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Long Hot Summer #2
Beach Baby
The secret beach is my happy place.
Until the handsome developer threatens to ruin it all.
I live a simple life. I work in a nursing home and read romance novels. But there is one thing that brings adventure to my days—the secret strip of beach that I tripped over one day.
It’s magic. So beautiful, my heart hurts. And now I need to save it from a soulless property developer.
Gideon Black may be gorgeous. Older and sinfully attractive, with an air of command. But none of that matters—I must protect the beach.
When he agrees to meet with me, I can’t believe it. And when he asks me to dinner, my head spins.
Focus, Olivia. I won’t be distracted. And besides—it’s a business meeting.
That’s all.
Beach Baby is a short and steamy instalove story, starring a determined young heroine and the powerful developer she brings to his knees.
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2021
104 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Mint
152 books1,379 followersCassie writes outrageous, OTT insta-love with tons of sugar and steam. She loves cookie dough, summer barbecues, and her gorgeous cat Missy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 8, 2023
**2.7/5 stars**
This novella is about Olivia, Elsie's sister from Pool Girl. You don't have to read it first, but it's mentioned in it that Olivia found a little secret beach that she goes to every day after work. The premise for Beach Baby is that Olivia attracts the eye of a handsome and rich property developer, Gideon, when she's on her way to her secret place. Two weeks later, she sees that there are plans to make the beach a touristic area and she decides to go straight to Gideon to defend her little piece of heaven. What she doesn't expect is for him to ask her on a date.
Olivia was sweet young woman who took care of an old lady in a residence, or something like that. I thought she'd be more fiesty and set against Gideon but she was so easily swayed that it's not even funny. I wanted her to resist him longer but sadly, she didn't need much persuasion.
I was a bit disappointed by Gideon who was nowhere near what I was expecting him to be like. With the blurb, I pictured him to be commanding and possessive, but instead, he was just sweet and slightly OTT. Nothing really stood out about him, we didn't get much of a background nor why he even fell in love with Olivia. I just didn't believe in his obsession.
I honestly don't have much to say about this little story. I have a love-hate relationship with insta-love/lust romances. I find that sometimes, everything happens too quickly and lacks development...and here, I really felt it. It was a cute novella but at no point did I feel absorbed by it. No time to really let the relationship sink in and the main plot's issue was resolved in less than an evening. I thought there'd be a confrontation, negociations, maybe some bribing or slight blackmail or whatever, because it did feel like there could be room for a little enemies-to-lovers trope to some extents...Instead, it skipped some steps and went straight to lust and relationship. It was a bit underwhelming to me. Not my favorite.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap
✔️OTT H
✔️Sweet/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
🔥 Steam level: 1/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? It was okay. If you've read Pool Girl and wondered about the sister Olivia, then you can sate some of your curiosity here.
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
This novella is about Olivia, Elsie's sister from Pool Girl. You don't have to read it first, but it's mentioned in it that Olivia found a little secret beach that she goes to every day after work. The premise for Beach Baby is that Olivia attracts the eye of a handsome and rich property developer, Gideon, when she's on her way to her secret place. Two weeks later, she sees that there are plans to make the beach a touristic area and she decides to go straight to Gideon to defend her little piece of heaven. What she doesn't expect is for him to ask her on a date.
Olivia was sweet young woman who took care of an old lady in a residence, or something like that. I thought she'd be more fiesty and set against Gideon but she was so easily swayed that it's not even funny. I wanted her to resist him longer but sadly, she didn't need much persuasion.
“Wouldn’t you rather go out into the gardens? Check out the new flowers? Breathe the fresh air?”
“What am I, a bee? Get me to that game, Olivia.”
Pretty much the only quote that stood out to me, and it was between Olivia and Mags, the old lady she's taking care of.
I was a bit disappointed by Gideon who was nowhere near what I was expecting him to be like. With the blurb, I pictured him to be commanding and possessive, but instead, he was just sweet and slightly OTT. Nothing really stood out about him, we didn't get much of a background nor why he even fell in love with Olivia. I just didn't believe in his obsession.
