Reviews

WARNING: I guess it's unpopular opinion time again!!

I enjoyed the first Darling Investigations book when I read it last year, and I admit it took me longer than expected to finally pick up the sequel. I fully expected to have a great time with Blazing Summer as well, because I liked the mix of cozy mystery, romance and banter in the first book. I'm not sure what exactly went wrong while I was reading this sequel, but somehow I wasn't as charmed by this story as expected. It might have been my fickle reading mood acting up again, but it was all just too over the top and cliche for me. I mean, I get that the plot has to have obstacles for Summer to overcome, but seriously? Was it really necessary to throw that much shit at her? Basically, there were a lot of characters treating her horribly, and she doesn't even really stand up for herself either. True, she does save herself a couple of times, but she also lets others walk all over her at the same time. I wasn't as entertained by the plot either, as it just all felt too forced and convenient. I admit that there were some funny and redeeming moments, but as a whole I can't say that Blazing Summer lived up to expectations to me. I'm starting to think that I might just have to leave her work be for now...

Content Warnings

stephaniek219's review against another edition

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5.0

Summer Butler is one of my new favorite characters. She witty, smart, and fiercely loyal.

And Blazing Summer is now one of my favorite Denise Grover Swank series. With the exception of the silly names (Rick Springfield?), the cases that Summer encounters are intriguing and wrought with complexity enough to keep you guessing.

I’m looking forward to more from Summer & Luke, and watching Dixie heal and grow. And of course more from Teddy!

rockchick's review against another edition

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3.0

Cozy mystery, romance, family, small town dynamics, old rivals and one reality show.

Denise Grover Swank captures the imagination with her portrayal of regular people, living in a small town trying to live life to the fullest.

There is some romance in the book, but its mostly about people, the decisions they make and the consequences of their actions.

Summer is a great heroine.

After Hollywood quit her , she re-invented herself. She came back to her roots, re-connected with members of her family and found herself.

Summer finding her strength is one of the best things in the series. She learns to stand up to herself and isnt afraid to challenge those who try to hurt her professionally.

nataliewright1995's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

cstenson20's review against another edition

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5.0

This book suprised me

I’ll admit, I was leery going into this book. I didn’t fall in love with Deadly Summer, but I hate to leave a series unfinished. Blazing Summer definitely redeemed this series. I was on edge the whole time waiting for the next big breakthrough with Summers investigations. I was not disappointed in the romance either. HOT. That’s all I will say. The ending has me wanting more so I’m anxious for the next part in “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie”.

linnybeebooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely Fantastic!

Ugh these characters are the best- even Deputy Dixon who I love to hate. It was great to be back with Summer and Dixie investigating. After all the drama, I'm ready to see Lauren get some come-uppance.

jenn703's review against another edition

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4.0

Edge of my seat suspense...

This book picks up a few months after the previous and continues Summer's journey as a P.I. in her hometown. I felt like the beginning was a bit slower and summarized a lot of the previous book but it did hook me. I am pretty certain I held my breath for an entire chapter as I cursed DGS in my head for the directions the book could have taken. From that point on, I could not wait to see what happened and was please that I was completely surprised and thrown off by how everything turned out. I am excited for more of Summer and absolutely love Luke.

* ARC received from NetGalley

readwithchey's review against another edition

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5.0

"I had a feeling something bad was coming, and I had no idea how to stop it."

Wow, what a ride! Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for the ARC copy of this amazing sequel to one of my favorite reads from January! After reading the first Darling Investigations book, Deadly Summer, I was stalking Goodreads, NetGalley, and the author's website for information about the next book, especially after Denise Grover Swank tweeted at me and said Dixie's story was revealed in this book!

One of the things I had mentioned in my review for Deadly Summer was that I had wanted to learn more about Dixie's past and I got my wish! Blazing Summer answers every question I had in the first book, as well as supplies me with a few new questions that I'm sure will be answered in the following book, provided there is a book three.

The overarching mystery in this book was actually crazy. Every time I thought I had a theory as to what was going on and who was doing it, I was given new information that completely shattered my ideas. There's nothing better than a mystery book where the reader has no clue who the culprit it, and this book delivered that. Not to mention the fact that there were probably three or so mysteries that you were trying to get answers to that all come together in such an explosive way. We learn so much about Dixie and what happened to her all those years ago, as well as learning how those events changed her life in almost every way. It was very a much a book where past mysteries and present dangers collide and I loved every minute of it!

Houses aren't the only thing burning up in this book! The romance between Luke and Summer heats up to epic proportions in this novel, which is another thing I had wanted for the second book. We get to see them officially become a couple but also learn how to work together and respect one another's dangerous jobs. Not only that, but Summer isn't used to having someone want to protect her and help her, and she isn't ready to give up her job to just be Luke's girlfriend. At the same time, Luke just wants to keep Summer safe and is trying to get her to leave the arson case alone. We get to see them evolve in their new relationship and as well as evolve as individuals. It was quite an interesting relationship dynamic, and I really enjoy them together.

Basically this book has it all; kooky small town characters, pet alligators, a possible drug ring, steamy romance, a mysterious arsonist, naked men drawings, hilarious banter, a dead body, and a washed up child star. It's safe to say that I love this series and I'm already (im)patiently waiting for the next installment! I'll be back to cyber stalking the publisher's website, the author's website, and Goodreads once again until I can get news on book three. Wish me luck!

Side note: this book, once it's released next month, and it's predecessor are available to read on Kindle Unlimited, so if you haven't read the first book yet now is the time!

You can check out other full reviews, author interviews, and bookish talks at Tonkin About Books!

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