Summer Lovin' (Costas Sisters, Book 2)

Zoe Costas lives with her very eccentric family in New Jersey. Zoe once worked for the Secret Service, but tired of all the rules and regulations of the government, she is starting her own business now. Samantha is Zoe's foster sister and lives with Zoe and her family. They are all gathered to celebrate Sam's first year with the Costas family when Ryan Baldwin arrives. Ryan is a straight-laced lawyer from Boston. Ryan's sister Faith ran away from home, got into drugs and was eventually killed in a drug deal gone bad many years ago. Ryan didn't know he had a niece until recently and he has arrived at the Costas home to "save" Sam and bring her back to Boston. When Ryan and Zoe meet the sparks fly, until Zoe finds out that Ryan is not who he claims to be. Because Ryan is Sam's blood relative, he is able to be a part of Sam's life even though the Costas' object. As they all try to find common ground, Sam's life is suddenly threatened. Working together, Zoe and Ryan protect her while attempting to solve the mystery of Faith's now suspicious disappearance. Through all the mayhem Zoe and Ryan are falling for each other, but they are very different people and although Zoe knows opposites attract, she isn't sure it's enough to make things work between her and Ryan. Summer Lovin' is a terrific story! The little bit of mystery gives it some edge and the passion and desire between Ryan and Zoe makes it steamy and seductive. Ryan is basically the perfect man. He is compassionate, intelligent and gorgeous. Zoe is delightful. Her beauty both inside and out really shines through. Summer Lovin' is a feel good story that really sticks with you. With Summer Lovin', Carly Philips has proven yet again why she is one of my favorite authors! Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Carly Phillips has written a charming follow-up to Under The Boardwalk in Summer Loving. It continues the wickedly delightful tale of the Costas family. Zoe Costas ex Fed Agent is changing the direction of her life. She has opened a new business with her new brother in law Quinn and his former police office Connor. Zoe has reconnected with her family and especially with her twin Ari. She cares deeply for her family and the newest addition, foster sister Sam. The Costas are in the final stages to adopt Sam. A surprise in the form of Ryan Baldwin changes everything. Lawyer Ryan Baldwin has been searching for his deceased sisters Faith's child for years. He finds her thriving at the wild and fun loving Costas. Ryan and Zoe agree to hold off on telling the family until things are more settled. One major problem with that plan is that Zoe and Ryan are attracted to each other. Ryan always toed the line with his strict upper class family, but his sister Faith could never find her place at home. Zoe makes him loosen up and look at his life in a whole new light. Zoe is a free spirit but afraid to let her self go and fall in love. When the truth from the night Faith ran away comes to light they both will need the strength from each other to deal with the fall out. Carly Phillips brings the Costas family to life. It's a delicious story filled with love, family and hotter then hot passion. Its another keeper.

Put this at the top of your list for a "best for the beach listen" or "while away the long vacation drive." It's one more romantic romp by Carly Phillips, author of "Hot Number" and "The Bachelor." Phillips is a pundit of passion and she never stints, especially when opposites attract as they do in "Summer Lovin'." Zoe Costas's family may be far removed from mainline, but they make up for it in foibles and lots of love. Included in this happy New Jersey circle is Sam, a 14-year-old whom they're adopting. Slight snag when Sam's hither to now unknown uncle appears. He's Ryan Baldwin - tall, handsome and a very rich Bostonian. Seems his sister ran away as a teenager, and he has just now learned of Sam's existence. He doesn't want her to be a Costas but wants to return her to the well-to-do Baldwin clan. A security specialist, Zoe has eyes and she can see that Ryan's a hunk, but she can also see that someone else is trying to keep Sam away from the Baldwin's. In fact, that mysterious person or persons never wanted Sam to be found at all. Romance soon runs riot after Zoe and Ryan meet. But everything isn't all hearts and flowers as Ryan has recently discovered that his sister is dead, and he has vowed to find out the reason for her untimely end and protect Sam. Of course, he can't do this alone - Zoe to the rescue and into his arms. Voice performer Bernadette Quigley gives a lush, highly entertaining reading. She's especially effective when their mutual attraction finds Zoe and Ryan in a steamy scene or three. - Gail Cooke

The second in the Costas Sister series is a fast-paced read with endearing characters. Fan's of Ms. Phillips are in for a very entertaining read. Zoe Costas has quit the Secret Service and has gone into business with her brother-in-law and his best friend. She is trying to find her place in life while maintaining the close family connection that her loving Greek family has. The family is about to increase by one with the adoption of their foster child Samantha. That is until a stranger shows up. He is handsome, uptight, and straighlaced. He's trouble alright. Trouble for Zoe. Ryan Baldwin comes from a wealthy Bostonian family. He has been looking for her niece for years. He tracks her down in Jersey. She is living with a fun, zany family that are totally opposite of his own family. On top of that there is Zoe. Zoe is beautiful inside and out. She truly cares about his niece and she speaks to a part of his heart that he didn't know he had. He's going to have to jugggle things in order to make sure that everyone is happy in the end. The Costas family, Zoe, Samantha, and himself. How can he take Samantha away from a family that truly loves her when all he wants is to bring home the piece of his sister that he didn't know he could have? And, how can he walk away from the first woman that he's ever loved? This is a complex story but not so complex to confuse readers. I truly enjoyed stepping into Ms. Phillips world. The Costas family, Zoe and Ryan are truly wonderful and dynamic characters. There is no don't that THEY tell their own story. There is a natural chemistry between Ryan and Zoe that makes this a very good romance. Ms. Phillips truly has a talent when it comes to drawing out her characters and pulling a reader in. This is a great read and one that you won't want to miss. Official Reviewer for Romance Designs