REVIEW: Before Summer Ends by Susan Mallery

I have been a huge fan of author Susan Mallery for a long time. She has the knack to mix romance, friendship and family into deeply satisfying stories. I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review Before Summer Ends. This novel hit all the right notes for me.

Nissa is a teacher who works summer jobs to help finance her future dream trip to Italy. Unfortunately, this summer’s job falls through. Not only is she without the job, she is also without a place to live since she has rented out her home for the summer.

Her brother works out a plan for her to stay with his good friend Desmond. Desmond is incredibly rich and has a huge home. The main problem is Desmond was her huge high school crush. He also spent lots of time with her family during school and college holidays since his parents were mainly absent from his life. Can Nissa and Desmond spend the summer as just friends?

Desmond was a bit off-putting at first. He had this huge, luxurious home and lifestyle and seemed focused on work. He saw himself as almost heartless after being raised by parents who looked at relationships as how they benefited you and not as loving. I did feel sorry for him that his marriage went sour. As time went on the author reveals that Desmond does having a caring heart and wants to use his wealth to help others.

Nissa was a hard worker and had some truly wild temp jobs over the summer. She seemed rather stubborn when she didn’t want to accept much help from Desmond. She had her pride and determination. The reader doesn’t learn quite as much about Nissa’s brother, Shane. but he is a good older brother who has tried to help her along the way.

Before Summer Ends is the perfect beach read. Although some serious issues are addressed, overall it is an easy, quick book. If you haven’t read Susan Mallery before this novel will be a perfect start. If you are a fan, this is one you will love. I will continue to read Susan Mallery’s books as long as she writes them.

Book Info:

Publication: April 27, 2021 | Harlequin Special Edition |

A long, hot summer with her secret crush…
What could possibly go wrong?

Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He’s a CEO, she’s a teacher. He’s gorgeous, she’s…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she’s felt about him since their first—and only—kiss.

Desmond should’ve known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend’s sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he’s stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to resist.