018
YOU'RE LYING RACHEL! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME!?
August 31, 2018
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Summer Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken picks where it last left off in Summer Heat. This book is definitely a quick read as it quickly jumps into sexual tension that is brewing between Marlo and Ray. Since this is a quick novella, I will just say Marlo and Ray continue to dance around their feelings for one another and oh yeah ends in you begging for the next book.
Summer Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken picks where it last left off in Summer Heat. This book is definitely a quick read as it quickly jumps into sexual tension that is brewing between Marlo and Ray. Since this is a quick novella, I will just say Marlo and Ray continue to dance around their feelings for one another and oh yeah ends in you begging for the next book.
September 3, 2018
I was obsessed with the first installment and this second book is no exception. The first book of the Cruel Summer series ended with a cliffhanger, A MAJOR ONE. One that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall because I was so consumed with the story, I didn't even notice it was coming to an end.
The cliffy at the end of this story is no different. If anything, it's worse. It's the kind of cliffy that will make your jaw drop while simultaneously ripping your heart out of your chest. The relationship between Marlon and Ray is a rocking one, but no doubt too hot to describe. It's a story that will ruin you. I couldn't look away, however, because watching them finally come together and finally "letting go" was a beautiful thing to witness. Be careful though, because I don't think my brain has caught up with my heart in just how angsty this book is.
The cliffy at the end of this story is no different. If anything, it's worse. It's the kind of cliffy that will make your jaw drop while simultaneously ripping your heart out of your chest. The relationship between Marlon and Ray is a rocking one, but no doubt too hot to describe. It's a story that will ruin you. I couldn't look away, however, because watching them finally come together and finally "letting go" was a beautiful thing to witness. Be careful though, because I don't think my brain has caught up with my heart in just how angsty this book is.
August 8, 2019
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 Stars! This was an ok read.
August 31, 2018
*5 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Holy freaking hell. Are you kidding me RVD? You’re killing me here with that cliffy! How am I supposed to wait A WHOLE ENTIRE MONTH before the final book comes, when you just threw that at me? Jesus Christ woman!
I have been looking forward to continuing Marlo and Ray’s story since that cliffhanger in the first book, and I was instantly hooked right back into their story and their feelings from the moment I opened this one. I sped through this in only a couple of hours and I enjoyed it so much.
There was more depth to all of the characters, secondary ones included, and I just had to know what was going to happen. Things seem to start making sense and start coming together, and then BOOM! That goddamned cliffhanger.
I NEED the next book stat! Gah! Touche’ RVD, touche’.
Review also on my blog - Summer Seduction - Rachel Van Dyken
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
Holy freaking hell. Are you kidding me RVD? You’re killing me here with that cliffy! How am I supposed to wait A WHOLE ENTIRE MONTH before the final book comes, when you just threw that at me? Jesus Christ woman!
I have been looking forward to continuing Marlo and Ray’s story since that cliffhanger in the first book, and I was instantly hooked right back into their story and their feelings from the moment I opened this one. I sped through this in only a couple of hours and I enjoyed it so much.
There was more depth to all of the characters, secondary ones included, and I just had to know what was going to happen. Things seem to start making sense and start coming together, and then BOOM! That goddamned cliffhanger.
I NEED the next book stat! Gah! Touche’ RVD, touche’.
Review also on my blog - Summer Seduction - Rachel Van Dyken
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August 22, 2018
After the cliffhanger on book one - we finally get to see what's next with Marlo and Ray. The sexual tension between these two is off the charts. But will Marlo ever be able to get over the hurt from the past and will Ray ever be able to show him that not everything is as it seems?
Once again Rachel has taken her writing to an all new level and sorry but yes this book ends on a killer cliffhanger too! But it is all so worth it.
Once again Rachel has taken her writing to an all new level and sorry but yes this book ends on a killer cliffhanger too! But it is all so worth it.
August 15, 2019
Even though I knew there was another book in this trilogy, the cliffy in this instalment still got me lol. Marlo and Ray continue their back and forth dance of love and hate. I really like the intensity of their chemistry. In this second instalment we get to glimpse a little more into both Marlo and Ray's past. We also get to see more of what makes Jackson, Jackson-- I hope he gets a story.
