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)
Never miss a review
Join gentle email updates when new reviews go live. No spam.
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.
Join the Conversation
Have you read Cruel Summer? Did the road-trip element work for you?
Want to Read It?
Find the book on Goodreads
Read my Goodreads review
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Maisey Yates Reviews
Discover more heartfelt romances by Maisey Yates
0 comments
Thanks for being here! I love hearing from readers, so please leave a comment below. Just a heads up - I have comment moderation turned on to keep the spam bots at bay, so your comment might take a little while to appear.