I honestly don't have much to say about this little story. I have a love-hate relationship with insta-love/lust romances. I find that sometimes, everything happens too quickly and lacks development...and here, I really felt it. It was a cute novella but at no point did I feel absorbed by it. No time to really let the relationship sink in and the main plot's issue was resolved in less than an evening. I thought there'd be a confrontation, negociations, maybe some bribing or slight blackmail or whatever, because it did feel like there could be room for a little enemies-to-lovers trope to some extents...Instead, it skipped some steps and went straight to lust and relationship. It was a bit underwhelming to me. Not my favorite.
✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Age gap
✔️OTT H
✔️Sweet/Virgin h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
🔥 Steam level: 1/5
⚡Content warning
Would I recommend this novella? It was okay. If you've read Pool Girl and wondered about the sister Olivia, then you can sate some of your curiosity here.
**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**
Long Hot Summer Series
(Series Rating: ⭐⭐.8 /5)
1. Pool Girl - 2. Beach Baby - 3. Hot Spring Kingpin
- 4. With the Band
August 11, 2023
2.75 stars.
July 31, 2021
Not as good as Pool Girl, but at least this was short 🤷🏻♀️
May 26, 2022
"Beach Baby" is the story of Olivia and Gideon.
The heroine lives on a beach paradise and the millionaire hero spots her. He tries to acquire the land to develop it to entice the heroine, but she doesn't agree with his plans and they have sex?
Didn't feel the connection in this one- very rushed!
Safe
2/5
The heroine lives on a beach paradise and the millionaire hero spots her. He tries to acquire the land to develop it to entice the heroine, but she doesn't agree with his plans and they have sex?
Didn't feel the connection in this one- very rushed!
Safe
2/5
July 30, 2023
Save the beach!
It was a cute little read. I kind of hated Gideon in the beginning. First, how could he think she WOULDN’T be upset by developing that slice of beach heaven to a hotel? Acting all shocked :rolls eyes: I also didn’t feel like he paid enough for how much of an arrogant pick he was but other than that it was a good read.
It was a cute little read. I kind of hated Gideon in the beginning. First, how could he think she WOULDN’T be upset by developing that slice of beach heaven to a hotel? Acting all shocked :rolls eyes: I also didn’t feel like he paid enough for how much of an arrogant pick he was but other than that it was a good read.
June 11, 2024
Really good, way better than book 1. It was a nice short read. ❤️🏖️
July 27, 2025
2.5 stars**
better than the first one but still not great
better than the first one but still not great
July 30, 2023
The male love interest was not for me but the story was ok.
August 18, 2022
Olivia & Gideon
Luckily this one I liked much better than the first book in this series. But that’s honestly owed to the fact that the Hero did not mope around while stalk the Heroine like in the fist book, so it wasn’t a high threshold to overcome.
And honestly, I was so scared that the rest of the novellas in this series would be equally as unsatisfying, that I just couldn’t relax. I was waiting for things that would annoy me like in “Pool Girl”
So a bit of the discomfort while reading this was definitely on me.
In this one Gideon was a bit overbearing.
He spotted Olivia one day, followed her to a beach, then bought the beach to likely build a hotel there (it’s not directly confirmed, but when Olivia asked Gideon paused, and Olivia sees that as confirmation)
But since Olivia doesn’t want to see that beach go to waste for rich people in a hotel she pushes against him.
And this is where I … I don’t know.
It didn’t feel very good?
First she was angry with him and then within a day her entire opinion of him and what he does changed. Only because he said to her in a “business meeting” that she could simply ask for the beach. She does. The beach is saved. Now she wants to kiss him and make out.
I don’t know. I am usually able to vibe with pushy / cocky men, if the Heroine pushes back — and not flip flop within, what felt like, a minute. I wanted her to have fire. I wanted her to fight back more.
But maybe that’s just me.
The whole thing with Jackson wasn’t fully resolved but I come to find out that this is a usual occurrence within Cassie Mint books.
Like, yeah Jackson got fired and Gideon said he would report back to Jackson’s dad … but he also punched that dude in the face. There has to be fallout right?
It’s these tiny things at the end that aren’t important but I wanna know because I’m a curious bitch :D
Yeah anyway.
