My Thoughts: Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights by Celeste Dador

*I received a copy of this book from Penguin Teen Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights

by Celeste Dador

May 12, 2026

Goodreads Summary:

Named one of Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Reads of 2026, Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights is a swoony debut YA romance about First Daughter Abby Cary-Alzona’s summer of self-discovery, small-town charm, and unexpected love.

All Abby wants is one normal summer before college. No headlines. No drama. Just a chance to breathe.

But when a run-in at the White House with Gabriel Calabrese—a maddeningly carefree small-town photographer—spirals into a pizza delivery scandal that makes front-page news, Abby’s plans disappear overnight. To escape the fallout, she’s sent to a charming country inn run by Gabriel’s family.

Now she’s stuck with the last person she wants to see.

As Abby and Gabriel team up to save his family’s Fourth of July festival—and tackle Abby’s secret summer bucket list—sparks begin to fly. Especially when he helps her experience all the “real” teen moments she’s missed: parties, picnics… and maybe even a first kiss.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Forced proximity

• Opposites attract

• Reluctant royalty

• Small-town charm reminiscent of Gilmore Girls

A cozy, heartfelt story that explores familial expectations and what it means to choose a life—and love—on your own terms.

Review

I’m going to preface this review with the realization that YA romances probably aren’t for me anymore. So, while Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights was an endearing story, I found the storyline to be predictable and a tad young. But I do think younger readers will appreciate this short and sweet book.

Abby was a nice girl but as a teenager still finding her way, she was bound to make mistakes no matter how hard she tried to be the perfect First Daughter. In contrast, handsome and talented Gabe was kind of (too?) perfect. I liked watching him help Abby grow into herself (as she completed her summer bucket lists). She ogled him a lot, but they had meaningful times together.

I felt like I didn’t get resolutions on some matters in Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights. For example, we found out who leaked photos of Abby but there were no consequences for the person? And we never found out how Oliver really felt about Abby- it was always assumed with no real confirmation. I'm someone who looks for closure, so I wish these things weren’t so easily brushed over.

Though parts of Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights felt surface-level, I can see teens enjoying the story. It had great characters, a cute romance and some fun and funny moments.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.