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Now that summer is over, it’s time to chat about what books I read this past season. The summer is all about romance and these fun beach reads gave me all the romcom feels. Between slow burns and rekindled romances, I spend my summer swooning over each and every romantic trope. Here is part 1 of what books I read this past summer. As always the reviews have spoilers, so skip that part if you have not read the book yet.
It’s been 18 months since Meredith Fox lost her beloved sister Claire. As she heads to the annual Fox family vacation at Martha’s Vineyard for her cousin’s wedding, Meredith is determined to enjoy the summer and honor her beloved sister in the game of assassin. A Fox family tradition. When Meredith forms an unexpected alliance with one of the cute groomsman, she finds there is much more at risk for her than losing the game. The Summer of Broken Rules deals with grief, love of family, and opening yourself up to love and possibilities. 5/5 stars.
Review
This was a fun read! I enjoyed following along the thrilling game of assassin. I really had no idea how it would all play out. I also loved reading the budding romance between Meredith and Wit. I did expect there to be much more to Wit’s story and how he knew Claire, but I liked how it turned out. How he was with her that night, but wasn’t there during the accident– for a second I thought he could have been the one to have caused it. I was also expecting Meredith’s ex-boyfriend to show up at some point, but glad he never did. Even though this book was all fun and games, there was an important lesson on grief. How everyone deals with grief differently. We must honor how we grieve within, but also acknowledge that others have their own way. It’s finding a balance. I liked how Wit was there to help Meredith heal; to get her out of the shadows and step back into the world. It was very sweet.
Liz Buxbaum is a romcom enthusiast. She lives, breathes, and fully believes in the fairytale romance of her favorite movies. When her childhood crush Michael moves back into town, Liz decides she will do whatever it takes to get him to ask her to prom. It is something her late mother would have wanted to her. This means even asking her annoying next door neighbor Wes for help. But while they plot to scheme Liz into Michael’s heart, Liz realizes she enjoys spending time with Wes. Now she must reassess all her beliefs about love. Better Than The Movies is about staying true to yourself while stepping outside your comfort zone. 5/5 stars
Review
Oh I loved this book! I couldn’t get enough, it gave me all the feels! Yes it was predictable with what was going to happen, but I didn’t care. It’s part of the whole romance trope. The book itself played on almost every romance trope and I loved it. The chemistry between Liz and Wes was flying off the pages. It was a slow burn, but worth the wait. It was so cute how Wes always took care of Liz no matter what. He just wanted to see her happy. What I also loved about the book, besides the budding romance, is that it shows us that it’s ok to be ourselves. That we do not have to change who we are to get the guy or to thrive in this world. Our uniqueness is our strength. I am also glad the author made the popular girls nice. No one was mean to Liz. It shows you also can’t judge anyone based on preconceived notions.
Sam likes her life. It’s organized, on track, and simple. She is about to marry a doctor and has a great job in New York– that she may get fired from soon. Everything was going accordingly to plan until she heads to her family’s beach house in Long Island. When Sam arrives to the beach house, the past comes crashing down on her when she realizes her neighbor Wyatt is at his family’s beach house this summer as well. Wyatt, Sam’s first love and biggest heartbreak. As the summer progresses, Sam must choose between her past and what she thinks is her future. Same Time Next Summer is about first loves, fate, and making choices for yourself. 4.5/ 5 stars.
Review
This was another easy beach read for the summer. I will say it started off a little slow for me then quickly picks up. I enjoyed the back and forth between the past and the present. Giving us more insight into Sam and Wyatt’s relationship. I always wonder what it would be like to have found “the one” when you are little. To have an entire lifetime of memories with each other. It would really be something! What I liked about this book was that it shows us that sometimes the easy road isn’t always the right decision. Sam wasn’t honoring herself and what she really wanted. The whole family secret thing I did NOT see coming! I can see why Sam tried so hard to move on from the past and to create a “safe” life for herself. Always choose yourself over anyone and anything.