It was a fine read.
2,5★ rounded up.
Luckily this one I liked much better than the first book in this series. But that’s honestly owed to the fact that the Hero did not mope around while stalk the Heroine like in the fist book, so it wasn’t a high threshold to overcome.
And honestly, I was so scared that the rest of the novellas in this series would be equally as unsatisfying, that I just couldn’t relax. I was waiting for things that would annoy me like in “Pool Girl”
So a bit of the discomfort while reading this was definitely on me.
In this one Gideon was a bit overbearing.
He spotted Olivia one day, followed her to a beach, then bought the beach to likely build a hotel there (it’s not directly confirmed, but when Olivia asked Gideon paused, and Olivia sees that as confirmation)
But since Olivia doesn’t want to see that beach go to waste for rich people in a hotel she pushes against him.
And this is where I … I don’t know.
It didn’t feel very good?
First she was angry with him and then within a day her entire opinion of him and what he does changed. Only because he said to her in a “business meeting” that she could simply ask for the beach. She does. The beach is saved. Now she wants to kiss him and make out.
I don’t know. I am usually able to vibe with pushy / cocky men, if the Heroine pushes back — and not flip flop within, what felt like, a minute. I wanted her to have fire. I wanted her to fight back more.
But maybe that’s just me.
The whole thing with Jackson wasn’t fully resolved but I come to find out that this is a usual occurrence within Cassie Mint books.
Like, yeah Jackson got fired and Gideon said he would report back to Jackson’s dad … but he also punched that dude in the face. There has to be fallout right?
It’s these tiny things at the end that aren’t important but I wanna know because I’m a curious bitch :D
Yeah anyway.
It was a fine read.
2,5★ rounded up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Olivia is happy in her life. She has a great job, family and friends. She also has a secret beach, so beautiful and no one else knows about it. Gideon is older, rich and all alone. He sees Olivia in the street and can't help but follow her. Once he sees her beach he knows he wants to build something beautiful there, not to mention what he wants to build with Olivia. When he purchases the land it brings Olivia to his doorstep. Can she convince him to not destroy her sanctuary? What will it cost her? And him?
I liked Olivia. She is super sweet and the almost antithesis of Gideon. He is so driven and always gets what he wants.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked Olivia. She is super sweet and the almost antithesis of Gideon. He is so driven and always gets what he wants.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2022
Good
Sexy and steamy story. Olivia is content with her life but looks forward to lounging on her hidden beach everyday, it’s her secret oasis. When Gideon sees Olivia walking down the street he is completely enthralled and follows her. She leads him right to her beach which he is captivated by and sees so many money making possibilities. Olivia is heartbroken and furious when she learns her beach has been bought to be developed. She plans to fight tooth and nail for her slice of heaven and Gideon looks forward to her fight.
Safety and Spoilers
Completely safe. No ow drama. H’s assistant makes h think he is using her for sex and h runs. Nothing mentioned about the H’s past and the h is a virgin. No abuse.
Sexy and steamy story. Olivia is content with her life but looks forward to lounging on her hidden beach everyday, it’s her secret oasis. When Gideon sees Olivia walking down the street he is completely enthralled and follows her. She leads him right to her beach which he is captivated by and sees so many money making possibilities. Olivia is heartbroken and furious when she learns her beach has been bought to be developed. She plans to fight tooth and nail for her slice of heaven and Gideon looks forward to her fight.
Safety and Spoilers
Completely safe. No ow drama. H’s assistant makes h think he is using her for sex and h runs. Nothing mentioned about the H’s past and the h is a virgin. No abuse.
November 1, 2021
Brilliant read
Olivia is upset when Gideon Black decides to develop the strip of beach that Olivia found it is private nobody seems to know it is there but still he wants to develop it.
Gideon sees the beach as he follows Olivia after seeing her from his car she is the one for him he needs to catch up to her but he loses Olivia by the time he finds her Olivia is diving into the water but Gideon leaves her and puts his plan into place to get that strip of beach.. Gideon doesn’t expect to see Olivia as his office but here she is about the beach. Gideon uses this time with Olivia to see how she feels about him but also show Olivia that she is his.
