I picked this book up on a sale shelf at the store and read it in a little over a day. I was surprised to come to Amazon and find other readers had not liked it as much. The book was an easy read and a nice romance. Perhaps I just like quirky characters! It's a fun book for a summer afternoon.

I have read almost all of Carly's books, and this one was really good. Not her best, but a realy page turner. It had the right amount of romance, sex and excitement for me to not be able to put it down. I have recommended this book to all of my sisters.

Usually Carly Phillips books are a quick read for me but I am having a very hard time finishing this book. I did not find the story interesting enough to want to see what happens next. I don't know if I will even finish it.

Summer Lovin' is the continuation of the Costa Family story. There are lots of family get-togethers, with family dynamic and misdynamic. The teen that the senior Costa's took under their wing and into their hearts turns out not to be without relatives. Actually she has wealthy, sneaky, stuck-up relatives. Naturally, the only 'nice' relative finds the teen and has to deal with the loving family she's found for herself. Specifically her older 'sister'. This book is fairly predictable, but Phillips has a way with characters that makes you keep on reading, just to see what happens next. If you are hooked on finding out what happens to characters throughout a series, Phillips is high up in the pecking order

Zoe Costas lives with her very eccentric family in New Jersey. Zoe once worked for the Secret Service, but tired of all the rules and regulations of the government, she is starting her own business now. Samantha is Zoe's foster sister and lives with Zoe and her family. They are all gathered to celebrate Sam's first year with the Costas family when Ryan Baldwin arrives.

Ryan is a straight-laced lawyer from Boston. Ryan's sister Faith ran away from home, got into drugs and was eventually killed in a drug deal gone bad many years ago. Ryan didn't know he had a niece until recently and he has arrived at the Costas home to "save" Sam and bring her back to Boston. When Ryan and Zoe meet the sparks fly, until Zoe finds out that Ryan is not who he claims to be.

Because Ryan is Sam's blood relative, he is able to be a part of Sam's life even though the Costas' object. As they all try to find common ground, Sam's life is suddenly threatened. Working together, Zoe and Ryan protect her while attempting to solve the mystery of Faith's now suspicious disappearance. Through all the mayhem Zoe and Ryan are falling for each other, but they are very different people and although Zoe knows opposites attract, she isn't sure it's enough to make things work between her and Ryan.

Summer Lovin' is a terrific story! The little bit of mystery gives it some edge and the passion and desire between Ryan and Zoe makes it steamy and seductive. Ryan is basically the perfect man. He is compassionate, intelligent and gorgeous. Zoe is delightful. Her beauty both inside and out really shines through. Summer Lovin' is a feel good story that really sticks with you. With Summer Lovin', Carly Philips has proven yet again why she is one of my favorite authors!

Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed