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This Summer Will Be Different
Win a free print copy of this book!
19 days and 18:54:31
5 copies available
U.S. only
A glorious and tantalizing new escape from #1 New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune.This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give into temptation. This summer will be different.Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Lucy and Felix’s chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again.It’s easier said than done.Each year, Lucy escapes to PEI for a big breath of coastal air, fresh oysters and crisp vinho verde with her best friend, Bridget. Every visit begins with a long walk on the beach, beneath soaring red cliffs and a golden sun. And every visit, Lucy promises herself she won’t wind up in Felix’s bed. Again.If Lucy can’t help being drawn to Felix, at least she’s always kept her heart out of it.When Bridget suddenly flees Toronto a week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to follow her to the island. Her mission is to help Bridget through her crisis and resist the one man she’s never been able to. But Felix’s sparkling eyes and flirty quips have been replaced with something new, and Lucy’s beginning to wonder just how safe her heart truly is.
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Carley Fortune
6 books18.2k followersCarley Fortune is the #1 New York Times and #1 Globe and Mail bestselling author of EVERY SUMMER AFTER and MEET ME AT THE LAKE. Her third book, THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT, comes out May 7, 2024.
Carley is an award-winning journalist and worked as an editor at some of Canada’s top publications, including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Toronto Life, and The Grid. She was most recently the Executive Editor of Refinery29 Canada.
Carley spent her young life in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, and in Barry’s Bay, a tiny lakeside town in rural Ontario and the setting for EVERY SUMMER AFTER.
Carley lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Instagram @carleyfortune.
Carley is an award-winning journalist and worked as an editor at some of Canada’s top publications, including The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Toronto Life, and The Grid. She was most recently the Executive Editor of Refinery29 Canada.
Carley spent her young life in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, and in Barry’s Bay, a tiny lakeside town in rural Ontario and the setting for EVERY SUMMER AFTER.
Carley lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Instagram @carleyfortune.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 25,837 reviews
May 22, 2024
4.25 stars! I loved sooo much about this book. The summer vibes were vibing!! And Felix and Lucy's chemistry was insane. This book takes place over several summers. I loved that we get to see Felix & Lucy not quite make it work for so long but kept finding their way back to each other each summer. It felt like a very realistic romance to me which I appreciated. They were two people who had to sort out their own lives before they could work as a couple.
I enjoyed Carley Fortune's first two books but this third one really cemented her as an auto-buy author for me. (Also PLEASE let me know if you have any summer romance recs. This was the only one on my list and now I've read it😅)
I enjoyed Carley Fortune's first two books but this third one really cemented her as an auto-buy author for me. (Also PLEASE let me know if you have any summer romance recs. This was the only one on my list and now I've read it😅)
May 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars rounded up!
May 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
May 18, 2024
ummmmmm this was so boring and predictable? and the characters didn’t talk until 4 years after fucking every summer?? bleh
July 8, 2024
Hmmm... struggled a lot with what to rate this one! Overall yes I enjoyed it, but man oh man are there some cringey parts that I just cannot shake from my mind 😂 cute beach/summery read and loved the scenery aspects! Now I need to visit PEI too
July 18, 2024
I am not overwhelmed. I am not underwhelmed. I am simply whelmed.
Want to read
September 4, 2023this summer will NOT be different if there’s another cheating trope…carley, side EYE. besties keep me posted when this comes out😂thanks😙
ps: i don’t actually wanna read this🫣🫣🫣
ps: i don’t actually wanna read this🫣🫣🫣
September 8, 2024
Lucy is on vacation with her best friend on Prince Edward Island, but when her friend gets delayed, she finds herself drawn to a charming oyster shucker at a local restaurant. What begins as an electric, instant attraction quickly leads to a surprising discovery, throwing Lucy into a whirlwind of emotions as she tries to keep a promise to her friend.
Audiobook version it is game changer: This Summer Will Be Different (audiobook version)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was the perfect, light-hearted romantic read for summer. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the depth of the friendships. They felt rich and meaningful, even more so than the romantic relationship, which, while fun, was somewhat predictable. Still, it provided the ideal mental getaway, and the writing was so beautifully descriptive of Prince Edward Island that I now want to visit it in real life.
Listening to the audiobook heightened the experience for me. The narrator brought the characters to life with warmth and energy, especially in the vivid descriptions of PEI’s scenery, making it easy to imagine the gentle waves, stunning coastlines, and small-town charm. The pacing of the narration was just right for a leisurely summer story, drawing me in without rushing the plot. It felt like I was truly there, experiencing the island along with Lucy.
While the romance offered a bit of heat, it was the bond between friends that left the biggest impact. The story felt like a celebration of female friendships, and the narrator captured that emotion well, especially in the moments of vulnerability and loyalty between the characters. If you’re looking for an easy, breezy listen with a romantic twist, I’d definitely recommend This Summer Will Be Different—it’s an engaging escape filled with friendship, a bit of love, and the charm of a perfect summer by the sea.
Audiobook version it is game changer: This Summer Will Be Different (audiobook version)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book—it was the perfect, light-hearted romantic read for summer. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the depth of the friendships. They felt rich and meaningful, even more so than the romantic relationship, which, while fun, was somewhat predictable. Still, it provided the ideal mental getaway, and the writing was so beautifully descriptive of Prince Edward Island that I now want to visit it in real life.
Listening to the audiobook heightened the experience for me. The narrator brought the characters to life with warmth and energy, especially in the vivid descriptions of PEI’s scenery, making it easy to imagine the gentle waves, stunning coastlines, and small-town charm. The pacing of the narration was just right for a leisurely summer story, drawing me in without rushing the plot. It felt like I was truly there, experiencing the island along with Lucy.
While the romance offered a bit of heat, it was the bond between friends that left the biggest impact. The story felt like a celebration of female friendships, and the narrator captured that emotion well, especially in the moments of vulnerability and loyalty between the characters. If you’re looking for an easy, breezy listen with a romantic twist, I’d definitely recommend This Summer Will Be Different—it’s an engaging escape filled with friendship, a bit of love, and the charm of a perfect summer by the sea.
