I love a good summer read. You’ve probably guessed that by now. And a summer read with the word ‘summer’ right there in the title? I eat it up. Every Summer After, It Happened One Summer, That Summer… I mean, come on!
In this summer story we follow Sam who’s marrying… well, not Wyatt like she thought as a teenager, but Jack, her “straight lines” fiancé. Written in 2 points of view and 2 timelines, we get to see Sam & Wyatt fall in love as teenagers who saw each other every summer in their neighboring beach cottages. Cut to Sam, 30, engaged to another man, Jack, planning their wedding at the same seaside town when Wyatt shows up next door. Sam is faced with the ex in the exact place they fell in love (and broke up). Luckily she’s over him… right?
This book feels like salty sea-wet hair, sunburnt shoulders and licking an ice cream cone after a day swimming in the surf all wrapped up in a nostalgia. I love a beachside romance especially with a childhood sweetheart. As with Annabel’s first novel, Nora Goes Off Script, the location is another character and I eat it up. I could practically feel the sea spray! I felt part of Sam’s family and wanted to be there for all the art projects and cocktails. I also walked away from the love triangle & cheating (not the MCs!) not hating any of the characters. This is tough to tackle and keep all 3 parties unscathed so, bravo!
Annabel Monaghan’s first book was widely loved but for me, it was just fine. This book however is a sophomore star (not slump!) and I love to see it!
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars
Format: Kindle & Audiobook
Troupes: Second chance romance, Love triangle
Pair this book with: Chocolate fucking cake (you’ll get it, I promise!)
Read this if you like: Nora Goes Off Script, the beach, & kooky parents
My Rating System
⭐️ – I did not like this book and generally would not recommend it.
⭐️⭐️ – This book was oook, but I felt pretty meh about it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – This book was average. Didn’t love some parts but I still liked it overall.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I really liked this book and will definitely recommend it to friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I’m shouting this book’s praises from the rooftops! I loved it!
💫 – Half star
📖 One More Page Book Club pick of the month!
