Sarah MacLean’s 2025 contemporary novel is a romance, not historical in nature. Yet, fans should be quite happy with These Summer Storms. The setting is a private island off Rhode Island and the characters center around patriarch Franklin Storm who made his name by revolutionizing the tech communication industry. The dare-devil billionaire took one risk too many, and his death brings the family together. At least in body if not mind and spirit.

Franklin Storm exerts control from the grave. Three of his children and widow receive letters. And each missive contains one final challenge. Per the will, all must succeed, or no one will inherit.

There is no fairness to the requests. Furthermore, protagonist Alice Storm wants no part of the game. Since she was banished five years ago, no letter was included for her. However, she is instructed not to leave by her father’s second in command.

Greta Storm has the hardest task from an emotional standpoint. Thus, Alice tells her not to comply. Second born Sam, the only male offspring is determined to make everyone comply. Even if it means detaining Alice on the island. Emily, the youngest, has secrets to disclose and the widow Elisabeth is compelled to tell the truth.

Jack Dean, Franklin’s second-in-command, is present to see if the rules are followed. But he has already broken one. Seemingly he is attracted to Alice. The feeling is somewhat mutual. Unsurprisingly, there are complications and greed shines through. Can the siblings work together?

These Summer Storms, as a novel, is more than a red-hot romance. But the sexual tension between Jack and Alice leaps off the pages. As Alice struggles with her grief and her role in the family, Jack provides support. The chemistry between the two works absolutely. Furthermore, their strained relationship keeps the reader turning to the next page.

I love this novel, and it is perfect for summer reading. However, the writing leaves nothing to the imagination when Alice and Jack come together so it may not be acceptable to some readers. Plus, I do not recommend for readers under 18. But for those who enjoy spicy romance novels with more substance than just a love story, this is a winner. My understanding is this is MacLean’s first contemporary novel. I plan to look for her historical releases. Furthermore, I hope she continues to spin tales filled with rich characters such as those in These Summer Storms.