He’s a billionaire hiding at my bed-and-breakfast, pretending to be ordinary. I’m the woman who fell for every pretty word…
Carter Banks shows up at my struggling beachside B&B looking for a place to disappear for the summer. I accept his reservation because we need the money. As it stands, I have three months to save my family’s legacy and no time for distractions. But the chemistry is off the charts, and we can’t get enough of one another.
Between late-night meetups and early morning coffee runs, I’m falling for a man who feels like home. He helps me slow down long enough to remember what I’m fighting for and reminds me to have fun.
Everything seems like it might work out until the sharks start circling, both the corporate kind and my ex wanting a second chance. Somehow, Carter’s the only one keeping me together. But when paparazzi photos and gossip blogs reveal the guy I’ve been falling for is actually Dyson Carter Banks—billionaire CEO and exactly the kind of man I swore I’d never trust—I’m left wondering if it was real or if I was just another summer crush.
There’s only one way to find out…
(ARC Read)
When I get an ARC from Lyra Parish, everything else immediately goes on hold, and Just Another Summer Crush was no exception. I picked this up and finished it in one afternoon because I simply couldn’t put it down. This book is sunshine, salt air, chemistry, and just the right amount of spice wrapped into the perfect summer romance.
This is truly the perfect summer beach read. You’ve got beach vibes, bonfires, a charming small-town atmosphere, strong female friendships, and a heroine stepping fully into her own. Wendy returns to Coconut Beach to take over her grandmother’s struggling beachside B&B, determined to save it and herself. After spending five years losing her identity to a man who didn’t value her, Wendy isn’t looking for someone to rescue her. She’s done with that chapter and ready to rebuild her life on her own terms. And honestly? Her badass, take-no-nonsense energy made her incredibly easy to root for.
Then Carter Banks walks through the door.
Or… at least that’s who he says he is.
Carter is actually Dyson Carter Banks—billionaire CEO, forced onto a two-month sabbatical and hiding out at Wendy’s B&B to escape the chaos of his real life. He arrives grumpy, uptight, and completely out of his element, but Coconut Beach and Wendy, start working their magic almost immediately.
“For what it’s worth, even though you’re a pain in my ass, you’re growing on me.”
One of my favorite elements of this story is the August 3rd deadline hanging over everything. Carter has 63 days before he has to return to New York and step back into his life as CEO, and from the beginning, they both agree to keep things as just a summer crush—something temporary, fun, and uncomplicated. But of course, feelings don’t follow deadlines. Watching them fall harder with each passing day while knowing there’s an end date looming made the romance even more emotional and addictive.
“I’m broken, Carter.”
“Guess I have until August 3 to put you back together.”
The chemistry between Wendy and Carter is instant, but what I loved most is how their connection grows naturally. Late-night meetups, early morning coffee runs, quiet conversations by the water… it all builds into something that feels effortless and real. Carter gets to be someone different here, someone free from expectations, and Wendy falls for the version of him that feels genuine and grounded.
“Being in love with you scares me.” I study her. “Do it afraid.”
I also loved how their dynamic played out when it came to money. Wendy doesn’t actually know who Carter really is—she just picks up on the little things. The way he dresses, the expensive liquor and the chocolate that definitely isn’t from the local grocery store… it’s clear he’s used to a certain lifestyle. But even with those hints, Carter never tries to throw money at Wendy’s problems or swoop in and fix everything.
Instead, he shows up in quieter ways. He supports her, encourages her, and reminds her she doesn’t have to carry everything alone. And Wendy, who’s spent so long doing everything herself and rebuilding after losing her identity in a past relationship, doesn’t immediately let him in. But slowly, she starts to soften. She lets herself enjoy being cared for, lets herself have fun, and allows Carter to spoil her in small, meaningful ways. Watching that shift felt so natural and incredibly rewarding.
“The bare minimum is easy, Wendy. If someone wants to, they will.”
And the banter? So good. Their playful tension, the sneaking around, and the slow shift from “just a summer crush” to something deeper made this story incredibly fun to read. There are plenty of sweet moments, but the spice definitely delivers too. It’s perfectly balanced with the heart of the story.
“I’ve never been with a man whose cock has been identified as an anaconda.”
The side characters absolutely shine here as well. Wendy’s grandmother and the meddling ladies added so much charm and humor, and the strong female friendships gave the story an extra layer of warmth. Coconut Beach itself feels like a place you want to visit. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of personality.
“It’s because you’re chunky guac with onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños, baby. You are not free salsa.”
I also appreciated that the drama never felt overly drawn out. There’s tension with Wendy’s ex and the reveal of Carter’s true identity, but everything is handled in a satisfying way without leaning into unnecessary angst.
This book is sunshine, chemistry, laughter, and heart all wrapped into one. I finished it smiling, already excited for the rest of this interconnected series, and fully embracing my summer reading era.
Release Date: April 13th, 2026 (TODAY!)
Thank you to Lyra Parish for the ARC read!