This is a great summer read with the setting at teenage summer camp for performing arts.
D4/5
This is a great summer read with the setting at teenage summer camp for performing arts.
D4/5
September 2, 2018
Are. You. Kidding. Me???!!!
August 30, 2018
Marlon and Ray’s story continues in Summer Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken and picks up right where we left on. Marlon wanted revenge for everything he suffered, but he realizes that maybe, he wanted so much more. They may hate each other, but hate is really the flip side of love. We get to see the chemistry and sexual tension between these two skyrocket in this book!
I loved reading Ray and Marlon’s back and forth and banter and add the fact that Marlon is now her boss and we have sparks flying everywhere. They have so much bad history between them, can they overcome that and see what they could have? I am loving this series! It is full of angst, great characters and a story that will grip you from the start! And that ending! Rachel knows how to slay us! Can’t wait for the next book!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
I loved reading Ray and Marlon’s back and forth and banter and add the fact that Marlon is now her boss and we have sparks flying everywhere. They have so much bad history between them, can they overcome that and see what they could have? I am loving this series! It is full of angst, great characters and a story that will grip you from the start! And that ending! Rachel knows how to slay us! Can’t wait for the next book!
4.5 stars! Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
August 27, 2018
This has been an entertaining novella series from RVD. It has a Dirty Dancing vibe and is the perfect, quick summer read. There is not too much torture in finding out what awaits Marlo and Ray. I devoured the 100+ pages in just a few hours. Thus far, it has reminded me a great deal of RVD's early work; all the intense emotion but a balance of light hearted moments. I enjoyed it immensely and felt these two characters have really matured throughout the book.
After whining about the last cliffhanger, I should have know this one would be even more brutal. Hurry up, September! If you are looking for a fast paced but heartwarming read, give this series a try.
Thank you to RVD for my advanced review copy.
After whining about the last cliffhanger, I should have know this one would be even more brutal. Hurry up, September! If you are looking for a fast paced but heartwarming read, give this series a try.
Thank you to RVD for my advanced review copy.
August 30, 2018
"And I realized that even though we were at a ceasefire..
Even though I knew she was off-limits for now...
I hadn't woken up that happy in a really long time."
I figured we get some cute, swoony, maybe some angst, fun summer series. Nope. Rachel decided to bring her A game and run my emotions over with a bulldozer. THEN she decided to back up and do it again at the end of this book. I.DIED. Probably a thousand deaths. The devil probably cleared out a spare bedroom and welcomed me home because I don't know if I'm coming back from that ending.
Rachel,
Girlfriend, I adore your books. I love reading your words. But so help me god if this next book in this series crushes my soul we might have an issue. A BIG ONE.
Kidding. But not really kidding.
Heather
"She would never trust me if I tried anything.
I wanted her to come to me.
I wanted her to tell me she couldn't take this thing between us.
Most of all, I didn't just want her to bare her heart.
I wanted her fucking soul."
In all seriousness, this book is outstanding and the series is off the charts. Angst lovers unit cause this one is ahhhmazing. These two have some of the best chemistry I've read in a while and it's so worth every penny I paid for my iPad, yeah you gotta have iTunes/iBooks to be able to read these books. I can not wait for the next book. This is gonna be a long month waiting for it. GAHHHHH!
Review in exchange for honest review
October 8, 2020
To all my safety gang readers- this book is prolly isn't the one for you. After the aftermath of their one night stand gone wrong years ago, the h hadn't been intimate with anyone until she met the H again five years later whilst our dearest H was busy sowing his wild oats. And when asked about his adventures, his beautiful reason was:-
“she was my replacement for you”
Are you fcuking kidding me?!?!
“she was my replacement for you”
Are you fcuking kidding me?!?!
August 20, 2018
Why Rachel why? How can you do this to me? I need book three NOW! I don’t believe we have to wait a month for the next book.
I’m really intrigued about Jackson and Jen. I really hope they have more in the next book or that they get their own story!
I really fell more in love with Ray and Marlo in this book. I really hope they get the chance to make things right. Love and hate two emotions that are so close! They are both so closed off they need to break down their walls.
I love this series and everyone needs to get iTunes so they can read these amazing books!!