July 1, 2024
Hell yeah! I’m on the moon right now and feeling extremely fortunate to be reading my favorite Carley Fortune book that I wholeheartedly engaged with!
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I crossed my fingers so hard and even whispered a little prayer that the word that starts with “Che…..” wouldn’t be the trope in this book that made me like her previous works less. And my prayers were answered (I hope this information won’t be regarded as a big spoiler, and I don’t get shushed or banned by other romance readers because, in my honest opinion, most of them are asking the same question, and I think this tiny declaration may pump up their excitement about this book! At least my excitement was through the roof!
Well, it’s not the absence of this, my not-so-favorite, that made me love this story. Firstly, falling for your bestie’s brother and the forbidden love trope can elicit reactions like eye rolls, puffing, and snoring, but in this book, the development of Lucy and Felix’s relationship couldn’t be more heartfelt, natural, and genuine. Think about meeting the right person at the wrongest time. If he truly means something to you, the timing, the place, and any other obstacles can be manageable if two hearts still beat for each other.
I adored their blooming, intimate romance throughout the years, patiently waiting to see how they evolve into other persons but their connection gets stronger instead of ripping apart over time. But as much as I loved their story, at some parts, I even enjoyed the friendship more (sisromance may be an alternative word to bromance for Lucy and Bridget’s heartwarming, honest friendship, making them closer than sisters).
The other part that sold me on this book instantly might be the realistic portrayal of Prince Edward Island. You might want to walk on the beach, feel sand particles slowly stick to your feet as you bask in the golden sunshine, listen to the seagulls, slurp oysters, and take long driving tours around the island to soak in the scenery.
Yes, you just wish to jump into those scenes and live inside this book so bad.
The theme: you’re not confined to the family you're born into, but you can find your own. This theme is so strong.
When you flip the pages, you hear the Grease soundtrack lyrics; “summer lovin' had me a blast, summer lovin' happened so fast,” continue with Bryan Adams: “That summer seemed to last forever, and if I had the choice, yeah, I'd always wanna be there. Those were the best days of my life,” and finish it singing: “Cause our song is the slamming screen door, Sneakin' out late, tapping on his window” (of course, every summer novel deserves a Taylor Swift song, and “Our Song” may be the best fit for this novel!)
Overall, if you love something sweet, playing with your heartstrings, making you feel like wrapping yourself in the comfiest and softest blanket, this book is here for you to lighten your mood and make your soul smile!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this highly anticipated romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
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I don’t want to give spoilers, but I crossed my fingers so hard and even whispered a little prayer that the word that starts with “Che…..” wouldn’t be the trope in this book that made me like her previous works less. And my prayers were answered (I hope this information won’t be regarded as a big spoiler, and I don’t get shushed or banned by other romance readers because, in my honest opinion, most of them are asking the same question, and I think this tiny declaration may pump up their excitement about this book! At least my excitement was through the roof!
Well, it’s not the absence of this, my not-so-favorite, that made me love this story. Firstly, falling for your bestie’s brother and the forbidden love trope can elicit reactions like eye rolls, puffing, and snoring, but in this book, the development of Lucy and Felix’s relationship couldn’t be more heartfelt, natural, and genuine. Think about meeting the right person at the wrongest time. If he truly means something to you, the timing, the place, and any other obstacles can be manageable if two hearts still beat for each other.
I adored their blooming, intimate romance throughout the years, patiently waiting to see how they evolve into other persons but their connection gets stronger instead of ripping apart over time. But as much as I loved their story, at some parts, I even enjoyed the friendship more (sisromance may be an alternative word to bromance for Lucy and Bridget’s heartwarming, honest friendship, making them closer than sisters).
The other part that sold me on this book instantly might be the realistic portrayal of Prince Edward Island. You might want to walk on the beach, feel sand particles slowly stick to your feet as you bask in the golden sunshine, listen to the seagulls, slurp oysters, and take long driving tours around the island to soak in the scenery.
Yes, you just wish to jump into those scenes and live inside this book so bad.
The theme: you’re not confined to the family you're born into, but you can find your own. This theme is so strong.
When you flip the pages, you hear the Grease soundtrack lyrics; “summer lovin' had me a blast, summer lovin' happened so fast,” continue with Bryan Adams: “That summer seemed to last forever, and if I had the choice, yeah, I'd always wanna be there. Those were the best days of my life,” and finish it singing: “Cause our song is the slamming screen door, Sneakin' out late, tapping on his window” (of course, every summer novel deserves a Taylor Swift song, and “Our Song” may be the best fit for this novel!)
Overall, if you love something sweet, playing with your heartstrings, making you feel like wrapping yourself in the comfiest and softest blanket, this book is here for you to lighten your mood and make your soul smile!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this highly anticipated romance’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
May 2, 2024
Shockingly bland and fullllll of cliches. Of COURSE Lucy wears nightgowns and Felix LOVES THEM.
This is the classic best friend's brother trope-will they won't they-that lasts way too long. There is an alternating timeline with present day and flashing back 5 years (summer time) when Lucy meets Felix. Outside of this, there is a side storyline with her best friend's (Felix's sister) wedding because she is acting super evasive and Lucy thinks there is trouble with her looming wedding. Lucy is handling the flowers and acts very frustrated that her friend isn't opening up to her. IMO- the "secret" she was holding from Lucy was none of Lucy's business until it was time for her to tell her. With another cliche trope, the obsessed best friend storyline is so overdone.
For almost 30, Lucy is extremely immature and has a pretty exaggerated troubled relationship with her parents. She HATES that they call her "Goose"... for Lucy Goosey...She had to talk to her mom to ask her to stop calling her Goose. Oh you should have seen my eyes roll at the very back of my head.
