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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“I loved you,” he whispers. “I know,” I say. Hurt eyes move across my face. “You broke my heart.” “I know that, too.”Every Summer After left me with all kinds of feelings. This was my first Carley Fortune book, and I really enjoyed her writing style. The dual timeline worked well, and I loved the lake setting and small-town atmosphere—I could clearly picture every moment as it unfolded. There was something especially nostalgic about it, at least for me, as someone who has spent (and still spends) time at a lake filled with meaningful memories. Watching Sam and Percy meet, form a friendship, and gradually grow into something more was one of the highlights.My biggest issue was the plot twist—the event that ultimately tore them apart. I saw it coming pretty early on, and the execution didn’t fully work for me. I also struggle with the cheating trope in general, and here it just didn’t land the way I hoped. On top of that, the present-day timeline felt rushed, and the way everything resolved came across as a bit unrealistic when viewed through a more grounded lens.Overall, though, it was an enjoyable and emotional read, and I’m definitely interested in picking up more of Carley Fortune’s books.Tropes: friends to lovers, second chance romance, dual timeline (past & present), small-town setting, grief, emotional angst, miscommunication
Loved it! Can't wait to watch Every Year After. This was super cute and had a little twist I wasn't expecting.
This book is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about Percy and Sam, whose childhood summers together turn into something more—until mistakes and distance tear them apart. A decade later, they reunite, forcing them to confront their past and unresolved feelings.The author's writing style was immaculate.It made it easy for me to lose track of time while I was reading this.I especially loved how she portrayed young Percy’s character. While her adult self felt a bit immature, Sam's character remained consistently charming---making up for Percy's shortcomings.The book also explores themes of grief and loss, adding emotional depth without being too heavy.So,would I recommend it?Absolutely!This is perfect for fans of second-chance romance and nostalgic summer love stories.It’s a light, bingeable read with only mild spice & if you happen to enjoy Taylor Swift’s bittersweet love songs, this book will give you similar vibes!This is what I would describe as a beautifully written, emotional read.— & Carley Fortune,please take my money!!!!
⤿ Reading period: July 17 - July 19, 2025⤿ Rating: ★★★☆☆.5Every Summer After is a poignant and nostalgic tale of second chances, woven through the fabric of cherished summer memories and the relentless passage of time. The narrative unfolds in a dual timeline, alternating between the past and the present, as it centers on Persephone “Percy” Fraser. She returns to the lakeside town of her childhood after receiving the heartbreaking news of a loss in her former best friend’s family. This journey back home becomes a profound exploration of past mistakes, the intensity of first love, and the heartache that often accompanies growth. As Percy navigates the complexities of her emotions, the story delves into the idea that a single moment can irrevocably change the trajectory of a relationship, revealing that time does not always heal the wounds of a broken heart. With its enchanting summer setting, rich emotional layers, and the bittersweet nature of youthful decisions, the narrative resonates deeply, making it an ideal read for those who appreciate introspective and character-driven romances.The book opens with a captivating charm, effortlessly evoking the essence of a relaxing summer. Its steady pacing, which remains slow throughout, surprisingly kept my interest piqued, allowing me to savor the unfolding narrative. However, as the story progressed into the middle, it veered into a realm of heightened drama. While I didn’t find it unbearable, I also didn’t particularly enjoy this shift, as it felt somewhat prolonged and detracted from the initial ambiance. Notably, the narrative is composed of approximately 70% flashbacks and only 30% set in the present, which I found somewhat unbalanced. Personally, I would have preferred a greater focus on the current events, as I believe it would have enriched the overall experience and maintained the engaging summer vibes that initially drew me in.➸ Percy :She embodies the archetype of a “pick me” girl, someone who is deeply wounded and constantly in search of validation and attention. This quest for approval drives her to go to great lengths to maintain the affection she receives, often leading to frustrating interactions. While I occasionally found myself empathizing with her motivations, it became increasingly clear that her actions were predominantly self-serving, focused primarily on her own happiness and emotional needs. Despite her belief in her own maturity, she failed to confront Sam with the truth a dozen years ago, a decision that speaks volumes about her struggles with communication and emotional accountability. Throughout the narrative, I observed a lack of significant character growth; her journey culminated not in a profound transformation but rather in a simple acknowledgment of her past mistakes. Now, she seems resolute in her desire to make amends with Sam, yet it feels more like a surface-level resolution than a genuine evolution of her character.➸ Sam:Sam stands out as the most compelling character in this narrative. An introverted individual with a distinctly nerdy charm, he harbors a deep-seated aspiration to become a doctor, a dream shaped by the profound losses he experienced in his youth. His passion for his chosen career is palpable, and it underscores his maturity, which is evident in both his past and present relationship with Percy. While he understands the necessity for both of them to carve out time and space to pursue their professional goals, he struggles to articulate this need to Percy, leading to misunderstandings that fuel her defensive reactions. Beneath his reserved exterior lies a fear of losing Percy as a friend, which likely contributed to his hesitance in expressing his feelings for her over the years. When Percy reenters his life after a twelve-year absence, Sam makes the difficult decision to end his relationship with his girlfriend, motivated by a desire to rekindle his connection with Percy, despite being fully aware of the complexities involved. It’s clear that Sam deserves far more recognition and happiness than he receives throughout the story, as his character embodies resilience and a deep commitment to those he cares about.“I loved you.”“I know.”“You broke my heart.”