Kickflip Summer

by Danielle Jacks

Two people brought together by chance. Both finding something they don’t know they need. A sweet romance about finding a home in the heart.


Kara
All I want is one last summer of fun with my best friend, Toby.
Blue Oaks Theme Park seems like a perfect place to work while blowing off some steam. It’s our last summer before university and we want to make every day count. The thing I didn’t consider was being attracted to my new boss.
But it’s just one summer. One quick fling. What harm can it do?


Bear
Returning home is something I can’t avoid. My dad wants me to start getting serious about my future, while I want to spend the summer teaching kids skateboarding.
As always, he gets his own way, but when a cute brunette – literally – knocks me off my feet, I’m finding the theme park interesting in a whole new way.
A summer romance. Totally insubstantial. I can handle that. Right?

Genres: New Adult

263 pages, ebook

First published July 15, 2020

About the author

Danielle lives in Yorkshire, England, with her husband, daughter, and tortoise. She enjoys reading, watching the rain, and listening to old music. Her dreams include writing stories, visiting magical places, and staying young at heart. The people who know her describe her as someone who has her head in the clouds and her mind in a book.

Reviews

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun summer read about a young girl learning to find herself after years of being overshadowed by her best friend, and finding love when she really wasn't looking for it. Would absolutely recommend!

[Toya Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual genre to read, but I was hooked right from the start.
It's a sweet, heart warming first love story between Kara and Bear. The characters are engaging and leave you wanting more. This is a perfect read which leaves you with all the 'feels'. It was the author's first book and she's done amazing. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Josselyn Radillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

English below

Kick flip Summer es mucho mejor de lo que esperaba. Los personajes tiene un giro que no lo ves venir.

Kara es esa jovencita que depende muchísimo de su amigo Toby y el siempre tiene que el centro de atención. Su amistad se ve afectada cuando Kara conoce a Julián y quiere algo diferente para su verano.

Kara tomo la iniciativa con Julián y eso me dejó boca abierta pero aún mas la reacción de el. No pensé que quería todo y más con ella pero decide dejar que ella lleve las riendas. Después de un tiempo este mágico lugar y unos problemas entre el amor y la amistad Kara termina con el corazón roto y sin nada.

La relación entre Julián y Kara es muy tierna pero también tiene su picante de una forma muy linda. Este libro es acerca de como todas las relaciones evolucionan de una u otra manera conforme vamos creciendo.

Y libro muy lindo con algunos giros que no loes esperas pero con un tierno final


♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Kick flip Summer is much better than I expected. The characters have a twist that you don't see coming.

Kara is that young girl who depends a lot on her friend Toby and he always has to be the center of attention. Their friendship is affected when Kara meets Julian and wants something different for her summer.

Kara took the initiative with Julian and that left my mouth open but even more his reaction. I didn't think he wanted everything and more with her but he decides to let her take the lead. After a while this magical place and some problems between love and friendship Kara ends up with a broken heart and nothing.

The relationship between Julian and Kara is very tender but it also has its spice in a very nice way. This book is about how all relationships evolve in one way or another as we grow up.

And it's a very nice book with some twists that you don't expect, but with a sweet ending.

[Kerry Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCEPTIONAL!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story! And i must admit, it felt a bit weird to read the story in present tense, but Kara and Bear's story is somewhat picturesque! I just couldnt help but fall in love with their journey! I would have had the story finished sooner had my husband not interfered and insist i be responsible and eat my dinner lol Danielle Jacks turned a simple idea into a fairy tale story! Now if she could write what comes after this summer story so that i dont feel lost anymore, that would be grand! :D

[Emma Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Awesome debut novel

4.5 shiny stars for this awesome debut novel! 🤩🤩🤩🤩

Kara and Toby are best friends, they are looking for one more adventure before university starts in September. Toby has the idea to get a summer job at a local theme park, Kara is a little unsure as she needs to stay at home to help her sister with her nieces.

Kara meets Bear while she’s collecting her nieces from summer club, she doesn’t know who he is..... The book leads you through their Story from that first meeting.

This book is great! Danielle has a great way with words.

