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Costas Sisters #2
Summer Lovin'
Zoe Costas is a security specialist and a Costas through and through. Her eccentric, rather dubious family runs an Atlantic City spa that's just this side of legit. So Zoe isn't inclined to trust handsome, charming Ryan Baldwin when he shows up claiming to be related to Sam, the girl the Costas family is about to adopt. But Ryan is Sam's uncle and one of the famously rich and snooty Boston Baldwins.
Ryan's search for his sister has led him to news of her death, and to a niece he's never met. But someone else has also tracked Sam down — someone who never wanted the child to be found. Ryan is determined to protect Sam and find out what really happened to his sister. And Zoe is just the woman to help him do it. Neither expects to lose their heart in the process.
Ryan's search for his sister has led him to news of her death, and to a niece he's never met. But someone else has also tracked Sam down — someone who never wanted the child to be found. Ryan is determined to protect Sam and find out what really happened to his sister. And Zoe is just the woman to help him do it. Neither expects to lose their heart in the process.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
113 people are currently reading
1332 people want to read
About the author
Carly Phillips
402 books9,781 followersNY Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller, Carly Phillips is the queen of Alpha Heroes, at least according to The Harlequin Junkie Reviewer.. Carly married her college sweetheart and lives in Purchase, NY along with her crazy dogs who are featured on her Facebook and Instagram pages. The author of over 75 romance novels, she has raised two incredible daughters and is now an empty nester. Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa as her first romance club pick. Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. Want to keep up with Carly? Sign up for her newsletter and receive TWO FREE books at www.carlyphillips.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
January 1, 2016
Have you ever read a book so poorly written you just want to break through years of reserve and upbringing and swear like a sailor? I didn’t throw Summer Lovin’ by Carly Phillips across the room…but I came close. I didn’t finish the first book in this series, Under the Boardwalk because the insta-lust overwhelmed any half-way interesting plot point 10 pages in. Summer Lovin’ kept me interested long enough that I figured I should just finish…a decision I regret.
Summer Lovin’ tells the story of Zoe, a former FBI agent from a large Greek family, and Ryan, a lawyer from upper crust Massachusetts. (And I do mean tells the story. Using an overabundance of adjectives and adverbs and not nearly enough action.) Theoretically the storyline follows their relationship with Sam, the girl Zoe’s family is trying to adopt who is also Ryan’s biological niece. In reality, the novel drags through Zoe and Ryan’s insta-lust and contrived emotional upheaval with a whole bunch of totally random conflict shoved in the last 1/4th to make some sort of riveting plot line. It fails.
First, khakis are not sexy. Light blue polo shirts are not ultra-masculine. 30 year olds should seriously consider before donning miniskirts. While I can understand the author wanting to somehow give Zoe “character,” I got real tired of her miniskirts and skanky blouses. What kind of FBI/security agent was/is she? And would a woman who dressed like that really find Italian suits that attractive? I got very tired of hearing about Ryan's “sexiness” (which could be another rant. The English vocabulary has many wonderful alternatives to sexy. Why not broaden the vocabulary some?) when he simply walks around in something Jake from State Farm would wear.
Second, the most annoying part of this book was the writing. I cannot even begin to express it. The author rarely tells something. She bludgeons you over the head with it, and in case you missed it repeats the process twenty times. The novel dies a slow and painful death at the hands of an abundance of entirely generic adjective and adverbs. You’re told everything and yet can picture nothing. People “paused on purpose” (as opposed to pausing not on purpose?), “asked affronted,” or perform actions like “shuffling papers on his desk for no apparent reason” (maybe the papers needed shuffling?)
The majority of the writing is dialogue but even this is disappointing. It is so wordy and slow that no living person could actually have a conversation that way – the characters have to stop and consider everything, both out loud and for the reader. How about this:
Zoe accepted the picture and glanced down at the photo of the teenager, frozen in time at around the same age as Sam. Zoe sucked in a startled breath. “Wow,” she said, staring at the eerily familiar features and blond hair. “You weren’t kidding.”
He shook his head. “Starling resemblance, isn’t it?”
“My thoughts exactly,” she said, placing her hand over his. “I’m so sorry.”
He met her gaze, his eyes warm and grateful. “I appreciate that.”
“Why didn’t you show this photograph to me before?”
He shrugged as he placed the picture back into his pocket. “You didn’t ask.”
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat….
Third, the plot drags out over several hundred pages and rushes into the ending much too fast with little real resolution or sense.
The story didn’t need the dramatic, confrontational climax. There was enough angst to be worked through between the two main characters without adding the “thriller” bit. Poorly structured thriller, as it stands, that barely made sense.
Fourth, the faux psycology in this book drove me crazy.
A part of Ryan wanted to get the hell out of the dark, dank basement and read his sister’s words in warm, familiar surroundings, and another part of him wanted right now to see what she’d left behind.
Many paragraphs like that provide entirely irrelevant and often annoying “glimpses” into the characters’ emotions. The problem is, none of it feels real. It’s difficult to relate at any level to them. Ryan supposedly sought his sister for over ten years (maybe? The math got confusing) but overcomes the emotional upheaval of why she left relatively quickly. After all, he’s got a hot woman to make out with now.
