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The Summer of Sebastian
There’s been a mistake…
Olympic athlete Sebastian Clarke has six weeks to repair the damage to his reputation or lose the funding he needs to finally win that gold. Working as a sports ambassador in England for the summer is the perfect way to prove to his sponsors that he’s still their wholesome hero, and to seal the deal, he’s hired a sweet university librarian to pose as his girlfriend. Cassie is nothing like the Las Vegas showgirls the media stirred the truth with last month, but when she turns up late for their first meeting, Seb doesn’t expect to find her with a large plate of food in her hands and a startled look in her eyes.
Are you freaking kidding me?
Computer-geek Helen Hobbs only borrowed Cassie’s access badge to snaffle a free meal—just her damn luck to be caught red-handed by a hunk of a man who immediately spouts on about contracts, rules and schedules. Helen tells him he’s made a mistake, but it’s too late. A journalist hungry for trash on the disgraced sporting star is already hot on their tail, so maybe now isn’t a good time to tell him she’s under police surveillance for accidentally working with one of the UK’s most wanted cyber criminals…
Forced to hire Helen as his fake-girlfriend, can Sebastian keep this trouble magnet in line before she ruins his career?
They have a contract…
But who will be the first to break the rules?
Olympic athlete Sebastian Clarke has six weeks to repair the damage to his reputation or lose the funding he needs to finally win that gold. Working as a sports ambassador in England for the summer is the perfect way to prove to his sponsors that he’s still their wholesome hero, and to seal the deal, he’s hired a sweet university librarian to pose as his girlfriend. Cassie is nothing like the Las Vegas showgirls the media stirred the truth with last month, but when she turns up late for their first meeting, Seb doesn’t expect to find her with a large plate of food in her hands and a startled look in her eyes.
Are you freaking kidding me?
Computer-geek Helen Hobbs only borrowed Cassie’s access badge to snaffle a free meal—just her damn luck to be caught red-handed by a hunk of a man who immediately spouts on about contracts, rules and schedules. Helen tells him he’s made a mistake, but it’s too late. A journalist hungry for trash on the disgraced sporting star is already hot on their tail, so maybe now isn’t a good time to tell him she’s under police surveillance for accidentally working with one of the UK’s most wanted cyber criminals…
Forced to hire Helen as his fake-girlfriend, can Sebastian keep this trouble magnet in line before she ruins his career?
They have a contract…
But who will be the first to break the rules?
- GenresContemporaryRomance
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 23, 2021
I love love LOVED this book. It’s one of my favorite books of 2021. Opposites attract and fake dating are two of my favorite tropes, and Ms. Skye does them so well here. It’s hilarious with the reserved Sebastian and the outgoing (at times reckless) Helen, particularly with the contract clauses. The banter is brilliant and made me laugh out loud numerous times. I love that both have this wry sense of humor.
“’What gave it away?’
My shitty luck, of course.”
The romance is heartfelt as they each help the other to open up and trust the other person on an engaging emotional journey.
Add hot Sebastian to my book boyfriend list and Summer of Sebastian to my favorite books to re-read shelf.
“’What gave it away?’
My shitty luck, of course.”
The romance is heartfelt as they each help the other to open up and trust the other person on an engaging emotional journey.
Add hot Sebastian to my book boyfriend list and Summer of Sebastian to my favorite books to re-read shelf.
November 26, 2021
This author is fast becoming one of my favorite writers, although my friends/followers here might not enjoy her writing as much.
Let me explain, Giulia Skye has a wonderful writing style and has a way of creating engaging characters. However, her books are sweeter than my usual reads and my friends veering to erotica might not enjoy her writing as much. If you’re looking for an engaging fake relationship/opposite attraction romance and don’t need 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, this is definitely a book for you.
On to this story, it has a great hero with a lovely sense of humor, a feisty (might I say rebellious) heroine and I love their journey together.
Yeah, I’m hooked.
I received an ARC through the author and this doesn’t affect my opinion. My review is voluntarily and my honest opinion.
Let me explain, Giulia Skye has a wonderful writing style and has a way of creating engaging characters. However, her books are sweeter than my usual reads and my friends veering to erotica might not enjoy her writing as much. If you’re looking for an engaging fake relationship/opposite attraction romance and don’t need 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶, this is definitely a book for you.
On to this story, it has a great hero with a lovely sense of humor, a feisty (might I say rebellious) heroine and I love their journey together.
Yeah, I’m hooked.