Great summer read ❤️

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the YA Bound Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.KickFlip Summer by Danielle Jacks is a great summer read that has the right amount of romance.
Can Kara and Bear handle just a summer romance?
Kara
Kara is the main female character. She is a sweet girl who doesn't like to be in the limelight, let alone take charge when it comes to doing something with her best friend, Toby. Kara has the whole girl-next-door vibe going on for her in not only looks but personality, which is refreshing to see. She doesn't have the best upbringing, either. Her mum left her when Kara was only 16, her dad not caring about her life, her older sister having her own family with her kids, and dealing with her ex. Not only them, but she has been helping her sister take care of her nieces. To me, she is a great character and one that I would think that if we could meet would be friends. 
Bear
Bear is the main male character. He is the polar opposite of Kara. Bear comes from money but would instead be helping out charities and working with them than just going to functions that support that charity. He is a guy that doesn't know how to show his true feelings about certain things. Bear does get better at that the more he is with Kara, and the more he realizes being home might be the best thing for him. 
Five Stars
I am giving KickFlip Summer by Danielle Jacks five stars and recommending it to anyone that loves young adult romances that might end on a happy note. Kara and Bear are making me root for them throughout the entire story and making a stink face whenever Toby didn't like them being together. These two characters are perfect for each other, and I think that Ms. Jacks does a fantastic job writing this beautiful story.






Excerpt
Bear's point of view

"Do you ever think about taking something that isn't yours?" I ask.

I run my palm through my hair. Her eyes meet mine briefly before she looks away. I don't know what her deal is with Toby. Are they misunderstood friends who eventually will become more? Isn't that how it goes in the movies? Kara isn't mine, but it doesn't stop me from wanting her. Would it be so bad to give in to an urge? Our eyes meet again and she takes hold of my shirt, pulling me towards her.

"Like a stolen kiss, you mean?"

Before I can answer, her mouth comes crashing down on mine. Every nerve ending in my body comes alive. Her lips are warm and soft. The taste of apple and honey fills my senses as I drink her in. A kiss has never felt this good, and my hands stray up her back and into her silky hair. I can't get enough and I don't want this to end. She read my mind. This is exactly what I meant when I asked the question. Kissing Kara is like nothing I've experienced before. She's beautiful and delicious. Her touch is sweet and addictive. Kissing her is my undoing. I already want more. I already crave more.     






Giveaway
Prize:  £10/$10/10 euro Amazon gift card

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Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear (Julian) and Kara are thrown together in more ways than one and even with a best friend that tries to get in between them it is a wonderful story of young love that you hope will grow into something more as the years go by.
Thanks Danielle for a great first story I look forward to your next adventure!

[Laylaah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and heartfelt book about the last summer before university and I loved it! Bear and Kara have amazing chemistry and I loved Blue Oaks and its characters. I want to go there to meet all the people.I don't usually read YA books but I enjoyed this one and cannot wait for more by Danielle Jacks.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, the characters seem fun and the storyline is believable. It’s easy to read and I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. Would definitely recommend it and look forward to more from this author.

[Diane Shires · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous summer read. Enjoyed this book from end to end. Couldn’t put this down. Great feel good story with a fine thread of amusement running through. Can’t wait for the next one Danielle.

[Lucy Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet story of all the emotions of young love, lust and friendship. Very well done on your first published book x

[Melanie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book. Loved reading the journey of Kara and Bear. Loved the setting of the theme park.

[Kristina Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and innocent young adult romance! It brought back so many fond memories of summer loves I once had. Even though it started out a little slow in the beginning, it became more engaging once there was some added heat and tension between the main characters. I liked all of the side characters even with their little quirks. The author did a great job with her debut novel. I look forward to reading more of her work. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carmen Richter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story! I loved Kara and Bear. Their chemistry was great, and the story was lighthearted and fun. I also loved all of the supporting characters, especially Toby (though I did want to smack him upside the head a few times). Note: this is a SWEET romance, not steamy. Perfect for a light summer read.

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle Jacks has a hit on her hands. Love this summer story of Kara and Bear. Love was not what they were looking for but they found so much more. The last 2 sentences of this book are so good!

[Rebbeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun romance read

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about young love, very well written 👏

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kickflip Summer is a wonderful debut novel and perfect summer holiday read. The characters come to life and pull you into the story, and once you’ve started reading it it’s impossible to put down.

[Lisa Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Danielle Jacks debut novel. Its sweet, endearing and heartfelt. So well written that im shocked its her first book. Story flows naturally.

I love coming across new authors and its even better when they have just written their first book. They're storys grow with them and we as readers get to tag along for the beautiful ride right beside them and i for one cant wait for more from Danielle.