Olivia is upset when Gideon Black decides to develop the strip of beach that Olivia found it is private nobody seems to know it is there but still he wants to develop it.
Gideon sees the beach as he follows Olivia after seeing her from his car she is the one for him he needs to catch up to her but he loses Olivia by the time he finds her Olivia is diving into the water but Gideon leaves her and puts his plan into place to get that strip of beach.. Gideon doesn’t expect to see Olivia as his office but here she is about the beach. Gideon uses this time with Olivia to see how she feels about him but also show Olivia that she is his.
July 1, 2021
I struggled with this one. I liked Pool Girl so much better than this one, which is about Olivia's sister. I never really got over feeling like Gideon was a jerk every time I read from his POV. I liked Olivia a lot, I felt like she was a sweet, fun heroine that was looking for something more out of life. I just am still not sure Gideon was the guy to give it to her. I love this author and have been devouring her work recently but this one didn't hit me as much as some of her other stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2022
A sweet love story that is hard to put down! Olivia and Gideon are like two broken pieces that fit together. Where Olivia is sweet and open despite her rough beginnings, Gideon is hard and closed off. Olivia is definitely the easier character to love right away, but only because you feel like maybe Gideon is too much for her, but as the story progresses, their attraction heats up and you come to realize that they were just meant to be together. They have their ups and downs and at times it seems like it's over, but it's just a lovely novella that makes you feel good after you've read it.
Read
October 1, 2024Long Hot Summer: Beach Baby
Olivia and Gideon: Beach Baby (Long Hot Summer)
Gideon Black, built like a prizefighter, with his sky scrapers and security guards and that evil filthy mouthed cowardly assistant that nearly ruined everything. Mags the little old lady at the nursing home Olivia works at and her filthy romance books. All the characters are so rich, pulling you into the story, so you can’t put it down, especially the lovely innocent Olivia who captivates Gideon… she has no idea that he’ll give her everything… starting with her secret beach…
Loved this!!!
Olivia and Gideon: Beach Baby (Long Hot Summer)
Gideon Black, built like a prizefighter, with his sky scrapers and security guards and that evil filthy mouthed cowardly assistant that nearly ruined everything. Mags the little old lady at the nursing home Olivia works at and her filthy romance books. All the characters are so rich, pulling you into the story, so you can’t put it down, especially the lovely innocent Olivia who captivates Gideon… she has no idea that he’ll give her everything… starting with her secret beach…
Loved this!!!
July 2, 2021
An age gap romance between Olivia and Gideon brings about their differences and just how much power she wields over him. A quick romance where Gideon is willing to bring all the luxuries for Olivia, only she wants simple and her beach left untouched. Will Gideon give her what she wants or was it just a ploy to get what he wants from her. Lovely ending as they both find out just how much they will do for the other.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
August 10, 2023
I Expect the Best from Cassie!
I expect nothing but the best from Cassie Mint, and she delivers. Every. Single. Time! Olivia has her own book and has a personality so beautiful it's a shame she's fictional. She would be a great friend of mine if she were real, haha! I began this book hating Gideon because he was an arrogant jerk, but he proved to be so much more man than just billionaire businessman, and I love the guy now, too. Kudos to Cassie for another enjoyable read!
I expect nothing but the best from Cassie Mint, and she delivers. Every. Single. Time! Olivia has her own book and has a personality so beautiful it's a shame she's fictional. She would be a great friend of mine if she were real, haha! I began this book hating Gideon because he was an arrogant jerk, but he proved to be so much more man than just billionaire businessman, and I love the guy now, too. Kudos to Cassie for another enjoyable read!
July 2, 2021
I absolutely loved Beach Baby by Cassie Mint. Its Gideon and Olivia's story. Olivia is the sister to Elsie from Pool Girl. Gideon has it all but something is missing. And when he sees Olivia on the beach, he knows she is the one for him and will do whatever he has to prove to her they belong together! 5 stars.
July 5, 2021
An enjoyable, engaging, relatable, steamy, well-developed, heartwarming, and well written fast paced page-turner. The characters are likeable; the chemistry between them is instant and off the charts. Definitely recommended!