I think having an alternating POV with Felix would have strengthened the story, but overall the writing felt very elementary and the lack of tension or REAL conflict kept the story very surface level and at times, insufferable to read.
This is the classic best friend's brother trope-will they won't they-that lasts way too long. There is an alternating timeline with present day and flashing back 5 years (summer time) when Lucy meets Felix. Outside of this, there is a side storyline with her best friend's (Felix's sister) wedding because she is acting super evasive and Lucy thinks there is trouble with her looming wedding. Lucy is handling the flowers and acts very frustrated that her friend isn't opening up to her. IMO- the "secret" she was holding from Lucy was none of Lucy's business until it was time for her to tell her. With another cliche trope, the obsessed best friend storyline is so overdone.
For almost 30, Lucy is extremely immature and has a pretty exaggerated troubled relationship with her parents. She HATES that they call her "Goose"... for Lucy Goosey...She had to talk to her mom to ask her to stop calling her Goose. Oh you should have seen my eyes roll at the very back of my head.
I think having an alternating POV with Felix would have strengthened the story, but overall the writing felt very elementary and the lack of tension or REAL conflict kept the story very surface level and at times, insufferable to read.
July 22, 2024
After reading 3 books now from Carley- this was my least favorite of the three. 😒 FRTC.
May 18, 2024
𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕚𝕝𝕝 𝕓𝕖 𝔻𝕚𝕗𝕗𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕓𝕪 ℂ𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕖𝕪 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕦𝕟𝕖
“Some of my happiest memories are set on this gorgeous crescent of green land. Some of my biggest mistakes, too. But I won’t repeat them. Not this time. For once, this summer will be different.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Tropes & What to Expect
☀️best friend’s brother
☀️forbidden romance
☀️friendship
☀️found family
☀️one night stand/never the right time
☀️MMC loves to read
☀️sweet and steamy romance
☀️flashbacks
This might be Carley’s best work yet!! Her writing places you on this sleepy island where you can taste the salt in the air and hear the sound of ocean waves. I enjoyed the characters and how well they were developed. Each character shares a part in this story and has their own problems. The story mostly focuses on Lucy, her best friend and Wolf/Felix.
When visiting the island her best friend gives her 3 rules. The first, “Eat your weight in oysters.” Second, “Leave the city behind.” and last,”Don’t fall in love with my brother.” And let’s just say that last rule gets broken a few times 🤭
What made this book different from our standard romance is this is about finding yourself and also finding your HOME. The relationship between the best friends was super sweet and shows that the greatest love stories aren’t always romantic.
Spice Rating
2.5/3🌶️
Overall thoughts: Trust me this is going to be the perfect summertime romance. I devoured this book like my last meal and definitely recommend. I actually cried but idk if it’s the book or me listening to this Taylor Swift album while reading but I will say it’s a spicy but sweet romance that will tug on your heartstrings.
Thank you NetGalley, the author Carley Fortune and Berkeley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
“Some of my happiest memories are set on this gorgeous crescent of green land. Some of my biggest mistakes, too. But I won’t repeat them. Not this time. For once, this summer will be different.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Tropes & What to Expect
☀️best friend’s brother
☀️forbidden romance
☀️friendship
☀️found family
☀️one night stand/never the right time
☀️MMC loves to read
☀️sweet and steamy romance
☀️flashbacks
This might be Carley’s best work yet!! Her writing places you on this sleepy island where you can taste the salt in the air and hear the sound of ocean waves. I enjoyed the characters and how well they were developed. Each character shares a part in this story and has their own problems. The story mostly focuses on Lucy, her best friend and Wolf/Felix.
When visiting the island her best friend gives her 3 rules. The first, “Eat your weight in oysters.” Second, “Leave the city behind.” and last,”Don’t fall in love with my brother.” And let’s just say that last rule gets broken a few times 🤭
What made this book different from our standard romance is this is about finding yourself and also finding your HOME. The relationship between the best friends was super sweet and shows that the greatest love stories aren’t always romantic.
Spice Rating
2.5/3🌶️
Overall thoughts: Trust me this is going to be the perfect summertime romance. I devoured this book like my last meal and definitely recommend. I actually cried but idk if it’s the book or me listening to this Taylor Swift album while reading but I will say it’s a spicy but sweet romance that will tug on your heartstrings.
Thank you NetGalley, the author Carley Fortune and Berkeley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2024
Carley Forune never fails at delivering the perfect summer read, right in time for warm weather, and This Summer Will Be Different was no exception! Set in Prince Edward Island, Canada, this book was everything I could dream of as a Canadian girl. I've only visited PEI once, and it was the most quaint, and dreamy island, she captured the true essence perfectly! From the Anne of Greengables quotes woven throughout the book, to the mention of potato fudge, Teacup Rock, and Covered Bridge potato chips, this book was a taste of a wonderful part of Canada.
Although it was a bit insta-lovey, I loved Lucy and Fleix's romance. The prologue instantly hooked me, and I always love a book with flashback chapters. The tension between these two... holy. I could feel it through the pages and I was obsessed! I really liked the ending as well, I feel like we got to see Lucy's character development and self-confidence bloom (not just because of the flower farm lol) all the way and nothing was rushed. It felt natural and real. I also adored Lucy and Bridget's friendship, this is the first female friendship we've read from Carley and I think she nailed it. Add this to your summer to-be-read pile ladies!
4.5/5 stars
Although it was a bit insta-lovey, I loved Lucy and Fleix's romance. The prologue instantly hooked me, and I always love a book with flashback chapters. The tension between these two... holy. I could feel it through the pages and I was obsessed! I really liked the ending as well, I feel like we got to see Lucy's character development and self-confidence bloom (not just because of the flower farm lol) all the way and nothing was rushed. It felt natural and real. I also adored Lucy and Bridget's friendship, this is the first female friendship we've read from Carley and I think she nailed it. Add this to your summer to-be-read pile ladies!
4.5/5 stars
May 22, 2024
"This is it, I think. This is everything I want."
