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Hot Summer
Sparks fly when a young woman finds herself cast on a Love Island-inspired reality show and has to choose between her heart and her strategy in this sizzling new queer romantic comedy from the beloved author of Wanderlust.
This summer, things are about to heat up.
Cas Morgan has spent years of her life watching Hot Summer, the hit reality dating show that pairs together a bunch of sexy singles in an exotic island location. Like the rest of the TV-watching UK public, she’s captivated by the hot contestants, outrageous fights, and hilarious banter. But she never quite thought ’d be a part of it, until her company secures a partnership with the production team behind the show, and Cas is handpicked as a contestant. She won’t get any extra help making it through the eight weeks in the hot Cypriot sun, but if she does well and makes it to the finals, her long-awaited promotion will be secured.
Cas is ready to spend the summer trying to make herself more likeable to win over the voting public—and, if not likeable, then at least iconic. But just as she steps into the villa, her entire plan goes off course. She’s instantly smitten with fellow contestant, Ada, who shockingly appears to be on the show to find a genuine relationship, one Cas can't give. Ada is gorgeous and charming, and seems to like Cas exactly as she is, sharp-edges and all. Cas isn't used to the side of herself Ada brings out, and when their connection becomes undeniable—and Cas's own standing in the villa precarious—she's torn between listening to herheart or sticking to her strategy.
This summer, things are about to heat up.
Cas Morgan has spent years of her life watching Hot Summer, the hit reality dating show that pairs together a bunch of sexy singles in an exotic island location. Like the rest of the TV-watching UK public, she’s captivated by the hot contestants, outrageous fights, and hilarious banter. But she never quite thought ’d be a part of it, until her company secures a partnership with the production team behind the show, and Cas is handpicked as a contestant. She won’t get any extra help making it through the eight weeks in the hot Cypriot sun, but if she does well and makes it to the finals, her long-awaited promotion will be secured.
Cas is ready to spend the summer trying to make herself more likeable to win over the voting public—and, if not likeable, then at least iconic. But just as she steps into the villa, her entire plan goes off course. She’s instantly smitten with fellow contestant, Ada, who shockingly appears to be on the show to find a genuine relationship, one Cas can't give. Ada is gorgeous and charming, and seems to like Cas exactly as she is, sharp-edges and all. Cas isn't used to the side of herself Ada brings out, and when their connection becomes undeniable—and Cas's own standing in the villa precarious—she's torn between listening to herheart or sticking to her strategy.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
114 people are currently reading
6,327 people want to read
About the author
Elle Everhart
2books165followersElle Everhart (she/her) writes romantic comedies featuring the internet, sarcasm, and lots of queer characters (especially bisexual characters because she, too, cuffs her jeans and can’t properly sit in chairs).
She lives in east London, UK where she works as a secondary English teacher. When she's not writing, you’ll find her watching a whole lot of YouTube, obsessing over the worst shows Netflix has to offer, and hanging around with her son.
She lives in east London, UK where she works as a secondary English teacher. When she's not writing, you’ll find her watching a whole lot of YouTube, obsessing over the worst shows Netflix has to offer, and hanging around with her son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
May 6, 2024
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. I was expecting a light-hearted, cute romcom but found myself completely invested in the MCs and even some of the side characters. The humor, the feelings, the steam, it was perfection. Truly loved the story too with the reality show, and the writing made you feel like you’re actually watching it, the details are incredible. Highly recommend this and already know it will be one of the top 2024 sapphic summer reads.
Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
If you love the following:
- Love Island
- Drama
- Any reality tv
- Queer romance
- Romance
- sexxiiiii romance
- SUMMER READ
- a LIGHT and EASY summer read
Then this book is for you. I loved all the characters and I felt like I was reading a reality tv show instead of usually just watching it lol
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
- Love Island
- Drama
- Any reality tv
- Queer romance
- Romance
- sexxiiiii romance
- SUMMER READ
- a LIGHT and EASY summer read
Then this book is for you. I loved all the characters and I felt like I was reading a reality tv show instead of usually just watching it lol
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!
August 24, 2024
I absolutely loved this! LGBTQ+ romance with some smut in it! I loved the main character Cas as well as Ada! This had some great moments! I laughed and was shocked and smiled happily to several parts. I think I also enjoyed it as the Hot Summer show is like Love Island in so many aspects, which i truly enjoyed the book probably because I'm obsessed with that show! Fun little summer read about someone being on a reality show not seeking love but finding it anyway!
