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Brooklyn Summer
Ashleigh McAllister’s life is a total disaster. Her ex dumped her for a guy, and she can’t seem to stop bumping into them in their suddenly way too small Brooklyn neighborhood. At least Mother Nature is on her side. Summer is here and the forecast is all sun. Ashleigh needs a little excitement, and things get exponentially hotter when Kellan Dwyer walks into her life.
Fresh out of the army, Kellan is killing time apartment sitting before returning home to a scripted future in Colorado. Her itinerary consists solely of having a blast.
Ashleigh and Kellan decide friends with benefits is hot, and fun, and sexy as hell, but romance? Terrible idea.
With the New York City skyline as their backdrop, the summer heats up fast. They just have to keep their feelings in check before someone gets hurt. When opposites attract, can a summer of passion lead to a lifetime of love?
Fresh out of the army, Kellan is killing time apartment sitting before returning home to a scripted future in Colorado. Her itinerary consists solely of having a blast.
Ashleigh and Kellan decide friends with benefits is hot, and fun, and sexy as hell, but romance? Terrible idea.
With the New York City skyline as their backdrop, the summer heats up fast. They just have to keep their feelings in check before someone gets hurt. When opposites attract, can a summer of passion lead to a lifetime of love?
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 3, 2020
26 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Cummings
10 books149 followersMaggie Cummings lives in Staten Island, New York, with her wife and their two children. She has degrees in English, theater, and criminal justice. She works in law enforcement in the NYC metropolitan area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 30, 2020
This is such a romantic book :) my heart is happy !
So you have Kellan the army butch with incredible green eyes and the other MC Ash who’s your typical New York girl. Although the book mainly is during the summer period, I didn’t feel that it was insta love! There was a lot of dialogue and I felt the author managed to make their love feel so real and deep even though it was in a short period of time ! I would’ve loved a bit more details on Kellan’s time in the army though, I think this would’ve been interesting (or maybe because I liked Kellan a bit more than Ash so I wanted more of her story than Ash’s).
There was a point where I got a little bored in the middle because I felt it dragged a bit, but it passed so fast because of the very good supporting characters that really added a lot to the whole story. You know with some books unfortunately there’s always a best friend thrown in the middle just to fill in some gaps, or at least that’s how i feel. But with this one, every supporting character had an interesting part to play. You have the common best friend, the ex, the other best friend and my favorite was the funny grandmother:)
I also enjoyed the sex scenes a lot.. But what really made this a solid 4 star read was the angst that came in the last couple of chapters! Yes I love angst but sometimes it’s forced! For me, this one was perfect ! Everything just made sense!
I loved the ending, I really liked the book and I totally recommend it :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
So you have Kellan the army butch with incredible green eyes and the other MC Ash who’s your typical New York girl. Although the book mainly is during the summer period, I didn’t feel that it was insta love! There was a lot of dialogue and I felt the author managed to make their love feel so real and deep even though it was in a short period of time ! I would’ve loved a bit more details on Kellan’s time in the army though, I think this would’ve been interesting (or maybe because I liked Kellan a bit more than Ash so I wanted more of her story than Ash’s).
There was a point where I got a little bored in the middle because I felt it dragged a bit, but it passed so fast because of the very good supporting characters that really added a lot to the whole story. You know with some books unfortunately there’s always a best friend thrown in the middle just to fill in some gaps, or at least that’s how i feel. But with this one, every supporting character had an interesting part to play. You have the common best friend, the ex, the other best friend and my favorite was the funny grandmother:)
I also enjoyed the sex scenes a lot.. But what really made this a solid 4 star read was the angst that came in the last couple of chapters! Yes I love angst but sometimes it’s forced! For me, this one was perfect ! Everything just made sense!
I loved the ending, I really liked the book and I totally recommend it :)
“I received an ARC for an honest review.”
January 31, 2020
I’m fully prepared to admit that I might be overrating this book a tad. As I’ve written before, my ratings reflect the feelings a book evokes, not whether it’s perfect or not. Brooklyn Summer definitely made me feel a lot, in a good way. It’s heartwarming and immensely romantic and it makes me happy.
There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with Ashleigh’s life. She loves her job, she loves her friends. Sure, she’s living with her parents and sassy grandmother at the moment, after a rather amicable divorce, but she loves her family and they’re all very supportive. She’s not jealous of her ex-wife Reagan’s happiness with her new boyfriend, she’s not even unhappy. Mostly, she feels pathetic. With the summer break starting, she hopes to take control back over her life and plans on visiting all the places she never has time for in her hometown of New York. She was hoping her best friend Liam could tag along but having just taken over his parents’ pub, he can’t go gallivanting all day. As luck would have it, Kellan, one of his army buddies, has been summoned to New York to catsit for her aunt and would love nothing better than to discover the city with a local. The two women hit it off right away, becoming fast friends before admitting there’s more to their relationship than friendship.
The author does a wonderful job of conveying the sensation of falling in love, the way colours are brighter, sounds are clearer, food and drinks taste better. I don’t mind the instalove when it’s done well. I know it happens IRL, I fell in love with my wife immediately – I just didn’t realise that’s what was happening at first. While the characters’ backstories are very different from mine, how they feel about each other sounds a lot like what I’ve experienced, and still feel. The way Ashleigh and Kellan get closer and closer, how their feelings grow, it all feels very organic.
At one point, Kellan thinks of a moment as “perfect and sweet and unbelievably sexy”. These modifiers fit the novel just as well. I’m a little sad I’m done reading this book already, I wouldn’t have minded staying a bit longer in its warmth.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
There’s nothing fundamentally wrong with Ashleigh’s life. She loves her job, she loves her friends. Sure, she’s living with her parents and sassy grandmother at the moment, after a rather amicable divorce, but she loves her family and they’re all very supportive. She’s not jealous of her ex-wife Reagan’s happiness with her new boyfriend, she’s not even unhappy. Mostly, she feels pathetic. With the summer break starting, she hopes to take control back over her life and plans on visiting all the places she never has time for in her hometown of New York. She was hoping her best friend Liam could tag along but having just taken over his parents’ pub, he can’t go gallivanting all day. As luck would have it, Kellan, one of his army buddies, has been summoned to New York to catsit for her aunt and would love nothing better than to discover the city with a local. The two women hit it off right away, becoming fast friends before admitting there’s more to their relationship than friendship.
The author does a wonderful job of conveying the sensation of falling in love, the way colours are brighter, sounds are clearer, food and drinks taste better. I don’t mind the instalove when it’s done well. I know it happens IRL, I fell in love with my wife immediately – I just didn’t realise that’s what was happening at first. While the characters’ backstories are very different from mine, how they feel about each other sounds a lot like what I’ve experienced, and still feel. The way Ashleigh and Kellan get closer and closer, how their feelings grow, it all feels very organic.
At one point, Kellan thinks of a moment as “perfect and sweet and unbelievably sexy”. These modifiers fit the novel just as well. I’m a little sad I’m done reading this book already, I wouldn’t have minded staying a bit longer in its warmth.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2020
Kitty therapy.
Ashleigh (awesome spelling, by the way) is a divorced high school math teacher that spends time at her best guy friend's Brooklyn bar. She hasn't quite gotten beyond the disappointment of her failed relationship. To rub things in, she frequently sees her ex-wife and the new boyfriend all over the neighborhood.
Kellan is a retired military butch that resides at her families' resort in Vail, Colorado. But a cat sitting job brings her to Brooklyn for the summer. She decides to hit up her old military friend, which happens to be Ashleigh's best friend, Liam.
Liam suggests Kellan join Ashleigh on her mission to visit all the tourist hot spots over her summer break.
First of all, it was fun to read all of the descriptions of Brooklyn. Especially Dumbo. That is a spot I take everyone who visits. Best view of Manhattan, in my opinion. I did wonder about beach volleyball as that is not something I've seen there. But maybe I just haven't been there on the right days.
The main characters really did have a strong connection and a lot of chemistry. The author did a fantastic job at making me feel it through glances and touches. It was like I was a fly on the wall as I watched these two develop feelings for one another. Even though the amount of time that passes in the story is short, it really felt like their relationship became authentically robust.
Of course there were some challenges. Kellan was only in Brooklyn for the summer. Ashleigh didn't feel like she was ready to open up and be vulnerable. Especially knowing Kellan would be leaving. Kellan wanted to find an estranged friend from her military days while she was there. And there was more to that relationship than met the eye.
