If you are expecting a breezy romance with some cliched plotlines, you are going to be surprised . . . just like me. The only reason I took this book is the mystery involved and the fact that the heroine is a writer just added to this resolve. Ironically, writers with a writer's block always make perfect stories. 'Summer in the City' is another solid proof for that.
Where shall I start? The roots of Stephen-Noelle relationship goes way back before this particular story. We get to know some details for sure, but I was feeling left out at the beginning. So my suggestion for you is to start with Beth's tale in 'A Mistletoe Miracle', but no pressure on that front since I am a following the reverse order.
This was my first Emma Jackson novel and I was completely hooked from the very beginning. There is the right amount of mystery and a whole lot of fun to cheer you up along the way. Both Noelle and Stephen experience a fair bit of growing up clearing misconceptions about each other and admitting the clear as day attraction between them. The attraction of opposites may not fare well in all scenarios, but when it comes to these delectable characters, that is a different story. After all, a trans-Atlantic story is never disappointing.
What really appealed to me is the way the author presented the emotional struggles Stephen has undergone. The conflicts he experiences regarding his biological father, the bad boy image thrust toward him at the office and his own fears related to commitments feature prominently in the story making this a heart-wrenching read. Just like the summer outside, it reminds you not all happily ever afters are reached through a bed of roses. Can we really appreciate the cool evening breeze without the simmering heat of the day?

I didn’t realize I would enjoy this book so much that I would finish it in a single sitting!

The story is captivating right from the opening scene at Central Park until the end where a letter is written, declaring the lead pair idiots and listing ways to “de-idiotize.”

The author writes so beautifully and naturally that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

I understood from various references to a certain Christmas that this is a sequel to A Mistletoe Miracle, where Stephen tries to separate Nick and Beth and Noelle tricks Stephen and prevents the separation.

However, it didn’t bother me that I didn’t know the backstory fully. I’m just tempted to snatch up the first book and read it right now.

Noelle and Stephen are characters with human frailties that I can identify with.

Noelle’s large family loves her, but keeps ribbing her about her failure at dating and doesn’t understand her career as a writer of cosy mysteries. She’s also suffering from writer’s block with a deadline only three weeks away.

Stephen has a fear of heights and is struggling to come to grips with the hurt his father caused him when he walked out on him and his mother when he was three years old. He has a reputation for being a ladies’ man.

Together, they work through their insecurities, mistaken assumptions, and break down the walls they have built to protect themselves from further hurt.

It was a refreshingly different romance based in New York City with a missing persons hunt thrown in!

I love this book! The perfect indulgence for an afternoon of reading. Real escapist and engaging. Would happily recommend and read more by this author

Favorite Quotes:

The entire ride I watched all the couples, wondering what their deal was. How did they get together? Why did it work? I mean, I understood the basics of human biology– it was something like eighty percent the right pheromones to suit their genetic code, but I couldn’t write a satisfying finale to my series with the heroine choosing her partner because she’d noticed he smelt right. Could I?

People had told me it would be hot in New York in the summer, but dictators had nothing on this kind of oppression. I’d considered taking up religion just so I could thank God for the air conditioning in the office and my apartment when I first arrived.

I had no desire to be another notch on his bedpost– the thing was probably whittled to matchsticks by now.

Before nine is too early to call on people. It’s practically an act of aggression.

I am not a convenient set of lady-bits for you to make the most of while you’re in the vicinity. There will be no shenanigans.

Yesterday’s dead-end had only seemed to make her more stubborn though and I couldn’t help feeling that I’d started something with her that I didn’t have complete control over anymore. Like I’d programmed a diminutive redheaded terminator and couldn’t cancel the action now.

‘Unclench your muscles.’ ‘Are you checking out my physique again?’ He flicked a quick glance at me, a hint of that devilish smile playing over his lips. ‘Only because you look like you’ve got rigor mortis.’

My Review:

I enjoyed this story as much as I did the endearing couple featured, and I’m assuming I would also enjoy the earlier book in this series as I relished Emma Jackson’s cleverly amusing and engaging writing style. Her characters were smart yet flawed and gave good banter. Her writing was smooth, well-paced, easy to fall into, and kept me pleasantly entertained while dealing with unusual yet relevant issues and concerns.