Carley Fortune's debut novel, Every Summer After, snuck up on me and quickly stole my heart. A coming of age story that no doubt had me wanting to plan my next lake vacation. & then her sophomore effort, Meet Me at the Lake, came with such high expectations, but sadly fell short for me. Where would This Summer Will Be Different land? I wasn't sure but my love for Every Summer After was enough to know I was willing to find out. Turns out...third times the charm. I loved this book!
This Summer Will Be Different is such a beautiful story. One of great loves. Be it a friend, family, a dream job, an island...or a best friend's brother that somehow turned from a one night stand to quite possibly THE one.
Lucy "Bee" Ashby lands on Prince Edward Island for a weekend girl's trip with her best friend Bridget...who's missed her flight and delayed plans. A chance encounter with a handsome blue-eyed bartender changes plans altogether...for the weekend, and maybe forever. Told in past and present timelines This Summer Will Be Different has so many layers and it was impossible to not fall in love with Lucy as she navigates life, and loss, and love. This book is so rich in detail you can't help but feel submersed. Like you're on the island and part of all the quirks and inside jokes. Couldn't wait to pick it back up...but never wanted it to end.
•Past + present timelines
•Best friend's brother
•Second chance
•Friendship
•Coming of age
•Island setting
5 stars
Carley Fortune's debut novel, Every Summer After, snuck up on me and quickly stole my heart. A coming of age story that no doubt had me wanting to plan my next lake vacation. & then her sophomore effort, Meet Me at the Lake, came with such high expectations, but sadly fell short for me. Where would This Summer Will Be Different land? I wasn't sure but my love for Every Summer After was enough to know I was willing to find out. Turns out...third times the charm. I loved this book!
This Summer Will Be Different is such a beautiful story. One of great loves. Be it a friend, family, a dream job, an island...or a best friend's brother that somehow turned from a one night stand to quite possibly THE one.
Lucy "Bee" Ashby lands on Prince Edward Island for a weekend girl's trip with her best friend Bridget...who's missed her flight and delayed plans. A chance encounter with a handsome blue-eyed bartender changes plans altogether...for the weekend, and maybe forever. Told in past and present timelines This Summer Will Be Different has so many layers and it was impossible to not fall in love with Lucy as she navigates life, and loss, and love. This book is so rich in detail you can't help but feel submersed. Like you're on the island and part of all the quirks and inside jokes. Couldn't wait to pick it back up...but never wanted it to end.
•Past + present timelines
•Best friend's brother
•Second chance
•Friendship
•Coming of age
•Island setting
5 stars
May 8, 2024
Five Years Ago:
When Bridget invited her best friend, Lucy Ashby- affectionately called Bee- to her childhood home on Prince Edward Island, (Canadian Province) she gave her three rules:
#1 Eat your weight in Oysters
#2 Leave the city, behind and
#3 DON’T fall in love with my brother, Wolf
“Spark. Fizz. Crackle”
Bridgett missed the flight, and Lucy has arrived on the Island alone with time to kill. She never imagined she would spend the night with Felix, the hot guy who was shucking oysters at the bar she stopped at-but their instant attraction was sizzling.
That would be the hot guy, she didn’t realize also went by the nickname, Wolf.
Time for new rules, this time set by Felix:
#1 Don’t tell Bridget
#2 No sleeping together again
#3 Don’t fall in love with me
Life goes on, and although Lucy returns to PEI (Prince Edward Island) each year, she is determined to keep her promise to Bridget-to NOT fall in love. After all, there is a good reason for that rule!!
“Tap, Tap, PAUSE Tap”
Though when Lucy hears a certain knock on her door, she doesn’t hesitate to answer.
NOW:
Nine days before Bridget’s wedding
Bridget has missed her final wedding dress fitting and has called Lucy to PEI (Prince Edward Island) for an emergency visit home. Why has she flown there with no explanation and demanded that Lucy join her?!
Could the wedding be off?
Of course, Lucy rushes to her side, putting her own life on hold.
But it’s not the first time, over the past five years, that Lucy has done so- When will she finally brave enough to take her beloved late Aunt’s advice to “live her life for nobody but herself” ?
Bridget’s life is moving forward and her own seems stagnant-but Felix is urging her to DREAM BIG.
The book alternates between the PAST FIVE SUMMERS, with Lucy and Felix continuing to fight their attraction to one another to the PRESENT day timeline where the pair are trying to uncover the reason that Bridgett has run away from her fiancé.
This was a SPICY OPEN DOOR romance which transported me to yet another Island that I wouldn’t mind moving to!
Felix is a swoon worthy MMC who seemed “too good to be true”! Who wouldn’t want a hot guy who cooks, drinks tea and reads books?
And, Lucy is the kind of BFF that any girl would want.
There is some miscommunication in the story but this time it’s just between the two BFFs.
Carley Fortune has delivered yet another romance that is beach bag approved! 🏖️
And, it’s AVAILABLE NOW if you are planning an EARLY SUMMER VACAY…
When Bridget invited her best friend, Lucy Ashby- affectionately called Bee- to her childhood home on Prince Edward Island, (Canadian Province) she gave her three rules:
#1 Eat your weight in Oysters
#2 Leave the city, behind and
#3 DON’T fall in love with my brother, Wolf
“Spark. Fizz. Crackle”
Bridgett missed the flight, and Lucy has arrived on the Island alone with time to kill. She never imagined she would spend the night with Felix, the hot guy who was shucking oysters at the bar she stopped at-but their instant attraction was sizzling.
That would be the hot guy, she didn’t realize also went by the nickname, Wolf.
Time for new rules, this time set by Felix:
#1 Don’t tell Bridget
#2 No sleeping together again
#3 Don’t fall in love with me
Life goes on, and although Lucy returns to PEI (Prince Edward Island) each year, she is determined to keep her promise to Bridget-to NOT fall in love. After all, there is a good reason for that rule!!