I received this ARC from Penguin Group Putnam to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from Penguin Group Putnam to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
June 29, 2024
i had SUCH a blast with this one. for whatever ungodly reason (probably enjoying watching the straights be messy) i enjoy watching love island (the reality tv show this is VERY obvs based on/taking from) and to have it be SAPPHIC and GENUINE with the friendships, is just the sweetest icing on the cake. it was so much fun. i loved ada (what a goddamn dreamy love interest, i only wish we got a little of her pov, but that's bc i'm greedy) and i adored being in cas's pov. femy (or however you spell his name, i listend on audio) was so adorable and such a good friend to cas. i loved watching cas and ada fall in love, and it was just such a fun summer read. i'm really glad that i listened to audio on this one, as marisa calin was a fantastic performer. she had great accents, really interesting distinctive character voices, and a lovely voice to listen to tell the story.
this is gonna become a regular summer read for me, i think.
this is gonna become a regular summer read for me, i think.
July 8, 2024
4 stars!
I don't watch a lot of reality television, but I have read enough books to know that "Hot Summer" by Elle Everhart is one of the good ones! I found myself devouring this queer rom-com in virtually one sitting. This book is a lot of fun, especially if you're a reality TV junkie. There is a lot of drama in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Some readers will not like the main character, Cas, because her intentions start as deceitful, but the longer the book goes on, you'll start to understand that she's being manipulated by other forces as well. The main romance between Cas and Ada might read a little too insta-love-y, but I think that comes with the reality TV show territory. Unlike other insta-love books that I have disliked, I actually believed in Cas and Ada's romance beyond surface-level attraction. That's mostly because of Everhart's excellent writing. She gets you to care about these characters as if they were real people. They feel fully fleshed out and have great chemistry with one another. The secondary character also feels realistic, too, and some in villainous ways. Just well-written all around. You can see the third act coming from a mile away, but other than that, this is a fun, steamy, sapphic summertime beach read. Pick this one up before you head to the pool!
Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Everhart, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I don't watch a lot of reality television, but I have read enough books to know that "Hot Summer" by Elle Everhart is one of the good ones! I found myself devouring this queer rom-com in virtually one sitting. This book is a lot of fun, especially if you're a reality TV junkie. There is a lot of drama in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Some readers will not like the main character, Cas, because her intentions start as deceitful, but the longer the book goes on, you'll start to understand that she's being manipulated by other forces as well. The main romance between Cas and Ada might read a little too insta-love-y, but I think that comes with the reality TV show territory. Unlike other insta-love books that I have disliked, I actually believed in Cas and Ada's romance beyond surface-level attraction. That's mostly because of Everhart's excellent writing. She gets you to care about these characters as if they were real people. They feel fully fleshed out and have great chemistry with one another. The secondary character also feels realistic, too, and some in villainous ways. Just well-written all around. You can see the third act coming from a mile away, but other than that, this is a fun, steamy, sapphic summertime beach read. Pick this one up before you head to the pool!
Thank you to NetGalley, Elle Everhart, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 25, 2024
This is described as a "Love Island-inspired queer romance," so I was immediately sold, and thankfully, this book did not disappoint.
Cas Morgan is stuck in her current position as an event host for a dating app, so when her boss offers her a promotion contingent on her participation in the reality show Hot Summer, she jumps at the chance (just go with it; it's a romance novel). Determined to do well on the show and win over the public, love is the last thing on Cas's mind, so what on earth could happen?
I loved this. It incorporates all of the drama and fun of Love Island/reality dating shows and has a great cast of characters. The slow-burn romance between Cas and Ada is well-developed and makes it hard to put this book down. My only small quibble is that there's a little bit of nonsense towards the end that was inevitable but felt a little overblown. I still can't recommend this one enough and can only hope that the upcoming seasons of Love Island are as entertaining as this is.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Cas Morgan is stuck in her current position as an event host for a dating app, so when her boss offers her a promotion contingent on her participation in the reality show Hot Summer, she jumps at the chance (just go with it; it's a romance novel). Determined to do well on the show and win over the public, love is the last thing on Cas's mind, so what on earth could happen?
I loved this. It incorporates all of the drama and fun of Love Island/reality dating shows and has a great cast of characters. The slow-burn romance between Cas and Ada is well-developed and makes it hard to put this book down. My only small quibble is that there's a little bit of nonsense towards the end that was inevitable but felt a little overblown. I still can't recommend this one enough and can only hope that the upcoming seasons of Love Island are as entertaining as this is.
Many thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2024
4.5 Stars!
This was such a delight to read! I am NOT a fan of reality TV or dating show at all but I know those who are are going to LOVE this! It felt like I was watching the show play out in front of me!
Perfect if you love:
-Reality TV/Dating Shows
-Sapphic romance done right!
-Drama
-Summertime reading
-Found family
-Great side characters
I loved Elle Everhart's book Wanderlust so when this title popped up, I had to have it! Sapphic love stories can be hit or miss but this was done so so well!