Zoe supposedly has textbook commitment issues and blames it on her parents’ passion for each other. Her struggle did not make sense to me. I could think of many good reasons for her not to get it on with a complete stranger but this idea that she would “lose herself in a man” wasn’t one that readily came to mind. She already had a career (which she gave up because she didn’t want to “follow the rules”…?) so she had to have left home at some point, right? It’s not like she’s been living in her parents’ basement. Despite frequent references to the movie, this is not My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Even acknowledging that she “struggles” with commitment issues and leaving home, she agonizes over it FOREVER. I got sick of her attitude and mindset.
Fifth, the sexual innuendos were downright awkward. There was nothing sexy about it. The sex scenes were so bad they turned you off. This author has an uncomfortable obsession with body fluid and that is all I will say on the subject. But really, for no other reason, avoid the book for that!
I am sure there is more to criticize. I am sorely disappointed. A little embarrassed to have finished it. Bemused that someone actually published Summer Lovin’. Was there not an editor involved? I can’t even give this novel kudos for potential. There was basically nothing redeeming about it except perhaps in the twin sisters and their relationship.
Summer Lovin’ tells the story of Zoe, a former FBI agent from a large Greek family, and Ryan, a lawyer from upper crust Massachusetts. (And I do mean tells the story. Using an overabundance of adjectives and adverbs and not nearly enough action.) Theoretically the storyline follows their relationship with Sam, the girl Zoe’s family is trying to adopt who is also Ryan’s biological niece. In reality, the novel drags through Zoe and Ryan’s insta-lust and contrived emotional upheaval with a whole bunch of totally random conflict shoved in the last 1/4th to make some sort of riveting plot line. It fails.
First, khakis are not sexy. Light blue polo shirts are not ultra-masculine. 30 year olds should seriously consider before donning miniskirts. While I can understand the author wanting to somehow give Zoe “character,” I got real tired of her miniskirts and skanky blouses. What kind of FBI/security agent was/is she? And would a woman who dressed like that really find Italian suits that attractive? I got very tired of hearing about Ryan's “sexiness” (which could be another rant. The English vocabulary has many wonderful alternatives to sexy. Why not broaden the vocabulary some?) when he simply walks around in something Jake from State Farm would wear.
Second, the most annoying part of this book was the writing. I cannot even begin to express it. The author rarely tells something. She bludgeons you over the head with it, and in case you missed it repeats the process twenty times. The novel dies a slow and painful death at the hands of an abundance of entirely generic adjective and adverbs. You’re told everything and yet can picture nothing. People “paused on purpose” (as opposed to pausing not on purpose?), “asked affronted,” or perform actions like “shuffling papers on his desk for no apparent reason” (maybe the papers needed shuffling?)
The majority of the writing is dialogue but even this is disappointing. It is so wordy and slow that no living person could actually have a conversation that way – the characters have to stop and consider everything, both out loud and for the reader. How about this:
Zoe accepted the picture and glanced down at the photo of the teenager, frozen in time at around the same age as Sam. Zoe sucked in a startled breath. “Wow,” she said, staring at the eerily familiar features and blond hair. “You weren’t kidding.”
He shook his head. “Starling resemblance, isn’t it?”
“My thoughts exactly,” she said, placing her hand over his. “I’m so sorry.”
He met her gaze, his eyes warm and grateful. “I appreciate that.”
“Why didn’t you show this photograph to me before?”
He shrugged as he placed the picture back into his pocket. “You didn’t ask.”
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat….
Third, the plot drags out over several hundred pages and rushes into the ending much too fast with little real resolution or sense.
The story didn’t need the dramatic, confrontational climax. There was enough angst to be worked through between the two main characters without adding the “thriller” bit. Poorly structured thriller, as it stands, that barely made sense.
Fourth, the faux psycology in this book drove me crazy.
A part of Ryan wanted to get the hell out of the dark, dank basement and read his sister’s words in warm, familiar surroundings, and another part of him wanted right now to see what she’d left behind.
Many paragraphs like that provide entirely irrelevant and often annoying “glimpses” into the characters’ emotions. The problem is, none of it feels real. It’s difficult to relate at any level to them. Ryan supposedly sought his sister for over ten years (maybe? The math got confusing) but overcomes the emotional upheaval of why she left relatively quickly. After all, he’s got a hot woman to make out with now.
Zoe supposedly has textbook commitment issues and blames it on her parents’ passion for each other. Her struggle did not make sense to me. I could think of many good reasons for her not to get it on with a complete stranger but this idea that she would “lose herself in a man” wasn’t one that readily came to mind. She already had a career (which she gave up because she didn’t want to “follow the rules”…?) so she had to have left home at some point, right? It’s not like she’s been living in her parents’ basement. Despite frequent references to the movie, this is not My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Even acknowledging that she “struggles” with commitment issues and leaving home, she agonizes over it FOREVER. I got sick of her attitude and mindset.