Kara is a wonderful character that has great family values. She is young but is a well rounded person. Bear/Julian is such a sweet character, very charitable and head strong. These pair meet and you just know its gonna be a forever love, Even when Bear turns moody with Kara. Young, fun, love.

The blue paks theme park is deffinently a place i would work at sounds like a fun place. Bear and Kara are great characters and the secondary characters are fab too. The twins made me laugh. Vinnie is funny. A great group of character's that i would love to read about again.

[Annamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Danielle’s first book and I really enjoyed it, you wouldn’t know that this was her first novel.

The story follows Kara who wants a summer of fun with her best friend Toby for their final summer before university and Bear who wants to spend his whole summer skateboarding before he takes over his family business from his father.

Kara and Toby plan on going to Blue Oaks to work and have fun for the summer but Kara stays behind and helps look after her nieces and Bear plans to teach skateboarding all summer but nothing goes to plan for either of them as their plans are turned upside down.

Kara and Bear meet while she’s picking up her nieces from a summer club where Bear is teaching skateboarding and when they meet you are left wondering if something is going to happen between them but Bear gets called back to reality and Toby and Kara’s sister gang up and have Kara go on her summer adventure.

When Kara gets to Blue Oaks she ends up being put on the Swan Ride but wants to be at the Haunted House with Toby as they are supposed to be having a summer adventure together but after a while she enjoys where she is. Kara enjoys her final summer before university and she makes a lot of friends and memories.

[Rebecca Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this first book from Danielle. It was such a sweet romance about young love and friendships as life takes you to unexpected places.
Kara has had to grow up quickly as she helps look after her niece and just wants a summer of fun with her best friend Toby before they go off to college.
Bear wants to spend his summer skateboarding before he has to take on the responsibilities from his father in the family business.
Nothing ever goes to plan though and both of them have their summer and their futures turned upside down.

[Catherine Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book would recommend excellent read

[Kaye Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

Absolutely love the book amazing I am obsessed with Bear and Kara story such a sweat story I would recommend to all my friends

[M.B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this YA story of that final summer before university.
Kara and Bear are great leading characters, and the supporting characters are just as engaging.
I for one wouldn't mind going to Blue Oaks to meet everyone.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted fun YA contemporary romance which had me hooked from the start. ‘Kickflip Summer’ is a real summer romance with great characters in a lovely setting which had me feeling completely immersed in this novel whilst reading it. Best friends Kara and Toby want one last summer of fun together before they both head of to University. The pair get jobs at Blue Oaks Theme Park and are determined to have fun as well as work. However, Kara did not expect to be attracted to her new boss, but she then comes to the conclusion that a quick summer fling can’t hurt. Bear was happy to spend the summer teaching kids skateboarding until his Dad insisted that he return home and get serious about his future. Bear is unhappy at the thought of working at Blue Oaks Theme Park until he meets new girl Kara who’s there working over the summer. Kara literally knocks Bear off his feet and then he’s hooked and decides that he can handle a summer romance. Having been bought together by chance, both Kara and Bear discover in each other something they didn’t know they needed. Suddenly the summer seems to be to short for the couple and they must decide if their summer romance is just that, or something more.
I loved this sweet romance and found the main characters very likeable and relatable, I was really hoping that Kara and Bear would get a happy ending. The storyline flows well and I like how the story is told from both Kara and Bear’s point of view and this made getting to know the characters easier. The wonderfully written narrative kept me happily turning the pages and the authors detailed descriptions really bought the setting alive, at times I felt as though I was in the theme park. A lovely romantic, enjoyable and engaging debut novel by Danielle Jacks.

[Adina Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you want to disconnect from everyday life and dream, then this book is for you. I was so
caught up in experiencing the protagonists' emotions that I didn't realize the time that
passed.
Kara and Julian (Bear) are fantastic, well-built characters that you can empathize with right
away.
Toby suggests to Kara to spend their last summer before going to college at Blue Oaks Park
Theme; what's wrong with having fun while earning ?!
Kara, on the other hand, is not entirely sure whether to go or not. She is babysitting her
nieces Anna and Hayley. Leaving would mean leaving your sister in trouble.
Bear, aka Julian, is a guy who has chased his dreams and is giving skateboarding lessons.
However, he tries to avoid his father, who would like to take him to work in the family
business. But Bear doesn't want to work at Blue Oaks Park.
Kara and Bear meet right during a skateboarding lesson of the two nieces, and Bear like her.
Toby and Helen, in cahoots, organize the trip to Blue Oaks Park, preparing a sweet surprise
for Kara. And this is where she and Bear meet again; this is where the real story begins, full
of adventures and emotions.
I think I spoiled a lot, but I leave you to find out how it will end between Kara and Bear. Will it
be just a fling, or will it be something more?
It's a book to read every now and then, and that's what we all want ... or not ?!
Congratulations on this beautiful story, and who knows, maybe Danielle will give us a
sequel.