Our girl Cas has been working nonstop for popular a dating app hosting event after event and avoiding falling in love. Given the chance to jump up the ladder and propel her career forward, she's told her company is partnering with a popular dating TV show for brand awareness and she is to be a contestant on the show to get viewers pumped for the collaboration. Cas is a huge fan of the show and goes in hoping she can make it through towards the end to get her career move secured and get recognition but is definitely not looking for love. That is until she meets other contestant Ada on day one and can't stop thinking about her.
This was such a fun ride from start to finish. We get all the POVs from behind the scenes of a dating show to the actual shooting. It's all fast paced and the events that happen keep you wanting to read more. It incorporated the drama of a tv show and the slow burn aspect while Cas and Ada became close friends and then lovers. Every character including the side characters are so well developed and stole the show at moments with how well they played into the story. My only issue with this book was how Cas's job and TV world collided. Things seemed blown out of proportion and the reunion part didn't sit right with me either.
I cannot recommend this book enough for a quick fun, easy summer read full of sweet moments and some delicious spice! Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnam for this incredible ARC!
This was such a delight to read! I am NOT a fan of reality TV or dating show at all but I know those who are are going to LOVE this! It felt like I was watching the show play out in front of me!
Perfect if you love:
-Reality TV/Dating Shows
-Sapphic romance done right!
-Drama
-Summertime reading
-Found family
-Great side characters
I loved Elle Everhart's book Wanderlust so when this title popped up, I had to have it! Sapphic love stories can be hit or miss but this was done so so well!
Our girl Cas has been working nonstop for popular a dating app hosting event after event and avoiding falling in love. Given the chance to jump up the ladder and propel her career forward, she's told her company is partnering with a popular dating TV show for brand awareness and she is to be a contestant on the show to get viewers pumped for the collaboration. Cas is a huge fan of the show and goes in hoping she can make it through towards the end to get her career move secured and get recognition but is definitely not looking for love. That is until she meets other contestant Ada on day one and can't stop thinking about her.
This was such a fun ride from start to finish. We get all the POVs from behind the scenes of a dating show to the actual shooting. It's all fast paced and the events that happen keep you wanting to read more. It incorporated the drama of a tv show and the slow burn aspect while Cas and Ada became close friends and then lovers. Every character including the side characters are so well developed and stole the show at moments with how well they played into the story. My only issue with this book was how Cas's job and TV world collided. Things seemed blown out of proportion and the reunion part didn't sit right with me either.
I cannot recommend this book enough for a quick fun, easy summer read full of sweet moments and some delicious spice! Thank you Netgalley & G.P. Putnam for this incredible ARC!
July 8, 2024
Como uma devoradora de reality shows de encontros da Netflix , eu amei este livro!!! Foi diversão autêntica e tem tudo o que se pode pedir num reality show: câmaras, jogos/desafios, as opiniões do público ao longo do programa, escolha de parceiros nas galas e até a reunião no final !!!! 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
July 3, 2024
3.75⭐️
This was a 4 star the whole way through until the 3rd act conflict. It's literally the dumbest thing ever.
I actually really liked this book. It felt like watching a real reality TV show, and I liked the pacing, the characters, and the romance. It felt a little shallow at times, there wasnt really much space to get close to any of the characters besides the main couple and I think that naming the app she worked for "Friday" caused for some confusing sentences.
However, it was very fun and was looking like a good book all around up until they had to go and pull that shit on me in Act 3. Def recommend the read if you want something fun and summery!
SPOILER WARNING ⚠️SPOILER WARNING OH MY GOD PLEASE ⚠️ IF YOU SCROLL DOWN AND GET SPOILED ITS YOUR OWN FAULT AT THIS POINT!!!!!
**
**
SHE SIGNED AN NDA LIKE OBVI SHE COULDN'T TELL YALL. I'm actually so annoyed. Like this was the most dramatic overreaction to her reveal. I get it she lied, okay. But like it's an NDA?? I wouldn't be mad about that, I'd definitely need to have a little talk but God these people acted like nobody's ever gone on a dating show for anything other than true love ever in the history of the world?!?!?
Also, her besties just straight up gaslighting her??? Telling her she was running away for respecting Adas boundery of NOT WANTING TO HEAR FROM HER. Girl, I was getting ANGRY.
