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A Picture Perfect Summer
Katie Hebert has never been able to commit to a real decision in her life. She's never had a serious boyfriend, and her inability to stick with a career means she's still living with her parents at age twenty-seven. Her only consistent decision is her burning secret crush on her brother's best friend, Jacob. Too bad he only sees her as a kid sister.
Jacob Edwards has lived the same life for nearly a decade. As a journalist for his small town newspaper, not even his story assignments have much variety. But Jacob keeps up the daily grind to care for his aging father. To the dismay of the town's single women, flirty, handsome Jacob has never settled down with any of them. How can he when his heart belongs to the one person he can never have: his best friend's little sister, Katie?
When Jacob, a reporter, and Katie, a freelance photographer, are assigned to travel and cover a series of niche North Louisiana festivals together, their forced proximity makes it nearly impossible to hide their mutual attraction. That task only grows more difficult as they are faced with a series of unfortunate events-from falling face first into crawfish, to exploding stage speakers and flat tires. And then there's an alluring photography job in Dallas that Katie has been quietly considering.
A Picture Perfect Summer is a small town, contemporary romance full of electric chemistry, sizzling spice, and fun romance tropes, including: brother's best friend, forced proximity, small town, friends to lovers, and "only one bed."
Jacob Edwards has lived the same life for nearly a decade. As a journalist for his small town newspaper, not even his story assignments have much variety. But Jacob keeps up the daily grind to care for his aging father. To the dismay of the town's single women, flirty, handsome Jacob has never settled down with any of them. How can he when his heart belongs to the one person he can never have: his best friend's little sister, Katie?
When Jacob, a reporter, and Katie, a freelance photographer, are assigned to travel and cover a series of niche North Louisiana festivals together, their forced proximity makes it nearly impossible to hide their mutual attraction. That task only grows more difficult as they are faced with a series of unfortunate events-from falling face first into crawfish, to exploding stage speakers and flat tires. And then there's an alluring photography job in Dallas that Katie has been quietly considering.
A Picture Perfect Summer is a small town, contemporary romance full of electric chemistry, sizzling spice, and fun romance tropes, including: brother's best friend, forced proximity, small town, friends to lovers, and "only one bed."
322 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2023
10 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Booth
10 books165 followersJessica is a lifelong reader and writer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and professional writing before making a career in journalism and editing. Jessica has always dreamed of writing a book, and her love for novels spurred her into becoming an avid bookstagrammer (@readbelievelove).
Jessica grew up in North Louisiana, but now resides in Southwestern Ohio with her husband, pack of rowdy children, and a couple of hounds. They love to spend their time together visiting independent book stores, outside digging up worms, and transforming piles of sticks into castles.
Jessica grew up in North Louisiana, but now resides in Southwestern Ohio with her husband, pack of rowdy children, and a couple of hounds. They love to spend their time together visiting independent book stores, outside digging up worms, and transforming piles of sticks into castles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 25, 2023
Another 5-star read written by me. What are the odds? :)
Seriously though friends, I made myself cry writing this one. In a good way. I hope you love it.
Seriously though friends, I made myself cry writing this one. In a good way. I hope you love it.
June 12, 2023
⭐️ ARC TEAM REVIEW ⭐️
A PICTURE PERFECT SUMMER
(Ruston Festival Book 2)
by Jessica Booth; out June 20.
A small town, contemporary romance full of electric chemistry, sizzling spice, and fun romance tropes, including: brother’s best friend, forced proximity, small town, and friends to lovers. It’s told from the points of view of Katie and Jacob.
SYNOPSIS
Katie Hebert has never been able to commit to a major decision in her life. She’s never had a serious boyfriend, and her inability to stick with a career means she’s still living with her parents at age 27. One consistent: her long crush on her brother’s best friend.
Jacob Edwards has been a journalist for the small town paper for 10 years. He keeps up the daily grind to care for his aging father. But handsome Jacob has never settled down because his heart belongs to the one he can never have: his best friend’s little sister.
When Jacob, a reporter, and Katie, a freelance photographer, are assigned to travel and cover a series of niche North Louisiana festivals together, their forced proximity makes it nearly impossible to hide their mutual attraction. That task only grows more difficult as they are faced with a series of unfortunate events–from falling face first into crawfish, to exploding stage speakers and flat tires. And then there’s an alluring photography job in Dallas that Katie has been quietly considering.
MY THOUGHTS
I absolutely loved author Jessica Booth's A Picture Perfect Summer. I got lost in the growing romance between Katie and Jacob. The story unspools addictively as the two slow burn their way to soulmates. The author, a Louisiana native but a proud Cincinnatian now, creates a close-knit community I'd love to live in, with charming lingo and a delicious narrative that give this RomCom irresistible zest. As when Jacob finishes a crawfish eating festival and gets shoved into a table full of crawfish juice:
"I have died and gone to hell. I am amid the demons, and they are stabbing me in the eyeballs with their pikes of hellfire, pain, and centuries of resentment. I can’t breathe. I’m choking on pepper. I shove myself up and reach to free my eyes from this relentless torment, but my hands are also covered in the fiery embers of cayenne hell."
