Release
Date: September 24th, 2013
Genre(s):
Adult Historical Romance
Disclaimer: A review copy was provided for an honest review.
My Review: (4.5/5 stars*)
It wasn't until after the epilogue I realized this is actually a sequel of sorts set around the same time as McQuiston's debut novel What Happens In Scotland. That didn't even matter because it was a perfect standalone. Summer is for Lovers is irresistible. I had started it one afternoon with the intent of finishing the first 5 chapters but I was far too engrossed to let it go and finished it that night instead. It's the best escape in the form of a book, and it's not just a Summer read either. The beginning prologue had me absorbed in mere seconds - a girl of twelve rescues a man from drowning unaware that he meant to do just that. Unexpectedly the main heroine is plenty capable, intelligent, and unusually skilled at swimming. Nor did I expect the primary man to be fleeing from his own feelings, and a dark past.
Caroline is innocent and inexperienced when it comes to men, but one thing she's isn't is naive. She's level-headed and doesn't make stupid decisions. She makes the best out of the worst. I found her behavior and attitude refreshing for many reasons. David—the man who's life she saved many years ago and has fancied ever since—makes his stance clear from the beginning, they're to remain friends. But their friendship has loop-holes when they both ask something of each other that borders on more than simply being friends. I enjoyed the transformation each undergo and how their relationship develops into something else. They are devastatingly ideal for one another and you can't help but want to see them end up together, and just when you believe that might happen the story takes an abrupt turn. Even the people who by all means shouldn't have been liked, I found amusing. The chemistry keeps readers compelled, I absolutely loved it.
Sweet, innocent Caroline at the age of twelve saves a soldier from drowning. 11 years later he returns to the spot of his near-death only to discover a young lady along the abandoned beach—the very same one who saved his life. David Cameron hasn't stepped foot in the place of his almost demise in years and when he sees his savior again painful memories resurface and remind him of the tragic events of his past. David is in Brighton for only a few weeks to accompany his ill mother, but while he's visiting he decides to befriend Caroline Tolbertson. Caroline's life is over before she's even started it when her first kiss goes terribly wrong and word gets around to everyone in town. It's bad enough she's too tall and has a slim frame with broad shoulders from swimming—which she shouldn't even be doing since it's unladylike—but now this debacle damns her chances of a future husband. When David learns of this he decides to take matters into his own hands and tells people how desirable she is. His word changes everything and makes men line up at her door as prospects for marriage. David's only problem is that the more he gets to know her the more she takes his breath away, and now he's got a whole league of men to compete with and the weight of his past dragging him down. Bound by a promise to ensure her family's financial security Caroline must choose a wealthy husband though her heart lies with someone who refuses to accept it.
Summer is for Lovers is a well-crafted story complete with passion and romance. It has a few nicely placed surprises, hot scenes, humorous interactions, and resolute characters. I enjoyed this historical incredibly, the leads Caroline and David were bold, the side-characters entertained me. I appreciated that the story wasn't just about stepping away from being a wallflower, but learning to accept oneself and embrace what makes you stand out. McQuiston is a gifted writer who fills pages with much more than words, she fills them with heart. I'm genuinely looking forward to her future releases, particularly Moonlight On My Mind which carries over the character Miss Baxter—whose a questionable lady, but also somewhat unpredictable. I'm telling you right now if you want a light, notable romance that will steal you away from reality Summer is for Lovers should be in your hands.
Synopsis:
His heart is unavailable.
Luckily, her interest lies in the rest of him…Though
she was just a girl when they first met, Caroline Tolbertson’s
infatuation with David Cameron remains undimmed. Now fate has brought
the handsome Scotsman back to Brighton for what promises to be an
unforgettable summer. Soon, Caroline will have to choose a husband, but
for now she is free to indulge her curiosity in things of a passionate
nature.
That is, if David will agree to teach her.
Past
mistakes have convinced David he’ll make a terrible husband, though
he’ll gladly help the unconventional Caroline find a suitor.
Unfortunately, she has something more scandalous in mind. As the
contenders for her hand begin to line up, her future seems
assured…provided David can do the honorable thing and let them have her.
When a spirited young woman is determined to break Society's rules, all a gentleman can do is lend a hand…or more.