Fifth, the sexual innuendos were downright awkward. There was nothing sexy about it. The sex scenes were so bad they turned you off. This author has an uncomfortable obsession with body fluid and that is all I will say on the subject. But really, for no other reason, avoid the book for that!
I am sure there is more to criticize. I am sorely disappointed. A little embarrassed to have finished it. Bemused that someone actually published Summer Lovin’. Was there not an editor involved? I can’t even give this novel kudos for potential. There was basically nothing redeeming about it except perhaps in the twin sisters and their relationship.
July 16, 2020
Summer of Love is the second (and last) book in the Costas Sisters series by Carly Phillips. I consider this book a continuation of "Under the Boardwalk" since some parts of this story are connected to what happened in the previous book and the most important of them is Sam.
It took me three days to finish this book, while I could have read it in one afternoon and I lost my reading streak on kindle because of it. I am not happy about either thing. I was not a big fan of either main character and the plot got even crazier. At this point, I consider the Costas house a zoo, and no, that's not a reference to the animals they have.
Zoe and Ryan did not have chemistry and they didn't work for me as a couple. The mystery behind the disappearance of Sam's mother/Ryan's sister was very week and it didn't really make sense to me.
This book is written in the same style and has the same tones as Under the Boardwalk and whether you should read it or not really depends on what you thought of the previous book. If you haven't read UTB, I would recommend either to pick that book first or not read any of them. I really was not a big fan of this one.
It took me three days to finish this book, while I could have read it in one afternoon and I lost my reading streak on kindle because of it. I am not happy about either thing. I was not a big fan of either main character and the plot got even crazier. At this point, I consider the Costas house a zoo, and no, that's not a reference to the animals they have.
Zoe and Ryan did not have chemistry and they didn't work for me as a couple. The mystery behind the disappearance of Sam's mother/Ryan's sister was very week and it didn't really make sense to me.
This book is written in the same style and has the same tones as Under the Boardwalk and whether you should read it or not really depends on what you thought of the previous book. If you haven't read UTB, I would recommend either to pick that book first or not read any of them. I really was not a big fan of this one.
July 17, 2013
Zoe's a security specialist and a Costas through and through. Her eccentric, rather dubious family runs an Atlantic City spa that's just this side of legit. So Zoe isn't inclined to trust handsome, charming Ryan Baldwin when he shows up claiming to be related to Sam, the girl the Costas family is about to adopt. But Ryan is Sam's uncle and one of the famously rich and snooty Boston Baldwins.
Ryan's search for his sister Faith has led him to news of her death, and to a niece he's never met. But someone else has also tracked Sam down--someone who never wanted the child to be found. Ryan is determined to protect Sam and find out what really happened to his sister. And Zoe "Whatever-It-Takes" Costas is just the woman to help him do it....
Its been awhile since i read book 1, but after a few pages, i remembered what had happened previously. It is a riveting book, that makes you want to read until you are finished. Or at least read until the
problem is solved.... but then there is always another problem. 5stars!
Ryan's search for his sister Faith has led him to news of her death, and to a niece he's never met. But someone else has also tracked Sam down--someone who never wanted the child to be found. Ryan is determined to protect Sam and find out what really happened to his sister. And Zoe "Whatever-It-Takes" Costas is just the woman to help him do it....
Its been awhile since i read book 1, but after a few pages, i remembered what had happened previously. It is a riveting book, that makes you want to read until you are finished. Or at least read until the
problem is solved.... but then there is always another problem. 5stars!
July 17, 2020
Summer of Love
This book has all the things I love in a Carly Phillips book. Great characters, humor and a bit of suspense. This is Zoe and Ryan's story.
This book has all the things I love in a Carly Phillips book. Great characters, humor and a bit of suspense. This is Zoe and Ryan's story.
October 31, 2012
Meh - it was ok, but definitely nothing to write home about! As far as romances go - it was neither interesteing enough nor steamy enough. As far as characters go - they were not fully developped and annoying most of the time. As far as the mystery went - what mystery!?
Zoe had zero reasons to be afraid of commitment and zero valid explanations for it, so her "running away" and excuses of "i'm not cut out for this" just seemed neurotic... It was extremely annoying to see her running away from a "perfect" (albeit boring) man, using the excuse that he was in the upper class (it's not the middle ages - jeez!!) and that she was not the "relationship type"...
I also wasn't sure why they were constantly mentioning how Zoe's parents are con artists?! Did i miss something at the beginning (or didn't read the last book)?! How are they con artists and on the other side of the law?!?! I thought they had a beauty parlour...
Zoe had zero reasons to be afraid of commitment and zero valid explanations for it, so her "running away" and excuses of "i'm not cut out for this" just seemed neurotic... It was extremely annoying to see her running away from a "perfect" (albeit boring) man, using the excuse that he was in the upper class (it's not the middle ages - jeez!!) and that she was not the "relationship type"...
I also wasn't sure why they were constantly mentioning how Zoe's parents are con artists?! Did i miss something at the beginning (or didn't read the last book)?! How are they con artists and on the other side of the law?!?! I thought they had a beauty parlour...
