What happens when “let’s see other people” shatters everything you thought you knew about your perfect marriage?
Maisey Yates delivers a breathtaking story of rediscovery, passion, and the courage to choose love over the illusion of perfection in this unforgettable summer romance.
Title: Cruel Summer by Maisey Yates
Publish Date: June 24, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance · Second Chance
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Format: eBook (NetGalley)
My Review
There are books that entertain you, and there are books you want to reread. Cruel Summer is absolutely the latter. The anniversary-night gut-punch sets off a summer apart that becomes a journey of self-discovery as much as a journey back to love.
The road-trip thread strips away pretense: these characters aren’t just moving across states—they’re moving emotionally, confronting what’s real beneath the “perfect life.” The slow burn smolders into a true inferno because of shared history and grown-up stakes.
This isn’t just a romance; it’s about authenticity—choosing a life that’s real over one that only looks perfect.
Character Spotlight
Our Protagonists — High-school sweethearts who married young. She’s raised three boys; he’s grieving a loss and reevaluating everything. They feel real: layered, complicated, and mature.
My Final Thoughts
Cruel Summer blends emotional depth and steam with a clear-eyed look at second chances. If you love contemporary romance with real stakes and a glorious slow burn, add this to your TBR.
Perfect for readers who love: Second-chance romance, road-trip stories, emotional depth, and rediscovering yourself.
Disclosure: Advance review copy via NetGalley; opinions are my own.
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