“Tap, Tap, PAUSE Tap”
Though when Lucy hears a certain knock on her door, she doesn’t hesitate to answer.
NOW:
Nine days before Bridget’s wedding
Bridget has missed her final wedding dress fitting and has called Lucy to PEI (Prince Edward Island) for an emergency visit home. Why has she flown there with no explanation and demanded that Lucy join her?!
Could the wedding be off?
Of course, Lucy rushes to her side, putting her own life on hold.
But it’s not the first time, over the past five years, that Lucy has done so- When will she finally brave enough to take her beloved late Aunt’s advice to “live her life for nobody but herself” ?
Bridget’s life is moving forward and her own seems stagnant-but Felix is urging her to DREAM BIG.
The book alternates between the PAST FIVE SUMMERS, with Lucy and Felix continuing to fight their attraction to one another to the PRESENT day timeline where the pair are trying to uncover the reason that Bridgett has run away from her fiancé.
This was a SPICY OPEN DOOR romance which transported me to yet another Island that I wouldn’t mind moving to!
Felix is a swoon worthy MMC who seemed “too good to be true”! Who wouldn’t want a hot guy who cooks, drinks tea and reads books?
And, Lucy is the kind of BFF that any girl would want.
There is some miscommunication in the story but this time it’s just between the two BFFs.
Carley Fortune has delivered yet another romance that is beach bag approved! 🏖️
And, it’s AVAILABLE NOW if you are planning an EARLY SUMMER VACAY…
May 7, 2024
this is a highly anticipated ‘24 release for many and i’m eager to see what readers think of this one—for me, i was left wanting much more 🥹
read if you like: forbidden love / right person wrong time, oysters 🦪, Prince Edward Island, easy reads
its giving “i cry a lot but i am so productive” iykyk lol
if there’s one thing about Fortune’s books, they’re going to have a great setting! they’re arguably my favorite parts of her books and it was by far my fave part of this one. i was deff googling PEI as i read it and felt the vibes.
overall, this was a very easy read and i liked the romance, but i found it semi-boring. this author has a lot of hype and i’ve read all her work—i think this is more like her second book vs the first one. the author said the point of this book was to write for fun, but the story left me wanting a lot more—namely stronger side plots and more “bang” with the twist build ups. it was anti-climatic for me 🥲
can i just say this—how do you not know what your best friend’s brother looks like? like truly? i guess we are just moving past that plot point 😅
anywho… i felt like the side plots weren’t flushed out enough and could have delivered more “wow”—like the plot with the aunt (this part gave me wannabe SEVEN YEAR SLIP vibes) and even the bestie plot (the secrets they both kept and how they were besties??? they just kept saying it but i never SAW it.) for me, the best side plot was about Lucy’s career and her finding happiness and what she wanted out of life.
TLDR—not a “drop everything and read it now” book but a light, easy read for the beach/pool. overall, i think it’ll leave readers wanting more.
my ranking of her 3 books:
💛 EVERY SUMMER AFTER
💛 THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT
💛 MEET ME AT THE LAKE
read if you like: forbidden love / right person wrong time, oysters 🦪, Prince Edward Island, easy reads
its giving “i cry a lot but i am so productive” iykyk lol
if there’s one thing about Fortune’s books, they’re going to have a great setting! they’re arguably my favorite parts of her books and it was by far my fave part of this one. i was deff googling PEI as i read it and felt the vibes.
overall, this was a very easy read and i liked the romance, but i found it semi-boring. this author has a lot of hype and i’ve read all her work—i think this is more like her second book vs the first one. the author said the point of this book was to write for fun, but the story left me wanting a lot more—namely stronger side plots and more “bang” with the twist build ups. it was anti-climatic for me 🥲
can i just say this—how do you not know what your best friend’s brother looks like? like truly? i guess we are just moving past that plot point 😅
anywho… i felt like the side plots weren’t flushed out enough and could have delivered more “wow”—like the plot with the aunt (this part gave me wannabe SEVEN YEAR SLIP vibes) and even the bestie plot (the secrets they both kept and how they were besties??? they just kept saying it but i never SAW it.) for me, the best side plot was about Lucy’s career and her finding happiness and what she wanted out of life.
TLDR—not a “drop everything and read it now” book but a light, easy read for the beach/pool. overall, i think it’ll leave readers wanting more.
my ranking of her 3 books:
💛 EVERY SUMMER AFTER
💛 THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT
💛 MEET ME AT THE LAKE
June 19, 2024
★★☆☆☆ - 2.75 stars
the setting and the writing were good but everything else was meh. i remember loving every summer after when i read it, but i think i’ve grown a little as a reader or have just read some way better romance books. this felt like a knock off of romance books i’ve read before.
the characters weren’t unique and i couldn’t connect to the main one at all. i should’ve, considering all she went through, but i could not get over how similar Lucy was to other characters. i have never found mundane characters to be a bad thing, because usually they’re more relateable. however, in this book Lucy needed to be more unique. the flower shop reminded me of it ends with us (and i didn’t even like that book), the deceased aunt—the seven year slip, the workaholic personality—the rule book, and so many more comparisons.
i know i’m being annoying with how picky i am. but it’s summer. i don’t want copy/paste romance books! i want the ones that make me feel things. this book made me feel nothing. i seriously remember sobbing after every summer after (probably not anymore if i read it now, but i was a hormonal teen). after closing this one, i forgot the entire premise. i don’t remember any significant details or scenes that made me feel anything. it was mostly just a weird back and forth between Felix and Lucy. the setting, however, i will applaud. the descriptions had me looking so much stuff. i don’t care how nerdy that sounds. i want to go to PEI now and no one can stop me!
i’ve never wanted to skip spice scenes before, but there were so many unnecessary snippets in here. it almost made me dislike Felix. it seemed like all he wanted Lucy for was sex. i know there are a lot of relationships that are like theirs, however, i’m personally not a fan of physical connection. i love some good tension and spice, but if that’s all the relationship is, then i’m not interested.