I received an ARC through the author and this doesn’t affect my opinion. My review is voluntarily and my honest opinion.
Currently reading
November 19, 2021Fake-relationship is one of my favourite tropes! As is opposites attract. Hark! This novel combines both! I hope you enjoy it.
Giulia x
Giulia x
November 20, 2021
The story
Sebastian Clarke is a Canadian Olympic swimmer who has arrived in the UK to spend the summer promoting Get Living’s health and wellness initiative. He has recently had some bad publicity, and knowing he doesn’t want a real girlfriend, arranges for a fake girlfriend to work with him at the events and help his image. But Cassie, a friend of a friend that has been arranged to help Sebastian never arrives at their meeting point. Instead, the unsuspecting Helen Hobbs, who is using Cassie’s name tag to snag some snacks at the hotel event is mistaken by Sebastian as being Cassie. Will Helen be sucked in the job Sebastian is offering?
My thoughts
I absolutely loved Giulia Skye’s first novel (Her Outback Driver) and this sequel that stands alone perfectly well on its own is also so, so good! Giulia’s writing has a magic combination of showing the story from both characters’ point of view, the dialogue is witty, both Helen and Sebastian are flawed personalities in several ways, but the chemistry between them sizzles and they both have such strong feelings for each other, even if this doesn’t work on any logical reason. I enjoyed how Helen’s family was supportive of her and loved how she was a bit of a rebel (boxing, tech coding badass and her little tattoo). It’s an absolute gem 💎💕
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author. Opinions are my own.
Sebastian Clarke is a Canadian Olympic swimmer who has arrived in the UK to spend the summer promoting Get Living’s health and wellness initiative. He has recently had some bad publicity, and knowing he doesn’t want a real girlfriend, arranges for a fake girlfriend to work with him at the events and help his image. But Cassie, a friend of a friend that has been arranged to help Sebastian never arrives at their meeting point. Instead, the unsuspecting Helen Hobbs, who is using Cassie’s name tag to snag some snacks at the hotel event is mistaken by Sebastian as being Cassie. Will Helen be sucked in the job Sebastian is offering?
My thoughts
I absolutely loved Giulia Skye’s first novel (Her Outback Driver) and this sequel that stands alone perfectly well on its own is also so, so good! Giulia’s writing has a magic combination of showing the story from both characters’ point of view, the dialogue is witty, both Helen and Sebastian are flawed personalities in several ways, but the chemistry between them sizzles and they both have such strong feelings for each other, even if this doesn’t work on any logical reason. I enjoyed how Helen’s family was supportive of her and loved how she was a bit of a rebel (boxing, tech coding badass and her little tattoo). It’s an absolute gem 💎💕
I read an eARC copy courtesy of the author. Opinions are my own.
November 25, 2021
Was really looking forward to reading this after loving Her Outback Driver, and I wasn’t disappointed. The characters were well drawn and developed through the book. I loved Helen’s little asides about Sebastian wearing slippers, telling the time in exact minutes (I can relate). I know the area where the book was set well and the gentle English countryside was a lovely additional character. I enjoyed the uncertainty of the plot development and was easily misled by the author. All in all another cracking read.
February 26, 2022
Canadian Olympic swimmer, Sebastian Clarke, is determined to repair his image after a drunken binge in Las Vegas. He now has a job working as a Sports Ambassador in England and his plan is to use a fake relationship as a means of keeping his image looking good. Yet he doesn’t plan to meet disgraced computer-geek, Helen Hobbs, who he initially believes to be the ‘fake girlfriend’. When he finds himself stuck with Helen, he is determined to keep everything professional, yet Helen has a way of throwing him off-kilter.
Having loved Giulia Skye’s first novel ‘Her Outback Driver’, I was thrilled to review the sequel, which sees the characters intersect and cleverly so, that the sequel is a stand-alone novel. The characters of Sebastian and Helen are so different, with Sebastian wanting order in his life, brought upon by his parents’ rocky marriage. Helen is a free spirit having had a loving relationship with her father, brother and by Ada, whose house she now lives in. Giulia brings all of her characters to life, and even the secondary characters are each unique, standing out yet never overwhelming the main characters. Her writing is seamless, and I enjoyed her ability to consider each character point of view. In many ways, this helped to explored why both Helen and Sebastian acted as they did, and how together, they made a great couple.