______________
More twists and turns come for this fated couple, and we can't help but cheer for them to be together forever. "Wow," I was left feeling when the end came too soon. "I must go back and read Book One, A Match Made in Autumn. And I can.not.wait for Books 3 & 4." Double swoon and highly recommended for fans of contemporary romances with heart and steam!
Many thanks to author Jessica Booth for kindly choosing me to be on this ARC team. Opinions are mine.
#apictureperfectsummer #rustonfestivalsbook2 #smalltownromance #southerncontemporaryromcom #slowburnromance #bookstagramcommunity
A PICTURE PERFECT SUMMER
(Ruston Festival Book 2)
by Jessica Booth; out June 20.
A small town, contemporary romance full of electric chemistry, sizzling spice, and fun romance tropes, including: brother’s best friend, forced proximity, small town, and friends to lovers. It’s told from the points of view of Katie and Jacob.
SYNOPSIS
Katie Hebert has never been able to commit to a major decision in her life. She’s never had a serious boyfriend, and her inability to stick with a career means she’s still living with her parents at age 27. One consistent: her long crush on her brother’s best friend.
Jacob Edwards has been a journalist for the small town paper for 10 years. He keeps up the daily grind to care for his aging father. But handsome Jacob has never settled down because his heart belongs to the one he can never have: his best friend’s little sister.
When Jacob, a reporter, and Katie, a freelance photographer, are assigned to travel and cover a series of niche North Louisiana festivals together, their forced proximity makes it nearly impossible to hide their mutual attraction. That task only grows more difficult as they are faced with a series of unfortunate events–from falling face first into crawfish, to exploding stage speakers and flat tires. And then there’s an alluring photography job in Dallas that Katie has been quietly considering.
MY THOUGHTS
I absolutely loved author Jessica Booth's A Picture Perfect Summer. I got lost in the growing romance between Katie and Jacob. The story unspools addictively as the two slow burn their way to soulmates. The author, a Louisiana native but a proud Cincinnatian now, creates a close-knit community I'd love to live in, with charming lingo and a delicious narrative that give this RomCom irresistible zest. As when Jacob finishes a crawfish eating festival and gets shoved into a table full of crawfish juice:
"I have died and gone to hell. I am amid the demons, and they are stabbing me in the eyeballs with their pikes of hellfire, pain, and centuries of resentment. I can’t breathe. I’m choking on pepper. I shove myself up and reach to free my eyes from this relentless torment, but my hands are also covered in the fiery embers of cayenne hell."
______________
More twists and turns come for this fated couple, and we can't help but cheer for them to be together forever. "Wow," I was left feeling when the end came too soon. "I must go back and read Book One, A Match Made in Autumn. And I can.not.wait for Books 3 & 4." Double swoon and highly recommended for fans of contemporary romances with heart and steam!
Many thanks to author Jessica Booth for kindly choosing me to be on this ARC team. Opinions are mine.
#apictureperfectsummer #rustonfestivalsbook2 #smalltownromance #southerncontemporaryromcom #slowburnromance #bookstagramcommunity
June 10, 2023
•Genre: Rom-Com with a little steam and a little mystery
Thank you for the gifted arc, @jessicaboothauthor
•This is Jessica's second novel, and I loved it almost as much as her first (I'm not sure if any of her others will top that one because it took place at a fall festival, my favorite time of year!)
•This is the second book in a series but it can 100% be read as a standalone. I particularly enjoyed how she tied in the characters from the other book. It feels like you are visiting old friends again. 💙
•I love the theme of this series: falling in love, little town festivals, and the four seasons.I think I read that Jessica plans on writing one for spring and winter. I hope that's true! I would preorder now if I could! Oh, and did I mention her writing reminds me a little of Abby Jimenez?
•The banter between the love interests is spot on, and there are some laugh out loud moments in this one. One thing I really enjoy about Jessica's books are the little mysteries she intertwines within the romance. It makes for a fun read!
This comes out June 20th, and I highly recommend you check it out!
Thank you for the gifted arc, @jessicaboothauthor
•This is Jessica's second novel, and I loved it almost as much as her first (I'm not sure if any of her others will top that one because it took place at a fall festival, my favorite time of year!)
•This is the second book in a series but it can 100% be read as a standalone. I particularly enjoyed how she tied in the characters from the other book. It feels like you are visiting old friends again. 💙
•I love the theme of this series: falling in love, little town festivals, and the four seasons.I think I read that Jessica plans on writing one for spring and winter. I hope that's true! I would preorder now if I could! Oh, and did I mention her writing reminds me a little of Abby Jimenez?
•The banter between the love interests is spot on, and there are some laugh out loud moments in this one. One thing I really enjoy about Jessica's books are the little mysteries she intertwines within the romance. It makes for a fun read!
This comes out June 20th, and I highly recommend you check it out!
June 4, 2023
This was a rollercoaster of a book in the best way! I felt so much throughout this story, laughing one minute, tearing up the next. This is considered an interconnected stand-alone, but I think it would be beneficial to read the first book before starting this one.
