This was my first time ever hearing about Esha Patel, and wow! This was fantastic! I loved every page. It’d be a fun book for a book club!

Absolutely love the cover for this book its what drew to to it.
Loved the storyline and the characters
Will definitely be reading more by this author
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this book for an honest review

I am a sucker for a good old sports romance and that is exactly what Patel gave me!

Having enjoyed her previous books, I knew I was in for a treat with Long Hot Summer.

A great combination of both characters and storyline.

All the feels.

I really enjoyed the added moments of humour mixed in with the growing adoration between the two main characters.

If you are looking for a somewhat easy read that will definitely make you smile, look no further than this book right here.

Long Hot Summer was a spicy romance with a sport I've not really read about, Lacrosse. I throughly enjoyed it and have already read some of Eshas earlier books

This was honestly such a cute little romance book. Both main characters were so immediately likeable, and the host of side characters were sweet and well rounded. The writing style was great, and while I'm not usually a fan of the third act breakup, I feel that it worked well with their friends with benefits to lovers arc.

The transparency this book had with mental health and abandonment issues was such a breath of fresh air. Rod was such a great dad, and I loved that Jordan wasn't trying to replace Charlotte, but instead being such a good role model to Tali. Jordan was so cool, and it was great watching her overcome her own abandonment issues from her past.

Definitely going to pick up more of Esha Patels books after this!

Hot Rod and J-Dog are fantastic. Their friends with benefits to lovers story gives the reader hope. Hope that someone will see them for who they are and accept (and love) them in spite of their flaws. Rodney is a great father who has put his own life on the back burner for so long to raise Tali and while that is what a good parent does, he also yearns for more than he realizes. The way Jordan seamlessly fits into his and Tali’s lives is incredible. They all get along well, have things in common, and not once does Jordan try to replace Tali’s mom, she’s just an additional person to support. So happy we get to see this couple together after Cross My Heart. Truly such a fantastic book. Esha is a wonderful storyteller!

Loved the opening play list and that it’s advertising as a single dad story

Wonderful characters and view points

Great character chemistry + dialogue

Esha bought us a book that will have us feeling sunshine even when outside for many of us the colour palette has been giving grey. and we get heat coming from more than just the sun in this one.
in these books they work when you have the smiles but you have them so much because you come to care for the characters, so you need the emotional depth of it too. all the other bits then mean so much more every step of their way. both our pair made me involved, invested and care what happened to them and between them.
i loved how we get to see single parents in books. its not done as often as it should be, and often when it is its for quite cliche tropes in a story. but this one with Rob never felt like this. we meet him where hes at.
Lacrosse is certainly not something ive seen featured in books so this was an interesting take on a sports featured.
i felt what they both felt personally was actually rather more normal than people give credit or admit. i know some have said it felt immature but actually i think many people face similar feelings that dont often feel grown up, out of even from younger or a past that shapes what we still feel now. when you have to confront certain feelings you definitely can become irrational, young, or not the best version of ourselves. fear drives so much for adults. fear of not being accepted is such a feature for all ages.
i like the role Jordan has within the fold of what has been a single dad and his kid. you have to tread so carefully when you enter that dynamic and i thought this was done really well and never resorted to evil step-kid or parent kind of cliches.
all in all i really like this book. the cover had me feeling like the skies were getting ready to warmer days to come.

First i would like to thank Avon books and Esha for this copy of this wonderful story .

i very much enjoy Esha last book , so i jumped at the chance to review the long hot summer . and boy it is hooooot the steam was coming off the pages at time .

i love a grump /sunshine and this book lived up to this trope for sure brilliant .

the characters Rob and Jordan oh my gosh what a roller coaster of emotions , the couple has my heart they have lift a scar in a great way they are so relatable , the burning chemistry , the grit of real life trauma wow Esha did a great job with this . i relate so much to Rob being a single parent family , it took me back and feeling all he did that great writing . the friends with benefits set my butterfly going little bit of a slow burn i loved that .
The side characters are so well written and I loved them all .

and do not worry you spice queens there is plenty . and plenty of laughs too

The writing is beyond amazing so well paced totally floor-less i look forward to reading more by Esha


im giving the book 5 hot steamy , heart warming stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I simply loved the tropes used in this book, it was such an amazing read and I will totally recommend it once it is out!!

