So Inn Love

by Catherine Clark

Reservations? Yes. A couple. Like: Is Hayden really as interested in me as I am in him? And is my roommate right should I "beware of hookups"?

Confirmation? Doubtful. Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you said "commitment."

Special Requests? Let me get through this summer without being fired and heartbroken.

Let me fall in love this summer.

Let me be part of the inn crowd.

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Young Adult Romance, Teen, Summer Reads

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2007

About the author

I love reading books for children, young adults, new adults and all the old people after that.

I love writing for pretty much the same audiences.

Reviews

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Taylor Rector for TeensReadToo.com

Liza takes a summer job at the Tides Inn to make some money, get a tan on the hotel's private beach, and find true love.

When she arrives at the Inn to report for duty things, as expected, do not go as planned.

Instead of working as a front desk clerk she ends up on the housecleaning crew. The dorm that the employees stay in is not nearly as nice as she had hoped. And her former friend that she knew from vacationing in the area with her family acts like Liza is a dead bug on the bottom of her shoe.

SO INN LOVE is a cute summer read, although at times predictable and it seems to have an abrupt ending. It's a great book to read while lying in the sun, though!

[Jeds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Elizabeth or Liza works at an inn for the summer. Argh! I don't really know the main plot of the story since in the first place, there wasn't anything that was developed. All I could say was that Liza works at an inn and the book tells us about her summer there and her experiences while working at the inn.

Honestly, the book was quite bland. Reading it was an undesirable experience. I finished reading the book not because I was interested to but just because of the sake of finishing it. I gave it 2 out of 5. See, the scenes between Liza and Hayden should have been cute and sweet but no, they felt boring... and bland. Liza kept talking about the chemistry between her and Hayden but I didn't honestly, for the life of me, see it. The characters weren't developed. Their personalities weren't exposed to the fullest. It was very superficial. Every aspect of the story was halfway done. It pained me to read something so unsatisfactory.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The back covers of these books don't reveal much about the plot so here's the basic storyline. The main character Liza is working at an exclusive hotel in Rhode Island for the summer along with a group of other kids around her age, including a guy she really likes.

I wasn't wild about the love interest in this one. I never really warmed to him as a character and I thought he was more of a jerk than anything.

Liza was okay, but she was really unreliable in her job and kind of lazy. She seemed to care more about hot guys than doing her work.

The plot was more about the romance than anything else. It was a light, fluffy read, but nothing more than that. I did like that it was set in Rhode Island (one of my favorite places) though.

[Minnie Jung · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 2.5 for the read itself plus .5 for the nostalgia. A summer teen romance set at an exclusive inn in Rhode Island. I loved Catherine Clark books growing up so it was such a fun throwback to read this again!

[Elizabeth Plunkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed So Inn Love from my sister to read on the lake so I wouldn't get my Kindle wet. I used to love these small teen romance novels. This one was good, if a bit predictable. Definitely a quick read suitable for middle school and up (IMO). This makes me want to reread more of these or see how they've changed. It did feel a little dated which makes sense with when it was published.

[Natshane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summertime = summer jobs = summer romance.
Who hates summer? And out of high school for good? Hell, a few more months until my graduation too!
Liza landed her dream job in an inn far away from home, which meant she would spend her summer away from her house, and so very close to the beach. I'll tell you, she has a thing for salt water. Being a newbie, she felt a little left out on her first few days of work, but she had new friends, Josh and Claire, newbies like her too, a childhood friend turned bitter, Caroline and a hot, flirty Hayden (I love that name because of Hayden Christensen...). Working in the inn was supposed to be fun, she thought that she could be the receptionist, but she ended up being in the worst position - housekeeping. Not until some unfortunate events happened and she found herself in a new position that requires her to do basically everything and anything. Another thing about working at the inn, you're not supposed to hook up. But soon, Liza found herself to be head over heels for this guy, but is he true?
I love reading Catherine Clark's books, they are awesome and sort of gave me a Rachel Hawthorne and Hailey Abbott-ish feeling to it. But as much as I love CC, I would say that this is not my favourite out of her books. I preferred Icing on the lake and Picture Perfect. Despite the fact that I love the name Hayden, he's really not like how I pictured him. When I first read the book
blonde + lifeguard = player (New formula), that's what I thought about Hayden, and he's character throughout the book implied so, but in the end I thought he was really sweet, a jerk sometimes, but wise enough to be sensitive. And as much as I love to read from the main character's POV, Liza, I thought she was a bit whiny, and overreacting. I appreciate her adequate skills in sarcasm (which made the book humorous) and her love for nature, but sometimes I just wanted to scream at her and tell her to not be such a brat. Not like ew-that's-so-gross-I'm-not-gonna-clean-the-toilet brat, but like I-saw-you-with-another-girl-I'm-not-gonna-forgive-you-because-you-didn't-tell-me-about-it type. Mostly I think she was overreacting.
Actually, I still had a pretty good time reading this, but I do hope that there would be more bonding between the characters, I thought that the 'relationship' the characters shared were lacking.

