What Happens in Summer

May 14, 2018
Pineiro returns to the idyllic beachside hamlet of Sea Kiss, N.J., in this enjoyable, heartfelt contemporary about second chances, the second in her At the Shore series (after One Summer Night). Driven, ambitious Connie Reyes sets practicality aside one college summer for a magical romance with wealthy Jonathan Pierce. When they split on less than favorable terms, Connie buries herself first in school, then in her career as a lawyer. Jonathan—a sensitive, misunderstood type readers will fall head over heels for—parlays his entrepreneurial skills into a multi-million-dollar tech and design firm. When Connie’s close friend Maggie gets involved with Jonathan’s older brother, Owen, prickly Connie and laid-back Jonathan are reunited. At first they snipe at each other, but they soon give in to passion. When a life-changing situation arises, Connie and Jonathan are forced to decide whether what they have is temporary or if it is meant to last forever. Pineiro’s clever characterization ensures that Jonathan’s vulnerability and Connie’s deep-seated fear of loss will steal readers’ hearts. While a few well-worn tropes sneak into the story, the author, to her credit, makes them seem almost new. This story is sweet and spicy at the same time, and all-around satisfying. Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary.

May 1, 2018
Years after a failed summer fling, Jonathan and Connie are thrown together again. Their attraction is alive and well, but their fundamental differences are still getting in the way. Aren't they?Connie Reyes has never forgotten sexy Jonathan Pierce, whom she met when she spent a college summer at her best friend Maggie's summer house in Sea Kiss, a beach town on the Jersey Shore. She'd hoped to continue the relationship, but when Jonathan told her he wasn't going back to school, she knew he wasn't the man for her. Her Cuban mother had wasted her life waiting for undependable men, and she wouldn't fall for a man with no ambition. Now, seven years later, he's back in Sea Kiss, supporting his brother, Owen, as he navigates a problematic relationship with Maggie. At first Jonathan tries to avoid Connie, but they fall into a sexual relationship, which is frustrating for Jonathan since, despite his entrepreneurial success, Connie still sees him as a fickle wanderer, loathe to commit and settle down. Yet Connie's own success seems questionable thanks to a sexist partner in her law firm who refuses to see her skill and contributions. Connie's conflicted feelings lead her to take stock of her choices and priorities, especially when a conversation with her mother, an unexpected job offer, and some startling news combine to give her a changed perspective on life and love. Pineiro's follow-up to One Summer Night (2017) covers the same time frame from the alternate couple's viewpoint, to sexy, satisfying effect. Connie and Jonathan's trials, tribulations, and second chance at love are engaging and at times thought-provoking, touching on the power of love, loyalty, and friendship.Another visit to Sea Kiss will charm romance fans.

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June 15, 2018

Bitterly torn apart by conflicting life ambitions, focused, goal-oriented Connie Reyes and brilliant, restless Jonathan Pierce went their separate ways after one love-drenched summer at the shore. Now seven years later, Connie is an up-and-coming attorney and Jon is a wealthy tech wizard with an entrepreneurial spirit, and they are back in quaint Sea Kiss, NJ, where it all began. Their initial anger soon melts away as their passion blazes as hot as ever, but getting past Connie's wariness is a challenge--just the kind that Jon is now ready to tackle. A bevy of winning characters contribute to the depth, humor, and continuity of a story that touches on issues of trust, dependability, and expectations. VERDICT Pineiro has penned a tender, sexy, often lighthearted yet realistic version of the classic reunion plot, offering a delightful beach blanket read. Pineiro (One Summer Night) lives in New Jersey.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2018
The second title in Pineiro's At the Shore trilogy, after One Summer Night (2017), focuses on Connie and Jonathan and is a clever, romantic read. Connie and Jonathan's second chance, arousing strong passion and palpable emotions, will delight readers as the two face the demons that caused them to part when they were young. Connie realizes the stability and planning she prizes are merely a facade as she tries to get a promotion at her law firm from an antagonistic boss. An offer of a part-time position in Sea Kiss, the Jersey sea town she and Jonathan both love, helps her find a new plan. The adoption of a dog and the search for a home help Jonathan face his future. The well-written scenes in Sea Kiss have sensory appeal, and the friendship among Connie and her friends provides a comforting backdrop to the tumultuous but satisfying love story. Realistic yet successful second-chance romance stories are rare and always popular, and this is an excellent addition to the genre.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)