🌶️🌶️.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes/TW:
Small town summer camp romance
Lacrosse coach FMC x single dad camp owner MMC
FWB to lovers
Grumpy x sunshine
Former cowgirl meets mr. Scared-of-horses
Angst & tension

Thank you Esha Patel and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC copy.

*I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

I am definitely one to judge a book by its cover and this one drew me in immediately! I started it with high expectations and it met them all. A hot and spicy sports romance that does not disappoint!

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to enjoy this ARC early! Will be purchasing the physical copy to add as a trophy to my bookshelf!

I freakin' love a grumpy/sunshine trope and this book done it perfectly then add single Dad to the mix and I feel like I have the perfect book. It was a great read. Gripped me from start to finish. I loved seeing the softer, vulnerable and loving side to Rod. Him being a single Dad meant he had other priorities but this was shown very well throughout the book whilst him also knowing that he had to live his life and do what he wanted as well.

A beautiful, quick and light read. It had fab chemistry. A perfect summer read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the summery, feel-good vibe of Long Hot Summer. The camp setting was a fun backdrop and made the story feel light and escapist, while still leaving room for some emotional depth.

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Jordan and Rod worked well, and I liked how their relationship developed naturally over time. Rod’s role as a single dad added an extra layer to his character, and it was nice to see that softer, more vulnerable side come through.

There’s a good balance of chemistry, angst and lighter moments, which kept the story engaging without feeling too heavy. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that’s perfect for anyone looking for a summer romance with heart.

Overall, a charming and entertaining story that fans of contemporary romance will definitely appreciate.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

thank you Avon for the e-arc!!

Vibes? Immaculate.
Characters? Perfection.
Romance? Heart-stopping.
Tears? Shed.

This is far more than just a romance; it is wonderfully, heartbreakingly, breathtakingly human. I’m not sure anyone can crack my heart open and glue it back together like Esha Patel.

Long Hot Summer by Esha Patel is a warm, breezy romance that perfectly captures the intensity and magic of a summer fling. With vibrant chemistry, heartfelt moments, and just the right touch of tension, the story draws you into a whirlwind of emotions that feel both escapist and relatable. The characters are easy to root for, and their journey balances light, fun moments with deeper reflections on love and timing. It’s the kind of feel-good read that leaves you smiling long after the final page.

The chemistry between these two was a lot of fun. They just understood each other and slowly fell in love. I do think that the book jumped right into their relationship and we should have gotten a prologue of when they met.

I received an arc through netgalley.

"I wish I could really, really get myself to understand that the things that make you happiest are the things that can tear you apart and leave you so empty that nothing feels any more.

GENRE: Romance
RATING: 4/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Tropes: Single Dad, Sports Romance (Lacrosse), Small Town, Mental Health Rep

Overall Impression: A lovely tale that takes you on an emotional adventure (literally) with the characters as you experience their journey with them.

Review:
I've started getting into Sport Romance and when I saw that this was Single Dad x Sport Romance? I was in for the adventure!

Now, Long Hot Summer was an interesting read for me in that the way we get to know the MCs was done differently than what I'm used to. In the beginning, I had a lot of questions as to who were both of our MCs, Jordan and Rod? We only knew them as they knew each other, which was superficially and that left space for a lot of curiosity as a reader. As we progress through the story, we get to know them as they know each other and I think this was uniquely done and super fitting for both of our MCs, who have been scarred in the past and do not trust easily.

This writing style and way of exploring their love for each other won't work for all readers and will require patience from whoever reads it. I do think it is worth it, seeing them find love and finding support in one another that they never did elsewhere.

My favourite thing might just be how they both eventually shed their tough exterior and open their hearts up to each other at last. It's been a lovely way of seeing it blossom and I think it was a fun to see Jordan bonding with Rod's family, especially Tali (my recent obsession in Romance is Single parent trope as it leads so naturally to found family).