[Amber ~ The Reading Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just the book I needed to kick start my summer vacation. Filled with white sand beaches and crush-worthy lifeguards, So Inn Love had me ready to pack my bags and head for Rhode Island. While it definitely wasn't the deepest or best written novel I've ever encountered, I fell head over heels for this piece of chick lit. Hey, every girl needs her guilty pleasures, right?

As the title promises, the novel is one roller-coaster of young love. Liza, our witty and sarcastic heroine, is such fun to read about. I completely envied her summer job, as well as her romantic interest. While Hayden checks all the boxes of a stereotypical heart throb, I still enjoyed getting to know him and watching his relationship with Liza flourish. They truly made an adorable couple.

Catherine Clark's books are always quick, easy reads. I finished So Inn Love in one plane ride and enjoyed every minute of it. It's as if Clark has taken every ingredient a teenage girl wants in her summer and whipped it into a hilarious piece of chick lit. Yes, the plot is predictable. Yes, some aspects are a little superficial. But you know what? I loved it.

Honestly, I don't have that much to say about the novel because it's such a light read. The writing is entertaining and the characters are lovable. I can't ask much more from a beach read. If you are in search of passionate romance or heart-pounding action, don't even consider picking up So Inn Love. However, if you're in the mood for an adorable, girly romance novel, you've come to the right place.

Warning: this book will make you crave a vacation at the beach like you wouldn't believe. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to find my swimsuit and book my ticket to Rhode Island.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really enjoying this story and thought it was very cute. Liza really likes Hayden and he seems to really like her. In the beginning of the book he openly flirts with her in front of everyone. Then all of a sudden he shows that he likes her a lot when they are alone and complete ignores her when they are together. She is upset and concerned about this and who wouldn't be, right? But all it took was a little bike ride to a secluded portion of a beach and she decides she is willing to give herself to him. Why? I ask this question! Yes I like Hayden and his character is nice but what does this show to us and especially to youth. Should you be willing and think it is o.k. to sleep with some guy that you have serious concerns about? I would hope not!

But despite my rampage this was the only aspect of the story that I didn't care for. I thought the book was cute and fun I just wish that wouldn't have been included. If the author wanted to include the story which was tastefully done, you had no information on what was done other than her afterward saying that she slept with Hayden. I would have preferred the scene to take place after some of these concerns were resolved or occured or something to that affect.

[Xache · Rating 1 out of 5]

So infuriating lol I hate him. That's the kind of guy I wish my heroines would listen to me and avoid.

[Kate Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is not my usual genre. But again, I am slowly learning to love cheesy rom-com. This was definitely a cheesy, teeny-bopper love story but I absolutely adored it! It was easy to get through, the characters were adorable and it reminded me of my middle school years! I will say, as much as I adored the characters, Hayden was a douche. Somebody who seemed like he had to have his cake but be able to eat it too. And Liza just fell in love way too easy. Hence the fact that it's a cheesy rom-com, I'm assuming. As flaky as it was, and I know this doesn't make it sound at all appealing, you just couldn't help but read it and fall in love. I really liked it. And I liked this author. I plan to seek out more of her reads!

