Just Another Summer Enemy by Ariel Hendrix Format: ARC
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Just Another Summer Enemy is the kind of beachy rom-com you reach for when you want something light, a little steamy, and guaranteed to end with a satisfying HEA. I went into this one completely blind, and it delivered exactly the mix of heart and spice I was hoping for.
Set against a sunny Florida beachfront backdrop, this story follows Summer and Dayton—step-siblings with a complicated past—who are forced back into each other’s lives after a tragedy leaves them co-owning a rundown beach bungalow. What starts off heavy (they’re both dealing with the loss of their parents) gradually shifts into a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, complete with tension, banter, and plenty of heat.
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the stepbrother angle going in, but the author handles it in a way that makes it easier to accept—Summer and her mom didn’t enter Dayton’s life until she was already in her late teens, which helped ease some of that initial hesitation.
The beach setting really shines here. This is one of those easy, escapist reads you can enjoy poolside or at the lake with a cold drink in hand. The vibe is fun, summery, and indulgent—the kind of book you don’t have to think too hard about, just enjoy.
My biggest drawback was the level of animosity between Summer and Dayton. While the tension is part of the trope, it felt a bit over-the-top at times, especially since it was obvious they were both into each other. Considering they’re in their mid-to-late twenties, toning that down slightly might have made their dynamic feel more mature and believable.
Overall, this is a solid beach read with just the right balance of emotional depth and spice. If you’re in the mood for a quick, entertaining summer romance with a forbidden twist, this one is definitely worth tossing in your beach bag.