“I know that too.”The characters in Every Summer After are raw, flawed, and beautifully human. Percy is a bookish, introverted girl who blossoms each summer by the lake, and her transformation over the years feels authentic. Her deep connection with Sam Florek, the quiet and thoughtful boy next door, is the heart of the novel. Their bond grows from friendship to love in a way that feels tender and true, making their eventual fallout all the more heartbreaking. Sam is layered and quietly intense — intelligent, loyal, and mature beyond his years — but he’s not without his flaws. Charlie, Sam’s older brother, adds complexity and depth to the dynamics, offering both comic relief and emotional tension. Each character feels distinct and real, and their relationships, especially the one between Percy and Sam, are filled with longing, warmth, and genuine emotional stakes.➵”You and me are special. There’s no one else l’d rather spend time with than you. There’s no one else I’d rather talk to than you. And there’s no one else I’d rather kiss than you. But you’re more important to me than kissing.”Carley Fortune’s writing is atmospheric and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers to the sun-dappled docks and cool waters of Barry’s Bay. Her prose is both lyrical and accessible, capturing the intensity of young love and the bittersweet weight of memory. The use of the dual timeline is particularly effective in building suspense and revealing the layers of Percy and Sam’s past at just the right pace. Fortune masterfully balances nostalgia with emotional realism, creating a story that feels both dreamy and grounded. Her writing shines most in the quiet, introspective moments — the stolen glances, the loaded silences, the ache of regret. It’s a debut that feels polished and heartfelt, cementing Fortune as a fresh voice in contemporary romance.This novel can be likened to a budget-friendly version of “Love and Other Words,” infused with a cheating subplot that adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Approaching it with minimal expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the story unfolded. While it certainly had its flaws, the overall experience was enjoyable, largely due to the vibrant summer atmosphere that the author skillfully crafted. The picturesque setting provided a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, enhancing the reader’s immersion in the characters’ lives. Although the story borrows significant elements from “Love and Other Words,” it manages to carve out its own identity. The protagonists, Sam and Percy, can be seen as a more accessible iteration of Elliot and Macy, yet it’s hard to deny that the original characters hold a special place in readers’ hearts. Ultimately, while this book may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it offers a charming and engaging read that stands on its own merits.────୨ৎ────⤷ Thank you for reaching to this point here and I’m really glad and thankful for you, love you ⟡.
Okay, hear me out. This is a really good book when it comes to the writing, wording, and everything in between. I loved Delilah the most cause she pushed me into a whole new revelation. I seriously wish more teenagers would read books like this. Ones with the message: boys are for fun, put yourself first, and never let a boy stand in your way. (Honestly, I need a Delilah spinoff.)Why am I saying this?Because I remember back in my school years, books were all about this exceptional, self-sacrificing love(giving everything to a guy type). The classics idealized dramatic, painful love. Love meant sacrifice. Love meant putting him first. And I think that shaped how many of us saw relationships. Like, this was supposed to be “real” love.But now I’m seeing more books where authors don’t imply that love must equal pain. Where healthy love doesn’t require you to lose yourself. And I love it. It’s the right message for young girls: choose yourself first.Now, regarding the plot of this book…Oh. My. God.WTF was that?! I’m sorry, but the brother-sleeping trope was way too much. This was ridiculous. No sane person would ever forgive Percy. It’s just wrong. Her first kiss? Charlie. Her first time? Charlie. And in the end… she chooses the other brother?! What was the point?Honestly, I liked CharliePercy over SamPercy way more.I’ve already finished the Charlie spinoff, but to be honest, I don’t see him with Alice. It could’ve ended better - Charlie’s with Percy and Sam forgiving her, Sam moving on, and them just staying friends. That would’ve been enough.
this book was so emotional and soo good. i love her writing i love the story i love everything. the story was so interesting that i just couldnt pit it down. one golden summer is about his brother charlie and im gonna go read it.NOW!6⭐️
This book is a heartfelt friends-to-lovers story about Percy and Sam, whose childhood summers together turn into something more—until mistakes and distance tear them apart. A decade later, they reunite, forcing them to confront their past and unresolved feelings.The author's writing style was immaculate.It made it easy for me to lose track of time while I was reading this.I especially loved how she portrayed young Percy’s character. While her adult self felt a bit immature, Sam's character remained consistently charming---making up for Percy's shortcomings.The book also explores themes of grief and loss, adding emotional depth without being too heavy.So,would I recommend it?Absolutely!This is perfect for fans of second-chance romance and nostalgic summer love stories.It’s a light, bingeable read with only mild spice & if you happen to enjoy Taylor Swift’s bittersweet love songs, this book will give you similar vibes!This is what I would describe as a beautifully written, emotional read.— & Carley Fortune,please take my money!!!!
Well what a book this was....right from the off I was hooked. I couldn't put this one down. I loved how the story flicked between the past and the present to tell the story of sam and Percy. So many little twists and turns to the story. The ending...I would say perfect....not the typical fairytale which a lot of stories have but the real gritty side of a relationship but still lovely all the same. Thank you for a lovely story Carley fortune I'm so looking forward to your other books 💕
Eu não sou mto a vibe do gênero romance puro sabe, mas fui dar uma chance pra esse livro dps de ver algumas avaliações boas sobre ele, e NOSSA, q experiência boa, esse livro tem romance entre amigos de infância com aquela pitada de saudade sabe...não foi um livro onde o romance entre o casal chega a ser enjoado, fui na medida certa pois o Sam e a persephone tem sim os seus desentendimentos, e dps de anos tentam se resolver. Acho que talvez por eu já ter passado por uma paixão de amigo de infância isso me ajudou mais a gostar desse livro, ou talvez seja a fase da minha vida q estou agr porém eu não esperava MESMO q eu fosse gostar tanto dele.