I really enjoyed the imagery in regards to the weather, and the analogies for the weather and emotions the characters went through. There were some emotional parts that were hard to get through, though that may be because it hit too close to home for me. Part of the plot involves the decline of a close relative's health.
That being said, this romcom gives you slow burn spice and great banter, while also keeping events pretty true to real life. This was definitely the perfect small town southern summer read!
I really enjoyed the imagery in regards to the weather, and the analogies for the weather and emotions the characters went through. There were some emotional parts that were hard to get through, though that may be because it hit too close to home for me. Part of the plot involves the decline of a close relative's health.
That being said, this romcom gives you slow burn spice and great banter, while also keeping events pretty true to real life. This was definitely the perfect small town southern summer read!
June 20, 2023
Oh how I loved this! Stand-alone series are a go to for me and this one is brilliant to line up with the seasons. The book comes with great tropes, fun banter and relatable characters. Katie is the type you instantly want to be friends with and Jacob is swoon worthy. This is also one of the funniest book I've read in a while. I literally laughed out loud many times. Which was greatly needed because it gets emotional as the story unfolds. I love the way the book was wrapped up and couldn't have asked for a better epilogue.
Too dang excited for book three. When you read it, let me know if you can pinpoint the couple who will be in book 3!
Too dang excited for book three. When you read it, let me know if you can pinpoint the couple who will be in book 3!
June 16, 2023
I enjoyed this small town romance so much!
Katie is 27 years old and just trying to figure her career out. She never had a serious boyfriend but she has been secretly crushing on her brother’s best friend Jacob for years.
Jacob is a journalist for the local paper. We find out that Jacob as well has been crushing on Katie for years.
Katie takes a freelance photography job at the local paper that Jacob and her brother work at. Jacob and Katie are assigned to go to the summer festivals in Lousiana. Each is planned to be featured in the paper as a series.
The banter and flirtation that Jacob and Katie had between one another flowed perfectly. You could feel the chemistry between one another so vividly. They meshed so perfectly together.
During there festival journey from the Mudbug Madness to the Ruston Lousiana Peach festival something always went oddly wrong. From a dumpster flying at Jacob to a canceled bed and breakfast reservation. You start wondering if it was all a coincidence. You learn the Jacob and Katie are wondering the same. I was a little shocked to find out the way it unfolded. I had my eye on someone else. I won’t spoil it, you will have to read it for yourself!
Overall, I really enjoyed watching Jacob and Katie’s friendship and relationship blossom. All of the characters are very lovable. I especially loved how supportive her best friend Celia was.
This is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much Jessica Booth for an eARC!
Katie is 27 years old and just trying to figure her career out. She never had a serious boyfriend but she has been secretly crushing on her brother’s best friend Jacob for years.
Jacob is a journalist for the local paper. We find out that Jacob as well has been crushing on Katie for years.
Katie takes a freelance photography job at the local paper that Jacob and her brother work at. Jacob and Katie are assigned to go to the summer festivals in Lousiana. Each is planned to be featured in the paper as a series.
The banter and flirtation that Jacob and Katie had between one another flowed perfectly. You could feel the chemistry between one another so vividly. They meshed so perfectly together.
During there festival journey from the Mudbug Madness to the Ruston Lousiana Peach festival something always went oddly wrong. From a dumpster flying at Jacob to a canceled bed and breakfast reservation. You start wondering if it was all a coincidence. You learn the Jacob and Katie are wondering the same. I was a little shocked to find out the way it unfolded. I had my eye on someone else. I won’t spoil it, you will have to read it for yourself!
Overall, I really enjoyed watching Jacob and Katie’s friendship and relationship blossom. All of the characters are very lovable. I especially loved how supportive her best friend Celia was.
This is the second book in a series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you so much Jessica Booth for an eARC!
June 19, 2023
A Match Made in Autumn was a delightful debut last fall, and yet A Picture Perfect Summer somehow manages to top it with the humor, suspense, romance, steam, and southern charm. While it can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading A Match Made in Autumn so you can be introduced to the delightful small town of Ruston, Louisiana.
Jacob is in a work slump and is sent to travel around Louisiana’s local festival circuit to bring some new life to the newspaper. Katie is an aspiring photographer but current coffee barista who is hired to join Jacob on trips to local towns and capture the moments of the festival. Yet somehow, at every turn, something goes wrong at each festival that keeps them both on their toes. These moments seem to bring them together and challenge their flimsy invisible walls that they’ve built over the years because it’s their best friend’s sister/brother’s best friend (my catnip…).
The romance in this book is spicier than a cajun crawfish boil, but there is also plenty of emotion to go around, including caring for his dad with declining health and her struggle to balance connections to home with moving forward to her future. Be warned that there are mentions of parent loss and a parent with dementia in this book, so if those are tender topics take care of yourself when reading.
Thank you Jessica for the advanced review copy!!