I liked that this story was about them and mostly just them. Either we were reading scenes with them together or scenes with one of them talking or thinking about the other. It was a nice change to have a story like this where it doesn't try too hard to pack insignificant side plots and characters.
And the intimate scenes were so good! I generally don't like to read explicit sex, but for some reason I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. Even when one of them was thinking about sex they had, it was hot. Probably a tribute to how much I connected with these characters that had crazy amounts of chemistry.
Overall, this was a really satisfying romance. I laughed. I cried. And I didn't want it to end.
I recommend this to anyone who likes to read about romance, Brooklyn, New York, bars, coffee, getting over the ex, math teachers, military retirees, attraction, cuteness, and cat therapists.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Ashleigh (awesome spelling, by the way) is a divorced high school math teacher that spends time at her best guy friend's Brooklyn bar. She hasn't quite gotten beyond the disappointment of her failed relationship. To rub things in, she frequently sees her ex-wife and the new boyfriend all over the neighborhood.
Kellan is a retired military butch that resides at her families' resort in Vail, Colorado. But a cat sitting job brings her to Brooklyn for the summer. She decides to hit up her old military friend, which happens to be Ashleigh's best friend, Liam.
Liam suggests Kellan join Ashleigh on her mission to visit all the tourist hot spots over her summer break.
First of all, it was fun to read all of the descriptions of Brooklyn. Especially Dumbo. That is a spot I take everyone who visits. Best view of Manhattan, in my opinion. I did wonder about beach volleyball as that is not something I've seen there. But maybe I just haven't been there on the right days.
The main characters really did have a strong connection and a lot of chemistry. The author did a fantastic job at making me feel it through glances and touches. It was like I was a fly on the wall as I watched these two develop feelings for one another. Even though the amount of time that passes in the story is short, it really felt like their relationship became authentically robust.
Of course there were some challenges. Kellan was only in Brooklyn for the summer. Ashleigh didn't feel like she was ready to open up and be vulnerable. Especially knowing Kellan would be leaving. Kellan wanted to find an estranged friend from her military days while she was there. And there was more to that relationship than met the eye.
I liked that this story was about them and mostly just them. Either we were reading scenes with them together or scenes with one of them talking or thinking about the other. It was a nice change to have a story like this where it doesn't try too hard to pack insignificant side plots and characters.
And the intimate scenes were so good! I generally don't like to read explicit sex, but for some reason I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. Even when one of them was thinking about sex they had, it was hot. Probably a tribute to how much I connected with these characters that had crazy amounts of chemistry.
Overall, this was a really satisfying romance. I laughed. I cried. And I didn't want it to end.
I recommend this to anyone who likes to read about romance, Brooklyn, New York, bars, coffee, getting over the ex, math teachers, military retirees, attraction, cuteness, and cat therapists.
I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
February 11, 2020
Ashleigh McAllister is going through a rough patch, her ex-wife left her for a man and now she seems to bump into them in their neighbourhood all the time. As Summer approaches she decides to spend it sightseeing in NYC by herself. That is until army vet Kellan Dwyer makes an appearance and joins her in her daily city tours. As time goes by, their attraction is undeniable and they decide to become friends with benefits. But that was a bad idea, wasn’t it?
I absolutely loved this romance, it shows how far Ms. Cummings has evolved as an author. In my opinion, even though I liked her previous novels, this book is so much better than the others. The backdrop of the story in the fantastic New York makes it more enjoyable, as a New Yorker herself, the author knows what she’s writing about and it shows. I lived in NY a long time ago and for me personally it was great to see the city through the eyes of the main characters, one of them a New Yorker.
The chemistry between the mains is very well done. In a romance sometimes it’s hard to convey the characters’ feelings from the start point of a no-strings relationship, but the author delivers the growing emotions perfectly. The sex scenes were varied and hot, which is a must in this type of trope. I found that Ms. Cummings managed really well the development of their relationship into something more meaningful.
I have to admit that while I was reading and seeing the direction the plot was taking, I was a bit apprehensive of how the author was going to handle the conflict between the characters because the issue has the potential of becoming a big melodrama. I was happy to see that Ms. Cummings handled it convincingly and realistically within the world she created. My only criticism is that some parts of the plot seemed to slow down and becoming tedious but fortunately they were scarce and short. Otherwise, it would have been an easy 5 stars for me.
Overall, a very good lesbian romance with the beautiful scenery of New York. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
I absolutely loved this romance, it shows how far Ms. Cummings has evolved as an author. In my opinion, even though I liked her previous novels, this book is so much better than the others. The backdrop of the story in the fantastic New York makes it more enjoyable, as a New Yorker herself, the author knows what she’s writing about and it shows. I lived in NY a long time ago and for me personally it was great to see the city through the eyes of the main characters, one of them a New Yorker.
The chemistry between the mains is very well done. In a romance sometimes it’s hard to convey the characters’ feelings from the start point of a no-strings relationship, but the author delivers the growing emotions perfectly. The sex scenes were varied and hot, which is a must in this type of trope. I found that Ms. Cummings managed really well the development of their relationship into something more meaningful.
I have to admit that while I was reading and seeing the direction the plot was taking, I was a bit apprehensive of how the author was going to handle the conflict between the characters because the issue has the potential of becoming a big melodrama. I was happy to see that Ms. Cummings handled it convincingly and realistically within the world she created. My only criticism is that some parts of the plot seemed to slow down and becoming tedious but fortunately they were scarce and short. Otherwise, it would have been an easy 5 stars for me.
Overall, a very good lesbian romance with the beautiful scenery of New York. 4.5 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
February 19, 2020
I liked this light and breezy summer romance. It’s a love story times two when you include the sights and sounds of NYC. Ashleigh the math teacher decides to use her summer holidays to explore her city hoping her best friend Liam will join her in the adventure. Liam suggests his old army buddy Kellen in his place as she is in the city babysitting her Aunt’s kitty.
Ash is reluctant to date much less fall in love again after so many years with her now divorced wife. I liked how the vulnerable “what if it was me, not her” self esteem issues keep Ashleigh wary of the feelings she has for Kellan.
Kell is everything a femme could want in a soft butch. She’s kind, generous to a fault and quick to make the most of flirting opportunities with Ash. She makes her feel special. She is almost too perfect, the gentlewoman filled with kindness even when Ashleigh throws up blocks in their relationship.
While there is insta-attraction, I found this to be a slow burn romance. When they did acknowledge their attraction the sex scenes were varied and hot. I liked how adventurous Ashleigh became when she grew more comfortable with Kellen. The inevitable bumps along the road to happiness happen and you want to slap some sense into certain characters but overall, a pleasure to read.
Nicely done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Ash is reluctant to date much less fall in love again after so many years with her now divorced wife. I liked how the vulnerable “what if it was me, not her” self esteem issues keep Ashleigh wary of the feelings she has for Kellan.
Kell is everything a femme could want in a soft butch. She’s kind, generous to a fault and quick to make the most of flirting opportunities with Ash. She makes her feel special. She is almost too perfect, the gentlewoman filled with kindness even when Ashleigh throws up blocks in their relationship.
While there is insta-attraction, I found this to be a slow burn romance. When they did acknowledge their attraction the sex scenes were varied and hot. I liked how adventurous Ashleigh became when she grew more comfortable with Kellen. The inevitable bumps along the road to happiness happen and you want to slap some sense into certain characters but overall, a pleasure to read.
Nicely done.
ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 13, 2020
I was a lucky duck for a handful of years where I first had a family member, then a best friend living in NYC so multiple trips were made. This drew me into checking out this book, as the two MCs do a lot of sight seeing and I enjoyed "walking" with them.
MC Ashleigh is a high school math teacher on summer vacation and MC Kellan is retired from the army, in town cat sitting. They have a mutual friend who introduces them and they end up taking daily trips around the city while slowly getting to know one another. Ash is very femme, very organized, likes order and schedules and is friendly, outgoing and very sweet. She is recently divorced from her wife of 17 years, who has now hooked up with a guy. Kellan is described as a gorgeous butch who apparently has some heavy pheromones going on because every woman in Brooklyn seemingly checks her out. She is loyal and kind, very selfless, and knows how to work a strap on.
