Book Tour for Summer Is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuiston (Review & GIVEAWAY)

Readers who love Julia Quinn and Lorraine Heath will find much to enjoy in Summer Is for Lovers by Jennifer McQuistion.  Keep reading to get my impressions of this book and visit the other blogs hosting this tour to learn even more.  Make sure to fill out the form below for your chance to win Ms. McQuiston's debut novel!

David Cameron has been tricked. After bringing his supposedly ailing mother to Brighton to take the waters, he’s found himself bombarded with young ladies of marriageable age, while his mother has made a marked improvement. Seeking respite from the hordes, he retreats to a beach he hasn’t seen in years--and finds a woman he’s never quite been able to forget.
Caroline Tolbertson just wants to be left alone. But her mother is determined to see her married off, no matter Caroline’s protests--or her embarassing lack of suitors. Seeing David Cameron, her childhood crush, again sets her heart racing, but she’s older and wiser now. And no, that wasn’t her heart sinking when David suggested a faux courtship instead of the real thing.
But Caroline has never been very good at following the rules, and the fake attraction soon grows into the real thing. Now Caroline has more scandalous pursuits in mind and David is finding it very hard to say no to his gorgeous friend. Will giving in to temptation send them both down a path they each claim to abhor--straight to the altar?

BOOK TRAILER here.

BUY LINKS:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  Books-a-Million  |  Indie-bound

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

As a fan of Julia Quinn and Lorraine Heath there were moments in this story that reminded me of them and why I love the historical genre.  From the delightful verbal banter to the vividly depicted glamour of the dances and the serenity of the country I felt myself completely immersed in this world of two hurt souls drawn together one summer for a moment that changes their lives forever.

Caroline isn't thought of as beautiful.  With her tall stature, athletic build, and love of swimming she's unique in a sea of glamorous debutantes which leaves her unpopular and without marriage prospects.  When thinking of marriage though it's the boy she saved ten years ago that's constantly in her thoughts.  She sensed his deep depression and guilt the moment she saved him from a drunken swim and she wishes nothing more than to help him but they parted after her swearing to keep his secret.  He returns just in time to save her this time from the cruel whispers at a ball by speaking highly of her to all the men which helps her in her desperate attempt to make a match.  She promised her father on his deathbed to provide for the family so a good match is the key.  Awkward in the ways of love have her again going to her newly returned friend for his help which leads to something more as their burgeoning friendship goes deeper.  Caroline is a delightful heroine, smart and comfortable in her skin uncaring what others think.  She's kind-hearted and is just what the emotionally wounded David needs.

David is at his lowest point at the beginning of this story as guilt and sadness have him seeing no way out, no way to be happy.  An unexpected savior in the form of a 12-year-old girl changes his life forever and we see once again flashes of a charming man given hope.  When he sees her again he helps her in gaining the attention of other men for marriage which unexpectedly arouses jealousy in him no matter how adamant he is that they're just friends.  Throughout the summer they meet in secret constantly which allows for a slow build-up to romance.  The sexual tension between them is palpable and their dialogue is witty and playful.  Though David doesn't think himself worthy of Caroline his actions prove otherwise.  He's protective of her, proud of her swimming talent, and a loyal man to those he cares about.  Seeing them together warmed my heart!

Through visually vivid depictions I felt myself surrounded by the sights and sounds of Brighton.  Ms. McQuiston brought to light certain aspects I was unaware of during that time period but also stretched other elements a bit as one or two things felt a bit unbelievable for the time.  The relationship between Caroline and David was allowed to evolve at a pace that allowed for deep-seated emotions to come out and made for a believable and immensely satisfying connection.  The cast of secondary characters were varied with each adding to the entertainment and giving a glimpse of the next book in the series.  I've never read anything by Ms. McQuiston before but her talent has me wanting to come back for more and I highly recommend this book to fans of the historical genre.

My rating for this is an B+

*I received this book from Edelweiss for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

A veterinarian and infectious disease researcher by training, Jennifer McQuiston has always preferred reading romance to scientific textbooks. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, their two girls, and an odd assortment of pets, including the pony she promised her children if mommy ever got a book deal.

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/jenmcqwrites
WEBSITE:  http://www.jenmcquiston.com/
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/jennifermcquistonauthor

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