Jacob is in a work slump and is sent to travel around Louisiana’s local festival circuit to bring some new life to the newspaper. Katie is an aspiring photographer but current coffee barista who is hired to join Jacob on trips to local towns and capture the moments of the festival. Yet somehow, at every turn, something goes wrong at each festival that keeps them both on their toes. These moments seem to bring them together and challenge their flimsy invisible walls that they’ve built over the years because it’s their best friend’s sister/brother’s best friend (my catnip…).
The romance in this book is spicier than a cajun crawfish boil, but there is also plenty of emotion to go around, including caring for his dad with declining health and her struggle to balance connections to home with moving forward to her future. Be warned that there are mentions of parent loss and a parent with dementia in this book, so if those are tender topics take care of yourself when reading.
Thank you Jessica for the advanced review copy!!
June 19, 2023
First of all thank you SO much to the author/booksta babe, for allowing me to read this early! Oh my gosh, if you’re in the mood for a perfectly swoony summer read, this is it! The characters are just so darn lovable and completely relatable! I absolutely enjoyed the steamy relationship and the loving family dynamic! The story was amazing and I really enjoyed every twist and turn throughout and seriously had a fun time reading this! This was the perfect poolside book! Absolutely recommend!
June 5, 2023
This was a good book! I would say 3.5⭐️
Being from Louisiana, born in Shreveport and having traveled to many of the towns mentioned, this book was so fun to read! Reading some of the idiosyncrasies & quirks of the south throughout the book just made me smile & laugh, because IYKYK. 😝 Being from the South made me feel like I had a little more insight into some of the reasons why the author said the things she said, like knowing the LA Tech (the college in Ruston mentioned in APPS) mascot is a bulldog, and Jacob has a pet bulldog, just made me go 💡because otherwise I wouldn’t have made the connection.
The mentioning of Jacob’s struggle to come to a decision about his father’s care/rehab felt a little repetitive at some points. Friends to lovers, sharing a bed, older brother’s friend — we love it. I will say some parts felt too proper & staged— but it is a work of fiction so 🤷🏼♀️ Not a bad read overall, & the epilogue just 🤌🏼🫶🏼
Being from Louisiana, born in Shreveport and having traveled to many of the towns mentioned, this book was so fun to read! Reading some of the idiosyncrasies & quirks of the south throughout the book just made me smile & laugh, because IYKYK. 😝 Being from the South made me feel like I had a little more insight into some of the reasons why the author said the things she said, like knowing the LA Tech (the college in Ruston mentioned in APPS) mascot is a bulldog, and Jacob has a pet bulldog, just made me go 💡because otherwise I wouldn’t have made the connection.
The mentioning of Jacob’s struggle to come to a decision about his father’s care/rehab felt a little repetitive at some points. Friends to lovers, sharing a bed, older brother’s friend — we love it. I will say some parts felt too proper & staged— but it is a work of fiction so 🤷🏼♀️ Not a bad read overall, & the epilogue just 🤌🏼🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2023
Jessica, you did it again! I honestly loved this one even better than the first. The chemistry, flirtation and tension between Jacob and Katie was so good and - at times, hilarious. I "aww"-ed out loud on multiple occasions and admired their constant communication and respect of each other's boundaries.
They navigated so many hiccups and even tragedy, but with dialogue this full of one liners and teasing, A Picture Perfect Summer never felt heavy. I loved the Louisiana festival, food and culture references and of course, Ollie!
They navigated so many hiccups and even tragedy, but with dialogue this full of one liners and teasing, A Picture Perfect Summer never felt heavy. I loved the Louisiana festival, food and culture references and of course, Ollie!
June 30, 2023
I think I liked this even more than A Match Made In Autumn.
Katie & Jacob are super adorable and I related to them a lot more than Amelia & Rhett so it was easy to get swept away in their story.
Multiple festivals make features and you can tell Jessica did her research because the vivid descriptions and back drops she creates make you feel like you were there too.
I cannot wait to see what she writes next; fingers crossed it is Celia's story because I adore that gal!
Also: How did I not notice Jacob Edwards is named after the two MMC in Twilight until I was nearly finished the book?
Katie & Jacob are super adorable and I related to them a lot more than Amelia & Rhett so it was easy to get swept away in their story.
Multiple festivals make features and you can tell Jessica did her research because the vivid descriptions and back drops she creates make you feel like you were there too.
I cannot wait to see what she writes next; fingers crossed it is Celia's story because I adore that gal!
Also: How did I not notice Jacob Edwards is named after the two MMC in Twilight until I was nearly finished the book?
April 16, 2024
Jessica’s huge heart shines through in the beautiful happily ever afters she creates. Just like in her debut, 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘐𝘯 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘮𝘯, Jess serves up another swoonworthy romance with lots of laughs, a few tears, and a heaping spoonful of southern charm! I’m fresh off my first trip to Louisiana and kept thinking about this book, so I knew it was the 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 time to share it!!