It was a good read, though I found it easy to put down. There was some interesting drama interspersed but something didn't fully grab me for some reason. The writing was strong, great scenery and environments. I enjoyed the therapy talk sessions with Blue the cat, hooray! There are some heart churning moments regarding Ashleigh accepting her ex's new relationship and the feelings this stirs in her, I had empathy for this. The foray into Colorado was lovely as well, even though it seemed rather crammed in at the end with a rushed epilogue. There's the obligatory drama about 80% in, but believable from Ashleigh's perspective actually. Her perspective on why she was hurt was totally valid. A con is that I'm never all that into one-sided sex scenes, where all focus is on the femme getting pleasure. No judgment, just not my thing. It loses the connection for me somehow.
Again, no surprises, a HEA as to be expected. All in all I did like it, but didn't looooove it, so give it a 3.25/5.
MC Ashleigh is a high school math teacher on summer vacation and MC Kellan is retired from the army, in town cat sitting. They have a mutual friend who introduces them and they end up taking daily trips around the city while slowly getting to know one another. Ash is very femme, very organized, likes order and schedules and is friendly, outgoing and very sweet. She is recently divorced from her wife of 17 years, who has now hooked up with a guy. Kellan is described as a gorgeous butch who apparently has some heavy pheromones going on because every woman in Brooklyn seemingly checks her out. She is loyal and kind, very selfless, and knows how to work a strap on.
It was a good read, though I found it easy to put down. There was some interesting drama interspersed but something didn't fully grab me for some reason. The writing was strong, great scenery and environments. I enjoyed the therapy talk sessions with Blue the cat, hooray! There are some heart churning moments regarding Ashleigh accepting her ex's new relationship and the feelings this stirs in her, I had empathy for this. The foray into Colorado was lovely as well, even though it seemed rather crammed in at the end with a rushed epilogue. There's the obligatory drama about 80% in, but believable from Ashleigh's perspective actually. Her perspective on why she was hurt was totally valid. A con is that I'm never all that into one-sided sex scenes, where all focus is on the femme getting pleasure. No judgment, just not my thing. It loses the connection for me somehow.
Again, no surprises, a HEA as to be expected. All in all I did like it, but didn't looooove it, so give it a 3.25/5.
March 24, 2020
School's out for summer..
The plot... and Ashleigh McAllisters plans on seeing all the sights of NYC with her bestie Liam. There's just on tiny little problem. Liam is busier than ever and decides to ask his army buddy Kellan Dwyer to tag along with a reluctant Ashleigh. The temperature isn't the only thing heating up however and they soon begin a friends with benefits relationship. Because those always go so well. [insert epic eyeroll]
The characters. I was a huge fan of Kellan from the beginning. I mean could this woman be any more perfect? She has entire conversations with kittens for crying out loud. Sadly Kellan was not as perfect as I thought she was but who is? That bring us to Ashleigh. Just because you're ok with your ex moving on doesn't mean you want to constantly bump into her. Awkward. I wasn't always quite sure what to make of her but that only made her all the more interesting to read about.
The writing. Absolute solid writing. From what I remember. I read this book somewhere mid February so it's been a while. This entire review is actually just based on my notes. But from what I remember the book was an absolute page turner.
The special. I didn't know I was missing this until I read it. I'm talking about the playfulness that can lead up to sex and the comforting intimacy of simply being able to laugh together. Why is that not included more often? As hot and passionate as a scene can be, sometimes I miss those moments of intimacy. All those little touches that were included between Ashleigh & Kellan had me grinning because yeah, that's what it's like in the beginning. When you literally can't go 5 seconds without touching the other person.
The negative. I thought the reasons given for Kellan being secretive and why she chose to distance herself from certain people were a little flimsy. I'm also never a big fan of coincidences being used as plot devices and there were several moments in the book that had me rolling my eyes and going "are we really doing this again"?
The verdict. If this Coronavirus situation continues for much longer, reading this book may be the only way you get to 'see' New York this summer. At home. While social distancing. Bugger!
The plot... and Ashleigh McAllisters plans on seeing all the sights of NYC with her bestie Liam. There's just on tiny little problem. Liam is busier than ever and decides to ask his army buddy Kellan Dwyer to tag along with a reluctant Ashleigh. The temperature isn't the only thing heating up however and they soon begin a friends with benefits relationship. Because those always go so well. [insert epic eyeroll]
The characters. I was a huge fan of Kellan from the beginning. I mean could this woman be any more perfect? She has entire conversations with kittens for crying out loud. Sadly Kellan was not as perfect as I thought she was but who is? That bring us to Ashleigh. Just because you're ok with your ex moving on doesn't mean you want to constantly bump into her. Awkward. I wasn't always quite sure what to make of her but that only made her all the more interesting to read about.
The writing. Absolute solid writing. From what I remember. I read this book somewhere mid February so it's been a while. This entire review is actually just based on my notes. But from what I remember the book was an absolute page turner.
The special. I didn't know I was missing this until I read it. I'm talking about the playfulness that can lead up to sex and the comforting intimacy of simply being able to laugh together. Why is that not included more often? As hot and passionate as a scene can be, sometimes I miss those moments of intimacy. All those little touches that were included between Ashleigh & Kellan had me grinning because yeah, that's what it's like in the beginning. When you literally can't go 5 seconds without touching the other person.
The negative. I thought the reasons given for Kellan being secretive and why she chose to distance herself from certain people were a little flimsy. I'm also never a big fan of coincidences being used as plot devices and there were several moments in the book that had me rolling my eyes and going "are we really doing this again"?
The verdict. If this Coronavirus situation continues for much longer, reading this book may be the only way you get to 'see' New York this summer. At home. While social distancing. Bugger!
February 6, 2020
Ashleigh is a 38 year old high school math teacher who is probably the last one to believe she would be living with mom and dad in the home she grew up in. But this is where she finds herself after a 17 year marriage that has come to a painful end. To pick herself up, she decides a summer full of hometown sightseeing in NYC is the remedy. What she doesn’t anticipate is the company of a very handsome friend of a friend.
The book is a true summer fling, warm breezes and laughter, kisses in the sand, strolls through the park while holding hands, a sunny, steamy romance that brings together broken-hearted Ashleigh and Kellan who is also confronting a difficult past. Although there’s a bit of mayhem at the 80% mark, all goes well at the end. Perfect for the diehard romance fan.
The book is a true summer fling, warm breezes and laughter, kisses in the sand, strolls through the park while holding hands, a sunny, steamy romance that brings together broken-hearted Ashleigh and Kellan who is also confronting a difficult past. Although there’s a bit of mayhem at the 80% mark, all goes well at the end. Perfect for the diehard romance fan.
July 21, 2020
Brooklyn Summer is exactly the kind of book where Lori Prince excels: light, sexy and relatively angst-free. Ms Prince is one of my favourite narrators and I’ll listen to her in any lesfic genres and never be disappointed, but she’s really at her best in stories like this one.
I’ve already reviewed this when the book came out, so I’ll keep it short: Lori Prince brings the characters to life perfectly, Ashley and Kellan are still sweet, they still have fantastic chemistry and their story is heartwarming and sunny. I loved the book, I loved the audiobook just as much. It’s a perfect summer read and/or listen.
I’ve already reviewed this when the book came out, so I’ll keep it short: Lori Prince brings the characters to life perfectly, Ashley and Kellan are still sweet, they still have fantastic chemistry and their story is heartwarming and sunny. I loved the book, I loved the audiobook just as much. It’s a perfect summer read and/or listen.
May 4, 2020
Brooklyn Summer by Maggie Cummings is a light summer romance full of sight-seeing in the Big Apple. Ashleigh McAllister is a newly divorced math teacher who is looking forward to her summer break. Some daytrip diversion in her hometown is the perfect thing to keep mind of her failed marriage.
Kellan Dwyer - a recent army veteran - is in the city to cat-sit for her Aunt before heading back to her job at the family resort in Colorado. When she and Ashleigh meet they decide to spend some time together exploring the city. There is mutual attraction but because of the temporary nature of Kellan’s stay they are keeping it casual. We all know how well that works.
It should have grabbed me, but it didn’t. I knew this would be a slog for me when I started reading (and finishing) a few books in between. But I am not a quitter and I don’t like to skim so I didn’t. Looking at the high scores of my fellow readers I think I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read this book. The romance felt very middle of the road, the many day trips were growing stale, the 80% drama was very contrived.
The writing is solid, it had all elements a romance needs but it wasn’t enough for me.
f/f
Themes: summer in New York, the noble butch, losing your wife to a dude really stings, Blue the cat, I started this mid March...ugh... this book was a real struggle for me.
