Running away from my disastrous career to an island off the Florida coast wasn’t part of my summer plans, but life hasn’t been cooperative lately, anyway. At least here, I can hide away and figure out how to untangle the mess I’ve gotten myself into.

One thing is certain: my A-list status and title of America’s Sweetheart are long gone, and they’re probably never coming back. I’ll just remain on this island until the worst of it blows over. Until the gossip magazines move on to another juicy topic. Until the paparazzi lose interest.

The problem is, I’m feeling pretty bored and lonely. Sneaking into town and grabbing a book to keep me occupied turns out not to be my best move. Because what I absolutely don’t need is Briggs Dalton, the man who runs the shop. He’s handsome and funny, and I can’t stop thinking about him.

Briggs believes that despite the chaos that is my life, I can still have a fun summer, and he’s determined to prove it to me.

Maybe, just maybe, this summer could turn out to be a happy one after all.

This was my first experience with this author, and I was honestly surprised by how much I adored this celebrity romcom. I have enjoyed every book in this series, but this one earned a full five stars from me. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more from her.

This story is pure charm. It is sweet, cozy, and full of those heart-flutter moments that make a romcom unforgettable. Celebrity romance is one of my favorite tropes, and this book handled it beautifully by showing the glamorous side alongside the messy and vulnerable parts. It gave me major nostalgic 90s romcom vibes and strongly reminded me of Notting Hill in the best way.

Briggs is at a crossroads, working in his mom’s bookshop on Sunset Harbor Island after his startup fails, and he is unsure what comes next. When a stunning woman walks into the bookstore looking for a book and a mental escape, he has no idea she is a famous actress. Their instant connection feels natural and easy, and Briggs happily steps into the role of island guide while she is in town.

Presley became famous at a very young age and missed out on so many normal childhood experiences. After an embarrassing video goes viral, she escapes to Sunset Harbor Island to hide from the spotlight. Briggs makes it his mission to give her the kind of carefree summer she never had, filled with simple joys and memorable moments. From beach nights to marshmallows and stargazing, this story is packed with warmth and nostalgia.

Briggs is a total standout. His book-loving, slightly nerdy, golden retriever energy made him impossible not to love. He is thoughtful, supportive, and genuinely kind. Presley might initially seem like she would fit the spoiled Hollywood stereotype, but she is anything but. The author does a wonderful job of grounding her character and showing her vulnerability, making it easy to root for both her happiness and her relationship with Briggs. His family was also a highlight, especially his teenage sister and her starstruck friends, who bring humor and heart to the story.

Briggs and Presley together are ridiculously cute. Their summer plans list was one of my favorite elements and honestly made me want to fully embrace the season. Water fights, sandcastles, boat rides, running lines, late-night talks, and soaking in every shared experience made this feel like the ultimate summer romance. While the story stays a bit quieter due to Presley lying low, I loved spotting the subtle connections to the larger series.

Between the Notting Hill-inspired vibes, the running mystery of Briggs’ middle name, and the swoony, chemistry-filled kisses, this book completely won me over. Watching Presley rediscover simple joys through Briggs’s list was such a lovely part of the story.

Although this book is part of the Falling for Summer series, it works perfectly as a standalone. That said, reading the rest of the series adds an extra layer of enjoyment since all the stories overlap and unfold along the same timeline.