🦞 𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘚 takes us back to the cozy and quaint town of Ruston, Louisiana where Jacob, a journalist for the local newspaper, has just been assigned to cover the local summer festivals. Katie, an aspiring photographer, has harbored secret feelings for Jacob, her brother’s best friend, for years. When the newspaper decides to hire her as Jacob’s photographer, the summer starts to heat up in more ways than one - and soon Jacob can’t deny his growing attraction to Katie. As curious calamities seem to follow them wherever they go, they work together to persevere and grow even closer. But as family issues arise, their paths start to diverge. Can their love survive every test thrown their way?
🌸 This book had so much heart. I loved these characters and how hard they had to fight for their happy ending! The festival scenes were so much fun and made me feel as though I were there! And we get more Aunt Margie too - she’s such a treasure!!
𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘚 is another winner from Jessica that will make you feel all the feels and leave you with a huge smile!! Don’t miss this one this summer! ☀️
🦞 𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘚 takes us back to the cozy and quaint town of Ruston, Louisiana where Jacob, a journalist for the local newspaper, has just been assigned to cover the local summer festivals. Katie, an aspiring photographer, has harbored secret feelings for Jacob, her brother’s best friend, for years. When the newspaper decides to hire her as Jacob’s photographer, the summer starts to heat up in more ways than one - and soon Jacob can’t deny his growing attraction to Katie. As curious calamities seem to follow them wherever they go, they work together to persevere and grow even closer. But as family issues arise, their paths start to diverge. Can their love survive every test thrown their way?
🌸 This book had so much heart. I loved these characters and how hard they had to fight for their happy ending! The festival scenes were so much fun and made me feel as though I were there! And we get more Aunt Margie too - she’s such a treasure!!
𝘈𝘗𝘗𝘚 is another winner from Jessica that will make you feel all the feels and leave you with a huge smile!! Don’t miss this one this summer! ☀️
July 29, 2024
This romance was SO SO good! I adored Katie and Jacob, and you were could feel their chemistry jumping off the page. One of my favorite thing about Jessica Booth’s romances is how much I also LOVE the plot. I loved how these two ended up working together and how that spurred that chemistry and romance development even more. I loved all the summer festivals and locations visited in this book, it made me feel like I was there.
This book also had me literally laughing out loud and my husband looking over asking “what?” and I’m likes it’s my books it’s so good!!
Get ready for festivals and flirtations in this book!!
The authors first book, A Match Made in Autumn, is one of my all time favorite romances… but APPS might just be even better!!
You get brother’s best friend romance, only one bed, small town, and friends to lover in this one.
I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book also had me literally laughing out loud and my husband looking over asking “what?” and I’m likes it’s my books it’s so good!!
Get ready for festivals and flirtations in this book!!
The authors first book, A Match Made in Autumn, is one of my all time favorite romances… but APPS might just be even better!!
You get brother’s best friend romance, only one bed, small town, and friends to lover in this one.
I read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2023
Where do I start? Let’s just first talk about how very proud of my friend Jessica I am. This is her second book and she knocked it out of the park again! I promise you I’m not saying this because I adore Jessica (and I do) her books just put a smile on my face!
I am so very thankful she #gifted me an early eARC of this book. I loved it so much I just had to buy a copy of it too!
This story is about Katie and Jacob. Katie is a 27 year old easy to love girl who lives at home with her parents. She is itching to make something more of herself and spread her wings out of her small southern town. Jacob is a swoony adorable man who has always had a crush on Katie. She has been off limits though because Katie is Jacob’s best friends sister.
Katie ends up working a series of local festivals as a stand in photographer paired with Jacob. What ensues is a bunch of, let’s say “hiccups”, at each festival that starts to feel maybe like they aren’t just coincidences. As their relationship grows, family issues arise, putting pressure on their future and relationship. Katie needs to grow and expand her horizon and although Jacob wants to be us unable to due to his circumstances. Will the pressures be too much? Or will their love win?
I once again found myself smiling for most of this book. Jessica has an uncanny ability to draw you into the most adorable town setting and writes such likable characters that I’d like to just be friends with. The banter is hilarious between these two and it had me chuckling out loud. You can’t do anything but like them! Get ready because this book is much more steamy than her first 🫣😅 There is also part of the book than made me teary eyed. Jessica really does a wonderful job with getting you to feel all the feels. Loved loved loved this slice of southern sassy, sweet, slice of seventh heaven!
June 17, 2023
Jessica Booth has done it again! Last year she made her romcom debut with A Match Made in Autumn, and now she is back with Jacob and Katie's story. Here are some aspects of this book I loved:
☀️Friends to lovers but also they weren't *that* good of friends, so to me this felt more natural
☀️Amazing local details about all of these Louisiana festivals! I totally felt like I was there. Also, this book celebrates summer in a way, but I like that it isn't your typical summer read
☀️A little bit of mystery blended in
☀️A deep love connection - I loved how Jacob and Katie really connect as soul mates
☀️THERE'S ONLY ONE BED. I literally squealed when I got to this part!!
☀️The playfulness between Jacob and Katie. But also....
☀️...this book felt much more serious and grown up than AMMiA. I don't say that as an insult either way, but Jacob especially has to deal with some very heavy burdens. Jessica explains in her Acknowledgments that she wrote this book during a very difficult trial in her own life, and I feel like that truly shows through the pages.