July 2, 2017
Summer Lovin' was a fun, sarcastic, and a sexy read. I really enjoyed this book. If you looking for a summer romance book to read, this is it! Summer Lovin' is book two in the Costas sisters series, but can be read as a standalone. The Costas family had me laughing hysterically. They had me also feeling a bit overwhelmed just like Ryan did when he accidentally dropped in on the family.
Zoe has this first time ever connection towards Ryan. She has been great being alone and independent. She is even starting her own business. But with Ryan she falls under his spell. I was over the moon for Ryan. He was a determined man and he was sure he would get his way. Then he finally sees the whole picture and has a choice to make. Samantha is 100% full blooded teenager. Carly Phillips got Samantha's attitude down to the "T". I loved Sam's character. Ryan's family turns out to be very unexpected. You will see how every adapts to each other.
The heat that goes on between Zoe and Ryan gets intense. Samantha learns more about herself. The drama that unfolds in this book had me glued to the pages! I will never forget the Costas family.
Zoe has this first time ever connection towards Ryan. She has been great being alone and independent. She is even starting her own business. But with Ryan she falls under his spell. I was over the moon for Ryan. He was a determined man and he was sure he would get his way. Then he finally sees the whole picture and has a choice to make. Samantha is 100% full blooded teenager. Carly Phillips got Samantha's attitude down to the "T". I loved Sam's character. Ryan's family turns out to be very unexpected. You will see how every adapts to each other.
The heat that goes on between Zoe and Ryan gets intense. Samantha learns more about herself. The drama that unfolds in this book had me glued to the pages! I will never forget the Costas family.
June 22, 2020
A hilarious, addicting story. It'll have a laughing and crying. There is a little mystery and a little sex in it. I adore Ms. Phillips and her stories are the best. They make you feel like you're experiencing everything the character is.
Zoe is former Secret Service, Greek, and her family is a little zany. Her family is in the middle of adopting a 14 year old girl. Everything goes haywire when her uncle shows up.
Ryan is a lawyer and from a very rich family. He has been searching for his sister who ran away seventeen years ago. He finds out she's dead but he has a niece.
There is a mistake when he shows up at the Costas house. They think he's the social worker filling in for their regular one. Zoe figures it out but waits to tell her family. But someone seems to be after Sam ( the niece ) and the family will do anything to keep her safe. So Ryan, Zoe, and Sam are a trip to his parents. The stalker follows her there and a whole lot of secrets are revealed. Will Zoe and Ryan be able to overcome their differences and be happy or will Zoe let her fears make her lose the only man she loves?
* Voluntarily reviewed this for the author*
Zoe is former Secret Service, Greek, and her family is a little zany. Her family is in the middle of adopting a 14 year old girl. Everything goes haywire when her uncle shows up.
Ryan is a lawyer and from a very rich family. He has been searching for his sister who ran away seventeen years ago. He finds out she's dead but he has a niece.
There is a mistake when he shows up at the Costas house. They think he's the social worker filling in for their regular one. Zoe figures it out but waits to tell her family. But someone seems to be after Sam ( the niece ) and the family will do anything to keep her safe. So Ryan, Zoe, and Sam are a trip to his parents. The stalker follows her there and a whole lot of secrets are revealed. Will Zoe and Ryan be able to overcome their differences and be happy or will Zoe let her fears make her lose the only man she loves?
* Voluntarily reviewed this for the author*
October 16, 2009
I love a good chicklit and Carly Phillips always delivers a good one. This one is the tale of a crazy Greek Jersey family and a conservative Boston family that share a common bond; a 14 year old girl named Samantha.
The heroine, Zoe is one of the Costas clan and the hero is Ryan is Sam's new found uncle from the Boston Baldwins, a family that owns a big department store in the city.
Ryan has come in search of Sam, who is his runaway sister's only child, and one who has been suffled through foster care until she at last found a family with Zoe's mom and dad, who are trying to adopt her.
Toss in a stalker and a necklace with keys and you have a fast paced, sexy read. Every character is lovable and you really want to get to know them all, from Ryan's stuff mom and dad, to Zoe's twin Ari and her husband Quinn.
It was hard to put this book down and I was sad when it I reached the last page. Carly really created characters that I came to love and I didn't want them to go away.
This one goes into the keeper bin!
The heroine, Zoe is one of the Costas clan and the hero is Ryan is Sam's new found uncle from the Boston Baldwins, a family that owns a big department store in the city.
Ryan has come in search of Sam, who is his runaway sister's only child, and one who has been suffled through foster care until she at last found a family with Zoe's mom and dad, who are trying to adopt her.
Toss in a stalker and a necklace with keys and you have a fast paced, sexy read. Every character is lovable and you really want to get to know them all, from Ryan's stuff mom and dad, to Zoe's twin Ari and her husband Quinn.
It was hard to put this book down and I was sad when it I reached the last page. Carly really created characters that I came to love and I didn't want them to go away.
This one goes into the keeper bin!