I didn't realise this was a sequel to a book and it felt strange that all of the characters already knew one another so if you want more context, you definitely should read the previous book. Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed this as a standalone novel.

Summer in the City is a lovely, romance read perfect for some light easy reading. The story is set in New York with Stephen, who hasn't had contact with his father since being a child, searching for his father. After his mother passed away, he has be tasked with carrying out his mother's will and delivering an envelope to him. With the help of his polar opposite, Noelle, their adventure takes them across New York on a whirlwind adventure.

The story is told from two different viewpoints and this changes seamlessly throughout the story. I loved how Noelle and Stephen's characters opposed one another and as the story evolved, they equally complimented each other too. It worked well to show how each character reacted to certain situations.

This is definitely a character driven story and with such loveable characters, it was easy to enjoy. The sense of rapport between Noelle's family and how supportive they are of her was one of my favourite parts of the story. Noelle was by far my favourite character in the book and she reminded me of myself constantly. Her head has everything organised but the world around her doesn't seem to do the same thing!

It's one of those books where you can easily predict the ending but just want to relax and be taken along for the ride. It left me with a great big smile on my face and a feeling of content.

A great book that you're definitely going to want to read this summer.

This story gets you into the New York vibe from the beginning. Noelle, a cosy crime writer, is struggling with her latest book and could do without family interference, even though she loves them. The descriptions of New York and the family dynamic draw you into the story quickly.

Stephen is fulfilling his mother's last wish and searching for his estranged father without success.

The chemistry between the two unlikely lovers is a slow build. This is a vibrant story full of laughter, poignancy and romance. The well-described New York setting adds an extra level of interest to this Summer novel.

I received a copy of this book from Orion Books - Orion Dash via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Summer in the City is such an enjoyable, fun summer read. I enjoy books set in New York, there are many but I never tire of hearing about this wonderful city, Emma Jackson really does give us great descriptions of various locations around the City as the main characters go off on their adventures.
Stephen is searching for his Dad; not having contact since he was small, he isn’t wanting or expecting a positive reunion.
Noelle is surrounded by family; in fact, she sometimes feels like they are a bit too involved with her (love) life. She is a writer who urgently needs to work on some edits to make a deadline.
Our two independent, stubborn, and fiery characters have history and at first it seems a recipe for disaster but as they open up and search for Stephens Dad, they start to see things from the other’s point of view.
The story is told from both Stephens and Noelles viewpoint, which I don’t mind. I sometimes get frustrated with the back and forward, but I think it works well to see what each character really feels. They did change midway through chapters and this threw me at first.
I think this is a really lovely read, the characters are what really makes it – they are likable and interesting. I love Noelle’s family; they are fun and provide some light-hearted moments.
Overall, I would recommend for a sweet, summer read.

An heartwarming and entertaining story, perfect for a lazy summer afternoon.
I liked the well thought characters, the great descriptions of the location and the well plotted story.
I look forward to reading the next book by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Summer in the City is a pleasant summer read that will tug at your heartstrings and appeal to your sense of familial bonds.

I’ve always believed that people grow to be who they are as a product of their environment or in reaction to their upbringing. One of the two main characters, Stephen, is trying to figure out which of these is real for him by finding the father he never really knew or remembers. Once he does find him, he is anxious that he is just like his biological father. It takes Noelle to show him that he has grown into his own person, and though he shares a similarity in looks and mannerisms, that is where the similarity ends.

I enjoyed the fact that Noelle is a cozy mystery writer and the plotline of finding Stephen’s father, as well as the mystery of why his mother left his biological father a precise amount of money in her will. It gives this contemporary romance an extra layer for mystery lovers to grab.

I also loved the scenes with Noelle’s family. They felt so genuine and real, like walking into a warm hug. All the characters are multi-dimensional and add a layer of familiarity as the story unfolds.

The setting is lovely as well, all places that I could easily recognize. New York in the summer is hot, hot, hot, and that came through loud and clear in the story. How Noelle survives without air conditioning is impressive to me, as it is to Stephen, who quickly offers Noelle a better place to work on her book.