I so look forward to reading more by this talented author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Having loved Giulia Skye’s first novel ‘Her Outback Driver’, I was thrilled to review the sequel, which sees the characters intersect and cleverly so, that the sequel is a stand-alone novel. The characters of Sebastian and Helen are so different, with Sebastian wanting order in his life, brought upon by his parents’ rocky marriage. Helen is a free spirit having had a loving relationship with her father, brother and by Ada, whose house she now lives in. Giulia brings all of her characters to life, and even the secondary characters are each unique, standing out yet never overwhelming the main characters. Her writing is seamless, and I enjoyed her ability to consider each character point of view. In many ways, this helped to explored why both Helen and Sebastian acted as they did, and how together, they made a great couple.
I so look forward to reading more by this talented author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 29, 2021
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and happily leave my honest opinion. Sebastian, Canadian Olympic swimmer is in the UK trying to save his image when a case of mistaken identity brings him and Helen together. If Helen didn’t have bad luck, she’d have no luck! Sebastian thinks she’s his pretend girlfriend and due to a borrowed name tag she has to play along. By the time Helen confesses she isn’t who he thinks she is, it’s too late, so they agree to help each other out. Sebastian is clinical, determined, closed off and hot. Helen is smart, loyal, beautiful and in more trouble than she realises. Their fake relationship starts feel all too real and Sebastian’s family issues and Helen’s work issues cause them problems. I enjoyed the bit of suspense in this story. Luckily they get the HEA I was looking for. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I did enjoy it more, I found the characters more likeable so I look forward to more to come.
December 12, 2021
Loved this story about Sebastian Clarke, a Canadian Olympic swimmer who is working as a Sports Ambassador and Helen Hobbs, computer geek whose last client is a wanted cybercriminal and is now looking for a job. Out drinking with her friend Liz who is the barmaid at the Waterfront Hotel. Helen hungry, eyes the leftover buffet so Liz gives her a name badge marked Cassie. Plate-full of food a handsome man approached Liz. Sebastain needed the job and set up a fake girlfriend and thinks Liz is Cassie who he hired and tells her the rules of the job. Though she tries to tell him about the mix-up, she gets deeper involved in this enjoyable story that was a delight to read and review.
August 21, 2022
[I was given a free copy of the book by the author and am voluntarily leaving a review]
This was a fantastic sequel to Her Outback Driver! I loved how the mistaken identity and awkward misunderstanding angles provides a unique spin on the Fake Relationship trope and gives the plot a hilarious start. All of the characters feel engaging and real, the chemistry between Sebastian and Helen is completely believable, and the ending is perfect! Just as with her previous novel, Skye's talent for witty dialogue and great storytelling from her experience working in television definitely shines through also. Overall, I really enjoyed this fun escapist romance!
This was a fantastic sequel to Her Outback Driver! I loved how the mistaken identity and awkward misunderstanding angles provides a unique spin on the Fake Relationship trope and gives the plot a hilarious start. All of the characters feel engaging and real, the chemistry between Sebastian and Helen is completely believable, and the ending is perfect! Just as with her previous novel, Skye's talent for witty dialogue and great storytelling from her experience working in television definitely shines through also. Overall, I really enjoyed this fun escapist romance!
December 8, 2021
Sexy, sweet, sporty romance with suspense!
I loved this romance, which went from lighthearted to angsty to suspenseful - and then back! The heroine, Helen, a coder who loves her home in the country, might have a gray moral code, but she has a heart of gold. Her hero, Sebastian, an Olympic swimmer, has a stony heart and keeps to the straight and narrow. So it’s HILARIOUS when these two opposites start a fake-dating scheme. There are many entertaining twists to their love story. I enjoyed every second of this heartfelt romance.
I loved this romance, which went from lighthearted to angsty to suspenseful - and then back! The heroine, Helen, a coder who loves her home in the country, might have a gray moral code, but she has a heart of gold. Her hero, Sebastian, an Olympic swimmer, has a stony heart and keeps to the straight and narrow. So it’s HILARIOUS when these two opposites start a fake-dating scheme. There are many entertaining twists to their love story. I enjoyed every second of this heartfelt romance.
January 5, 2022
You know those days where you just want to pull the doona over your head and hide from the world? Unfortunately, Helen’s life is like that! Reeling from a number of poor choices, Helen really is trying to do the right thing and turn her life around – but getting caught up in a fake relationship with Olympic swimmer Sebastian Clarke is not helping! Witty dialogue and unpredictable situations make this a fun and entertaining read. Happily recommended.
(The author kindly provided a copy of this novel for review – with thanks).
