REVIEW: Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster

Hot Mess Summer by Melissa Foster: Being twice divorced is bad enough but as a romance author Nicole’s biggest issue is her major case of writers block! Not only does she need to get her creative juices going again but she also needs to shake her daughter out of her funk, which is why Nicole gets the brilliant idea to move to a small fishing town in New England for a fresh start. However it would seem that she has chosen the settle down in a hub of single guys, when all she really wanted was a few good gal pals. But being in a small town does have its perks namely fellow single parent and former military man Declan. Soon the two form a close bond filled with fish peddling, crazy adventures and the some very romance novel worth feelings, the question is could Declan be Nicole’s very own leading man?

This book was just to cute! I loved the entire idea of two single parents finding friendship with one and other that slowly develops into something more, add in the fact that this was so definitely a small town romance and I was completely hooked. There was a great balance between the banter, the build up and the real feelings that were experienced by both Nicole and Declan. This story really had a very authentic feel to it that I really enjoyed.

I just loved both of these two main characters, they are both divorced so they can understand each others insecurities in allowing love into their lives again and allowing someone new a chance. I liked the fact that they could both relate to each other and that their connection started out first as friends, they really had a slow burn romance and this helped them lower their walls and get comfortable. Nicole was a great leading lady, she was funny, kind and really relatable. I just loved that she though that she could leave all the big swoony moments to her books and live this boring simple life, yeah well fate has other plans for our girl in the form of one swoony Delcan. Gosh I loved Declan, he rocked the hot single military dad vibe down to an art. I loved that he was this big protective hero that was not interested in being super fancy or over the top. He was a simple guy that loved big and I really liked this about his character.

The chemistry between these two was incredible, like I said I really liked that their relationship evolved from simply being friends into something a lot steamier. There was something very easy about their connection that made rooting them on all the more easy. The steam in this book is top notch, Declan is all man and he was not afraid to show it! Aside from having some great steamy moments I loved the fact that he helped smooth over all of Nicole’s insecurities and fears, much the way she did with his. These two just worked and I loved getting to see them together.I also really loved their connection with their kids and how they incorporated them into their new relationship.

Hot Mess Summer is a super sweet slow burn, low angst, small town romance that I would strongly recommend reading. This book has a little bit of everything and will leave you feeling warm and content.

Book Info:

Publication: October 17, 2023 | Montlake |

Who buys a cottage in a New England fishing village on a whim? A stressed-out, twice-divorced romance writer and single mother looking for a fresh start, that’s who. Despite what my besties say about my three-year dry spell, I’m not looking for a man. Or drama. Or sex. I’ve got enough on my plate with writer’s block and a daughter who refuses to grow up. Community. That’s what I need. Unfortunately, it seems the universe has other ideas. Either Chatemup, Massachusetts, has a serious shortage of single women, or I’ve become a hot mess magnet for the male species.

At least I’ve found one funny, good-hearted friend: fish peddler Declan Miller, my brainstorming adventure buddy who stirs my creative juices. I’m his Writer Girl. He’s my Dimple Dude. Just scruffy, granite-chested, deep-voiced, ex-military brawn who happens to be—oh, Nicole, what are you doing to yourself?—stoking a long-neglected fire without even trying.

A self-confessed hot mess, divorced single dad Declan is too old for relationship games. Not interested. Same here. So why do I keep thinking about him? Preferably naked. Because I’m a hot mess, too? At least he’s inspiring me to write. If only real life were like one of my novels. At least then I’d have a better idea of how this was going to end.