3.3 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Kellan Dwyer - a recent army veteran - is in the city to cat-sit for her Aunt before heading back to her job at the family resort in Colorado. When she and Ashleigh meet they decide to spend some time together exploring the city. There is mutual attraction but because of the temporary nature of Kellan’s stay they are keeping it casual. We all know how well that works.
It should have grabbed me, but it didn’t. I knew this would be a slog for me when I started reading (and finishing) a few books in between. But I am not a quitter and I don’t like to skim so I didn’t. Looking at the high scores of my fellow readers I think I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind to read this book. The romance felt very middle of the road, the many day trips were growing stale, the 80% drama was very contrived.
The writing is solid, it had all elements a romance needs but it wasn’t enough for me.
f/f
Themes: summer in New York, the noble butch, losing your wife to a dude really stings, Blue the cat, I started this mid March...ugh... this book was a real struggle for me.
3.3 Stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
Brooklyn Summer by Maggie Cummings
4 Stars
I’ve only read the author’s debut novel, Totally Worth It. I thought it was just OK and I didn’t read the rest of the series. I enjoyed this one much more.
Ashleigh McAllister is a teacher with the summer off. She is recently divorced after 12 years, though she reluctantly admits it was over for many years. Her ex-wife left her for a man. Ashleigh moved back in with her parents in Brooklyn and decides to be like a tourist and spend the summer exploring her hometown, New York City.
Kellan Dryer is apartment/cat sitting in Brooklyn for her Aunt for the summer. She is just out of the army, so it is a perfect time to chill before she is slated to return to Vail, Colorado to help her brother run the family ski resort.
They have a mutual friend, who owns a bar and it is there that they meet and decide to tour NYC together. Ashleigh planned the days and Kellan happily going along for the ride. I’ve visited NYC at least a half a dozen times. A couple of times with a relatively large group of friends and the other times with my niece for her graduation or by myself. I’m a theater junkie, so when I’m by myself, go to 4 or more plays a trip. So it was fun reading where these two went and knowing where they went (I’ve been there!). I’m glad they eventually did go to one play. When I visit NYC again, I’m definitely going to take notes from this book, for new places to visit.
Of course romance was inevitable. I suppose it was relatively fast, but considering they spent almost every day and evening together, they did get to know each other relatively well in a short period of time. Believe me, taking a trip with someone for the first time, you get to know them better in short order. The big difference is that this pair didn’t have the stress of housing costs for the summer.
But of course, you can’t have a romance without angst thrown in around 80% mark. I did see it coming, though I didn’t guess the exact details, but I was close. I didn’t understand why it was a huge problem for either side.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes books and Netgalley for an honest review.
4 Stars
I’ve only read the author’s debut novel, Totally Worth It. I thought it was just OK and I didn’t read the rest of the series. I enjoyed this one much more.
Ashleigh McAllister is a teacher with the summer off. She is recently divorced after 12 years, though she reluctantly admits it was over for many years. Her ex-wife left her for a man. Ashleigh moved back in with her parents in Brooklyn and decides to be like a tourist and spend the summer exploring her hometown, New York City.
Kellan Dryer is apartment/cat sitting in Brooklyn for her Aunt for the summer. She is just out of the army, so it is a perfect time to chill before she is slated to return to Vail, Colorado to help her brother run the family ski resort.
They have a mutual friend, who owns a bar and it is there that they meet and decide to tour NYC together. Ashleigh planned the days and Kellan happily going along for the ride. I’ve visited NYC at least a half a dozen times. A couple of times with a relatively large group of friends and the other times with my niece for her graduation or by myself. I’m a theater junkie, so when I’m by myself, go to 4 or more plays a trip. So it was fun reading where these two went and knowing where they went (I’ve been there!). I’m glad they eventually did go to one play. When I visit NYC again, I’m definitely going to take notes from this book, for new places to visit.
Of course romance was inevitable. I suppose it was relatively fast, but considering they spent almost every day and evening together, they did get to know each other relatively well in a short period of time. Believe me, taking a trip with someone for the first time, you get to know them better in short order. The big difference is that this pair didn’t have the stress of housing costs for the summer.
But of course, you can’t have a romance without angst thrown in around 80% mark. I did see it coming, though I didn’t guess the exact details, but I was close. I didn’t understand why it was a huge problem for either side.
An ARC was given to me by Bold Strokes books and Netgalley for an honest review.
February 26, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read by this author (not counting ‘Against All Odds’ as that was a group effort). I read and liked the debut, but it didn’t ‘blow me away’ and I somewhat lost track of the author as the books that followed, for the most part, were sequels to that first book.
This book follows Ashleigh McAllister (37) and Kellan Dwyer (38), both with point of views. Ash ‘just’ got out of a marriage (about six months ago), while Kellan just got out of the military (I forget if the branch of the military was mentioned). Ash is in New York because she’s a native and lives there. Kellan is there to watch over an aunt’s studio apartment, specifically the cat in it, while the aunt is gone for the summer. The two meet when both were visiting a mutual friend’s, Liam, bar.
Ash is a teacher and it’s just about to move to summer vacation time. She plans to spend the summer exploring the various locations tourist visit but natives might forget to take the time to visit – because it’s there, eventually they might go. To a certain extent, there are three reasons for the explorations: 1) she wants to visit those locations; 2) she needs something to do; 3) and most importantly: she keeps running into Reagan, the ex-wife, and Reagan’s boyfriend Josh – and exploring the rest of New York might cut down on the accidental bumping into.
Ash hadn’t really planned to have Liam along, but it’d be nice, so she asked. She assumes that he would be too busy opening (re-opening) the family bar and she’s right. Bringing it up with him, though, lead him to suggest that Ash and Kellan jointly explore the city. Both are initially reluctant but both join forces.
For a book about exploring neat locations in New York, there wasn’t much time spent in the book exploring neat locations. There was some detail, like when they visited Central Park, then one of the museums next to Central Park. Most of the detail about the visit to Central Park involved the part wherein there are hot dog stands there; and most of the detail about the visit to the museum involved mentioning how crowded it was. Similarly, the visit to the High Line was reduced to stopping to have ice cream near it (and I might not even have noticed the destination if I hadn’t personally visited the High Line); and I’m not even certain if they visited that railroad turned into a park if I hadn’t visited it myself. I was curious about what else there might be to see at Fire Island besides the beach, I only know they visited it (the beach). To be fair, somewhere along the line, the two kind of stopped paying a huge amount of attention to what was on display, and turned instead to gazing longingly at each other and finding places to kiss and stuff. (The visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island had a good bit of detail – at least in the sense that there was enough detail to satisfy me, but then I’ve been there and I could fill in some of the blanks).
Basically this is not a book to read if you want to play tourist and were looking for inspiration. Which is fair enough as this is a lesbian romance novel not a tour guide (though I’ve read other ‘lesbians touring’ type books that were a lot more detailed about the various places visited).
I didn’t really ‘get’ the ‘break down’ between Dara and Kellan (Dara is a long-time friend who Kellan kind of hoped to run into in New York, though neither had seen the other in more than 10 years . . . for reasons). The break-down was explained but was . . . lacking. The break down in the relationship between Kellan and Ash (what, this lesbian romance, of course there’d be a break up at some point) is similarly . . . messy in reasoning. Apparently there was a mix of reasons and one particular lack of communication moment was used as an excuse.
I liked Kellan, for the most part, not really sure about Ashleigh.
I suppose it should be noted since I noted it in my status updates: this is another of those books wherein one of the characters is butch. I think, though am not 100% certain, that something like ‘and I’m a femme’ or something similar was uttered in the book, but the butch part of Kellan played a somewhat larger role than the femme part of Ash. I mentioned in my status update that a previous book lectured the reader about how, just because someone is butch (and may or may not wear male clothing), doesn’t mean they aren’t female; nor does it mean they want to be a man. This book here kind of lectured me the opposite direction, but it was a brief moment (unlike that other book that kept hammering the butchness of the character down reader’s throats) and so I can’t really say if it really was lecturing in the opposite direction. I think Kellan possibly might be agender based on one sentence, but there’s not enough there to know one way or another. Oh, heh, that other book actually had it be ‘I’m not transgender just because I’m butch and dress like a man.’ While this book here had 'I'm don't mind mister because I know they nice & not trying to be evil'.
I somewhat struggled with whether to rate this 3.75 or 3.5. I’ve decided on 3.5. Somewhat because I feel somewhat let down on the lack of description on the touristy stuff (I didn't need a lot, roughly what was given for the places visited except for the High Line as I'm still not certain if they actually walked that or not).
