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Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights
By Celeste Dador
Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages
May 12, 2026 by Delacorte Romance
Summary
A swoony, patriotic romance with Gilmore Girls charm—follow First Daughter Abby as she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world.
What if the person who turns your world upside down is exactly who you're meant to find?
All First Daughter Abby Alzona wanted was one normal night. But one impulsive pizza order later, she’s front-page news—and officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister Elle.
The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s family: he’s sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.
As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . .
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My Review
STARS, STRIPES & SUMMER NIGHTS is a story about a girl who wants to experience a normal teenage summer, or at least as close as she can get with her security detail following her everywhere. It's about all the firsts: first brain freeze, first rebellion, first party, first hike, first sneaking out and first kiss. There's a lovely family dynamic, some new friendships, a little drama, and first love. YA contemporary romance fans may enjoy this one.
This was a sweet story. I had two favorite things about it. First was that I just adored Abby's family! I loved that her parents were involved and loving. I thought it was cool that her dad was a former astronaut and still a pilot even thought that aspect isn't talked about too much and her mom is the president of the US. I also loved Abby's and Elle's relationship. The second was Gabe. I loved him! He was a fun leading man with some depth and easy charm. I liked how he challenged Abby and was a perfect counter to her more planned life. The story itself is cute. It meanders along as Abby tries to fulfill her bucket list of firsts. Nothing too crazy with all the uncertainties of facing things you've never done before, especially figuring out if a guy likes you.
I did have a few issues with the story. I found it very unplausible that almost all of the new things Abby did she hadn't already experienced as an incoming senior in high school. You'd really have to live in a bubble in today's social media and online ordering age to have had so many things you've never experienced. Maybe if she'd been homeschooled it would have been more plausible? I also didn't love Abby. It's always hard to love a book when you don't love the MC. My other issue is that I wanted a lot more depth to the characters and story. I felt like it was more surface level and the characters were a bit one dimensional, except maybe Gabe and Elle. They seemed fairly realistic.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall sweet, quick read. Maybe a fun addition to read around Independence Day or for light reading on the beach. I'm curious to see what this author tackles next.
Content: A few instances of mild swearing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Toppling Stacks Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
She was a reality TV finalist on America’s Next Great Author, and has been chosen for several competitive author mentorships —proof that caffeine and stubborn optimism really do pay off. She loves meeting writers because who else gets excited about fictional people and excessive caffeine – and is a regional leader with SCBWI, a kidlit creator community.
Celeste lives and works in the Washington D.C. area with her family, where they enjoy exploring historic sites in search of ghost stories, good snacks, and a decent parking spot. Like most of her main characters, Celeste is proudly Filipino-American.
Her favorite words of advice: “Find something only you can say” and “If you have to choose between a werewolf or a vampire – always choose the vampire.”
For her Adult romances, she writes under the pen name C.C. Dador.
Tour Schedule
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Have you read any books where a character was part of the presidential family? What appeals to you about this book?
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