What I Wish

The story is told alternatively through Noelle’s and Stephen’s eyes, but their voices are not distinct enough for me to be able to determine who was narrating what I was reading quickly. I wish that the story had been told solely through one of their perspectives, and I think either could have been great. Telling it strictly from a male perspective could have even been an interesting twist to the typical romance tale.

To Read or Not to Read
Summer in the City is a lovely book to read while basking in the sun, whether it be at a beach, a pool, or in your backyard.

I really enjoyed this New York based romance.

There was a clear chemistry between Stephen and Noelle from the first time they meet in this book. They had met in the authors's debut novel A Mistletoe Miracle, but that book focuses as far as I can tell on their best friend and brother, so this is a standalone book. There are plenty of references to what must have happened in that first book which probably are good reminders for anyone that had forgotten, but frustrated me slightly as I twigged I must have missed out on another good book and possibly interesting background.

Noelle is a cosy mystery author who is having trouble with her latest book and up against a tight deadline. So she decides helping Stephen with his search for his father, may get her creative juices flowing, as it will involve some real life detecting.

I loved seeing how they tried to track down a man who didn't really want to be found, and seeing how Noelle's impressions of Stephen change as she gets to know him.

I also enjoyed Noelle's really large family, and seeing their dynamics play out, as she has 6 brothers and sisters!

The book is written in the first person and we get sections from both Noelle and Stephen, often swapping mid chapter. Which was confusing for the first couple of chapters and then you get used to it, and it really workds, as I loved getting to know their inner thoughts.

It's just an all around lovely romance, that was a good way to escape real life for a bit, while you lose yourself in New York, and Noelle and Stephen's stories.

Thank you to Orion and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,

Summer in the City is about acquaintances bumping in to each other in New York when Stephen goes over for the summer for work. He enlists the help of Noelle to help him find his father and they eventually fall in love. It is an easy read and an enjoyable book but is probably dragged out in parts more than it needs to be. The main characters aren’t people that grip you either. Noelle comes across as fairly annoying and Stephen a little dull. I’m glad that I read the book, it is the kind of book I’d always give a go, but it just needed a little more oomph and excitement.

I love New York so the beautiful cover of this book is what attracted me initially. What's more the places mentioned in the book reminded me even further of the city that never sleeps and helped me picture locations even more.
The story concerns two characters from a previous book of Emma Jackson's (which I haven't read but it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous book.) Stephen is looking for the father who abandoned him as a child in order to fulfil a wish in his mother's will. Noelle is a mystery writer with writer's block and a bad history of dating and has no reason to like Stephen as he tried to break up her best friend's relationship with his brother. She offers to help him with his search in the hope that the block will lift but insists all their interactions will be strictly business. Can they remain mere acquaintances or will more develop?
Theirs was a great relationship with real chemistry. It was great that Noelle was fearless in many ways and really helped Stephen push his boundaries but she was also vulnerable in other aspects. Stephen, however, was a much more vulnerable character. I loved how his fears and feelings about his father and his connection to his father was portrayed and was glad that this wasn't all tied up at the end with a neat little bow. There were even some serious issues explored through the sexual harassment at work angle and the impact it can have on someone's working life. It was great that it was presented this from a male-as-victim perspective as often this type of storyline is focused on the vulnerable female aspect so well done Emma Jackson for this angle.
I thought Noelle's writer's block was quite interesting and the way the writing process, and people's views of it, and loved how Stephen responded to it.
Overall, a great summer romance, set in a gorgeous location but has a story with a bit more bite. Perfect.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a nice story with nice people and a nice location. Would not set the world alight but a nice easy read.

I love books set in New York so this book completely tempted me with its setting, and it was a very enjoyable trip!
I liked the banter between Noelle and Stephen, I do relish a few sparks and a will they, won’t they build up. It was clever how they we drawn to spend time together and it was intriguing watching them let their barriers down and gradually become friends and actually enjoy each other’s company.
Plenty of mystery to keep the pages turning too!
All in all a wonderful trip stateside with some fabulous characters and a storyline that was both fun and exciting in equal measure.
Perfect escape from dull old England!