Even at the end, when they make up, Adas like fully understanding that it wasn't actually a huge betrayal (also wild that all her friends suddenly fully forgave her, with no explanation?? Like okay?) and that she had fucked up too, like why couldn't they have that convo right there at the bonfire when everything went down!??! what was the point of dragging it out and making everyone seem super unreasonable ?!?!?!(I get that authors write a third act conflic to avoid having a boring story, but it doesn't need to be super explosive and dramatic, it couldve been just them having an adult conversation and then throw in some side character couple drama or something to spice it up.) Im so irritated. I KNEW from the first chapter that this was the direction everything was going into but I HELD OUT HOPE, I held out hope that there would be a reasonable response to this news or that theyd at least add SOMETHING else onto it to make it seem like an actual bad thing for her to have done!!! But no, I am disappointed once more.
This was a 4 star the whole way through until the 3rd act conflict. It's literally the dumbest thing ever.
I actually really liked this book. It felt like watching a real reality TV show, and I liked the pacing, the characters, and the romance. It felt a little shallow at times, there wasnt really much space to get close to any of the characters besides the main couple and I think that naming the app she worked for "Friday" caused for some confusing sentences.
However, it was very fun and was looking like a good book all around up until they had to go and pull that shit on me in Act 3. Def recommend the read if you want something fun and summery!
SPOILER WARNING ⚠️SPOILER WARNING OH MY GOD PLEASE ⚠️ IF YOU SCROLL DOWN AND GET SPOILED ITS YOUR OWN FAULT AT THIS POINT!!!!!
**
**
SHE SIGNED AN NDA LIKE OBVI SHE COULDN'T TELL YALL. I'm actually so annoyed. Like this was the most dramatic overreaction to her reveal. I get it she lied, okay. But like it's an NDA?? I wouldn't be mad about that, I'd definitely need to have a little talk but God these people acted like nobody's ever gone on a dating show for anything other than true love ever in the history of the world?!?!?
Also, her besties just straight up gaslighting her??? Telling her she was running away for respecting Adas boundery of NOT WANTING TO HEAR FROM HER. Girl, I was getting ANGRY.
Even at the end, when they make up, Adas like fully understanding that it wasn't actually a huge betrayal (also wild that all her friends suddenly fully forgave her, with no explanation?? Like okay?) and that she had fucked up too, like why couldn't they have that convo right there at the bonfire when everything went down!??! what was the point of dragging it out and making everyone seem super unreasonable ?!?!?!(I get that authors write a third act conflic to avoid having a boring story, but it doesn't need to be super explosive and dramatic, it couldve been just them having an adult conversation and then throw in some side character couple drama or something to spice it up.) Im so irritated. I KNEW from the first chapter that this was the direction everything was going into but I HELD OUT HOPE, I held out hope that there would be a reasonable response to this news or that theyd at least add SOMETHING else onto it to make it seem like an actual bad thing for her to have done!!! But no, I am disappointed once more.
July 10, 2024
Hot Summer is a reality tv dating show set on an island with hot single people ready to have some fun and Cas has been selected as a contestant!
She always watched from afar but snatched the opportunity up from her employer when offered the position from the show. The deal is that if she makes it to the finals, she’ll receive her dream promotion! She needs the public’s vote week after week to secure her spot on the show. I started off really enjoying the behind the scenes aspect since I’ve watched shows like this but it got old very quickly and at some point became very mechanical sounding when aspects of the show were being explained to the reader. It made it extremely difficult for me to connect to the characters and I had zero investment in their lives once the middle hit and I never returned by the end. It sounded like a fun idea in the description but it was not a concept I would ever read again.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Elle Everhart, and Penguin Group Putnam for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on June 25th!
She always watched from afar but snatched the opportunity up from her employer when offered the position from the show. The deal is that if she makes it to the finals, she’ll receive her dream promotion! She needs the public’s vote week after week to secure her spot on the show. I started off really enjoying the behind the scenes aspect since I’ve watched shows like this but it got old very quickly and at some point became very mechanical sounding when aspects of the show were being explained to the reader. It made it extremely difficult for me to connect to the characters and I had zero investment in their lives once the middle hit and I never returned by the end. It sounded like a fun idea in the description but it was not a concept I would ever read again.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Elle Everhart, and Penguin Group Putnam for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on June 25th!
June 30, 2024
Loved this!
September 13, 2024
if someone held a gun to my head and asked me what happened in this book tell my family I love them
September 2, 2024
This was the afterlight selection this summer, and I wanted to read it before the end of summer, but this was a big let down. Honestly I was just so bored? This was a dating reality tv show. It should've had so much drama and could've been a really interesting, but the characters felt flat, and the plot was uninteresting.
September 30, 2024
This was a cute light-hearted read. Definitely full of drama and lots of parallels to modern day dating reality shows, especially “Love Island� being the main premise of its theme. There were lovable moments as well as moments where you could see the flaws in each of the characters, but overall it was entertaining. The main focus was on the MC Cass and Ada as a paired and bonding relationship but I was also happy to see Sienna and Femi have a happy ending in the end as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
I don’t like reality tv but I do like reality tv books!!!
