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Summer & Joon

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Summer Alexander is a single mother with a four-year-old son and a hefty bunny. She works in a diner with some colorful characters who regularly dole out advice about love and life. Summer wasn’t looking to fall in love... Then she met Joon Kwon, a handsome, successful entrepreneur. Their flourishing relationship is threatened by a ruthless family member determined to keep them apart.
This book is intended for mature audiences.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

28 people are currently reading
39 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Arrison

8 books56 followers

Sydney Arrison is an award-winning, multi-genre bestselling author. While a freshman in college, her English professor encouraged her to pursue writing as a career. She was a reporter for the independent press. Sydney’s follow-up to “My Heart In Seoul,” “Meet Me Under The Lavender Sky” was released in the fall of 2014. Her romantic- suspense novel “Brooklyn’s Song” was released in the fall of 2015. It was a 1st runner-up for a Swirl award in 2016. Her latest full-length romance novel "Summer & Joon" will be released on September 25, 2021.

The author states, “the world I live in is diverse and inclusive and I would like that reflected in my writing. In my perspective, there are no limitations in love and relationships.”

Sydney loves to hike, bike and play badminton when she isn’t writing. She also enjoys eating fresh popcorn, watching foreign films and reading a good suspenseful mystery. Sydney lives in New York with her husband, two children, her cat and a new addition to her family, her late mom’s dog.

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5 stars
63 (61%)
4 stars
23 (22%)
3 stars
8 (7%)
2 stars
8 (7%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Hei.
3 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
Being Asian I’ve become very concerned with AAPI people being the villain and being fetishsized in books and in film. I see this happening in a lot of AM/BW romance novels. one book constantly talked about the shape of eyes even described the guy’s skin colour as “yellow”( cringe) . Family and honor is very important to most Asian families. The conflict that author Sydney Arrison created in Summer & Joon is very realistic. Jin reminded me of my own sister. She had me ROTFL. Summer’s friendship with Scottie was very endearing It does take a village to get by. Summer was fine moving along in life with her goals set and then during a hectic time she meets Joon KWon. The chemistry between the two of them jumps off the page. This was a very well -written good book and I appreciate not using stereotypes to tell the story.
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,652 reviews32 followers
October 4, 2021
Sweet romance about a very likeable couple named Summer and Joon! I swooned just a little bit to find out the hero absolutely loves Motown. There was also a great group of supporting characters, along with Summer's adorable kid named Jacob and his adorable pet bunny rabbit named Clyde and a sassy neighbor named Peaches, I absolutely loved her! I also loved the old school playlist the hero frequently played! You can find the playlist and a great cookie recipe after The End of the story.

Recommended: Read It!
Profile Image for Vivienne Neal.
Author 14 books24 followers
October 12, 2021
A Beautifully Written Romance Story

The author writes an insightful romance story with versatile, all-inclusive, likable, and authentic characters that draw you into their corner of the world, making you witness the players of various generations along with their fine points, camaraderie, and flaws. The backdrop is New York City, a bustling urban oasis, where sensitive and caring Summer Alexander, a single mother, lives and works as a waitress at the popular Redwood Diner. To be frank, she is not seeking a romantic relationship but that all changes when she meets Joon Kwon, a successful owner of a printing shop. From this point on, there is a new twist behind every turn, exposing some unresolved past issues, lust, snobbery, well-meaning friends, family drama, hostility, envy, manipulation, gossip, and new beginnings? As you turn the pages, you think you know where the plot is going. Well, think again, because the ending will leave you yearning. I enjoyed reading this novel. With its descriptive scenes, you are experiencing what heartfelt love truly is. It is a necessary read, which is loaded with so much sensuality, love, strength, and reciprocated admiration, reminding us that genuine love will always prevail.
Profile Image for Courtnee Howell.
499 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
Something Nice

Summer Alexander is a single mom enjoying a relatively peaceful life when she meets print shop owner, Joon Kwon. Summer inspires the dreamer in Joon, and they quickly find love with each other. But not everyone agrees with this match.

This was a much easier pace than a lot of the IR reads I’ve been into recently. Joon and Summer were very chill for about 75% of the book. Of course, every story needs a conflict, but it is what it is.

On another note, this book could do with a different cover. It’s screams Billionaire Bae when Joon seems like a really well off Boy Next Door.

I’d recommend this to the slice of lifers.
934 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2021
Loved it

I really liked Summer and Joon's story. The characters were well developed and the daily interactions presented were so natural. This was my first read by this author and she didn't disappoint. One reviewer suggested changing the book cover and how wholeheartedly agree because it is not representative of who Join is nor his character.
Profile Image for Lonnie Scott-Lee.
5 reviews
October 20, 2021
First time reading from this author and I was pleasantly surprised. The story has so many yummy layers. Everyone is represented well. Summer was written like a sister should be written. So tired of Ebonics -speaking chickenheads that will do anything to keep a man. Well rounded beautiful descriptive story. Will look for more from this author.
1,474 reviews20 followers
February 8, 2022
Set in present-day New York City, Summer is a single mom raising Jacob, who is 4 years old. She shares custody with Dane, whose attempt at a pro basketball career ended before it started. The two exes have a decent relationship.

A few doors away from the diner where Summer works is a print shop run by Joon, who is young and handsome. The two become "an item" pretty quickly. Summer finds herself falling for Joon very fast. It is thrilling and terrifying at the same time. Dane helps, unintentionally, by telling Summer that he plans to marry Carmen, his girlfriend. There is now no reason for Summer not to totally fall in love with Joon.

When is the best time for Summer to introduce Joon to Jacob? Will he accept, or not accept, Joon as part of the family? The relationship between Summer and Joon seems to good to be true? Does all of Joon's family accept Summer? Does fate throw a stone wall obstacle in their path? Will they live happily ever after?

