Summer Lovin' (Costas Sisters, Book 2) Reviews

• A Fun Summer Read!!!

  
  By AN0XWUHSHRUG6 on 2005-07-29
  The second in the Costas Sister series is a fast-paced read with endearing characters. Fan's of Ms. Phillips are in for a very entertaining read.
  
  Zoe Costas has quit the Secret Service and has gone into business with her brother-in-law and his best friend. She is trying to find her place in life while maintaining the close family connection that her loving Greek family has. The family is about to increase by one with the adoption of their foster child Samantha. That is until a stranger shows up. He is handsome, uptight, and straighlaced. He's trouble alright. Trouble for Zoe.
  
  Ryan Baldwin comes from a wealthy Bostonian family. He has been looking for her niece for years. He tracks her down in Jersey. She is living with a fun, zany family that are totally opposite of his own family. On top of that there is Zoe. Zoe is beautiful inside and out. She truly cares about his niece and she speaks to a part of his heart that he didn't know he had. He's going to have to jugggle things in order to make sure that everyone is happy in the end. The Costas family, Zoe, Samantha, and himself. How can he take Samantha away from a family that truly loves her when all he wants is to bring home the piece of his sister that he didn't know he could have? And, how can he walk away from the first woman that he's ever loved?
  
  This is a complex story but not so complex to confuse readers. I truly enjoyed stepping into Ms. Phillips world. The Costas family, Zoe and Ryan are truly wonderful and dynamic characters. There is no don't that THEY tell their own story.
  
  There is a natural chemistry between Ryan and Zoe that makes this a very good romance. Ms. Phillips truly has a talent when it comes to drawing out her characters and pulling a reader in. This is a great read and one that you won't want to miss.
  
  Official Reviewer for Romance Designs
  
  

• A SIZZLING VOICE PERFORMANCE

  
  By A3M174IC0VXOS2 on 2005-08-12
  
  Put this at the top of your list for a "best for the beach listen" or "while away the long vacation drive." It's one more romantic romp by Carly Phillips, author of "Hot Number" and "The Bachelor." Phillips is a pundit of passion and she never stints, especially when opposites attract as they do in "Summer Lovin'."
  
  Zoe Costas's family may be far removed from mainline, but they make up for it in foibles and lots of love. Included in this happy New Jersey circle is Sam, a 14-year-old whom they're adopting. Slight snag when Sam's hither to now unknown uncle appears. He's Ryan Baldwin - tall, handsome and a very rich Bostonian. Seems his sister ran away as a teenager, and he has just now learned of Sam's existence. He doesn't want her to be a Costas but wants to return her to the well-to-do Baldwin clan.
  
  A security specialist, Zoe has eyes and she can see that Ryan's a hunk, but she can also see that someone else is trying to keep Sam away from the Baldwin's. In fact, that mysterious person or persons never wanted Sam to be found at all.
  
  Romance soon runs riot after Zoe and Ryan meet. But everything isn't all hearts and flowers as Ryan has recently discovered that his sister is dead, and he has vowed to find out the reason for her untimely end and protect Sam. Of course, he can't do this alone - Zoe to the rescue and into his arms.
  
  Voice performer Bernadette Quigley gives a lush, highly entertaining reading. She's especially effective when their mutual attraction finds Zoe and Ryan in a steamy scene or three.
  
  - Gail Cooke
  
  

• Delightful Summer Loving

  
  By AOZR3E3L82TH2 on 2005-08-17
  Carly Phillips has written a charming follow-up to Under The Boardwalk in Summer Loving. It continues the wickedly delightful tale of the Costas family.
  
  Zoe Costas ex Fed Agent is changing the direction of her life. She has opened a new business with her new brother in law Quinn and his former police office Connor. Zoe has reconnected with her family and especially with her twin Ari. She cares deeply for her family and the newest addition, foster sister Sam. The Costas are in the final stages to adopt Sam. A surprise in the form of Ryan Baldwin changes everything.
  
  Lawyer Ryan Baldwin has been searching for his deceased sisters Faith's child for years. He finds her thriving at the wild and fun loving Costas. Ryan and Zoe agree to hold off on telling the family until things are more settled. One major problem with that plan is that Zoe and Ryan are attracted to each other.
  
  Ryan always toed the line with his strict upper class family, but his sister Faith could never find her place at home. Zoe makes him loosen up and look at his life in a whole new light. Zoe is a free spirit but afraid to let her self go and fall in love. When the truth from the night Faith ran away comes to light they both will need the strength from each other to deal with the fall out.
  