January 26, 2024
Wow, Hot Summer by Elle Everhart completely blew me away! You never know what you’re going to get with an author you haven’t read before but this book thoroughly impressed me, both in the quality of the writing and the palpable feelings and chemistry between the mc’s. Even though my household’s reality tv tastes lean more 90 Day Fiancé than Love Island/The Bachelor, the premise of how Hot Summer is structured seemed believable and like something that would happen on reality tv (and a self-serving producer would push).
It starts a little slow, but once Cas arrives at the house and filming begins the story really takes off. I loved her relationship with Femi and all the other contestants felt very fleshed out and real. Where this book really shines though is the building relationship between Cas and Ada. Their romance was both sweet and sappy and sizzling hot once they finally got together.
I completely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun romance with a unique story that’s both sweet and spicy. Bonus points for being British but not too British and for making me want to watch Love Island for like 2 seconds before I came to my senses. 4.5 stars.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It starts a little slow, but once Cas arrives at the house and filming begins the story really takes off. I loved her relationship with Femi and all the other contestants felt very fleshed out and real. Where this book really shines though is the building relationship between Cas and Ada. Their romance was both sweet and sappy and sizzling hot once they finally got together.
I completely recommend this book if you’re looking for a fun romance with a unique story that’s both sweet and spicy. Bonus points for being British but not too British and for making me want to watch Love Island for like 2 seconds before I came to my senses. 4.5 stars.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
April 6, 2025DNF @ 28%. This was good, this was fine, if I were in a different mood I probably wouldn’t have DNFed. The writing is standard/good, the MC is interesting. The Love Island-ness is “serial numbers not even entirely filed off� which i found funny, not in a bad way.
The story conflict(s) are pretty paint-by-numbers for this type of book. I have two complaints, although that kind of overstates what they are - first, too many of these reality dating show romance novels see that the shows they’re basing their book on have “archetypal� contestants (the fun blonde, the conniving one, the jokester/lad, the mama’s boy) and go too hard in that direction, missing the fact that those shows are compelling only when there’s specificity. The fun of reality tv like Love Island is getting to see a wide variety of personalities interact in a closed environment. You root for contestants because you see enough to at least feel as though you understand their quirks and get to see and relate to their vulnerabilities. Even the villains can easily be villains without being straight up rapists/racists/etc.
And especially with a show like Love Island (as opposed to eg The Bachelor), it doesn’t make sense to paint the side characters as token obstacles in the way of the couple you’re invested in. You go into it wanting to root for everyone!
I don’t know if it’s the Bachelor influence or just the difficulty of writing well-rounded side characters but it seems to be difficult for authors of dating reality tv romance novels to grasp and execute this.
And second, and maybe this is sort of an extension of the first - too many reality tv romance novels totally miss (imo) why people watch reality tv, and end up focusing on behind-the-scenes asshole behavior instead of human connection and wish fulfillment. Obviously I’m not saying, like, believe reality shows are real or something. But - does anyone watch a dating competition reality tv and think “gee I wish I got to see how terrible everyone is treating each other behind the scenes, that’s what I really like to spend my time on�?
I guess it’s a ymmv situation. And I can see how there’s a sort of easy dramatic irony to it - like “on screen they’re making dreams come true, but behind the scenes it’s a nightmare!� - but I just think it totally misinterprets why people watch this kind of reality tv. (By which I mean - reality dating shows, GBBO, etc. there are ofc some reality shows where it literally is about watching a hellscape. I can’t speak to those bc I don’t watch them!)
Idk like - is it just me? I’m not watching reality tv to be depressed about the world! I can read the news for that! I watch reality tv for the escapism, and “actually let’s go behind the scenes and see how it’s all fixed and no one wants to be there� is not escapism.
Apologies to that book, I know I’ve written a lot and like I said at the beginning of this, I think this book is decently written. Based on what I read of it, I would recommend if you’re looking for a standard reality dating rom com! But - yeah, it’s not what I’m looking for.
The story conflict(s) are pretty paint-by-numbers for this type of book. I have two complaints, although that kind of overstates what they are - first, too many of these reality dating show romance novels see that the shows they’re basing their book on have “archetypal� contestants (the fun blonde, the conniving one, the jokester/lad, the mama’s boy) and go too hard in that direction, missing the fact that those shows are compelling only when there’s specificity. The fun of reality tv like Love Island is getting to see a wide variety of personalities interact in a closed environment. You root for contestants because you see enough to at least feel as though you understand their quirks and get to see and relate to their vulnerabilities. Even the villains can easily be villains without being straight up rapists/racists/etc.