Rating: 3.5
February 26 2020
This book follows Ashleigh McAllister (37) and Kellan Dwyer (38), both with point of views. Ash ‘just’ got out of a marriage (about six months ago), while Kellan just got out of the military (I forget if the branch of the military was mentioned). Ash is in New York because she’s a native and lives there. Kellan is there to watch over an aunt’s studio apartment, specifically the cat in it, while the aunt is gone for the summer. The two meet when both were visiting a mutual friend’s, Liam, bar.
Ash is a teacher and it’s just about to move to summer vacation time. She plans to spend the summer exploring the various locations tourist visit but natives might forget to take the time to visit – because it’s there, eventually they might go. To a certain extent, there are three reasons for the explorations: 1) she wants to visit those locations; 2) she needs something to do; 3) and most importantly: she keeps running into Reagan, the ex-wife, and Reagan’s boyfriend Josh – and exploring the rest of New York might cut down on the accidental bumping into.
Ash hadn’t really planned to have Liam along, but it’d be nice, so she asked. She assumes that he would be too busy opening (re-opening) the family bar and she’s right. Bringing it up with him, though, lead him to suggest that Ash and Kellan jointly explore the city. Both are initially reluctant but both join forces.
For a book about exploring neat locations in New York, there wasn’t much time spent in the book exploring neat locations. There was some detail, like when they visited Central Park, then one of the museums next to Central Park. Most of the detail about the visit to Central Park involved the part wherein there are hot dog stands there; and most of the detail about the visit to the museum involved mentioning how crowded it was. Similarly, the visit to the High Line was reduced to stopping to have ice cream near it (and I might not even have noticed the destination if I hadn’t personally visited the High Line); and I’m not even certain if they visited that railroad turned into a park if I hadn’t visited it myself. I was curious about what else there might be to see at Fire Island besides the beach, I only know they visited it (the beach). To be fair, somewhere along the line, the two kind of stopped paying a huge amount of attention to what was on display, and turned instead to gazing longingly at each other and finding places to kiss and stuff. (The visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island had a good bit of detail – at least in the sense that there was enough detail to satisfy me, but then I’ve been there and I could fill in some of the blanks).
Basically this is not a book to read if you want to play tourist and were looking for inspiration. Which is fair enough as this is a lesbian romance novel not a tour guide (though I’ve read other ‘lesbians touring’ type books that were a lot more detailed about the various places visited).
I didn’t really ‘get’ the ‘break down’ between Dara and Kellan (Dara is a long-time friend who Kellan kind of hoped to run into in New York, though neither had seen the other in more than 10 years . . . for reasons). The break-down was explained but was . . . lacking. The break down in the relationship between Kellan and Ash (what, this lesbian romance, of course there’d be a break up at some point) is similarly . . . messy in reasoning. Apparently there was a mix of reasons and one particular lack of communication moment was used as an excuse.
I liked Kellan, for the most part, not really sure about Ashleigh.
I suppose it should be noted since I noted it in my status updates: this is another of those books wherein one of the characters is butch. I think, though am not 100% certain, that something like ‘and I’m a femme’ or something similar was uttered in the book, but the butch part of Kellan played a somewhat larger role than the femme part of Ash. I mentioned in my status update that a previous book lectured the reader about how, just because someone is butch (and may or may not wear male clothing), doesn’t mean they aren’t female; nor does it mean they want to be a man. This book here kind of lectured me the opposite direction, but it was a brief moment (unlike that other book that kept hammering the butchness of the character down reader’s throats) and so I can’t really say if it really was lecturing in the opposite direction. I think Kellan possibly might be agender based on one sentence, but there’s not enough there to know one way or another. Oh, heh, that other book actually had it be ‘I’m not transgender just because I’m butch and dress like a man.’ While this book here had 'I'm don't mind mister because I know they nice & not trying to be evil'.
I somewhat struggled with whether to rate this 3.75 or 3.5. I’ve decided on 3.5. Somewhat because I feel somewhat let down on the lack of description on the touristy stuff (I didn't need a lot, roughly what was given for the places visited except for the High Line as I'm still not certain if they actually walked that or not).
Rating: 3.5
February 26 2020
March 6, 2020
Kellan Dwyer arrives to New York City (NYC) to cat sit for her aunt for the summer. She reconnects with an old Army friend, Liam, who introduces her to Ashleigh McAllister. Ash is a math high school teacher off for the summer and coming off a bad marriage that ended in divorce. Her ex is now dating a man and living right alongside Ash in Brooklyn. Trying to overcome this, Ash decides to become a tourist in her own city. Liam is busy with his bar so decides to ask Ash to take Kellan out on the tours. The two mains pair up for almost daily outings that quickly turn into more. With Kellan in town for just the summer and Ash still trying to recover her shattered confidence, they are only up for a summer fling. Can this turn into true love?
I enjoyed this one. It was a pretty straightforward romance that will please fans across the board. Of course, my romantic heart was happy with Kellan and Ash. The dialog flow was great and easy between the two mains. NYC served as a nice backdrop to the budding romance as well, but without taking over the story like some settings do.
While Ash’s inner struggles were well discussed and explored, it was Kellan’s story that felt somewhat lacking even though the story was not just told from a single main’s POV. There is this mysterious close friend from the Army and clearly there was a fallout between them that partially brought Kellen to NYC a decade later. The result is some angst that seemed to come more from miscommunication than anything else. I’m usually not bothered by this, but maybe I need more misunderstanding to fuel the angst than what was said between the mains here.
Overall though, this was a solid read and will have me reading Ms Cummings’ previous novels (already own!). 4.25 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this one. It was a pretty straightforward romance that will please fans across the board. Of course, my romantic heart was happy with Kellan and Ash. The dialog flow was great and easy between the two mains. NYC served as a nice backdrop to the budding romance as well, but without taking over the story like some settings do.
While Ash’s inner struggles were well discussed and explored, it was Kellan’s story that felt somewhat lacking even though the story was not just told from a single main’s POV. There is this mysterious close friend from the Army and clearly there was a fallout between them that partially brought Kellen to NYC a decade later. The result is some angst that seemed to come more from miscommunication than anything else. I’m usually not bothered by this, but maybe I need more misunderstanding to fuel the angst than what was said between the mains here.
Overall though, this was a solid read and will have me reading Ms Cummings’ previous novels (already own!). 4.25 stars
ARC generously provided to me by BSB via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2020
This is a lovely romance with all the right elements to make it sweet, a little different but still heart-warming. Ashleigh is a planner and she’s planned her summer around seeing the sights of New York that locals tend to forget to go and see. She’d like to be spontaneous but then she’d have to plan that too. Kellan is from Colorado but pet-sitting for her aunt in Brooklyn and wanting to see a bit of New York while she’s there. She also wants to look up someone from her past. Ashleigh and Kellan meet through a mutual good friend and it seems obvious that they should do New York together.
Although they’re both mid to late thirties, they both seemed a little younger even though Ashleigh has learnt to cope with the ending of her 17-year marriage and Kellan has retired from the army. I didn’t mind it but occasionally their ages caught me by surprise. I liked Kellan’s portrayal particularly because her gender identity comes across as more fluid and not as a stereotypical butch lesbian woman. I liked the nuance created and that she was just a person without a big issue around presentation.
I quite liked that I didn’t always get Ashleigh’s point of view because she didn’t always know herself. Characters that can’t be put in boxes appeal to me. It’s a light read with loads of interesting dialogue, a little bit of angst and lots of steamy chemistry.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Although they’re both mid to late thirties, they both seemed a little younger even though Ashleigh has learnt to cope with the ending of her 17-year marriage and Kellan has retired from the army. I didn’t mind it but occasionally their ages caught me by surprise. I liked Kellan’s portrayal particularly because her gender identity comes across as more fluid and not as a stereotypical butch lesbian woman. I liked the nuance created and that she was just a person without a big issue around presentation.
I quite liked that I didn’t always get Ashleigh’s point of view because she didn’t always know herself. Characters that can’t be put in boxes appeal to me. It’s a light read with loads of interesting dialogue, a little bit of angst and lots of steamy chemistry.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
July 28, 2022
Ashleigh McAllister is a math teacher in Brooklyn. She's a couple months out of her divorce with her ex-wife Reagan who got into a serious relationship with a man shortly afterwards. Desperate to get out of her slump, she devises a plan to be a tourist in her home city the whole summer. She meets Kellan Dwyer through a mutual friend, an ex-soldier who happens to be in town for the summer. The two hit it off and explore a friends with benefits relationship that slowly develops into more.
