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This Summer Will Be Different
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 problem: 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.
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 problem: 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.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Carley Fortune
7 books15.4k 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 14,462 reviews
May 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
May 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 stars rounded up!
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😅)
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🫣🫣🫣
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
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 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
June 18, 2024
I am not overwhelmed. I am not underwhelmed. I am simply whelmed.
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.
Currently reading
May 25, 2024·˚⊹ ┆ pre–read:
↳ started on may 24th, 2024.
hopefully this will get me back into reading. 😭
↳ started on may 24th, 2024.
hopefully this will get me back into reading. 😭
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.
May 14, 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. I was instantly hooked by the prologue, and 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. I was instantly hooked by the prologue, and 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 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 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 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 18, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ everything u need in a summer romance
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
May 22, 2024
the backdrop of this being pei makes me emotional :’) ౨ৎ
Want to read
July 12, 2024 Squeezing in another summer romance ☀️🍨🥰🎡⛱️🧡... I've heard this serves much better than the previous two.
Time to find out!
Time to find out!
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!
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!!
Want to read
August 23, 2023carley fortune could release anything and i'd still be the first in line to buy it
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! :)
July 8, 2024
: ̗̀➛ 4 stars
I had an unbelievably good time reading this book! I was genuinely taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. This is undoubtedly one of the best summer reads, not just for its captivating plot but also for its vividly described, picturesque setting that makes you feel as if you're right there.
Lucy is a wonderfully relatable and down-to-earth character, and witnessing her growth throughout the book is truly refreshing. The chemistry between her and Felix is palpable; their witty and humorous banter brings constant laughter and smiles. While the characters could benefit from a bit more depth, their interactions remain compelling and entertaining. Bridget, however, can come off as immature and selfish at times. Her insistence on Lucy abandoning her business for an unexplained trip seems far-fetched. Nonetheless, the loyalty between them is beautifully depicted, showcasing a bond one can only aspire to have.
The plot is enthralling, even if not entirely original. A tourist falling for a local, complicated by the best friend's brother dynamic, is executed brilliantly by Carley Fortune. Their adventures and the detailed narration make you feel as though you are part of their journey. The third-act breakup, although typically a low point for me, felt justified and added depth to the story, despite momentarily dampening the mood. However, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book for a quick summer read. It's easy to read, funny, and endearing. Perfect for the beach, it leaves you yearning for a vacation of your own after finishing it.
"Since the first day we met, I think a piece of my heart has belonged to you. Every year, it just got bigger and bigger."
I had an unbelievably good time reading this book! I was genuinely taken aback by how much I enjoyed it. This is undoubtedly one of the best summer reads, not just for its captivating plot but also for its vividly described, picturesque setting that makes you feel as if you're right there.
Lucy is a wonderfully relatable and down-to-earth character, and witnessing her growth throughout the book is truly refreshing. The chemistry between her and Felix is palpable; their witty and humorous banter brings constant laughter and smiles. While the characters could benefit from a bit more depth, their interactions remain compelling and entertaining. Bridget, however, can come off as immature and selfish at times. Her insistence on Lucy abandoning her business for an unexplained trip seems far-fetched. Nonetheless, the loyalty between them is beautifully depicted, showcasing a bond one can only aspire to have.
The plot is enthralling, even if not entirely original. A tourist falling for a local, complicated by the best friend's brother dynamic, is executed brilliantly by Carley Fortune. Their adventures and the detailed narration make you feel as though you are part of their journey. The third-act breakup, although typically a low point for me, felt justified and added depth to the story, despite momentarily dampening the mood. However, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book for a quick summer read. It's easy to read, funny, and endearing. Perfect for the beach, it leaves you yearning for a vacation of your own after finishing it.
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.
June 2, 2024
I loved the PEI setting and the characters (who wouldn’t love a hunky guy who is an avid reader?) but I usually prefer more comedy or snark in my rom-coms and I prefer the bedroom door firmly closed (this was wide open).
Bridget’s BIG SECRET was annoying after a while and even more annoying when finally revealed. The story would have been strong enough without this side plot.