This book can totally be read as a standalone if you have not read the first, but I definitely recommend reading both of them! I love that Jessica is making this a seasonal series, and I can't wait to see what is next.
☀️Friends to lovers but also they weren't *that* good of friends, so to me this felt more natural
☀️Amazing local details about all of these Louisiana festivals! I totally felt like I was there. Also, this book celebrates summer in a way, but I like that it isn't your typical summer read
☀️A little bit of mystery blended in
☀️A deep love connection - I loved how Jacob and Katie really connect as soul mates
☀️THERE'S ONLY ONE BED. I literally squealed when I got to this part!!
☀️The playfulness between Jacob and Katie. But also....
☀️...this book felt much more serious and grown up than AMMiA. I don't say that as an insult either way, but Jacob especially has to deal with some very heavy burdens. Jessica explains in her Acknowledgments that she wrote this book during a very difficult trial in her own life, and I feel like that truly shows through the pages.
This book can totally be read as a standalone if you have not read the first, but I definitely recommend reading both of them! I love that Jessica is making this a seasonal series, and I can't wait to see what is next.
June 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to snag an eARC of this one! It’s releasing 6/20 so definitely add it to your TBR and/or preorder it now! If you’re a signed book fan you can get signed copies of Jessica’s books from @ or if you’re a Cincinnati reader come hang out at The Bookery on 6/24 to celebrate the launch of A Picture Perfect Summer and say hi to Jess and everyone there —literally couldn’t find nicer people.
A Picture Perfect Summer has it all!
Tropes we can expect to find:
—Brother’s best friends
—Strong family bond
—Mystery vibes
—Friends to Lovers
—Mutual pining
—One bed
Katie’s trying to find some direction and Jacob is just feeling well stuck, but what they have in common is a mutual crush that neither have been confident enough to explore yet. When summer festival season throws them together unexpectedly for the newspaper the temperature isn’t the only thing getting hot.
Jacob and Katie are perfection. This one had me laughing, blushing, cheering, anxious, and I teared up a bit too. +1000 bonus stars for Katie chasing her dream and Jacob being supportive—we don’t always get that and I loved seeing that play out.
I can’t wait to see which season Jessica Booth has in store for us next!
A Picture Perfect Summer has it all!
Tropes we can expect to find:
—Brother’s best friends
—Strong family bond
—Mystery vibes
—Friends to Lovers
—Mutual pining
—One bed
Katie’s trying to find some direction and Jacob is just feeling well stuck, but what they have in common is a mutual crush that neither have been confident enough to explore yet. When summer festival season throws them together unexpectedly for the newspaper the temperature isn’t the only thing getting hot.
Jacob and Katie are perfection. This one had me laughing, blushing, cheering, anxious, and I teared up a bit too. +1000 bonus stars for Katie chasing her dream and Jacob being supportive—we don’t always get that and I loved seeing that play out.
I can’t wait to see which season Jessica Booth has in store for us next!
June 28, 2023
Super cute steamy small town romance. I’m loving the brothers best friend trope lately. This was my first book by the author and it def won’t be my last.
June 15, 2023
First of all, thank you to the author, Jessica, for allowing me the oppurtunity to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this story. I love Katie and Jacob's relationship. I was hoping for more mystery but for a romance novel it was still good.
I was not expecting to cry but I did. The ending had me in happy tears. I haven't read Jessica's first novel yet but I bought it so I can 🙈
P.S. if you don't love Ollie we can't be friends 😉
I really enjoyed this story. I love Katie and Jacob's relationship. I was hoping for more mystery but for a romance novel it was still good.
I was not expecting to cry but I did. The ending had me in happy tears. I haven't read Jessica's first novel yet but I bought it so I can 🙈
P.S. if you don't love Ollie we can't be friends 😉
June 10, 2023
Super cute brother's best friend story! I love that they both had feelings pretty much from the beginning and I'm glad we didn't wait until the 80% mark for them to give into it. A lot of laugh out loud moments, but some very tender heart. I like the thought of a series of stories for a newspaper of small town festivals.
I like how infectious Katie is! Such a fun and light person. Jacob is so sweet in the way he looks out for his dad as he stumbles medically. There was an air of mystery attached to what starts to happen at the festivals that make Katie and Jacob feel as if they are cursed.
I haven't read book 1 but will go back at some point to. I felt like I got enough important info to still very much enjoy this connected story but that stands well in its own.
I like how infectious Katie is! Such a fun and light person. Jacob is so sweet in the way he looks out for his dad as he stumbles medically. There was an air of mystery attached to what starts to happen at the festivals that make Katie and Jacob feel as if they are cursed.
I haven't read book 1 but will go back at some point to. I felt like I got enough important info to still very much enjoy this connected story but that stands well in its own.
May 26, 2023
A perfectly charming book to throw in your beach bag! Katie and Jacob’s romance is sweet, funny, and definitely smoldering. Louisiana residents will relate to all of the festivals and other readers will want to come join the fun. I enjoyed this book as much as the author’s first book, “A Match Made in Autumn.” She has a wonderful romance series in the making!