May 3, 2012
I loved this continuation of the of the Costas family antics. Carly as such a way of making them so endearing to us the readers. This book was about the other twin Zoe & man claiming to be Sam's uncle (Sam is her soon to be new adoptive sister the man claiming to be the uncle is named Ryan Baldwin. Zoe's not looking or even ready for a relationship but the chemistry is hot upon meeting Ryan for the first time. There are not as many antics as the first book nut enough to keep you interested.
July 11, 2017
This was a really good read! Full of twists and turns, and while I suspected some of it, there were parts that shocked me also.
I loved Zoe and Ryan together. She brought out a fun side of him, and just seemed to bring light to his dull stiff world.
Zoe's family are... well, freaking awesome lol. Imagine every eccentric personality, and you've got her family. They had me laughing at their antics, and loving how close they were.
This is definitely a must read!!
I loved Zoe and Ryan together. She brought out a fun side of him, and just seemed to bring light to his dull stiff world.
Zoe's family are... well, freaking awesome lol. Imagine every eccentric personality, and you've got her family. They had me laughing at their antics, and loving how close they were.
This is definitely a must read!!
July 11, 2017
Summer lovin' was a great read! I really enjoyed this one. This one is one of my favorites from Carly Phillips. I loved the characters and how different their lives are. A lawyer who loves Rules and an ex-fed that is a free spirit with a crazy family. The storyline was great, well-developed and written. The plot had some twists that kept you reading. Opposites do attract!
July 12, 2020
This was a sweet, quick, fun read about a quirky Greek family and a straight laced conservative man with a common interest....a sassy young lady that was family to each of them. If you are looking for an easy fun read grab this book.
January 7, 2014
Good love story
I would definitely recommend this book! kept me interested the whole time and made me tear up a little in the end
I would definitely recommend this book! kept me interested the whole time and made me tear up a little in the end
July 11, 2017
***3.5 ‘Costas Family’ Stars***
As much as I know that Zoe and Ryan are the focus of the book, the Costas family as a whole were who ultimately kept me turning the pages. Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding but a tinsy bit less chaotic. That sense of unconditional and unequivocal love mixed with their antics and need to meddle in people’s lives because they only want to see them happy jumped off the page and had me smiling the entire time.
Even though the Costa family took front and center for me, I did enjoyed Ryan and Zoe and their journey, it didn’t totally grab hold of me, but it was still fun to be around them. Both are simply good people, who love their families and are still searching for their place in the world, even though they don’t realize it. I liked seeing Ryan’s evolution as the story progressed. Zoe, I loved her strength and how much she loved her family, but her “issue” had me shaking my head most of the time.
There is a bit of suspense thrown into the story and though the big reveal didn’t totally surprise me, it was still fun to watch everything play out. I didn’t read the first book in the series and there is a bit of carry over from that one to this one, but I didn’t feel as if I needed to go back and read it since everything is summarized pretty well in the beginning of the book. While Zoe and Ryan didn’t wow me, the Costa clan did and made for an enjoy read.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
As much as I know that Zoe and Ryan are the focus of the book, the Costas family as a whole were who ultimately kept me turning the pages. Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding but a tinsy bit less chaotic. That sense of unconditional and unequivocal love mixed with their antics and need to meddle in people’s lives because they only want to see them happy jumped off the page and had me smiling the entire time.
Even though the Costa family took front and center for me, I did enjoyed Ryan and Zoe and their journey, it didn’t totally grab hold of me, but it was still fun to be around them. Both are simply good people, who love their families and are still searching for their place in the world, even though they don’t realize it. I liked seeing Ryan’s evolution as the story progressed. Zoe, I loved her strength and how much she loved her family, but her “issue” had me shaking my head most of the time.
There is a bit of suspense thrown into the story and though the big reveal didn’t totally surprise me, it was still fun to watch everything play out. I didn’t read the first book in the series and there is a bit of carry over from that one to this one, but I didn’t feel as if I needed to go back and read it since everything is summarized pretty well in the beginning of the book. While Zoe and Ryan didn’t wow me, the Costa clan did and made for an enjoy read.
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
July 24, 2020
Summer of Love is romantic suspense at its best and it’s a story that ticked all my boxes.
I love this crazy Costa clan and I was excited to get Zoe Costa’s story and this book did not disappoint, it was everything I have come to expect fro the very talented Ms Phillips.
Zoe has recently left the secret service and now runs a security specialist company with Quinn and Connor, she is not afraid to do what is needed for any case and is extremely protective of her family and friends. Zoe is in the middle of adopting a 14 year old girl named Sam and when a strange man turns up to a family gathering they all assume he is a new social worker but Zoe knows better than to take people at face value and she digs she finds out Ryan is actually Sam’s uncle and he is desperate to know his niece and when danger threatens Sam it’s Ryan and Zoe who come to the rescue and do whatever is needed to protect her......
What happens when secrets from the past rear there ugly head, can they keep Sam safe forever.....
This book will appeal to all romance lovers, it’s a story with quirky characters and it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat as you join the Costa clan in Summer of Love.