BUT, and this is a big BUT….the story left me with all the feels at the end so there’s that. It was sweet, I was rooting for the characters, and I was completely charmed. I especially loved the author’s note at the end.
Bridget’s BIG SECRET was annoying after a while and even more annoying when finally revealed. The story would have been strong enough without this side plot.
BUT, and this is a big BUT….the story left me with all the feels at the end so there’s that. It was sweet, I was rooting for the characters, and I was completely charmed. I especially loved the author’s note at the end.
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.
June 4, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
The perfect summer romance with some swoon and steam to it!! Such an incredibly fast read that would be amazing for a beach read pick up! The scenery was beyond beautiful, female friendships had me in my feels and the forbidden relationship was hawt!!!
The perfect summer romance with some swoon and steam to it!! Such an incredibly fast read that would be amazing for a beach read pick up! The scenery was beyond beautiful, female friendships had me in my feels and the forbidden relationship was hawt!!!
May 28, 2024
I was so nervous going into TSWBD – as a maritime girl and self-appointed president of the Best-Friend’s-Brother Fanclub, my expectations were high!
It is so special to read books that are essentially love letters to a province you love. Carley Fortune always nails the setting, local culture, hotspots and hole-in-the-walls, and ensures that you are inexorably tied to the characters in the book.
There are three love stories happening in this book:
✨ Lucy and Felix: I will never forget you. I loved being a fly on the wall in the vows you shared in longing glances and secret touches. It felt sexy but never sordid. It felt inevitable like the tide, yet rare and fragile like the seaglass it leaves behind. I love how you kept being drawn to each other, but allowed space to grow.
✨ Lucy and Bridget: Theirs was not a romantic story, but I truly believe they are the soulmates of this book. The way they loved each other was magical, always prioritizing one another, even in the reasons they kept secrets. I love that Bridgit extended her family and her island to Lucy, that they showed up for each other up in hard moments. I love that they knew how much the other needed to be pushed, and when they needed time inside their own heads.
✨ Lucy and PEI: I love that Prince Edward Island gave Lucy a safe place to land when her real life was tossing her in the air with no safety net in place. I love that she grieved there, found love there, and discovered that although the island is an idyllic place to escape to, with its breezy charm, for her, it was never meant to be just a vacation. It was a stretch of land on the strait, waiting to be turned into a home. (brb im emo about the east coast and i could go all day)
Please read it. And thank you to @penguinrandomca for sending me a package that reminded me of home. Can’t wait to head to PEI in a few weeks 🫶🏻
It is so special to read books that are essentially love letters to a province you love. Carley Fortune always nails the setting, local culture, hotspots and hole-in-the-walls, and ensures that you are inexorably tied to the characters in the book.
There are three love stories happening in this book:
✨ Lucy and Felix: I will never forget you. I loved being a fly on the wall in the vows you shared in longing glances and secret touches. It felt sexy but never sordid. It felt inevitable like the tide, yet rare and fragile like the seaglass it leaves behind. I love how you kept being drawn to each other, but allowed space to grow.
✨ Lucy and Bridget: Theirs was not a romantic story, but I truly believe they are the soulmates of this book. The way they loved each other was magical, always prioritizing one another, even in the reasons they kept secrets. I love that Bridgit extended her family and her island to Lucy, that they showed up for each other up in hard moments. I love that they knew how much the other needed to be pushed, and when they needed time inside their own heads.
✨ Lucy and PEI: I love that Prince Edward Island gave Lucy a safe place to land when her real life was tossing her in the air with no safety net in place. I love that she grieved there, found love there, and discovered that although the island is an idyllic place to escape to, with its breezy charm, for her, it was never meant to be just a vacation. It was a stretch of land on the strait, waiting to be turned into a home. (brb im emo about the east coast and i could go all day)
Please read it. And thank you to @penguinrandomca for sending me a package that reminded me of home. Can’t wait to head to PEI in a few weeks 🫶🏻
July 5, 2024
lucy was ovulating throughout the book
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