August 14, 2023
Here comes another book by the author and I enjoyed it.
This small town contemporary romance is fun with spice and amazing chemistry.
Katie is a freelance photographer and Jacob is a reporter. Both of them have a thing for each other but haven't said it all these years and now, they have to work together on a festival covering different stories.
One of my favourite scenes was Jacob high on pot brownie cookies. It was funny and so was their banter. There were so many laugh-out loud moments.
This had little mystery too, which was well written. The setting is beautiful and lovely. There were some points which I didn't get.
This was an emotional rollercoaster and a great pick for summer.
This small town contemporary romance is fun with spice and amazing chemistry.
Katie is a freelance photographer and Jacob is a reporter. Both of them have a thing for each other but haven't said it all these years and now, they have to work together on a festival covering different stories.
One of my favourite scenes was Jacob high on pot brownie cookies. It was funny and so was their banter. There were so many laugh-out loud moments.
This had little mystery too, which was well written. The setting is beautiful and lovely. There were some points which I didn't get.
This was an emotional rollercoaster and a great pick for summer.
July 3, 2023
Jessica Booth did it again. This book, THIS BOOK, was so beautifully written. I'm gonna try my hardest to put into words how I feel but I know it's not gonna work.
There was so much that happened. I love the way Booth intertwines a little mystery in to her stories. It adds another level that keeps me reading. I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!
I could not be happier with how Jacob and Katie got together. The journey they went through was heart breaking and I am so happy they came out the other side, together.
Honestly, I cannot recommend this book enough for my rom-com lovers. A little brother's best friend, a little saboteur mystery, what more could you ask for?
I received a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
There was so much that happened. I love the way Booth intertwines a little mystery in to her stories. It adds another level that keeps me reading. I HAD TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!
I could not be happier with how Jacob and Katie got together. The journey they went through was heart breaking and I am so happy they came out the other side, together.
Honestly, I cannot recommend this book enough for my rom-com lovers. A little brother's best friend, a little saboteur mystery, what more could you ask for?
I received a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
July 4, 2024
Are you following @jessicaboothauthor or @readbelievelove on Booksta? If not, you definitely should be! She's the indie author of this and A Match Made in Autumn, both set in a dreamy, steamy (it's Louisiana for Pete's sake) small town.
Katie Hebert has had a crush on her older brother Rhett's best friend Jacob for something like seven years now. At 27, she's still living at home with her parents, working as a barista, mentally willing herself to find her big break as a photographer. Jacob oozes charisma and charm is seeping out of his pores, but life in Ruston, his small hometown, is a bit dull. He's had the same job at the local paper for a decade now and is taking care of his dad, who's suffering from dementia. He finds fun in flirting, especially with Katie. He thinks it's obvious how hard he's crushing on her, but the girl is clueless. That is until they get paired to work together on a story series for the paper. It becomes harder and harder to deny there's something there, but is it something that can last?
Read if you like:
✅ Brother's best friend
✅ Only one bed
✅ Small town
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Friends to lovers
I read this over the course of a day. It's so cute and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Another home run from Jessica!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Katie Hebert has had a crush on her older brother Rhett's best friend Jacob for something like seven years now. At 27, she's still living at home with her parents, working as a barista, mentally willing herself to find her big break as a photographer. Jacob oozes charisma and charm is seeping out of his pores, but life in Ruston, his small hometown, is a bit dull. He's had the same job at the local paper for a decade now and is taking care of his dad, who's suffering from dementia. He finds fun in flirting, especially with Katie. He thinks it's obvious how hard he's crushing on her, but the girl is clueless. That is until they get paired to work together on a story series for the paper. It becomes harder and harder to deny there's something there, but is it something that can last?
Read if you like:
✅ Brother's best friend
✅ Only one bed
✅ Small town
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Friends to lovers
I read this over the course of a day. It's so cute and has just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting. Another home run from Jessica!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 31, 2023
📚 A Picture Perfect Summer
✍️Jessica Booth
📖Contemporary Romance
⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Katie has always had a thing for her brother's best friend, Jacob. But she is sure Jacob has only ever seen her as the little sister she is. When she gets a freelance photography gig working at the local paper, she is excited when she finds out Jacob is the reporter she will be working with. Wait.. is excited the word? Or absolutely terrified. Either way… she is feeling a sorta way to be working with her childhood crush that she has been secretly in love with for years. But as everyone knows… brothers' best friends are always off limits.
I was worried I would not like the second book as much as the first, but Jessica Booth has now delivered TWO amazing novels that leave you wanting more.
Read this novel if you love:
-Best friends brother
-Forced proximity
-Small Town
-Friends to lovers
-Laughing out loud
-Spice
-Only one bed
Head over to my blog to find my full review + AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA BOOTH HERSELF!!!!!!!!
✍️Jessica Booth
📖Contemporary Romance
⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Katie has always had a thing for her brother's best friend, Jacob. But she is sure Jacob has only ever seen her as the little sister she is. When she gets a freelance photography gig working at the local paper, she is excited when she finds out Jacob is the reporter she will be working with. Wait.. is excited the word? Or absolutely terrified. Either way… she is feeling a sorta way to be working with her childhood crush that she has been secretly in love with for years. But as everyone knows… brothers' best friends are always off limits.