(The author kindly provided a copy of this novel for review – with thanks).
March 31, 2022
A brilliant fake-dating romance - my favourite trope! Helen is such a fantastic and unique heroine - a hacker with a heart. You really believe why she would enter into a fake-dating-scenario as, having found herself on the wrong side of the law, she''ll do whatever it takes to put her life back together. I got very grumpy when life pulled me away from reading this! Can't wait for Giulia Skye's next one. :)
April 9, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of The Summer of Sebastian in exchange for an honest review. It's been awhile since I've found such an entertaining novel. This was definitely a unique plot, that was clearly well thought out and executed by Guilia Skye. I loved everything about Sebastian and Helen's story and how their "fake" relationship turned into the real deal. Normally I don't like rich, famous alpha characters, but again this worked. I would highly recommend reading this novel.
December 14, 2021
Love fake relationship opposite attract books. The sparing between Seb and Helen is hilarious. There are many laugh out loud moments between them. Seb is a very uptight guy and Helen is a free spirit which makes for many interesting situations. Her first book, Her Outback Driver, was a great read and this book continues to show how talented Giulia is. We met Mikey “Adam” and Evie from Her Outback Driver in this book and was happy to read about them again. Please be sure to read this book your won’t be disappointed.
February 8, 2022
This story starts off with a case of mistaken identity and the fun and escapades continue from there. Sebastian Clarke is working to repair his reputation when he runs into Helen Hobbs and mistakes her for his pre-arranged fake girlfriend. Helen is a free spirit who upends Sebastian's life in a fun way. I loved the banter between them and how they helped each other open up and learn to trust again. A must read. I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
February 2, 2022
The wait was worth it!
This second book of the saga is fabulous, I loved it!
Helen and Sebastian are fresh and real characters who make a super fun and sexy couple.
The book is super entertaining, it will cost you to put it down, but above all it will make you laugh a lot and enjoy a good time. Highly recommended.
This second book of the saga is fabulous, I loved it!
Helen and Sebastian are fresh and real characters who make a super fun and sexy couple.
The book is super entertaining, it will cost you to put it down, but above all it will make you laugh a lot and enjoy a good time. Highly recommended.
January 31, 2022
This is very different than the first one in the series but just as enjoyable. The characters are lovely and I really like the storyline. Giulia is a great writer and this is a great book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 25, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Was a lovely escape to real life, I really got invested in th characters. Highly recommend
December 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this book especially the dialogue between Seb and Helen. Happily there is more depth in their relationship than falling apart at the first sight of pecs/legs. However I would locking the chickens up before midnight! I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 8, 2021
Once again Giulia Skye has written a fun read with interesting story content.
Although a predictable outcome, the story had plenty of twists and turns.
Giulia’s writing style is entertaining and almost faultless in technique.
I am surprised that this author has not been picked up by a major publisher.
I enjoyed her last book, ‘My Outback Driver’ as well and look forward to reading more of her writing in the future.
If you love a light romantic book to curl up with, this is a must read.
PLEASE NOTE:
I was given a copy of this book to review. The comments are mine only and are not influenced by any other persons.
Although a predictable outcome, the story had plenty of twists and turns.
Giulia’s writing style is entertaining and almost faultless in technique.
I am surprised that this author has not been picked up by a major publisher.
I enjoyed her last book, ‘My Outback Driver’ as well and look forward to reading more of her writing in the future.
If you love a light romantic book to curl up with, this is a must read.
PLEASE NOTE:
I was given a copy of this book to review. The comments are mine only and are not influenced by any other persons.
January 14, 2022
Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. I found this story quite sweet and interesting. It had me hooked from the beginning and I was intrigued with finding out what would happen next. I liked Helen and I eventually warmed up to Sebastian. I love the writing style of Giulia as the story always flows quite well. The dialogues and descriptions always feel realistic and relatable and you do get invested in the main characters and how they will get their HEA.
I did enjoy and prefer Her Outback Driver a little better, but this was an enjoyable story too.
I did enjoy and prefer Her Outback Driver a little better, but this was an enjoyable story too.
January 14, 2024
This was an endearing sweet love story. Loved main characters and their wonderful chemistry. I was rooting for them to overcome their hang ups and give their undeniable love a happy ending. Helen is entertaining and funny and perfect fit to overly organized and serious Sebastian. Throw in great banter, sense of humor and smexy times and you have this entertaining read. Looking forward to reading next book by this author.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews