The Summer Deal, book five in Shalvis Wildstone’s series, can be read as a standalone and is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, Kindle, and audiobook, at your local library or through the Libby App. The audiobook narrated by Erin Mallon is fantastic as she smoothly transitions between all the characters flawlessly. In this easy beach read, Shalvis introduces a group of imperfect characters that fit together like puzzle pieces, even though some of the pieces are a bit mangled and battered; the imagery she portrays is genuine. Through them, she emphasizes how family isn’t just blood relations, it’s about who you choose.

Brynn Turner returned home to Wildstone with her tail between her legs after her con artist ex emptied out her bank account, gave notice on their apartment without letting her know, and left her locked out with her boxed belongings on the property of the landlord. Brynn is embarrassed by her easy-trusting nature and her failure to notice the signs that blew up her life. Now, home with her well-meaning, yet smothering, mothers, Reina and Olive, she can’t find the room to land on her feet by herself. Meeting Eli, her childhood crush and her frenemy’s best friend, offering her exactly what she’s looking for, does she dare accept?

Kinsey Davis has so many secrets weighing her down, yet she’s not willing to let go of them. Her prickly demeanour, tough act, and fierceness are the armour she wears to protect herself and the one she loves from the illness she’s been battling for twenty-nine years. The renal failure is worsening; her body is rejecting the kidney she received at the age of fifteen. It will give out soon if she doesn’t get another transplant, and this time, Kinsey refuses to accept a kidney from a living donor, not after last time. As for her secrets, those bombshells are hers to keep or share. Even though Eli has brought Brynn into the house they share, she’ll have to deal with her frenemy, half-sister, and maybe tell her about the sister part.

Eli Yanakis is stuck between the two most important people in his life. The girl he never thought he’d see again, his childhood crush and the one he’s never gotten from under his skin, Brynn Turner. And his best friend and life mate, Kinsey Davis, whom he would do anything to make sure she’s safe and happy. Bringing Brynn into the house he shares with his little brother Max and Kinsey might be the best or worst idea he’s ever had. Eli thinks it’s time for Kinsey to face her truths; however, he won’t force her to fess up, encourage her to hell yes.

Shalvis also introduces side characters such as Eli’s younger brother, Max, who’s a sweetheart of a player with a protective streak readers and listeners can’t help but love instantly. And the one most readers and listeners wanted more of has to be hands down Deck, the delicious, tattooed, never-ending pools of patience, male nurse who’s head over heels in love with Kinsley. The dual love storyline for each sister was incredibly written and spicy. Shalvis doesn’t shy away from the intimacy; instead, she draws the audience in, showcasing how important each moment is in the trust-building.

The downside of the book was how Shalvis kept the secrets going till the very end, even after it nearly ruined the fragile relationships the trio built, and how easily Brynn forgave Kinsey and Eli seemed a bit out of character after the way her life blew up and how unsteady she still was because of it. Yet, because of the nature of a romance and the happy-ever-after requirement, she wrapped everything up neatly in a rushed manner. Still, it’s an enjoyable 3.5-star read, a good book to bring to the beach. Fans of Susan Mallery, Jude Deveraux or Lori Foster would surely find this right up their alley.