I’m really intrigued about Jackson and Jen. I really hope they have more in the next book or that they get their own story!
I really fell more in love with Ray and Marlo in this book. I really hope they get the chance to make things right. Love and hate two emotions that are so close! They are both so closed off they need to break down their walls.
I love this series and everyone needs to get iTunes so they can read these amazing books!!
October 1, 2018
⭐4 sunshine stars⭐
“Our mouths fused. She tasted like my sunshine, like light. She tasted like she was finally free. My head swam with possibilities while my heart pounded against my chest. Finally. Fucking… finally.”
Summer Seduction is the second book in the Cruel Summer trilogy. So far it's my favorite.
Full of so much tension, seduction and heat to light a fire.
Filled with pain, hurt and heartbreak to damage a soul.
In this book we'll see Ray and Marlo tip-toeing around their love and hatred and deciding which one would win.
“She was…
She had been…
Would always be…
Everything to me. All it had taken was a succession of vulnerable moments followed by vulnerable moments where I saw the girl I used to know shadowed by the girl she was forced to be, and I was lost..”
“Our mouths fused. She tasted like my sunshine, like light. She tasted like she was finally free. My head swam with possibilities while my heart pounded against my chest. Finally. Fucking… finally.”
Summer Seduction is the second book in the Cruel Summer trilogy. So far it's my favorite.
Full of so much tension, seduction and heat to light a fire.
Filled with pain, hurt and heartbreak to damage a soul.
In this book we'll see Ray and Marlo tip-toeing around their love and hatred and deciding which one would win.
“She was…
She had been…
Would always be…
Everything to me. All it had taken was a succession of vulnerable moments followed by vulnerable moments where I saw the girl I used to know shadowed by the girl she was forced to be, and I was lost..”
May 12, 2022
Esta segunda entrega empieza justo en el momento en el que terminó la primera parte, pero desde el punto de vista de Marlon.
La autora no baja la tensión entre Ray y Marlon, sino que aumenta (si es que era posible). La atracción y el odio mutuo que sienten el uno por el otro, y la intensidad de su química no hacen más que crearme preguntas en cada párrafo que leo.
De hecho, devoré los veinticuatro capítulos en menos tiempo del que pensé que tardaría, porque el final que nos brinda esta segunda entrega me dejó sin palabras. Definitivamente, tengo que admitir que esta es una historia que te altera los sentidos y te mantiene en alerta porque con estos dos nunca sabes qué esperar. De hecho, es todo una montaña rusa de emociones que te hace llorar por Ray y a la vez te hace suspirar por Marlon y por lo mucho que intenta llegar hasta Ray.
No tengo mucho más que decir de esta segunda entrega porque todas las escenas parecen necesarias, no he visto realmente ninguna que sea de relleno y los momentos Johnny y Baby de Dirty Dancing entre Ray y Marlon son mis favoritos. Adoro esa película. También tengo que añadir que la autora tiene unos gustos magníficos en cuanto a musicales. La comparación que le hace Marlon a Ray en cuanto a Christine y El Fantasma de la Ópera son impecables, es como su propia historia.
Tengo muchísimas ganas de saber cómo acabará esta saga que tanto me está enamorando. Yo no era fan de los campamentos y muchos menos de este lado del mundo de Hollywood hasta que empecé esta trilogía. Como ya he dicho tantas veces, Rachel Van Dyken tiene una pluma impecable.
La autora no baja la tensión entre Ray y Marlon, sino que aumenta (si es que era posible). La atracción y el odio mutuo que sienten el uno por el otro, y la intensidad de su química no hacen más que crearme preguntas en cada párrafo que leo.
De hecho, devoré los veinticuatro capítulos en menos tiempo del que pensé que tardaría, porque el final que nos brinda esta segunda entrega me dejó sin palabras. Definitivamente, tengo que admitir que esta es una historia que te altera los sentidos y te mantiene en alerta porque con estos dos nunca sabes qué esperar. De hecho, es todo una montaña rusa de emociones que te hace llorar por Ray y a la vez te hace suspirar por Marlon y por lo mucho que intenta llegar hasta Ray.