I love this crazy Costa clan and I was excited to get Zoe Costa’s story and this book did not disappoint, it was everything I have come to expect fro the very talented Ms Phillips.
Zoe has recently left the secret service and now runs a security specialist company with Quinn and Connor, she is not afraid to do what is needed for any case and is extremely protective of her family and friends. Zoe is in the middle of adopting a 14 year old girl named Sam and when a strange man turns up to a family gathering they all assume he is a new social worker but Zoe knows better than to take people at face value and she digs she finds out Ryan is actually Sam’s uncle and he is desperate to know his niece and when danger threatens Sam it’s Ryan and Zoe who come to the rescue and do whatever is needed to protect her......
What happens when secrets from the past rear there ugly head, can they keep Sam safe forever.....
This book will appeal to all romance lovers, it’s a story with quirky characters and it will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat as you join the Costa clan in Summer of Love.
July 2, 2017
I really enjoyed Summer Lovin' Carly Phillips writes with such a great description. She describes the Costas family as the Adams family and some of the "jobs" they had done in the past. The birthday party for Samantha was described in such detail that I felt like I was actually there at the party with Spanky myself.
The attraction of Ryan and Zoe is evident from the very first time our author allows us to meet them and runs through this book. We get to know Zoe Costas's amazing and very quirky family and Ryan Baldwin's very stiff high society family as well. Samantha or Sam as she is known to all is the reason for Zoe and Ryan to meet and in this book we learn if an old dog can learn new tricks.
I really liked this book and look forward to more in this series.
The attraction of Ryan and Zoe is evident from the very first time our author allows us to meet them and runs through this book. We get to know Zoe Costas's amazing and very quirky family and Ryan Baldwin's very stiff high society family as well. Samantha or Sam as she is known to all is the reason for Zoe and Ryan to meet and in this book we learn if an old dog can learn new tricks.
I really liked this book and look forward to more in this series.
December 3, 2019
So I didn't this book was part of a series...had I known, I would have read the other books first.
I was a little lost to begin with because I didn't know the characters, etc. but I figured it all out. It was a cute, easy ready. Although I thought things moved a little quickly and maybe out of order, but it flowed well.
I was a little lost to begin with because I didn't know the characters, etc. but I figured it all out. It was a cute, easy ready. Although I thought things moved a little quickly and maybe out of order, but it flowed well.
July 2, 2020
Summer Lovin' is book two in the Costas Sisters series. This opposites attract romance story is fast-paced and packed with drama, danger, a bit of mystery, some suspense, steamy chemistry, secrets, twists and turns, LOL moments and plenty of antics from a crazy Greek family.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
I volunteered to review an advance reader copy of this book.
July 2, 2017
What an awesome story from Carly Phillips! Ryan Baldwin has finally found his runaway sister's child, but she's about to be adopted by Zoe's family. Ryan and Zoe work on finding happiness given the uncertainty of Sam's future living arrangements.
This story is heartfelt and poignant. It does standalone, but I would love to go back and read Ari's story now. I read this in less than a day because I could not put it down.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
This story is heartfelt and poignant. It does standalone, but I would love to go back and read Ari's story now. I read this in less than a day because I could not put it down.
Thanks to the author for a review copy.
May 9, 2024
I really enjoyed the story. I’m just not a fan of the writing style. I like when a story is told from a character’s perspective. I wasn’t a fan of the story being “narrated” by the author. Wish it had been writing as if Zoe was telling the story.
July 2, 2024
To me it wasn’t just for me I did think it was cute but I wouldn’t recommend
July 11, 2017
This book was great as a standalone but has me wanting to read the first in this series. I loved the quirkiness and caring of the Costas. The storyline was great and the characters were interesting. The bit of mystery and the chemistry between Ryan and Zoe kept me turning the page.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2017
Registered on Bookcrossing - http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/7...
Another fun book by Carly Phillips. I love her characters, they are so fun to read about.
Another fun book by Carly Phillips. I love her characters, they are so fun to read about.
July 9, 2017
Summer Lovin by Carly Phillips is the second book in the Costas Sisters series. Zoe Costas lives with her very eccentric loving Greek family in New Jersey. At one time, Zoe worked for the Secret Service, but quickly tired of all the rules and regulations of the government; so she is now starting her own business. Samantha, Zoe's foster sister, lives with the Costas and as they are about to celebrate Sam's first year with the Costas family and her adoption of Samantha, Ryan Baldwin arrives.
Ryan, a lawyer from Boston, was searching for his sister Faith who ran away from home. He could only find that his sister was dead and left behind a daughter. Ryan then started searching for his niece, finally tracking her down in New Jersey. He arrives at the Costas home to "save" Sam and bring her back to Boston to be with family.
Since Ryan is Sam's blood relative, he is able to be a part of Sam's life even though the Costas' object. They don't want to lose Sam after being so close to adopting her, and are now shattered. As they all try to find common ground, Sam's life is suddenly threatened. Working together, Zoe and Ryan protect her while attempting to solve the mystery of Faith's now suspicious disappearance. Through all the problems Zoe and Ryan are falling for each other, there is a natural chemistry between them. They might be very different people and Zoe knows opposites attract, but she isn't sure it's enough to make things work. How can Ryan take Samantha away from a family that truly loves her?