And the way Esha Patel wrote Rod and his mental health journey? Oh what a way to read it and how accurate it felt as someone who has gone through something similar. I think, ultimately, Long Hot Summer does not shy away from the heavier theme but is done in a unique narrative style that has it hitting you all at once and you get to feel the entire journey with the characters. This is especially true with both MCs, with Rod and his mental health journey plus his past with his ex and how he became a single dad. It is true with Jordan, her past and childhood, which led to the fear of being in a relationship.

I am very excited to read Esha Patel's other stories, see how her narration style plays out in there in comparison to Long Hot Summer. Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.

Patel’s writing is so beautiful. The heart and care she puts into the characters are prominent throughout the entire book. The yearning and love between Jordan and Rod is so special, especially with Tali as well. Lacrosse is a sport that should be written about more! I definitely recommend this book for a “Long Hot Summer.” #J-DOG & HOT ROD friendship bracelets

Esha Patel’s Long Hot Summer is a heartfelt, angsty romance that blends the intensity of single‑parent struggles with the irresistible pull of a grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Jordan, passionate about lacrosse and eager to prove herself as a camp counselor, is a refreshing heroine—ambitious, warm, and determined to carve her own path. Rod, the exhausted single dad running the camp, is equally compelling, caught between responsibility and the unexpected spark Jordan brings into his life. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Patel captures the tension of “we shouldn’t, but we can’t resist” beautifully.

The summer camp setting adds charm and authenticity, grounding the romance in a community atmosphere while giving space for both characters to grow. The emotional beats—Rod’s struggles with fatherhood, Jordan’s desire to balance independence with connection—are well‑drawn, and the spice is balanced with genuine tenderness. While some plot turns lean into familiar romance tropes, the execution feels fresh thanks to Patel’s engaging writing style and the depth she gives her characters.

Overall, Long Hot Summer is a warm, angsty, and satisfying read that delivers both swoon‑worthy romance and heartfelt emotion. Perfect for readers who love single‑dad stories, summer settings, and the thrill of watching two people fight—and ultimately give in to—their undeniable attraction.

**Book Review: *Long Hot Summer* by Esha Patel**

*Long Hot Summer* by Esha Patel is a warm, engaging read that perfectly captures the intensity and emotional complexity of a summer that changes everything. From the very first pages, Patel draws you into a vivid setting where the heat feels almost tangible, mirroring the simmering tensions and relationships at the heart of the story.

The novel shines in its character work. Each person feels authentic and layered, with their own desires, flaws, and secrets unfolding as the story progresses. Patel does an excellent job of exploring relationships—whether romantic, familial, or friendships—with sensitivity and realism, making it easy to become invested in their journeys.

What makes this book particularly compelling is how it balances lighter, almost nostalgic summer moments with deeper emotional undercurrents. There’s a sense that beneath the sunshine and carefree atmosphere, something significant is shifting, and Patel builds that tension beautifully.

Overall, *Long Hot Summer* is an absorbing, character-driven story filled with emotion, atmosphere, and just enough drama to keep you turning the pages. It’s a memorable read that lingers long after summer fades.

Long Hot Summer was such a cute, feel-good romance 🥹☀️
Both main characters were instantly likeable, and I really enjoyed how warm and well-rounded the side characters felt too. The writing style made it an easy, engaging read from the start.
I don’t usually love a third-act breakup, but I actually felt like it worked here within their friends-with-benefits-to-lovers dynamic—it fit the emotional push and pull of their relationship.
What really stood out to me was the honesty around mental health and abandonment issues. It felt thoughtful and grounded without being overly heavy, which I really appreciated.
Rod was such a great dad, and I loved how Jordan didn’t try to replace Charlotte but instead naturally became a positive, supportive presence in Tali’s life. That relationship was one of my favourite parts 🥹
Jordan herself was such a strong FMC—confident, cool, and also working through her own abandonment wounds in a really relatable way.
overall: a sweet, emotional summer romance with great representation, lovable characters, and a lot of heart ☀️🤍
definitely excited to read more from Esha Patel after this one 🫶🏼