Summer Break Series by Lizzie Peters

As a planner and perfectionist, Sutton Beaumont has her whole life planned out.Well, almost.One thing she has yet to plan is a lasting relationship—an increasingly difficult task after having her heart broken and not finding that spark with anyone again. Before leaving for Charlottesville, Virginia for summer break, Sutton’s best friends, who teach with her at their small-town elementary school, encourage her to be more spontaneous and not let her planner control her every move... moreAs a planner and perfectionist, Sutton Beaumont has her whole life planned out.Well, almost.One thing she has yet to plan is a lasting relationship—an increasingly difficult task after having her heart broken and not finding that spark with anyone again. Before leaving for Charlottesville, Virginia for summer break, Sutton’s best friends, who teach with her at their small-town elementary school, encourage her to be more spontaneous and not let her planner control her every move. Sutton doubts she can do so until she meets Theo, a handsome guy at the bar to whom she’s instantly drawn, who steals her planner and offers to be her summer tour guide instead.Theo Mallory is the opposite of Sutton. He struggles with uncertainty about his career, future, and even himself, especially when competing with his cousin to become CEO of his family’s winery corporation. To spend one night as just Theo, not Theo Mallory, he keeps his identity and personal struggles hidden, even when making plans with the beautiful, seemingly put-together girl from the bar.After their first tour, sparks are already flying, but they’re quickly extinguished when Sutton arrives at a business function hosted by Theo with his rival as her date. Only after a series of misunderstandings are cleared up and all truth comes to light can Sutton then begin to help Theo navigate his uncertainty, and he can help Sutton understand that sometimes the best things in life are the things you can’t plan.What starts as a spark between them ignites into so much more, leading Sutton to plan how their relationship can work beyond the summer, and Theo to determine what it is he really wants.But, if there's one thing he is certain about, it's her. less

Aspen Liu has always been hardworking—not just because she works a demanding job alongside her best friends and co-teachers—but to prove herself to her parents and sister, who disapprove of her and her career choice as part of the notable Liu family. But just because she’s a workaholic doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for relationships.Not that she calls them that... moreAspen Liu has always been hardworking—not just because she works a demanding job alongside her best friends and co-teachers—but to prove herself to her parents and sister, who disapprove of her and her career choice as part of the notable Liu family. But just because she’s a workaholic doesn’t mean she doesn’t have time for relationships.Not that she calls them that.She’s been deemed the ice queen by her friends, as she’s not one to show much emotion, and is careful about who she lets see the real her. Her love life is no exception, as she never hooks up with the same guy twice, and likes to live by three rules—no unnecessary touching, no kissing, and no catching feelings.Rules that she is sticking to, no matter how much she’s tempted to break them after an unforgettable one-night stand last summer with Aaron Mallory, who finds himself in her hometown, not just for a quick business trip to support his cousin Theo with his new winery, but for the whole summer.Aaron Mallory is equally hardworking, but whereas Aspen isn’t seen for her accomplishments, that’s all he’s seen for. Highly praised from a young age, he’s naturally developed an arrogant attitude, even after learning to accomplish things for himself—something he comes to realize Aspen struggles with. However, he’s determined not to get emotionally attached to her, and he has no intention to let his cold facade drop for her, as relationships are not something he likes to pursue.That doesn’t mean he won’t do whatever it takes to turn their one-night stand into more than one night, keeping her in close proximity, especially when the two end up spending a lot of time together preparing for Theo and Sutton’s wedding and while Aspen’s working part time at the winery.Things heat up between them when they eventually enter a no-strings attached agreement, not just in terms of passion, but also in terms of melting the icy cold exteriors they both have.When these two see each other for who they really are, will they like who they see enough to try their attempt at a real relationship? Or will they cool things down by the time summer is over? less

One villa. Two best friends. Three unforgettable weeks.Riley Alvares has a talent for keeping it calm—on the outside and typically only in her kindergarten classroom. On the inside, she’s anything but calm. A little high-strung, easily excitable, and prone to overthinking. Yoga helps, and so do her friends—including her best guy friend, Tanner Torres, who’s always grounded her and been her constant. Even if once upon a time she wished he could have been more than that... moreOne villa. Two best friends. Three unforgettable weeks.Riley Alvares has a talent for keeping it calm—on the outside and typically only in her kindergarten classroom. On the inside, she’s anything but calm. A little high-strung, easily excitable, and prone to overthinking. Yoga helps, and so do her friends—including her best guy friend, Tanner Torres, who’s always grounded her and been her constant. Even if once upon a time she wished he could have been more than that.Tanner has built a name for himself as a successful freelance architect who’s used to high stakes and even higher expectations. Knowing he’s due for some rest and relaxation himself, and knowing the rest of Riley’s summer break lines up with a lull in his workload, he invites her to spend the rest of it with him in Italy.It should be simple. Just wine, sunshine, and good company. But the kiss they shared as part of a dare has Tanner struggling even more to hide his true feelings for Riley, convinced acting on them would risk everything they have.As lazy afternoons turn into electric nights and every glance lingers a little too long, the line between friendship and something deeper begins to blur. Riley isn’t sure if she’s misreading everything. Tanner isn’t sure how much longer he can keep pretending. And the longer they keep their feelings locked away, the harder it becomes to ignore what’s been growing between them all along.Will the match that’s been simmering slowly between them die out this summer? Or will it finally be set ablaze?Summer Blaze is a contemporary romance and is book three of the Summer Break Series. It is the third of four interconnected standalones. As equally sweet as it is spicy. Recommended for 18+. less