eARC Review: The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest
Romance
The Summer Girlfriend
Book Info
Released Date: June 9th
Publication: Berkley
Pages: 400
Format: eBook
“The slow build of tension was perfection.”
I will honestly read any romance book by this author, and once again she did not disappoint. She writes Black characters so beautifully and authentically — the representation feels real, intentional, and refreshing. It’s the kind of love story where you feel seen, and that matters so much.
I was hooked from the very first page. The chemistry between the main characters was absolutely electric — every interaction felt layered with tension, longing, and just the right amount of angst. And give me a fake dating trope any day of the week! Watching them pretend while clearly falling harder by the minute? Elite. I was rooting for this fake couple so fast it wasn’t even funny.
The slow build of tension was perfection. Every look, every accidental touch, every moment where they almost crossed the line — it had me completely invested. And don’t even get me started on the “only one bed” trope. When both of them basically said “forget it” and gave in to the undeniable pull between them? I was DONE. Absolutely screaming.
This book had heart, heat, and so much emotional payoff. I adored every second of it and genuinely did not want it to end. If you love fake dating, intense chemistry, and beautifully written Black love stories, this one is an absolute must-read. I truly loved this book so much.
