When boxer Declan goes on a reality show a la Love Island at the convincing of his friend, he’s doing so to ensure the world’s interest in him, while he recuperates from injury. The world thinks he’s looking for love (boy meets girl on reality show, falls in love and all that). But that’s highly unlikely for Declan, given he is gay but few people know it, and he’s up for playing his part. Oliver a ballet dancer (supposedly straight) enters the house as well, and it’s apparent from the first moments Oliver is the one in Declan’s sights.

I’ve really enjoyed these types of books before featuring a reality element and the fun authors can have with the different character contestants. Sadly, this book fell a little flat quite early due to a lack of developed characters that struggled to translate off the page and a lack of chemistry between the two main characters. Challenges were uninteresting and inconsequential and there was very little on-page investment in building the relationship. I get it happening away from the cameras to an extent but the reader doesn’t have to imagine it - I for one wanted to see it, even if it wasn’t for the show. Further there was fade to black intimacy (which doesn’t bother me on the least usually but I felt posed a further barrier to this couple’s connection.

Overall, I think this was a case of opportunities missed with this book, and I was a tad disappointed. It is a reasonably quick read however, and this might appeal to some for that alone.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me the opportunity to read it ahead of release through Netgalley

Thank you Canelo and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Declan is a a famous boxer who recently sustained an injury and is taking a break from boxing. His best friend talked him into applying for Summer of Love the reality dating competition where men and women find love. Just one problem, he’s gay. Oliver only applied for the show to hopefully win and get the money to move to New York so he can get back with his ex-girlfriend who he’s had been with for 8 years. The two get off to a rocky start with each other. There’s an instant attraction for Declan but he doesn’t and Oliver is straight, right? Oliver can’t figure out what Declan’s problem is. But also what is it about Declan? He can’t stop being aware of him. As the two go from enemies to friends their connection seems to grow. But on a show where they are supposed to be finding their female loves can real love blossom? And can the two open themselves up to finding real love? I have to be honest I don’t get reality TV, I don’t know why anyone would want to watch fake drama that’s supposed to be real. That being said when it came to the couples being eliminated decoupling I felt all the tension and anxiety that is realistic to how it feels to watching a tv competition show! I enjoyed both Declan and Oliver and many of the other contestants as well! Lily Easton’s Summer of Love is a fast paced, compelling, romantic, and incredibly charming read!

Very sad this didn't quite work for me. Declan and Oliver were cute but the whole thing felt very slow. I wanted to read this because it was basically love island but make it gay. I've read this type of queer reality tv show plot before and given it five stars, so I thought I was going to love this. But it just dragged. Not much plot happened. The thing is, I understand this is a love story happening when the cameras aren't on and therefore it really is just them getting to know each other. However the reason people watch 'shows' and plots like this is because of the tension and the drama, but there really wasn't any. The blurb made it seem as if there would be more shenangians and fun. but it just didn't land for me.

I loved this. As an avid fan of Love Island, I really needed this to be good. I am so happy to say that it was everything I wanted. The tension was palpable, the feelings were real, and the writing had me completely lost in the story. I loved the dual perspective as well as the few chapters of the producer's POV. I will definitely be re-reading this book this summer.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A sun-soaked competition reminiscent of Love Island, laced with flirtation, rivalry, and the promise of romance. But while the setup teases a swoon-worthy, slow burn love story, the execution leaves something to be desired.

At its core, the novel is more about transformation than true romance. Characters enter the competition with a single-minded goal to win, yet over time, they form bonds and connections that seem to catch them and us off guard. There's a clear effort to explore personal growth, and to some extent, it works. The interpersonal dynamics are engaging enough to carry the narrative, and the writing, though not particularly deep, is accessible and pacy.

However, the romance between the main characters never quite finds its footing. The emotional arc is fragmented, offered in fleeting moments rather than a steady, believable build. Just when the story could have leaned into that long-awaited emotional payoff, it shifts its attention to secondary characters many of whom are less compelling and at times, underwhelming.

Curiously, it’s Declan’s storyline that emerges as the most layered and emotionally resonant. In contrast, Oliver the supposed emotional anchor of the book, is given less space to offer more depth outside his previous relationship with his ex. We’re given few glimpses of him outside the context of his past relationship, which undercuts the potential depth of his character.

Ultimately, This book is a passable easy read.. light, trope heavy, and easy to breeze through. But for readers looking for a truly immersive romance or fresh character arcs, it may fall short. The novel has all the ingredients for a delightfully cheesy escape, but instead plays it too safe, delivering a story that feels more like a missed opportunity than a memorable affair.

Summer of Love
After breaking his wrist boxer Declan King signs up for a UK reality show whilst his wrist is healing, gay but still firmly in the closet he is determined to win. Oliver Wright is a ballerina who desperately wants to win the prize money so he can follow his ex girlfriend to New York and try win her back.
The dramas and tension increase on the set with fame hungry wannabes and devious producers who will do anything for a good sound bite.
Gradually Declan and Oliver realise their attraction to each other but difficult to do anything about it with cameras and microphones monitoring them 24/7.
The problem I had with this story is that I hate reality shows particularly this type, the drama that is completely staged fell flat for me as did the dialogue.
The relationship between Declan and Oliver was lovely but took an age to develop so I enjoyed the end of the book and epilogue much more.
So not for me, but if you like these shows I’m sure you’ll enjoy the story.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.