This was a nice summer romance story to pass time but not one that will stick with me. I knew they had chemistry and I liked how they fit together. The dialogue wasn’t trite and Maggie Cummings’ writing is on point. But I also was not deeply connected to the characters like I wanted to be…it happens.
We had a non-gender conforming lead with Kellan and this was explained briefly and naturally through dialogue. Kellan was sweet, understanding, and great with communication. I felt like I could really learn something from her there. Ashleigh's personality was decisive and cute. The way her grandmother egged her into a relationship was pretty humorous. One part of the story was that Ashleigh was struggling with reconciling moving on from Reagan but feeling like their relationship has been invalidated by seeing her so happy in a new relationship. I appreciate that another major point of tension in this book was Kellan rekindling a platonic friendship with her old friend Dara- I’ve said it before, but I love seeing appreciation for friendship in literature, it’s so important that platonic relationships aren’t treated as being less valuable as romantic relationships.
I didn’t love the 3rd act conflict, I rarely ever do. But the author wrote it in a self-aware tone which made it more palatable:
YES this is precisely my big issue with the whole you’re better off without me trope- WHY WOULD THAT BE TRUE?? WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER BABES 😔😤
It's hard for me not to compare an author's work against others I've read and in this case, I would strongly recommend Bulletproof over this book.
TL;DR- A cute enough romance, though I wasn't deeply connected to the characters. 3/5 stars
This was a nice summer romance story to pass time but not one that will stick with me. I knew they had chemistry and I liked how they fit together. The dialogue wasn’t trite and Maggie Cummings’ writing is on point. But I also was not deeply connected to the characters like I wanted to be…it happens.
We had a non-gender conforming lead with Kellan and this was explained briefly and naturally through dialogue. Kellan was sweet, understanding, and great with communication. I felt like I could really learn something from her there. Ashleigh's personality was decisive and cute. The way her grandmother egged her into a relationship was pretty humorous. One part of the story was that Ashleigh was struggling with reconciling moving on from Reagan but feeling like their relationship has been invalidated by seeing her so happy in a new relationship. I appreciate that another major point of tension in this book was Kellan rekindling a platonic friendship with her old friend Dara- I’ve said it before, but I love seeing appreciation for friendship in literature, it’s so important that platonic relationships aren’t treated as being less valuable as romantic relationships.
I didn’t love the 3rd act conflict, I rarely ever do. But the author wrote it in a self-aware tone which made it more palatable:
"It was the safer choice to bail out before she was in too deep. But wasn’t she destroyed now?"
YES this is precisely my big issue with the whole you’re better off without me trope- WHY WOULD THAT BE TRUE?? WORK THROUGH IT TOGETHER BABES 😔😤
It's hard for me not to compare an author's work against others I've read and in this case, I would strongly recommend Bulletproof over this book.
TL;DR- A cute enough romance, though I wasn't deeply connected to the characters. 3/5 stars
Read
August 8, 2023I’m going to dnf this for now. I’m at 31% and while there isn’t anything wrong with it, there also isn’t anything holding my interest.
February 3, 2020
This book was nothing short of fantastic. I was glued to the page from the first chapter and couldn't put this book down. This is, without a doubt, the best book Maggie Cummings has ever written.
I adored the storyline and the little twists and turns kept me excited to turn each page. Ashleigh was an excellent character to read; she was smart as a whip, caring and gorgeous but wasn't truly aware of her beauty. Her forthright and honest personality blew me away and made me love her more. She'd definitely be one of my best friends in the real world.
Kellan, on the other hand, was the perfect woman. She was caring, affectionate, brave and wore her heart on her sleeve. She was also unbelievably sexy in my mind's eye, and that was just one major swoon.
So, when you put these two beautiful humans together, you are in for one hell of a ride. The epilogue, in particular, is one of the best I have ever read and honestly the touring of New York has just made me want to visit there even quicker!
Full review:https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/03/broo...
I adored the storyline and the little twists and turns kept me excited to turn each page. Ashleigh was an excellent character to read; she was smart as a whip, caring and gorgeous but wasn't truly aware of her beauty. Her forthright and honest personality blew me away and made me love her more. She'd definitely be one of my best friends in the real world.
Kellan, on the other hand, was the perfect woman. She was caring, affectionate, brave and wore her heart on her sleeve. She was also unbelievably sexy in my mind's eye, and that was just one major swoon.
So, when you put these two beautiful humans together, you are in for one hell of a ride. The epilogue, in particular, is one of the best I have ever read and honestly the touring of New York has just made me want to visit there even quicker!
Full review:https://lesreveur.com/2020/02/03/broo...
February 20, 2020
This was freeging hot. I loved it! 😍👌
August 15, 2022
overall this was a light, entertaining read. i listened to the audiobook narrated by lori prince (and in fact listened because of her, as i've never encountered this author before, but i will look for more in the future). prince's narration was as fantastic as always and had a lot to do with my enjoyment of the story. her performance was stellar and i really loved her ashleigh voice and the emotion she gave her in a few scenes. ashleigh is, in general, more my vibe character wise, so i didn't connect with kellan (slightly cocky/flirty, retired military butch) as much, but i did find her enjoyable as well. their dynamic was fun. while the wrap up and the angst all felt natural and enjoyable, i did find myself sort of wishing this was just a story about a summer fling at times, only because, in romance it seems that the story is always about Finding The One, more often than not. and occasionally, it would be nice to just... see a nice relationship that was great, but wasn't meant to last and that doesn't have to be some Big Sad thing, just a part of life. but i get why that's not the usual vibe or formula for romance, and i did like this one, it was just a thought i had while listening. like, the ya book, The Falling in Love Montage was a great example of showing a lovely relationship that .
anyway, despite being more of a femme/femme girl, this was a really fun light read and i def rec it.
anyway, despite being more of a femme/femme girl, this was a really fun light read and i def rec it.
January 15, 2020
I'd like to say this is a slow burn, but that's not entirely true. Ashleigh and Kellan fall in love rather fast. I guess it would be more accurate to say the pacing is rather languid.
Ashleigh's thirty-eight and living at home with her mom, dad, and grandma. Her mom cuts her sandwiches, her dad folds her laundry, and she has to race home from a date because they might be worried about her. Some might find that cute, others not so much.
Kellan is butch, and the reader isn't allowed to forget it. Early in the book I almost stopped reading when the dialogue went on for too long about what she should be called. Maybe it's a conversation people in butch/femme relationships have, but it annoyed me. It changed a book about two women falling in love to the labels they wear.
Moving on, this story follows the two leads as they get to know each other over the summer. Around the 90% mark what seems to be the pre-required conflict in lesfic rears its ugly head and we all know how it goes after that. Everyone lives happily ever after.
In summary, I'm sure this is a story many fans of Maggie Cummings will relish.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
Ashleigh's thirty-eight and living at home with her mom, dad, and grandma. Her mom cuts her sandwiches, her dad folds her laundry, and she has to race home from a date because they might be worried about her. Some might find that cute, others not so much.
Kellan is butch, and the reader isn't allowed to forget it. Early in the book I almost stopped reading when the dialogue went on for too long about what she should be called. Maybe it's a conversation people in butch/femme relationships have, but it annoyed me. It changed a book about two women falling in love to the labels they wear.
Moving on, this story follows the two leads as they get to know each other over the summer. Around the 90% mark what seems to be the pre-required conflict in lesfic rears its ugly head and we all know how it goes after that. Everyone lives happily ever after.
In summary, I'm sure this is a story many fans of Maggie Cummings will relish.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
January 29, 2020
This is my third time reading a Maggie Cummings romance and this is probably my favorite thus far. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one because of the blurb, but now that I am finished I wish the blurb was different. Ashleigh M. is a High School Math teacher who lives at home with her parents. She landed back at home after her marriage ended and got a divorce. Honestly, her life is not a mess to me. Professionally she is in a good place. Her personal life is a bit wonky because she keeps bumping into her ex wife and her boyfriend on a regular basis. She does have some issues to work out. Kellen just retired from the army and heads to Brooklyn for the summer to house sit and take care of her aunt's cat. She doesn't mind because it will give her a chance to explore Brooklyn and possibly meet up with a long lost friend from the army.