No tengo mucho más que decir de esta segunda entrega porque todas las escenas parecen necesarias, no he visto realmente ninguna que sea de relleno y los momentos Johnny y Baby de Dirty Dancing entre Ray y Marlon son mis favoritos. Adoro esa película. También tengo que añadir que la autora tiene unos gustos magníficos en cuanto a musicales. La comparación que le hace Marlon a Ray en cuanto a Christine y El Fantasma de la Ópera son impecables, es como su propia historia.
Tengo muchísimas ganas de saber cómo acabará esta saga que tanto me está enamorando. Yo no era fan de los campamentos y muchos menos de este lado del mundo de Hollywood hasta que empecé esta trilogía. Como ya he dicho tantas veces, Rachel Van Dyken tiene una pluma impecable.
August 24, 2018
“The darkness has a way of covering things you didn’t want seen. But the light? It demanded you see it all. ‘Watch’, it said.”
Ahh! Man, this story! Marlo and Ray are so afraid to let go, afraid to let each other in, afraid of rejection, and rightfully so. Their past together is filled with hurt feelings and wrong doings. I love the build of their connection. They are fire and ice, yet they burn for each other. They see each other for who they really are, not the person they allow others to see. Their chemistry is off the charts.
“But that was the thing about regret – it was so much easier to blame every single thing around you than to admit that maybe you’d had a part in the decision-making too. Maybe the other person wasn’t the problem. Maybe it was you.”
Feelings are finally shared and put out there, protective walls around their hearts are cracked, and there’s so much honesty. It’s hopeful, it’s beautiful.
And how about Brax and Jackson. They need a shout out, I love them. I love their banter and the fun and friendship they bring to the story.
Things are getting so good!! And that ending! I need the final book! Bring on Summer Nights!
Ahh! Man, this story! Marlo and Ray are so afraid to let go, afraid to let each other in, afraid of rejection, and rightfully so. Their past together is filled with hurt feelings and wrong doings. I love the build of their connection. They are fire and ice, yet they burn for each other. They see each other for who they really are, not the person they allow others to see. Their chemistry is off the charts.
“But that was the thing about regret – it was so much easier to blame every single thing around you than to admit that maybe you’d had a part in the decision-making too. Maybe the other person wasn’t the problem. Maybe it was you.”
Feelings are finally shared and put out there, protective walls around their hearts are cracked, and there’s so much honesty. It’s hopeful, it’s beautiful.
And how about Brax and Jackson. They need a shout out, I love them. I love their banter and the fun and friendship they bring to the story.
Things are getting so good!! And that ending! I need the final book! Bring on Summer Nights!
August 14, 2019
3.5*
Review to come
Review to come
August 28, 2018
I think we all know you cannot go wrong with picking up a Rachel Van Dyken book. And this Cruel Summer series definitely does not disappoint. This is book two in the series. I'm going to be perfectly honest. You will want to read book 1 in the series, HOWEVER, a friend of mine read book 2 without reading book 1, and still understood everything that was going on. So, do with that what you may. ;)
Story Line: Ray and Marlo's story picks up at his camp (he's the director and she's the choreographer). The opening scene would be super hot, however it resumes at a very unfortunate time. But that's really par for the course with these two. They have hot, explosive laundry and then the universe decides they need to cool it. You know the saying "it's a thin line between love and hate"? I'm pretty sure this book is the epitome of that phrase. Marlo initially wanted revenge on the beautiful and (in his eyes) unattainable Ray. Their history goes back - like way back. She hurt him all those years ago, then remained as the one the got away. The tug, the push and pull, the angst. I loved it. HARD.
Interaction: The way Ray and Marlo communicate is sensational. They are sarcastic, witty and yet so very in sync. They dish out insults one page and then are playing with fire the next. I love the yo-yo effect their communication creates. And don't even get me started on the other guys in this book. I love their friends. They are so funny - the perfect comic relief. I think I could go on and on about why I love the characters of these books for days. But who wants to read something that's NOT a book for that long? Not I, said the cat.
Laundry: You know how we all have those summer lovin' fantasies? Don't lie, you know you do. I made one of mine a reality by having naughty laundry in a corn field once. Not even sorry. But another one of my fantasies involves a summer camp and a cabin. It's like RVD climbed into my head and wrote out dirty wish list. Seriously though. The "hate" laundry in this book is off the flippin' charts. And that revenge shower scene? OMG I may need a cold shower just from the memory.