Summer Lovin' is a fabulous story! Mystery, passion, desire and family quarrels. Ms. Phillips is a wonderful storyteller which she demonstrated in this story. I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting it down. This is a great book with plenty of romance. I recommend this book to other readers. It makes for a wonderful, light easy beach read in summer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Ryan, a lawyer from Boston, was searching for his sister Faith who ran away from home. He could only find that his sister was dead and left behind a daughter. Ryan then started searching for his niece, finally tracking her down in New Jersey. He arrives at the Costas home to "save" Sam and bring her back to Boston to be with family.
Since Ryan is Sam's blood relative, he is able to be a part of Sam's life even though the Costas' object. They don't want to lose Sam after being so close to adopting her, and are now shattered. As they all try to find common ground, Sam's life is suddenly threatened. Working together, Zoe and Ryan protect her while attempting to solve the mystery of Faith's now suspicious disappearance. Through all the problems Zoe and Ryan are falling for each other, there is a natural chemistry between them. They might be very different people and Zoe knows opposites attract, but she isn't sure it's enough to make things work. How can Ryan take Samantha away from a family that truly loves her?
Summer Lovin' is a fabulous story! Mystery, passion, desire and family quarrels. Ms. Phillips is a wonderful storyteller which she demonstrated in this story. I really enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting it down. This is a great book with plenty of romance. I recommend this book to other readers. It makes for a wonderful, light easy beach read in summer.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 6, 2020
Carly Phillips is one of my go-to authors and in this second book in the Costas Sisters series, she doesn't disappoint.
Zoe Costas is an ex-Fed who is part of a very eccentric Greek family living in New Jersey and she's starting a new business. She's ready for a new direction. Zoe's family is also fostering a young girl named Samantha and the family has gotten together to celebrate the milestone that she has been with the family for a year and they are also celebrating the fact that soon enough she will be an official member of the family once her adoption is finalized.
Ryan Baldwin is a lawyer who is a member of a very well-to-do family in Boston. He has been on the hunt for his deceased sister Faith's daughter for years and he finally finds her living with the very zany Costas family who could not be more different than his own. Ryan quickly realizes that his niece is happy living with the Costas family and he also learns that he has quite the interest in Zoe as well.
Ryan is faced with the dilemma of whether or not to take his niece home or allow the adoption to continue all while he fights feelings that are developing for Zoe. Will he choose to follow his heart and not only start up the inevitable romance developing with Zoe and keep his niece happy by allowing her to stay with the Costas family?
Carly Phillips developed a great story and the chemistry between Ryan and Zoe is also very natural and noticeable. This is another romance that pulls you right in and every minute is enjoyable!
Zoe Costas is an ex-Fed who is part of a very eccentric Greek family living in New Jersey and she's starting a new business. She's ready for a new direction. Zoe's family is also fostering a young girl named Samantha and the family has gotten together to celebrate the milestone that she has been with the family for a year and they are also celebrating the fact that soon enough she will be an official member of the family once her adoption is finalized.
Ryan Baldwin is a lawyer who is a member of a very well-to-do family in Boston. He has been on the hunt for his deceased sister Faith's daughter for years and he finally finds her living with the very zany Costas family who could not be more different than his own. Ryan quickly realizes that his niece is happy living with the Costas family and he also learns that he has quite the interest in Zoe as well.
Ryan is faced with the dilemma of whether or not to take his niece home or allow the adoption to continue all while he fights feelings that are developing for Zoe. Will he choose to follow his heart and not only start up the inevitable romance developing with Zoe and keep his niece happy by allowing her to stay with the Costas family?
Carly Phillips developed a great story and the chemistry between Ryan and Zoe is also very natural and noticeable. This is another romance that pulls you right in and every minute is enjoyable!
July 15, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
Summer of Love is the 2nd book in the Costas Sisters series and Carly Phillips has written another good book! This is a reissued book formerly called Summer Lovin...
This book is about Zoe, an ex-Fed, Special Services and is starting her own security business and part of an old Greek family. Her family is fostering a 14 year old girl named Samantha and after having her for a year the family decides to adopt her….but in comes Ryan Baldwin…
Ryan Baldwin is from Boston and part of a well-to-do family who disowned their daughter, Faith. Ryan has been trying to find Faith for a long time but she changed her name so many times that it was hard to track her and finally found out his Faith has died but she had a daughter. Hiring a PI to find his niece he ends up at the Costas celebration for adopting Samantha (she is Faith’s daughter) now he has to decide if he wants to let the Costas adopt her or take her back to Boston but after being with Samantha he realizes that she is so much like her mother that being with his family would destroy her just like his sister.
Zoe and Ryan decide to not tell the Costas who is really is until he gets to know the family and Samantha... in the meantime these two develop feelings for each other but will he follow his heart and have Zoe and let Samantha be adopted or will he fall back on his upbringing and destroy them all?