the concept that annoyed me most about this book was the conflict. the whole mishap was over the miscommunication between Lucy and her best friend and then the secret-keeping between…well, everyone. i know situations like this aren’t that easy, but do you really think i want to read 300 pages of the exact same scenes playing out over and over?? no! i don’t. it felt so repetitive that i started getting mad. you’re adults! act like it. talk out your issues and quit acting like teenagers. i couldn’t bring myself to care about Lucy and Felix’s relationship, even at the end, but at least they’re happy i guess.
overall, i’d say i’m pretty disappointed with how this turned out. i hope i’m able to stop choosing 2 star reads and find a new favorite this summer!!
the setting and the writing were good but everything else was meh. i remember loving every summer after when i read it, but i think i’ve grown a little as a reader or have just read some way better romance books. this felt like a knock off of romance books i’ve read before.
the characters weren’t unique and i couldn’t connect to the main one at all. i should’ve, considering all she went through, but i could not get over how similar Lucy was to other characters. i have never found mundane characters to be a bad thing, because usually they’re more relateable. however, in this book Lucy needed to be more unique. the flower shop reminded me of it ends with us (and i didn’t even like that book), the deceased aunt—the seven year slip, the workaholic personality—the rule book, and so many more comparisons.
i know i’m being annoying with how picky i am. but it’s summer. i don’t want copy/paste romance books! i want the ones that make me feel things. this book made me feel nothing. i seriously remember sobbing after every summer after (probably not anymore if i read it now, but i was a hormonal teen). after closing this one, i forgot the entire premise. i don’t remember any significant details or scenes that made me feel anything. it was mostly just a weird back and forth between Felix and Lucy. the setting, however, i will applaud. the descriptions had me looking so much stuff. i don’t care how nerdy that sounds. i want to go to PEI now and no one can stop me!
i’ve never wanted to skip spice scenes before, but there were so many unnecessary snippets in here. it almost made me dislike Felix. it seemed like all he wanted Lucy for was sex. i know there are a lot of relationships that are like theirs, however, i’m personally not a fan of physical connection. i love some good tension and spice, but if that’s all the relationship is, then i’m not interested.
the concept that annoyed me most about this book was the conflict. the whole mishap was over the miscommunication between Lucy and her best friend and then the secret-keeping between…well, everyone. i know situations like this aren’t that easy, but do you really think i want to read 300 pages of the exact same scenes playing out over and over?? no! i don’t. it felt so repetitive that i started getting mad. you’re adults! act like it. talk out your issues and quit acting like teenagers. i couldn’t bring myself to care about Lucy and Felix’s relationship, even at the end, but at least they’re happy i guess.
overall, i’d say i’m pretty disappointed with how this turned out. i hope i’m able to stop choosing 2 star reads and find a new favorite this summer!!
May 11, 2024
➳ 4 stars ✩
⤿ a spoiler free arc review
this was my second book by carley fortune and i honestly really loved this one!
💌 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
⤿ single pov
⤿ beautiful setting
⤿ best friend’s brothers
⤿ one night stand
⤿ flashback chapters
⤿ forbidden romance
⤿ found family
⤿ second chance
⤿ forced promximity
⤿ no cheating!
when bridget invites her best friend lucy to her home at prince edward island, she gives her three rules: to eat her weight in oysters, to leave the city behind and to not fall in love with her brother wolf. but bridget misses her flight and lucy accidentally sleeps with felix - who goes by the nickname wolf - she decides to not let history repeat itself. but now, when bridget has mysteriously run off to the island days before her wedding, with lucy following, she and felix are together, and having to re-evaluate their chemistry.
i found it slightly difficult to get into the story at the beginning (i was not a fan of all the sparks, fizzes, crackles and pops) but after that it was a really amazing read.
carley’s writing has definitely improved since her debut and it really reminded me of emily henry’s. the vibes were just immaculate and i loved how prince edward island was depicted.
there was some insta-love, but i actually didn’t really mind. i think it worked well with the plot and it thankfully wasn’t too over the top.
the romance between felix and lucy wasn’t the best, in fact i would even say it was my least favourite part of the book. they did have a lot of cute moments and it wasn’t bad per-se, but it was definitely overshadowed by the friendship between lucy and bridget and the overall setting. i also don't think felix was fleshed out enough for me to love him, he was either reading books or shucking oysters and that was pretty much his personality.
i didn’t get a five-star feeling from this book. whilst reading, i had this feeling of something being missing, although i couldn't pinpoint it.
overall, this is a beautiful, summer-y read that i enjoyed a lot <3
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧pre-review:
4★ YAYYYY!!
rtc
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧currently-reading updates:
update: she has lost the damned cheating trope and replaced it with insta-lust. someone tell me how to feel about this
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧tbr-review:
the cover is gorgeous but i just hope she learns from her mistakes and LOSES THE DAMN CHEATING TROPE!! this summer's read had better be different
⤿ a spoiler free arc review
this was my second book by carley fortune and i honestly really loved this one!
💌 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
⤿ single pov
⤿ beautiful setting
⤿ best friend’s brothers
⤿ one night stand
⤿ flashback chapters
⤿ forbidden romance
⤿ found family
⤿ second chance
⤿ forced promximity
⤿ no cheating!
when bridget invites her best friend lucy to her home at prince edward island, she gives her three rules: to eat her weight in oysters, to leave the city behind and to not fall in love with her brother wolf. but bridget misses her flight and lucy accidentally sleeps with felix - who goes by the nickname wolf - she decides to not let history repeat itself. but now, when bridget has mysteriously run off to the island days before her wedding, with lucy following, she and felix are together, and having to re-evaluate their chemistry.
i found it slightly difficult to get into the story at the beginning (i was not a fan of all the sparks, fizzes, crackles and pops) but after that it was a really amazing read.
carley’s writing has definitely improved since her debut and it really reminded me of emily henry’s. the vibes were just immaculate and i loved how prince edward island was depicted.