Depth: Ray is that woman who has the funniest combacks, gives the best advice and walks around like she doesn't have a care in the world. She's also that woman who is fighting an inner battle that no one knows about. There is so much beautiful contradiction in this book. Strong yet scared, attraction yet distance, love yet hate, etc. But all of it works so incredibly perfect for the story and its characters. This was a quick read - mainly because I could not force my eyes to look away even if my boss was standing right behind me tapping her foot. Totally didn't happen but the possibility was valid. Summer Seduction had my seduced from the very first page. It was full of angst, temptation and laughter. Now I will sit her bobbing my foot up and down, impatiently waiting for book 3.
Story Line: Ray and Marlo's story picks up at his camp (he's the director and she's the choreographer). The opening scene would be super hot, however it resumes at a very unfortunate time. But that's really par for the course with these two. They have hot, explosive laundry and then the universe decides they need to cool it. You know the saying "it's a thin line between love and hate"? I'm pretty sure this book is the epitome of that phrase. Marlo initially wanted revenge on the beautiful and (in his eyes) unattainable Ray. Their history goes back - like way back. She hurt him all those years ago, then remained as the one the got away. The tug, the push and pull, the angst. I loved it. HARD.
Interaction: The way Ray and Marlo communicate is sensational. They are sarcastic, witty and yet so very in sync. They dish out insults one page and then are playing with fire the next. I love the yo-yo effect their communication creates. And don't even get me started on the other guys in this book. I love their friends. They are so funny - the perfect comic relief. I think I could go on and on about why I love the characters of these books for days. But who wants to read something that's NOT a book for that long? Not I, said the cat.
Laundry: You know how we all have those summer lovin' fantasies? Don't lie, you know you do. I made one of mine a reality by having naughty laundry in a corn field once. Not even sorry. But another one of my fantasies involves a summer camp and a cabin. It's like RVD climbed into my head and wrote out dirty wish list. Seriously though. The "hate" laundry in this book is off the flippin' charts. And that revenge shower scene? OMG I may need a cold shower just from the memory.
Depth: Ray is that woman who has the funniest combacks, gives the best advice and walks around like she doesn't have a care in the world. She's also that woman who is fighting an inner battle that no one knows about. There is so much beautiful contradiction in this book. Strong yet scared, attraction yet distance, love yet hate, etc. But all of it works so incredibly perfect for the story and its characters. This was a quick read - mainly because I could not force my eyes to look away even if my boss was standing right behind me tapping her foot. Totally didn't happen but the possibility was valid. Summer Seduction had my seduced from the very first page. It was full of angst, temptation and laughter. Now I will sit her bobbing my foot up and down, impatiently waiting for book 3.
August 30, 2018
What the hell did I just read?!?!
If you read my review for the first book in the series, Summer Heat, then you know that I started off that review saying pretty much the same thing I did above. That is because this series has wrecked me emotionally, especially after the heart-wrenching cliffhanger this second book ended on. Rachel Van Dyken was cruel ending the first book the way she did, but now she is down right evil after this ending. This is your warning; prepare yourself because I still haven’t recovered.
So now that that that’s out of the way, let’s get on to the review.
Summer Seduction picks up right where Summer Heat left off and things are rocky between Marlo and Ray. Marlo realizes he made a mistake trying to get his revenge on Ray. His feelings towards her ultimately outweigh his need to get even, and so he tries to mend things between them. But, it isn’t that simple. Marlo and Ray’s relationship is full of angst and passion, stemming from their hate/love for one another that began back in high school. The tension has slowly been building and as a result, the two finally come together both physically as well as emotionally.
I really liked how Marlo and Ray dealt with their past and the issues surrounding it in this book. What started out physical, once the tension between them hit a breaking point, soon turned into a emotionally charged exchange where all their thoughts and feelings were laid out on the table, or in this case a bed, for each other to process. It was so wonderful to see them come together and reach a place of happiness with one another. Major tugging-at-heartstrings moment.
Like in my last review, I’m not going to go too much into what happens. One, because this is the second book and two, because I firmly believe going into these books as blind as possible will make your reading experience that much better. What I will say is that I usually have a hard time connecting with the couple when it is a second chance romance because I feel like I’m missing something since I didn’t get to see their beginning. This is 100% not the case with Marlo and Ray. The connection between them is obvious from page one, but the added flashbacks throughout this and the first book really allow you to believe that their feelings for one another are as real as they were in the past.
Summer Seduction was just as amazing as the first book. If you are looking for a quick summer romance to end your summer with that is both angst and emotional, then check out the Cruel Summer series!
If you read my review for the first book in the series, Summer Heat, then you know that I started off that review saying pretty much the same thing I did above. That is because this series has wrecked me emotionally, especially after the heart-wrenching cliffhanger this second book ended on. Rachel Van Dyken was cruel ending the first book the way she did, but now she is down right evil after this ending. This is your warning; prepare yourself because I still haven’t recovered.
So now that that that’s out of the way, let’s get on to the review.
Summer Seduction picks up right where Summer Heat left off and things are rocky between Marlo and Ray. Marlo realizes he made a mistake trying to get his revenge on Ray. His feelings towards her ultimately outweigh his need to get even, and so he tries to mend things between them. But, it isn’t that simple. Marlo and Ray’s relationship is full of angst and passion, stemming from their hate/love for one another that began back in high school. The tension has slowly been building and as a result, the two finally come together both physically as well as emotionally.
I really liked how Marlo and Ray dealt with their past and the issues surrounding it in this book. What started out physical, once the tension between them hit a breaking point, soon turned into a emotionally charged exchange where all their thoughts and feelings were laid out on the table, or in this case a bed, for each other to process. It was so wonderful to see them come together and reach a place of happiness with one another. Major tugging-at-heartstrings moment.
Like in my last review, I’m not going to go too much into what happens. One, because this is the second book and two, because I firmly believe going into these books as blind as possible will make your reading experience that much better. What I will say is that I usually have a hard time connecting with the couple when it is a second chance romance because I feel like I’m missing something since I didn’t get to see their beginning. This is 100% not the case with Marlo and Ray. The connection between them is obvious from page one, but the added flashbacks throughout this and the first book really allow you to believe that their feelings for one another are as real as they were in the past.
Summer Seduction was just as amazing as the first book. If you are looking for a quick summer romance to end your summer with that is both angst and emotional, then check out the Cruel Summer series!
August 30, 2018
Summer just got a little hotter. Wow the story of Marlo and Ray continues. This book is amazing, there is so much tension and so many emotions throughout this part of their journey, you can’t help but to just get sucked right in. This book was hot and steamy, but not in a way that made me shy away from it. I personally do not like graphic sex scenes, but the intimacy in this book was written in way I didn’t mind it, it basically just drew you in. I not only love Marlo and Ray but the other characters in this book also! This book also ends with a nail biting cliffhanger and I personally can not wait for the next part of this journey!! You will definitely want to read this series!!
August 29, 2018
Ray and Marlo crew exponentially in this read and I’m smiling and laughing then bam Rachel twirled her mighty pen and kicked me right in my lady jewels at the end and left me breathless. I need the third book like two hours ago cause I’m still sitting here stunned in the most epic way.
I fell deeply for these characters as they evolved and the story progressed into what I’ve come to love from the mind of RVD. Levels upon levels of love and growth with feels and swoon and crazy chickens. I can’t wait to get my heart back and get the next read!
I fell deeply for these characters as they evolved and the story progressed into what I’ve come to love from the mind of RVD. Levels upon levels of love and growth with feels and swoon and crazy chickens. I can’t wait to get my heart back and get the next read!
August 21, 2018
This second installment in this summer series is fabulous!
This story starts right off of Summer Heat.
Ray and Marlon are still trying to figure out what they truly mean to each other.
There is humor (the secondary characters are phenomenal), there is steamy heat and there is a fantastic story line as well.
This story makes me wish that I had gone to summer camp as a kid.
Ms. Van Dyken’s writing is fabulous and this series is just another testament to her fine writing!
This story starts right off of Summer Heat.
Ray and Marlon are still trying to figure out what they truly mean to each other.