So I have to be honest, I really did like this romance. Ashleigh and Kellen hit it off pretty much immediately. Kellen isn't Ashleigh's type per say, but she really only had one significant relationship and that was with the ex-wife. The chemistry is there and the interaction between the mains is easy and fun and light. As I read this one, I just was really invested in the story. The pace of the story was seamless and worked well for the timeline. The falling in love part was gradual and is believable. And lets talk about the sex. Goodness! HOT, HOT, HOT! The scenes were well done and didn't leave me wanting more...because there was more. I even liked the angst in this one. I must say Cummings did a really good job and I can't help but wish that Abby Craden will narrate this one when and if an audio book comes out.
I happily give this one 5 stars.
This ARC as provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
So I have to be honest, I really did like this romance. Ashleigh and Kellen hit it off pretty much immediately. Kellen isn't Ashleigh's type per say, but she really only had one significant relationship and that was with the ex-wife. The chemistry is there and the interaction between the mains is easy and fun and light. As I read this one, I just was really invested in the story. The pace of the story was seamless and worked well for the timeline. The falling in love part was gradual and is believable. And lets talk about the sex. Goodness! HOT, HOT, HOT! The scenes were well done and didn't leave me wanting more...because there was more. I even liked the angst in this one. I must say Cummings did a really good job and I can't help but wish that Abby Craden will narrate this one when and if an audio book comes out.
I happily give this one 5 stars.
This ARC as provided by netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
February 10, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve had mixed luck with Cummings’ books. I didn’t think much of Totally Worth It, but enjoyed Perfect Partners. This one I loved. I’ve actually been in a bit of a book slump, so this was a breath of fresh air.
So, this features Ashleigh, a high school math teacher about to start summer break, she’s recently divorced and still sees her ex and the ex’s new husband around the neighbourhood. To get out of her slump she decides to spend the summer doing all the touristy things New York has to offer. Enter Kellan, who has recently retired from the army and is in town to house/cat-sit (Blue was adorable) for her aunt for the summer. The two meet through Ashleigh’s childhood friend Liam, who also served with Kellan, who suggests that Ashleigh should show Kellan the sights.
The beauty of this scheme is that the two leads spend ample time together, and during this time the get to know each other, develop an attraction for each other and eventually fall in love. Even though this is set during a summer, the sheer amount of time they spend together (and all the TALKING they do, OMG I love books where the leads talk) make the relationship feel entirely natural.
Both main characters are sweet as pie, even though they are entirely different. Usually when I read a book, even if I like them both, there’s one that I prefer, but not here. Were it possible, I’d take one of each! I also loved revisiting New York through their day trips.
The side characters aren’t terribly fleshed out, but they add to the story as needed. I was loving the book til the 80% mark, but then the requisite ‘drama’ cropped up and sort of derailed it a bit. I could see both sides, but in all honesty I was annoyed that in a book where the leads did so much talking that Kellan would hold back on this particular issue. I was pretty much with Ashleigh on that one, though wouldn’t have made the same decision she did. The end redeemed that for me though and I liked the way the HEA was resolved. This is a lovely romance, well worth the read. 4 stars.
I’ve had mixed luck with Cummings’ books. I didn’t think much of Totally Worth It, but enjoyed Perfect Partners. This one I loved. I’ve actually been in a bit of a book slump, so this was a breath of fresh air.
So, this features Ashleigh, a high school math teacher about to start summer break, she’s recently divorced and still sees her ex and the ex’s new husband around the neighbourhood. To get out of her slump she decides to spend the summer doing all the touristy things New York has to offer. Enter Kellan, who has recently retired from the army and is in town to house/cat-sit (Blue was adorable) for her aunt for the summer. The two meet through Ashleigh’s childhood friend Liam, who also served with Kellan, who suggests that Ashleigh should show Kellan the sights.
The beauty of this scheme is that the two leads spend ample time together, and during this time the get to know each other, develop an attraction for each other and eventually fall in love. Even though this is set during a summer, the sheer amount of time they spend together (and all the TALKING they do, OMG I love books where the leads talk) make the relationship feel entirely natural.
Both main characters are sweet as pie, even though they are entirely different. Usually when I read a book, even if I like them both, there’s one that I prefer, but not here. Were it possible, I’d take one of each! I also loved revisiting New York through their day trips.
The side characters aren’t terribly fleshed out, but they add to the story as needed. I was loving the book til the 80% mark, but then the requisite ‘drama’ cropped up and sort of derailed it a bit. I could see both sides, but in all honesty I was annoyed that in a book where the leads did so much talking that Kellan would hold back on this particular issue. I was pretty much with Ashleigh on that one, though wouldn’t have made the same decision she did. The end redeemed that for me though and I liked the way the HEA was resolved. This is a lovely romance, well worth the read. 4 stars.
April 9, 2020
“Brooklyn Summer” is an enjoyable romance between two likable MCs, brought together by a mutual friend and a summer in New York. As always, Lori Prince did a wonderful job with the narration.
37yo MC Ashleigh (Ash) has been divorced 9 months, after 22 years of marriage, when her wife left her for a man. Her BFF is bar owner Liam, an ex-army man.
MC Kellan was great friends with Liam in the army, and when Ash and Kellan meet, Liam suggests they spend the summer playing tourists in NYC. Kellan is in town for the summer cat watching for her aunt before heading home to Colorado, and Liam is encouraging Ash to quit moping about the divorce.
Both MCs are likable, and they begin following Ash’s detailed agenda for a “spontaneous summer of fun”! There’s lots of fun banter and uncertain flirting by both MCs, as each finds a growing attraction for the other.
But, Ash doesn’t do short-term or hookups, and Kellan is only here for the summer. Eventually they begin communicating, and ….err, communicating, as Ash decides an uncomplicated summer romance based on mutual attraction and hot sex would be fine, after all. Yep - the hot sex was certainly fine with me!!
Even as both MCs self awareness and their communication for what they feel and want begins developing, a once close friend of Kellan’s from the past, Dara and her daughter, appear and create the inevitable BSB angst moment. I always hate it when characters declare love and then feel “betrayed” at the first opportunity.
Happily, Dara and Liam help work things out for the HEA. 4*
37yo MC Ashleigh (Ash) has been divorced 9 months, after 22 years of marriage, when her wife left her for a man. Her BFF is bar owner Liam, an ex-army man.
MC Kellan was great friends with Liam in the army, and when Ash and Kellan meet, Liam suggests they spend the summer playing tourists in NYC. Kellan is in town for the summer cat watching for her aunt before heading home to Colorado, and Liam is encouraging Ash to quit moping about the divorce.
Both MCs are likable, and they begin following Ash’s detailed agenda for a “spontaneous summer of fun”! There’s lots of fun banter and uncertain flirting by both MCs, as each finds a growing attraction for the other.
But, Ash doesn’t do short-term or hookups, and Kellan is only here for the summer. Eventually they begin communicating, and ….err, communicating, as Ash decides an uncomplicated summer romance based on mutual attraction and hot sex would be fine, after all. Yep - the hot sex was certainly fine with me!!
Even as both MCs self awareness and their communication for what they feel and want begins developing, a once close friend of Kellan’s from the past, Dara and her daughter, appear and create the inevitable BSB angst moment. I always hate it when characters declare love and then feel “betrayed” at the first opportunity.
Happily, Dara and Liam help work things out for the HEA. 4*
February 17, 2020
Ahhh...romance in New York. Ashleigh McAllister, awesome teacher, awesome person, but struggles with letting go of her relationship breakup. Kellan Dwyer, out of the military, spending time apartment and cat sitting while her aunt is away on business. When they meet, there is a sizzle which is difficult to ignore. As they spend time together checking out the sites of New York, getting to know each other, they came face- to -face with how much they enjoy spending time together. However, both Kellan and Ashleigh have issues to deal with that cannot and should not be ignored. The will they or will they not, was a little much at times but due to their personalities (both good people) I was interested to see how issues would be resolved.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books, Inc. via NetGalley
June 3, 2021
3.75 stars. This was such a perfect romance. I really loved it. Ashleigh is cute and super structured and Kellan was just absolutely perfect. She's really undestanding and empathic and open to new things, but she has her pride.
Their romance progresses quite naturally even if it's just a couple of weeks, it feels so right.
It's a really light and angst free book, although Ashleigh has her package with her ex wife and she's incredibly jealous. The first time she does realize how immature she acted and apologizes to Kellan the following morning, and I really loved how Kellan hasher moral values and makes very clear that's she won't be used "as a revenge fuck". And she's super sweet the following morning.
