Veena’s review of Summer is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston
Historical Romance published by Avon 24 Sep 13
Living on the fringe of society in genteel poverty in a summer town like Brighton does not present many opportunities to find a suitable husband. The problem is compounded for tomboy Caroline, because she can probably out walk and out swim most of her gentleman callers who prefer more feminine ladies. Rumors of a royal visit have generated a lot more summer visitors and the social scene looks like it’s going to be a lot busier with a lot of opportunities. This book sounded like this was going to be a great read, but, somehow, it seemed to fizzle out.
I thoroughly enjoyed Caroline’s character. She’s an ardent feminist born a bit too early. If times were different she would have been an Olympic champion, but, unfortunately, she is restricted to swimming in secrecy and feeling inadequate amongst the young ladies of her social circle. As a teen she saved David Cameron from drowning. He became the image of her teenage fantasies as the yardstick she used to measure any relationship.
Her experimentation with her contemporaries has done nothing but make her a butt of jokes and ridicule. After a long absence from Brighton David is back. Will his presence back in her life open up doors that were closed to her before? Unfortunately David has changed from an impetuous youth to a very sober man who believes marriage and a happily ever after are not for him.
Caroline does not seem to be able to change his mind, but perhaps he can give her what she’s been craving – lessons in exploring her sexuality in exchange for swimming lessons. With so much going for it, the story still not did sweep me in and captivate me.
In retrospect, as I try to analyze what keeps the story from being a great read for me, I have a hard time pinpointing specifics. Partially I feel the story drags in places, but then there are parts that are very absorbing. It’s also difficult to warm up to David. He carries so much guilt for a past relationship that he’s determined never to marry, regardless of the emotional cost of that decision to all the people in his life he professes to love. He has absolutely no qualms at giving lessons in sexuality to Caroline, but he’s pretty self-righteous about the fact that he won’t marry her.
As they say, every book has an audience that loves it and an audience who is lukewarm.
Grade:C
Summary:
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.
No Excerpt Available.
Other books in this series:
I almost offered to review this one, but feel unable to deal with any book where the hero shares a name with a current (loathed) UK politician.
Seems like I was doubly saved at the very least.
I read her What Happens in Scotland and was pleasantly surprised. Too bad this one doesn’t stand up to that book. Bummer
It had great potential but in my humble opinion it just did not live up to it.
The next one looks pretty interesting and we’ve had an up close and personal look at the heroine already.
I liked the first book so much in this series because of the quasi-reunited theme. I rushed out to buy this and found I could barely get into it. It seemed like a different author to me. Gone was the bad boy who rolled in the hay and in came the brooding twerp. I did love that the heroine was kicka$$ and saves the hero. Based on the windup for Patrick’s story I may have to giver McQuiston one more try though b/c it looks so good.