[Jaleel Webster-Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC ALERT*

Kickflip Summer is definitely a young adult romance that will have you swooning by the end. I must admit though it wasn't easy for me getting through the first 4 chapters.

I think I battled for a few days because Kara's character frustrated me. How could she not want to go on a summer adventure with her best friend? It just really ticked me off but then I got to chapter 5 and I was sold! I could not put the book down, but unfortunately distractions happen to come along and things needed my attention on the homefront. But, alas, I finished the book and did a whole happy dance. YAY ME!

Kara and Toby's summer adventure doesn't go all according plan. But it is still a summer adventure no less. One filled with lots of new adventures for Kara and the possiblity of love on the horizon. Like any pair of best friends the two get into fights and disagree on alot. So imagine my surprise when they are making up and I see the word "cross", ha! I was so surprised and so happy, I haven't heard the word "cross" being used as a substitute for upset or angry in so long. Just goes to show that reading truly can provide a bridge across the world.

Kara is a caring and kind hearted spirit who puts everyone else above herself and Bear is a charity chasing skateboarder with a secret. He just wants Kara to see him and not the man he meant to become.

I fell in love with the idea of Kara and Bear and once they made it official I was swooning! Let's just say my love life is extinct and this is as good as it gets for me. And yes, I am talking about book boyfriends!
Aaaaah I am in love. Sad that this is a standalone but hopefully Ms. Jacks will provide us with a special epilogue that entails a fun filled future for the two sometime in the future. No pressure Danielle.

Please, please don't be an idiot like me and drag your feet because of a few chapters. Get lost in Blue Oaks Theme Park and have a Kickflip-ping-awesome-Summer!

[Karyn Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kickflip Summer is a sweet romance novel from Danielle Jacks. I had never read any of this author’s work before so I was unsure what to expect. What I got was an enjoyable read with characters that I really liked and could relate to.
Kara has just finished school and is looking for a summer of fun with best friend Toby before heading off to college. What she doesn’t expect is to meet up again with Bear (Julian) who had been her niece’s skateboarding coach.
I really enjoyed reading Kara and Bear’s story. It’s obvious straight away that they both like each other but both have stuff going on in their personal lives and a relationship isn’t what either had in mind.
Kara and Bear are both great characters and a loved them both. I have to admit to not being a fan of Toby. I know he is Kara’s best friend but I didn’t like the way that he treated her at times, especially where Bear was concerned, although I expect that this is what the author had in mind.
Running through the story is a storyline about family and how important your family is. I also really enjoyed this added storyline and have to add that I loved Kara’s family. They were so supportive of her.
Overall I really enjoyed this sweet romance story.

[Melissa Agena · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Cute! This novel is one that can be read by all ages! Kickflip Summer is written by Danielle Jacks. It is a story that takes place during the summer in England. Kara is happily awaiting her time to go to the University in the fall, while her best friend Toby wants an adventure. So he decides that they are both going to work at England’s biggest theme park! Bear is an up and coming skateboarder, who wants to travel England teaching little kids how to skateboard. However, his dad wants him back working at their family business, which happens to be a theme park. When these two meet, there is an attraction. However neither one of them want a summer romance. So they continue to fight it for several weeks. Until gradually they become friends and then decide a summer romance wouldn’t be so bad. This book was light and fun and I was hooked from the beginning. The characters were great and they all worked so well together. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit about this book. I would definitely recommend it to others as well.

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kickflip Summer by Danielle Jacks

4 Stars

This is this author's first book and I really enjoyed it, it came with all the emotions and sweetness I love in a book. The writing style was smooth and super easy to read.

I loved the characters and getting to know them, sometimes though I forgot how old they were as some of the parts made it seem they were older than they really were. That did not take away from the story though and I loved how they met and her best friend Toby was awesome!

This was an all around sweet read, I like that it didn't jump into being an insta love type relationship and I was able to watch it grow.

I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author!

Highly Recommended!