“The Summer Escape,” the sixth installment of the Sunrise Cove series, works well as a standalone. Jill Shalvis delights her readers with a story that weaves together romance, mystery, suspense, and family drama, all while delving into the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope. Readers who enjoy this combination are in for a treat.
Secrets are revealed and forbidden sparks ignited in this sizzling Sunrise Cove tale of enemies to lovers, redemption, missing treasures, and love. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Title: The Summer Escape
Author(s): Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #6
Also in this series: The Family You Make , The Friendship Pact , The Backup Plan , The Sweetheart List , The Bright Spot
Published by Avon on June 11, 2024
Pages: 328
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Author
Format: eArc 
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
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Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest — especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything — so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace?
It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their dad’s name. Owen though is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together they go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an ear bud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).
On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen — their hearts have been as well.
“The Summer Escape” features Anna Moore, a private investigator, and Owen Harris, an adventurer. The story begins with Anna and her sister Wendy grieving their father’s death. Amidst sorting through his belongings, they stumble upon a valuable coin from the nineteenth century. Urged by Wendy, Anna embarks on an investigation that casts doubt on their father’s legacy and thrusts her into a world filled with suspense, danger and romance.
Enters Owen Harris who learns of the coin, which so happened to be a part of a collection stolen from his aunt years ago. His aunt suffers from dementia, and he wants to find her lost treasure, hoping it would bring her a measure of comfort. Anna is the key to finding answers and so he hires her on the condition that he partners with her on the investigation.
I found this to be a delightful read. I’ve loved every book in the Sunrise Cove series, and The Summer Escape is a fantastic addition. Anna and Owen are delightful characters. Their playful banter and intense chemistry were a pleasure to follow. Despite their attempts to fight the attraction, it became increasingly difficult, particularly as they worked together to unravel the mystery.
They faced danger and emotional turmoil throughout their journey. It was gratifying to see how they overcame mutual distrust, which allowed them to work effectively as a team. Additionally, observing them grow closer and conquer their insecurities and fears was truly heartwarming.
Anna’s dynamic with her sister added depth to the story. Their exchanges were enjoyable, though Wendy’s meddling in Anna’s affairs was annoying at various points in the story. “The Summer Escape” provided the perfect escape while ending on a positive note. I wholeheartedly recommend fans of the author and readers of the genre to add it to their summer reading list.
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About Jill Shalvis
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