The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis
Series: Wildstone #5
Published on June 2, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
The Summer Deal is part of Jill Shalvis’ heartfelt Wildstone series, where every book offers a standalone love story wrapped in family drama, emotional healing, and small-town charm.
Book Blurb
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 she’s keeping more than one bombshell of a secret from Brynn -- her long-time frenemy.
But then Brynn runs into Kinsey's best friend, Eli, renewing her childhood crush. The good news: he’s still easy-going and funny and sexy as hell.
The bad news: 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 real connections, possibly 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.
My Review
The Summer Deal by Jill Shalvis is everything I want in a beach read—heartfelt, funny, and unexpectedly healing. From the very first chapter, I knew this story would become another favorite of mine. Jill Shalvis has a magical way of drawing you in with relatable characters, breezy humor, and a depth that sneaks up on you.
Like peeling back the layers of an onion, the story starts on the surface with a seemingly lighthearted summer setup—but each page reveals something deeper. Hidden truths, buried fears, and unspoken regrets all come to light as the characters navigate love, family, and second chances.
The story is told through alternating points of view, primarily Brynn and Eli, with rich character development that makes you feel like you're living right alongside them. Their vulnerabilities are raw, their emotions real, and their growth deeply satisfying. Brynn is trying to piece herself back together after a difficult past, while Eli—her former summer camp crush—is holding onto secrets that could change everything.
And then there’s Kinsey, the snarky, complex roommate and unexpected heart of the story. She adds so much to the emotional core of the book with her guarded personality and quiet bravery. Shalvis does an exceptional job balancing multiple arcs without losing the intimacy of any one character’s journey.
As I turned the pages, I found myself smiling, laughing, and even tearing up. It’s hard to pick just one character to root for, because each one brings something authentic and unforgettable to the story. In the end, you’ll be cheering for all of them, hoping they find the happiness they so deserve.
If you’re looking for a story that blends humor, warmth, and second-chance love—with a big side of sisterhood and self-discovery—this is the one. Grab the paperback, download the e-book, or cue up the audiobook… whatever your format, The Summer Deal is well worth the dive.
Happy Reading, my dear followers. 💕
☀️ Love summer romances? You might also enjoy:
- The Guest Cottage by Lori Foster – A heartwarming beachside escape.
- The Summer That Shaped Us by Lori Wilde – Friendship, growth, and a new beginning.
Related Reviews from the Wildstone Series
- The Good Luck Sister
- The Summer Deal – Two estranged friends reconnect at a beach house with secrets, heart, and unexpected romance in this warm, emotional Wildstone story.
- Rainy Day Friends
Favorite Quote
...You can't make someone be your person. You can't make them love you. You can't hurry love up or even set it aside. I know because I've spent too much of my life trying to do just that.
Book Excerpt
From the Publisher:
Brynne is ready to start over after a health scare and heartbreak. She returns to Wildstone, where a summer house-share turns into an unexpected second chance—with a childhood crush and a complicated family twist. With warmth, humor, and heart, The Summer Deal is classic Jill Shalvis—emotional, uplifting, and full of unforgettable characters.
From THE SUMMER DEAL by Jill Shalvis, published by William Morrow.
Copyright © 2020 by Jill Shalvis. Reprinted courtesy of Harper Collins Publishers
About the Author
Have you read any books in the Wildstone series? Which one was your favorite? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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