This is a really good tale of two people from very different backgrounds who seem to have found true love. It is very honest and down-to-earth, and romance fans (of which I am not one) will love it. This gets 4 to 4.5 stars.
4 reviews
February 14, 2022
A really great read. This romance was believable and well thought-out. Summer is a hardworking young divorcee with a little boy. She works in the diner and after she has to go to the print shop she meets handsome Joon and he's just as kind as he is sexy. Their relationship starts off slow with them getting to know each other and talking about their backgrounds. Once the relationship heats up it's pure fire. There's some family issues and very realistic conversations about motherhood, romance, and race. None of it is heavy-handed. The dialogue is smooth and crisp. There's some humor and drama too. A very original storyline and one that doesn't insult the readers intelligence, one where the man isn't a jerk and the woman isn't a pushover. It's a throwback romance that will leave you longing for more. I 'm a new fan of author Sydney Arrison's and I can't wait to see what she's going to do next. 💘
Profile Image for MichelleVeiga.
228 reviews
March 21, 2022
Summer is here to stay

Summer is a divorced mother of a precious 4 year old. It was so good to read a ex husband who wasn't abusive or a stalker. Sometimes love just isn't enough to keep a marriage afloat. However the love that grew between Joon & Summer had my heart aching & my kindle melting. Of course every good book needs a few villians. But that is okay as the road to true love isn't always smooth but eventually you get there. I look forward to reading more from this amazing author. 🤩😍💗👍🏾
Profile Image for **ActuallyAshley**.
147 reviews4 followers
April 19, 2023
3 1/2 stars! Summer & Joon was a cute love story. I really loved the interaction between all the characters. Some parts dragged on too long and could’ve been cut and made into a Novella. I also feel some parts were just repetitive. I get it, Summer is “beautiful” and Joon is “handsome”, but other words could’ve described their feeling better. Lastly, the sex part rarely describe Joon “finishing” so it made the scene end kind of awkward (IMO).

Other than those issues, it was a good book and I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Carlos mutua.
449 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2022
Love conquer all

For a true love to pre exist there must be that external force trying their level best to separate the lover bird,look at the case is summer and joon their family are trying the best to separate. The end of story has greatest love songs playlist of our generation by different singer
663 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
just beautiful

I mean what a story line. I love the main characters but the side characters makes the book even more interesting. I love a happy ending and I especially like how this one ended. Recommend to anyone who likes a happy ending but understand the hard work it takes to get there.
Profile Image for Alexis Johnson.
Author 39 books11 followers
December 17, 2021
Two Worlds fall in love

I love stories where the characters coming from different walks of life. Summer and Joon are an example of that. The African American culture and Asian share their experiences and noticing the things they have in common. A well-written romance.
Profile Image for La Vida Rose.
605 reviews22 followers
December 21, 2022
Very sweet romance book. Not super spicy but just a nice flow on a relationship that builds and develops between a Black divorced mother of one and a Korean entrepreneur. I thought it went a little long though for my tastes, but it was well-written and cute.
39 reviews
November 21, 2021
An enjoyable story

Summer and Joon. An unlikely couple. Single parent. Stereotypes. Culture. an endearing story that checks all the boxes. And a HEA.
90 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2022
Kudos!!

Very sweet story. The story telling was subtle but the author did a good job of making you care about Sumner and Joon. Very worth the read.
21 reviews
March 30, 2022
Incredible

This was such a lovely surprise , so heartwarming , I had this book in my library for a quite a while , and I turned to such a lovely story.
2 reviews
April 15, 2022
Opposites Attract

It was realistic to see that love conquers all and that sometimes family can be your worst enemy and a threat to your happiness.
1 review
May 31, 2024
Sweet and endearing

It’s worth the read! I love the story and the characters. The realness and the love of two ppl from different backgrounds and cultures.
3 reviews
December 2, 2021
A romance novel for grown folks. Glad Summer and Joon didn't jump right in to the bed this is not a insta-love book. The author took her time and let them explore each other.
Profile Image for Sharon Carter.
7 reviews
September 29, 2021
This was a well crafted beautifully written love story. The author's descriptive writing pulls you into the story and makes you feel as though you are along for the ride. The sexy scenes between Summer and Joon are pure fire. I found the diner folk hilarious. A really good solid story. I highly recommend it. The book is over 390 pages long. It took me about two days to finish it since I have my weekends off now. It's a curious thing that some folks can read a book that long in 24 hours.
Profile Image for RJ.
2 reviews
September 29, 2021
Relatable characters and an enjoyable read. The author took her time and told a wonderful story. I liked the way Summer & Joon met and all of the hotness that went along with that. The interactions with the secondary characters was good too. Peache's was a trip. Get this one you'll have a good time .
1 review
September 29, 2021
Sydney Arrison brought the fire!! This was laugh out loud funny, steamy, and original. I can't wait to see what she's going to do next. The music recommendations were a nice touch. This author is an amazing storyteller and she really brought the characters to life. By the end of the book I felt like I knew them!
2 reviews
September 30, 2021
Glad I added this book to my list. Where do I start? Summer meets Joon during an emergency and after spending time together they fall in love. She has an ex and he has a lot going on in his life. This was a very steamy romance with humor too. I need me a Joon and a Peaches in my life. Good book.
Profile Image for Peace.
725 reviews10 followers
October 15, 2021
An adorable romantic novel about Summer and Joon who first developed a sweet friendship that gradually progressed into love. Such a wonderful changer from the insta-love and insta-f*ck romances.

Great cast of supporting characters to add the perfect amount of comedy, drama, and intrigue.
1 review
September 29, 2021
This was a fun, relatively quick read! Recommended if you like romance with some mystery/suspense
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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