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dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Death, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
thatswhatshanread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. I think this is quite possibly the romance of the summer! Carley Fortune, you’ve got another auto-buy fan in me.
This book is so inherently sweet, like sipping your favorite cold drink in the sun with the lake water at your toes. Or whatever kind of water you prefer—ocean, fresh spring, pool, bath.
In whatever case, this story is laced with summer. Appropriate, considering its title, but not in a cheesy way that feels overdone. Yes, it does have a similar plot to the beloved Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, and in ways also reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty series, but it very much has its own heart and own set of standout characters. Percy and Sam quickly became one of my favorite fictional friendships, of course blossoming into more. If you’re still unsure if you like the friends-to-lovers trope, I think this novel could be the one to change your mind.
Dual timelines, set over ten years apart. Unresolved past drama and trauma. Pining young lovers, complicated friendships, adult conversations sprinkled between cute and awkward flirtations and annoyances. Deeply romantic moments and unmistakable chemistry. Parts that make you melt, parts that make you wanna yell, parts that make you cry. Parts that make you grin like an idiot because you’re alone in your room reading this incredibly personal summer love story and it’s just fiction, it’s not real!!!
Except it feels real. Even as I was yelling at the pages toward the end, desperate for the truth—I loved every second of reading it.
This book is so inherently sweet, like sipping your favorite cold drink in the sun with the lake water at your toes. Or whatever kind of water you prefer—ocean, fresh spring, pool, bath.
In whatever case, this story is laced with summer. Appropriate, considering its title, but not in a cheesy way that feels overdone. Yes, it does have a similar plot to the beloved Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, and in ways also reminiscent of The Summer I Turned Pretty series, but it very much has its own heart and own set of standout characters. Percy and Sam quickly became one of my favorite fictional friendships, of course blossoming into more. If you’re still unsure if you like the friends-to-lovers trope, I think this novel could be the one to change your mind.
Dual timelines, set over ten years apart. Unresolved past drama and trauma. Pining young lovers, complicated friendships, adult conversations sprinkled between cute and awkward flirtations and annoyances. Deeply romantic moments and unmistakable chemistry. Parts that make you melt, parts that make you wanna yell, parts that make you cry. Parts that make you grin like an idiot because you’re alone in your room reading this incredibly personal summer love story and it’s just fiction, it’s not real!!!
Except it feels real. Even as I was yelling at the pages toward the end, desperate for the truth—I loved every second of reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying, Chronic illness, Drug use, Infidelity, Vomit, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming and Emotional abuse
haleybyman's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I’ve been waiting to write a review for this one as I couldn’t think of words to describe how much I loved this book! I felt like I was transported to Barry’s Bay instantly and didn’t want to leave. The nostalgia for summers past, first loves, heartbreak, the complexities of female friendships, second families… all of it was beautifully executed. This will be a definite re-read for me. My new comfort book to come back to when I need a feel-good story.
Can’t wait for Carley Fortune’s next novel. It’ll be an auto-buy.
Can’t wait for Carley Fortune’s next novel. It’ll be an auto-buy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Toxic friendship