I was worried I would not like the second book as much as the first, but Jessica Booth has now delivered TWO amazing novels that leave you wanting more.
Read this novel if you love:
-Best friends brother
-Forced proximity
-Small Town
-Friends to lovers
-Laughing out loud
-Spice
-Only one bed
Head over to my blog to find my full review + AN INTERVIEW WITH JESSICA BOOTH HERSELF!!!!!!!!
November 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I definitely recommend to read A March made in autumn first because you get to see Rhett and Amelia’s love story and then in this book we are get Rhett’s sister and his best friend. So it makes a lot more sense to read in order. My favorite character of this book of course was the dog!!! Ollie!!! So cute. In both of Jessica’s books I’ve noticed she likes to almost make them cozy mystery romances which makes it fun. So this book also had a bit of a mystery going on throughout it while we were watching the characters go from friends to lovers. There is a bit of loss in this book and Jessica speaks about it in her acknowledgements that makes it all the sweeter❤️if you’re looking for a nice palette cleanser, romance, set in a small town, with different festivals, friends to lovers, forced proximity, one bed trope!!!! This is the perfect book for you then.
February 2, 2025
Book One hooked me. This was okay and had a solid plot, but really needed more help to bring it all together. There were so many typos, missed quotations and a ridiculous amount of references about bugs or animals (aside from him calling her Bunny or Bun) It was distracting and took away from the story sadly.
Examples: …squawking like an angry parakeet. Like a pit of vipers. Like a tornado of bees. Like angry tired brain eating worms. Like a pot of wrestling border collie puppies. Like it’s covered in sap and dead mosquitoes. Plus more cicadas, caterpillars, raccoons and worms. This was only after I started to notice the repetitiveness.
- [ ] Friends to lovers
- [ ] Older Brothers best friend
- [ ] Forced proximity
- [ ] Coworkers
- [ ] Panic disorder / anxiety rep
- [ ] Caring for aging parent/ dementia/ stroke
TW *death of parent / mentioned/ on page
Examples: …squawking like an angry parakeet. Like a pit of vipers. Like a tornado of bees. Like angry tired brain eating worms. Like a pot of wrestling border collie puppies. Like it’s covered in sap and dead mosquitoes. Plus more cicadas, caterpillars, raccoons and worms. This was only after I started to notice the repetitiveness.
- [ ] Friends to lovers
- [ ] Older Brothers best friend
- [ ] Forced proximity
- [ ] Coworkers
- [ ] Panic disorder / anxiety rep
- [ ] Caring for aging parent/ dementia/ stroke
TW *death of parent / mentioned/ on page
May 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This was such a cute read. I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance novels, but I needed a palette cleanser after reading a HEAVY historical fiction book, and A Picture Perfect Summer was a great choice.
It’s a dual POV, Brother’s Best friend romance that isn’t a 100% light read as it deals with death of a parent and some stalking, BUT the sexual tension and banter between the FMC and the MMC are the BEST!
It’s definitely a great read for the summer while you’re out of the beach or just need a great wholesome read. There is SOME spice, but it’s not explicit and it was refreshing.
🌶️
This was such a cute read. I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance novels, but I needed a palette cleanser after reading a HEAVY historical fiction book, and A Picture Perfect Summer was a great choice.
It’s a dual POV, Brother’s Best friend romance that isn’t a 100% light read as it deals with death of a parent and some stalking, BUT the sexual tension and banter between the FMC and the MMC are the BEST!
It’s definitely a great read for the summer while you’re out of the beach or just need a great wholesome read. There is SOME spice, but it’s not explicit and it was refreshing.
July 11, 2023
I read this book while in a reading slump and it really helped me. the writing is phenomenal: simple yet well put together (english is not my first language, yet i had no problems understanding the book). i LOVED the two main characters, they got me giggling at all their misfortunes! This book is really fresh, the perfect summer-y book to read if you love festivals and if you are looking for a good friends-to-lovers/brother's best friend!
July 18, 2024
4.5 stars I love the small town vibes of these books and Jacob and Katie were such a sweet pair. I loved the tension in the beginning of them denying their feelings and how they finally were honest. Also as someone going through having a parent with early onset dementia I always feel a little more connected to books that have that issue. This one definitely made me cry in places. So excited to support a local indie author and will definitely be reading everything she writes.
May 26, 2023
Katie and Jacob are so much fun to read. There's definitely a sizzle from beginning to end with those two.
Katie is torn on her career path and her decision to work as a photo journalist leads her into shenanigans with Jacob, the reporter, that will have you snorting with laughter.
The snarky banter, the sizzle, and the shenanigans will keep you entertained.
Katie is torn on her career path and her decision to work as a photo journalist leads her into shenanigans with Jacob, the reporter, that will have you snorting with laughter.
The snarky banter, the sizzle, and the shenanigans will keep you entertained.
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