In Sun-kissed, the third installment of Melissa de la Cruz's popular series The Au Pairs, readers are once again invited into the glamorous yet tumultuous lives of Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui as they navigate the sun-soaked summer in the Hamptons. This book captures the essence of youthful exuberance, the complexities of relationships, and the often deceptive nature of appearances, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging narrative.

The novel opens with Mara, who is living what many would consider a dream life. She is not only dating Ryan Perry, the son of a wealthy family, but she is also enjoying the perks of his lifestyle aboard his parents' luxury yacht. Her role as a nightlife columnist allows her to mingle with celebrities and VIPs, giving her a taste of the high life. However, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a struggle for independence and identity. Mara's relationship with Ryan becomes a focal point, highlighting the tension between personal ambition and romantic commitment. As she grapples with Ryan's desire for her to stay home and cuddle, readers witness her internal conflict: the desire for love versus the need for personal fulfillment.

Eliza's storyline offers a contrasting perspective on relationships and personal growth. After her family's financial struggles, she finds herself back in the lap of luxury, but this newfound wealth comes with its own set of challenges. Her relationship with Jeremy is portrayed as idyllic at first, but as Eliza takes on an internship with a renowned fashion designer, the reality of hard work and the strain it puts on her relationship becomes evident. The theme of ambition versus love is prevalent here, as Eliza must navigate the demands of her career while trying to maintain her romantic relationship. This duality resonates with many young adults who face similar dilemmas, making Eliza's journey relatable and poignant.

Jacqui, the third au pair, embodies a more carefree and adventurous spirit. Newly single and ready to explore, she embraces the summer with a mantra of fun and flirtation. Her interactions with the three dot-com millionaire boys next door add a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the narrative. Jacqui's character development is particularly engaging as she learns to balance her desire for fun with the potential consequences of her actions. The exploration of her character serves as a reminder that while summer flings can be exhilarating, they often come with emotional baggage.

One of the most compelling aspects of Sun-kissed is its exploration of friendship among the three au pairs. Despite their individual struggles, Mara, Eliza, and Jacqui support one another through thick and thin. Their camaraderie is a testament to the strength of female friendships, particularly in a world that often pits women against each other. This theme is refreshing and serves as a counter-narrative to the typical portrayals of women in young adult literature, where jealousy and rivalry often take center stage.

The setting of the Hamptons plays a crucial role in the story, serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right. The opulence and allure of the area are vividly described, immersing readers in a world of luxury and excess. However, de la Cruz also subtly critiques this lifestyle, reminding readers that beneath the surface, not everything is as perfect as it seems. The juxtaposition of the glamorous setting with the characters' personal struggles creates a rich tapestry that enhances the overall narrative.

De la Cruz's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to become invested in the characters' lives. The dialogue is sharp and witty, capturing the essence of youthful banter while also conveying deeper emotional truths. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, with moments of tension and conflict interspersed with lighter, humorous scenes that keep the reader entertained.

In comparison to other works in the young adult genre, Sun-kissed stands out for its nuanced portrayal of relationships and personal growth. While many novels focus solely on romantic entanglements, de la Cruz skillfully weaves in themes of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery. Readers who enjoyed similar series, such as The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares or Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, will find much to love in this installment of The Au Pairs.

Overall, Sun-kissed is a delightful read that captures the essence of summer, friendship, and the complexities of young adulthood. Melissa de la Cruz has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a worthy addition to the young adult literary canon. As the au pairs navigate their sun-drenched summer, readers are left with a sense of nostalgia for their own youthful adventures and the realization that, like the characters, they too are on a journey of self-discovery.