Wow oh wow!! I did not think I would love this book as much as I have. It is just completely and utterly perfect. This is a perfect escapist read and I honestly didn't know I would love it as much as I have. 
I have been completely sucked into the pages of this one and devoured the book from start to finish in a matter of hours. I am a fan of this author anyway and this book has just reinforced why. 
This is heartwarming and guaranteed to leave you smiling as a reader. I loved the plot, the characters and no one can deny that the cover of this is absolutely beautiful. 
Jackson is a great author and this is a book which deserves more than five stars. Five stars does not show how fantastic a read this book is.

The story was amazing but it was hard to read. I think it should have gone Stephen, then Noelle,so you knew. The jumping a round was not good. I loved how Stephen came to New York to find his father. I also enjoyed Noelle's family .There was a lot to enjoy, I look forward to re reading it as a real book

I never expected to enjoy this book as much as I did. It’s a long time since I’ve read a pure summer holiday romance (though I am secretly a big fan of Cecelia Ahern and Katie Fforde – I have a signed copy of one of her books from a literary lunch and book launch I attended). Most people who know me might think I’m too snooty and hi-brow for chick lit but I love all sorts. After all I can listen to Classic FM and still enjoy a bit of George Ezra, Westlife and One Direction (OK I jest about One Direction).

I read Summer in the City in two sittings flat. Each time I tried to stop reading something would happen and I thought I’ll just read the next bit and the next bit….and then it was almost 1 o’clock in the morning. I particularly love the banter and humour between Stephen and Noelle. Yes the romance is all a bit corny and predictable and I’m sure it’s been done many times before but this is not a book for anyone wanting to read something profound to tell them about the meaning of life or reflect on their own internal musings. Look elsewhere if that’s what you need.

It’s delightful, funny (with a touch of The Rosie Project) and cleverly plotted throughout. I love the plot with Stephen’s father and the unexpected outcome. As well as things we didn’t know about Stephen himself.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stephen Cartwright is working in New York for the summer but that’s not the only thing he wants needs to do there, he is also on a mission to find his biological father. Noelle, who is a writer and is struggling with writers block sees Stephen in a bar. They do know each other already from back in London but Stephen is sceptical when Noelle offers to help him in his search.

Emma takes us on a whirlwind of an adventure around New York which is a place I would love to visit! I was gripped on the leads they had in searching for the right person and also the chemistry between Stephen and Noelle. Noelle and Stephen are two completely different people, she has a huge family who all live pretty close to each other and Stephen is only close with his brother as they recently lose their mother. Well they do say that opposites can attract!?

I felt like I was in New York with Stephen and Noelle! So really this was the perfect read for me especially when I needed something to escape into. ‘Summer in the City’ is about taking the courage to do what you need to do even if that may be very difficult and have some very hard consequences. I just loved the dynamic between these two leading characters ❤️

If you want to curl up on a beautiful summers day then this is the book for you! I give ‘Summer in the City’ 5*/5* 😊

Thank you to Orion Dash for an advanced copy of this book via Netgalley.

Firstly thank you for letting me ready a copy of this book early.

Summer In The city is a lovely heartwarming read about a girl Noelle who lives in New York and is trying to balance her family and social life, career goals and ontop of that her love life.

Noelle then encounters Stephen, a British man working in New York, who is in search of his father who left when he was young. Noelle and Stephen have met before, in England, and this is where their story begins... Again.

Emma Jackson writes romance very well and has perfected the meet cute. Also knowing how to pull on your heart strings with Noelles character filled family and Stephens family loss.

I did find some of the dialogue to be quite cliche, there wasn't anything that particularly shocked me and I didn't connect with the characters as much as I had hoped to.

However overall this is an easy going perfect summer read whilst having a relaxing day in the sun.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early copy.

When Stephen decides to find his father as his mother’s wish in her will, he had no idea where to begin, and he doesn’t want to tell anyone..

Noelle, who lives in New York and is the , daughter of a detective, but she’s been struggling with the novel she’s trying to write and wants a distraction. She offers to help feeling that it’s like the perfect solution.

BUT the last time she spoke to Stephen he was under the impression that they'd be seeing the New Year in together, but it didn’t happen as he thought as she stood him up.

Stephen decides to accepts her offer of help and after telling her what he knows, they begin their search across the city.
But as the story develops, the weather isn't the only thing that's heating up.
Definitely recommend it.