Although they're both in their thirties , Kellan appears way more mature than Ashleigh. What spoiled the book for me in the end was Ashleigh's self centered attitude the first time Kellan had something coming up from her past. I get it, it's a serious matter. Before that it had been all about Ashleigh. But now... instead of focusing on Kellan and asking how she's doing, Ashleigh goes all "I need time to think, leave me alone".
Honestly, I hated the last 1,5 hours. They've been knowing each other for six weeks and together for not even two weeks, how on earth can you expect a person to reveal all your life already?
I really really felt for Kellan, and I also wished with my whole heart that Kellan could reconcile with her former best friend Dara again because she's such an important person in Kellan's live. (Also I could relate to that as I lost my 3 best friends roughly at the same time and that does something to a person).
Anyway, Ashleigh is a totally whiney brat. I also didn't get at all why Kellan had to apologize all the time. I had the feeling that Ashleigh wasn't quite ready for a grownup relationship just yet.
Finally Ashleigh comes to her senses (obviously), but I it wasn't the HEA I had initially hoped for for this book. The epilogue was good.
Still, a perfect read for a hot summer!
Their romance progresses quite naturally even if it's just a couple of weeks, it feels so right.
It's a really light and angst free book, although Ashleigh has her package with her ex wife and she's incredibly jealous. The first time she does realize how immature she acted and apologizes to Kellan the following morning, and I really loved how Kellan hasher moral values and makes very clear that's she won't be used "as a revenge fuck". And she's super sweet the following morning.
Although they're both in their thirties , Kellan appears way more mature than Ashleigh. What spoiled the book for me in the end was Ashleigh's self centered attitude the first time Kellan had something coming up from her past. I get it, it's a serious matter. Before that it had been all about Ashleigh. But now... instead of focusing on Kellan and asking how she's doing, Ashleigh goes all "I need time to think, leave me alone".
Honestly, I hated the last 1,5 hours. They've been knowing each other for six weeks and together for not even two weeks, how on earth can you expect a person to reveal all your life already?
I really really felt for Kellan, and I also wished with my whole heart that Kellan could reconcile with her former best friend Dara again because she's such an important person in Kellan's live. (Also I could relate to that as I lost my 3 best friends roughly at the same time and that does something to a person).
Anyway, Ashleigh is a totally whiney brat. I also didn't get at all why Kellan had to apologize all the time. I had the feeling that Ashleigh wasn't quite ready for a grownup relationship just yet.
Finally Ashleigh comes to her senses (obviously), but I it wasn't the HEA I had initially hoped for for this book. The epilogue was good.
Still, a perfect read for a hot summer!
July 31, 2021
3 stars
It wasn't bad. I quite liked the New York geography and Liam and Kellan were awesome, but I had certain problems with Ashleigh. It may be just because I'm a 22 year old with next to no relationship experience and not a 38 years old divorcée, but I couldn't understand the way she constantly self-sabotaged, which made her rather unlikable to me.
There was basically no evolution. She self-sabotaged until someone kicked her up the arse and forced her to move forward. Then back to sabotaging.
But I don't regret reading it, so the score is "average"
It wasn't bad. I quite liked the New York geography and Liam and Kellan were awesome, but I had certain problems with Ashleigh. It may be just because I'm a 22 year old with next to no relationship experience and not a 38 years old divorcée, but I couldn't understand the way she constantly self-sabotaged, which made her rather unlikable to me.
There was basically no evolution. She self-sabotaged until someone kicked her up the arse and forced her to move forward. Then back to sabotaging.
But I don't regret reading it, so the score is "average"
January 26, 2020
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. This was a great read! I loved the characters and their connection was amazing. I was very confused with all the hints about Dara, and the secret was built up so much that the conclusion was very obvious. I did want to know more about Reagan as the whole ex-wife who Ashleigh was obsessing over for a while. The interactions with Reagan and Ashleigh made me want to know more about them. Over all Kellan and Ashleigh were perfect and this was a great romantic read.
November 17, 2020
Brooklyn Summer has a breezy tone. The chemistry between Kellen and Ashleigh is also excellent and they have some super steamy sex scenes (you know, if you’re on the lookout for that kind of thing…).
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/broo...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/broo...
December 21, 2021
Fluffy & Frustrating
I needed a lighter read from my last two books and I found this on my TBR list. This book was recommended to me when I was searching for sexy butch/femme reads, and Brooklyn Summer did not disappoint in the sexy department.
The first few chapters were slow going, but that's to be expected as the author builds up each character and their situations. Once both protags meet, it was pretty fast moving. Cummings did a brilliant job at creating a slow buildup of a flirty friendship between Kellan and Ashleigh that organically shifted from friends to lovers. The sex was exquisite between the two women. I love all different written types of sex, and Cummings left enough to the imagination but gave us just enough to keep us hard and wet. The communication between Kellan and Ashleigh was always mature. I personally loved how open they were to each other. The comfort level between them was as if they had known one another for decades. Having said that, and being an outsider to their relationship, I understood Kellan's reluctance to fully disclose her reasonings for being in Brooklyn, and once you find out why, you'd understand. As for Ashleigh, yes, she spilled her past to Kellan then finds out about Kellan's past and freaks out. I was hoping this story wouldn't take the easiest, most travelled route, and that's the "instead of talking it out, I'm going to panic and run away" moment. Ashleigh let me down not once, but twice because she's so used to structure and a plan, and Kellan was the opposite. Falling for a rugged butch with a rocky, unresolved past was not on Ashleigh's itinerary. I wanted to empathize, but her immature meltdowns kind of tainted my view of her. She did make up for it in the end, but I still feared for Kellan's heart after it being trampled.
4 stars!
I needed a lighter read from my last two books and I found this on my TBR list. This book was recommended to me when I was searching for sexy butch/femme reads, and Brooklyn Summer did not disappoint in the sexy department.
The first few chapters were slow going, but that's to be expected as the author builds up each character and their situations. Once both protags meet, it was pretty fast moving. Cummings did a brilliant job at creating a slow buildup of a flirty friendship between Kellan and Ashleigh that organically shifted from friends to lovers. The sex was exquisite between the two women. I love all different written types of sex, and Cummings left enough to the imagination but gave us just enough to keep us hard and wet. The communication between Kellan and Ashleigh was always mature. I personally loved how open they were to each other. The comfort level between them was as if they had known one another for decades. Having said that, and being an outsider to their relationship, I understood Kellan's reluctance to fully disclose her reasonings for being in Brooklyn, and once you find out why, you'd understand. As for Ashleigh, yes, she spilled her past to Kellan then finds out about Kellan's past and freaks out. I was hoping this story wouldn't take the easiest, most travelled route, and that's the "instead of talking it out, I'm going to panic and run away" moment. Ashleigh let me down not once, but twice because she's so used to structure and a plan, and Kellan was the opposite. Falling for a rugged butch with a rocky, unresolved past was not on Ashleigh's itinerary. I wanted to empathize, but her immature meltdowns kind of tainted my view of her. She did make up for it in the end, but I still feared for Kellan's heart after it being trampled.
4 stars!
February 14, 2020
2.5 Stars. The book is about Ashleigh McAllister, a math teacher who has the summer off. She is recently divorced from her wife who left her for a man. Ashleigh has the whole summer planned to make the most of her summer in NYC, Her friend, Liam, who had just come back from the military introduced her to his military friend, Kellen Dwyer who is house sitting her her aunt in an apartment in Brooklyn, Liam thinks its a good idea for Ash to show Kellen around NYC all summer, since she already had plans to do all these activities.
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the premise of the plot, two characters falling in love throughout the summer. I did not really enjoy this book tho.I felt like a lot of the drama between Ash and Kellen was very immature for both the characters being in their late 30s. The main drama of the book mostly just annoyed me and I just wanted it to end as it was an over reaction to something she shouldn't have reacted so strongly about. The drama in the book really turned me off from this boo.k, as I enjoying it in the beginning. I do not recommend this novel.
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the premise of the plot, two characters falling in love throughout the summer. I did not really enjoy this book tho.I felt like a lot of the drama between Ash and Kellen was very immature for both the characters being in their late 30s. The main drama of the book mostly just annoyed me and I just wanted it to end as it was an over reaction to something she shouldn't have reacted so strongly about. The drama in the book really turned me off from this boo.k, as I enjoying it in the beginning. I do not recommend this novel.
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