And especially with a show like Love Island (as opposed to eg The Bachelor), it doesn’t make sense to paint the side characters as token obstacles in the way of the couple you’re invested in. You go into it wanting to root for everyone!
I don’t know if it’s the Bachelor influence or just the difficulty of writing well-rounded side characters but it seems to be difficult for authors of dating reality tv romance novels to grasp and execute this.
And second, and maybe this is sort of an extension of the first - too many reality tv romance novels totally miss (imo) why people watch reality tv, and end up focusing on behind-the-scenes asshole behavior instead of human connection and wish fulfillment. Obviously I’m not saying, like, believe reality shows are real or something. But - does anyone watch a dating competition reality tv and think “gee I wish I got to see how terrible everyone is treating each other behind the scenes, that’s what I really like to spend my time on�?
I guess it’s a ymmv situation. And I can see how there’s a sort of easy dramatic irony to it - like “on screen they’re making dreams come true, but behind the scenes it’s a nightmare!� - but I just think it totally misinterprets why people watch this kind of reality tv. (By which I mean - reality dating shows, GBBO, etc. there are ofc some reality shows where it literally is about watching a hellscape. I can’t speak to those bc I don’t watch them!)
Idk like - is it just me? I’m not watching reality tv to be depressed about the world! I can read the news for that! I watch reality tv for the escapism, and “actually let’s go behind the scenes and see how it’s all fixed and no one wants to be there� is not escapism.
Apologies to that book, I know I’ve written a lot and like I said at the beginning of this, I think this book is decently written. Based on what I read of it, I would recommend if you’re looking for a standard reality dating rom com! But - yeah, it’s not what I’m looking for.
March 25, 2024
4.5 stars
I had such a good time with this book! Clearly I need to read more romance books that are sapphic twists on reality dating shows.
The story is set in a Love Island-style dating show. It's narrated from the POV of Cas, a total cynic when it comes to love. Cas is on the show to gain popularity and get a promotion at work, and luckily she's watched enough seasons of Hot Summer to know how to play the game. What she doesn't anticipate is having her head turned by another contestant, Ada.
There's a great cast of characters with a fun, supportive dynamic. Cas and Ada have great chemistry, and I was totally rooting for them the whole way through. There is a spot of predictable conflict, and some readers might get frustrated with the choices Cas makes. But I was happy with how everything ultimately resolved.
Would recommend this fun and flirty read, especially for fans of reality dating!
** I received an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I had such a good time with this book! Clearly I need to read more romance books that are sapphic twists on reality dating shows.
The story is set in a Love Island-style dating show. It's narrated from the POV of Cas, a total cynic when it comes to love. Cas is on the show to gain popularity and get a promotion at work, and luckily she's watched enough seasons of Hot Summer to know how to play the game. What she doesn't anticipate is having her head turned by another contestant, Ada.
There's a great cast of characters with a fun, supportive dynamic. Cas and Ada have great chemistry, and I was totally rooting for them the whole way through. There is a spot of predictable conflict, and some readers might get frustrated with the choices Cas makes. But I was happy with how everything ultimately resolved.
Would recommend this fun and flirty read, especially for fans of reality dating!
** I received an ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy a dramatic Netflix-esque dating show from time to time, and this book filled that guilty pleasure for me. I loved the setting, the drama that being in a reality show brings, some of the over-the-top characters and the twists in the show. That alone makes it a 4� for me. I sometimes did have a little bit of trouble with reading quickly because of the writing style, but it also wasn't a big problem.
Hot Summer was just what I wanted with a great execution of the plot!
Hot Summer was just what I wanted with a great execution of the plot!
August 22, 2024
heerlijk! reality tv maar dan een boek en queer :)
June 26, 2024
I love a good Bachelor/Bachelorette reality dating romance but sadly this one fell a little flat for me. I liked that there was a Sapphic love interest but the chemistry between the main character just fell flat for me and I struggled to really get sucked into this story despite the GORGEOUS cover! Recommended for fans of books like Here for the wrong reasons or Not here to make friends. Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Romance for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 2, 2024
Content warnings: alcohol consumption, slut shaming, sexism.
Rep: Cas (MC) is cis, white, and bisexual. Ada (LI) is cis, white, and bisexual. Side POC characters, side queer characters.
Let's get this out the road first - if you have tagged/shelved this book as lesbian, please remove that tag and use bisexual. Stop the bisexual erasure FFS.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I don't watch reality TV shows, but I tend to enjoy reading about them, which is always fun for me. This one was a concept I hadn't seen before, and while there was a lot of comphet stuff (pairing men and women at the villa without any thought for the fact that people are queer (which is true to form for reality TV)), it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story.