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2021
3.75 stars
So short yet I couldn’t help but swoon. I liked how feisty Olivia was and how cocky and confident Gideon was. Olivia working at a nursing home and Gideon being a billionaire, that trope always gets me. Olivia acknowledges the power imbalance but Gideon doesn’t see it that way
So short yet I couldn’t help but swoon. I liked how feisty Olivia was and how cocky and confident Gideon was. Olivia working at a nursing home and Gideon being a billionaire, that trope always gets me. Olivia acknowledges the power imbalance but Gideon doesn’t see it that way
December 15, 2021
3 stars…
I’ve read a lot by her and this is just not my fav. I like the sensitive big men who are insure and dominate at the same time but this is just ur classic billionaire business guy which is fine.
I liked the beach scene and I liked the idea of him just knocking out that awful assistant if his.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears.
I’ve read a lot by her and this is just not my fav. I like the sensitive big men who are insure and dominate at the same time but this is just ur classic billionaire business guy which is fine.
I liked the beach scene and I liked the idea of him just knocking out that awful assistant if his.
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears.
February 11, 2023
Spice Vanilla
A bit darker than I was expecting from Cassie!
Don’t get me wrong though, I liked it.
Olivia is just lovely! Lively and brave and sweet. I really liked her.
Gideon wasn’t my cup of tea as much. All consuming stalker alpha stereotype haha.
This is a fun, easy read. Glad it was on KU.
A bit darker than I was expecting from Cassie!
Don’t get me wrong though, I liked it.
Olivia is just lovely! Lively and brave and sweet. I really liked her.
Gideon wasn’t my cup of tea as much. All consuming stalker alpha stereotype haha.
This is a fun, easy read. Glad it was on KU.
May 8, 2023
3.5 or 4 star writing I enjoy this author a lot and though she has similar aspects in most story's its still its own story as well because it has a different storyline but still a little familiar in its own way but different enought to not bother me much I like the Characters together glad to be reading this series glad they are are all quick fun reads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
Another cracking read from Ms. Mint. Likable characters, well written storyline. Would recommend, cannot wait for more from this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2022
Pretty good!
This was a decent read, I liked the previous book better, but I still really enjoyed the story and the way the characters developed. It just got a little slow in some spots. I definitely recommend though!
This was a decent read, I liked the previous book better, but I still really enjoyed the story and the way the characters developed. It just got a little slow in some spots. I definitely recommend though!
October 23, 2022
Beach Baby
Gideon and Olivia are absolutely adorable!!!! It was like light and day between them but the chemistry was definitely there the whole time!!! I’m so glad they worked through their issues and had a happily ever after????
Gideon and Olivia are absolutely adorable!!!! It was like light and day between them but the chemistry was definitely there the whole time!!! I’m so glad they worked through their issues and had a happily ever after????
August 21, 2023
This novella was terrible.
If I could give it a 0, I would. If it was any longer, I would’ve DNF’ed.
I love instalove stories but this was just over the top lol.
The FMC was an airhead. The MMC was caveman. I am just shook at just how bad this was lol.
This is forsure a do not read.
If I could give it a 0, I would. If it was any longer, I would’ve DNF’ed.
I love instalove stories but this was just over the top lol.
The FMC was an airhead. The MMC was caveman. I am just shook at just how bad this was lol.
This is forsure a do not read.
April 19, 2025
short and sweet
It was very short, maybe too short! I would have loved to read more of Olivia and Gideon story. It’s exactly what it sounds like: an insta-love, age gap romance by the beach!
It was very short, maybe too short! I would have loved to read more of Olivia and Gideon story. It’s exactly what it sounds like: an insta-love, age gap romance by the beach!
July 2, 2021
Beach
Gideon is stunned by this young beautiful woman. She takes his breath away like no one has before. He just need to figure our how to show her they are meant to be together.
Gideon is stunned by this young beautiful woman. She takes his breath away like no one has before. He just need to figure our how to show her they are meant to be together.
July 4, 2021
I really liked this. Both the H and h were interesting and likeable characters. It reminded me of an Alexa Riley book and I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews