Summer camp is supposed to be about friendship bracelets and canoeing. Maybe a little awkward teenage pining by the lake. But in Dead of Summer AJ Merlin style, the vibe shifts from The Parent Trap to Friday the 13th within the first few chapters. Honestly, it’s a lot. If you’re looking for a sweet, sun-drenched romance to read while sipping lemonade, this isn't it. You’ve probably seen the polarizing reviews on TikTok or Goodreads, and there is a very specific reason for the chaos: this book doesn't just flirt with the "dark" in dark romance—it dives headfirst into the abyss with a cinder block tied to its ankles.
The story follows Summer, a seasoned counselor at Camp Crestview. She’s out of college, a bit aimless, and deeply protective of the kids she’s watching. Then enters Kayde Lane. He’s the new guy. He’s gorgeous. He’s charming. He also happens to be a literal serial killer who brought an axe to camp with the express intent of murdering everyone there.
Yeah. That’s the plot.
The Deal with the Devil: Plot and Tension
Most slashers involve a "Final Girl" running for her life. AJ Merlin flips that. When Summer catches Kayde in the woods at night, axe in hand, she doesn't just scream and run. She makes a deal.
Seven nights. If she survives seven nights of doing whatever he wants, he leaves the campers alone. It is a high-stakes, deeply uncomfortable premise that forces the reader to confront a lot of moral gray areas. Or, let’s be real, moral pitch-black areas.
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The book is massive. We're talking over 500 pages. For a standalone dark romance, that is a hefty commitment. Some readers love the slow burn and the way Merlin builds the claustrophobic atmosphere of the woods. Others? They feel the middle drags like a wet sleeping bag. You get a lot of dialogue with the kids—who the book constantly describes as "feral"—and quite a bit of mundane camp life interspersed with Kayde’s escalating, often deviant demands.
Why Kayde Lane is "Unhinged but Safe" (Sorta)
There is a trope in the dark romance community often called "unhinged but safe." It describes a male lead who is a monster to the world but a protector to the heroine. Kayde fits this, but with a major asterisk. He is a sociopath. He doesn't have a "heart of gold" hidden under the murder. He has an obsession.
What makes people stick with the story is the way Kayde takes care of Summer even while he’s terrifying her. It’s that "touch her and die" energy that fuels a thousand Kindle Unlimited downloads. He’s possessive. He’s alpha. He’s also weirdly supportive of her as a counselor. It is a bizarre contradiction that Merlin leans into hard.
Let’s Talk About the Triggers
Look, we have to be real here. This isn't a "light" read. If you’re diving into Dead of Summer AJ Merlin, you need to know what you’re getting into. This is erotic horror, and it doesn't hold back.
- Dubious Consent (Dub-Con): The entire relationship starts on a foundation of coercion. She is "consenting" to save the lives of children.
- Violence and Gore: It’s a slasher. Expect blood.
- Somnophilia and Kink: The book features various dark kinks, including knife play and "somno" (non-consensual sleep play).
- Threats to Children: While Kayde doesn't actually go through with the massacre, the threat of harm to the campers is the primary lever of the plot. For some, that is a hard line that should never be crossed.
It’s interesting because the book feels like a love letter to 80s horror movies. Think Sleepaway Camp or The Burning. It captures that specific "woodland dread," but then it adds a level of spice that would make a 1980s VHS clerk blush.
Where the Story Goes Off the Rails
About halfway through, the book changes. It stops being just about Summer and Kayde in a vacuum. Suddenly, new characters like Shawn and Grey show up, and the stakes shift.
Some readers find this jarring. They signed up for a cat-and-mouse game between a girl and a killer, and suddenly they’re dealing with a plot that feels like it’s setting up a sequel—even though it’s billed as a standalone. The tension of Kayde being a "monster" starts to soften as he settles into a more traditional "protective boyfriend" role, which some horror purists find disappointing.
There’s also the issue of the "feral" campers. The word is used so many times it practically becomes a drinking game. Summer’s self-sacrificial nature can also get a bit grating. You’ll find yourself yelling at the pages, wondering why she doesn't just call the cops, but then you remember: this is a dark romance. Logic usually takes a backseat to the "vibe."
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Is It Worth the Read?
If you loved AJ Merlin’s Pleasure & Prey series, you’ll likely enjoy this. It has that same "monster-gets-the-girl" DNA. It’s for the readers who want the villain to win. Not the misunderstood hero. The actual villain.
However, if you need a heroine who makes logical, "smart" decisions, Summer might frustrate you. She’s driven by a past trauma that makes her feel she’s the only one who can save these kids, even if it means losing herself.
Actionable Insights for Readers
Before you hit "buy" or download it on Kindle Unlimited, do these three things:
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- Check the Author’s Note: AJ Merlin is great about listing triggers. Read them. If you’re sensitive to themes of child endangerment or non-consensual situations, this is a hard pass.
- Commit to the Length: At 160,000+ words, it’s a marathon. Don't start it if you’re looking for a quick one-night read.
- Appreciate the Camp: Treat it like a B-movie. If you take the plot too seriously, the logical inconsistencies will give you a headache. Embrace the "slasher movie" logic and you’ll have a much better time.
Dead of Summer is a polarizing, messy, dark, and deeply spicy take on the summer camp trope. It isn't for everyone, and it shouldn't be. But for those who like their romance with a side of sharp edges and axe blades, it delivers exactly what it promises.
Next Steps for Your TBR:
If the "slasher romance" vibe worked for you, check out Merlin's No, You Hang Up or the Fair's Fair trilogy. For those who found the "threat to kids" too much but still want the camp setting, look into The Jester by Selena. Always check trigger warnings on the author's official website before starting any dark romance standalone to ensure the content aligns with your personal comfort levels.