Also, fuck Brad, am I right? What a tosser he is. I felt so bad for Ada - that she was forced to keep partnering with him despite the fact that he was a massive jerk off.
I adored the romance between Cas and Ada - their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their interactions, and the sex scenes were *chef's kiss* absolutely wonderful.
This was a fun, easy read, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Rep: Cas (MC) is cis, white, and bisexual. Ada (LI) is cis, white, and bisexual. Side POC characters, side queer characters.
Let's get this out the road first - if you have tagged/shelved this book as lesbian, please remove that tag and use bisexual. Stop the bisexual erasure FFS.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I don't watch reality TV shows, but I tend to enjoy reading about them, which is always fun for me. This one was a concept I hadn't seen before, and while there was a lot of comphet stuff (pairing men and women at the villa without any thought for the fact that people are queer (which is true to form for reality TV)), it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the story.
Also, fuck Brad, am I right? What a tosser he is. I felt so bad for Ada - that she was forced to keep partnering with him despite the fact that he was a massive jerk off.
I adored the romance between Cas and Ada - their chemistry was off the charts. I loved their interactions, and the sex scenes were *chef's kiss* absolutely wonderful.
This was a fun, easy read, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
June 20, 2024
When Cas first enters the reality TV show Hot Summer she’s just there as part of a confidential plan to gain a promotion and secure a partnership between the dating app she works for and the show. She doesn’t have any plans to fall for anyone� until she meets Ada. Could real feelings be growing between the two women? And what about the big secret that Cas is keeping from everyone?
I really enjoyed aspects of this book. Cas and Ada had great chemistry together, it was fun watching their friendship and relationship develop over the course of the story. I also thought that Cas� hesitance about getting into a serious relationship was well explained and made sense given her history. There were also some entertaining side characters like Sienna, Femi, and Freddie who rounded out the cast nicely. I also loved getting to see bits of the fan reactions from social media in between some of the chapters.
However, I never found myself fully loving the book. I think that aspects of the reality TV show weren’t explained enough or just felt a bit glossed over. I kept feeling confused or not totally engaged with that part of the plot. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never watched Love Island, but I’ve also never watched The Bachelor and haven’t felt myself getting this confused in other reality dating show romance novels. Also, there were just so many side characters that it was overwhelming. A couple were defined, but for the most part they didn’t seem like they were relevant outside of being cannon fodder for elimination from the show. And I thought that the conflict was a bit too easily resolved in the end. Because the book is single POV, I felt like I didn’t get to see enough of Ada’s internal process towards forgiveness.
I know that sounds like a lot of complaints. But I did still like the book even though it didn’t become a new favorite. Perhaps it will work better for readers who are already fans of the Love Island format.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed aspects of this book. Cas and Ada had great chemistry together, it was fun watching their friendship and relationship develop over the course of the story. I also thought that Cas� hesitance about getting into a serious relationship was well explained and made sense given her history. There were also some entertaining side characters like Sienna, Femi, and Freddie who rounded out the cast nicely. I also loved getting to see bits of the fan reactions from social media in between some of the chapters.
However, I never found myself fully loving the book. I think that aspects of the reality TV show weren’t explained enough or just felt a bit glossed over. I kept feeling confused or not totally engaged with that part of the plot. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never watched Love Island, but I’ve also never watched The Bachelor and haven’t felt myself getting this confused in other reality dating show romance novels. Also, there were just so many side characters that it was overwhelming. A couple were defined, but for the most part they didn’t seem like they were relevant outside of being cannon fodder for elimination from the show. And I thought that the conflict was a bit too easily resolved in the end. Because the book is single POV, I felt like I didn’t get to see enough of Ada’s internal process towards forgiveness.
I know that sounds like a lot of complaints. But I did still like the book even though it didn’t become a new favorite. Perhaps it will work better for readers who are already fans of the Love Island format.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2024
„Hot Summer� knyga man paliko dvejopą įspūdį. Viena vertus, Elle Everhart tikrai pavyko ž natūraliai įterpti LGBTQ temas į siužetą, o tai yra didelis pliusas. Patiko, kaip buvo aprašytas draugų palaikymas ir jų nuoširdūs santykiai, kurie suteikė knygai šilumos ir tikrumo. Šie aspektai padarė istoriją gyvesnę.
Tačiau ne viskas buvo taip, kaip tikėjausi. Visų pirma, man labai trūko tikrojo realybės šou užkulisių. Norėjosi daugiau detalių, kurios leistų giliau įsijausti į šį pasaulį . Deja, šis dalis paliesta liko paviršutiniškai, ir dėl to prarasta dalis potencialaus knygos žavesio.