there was some insta-love, but i actually didn’t really mind. i think it worked well with the plot and it thankfully wasn’t too over the top.
the romance between felix and lucy wasn’t the best, in fact i would even say it was my least favourite part of the book. they did have a lot of cute moments and it wasn’t bad per-se, but it was definitely overshadowed by the friendship between lucy and bridget and the overall setting. i also don't think felix was fleshed out enough for me to love him, he was either reading books or shucking oysters and that was pretty much his personality.
i didn’t get a five-star feeling from this book. whilst reading, i had this feeling of something being missing, although i couldn't pinpoint it.
overall, this is a beautiful, summer-y read that i enjoyed a lot <3
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧pre-review:
4★ YAYYYY!!
rtc
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧currently-reading updates:
update: she has lost the damned cheating trope and replaced it with insta-lust. someone tell me how to feel about this
˚✩ ⋆｡˚ ✩
☾.°✧౨ৎ‧tbr-review:
the cover is gorgeous but i just hope she learns from her mistakes and LOSES THE DAMN CHEATING TROPE!! this summer's read had better be different
June 18, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ everything u need in a summer romance
July 5, 2024
lucy was ovulating throughout the book
July 11, 2024
I stayed up wayyy too late reading this one! It sucked me in, and I just couldn't put it down. The setting of Prince Edward Island in Canada worked perfect for this book. The author did a great job bringing the setting to life and making you feel like you were there. I loved the fact that Felix's character was a big reader, that brought his likable factor way up for me. Felix and Lucy's off-limits relationship and the way it unraveled and was told was entertaining and fun. The only thing I didn't love was Bridget keeping her "secret" from Lucy and the secret was a letdown too, it was nothing big like the you thought it was going to be. Other than that, I loved everything about this book!! Add this one to your summer reading bucket list! :)
May 10, 2024
Cute! But felt a bit forced/cheesy (lots of “Pinterest quote” lines that felt unnatural) & this plot feels overdone. It felt just like her last two books meet People We Meet on Vacation. Again, cute… but just ok to me!
May 22, 2024
the backdrop of this being pei makes me emotional :’) ౨ৎ
June 4, 2024
DNF at 72%.
literally the most redundant book ever.
It was fun at first but It's been dragging on for hundreds of pages & it's terribly predictable.
you basically know what's gonna happen by page 35 & I can't do it anymore.
literally the most redundant book ever.
It was fun at first but It's been dragging on for hundreds of pages & it's terribly predictable.
you basically know what's gonna happen by page 35 & I can't do it anymore.
August 16, 2024
➳ 4.5⋆
WHAT THE FUCK THIS BOOK ATE SO HARD????
Felix. Felix. Felix. FELIX. I did NOT expect him to be this perfect???? Wtf???? The amount of times I GIGGLED. BLUSHED. KICKED MY FEET. I’m his. That man can have me. I volunteer. Felix pls. Pls.
The FRIENDSHIPS. FOUND FAMILY. I cried.
I laughed. I almost took my clothes off because of some guy (read: love of my life Felix). Ugh. This book. It felt like the warmest hug. And wtf the summer and spring and fall and winter vibes ALL TOGETHER??? Carley you ate with this one. Don’t you ever stop writing. I forbid it xxx
AND NO CHEATING TROPE??!! THANK YOU CARLEY
WHAT THE FUCK THIS BOOK ATE SO HARD????
Felix. Felix. Felix. FELIX. I did NOT expect him to be this perfect???? Wtf???? The amount of times I GIGGLED. BLUSHED. KICKED MY FEET. I’m his. That man can have me. I volunteer. Felix pls. Pls.
The FRIENDSHIPS. FOUND FAMILY. I cried.
I laughed. I almost took my clothes off because of some guy (read: love of my life Felix). Ugh. This book. It felt like the warmest hug. And wtf the summer and spring and fall and winter vibes ALL TOGETHER??? Carley you ate with this one. Don’t you ever stop writing. I forbid it xxx
AND NO CHEATING TROPE??!! THANK YOU CARLEY
May 18, 2024
I genuinely have no idea why these two like each other outside of wanting to have sex all. the. time. Absolutely no depth to their relationship.
Lucy was incredibly immature and deeply co-dependent and by the time she had her big character growth moment, I just did not care anymore.
There was way too much cringy, immature dialogue that was probably supposed to make me swoon, but I just had the ick.
It had some redeeming qualities but they were few and far between.
I am so, so bummed to give this review. I’ve seen a lot of high praise for this book & was excited about it, especially after being disappointed with MMATL. But it was not for me.
Lucy was incredibly immature and deeply co-dependent and by the time she had her big character growth moment, I just did not care anymore.
There was way too much cringy, immature dialogue that was probably supposed to make me swoon, but I just had the ick.
It had some redeeming qualities but they were few and far between.
I am so, so bummed to give this review. I’ve seen a lot of high praise for this book & was excited about it, especially after being disappointed with MMATL. But it was not for me.
Want to read
August 23, 2023carley fortune could release anything and i'd still be the first in line to buy it
May 28, 2024
Who’s over here lying and throwing 4 stars like it’s candy?? I’ve never wanted a book to end so badly in my life. Holy shit.
September 14, 2024
“I don’t want to be a stop along your journey. I want to be the destination.”
What would you do for love?
Especially when it is your absolute best friend, Bridget?
“She’s wind and air and clouds. The embodiment of happiness. So, beautiful, my best friend.”
Relationships and friendships can be so complicated.
And when her best friends rule # 3 is…
“Don’t fall in love with my brother,” what is Lucy supposed to do when Felix is
so perfect looking, and his hair…
“…a deep chocolate brown, thick and wavy – short enough that it didn’t fall into his eyes but long enough for disorderly conduct, tumbling over his forehead.”
Disorderly conduct? How is she supposed to keep resisting that?
“Everything that’s worth having is some trouble.” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Is it, really worth the trouble?
