Book Review: The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 2, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Brynn Turner desperately wishes she had it together, but her personal life is like a ping-pong match that’s left her scared and hurt after so many attempts to get it right. In search of a place to lick her wounds and get a fresh start, she heads back home to Wildstone.  And then there’s Kinsey Davis, who after battling serious health issues her entire twenty-nine years of life, is tired of hoping for . . . well, anything. She's fierce, tough, and pretty much the opposite of Brynn except for one thing: they're half-sisters. Kinsey is keeping this bombshell, and a few others as well. Long time frenemies from summer camp, there’s no way she’s going to tell Brynn they’re related.  But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's lifelong best friend, Eli, renewing a childhood crush. He’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell. When he gets her to agree to a summer-time deal to trust him to do right by her, no matter what, she never dreams it’ll result in finding a piece of herself she didn’t even know was missing. She could have a sister, love, and a future―if she can only learn to let go of the past.  As the long days of summer wind down, the three of them must discover if forgiveness is enough to grasp the unconditional love that’s right in front of them."

After a bad breakup, Brynn returns back to Wildstone, California for the comfort of her home and her two doting mothers.  Things aren't going well for Brynn. She suffers a panic attack and ends up in the ER. While there, she runs into her former friend from summer camp, Eli.  This isn't just any camp friend from her teenage years. This guy is her first crush and her first kiss.  Eli is at the ER with Kinsey Davis, his best friend who is seriously ill.  Brynn and Kinsey did not get along at camp; in fact, they hate each other, which is pretty awkward for Eli.  However, Eli is happy to have Brynn back in his life and when they meet up again, he invites her to live in his beach house as they are looking for a new roommate.  Brynn needs a new start, so she takes him up on it.  However, Kinsey is a housemate, so cue all the drama.  However, Kinsey is no longer the summer camp mean girl that Brynn thinks she is. She is dealing with very a serious health issues that has impacted her greatly and while looking for a kidney transplant, she finds out that Brynn is her half-sister.  Brynn obviously doesn't know this and Kinsey won't tell her.  On the other hand, Eli wants Kinsey to tell her the truth, because they both could benefit from this new relationship more than they ever anticipated.  The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is quintessential summer reading with a lot of heart and relationships that you will want to root for.

Brynn is an interesting character in The Summer Deal. She is escaping home to Wildstone and both of her mothers are fantastic, but can be overbearing. It's no wonder she is looking to move out to reclaim her independence and that's when Eli, her former crush, offers her a room in his gorgeous beach house. The only thing holding her back is Kinsey.  However, Kinsey and Brynn meet and she promises that things have changed, so Brynn takes her up on this. Can Brynn really let go of the past though and all that Kinsey put her through when they were younger?

While living at the beach house, Eli and Brynn start a new relationship and sparks fly in The Summer Deal.  They even make a "summer deal" between them; however, readers can't help but wonder if Brynn is really ready for a relationship yet. Meanwhile, we know all about Kinsey's secret and I was hoping it would come out, especially since Eli encourages Kinsey to tell Brynn. How could both women live together and it not?

Kinsey is also a complex character in The Summer Deal.  She is dealing with major health issues, and withholding some major secrets from Brynn. The issue surrounding their mutual father is always looming in the background. I really liked the relationship between Kinsey and Deck, who's is fantastic secondary character. I really enjoyed their playful relationship and how he supported her through her health issues.  Also, her best friend, Eli, is always there for her and the kind of male best friend girls dream can only dream of.   Shalvis did a great job creating memorable male characters in The Summer Deal who are supportive, romantic, and downright dreamy.

If you are looking for a charming beach read with a lot of heart, check out The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis. It was exactly the kind of light book I needed during this stay-at-home summer.  Surprisingly, I have never read a novel by Jill Shalvis before! Are you a fan of her novels? If so, let me know your favorite and if The Summer Deal is on your TBR list.