Just for the Summer (Lake Bliss, #1)

by Jenna Rutland

[Angie]

Just for the Summer was a sweet read, but not for me. The description is actually very misleading. Dani does not go to Lake Bliss to relax and write her cookbook. In fact, there's very little of that going on, to my disappointment. And the sexy sheriff doesn't just "show up." He was there first, and Dani sought him out! Dani is really vacationing at Lake Bliss to check up on the son that she gave up for adoption. She wants to be sure that he's happy and healthy, but doesn't expect to connect with him or fall for his dad.

The opening chapter of Just for the Summer put me off immediately. Dani is essentially stalking a child, and I had to wonder how she knew how to find him if she had a closed adoption and no contact for eight years (it's revealed at the end). It was creepy. I get that she gave him up for a reason other than not wanting him--and I actually really appreciated getting her dark backstory as it's one that I think needs to get told--but secretly finding him and showing up to watch him is creepy! Do not do that! Yes, they accidentally formed a bond and it was sweet and happy-making, but that set up was just wrong.

Another thing that bothered me about Just for the Summer was the interactions between Dani and Matt. They felt so forced, like the author wanted them to have this instant chemistry and easy banter but failed at getting it started naturally. Whenever they're together, all of their conversations are full of sexual innuendo and mispeaking and flirting, which would be fine if I believed that they'd talk this way. When they're apart, they're totally different people. Matt doesn't come across as someone who openly flirts with a woman that he doesn't know, and Dani repeatedly says she's not looking for someone especially Matt, so why lead him on?! I think this easy flirting would have worked better if Dani really had been there for no purpose other than to relax and maybe entertain the idea of a summer fling rather than stalking her son.

Just for the Summer was just an okay read for me. I didn't hate it, but I hate misleading descriptions. There's some important things happening in it though, like Dani's history and her adoption story. It shows that adoption is a very valid and good option for women finding themselves in her situation. There's also some concerns for Sam which Dani gets roped into helping with and it was good to see that as well.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.