There is humor (the secondary characters are phenomenal), there is steamy heat and there is a fantastic story line as well.
This story makes me wish that I had gone to summer camp as a kid.
Ms. Van Dyken’s writing is fabulous and this series is just another testament to her fine writing!
August 25, 2018
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Wow! What a great second book in this series. Ray and Marlo definitely have their work cut out for them.
Of course you know there’s more to the story. There always is ... but we won’t get the full shebang until Summer Nights. Which I’m looking forward to reading!
Rachel Van Dykan has written a fantastic summer series focused on dance, music, acting and what it means to bear your soul for those really watching.
Wow! What a great second book in this series. Ray and Marlo definitely have their work cut out for them.
Of course you know there’s more to the story. There always is ... but we won’t get the full shebang until Summer Nights. Which I’m looking forward to reading!
Rachel Van Dykan has written a fantastic summer series focused on dance, music, acting and what it means to bear your soul for those really watching.
September 12, 2018
Wow!! Helluva cliffhanger!! Now I have to wait until the end of September to see what happens.
Ray and Marlon are finally getting to a good place. Jackson is in a dark place (I’m loving this guy btw). Hopefully he’ll get his own book. We’ll see.
"I just wanted to feel you, Marlo.”
"You are feeling me.”
"I wanted to hear your heart too.”
"Why?”
"So, I could remember the way it raced when I told you… I love you.”
I exhaled a shaky breath.
“There it is.” She sighed happily.
Ray and Marlon are finally getting to a good place. Jackson is in a dark place (I’m loving this guy btw). Hopefully he’ll get his own book. We’ll see.
"I just wanted to feel you, Marlo.”
"You are feeling me.”
"I wanted to hear your heart too.”
"Why?”
"So, I could remember the way it raced when I told you… I love you.”
I exhaled a shaky breath.
“There it is.” She sighed happily.
August 30, 2018
Summer Seduction is the second book in the Cruel Summer series. You can not read this as a standalone so if you haven’t read Summer Heat then what are you waiting for. Go. If you haven’t read it then maybe skip this review. I will make it as spoil-free as possible, just in case you don’t listen. Lol
Ray still hates Marlo. Marlo still hates Ray. Just as much as they love each other. Their story continues after he gets revenge on the princess who made his life hell in high school. Was it worth it? To see her in pain.
Marlo and Ray’s relationship is complex. They are both afraid to trust. To let their walls down. To let the other in. To only let them break them all over again. Who’s Wall is going to crack first?
I love these two! The banter. The fighting. The passion. The tears. The looks. The dancing. Everything.
Overall...I am fully invested in their relationship. Whatever it is. I need the next book. Now.
Quotes:
“High school had ruined him; college had refined him.”
“I was an addict for his truth, scrambling with my hands, digging through the dirt to seek it out, to uncover the treasure.”
“Ask me what I did last night.”
She took a sip of coffee, her eyes narrowing. “Went for another stupid run where you got birds to wave at your eight-pack and squirrels to chant your name?”
Ray still hates Marlo. Marlo still hates Ray. Just as much as they love each other. Their story continues after he gets revenge on the princess who made his life hell in high school. Was it worth it? To see her in pain.
Marlo and Ray’s relationship is complex. They are both afraid to trust. To let their walls down. To let the other in. To only let them break them all over again. Who’s Wall is going to crack first?
I love these two! The banter. The fighting. The passion. The tears. The looks. The dancing. Everything.
Overall...I am fully invested in their relationship. Whatever it is. I need the next book. Now.
Quotes:
“High school had ruined him; college had refined him.”
“I was an addict for his truth, scrambling with my hands, digging through the dirt to seek it out, to uncover the treasure.”
“Ask me what I did last night.”
She took a sip of coffee, her eyes narrowing. “Went for another stupid run where you got birds to wave at your eight-pack and squirrels to chant your name?”
August 29, 2018
I NEED MORE!!!! I'm loving everything about these series. I'm living for the love and hate between Marlo and Ray. These cliffy's are making me want to break shit. I am hanging on by a thread waiting on these two to get to their happy place.
August 26, 2018
Simply amazing!!!! I need part 3 like yesterday!! so addicting and captivating!!!!
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