Summer of Love is the 2nd book in the Costas Sisters series and Carly Phillips has written another good book! This is a reissued book formerly called Summer Lovin...
This book is about Zoe, an ex-Fed, Special Services and is starting her own security business and part of an old Greek family. Her family is fostering a 14 year old girl named Samantha and after having her for a year the family decides to adopt her….but in comes Ryan Baldwin…
Ryan Baldwin is from Boston and part of a well-to-do family who disowned their daughter, Faith. Ryan has been trying to find Faith for a long time but she changed her name so many times that it was hard to track her and finally found out his Faith has died but she had a daughter. Hiring a PI to find his niece he ends up at the Costas celebration for adopting Samantha (she is Faith’s daughter) now he has to decide if he wants to let the Costas adopt her or take her back to Boston but after being with Samantha he realizes that she is so much like her mother that being with his family would destroy her just like his sister.
Zoe and Ryan decide to not tell the Costas who is really is until he gets to know the family and Samantha... in the meantime these two develop feelings for each other but will he follow his heart and have Zoe and let Samantha be adopted or will he fall back on his upbringing and destroy them all?
December 22, 2007
After reading other reviews, I expected to be disappointed with this book after really enjoying Under the Boardwalk. I'm not going to write a plot summary but it does continue the family sagas of the Costas family started in Under the Boarwalk. I just enjoyed that this is a quick read. No it's not Carly Phillips' best book, but it still is enjoyable. I already loved a lot of the characters and feel this is why a lot of other reviewers didn't like it because it builds on what was already established. I didn't feel a great connection with the male lead and his family and maybe wasn't supposed to but the rest of the characters do connect. I thought the attempt a mystery half way through the book kept it from becoming a really good book. It's almost like it was an after thought in Phillips' mind and she didn't fully develop it. However I do recommend this book. I think it's a good beach book or a book for someone looking for a quick light-hearted read.
April 2, 2009
From the description, I picked up this book looking forward to romance and perhaps even a murder mystery.
As far as the romance went, I felt like the characters kind of rushed into a physical relationship. Then, because it did that, I felt like there wasn't much to look forward to because, well, we knew they were going to get together, but watching Zoe get over her hang-ups just wasn't very interesting, in my opinion.
Then, there really wasn't much of a mystery. I won't spoil the story, but I just felt like the big discovery wasn't much of one. Once the characters found out what they did, I didn't think it changed their lives all that much. It made them temporarily question the people in their lives, but in the end, they basically just ended up realizing that everyone's human and makes mistakes.
This was my first Carly Phillips book. It wasn't the best first impression, but I don't like to write off an author just from reading one of their books.
As far as the romance went, I felt like the characters kind of rushed into a physical relationship. Then, because it did that, I felt like there wasn't much to look forward to because, well, we knew they were going to get together, but watching Zoe get over her hang-ups just wasn't very interesting, in my opinion.
Then, there really wasn't much of a mystery. I won't spoil the story, but I just felt like the big discovery wasn't much of one. Once the characters found out what they did, I didn't think it changed their lives all that much. It made them temporarily question the people in their lives, but in the end, they basically just ended up realizing that everyone's human and makes mistakes.
This was my first Carly Phillips book. It wasn't the best first impression, but I don't like to write off an author just from reading one of their books.
March 18, 2013
OK, so what's with the title? Being from the Midwest I love to read fun books about the warm summer. Who named this book? I think someone got it mixed up with another title. This title has nothing to do with summer, driving around in a convertible, and especially the hot, romantic flings that happen in the summer. This book was actually very sad and depressing. It was about the horrible foster care system that currently exists in the US. How one little girl could get shuffled around the foster care system when she has a VERY wealthy family in another part of the country, not even that far away from where she is staying. It was a sad story with little to be hopeful. Definitely, not the storyline I thought I was getting when I picked up the book.
August 19, 2014
Loved this book! It was hard to get into at first, but it was a fun read and opens your mind up.
Harlequin Romance Novel.
Sam is a girl whose mother got killed, but why and who killed her?
Sam's uncle finds the girl and goes to her foster home; where he lies about who he is so he can observe what the girl lives in. Next, he ends up following in love with Zoe. Sam finally gets to meet Ryan's family, but how will they respond to his family?
Ryan came from a very conservative family,Zoe and Sam were not raised like he was. Does that cause problems for the family?
The ending is a big turn, I was really surprised with the ending! It's not what I expected even though it's really good. Thought the book moved a little fast though at the end.
Wish there was a second book to this!
Harlequin Romance Novel.
Sam is a girl whose mother got killed, but why and who killed her?
Sam's uncle finds the girl and goes to her foster home; where he lies about who he is so he can observe what the girl lives in. Next, he ends up following in love with Zoe. Sam finally gets to meet Ryan's family, but how will they respond to his family?
Ryan came from a very conservative family,Zoe and Sam were not raised like he was. Does that cause problems for the family?
The ending is a big turn, I was really surprised with the ending! It's not what I expected even though it's really good. Thought the book moved a little fast though at the end.
Wish there was a second book to this!
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