Sandy M’s review of Just a Summer Fling (Sullivan Lake, Book 1) by Cate Cameron
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 4 Aug 15
My first read by Cate Cameron was a bit of a roller coaster ride. While I love the hero a lot, I liked the heroine only a little bit now and again. I do like the opposites attracts theme and there are some really good moments between Josh and Ashely. As I read, I wasn’t sure that was going to be enough to make the book work…
Josh is a handyman in Lake Sullivan, who lives there year round and takes on jobs for the rich and famous during the season. He’s gotten a bit of a playboy reputation, of which he’s had his fill. He’s in the middle of changing his life when he meets Ashley Carlsen, a movie star who’s had her fill of Hollywood and needs to get away for a while. They start off on the wrong foot, which makes it easy for Josh to stick to his guns about toning down his image. He turns down her proposition and goes his merry way.
Having years of experience in Hollywood, Ashley’s attitude in life doesn’t comport with that experience. She’s a bit too immature and naive for having lived and worked in that area and industry for so many years. She’s also a little wishy-washy, changing her mind on what she wants nearly every time she turns around. However, she is a nice person, likes to help others, and definitely wants something with Josh, even if it’s just a fling. There are fun times between Josh and Ashley as they get to know one another, along with some good banter here and there.
I like that Josh doesn’t give in on making changes in his life when the going gets rough. There’s a scene or two that bring out the bitch in a summer house owner, which humiliates Josh, but he hangs in there. Ashley has to make some tough decisions near the end of the book, and now that these opposites are attracted, will they work through any issues or will they just consider their fling fun but over and done with?
This is a good, smooth read. But if it hadn’t been for Josh, if he’d been a lesser hero, my grade wouldn’t be nearly as high.
Grade: B-
Summary:
Lake Sullivan, Vermont, has plenty of attractions for movie star Ashley Carlsen—pristine nature, local color, and a handyman with a bad reputation for all the right reasons . . .
Ashley’s movie-star life is starting to feel like an act. She’s desperate to be taken seriously, and after her boyfriend’s affair with a costar, she’s ready for a new scene. A vacation at Lake Sullivan with Hollywood power player Jasmine McArthur might be the answer to all her problems. And according to Jasmine, all Ashley needs is a hot summer fling with local stud Josh Sullivan.
After one look at the handsome handyman, Ashley has a hard time saying no. But Josh is tired of playing boy toy for rich women like Jasmine and her friends. As determined as he is to stay away, he can’t shake the feeling that Ashley is different—and he can’t help noticing her auburn hair and dancing green eyes. But when their budding romance hits the tabloids, will it be another Hollywood scandal, or happily ever after?
No excerpt available.
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