How will Lucy find a way to keep avoiding Felix year after year after year each time she ends up on Prince Edward Island when she is there for some Bridget family event?
And now, Bridget is in crisis just days before her wedding, and both Lucy and Felix are called to be her support, not knowing what is going on.
Did Miles, her fiancé do something? Or, is the wedding called off? What is really going on?
Everything is in chaos, including Lucy’s own emotions about Felix?
And, could Felix possibly have feelings about Lucy?
And yet, all attention is on Bridget in attempting to figure out, what could possibly be happening with her. She is an emotional mess.
With hot passion, and sexual tensions arising through the pages, and chapters interweaving through the years to give readers backstory into the history of Lucy and Felix’s never ending chemistry, questions arise – will they or won’t they find their way to a happily ever after?
And will readers ever know what is really going on with Bridget? And will she find her way to her happily ever after?
In true Fortune fashion, readers will not be disappointed by this page-turning, sexy, rom-com that has you rooting for all these likable best friends. There are also other supporting characters to enjoy, as well.
What would you do for love?
Especially when it is your absolute best friend, Bridget?
“She’s wind and air and clouds. The embodiment of happiness. So, beautiful, my best friend.”
Relationships and friendships can be so complicated.
And when her best friends rule # 3 is…
“Don’t fall in love with my brother,” what is Lucy supposed to do when Felix is
so perfect looking, and his hair…
“…a deep chocolate brown, thick and wavy – short enough that it didn’t fall into his eyes but long enough for disorderly conduct, tumbling over his forehead.”
Disorderly conduct? How is she supposed to keep resisting that?
“Everything that’s worth having is some trouble.” – L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea
Is it, really worth the trouble?
How will Lucy find a way to keep avoiding Felix year after year after year each time she ends up on Prince Edward Island when she is there for some Bridget family event?
And now, Bridget is in crisis just days before her wedding, and both Lucy and Felix are called to be her support, not knowing what is going on.
Did Miles, her fiancé do something? Or, is the wedding called off? What is really going on?
Everything is in chaos, including Lucy’s own emotions about Felix?
And, could Felix possibly have feelings about Lucy?
And yet, all attention is on Bridget in attempting to figure out, what could possibly be happening with her. She is an emotional mess.
With hot passion, and sexual tensions arising through the pages, and chapters interweaving through the years to give readers backstory into the history of Lucy and Felix’s never ending chemistry, questions arise – will they or won’t they find their way to a happily ever after?
And will readers ever know what is really going on with Bridget? And will she find her way to her happily ever after?
In true Fortune fashion, readers will not be disappointed by this page-turning, sexy, rom-com that has you rooting for all these likable best friends. There are also other supporting characters to enjoy, as well.
October 5, 2024
✩ 2.45 stars ✩
“Sometimes I worry that as I’ve got older, I’ve shrunk my world instead of making it grow”
What to Expect:
➼ Best Friend’s Brother
➼ Alternates Between Past & Present
➼ Sisterhood/Found Family
➼ Right Person Wrong Time
➼ Small Town (Prince Edward Island)
➼ Mutual Pining
➼ Forbidden Romance
➼ Secret Relationship
➼ Friends with Benefits
➼ First Person POV
I almost feel bad reviewing this because I knew I wasn’t going to like it, and in a shocking turn of events… I didn’t like it. 🙃
To be fair, I am really not a fan of the “best friend’s brother” trope. It rarely makes sense to me, and this book was NOT the exception. Why wouldn’t you want your best friend to become your sister-in-law or become a prominent member of your family? The only reason I can think of for someone to make a rule that their best friend isn’t allowed to fall in love with their brother is to selfishly keep that friend all to themselves. This made it difficult to like the best friend, but I also had a difficult time liking the FMC as she snuck around behind her friend’s back and lied to her by omission for years. In what world is it better to lie to your friend? Maybe if they had only slept together once, but they hooked up year after year. Why not just come clean?
I also find the miscommunication trope to be extremely tedious, and a lot of the plot hinged on the characters not openly communicating their thoughts and feelings. In both this book and the last book, I felt like the author picked the worst tropes available and ran with them.
So basically… if this book had been completely different, maybe I would have liked it. 😂
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Grudgingly reading this for book club. I hated book two and fully planned to skip this one. Trying to go in with an open mind but it’s gonnna be a struggle. 😅
“Sometimes I worry that as I’ve got older, I’ve shrunk my world instead of making it grow”
What to Expect:
➼ Best Friend’s Brother
➼ Alternates Between Past & Present
➼ Sisterhood/Found Family
➼ Right Person Wrong Time
➼ Small Town (Prince Edward Island)
➼ Mutual Pining
➼ Forbidden Romance
➼ Secret Relationship
➼ Friends with Benefits
➼ First Person POV
I almost feel bad reviewing this because I knew I wasn’t going to like it, and in a shocking turn of events… I didn’t like it. 🙃
To be fair, I am really not a fan of the “best friend’s brother” trope. It rarely makes sense to me, and this book was NOT the exception. Why wouldn’t you want your best friend to become your sister-in-law or become a prominent member of your family? The only reason I can think of for someone to make a rule that their best friend isn’t allowed to fall in love with their brother is to selfishly keep that friend all to themselves. This made it difficult to like the best friend, but I also had a difficult time liking the FMC as she snuck around behind her friend’s back and lied to her by omission for years. In what world is it better to lie to your friend? Maybe if they had only slept together once, but they hooked up year after year. Why not just come clean?
I also find the miscommunication trope to be extremely tedious, and a lot of the plot hinged on the characters not openly communicating their thoughts and feelings. In both this book and the last book, I felt like the author picked the worst tropes available and ran with them.
So basically… if this book had been completely different, maybe I would have liked it. 😂
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Grudgingly reading this for book club. I hated book two and fully planned to skip this one. Trying to go in with an open mind but it’s gonnna be a struggle. 😅
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