Sandy M’s review of Summer Nights (Wildflowers, Book 1) by Jill Sanders
Contemporary Romance published by Montlake Romance 16 Jul 19
I’m still trying to read new-to-me authors in between all my regular favorites. Thus, when the blurb for this book intrigued me, I figured I’d give Jill Sanders a first-time try. Was it the right place for me start, considering all of the books she’s published over the years? Let’s find out.
I’d have to say yes…and no. I like all of the characters, especially the “sisters,” who met at summer camp when they were all young. They bonded that summer and are still friends to this day, which I appreciate because I have friendships spanning at least forty-five years, all since high school. Zoey is up first in this story. She and the other girls are meeting up to hear what Elle’s new idea for them is. She never imagined it would be revamping the old camp where they met and re-establishing it as a place for adults. But they’re all in and work begins.
Then just before their grand opening, that’s when the Rhodes brothers show up, looking for jobs. The ladies hire the siblings and they are a god send when it comes to getting work done. But there’s something that doesn’t quite sit right when they discover the guys sneaking and snooping around the camp. What we learn from the brothers is they’re looking for their father, whom have haven’t seen or heard from in six months, and his disappearance is causing issues with the family business and their board of directors. They have reason to believe their dad could be at or near the camp, thus their sneakiness.
All of this is fine, I enjoyed it right up to the point where the blackmailer comes into the picture. That just throws a curve ball into the mix that doesn’t need to be there. It seems to be included only as a way to show the gals that the guys aren’t who or what they say they are and for them to learn the truth about the guys. I sure wish it had been done another way. That being said, there are a few scenes during this part of the book that I do like, but not enough to make the whole scheme palatable for me.
I also like the brothers a lot, as well as the growing relationship between Zoey and Dylan. I’m glad they are able to spend some time alone when they realize their feelings are getting out of hand. I also like that the other ladies scheme to make sure the two get that time together. Of course, because they’re all in such close proximity and due to the brothers’ snooping, there are hints that Liam and Owen will be paired with a couple of the gals.
Be warned, the missing-father mystery is not figured out in this book. It’s apparently going to be the main arc of the storyline over however many books are slated for the series. That does irritate me a bit. And while this has nothing to do with the author and is not reflected in my review grade, I don’t care for the covers we’re getting. So far they just don’t jive with the storyline or even make me think about the brothers at all.
Grade: C
Summary:
Zoey Rowlett knows putting her savings into a run-down summer camp is risky. But River Camp has sentimental value—it’s where she met her best friends and coinvestors. Their plan is to turn the Florida camp into a sexy retreat for wealthy snowbirds looking for love, and if Zoey finds love, too, that would be just fine.
Dylan Rhodes and his brothers are on a secret mission to find their father. He’s absconded with a large sum of money, and Dylan thinks he might be buzzing around this wild new summer camp. Hoping for answers, Dylan takes a job at the camp. But every time he sees Zoey, he forgets what he’s looking for.
Zoey and Dylan have a lot on their plates already, but all they want to do is devour each other. Can Dylan keep his eyes off Zoey’s bikini and stay focused? And can Zoey keep her hands off Dylan long enough to run the camp?
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