Veikėjai, nors ir turintys savo akimirkų, dažnai atrodė plokšti. Nors draugystės linijos buvo stiprios, norėjosi daugiau asmeninio augimo, daugiau gilumo, kuris padėtų sukurti tikrą ryšį su jais. Šalia to, siužetas kartais atrodė per daug nuspėjamas, norėjosi daugiau netikėtumų ir veiksmo.
Kalbant apie finalinę dramą, ji manęs neįtikino taip, kaip tikėjausi. Nors buvo aišku, kur link viskas eina, pritrūko tų emocinių fejerverkų, kurie būtų leidę jaustis stipriau. Norėjosi, kad emocijos sprogtų, uždegtų, tačiau viskas liko gana ramiai. Tai paliko šiek tiek neišsipildžiusio lūkesčio jausmą.
Vis dėlto, nepaisant šių trūkumų, „Hot Summer� turi savo stiprybių. Tai lengva, vasariška knyga su svarbiomis temomis, kuri gali rasti savo skaitytoją. Man buvo malonu matyti LGBTQ bendruomenės atspindį ir draugystės svarbą, tačiau kitais aspektais knyga galėjo būti stipresnė.
Tačiau ne viskas buvo taip, kaip tikėjausi. Visų pirma, man labai trūko tikrojo realybės šou užkulisių. Norėjosi daugiau detalių, kurios leistų giliau įsijausti į šį pasaulį . Deja, šis dalis paliesta liko paviršutiniškai, ir dėl to prarasta dalis potencialaus knygos žavesio.
Veikėjai, nors ir turintys savo akimirkų, dažnai atrodė plokšti. Nors draugystės linijos buvo stiprios, norėjosi daugiau asmeninio augimo, daugiau gilumo, kuris padėtų sukurti tikrą ryšį su jais. Šalia to, siužetas kartais atrodė per daug nuspėjamas, norėjosi daugiau netikėtumų ir veiksmo.
Kalbant apie finalinę dramą, ji manęs neįtikino taip, kaip tikėjausi. Nors buvo aišku, kur link viskas eina, pritrūko tų emocinių fejerverkų, kurie būtų leidę jaustis stipriau. Norėjosi, kad emocijos sprogtų, uždegtų, tačiau viskas liko gana ramiai. Tai paliko šiek tiek neišsipildžiusio lūkesčio jausmą.
Vis dėlto, nepaisant šių trūkumų, „Hot Summer� turi savo stiprybių. Tai lengva, vasariška knyga su svarbiomis temomis, kuri gali rasti savo skaitytoją. Man buvo malonu matyti LGBTQ bendruomenės atspindį ir draugystės svarbą, tačiau kitais aspektais knyga galėjo būti stipresnė.
April 9, 2025
oh. my. god. this book was amazing. the way i literally devoured the first 300 pages (stayed up all night; i regret nothing) but had to put it down (reluctantly) to return back to real life. when i tell you i was feeling everythingggg. i was giggling, kicking my feet, grinning from ear to ear, frustrated, sad, and i literally cried?! this book brought out every single emotion. this is the type of book i will be rereading until the end of time. 6⭐️ honestly this was everything i could want in a book and more. if you like love island and all the drama that comes with it, read this book it is so so soooo worth it🙂↕️�
edit: its 2 days later and i just finished reading it again🙈 it was just as good the second time; i wanted something exactly like it but couldn’t find anything so i was like yk what ill just reread it and oh my god i love this story so much🩷
edit: its 2 days later and i just finished reading it again🙈 it was just as good the second time; i wanted something exactly like it but couldn’t find anything so i was like yk what ill just reread it and oh my god i love this story so much🩷
February 10, 2025
Dnf'ed at 65%. Listen, I just won't force myself to finish books anymore in 2025. I normally LOVE reality tv romance, but this exact (literally, where is the originality?) copy just wasn't it. Initially I kept reading because the characters felt ok, but as the story went on they started lacking more and more character and chemistry. This just wasn't for me sadly😭
August 6, 2024
4⭐️
very cute summer read (i read it on my vacation to Cape Verde)
very cute summer read (i read it on my vacation to Cape Verde)
August 28, 2024
un po' noioso per una volta avrei voluto più spicy
April 20, 2025
Goddamn that was the cutest fucking thing ever
June 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, Putnam Books, and Elle Everhart for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so good! I loved the queerness of it, and I love how different it is from any other book I’ve read. As soon as I found this on ŷ, I knew I needed to read it. If you want a light hearted summer read, go read this!
This book was so good! I loved the queerness of it, and I love how different it is from any other book I’ve read. As soon as I found this on ŷ, I knew I needed to read it. If you want a light hearted summer read, go read this!
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