  Carly Phillips brings the Costas family to life. It's a delicious story filled with love, family and hotter then hot passion. Its another keeper.
  
  
  

• Summer Lovin'

  
  By A320TMDV6KCFU on 2006-09-19
  Zoe Costas lives with her very eccentric family in New Jersey. Zoe once worked for the Secret Service, but tired of all the rules and regulations of the government, she is starting her own business now. Samantha is Zoe's foster sister and lives with Zoe and her family. They are all gathered to celebrate Sam's first year with the Costas family when Ryan Baldwin arrives.
  
  Ryan is a straight-laced lawyer from Boston. Ryan's sister Faith ran away from home, got into drugs and was eventually killed in a drug deal gone bad many years ago. Ryan didn't know he had a niece until recently and he has arrived at the Costas home to "save" Sam and bring her back to Boston. When Ryan and Zoe meet the sparks fly, until Zoe finds out that Ryan is not who he claims to be.
  
  Because Ryan is Sam's blood relative, he is able to be a part of Sam's life even though the Costas' object. As they all try to find common ground, Sam's life is suddenly threatened. Working together, Zoe and Ryan protect her while attempting to solve the mystery of Faith's now suspicious disappearance. Through all the mayhem Zoe and Ryan are falling for each other, but they are very different people and although Zoe knows opposites attract, she isn't sure it's enough to make things work between her and Ryan.
  
  Summer Lovin' is a terrific story! The little bit of mystery gives it some edge and the passion and desire between Ryan and Zoe makes it steamy and seductive. Ryan is basically the perfect man. He is compassionate, intelligent and gorgeous. Zoe is delightful. Her beauty both inside and out really shines through. Summer Lovin' is a feel good story that really sticks with you. With Summer Lovin', Carly Philips has proven yet again why she is one of my favorite authors!
  
  Nannette
  Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
  
  

• amusing class warfare tale of manners

  
  By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2005-07-27
  Boston Brahmin attorney Ryan Baldwin is pleased his search for his sister is over after years of trying to find Faith, a teen runaway. However he is sad that he is too late as she died in a drug shootout. He plans to bring home his fourteen years old niece Samantha who he assumes is unhappy after years in the foster care system.
  
  To his astonishment he arrives at her Atlantic City home only to find Sam adjusted and very happy living with the Costas family. The parents and sisters shower Sam with love and proper discipline though they are a zany bunch with Zack the monkey as a friend and a pet pig as a birthday gift for his niece. The worst jolt is his attraction to big sister Zoe; she to her astonishment feels the same way. Both knows a relationship between the free spirit and the stuffed shirt cannot survive very long, but they share a common goal keeping Sam safe from someone who wants the teen permanently missing.
  
  The return of the crazy kooky Costas crew provides the audience with an amusing class warfare tale of manners. The story line focuses on Ryan's reactions to the wild bunch as he starts off so tight a nickel could not slide out of his butt, but time with Zoe and Sam grease his brain so that he turns somewhat zany. Though a late suspense adds tension, that subplot feels out of place in this comedic look at upper class Boston meets hustler Atlantic City UNDER THE BOARDWALK.
  
  Harriet Klausner
  
  
  
• where was the summer fun?
  By A2T7UOUAPU89I6 on 2005-08-09
  I've enjoyed Carly Phillips other novels, but this one just didn't get very interesting. I just didn't buy into the plot about the long lost uncle posing as a social worker. And the idea that a 17 year old drug addict somehow managed to discover all the wrong doings with the mob and her family's company didn't seem very realistic either. Neither Zoe or Ryan made me love them very much. It was a fine read for passing the time on a car trip, but I'm very glad that I checked it out from the library and didn't have to pay for a hardcover book. Wait for the paperback.
  
  
• Summer Lovin'
  By A3H8NJ5PJNLFD5 on 2005-08-01
  The Costas family is a wacky, yet warm conglomeration of individuals who are more than ready to open their arms to Sam, an orphaned foster child. However, their plan runs into a snag when a long lost uncle, Ryan Baldwin, shows up laying claim to her. Yet, his protectiveness and love for the girl are impressive. Therefore, he is allowed to take Sam back to his family home, with Zoe Costas riding shotgun. Sam hardly fits in with the uptight Baldwins. She barges into their world like Tarzan entering the regal Greystoke estate. While this little reunion is going on, Ryan wants to find out what happened to Sam's mother, his sister, Faith. Zoe, as a security specialist, is up for the job. What they uncover will shake Ryan's world more than Sam rattles his family. What he finds with Zoe will turn his world upside down or is it right side up?
  
