What Happens in Summer

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. (June)