[Megs Keating · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Inn Love isn't really making me so in love 🫣. This story follows Liza at a summer beach job where she meets this cool and adventurous lifeguard Hayden. Their budding romance .... Is lacking and Hayden has some serious commitment issues. I felt red flag status the whole time reading it... Definitely now as I'm older and can roll my eyes at the shitty-ness of it. My other complaint was I didn't really feel like their romance was truly built up. It was cute but I preferred the author's book Icing on the Lake - so much more character development!

[Hannah Ottesen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Normally 2 stars for me would be a book I really didn't like, but that is not necessarily the case here... it was a quick read and cute enough. Everything was just so meh. The romance, the banter, the stakes, the ending, even the drama between them. I got through it super fast though and it was cute. The best part about it by far was the setting!

[Hendrix Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just fine.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't my cup of tea because I thought Hayden was a jerk and Liza deserved better.
But, I did find the author staying at the Inn funny.

[Katherine Bui · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a very cute, short, fun little summer book. i don't think it makes it on my shelf though

[Tatum Watson]

Remembering a book from jr high I randomly wanna reread

[ktsonofwill · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is dumb and the love interest is an asshole. I probably would have enjoyed this back in my Twilight-reading days, but now it's just something I grab when I'm having trouble falling asleep.

[Ava Mcbride · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute Hayden was the cutest

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It very much drew me in and made me feel like I was really there.

[Em-em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is finally getting the job that she has always wanted. But what was once her dream job turned ugly when she was suddenly transfered from being a receptionist to housekeeper and finally to being the hotel's official gofer who works on call and round the clock. However, what stirs her vacation and dream job around is a boy named Hayden. While enjoying her dream job she is caught in the whirlwind of romance that has its own secrets to be revealed that may cost her her own heart.

I really regret doing my review later now I feel like I am not giving the book any justice on the review part but I will try my hardest. The book spells ROMANCE all over it. It was the kind of book that when you read the first few pages you immediately have no doubts that it is a romance type of book. It was fun and light, Emily's head was a funny place. However the warm and then cold moments from Hayden are sometimes really getting annoying. It was intriguing at first then it just turned frustrating then annoying because the reason behind the cold shoulder moments were held out until the last minute. But I still admire Hayden, the guy sure knows how to put romantic in the romantic touch in everything. I envy Emily she is one lucky girl because Hayden really puts a lot of efforts in everything he does just to win Emily back. With all this romance you might think that the story is all fun yes it is fun and romantic but it leaves us with a beautiful message which is learn to stand on your own feet. There will come a time that we will have to make decisions for ourselves and when we do, we should hold our own ground and not let other people make decisions for us. Also we should all be ready to face the possible consequences of the choices we made.

This book is every bit the summer romance that I was hoping for!

[Ahtims · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a quick and easy fun read. I liked the first three quarters of the book, but the last pages were so-so. Elizabeeth, a perky young lady is glad to be accepted as a summer-time worker in a famous and expensive seaside inn which caters to the upper strata. She is in an insipid relationship with her soon to be ex boyfriend and was hankering for a job at the inn. She gets selected, but to her dismay is assigned menial chores, makes friends, is baffled by the coolness exhibited towards her by her former friend and meets many guys, including Hayden, the golden boy of the lot. Inspite of her deciding not to form temporary relationships she is drawn towards Hayden. I loved the witty repartee and dialogues between the various teens, I immensely liked the character of Elizabeth, but when it came to Hayden, there was something phony. He was a quickly put together character, just so that Elizabeth gets someone to hang out with. The reasonings and justifications for who he is and why he does the things he does are very flimsy. On the whole, a readable book, especially if you like light romantic flings.

[Heloisa Imada · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars (I'm not even sure if it does exist, but well, it's how I fell about this book).
Having read Icing in the Lake and Picture Perfect also by Catherine Clark, I must say that my expectations regarding this book were quite higher than usual.
Sadly, it was a bit disappointing. Don't get me wrong: it isn't a bad book at all but I couldn't avoid feeling annoyed while reading it.
First of all, Liza wasn't one of my fav main charactes. She was just fine, you know? And that thing about really being aware of Hayden attention didn't pleased me at all. I know it isn't her fault but this just is not my fav plot for an ya romance.
Hayden was also cool, but during most part of the book, I thought that he was pretty confused and I had the same feeling that he was ashamed of her, despite the fact that he kept denying it. However, I would be lying if I say that I didn't like the part [SPOILER: when he says he really loves her] because I do like it, a lot.
To sum up, it was a good book and I would recommend it if you're looking for a summer break reading.

[Tardisgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't have a lot to say about this book. It was a fun & easy read. I hadn't noticed when buying it, that it was a teen-book. But soon after I started reading it, it became clear, haha. It's something about the writing style that makes it so "teen", but I can't tell you what it is. I didn't really mind, because it was entertaining enough. But I doubt I'll ever reread it, so I'm glad I only paid 1,50 when I bought it :)


The ending was very sweet, with him declaring his love for her out in public and all. But right after I was done & finished the book, all I could think about was the little love note he put back in the pocket of his pants, and that she wanted to keep. But they went into the water! So what did happen to the note?!!
Haha, yeah.. that's the kind of thing that keeps me occupied, lol.

[Tin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As i've said earlier, So Inn Love is unlike the other Catherine Clark book i've read a couple of weeks back, Icing on the Lake.

Here, the lead characters Liza and Hayden don't beat around the bush when they're trying to express themselves. It is such a relief not to have the typical miscommunication-jumping to conclusion-avoidance tactic-confrontation-kiss and makeup thing, like any other YA novel has. Instead, we are treated with a realistic confrontation that's not too dramatic, and yet not too light either, that the sincerity and truthfulness do not get lost in their reconciliation.

So Inn Love is a lighthearted, romantic read that do not go overboard on the sweetness and cuteness level. It's just right. :)

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The things I like the most about Catherine Clark's books are its easyness to read quality and its simplistic way of making you believe that love can happen anywhere. And I guess once once, she delivered. It was a fast little book to get through but it's not as if I expected otherwise. The book will definitely put you in a summer mood. And for those with those hard summer jobs, it's a book you can fit into your time schedule, and come out believing that maybe you can fall in love if you just open up to chances and not be too obsessive with protecting yourself and your privacy. Read the book to find out what I mean.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book with a nice plot line. The story was a cliche, but it taking place at an inn that was special to the main character made he book much more interesting than it could have been. The story between Liza and everyone around her created a relatable story on many levels. It was clear that the author wanted to portray a character that fit in with a large majority of people, but she also stood out in her own ways. Liza, the main character is a person that most people feel like all the time. She is conflicted, her heart and mind have different ideas of what is right and what is wrong. This made So Inn Love a great book that has characters that are similar to tons of people.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always this book was good. Catherine Clark is an amazing writer. However, as a lover of romance novels I wish there had been more detail in their relationship. I was also very disappointed in the ending which is why I only gave the book 4 stars out of 5. It was also a little slow in the middle and I put it down for a short while. At the beginning however, i thought it was amazing and fast paced. I just wish the book had ended differently. It was almost as if Catherine Clark rushed to finish the book so she threw the last of it together.

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice quick read book to read. Didn't really take me long at all, one of the quickest I've read. The concept was quick. The only ba dpoint to this was it wasn't really indepth everything went quickly done like I felt in parts it was rushed. And sometimes they made me hate the main character Hayden then like him again and yeah it just annoyed me.
But overall if your looknig for a book to take on the plane or in a car ride. I would recommend this.

[Xiao Mei · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to teenagers because it's people are able to relate to it. This book is about romance and focuses on peoples' relationships. It all started with Liza getting a summer job at a hotel in Rhode Island to meeting Hayden. Hayden also works in the same hotel and their relationship begins there. This book is very fun to read and it ended happily with is good. I like happy endings.

[Megan Shultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

well, I'm gonna be honest. this book would not make the top 50 favorite books that I have read. I'm not saying it was terrible, because it was cute. but I just didn't feel connected to Liza and Hayden's relationship as I did with other book relationships. maybe it had something to do with the lack of description of what the looks like. I don't know, it just dint capture my interest as I thought it would.