The summer girl

A summer romance outlasts its season in Kennedy's saucy third Avalon Bay new adult romance (after Bad Girl Reputation). When college senior Cassandra Soul returns to Avalon Bay for one final summer before her grandmother moves to Boston, she's determined to experience the passion her friends have found, a quest she calls "operation summer fling." Smoking-hot sailing instructor Tate Bartlett seems the perfect choice. Tate has a reputation as a player, but a gentle, caring spirit lies beneath his charm. He's immediately attracted to Cassie and is onboard with a romance--until he finds out she's a virgin. Fearing their affair would wind up becoming too serious, he friend-zones Cassie, offering to be her wingman instead. She reluctantly agrees, but as they hang out all summer long without the pressure of dating, their platonic friendship naturally transitions into love. When Cassie's narcissistic mom arrives in Avalon Bay, however, secrets and lies come to light that shake the foundation of their budding relationship. There are plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments along the way, and the young lovers handle conflict with refreshing and believable maturity. The result is a perky depiction of first love that will have readers' hearts fluttering. Agent: Kimberly Brower, Brower Literary. (July)

College student Cassie is spending the summer in the quaint beach town of Avalon Bay, SC, helping her grandmother pack up and sell the historic family home and business, the Beacon Hotel. Pulled between her narcissistic mother and her father's new family, Cassie decides her best escape would be in the arms of a summer fling--something both fun and temporary. And who does Cassie spy right outside her bedroom window? The hot and naked Tate Bartlett, house-sitting next door for the summer. Close proximity leads to intimate encounters as Tate discovers he is stunned by Cassie, finding more than just a killer body and a pretty face. As the summer comes to an end, Cassie and Tate start to wonder if a summer fling could ever become forever after. Fans of the "Avalon Bay" series will enjoy familiar faces and places in this third installment after Bad Girl Reputation. VERDICT Young love, sizzling nights, and the welcoming characters of Avalon Bay make this a perfect beach read for anyone needing a sexy summer escape.--Judy Garner