  *** Fast paced, funny, and sweet are all words that aptly fit this novel. The Costas are thoroughly charming, in an off-beat way. Be prepared to smile as you dive into this warm hearted humorous read. ***
  
  
• 2nd novel about the Eccentric Greek Costas Family.
  By A18FUHNBP90IB4 on 2005-12-10
  `Summer Lovin' by Carly Phillips is the second book about the eccentric Greek Costas Family. The first book was `Under the Boardwalk' (2004) that tells the love story of Aniana. This novel tells the love story of Zoe (Aniana's twin) the ex-secret service agent. While protecting her family from Ryan Baldwin the biological uncle of her parents foster child she feels he maybe her soul mate. Zoë's eccentric Greek family steals the show with a mix of A Greek Wedding meets the Adam's Family. I am not sure this series is my favorite Carly Phillips novel but it is quick read and nice conclusion of the twins search for love.
  
  
• I couldn't finish it!
  By A3II8B0TVCYCSD on 2006-04-08
  No character development, unoriginal plot, no chemistry between anybody. I'm glad I didn't buy this one.
  
  
• Very Disappointed...
  By A3W4OJAD36BIC on 2006-06-08
  After reading Under the Boardwalk I ordered this book and was very excited to read it. However, this book disappointed greatly. There was no character development, especially in the relationship between Zoe and Ryan. Phillips stated exactly what the character's emotions and feelings were, leaving no room for your own insight and feel for the characters. As an avid chick-lit reader, this was one of the worst books I have read in a long time.
  
  
• Summer Snoozin'
  By A20MCOIOHTD1E7 on 2006-08-27
  I don't know if I just didn't like this story or if I just don't like Carly Phillips very much. This story did nothing for me. I didn't like the Zoe very much she was kind of hard to understand. I understood that she loved Sam and wanted her to be part of the family but she was very shady with Ryan in my opinion and from how far I read didn't always respect Ryan's feelings for his niece. She kind of threw her close relationship with Sam in his face. And Ryan started out good but the social worker mix-up which wasn't really his fault kept being brought back up by Zoe and his angry moods and stodgy attitude turned me off. It was too boring to actually finish reading it. Maybe it redeemed itself in the end for other readers. But based on the premise and the poor execution I give it 2 stars.
  
  
• There are better CP books out there
  By A394CTOUGVWBBE on 2006-08-30
  It was too much like a silly romance 'quick reads' with no depth to the characters or relationships for me. I struggled to get it read- part of me wanted to put it down and going on to another book but I did finish it. I really don't know if I would recommend it. Its not a bad read - but there is just some many better ones out there.
  
  
• Phillips gives a fun, fast read
  By A60HF2B01KMTD on 2006-11-12
  Summer Lovin' is the continuation of the Costa Family story. There are lots of family get-togethers, with family dynamic and misdynamic. The teen that the senior Costa's took under their wing and into their hearts turns out not to be without relatives. Actually she has wealthy, sneaky, stuck-up relatives. Naturally, the only 'nice' relative finds the teen and has to deal with the loving family she's found for herself. Specifically her older 'sister'. This book is fairly predictable, but Phillips has a way with characters that makes you keep on reading, just to see what happens next. If you are hooked on finding out what happens to characters throughout a series, Phillips is high up in the pecking order
  
  
• not her best
  By ARBMYUVFUCFFV on 2005-09-12
  this is definitely not up to par for Carly Phillips .... you start mid-story it seems, and the pacing is messy - by the first meeting Zoe and Ryan are holding hands, next day, they are making out, yet these are two responsible, yet wounded and wary adults?
  
  Read the Bachelor series instead
  
  
• Pretty good read
  By ANOU9KKD1KAWA on 2006-08-19
  This book was a pretty good read. It started off being pretty interesting, sagged in the middle and picked up with a little bit of mystery thrown in at the end.
  
  

• Under the Boardwalk
• Cross My Heart (Ty and Hunter, Book 1)
• Hot Item (Hot Zone, Book 3)
• Body Heat (The Simply Series, Book 4)
• Hot Number (Hot Zone, Book 2)