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One Last Summer
From the cohost of the award-winning Forever35 podcast comes a dreamy, laugh-out-loud summer romance that What do you do when the life you've planned isn't what you've dreamed?
Clara Millen’s life is spiraling out of her dream job is a nightmare, she’s resoundingly single, and it’s been years since she’s taken some time off. Thankfully, the last problem she can fix—this year she’ll join her friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape.
But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome).
Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive.
Clara Millen’s life is spiraling out of her dream job is a nightmare, she’s resoundingly single, and it’s been years since she’s taken some time off. Thankfully, the last problem she can fix—this year she’ll join her friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape.
But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome).
Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
About the author
Kate Spencer
3 books795 followersKate Spencer is the author of the upcoming romantic comedy, In a New York Minute (Forever, 2022), and the memoir The Dead Moms Club (Seal Press, 2017). She's also the co-host of the podcast Forever35, which tackles all things self-care with humor and honesty. Her written work has appeared on numerous platforms and publications, including Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and Esquire. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 783 reviews
August 12, 2024
So, here is the thing. As readers you know what is coming. It is that predictable. We have been-here-before. And, yet you still want it. Because you are asking for a summer romance escape. Amirite?
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you.
With this one, Clara is the perfect protagonist who is burnt out, dumped and sent off by her boss on a forced vacation. An old friend has asked her to come to a yearly visit to their old summer camp. And, there we find her old “nemesis” who really was her old “crush,” Mack. Now, we are smart readers, right? We know what is going to happen.
The camp is closing. Wait, what? It just can’t! These girls have got to do something about it, right? And, this chemistry between Mack and Clara has to go somewhere, right?
And, that is your story. Will they or won’t they save the camp? Will Mack and Clara get together or not?
Cute, nostalgic summer camp romance. Are you up for the escape and fun of it? Then this is the book for you.
June 24, 2024
3.5⭐️ super cute summer read!
July 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this nostalgic trip down memory lane. It has emotion and depth with a feel-good, second chance romance along with found family and friendships reconnecting. A fantastic frenemies to lovers summertime read. ❥ 4 stars — Pub. 6/11/24
June 19, 2024
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
Contemporary romance, second chance troupe.
Clara Millen is working full tilt at her marketing dream job, sure the next promotion is just around the corner after the next successful pitch. Yes, she’s more or less dropped her friends and life outside of her job, but she’s a career woman and that’s just what is expected.
Clara is surprised when her boss sends her on a mandatory leave of absence. It’s only a week but the boss says that Clara is burned out and needs a reset.
The timing couldn’t be better for Clara. Her childhood friends all happen to be meeting at Pine Lake Camp for an annual retreat like they do every year. Clara hasn’t been able to go recently but this forced vacation has her in the car with and on the way to her nemesis, Mack. Or is he the one that got away? Clara has a lot of decisions to make in this week that could change everything.
The sparks have always been there between Clara and Mack but she was never ready to see it. He’s always been there for her. So much so that he really can’t help but watch her and make sure she has whatever she needs. If only it were him.
I didn’t really like Clara. I totally understand the professional drive but how did she not see the passing of the award for what it was? I’m glad she finally figured out that she needs her friends, and a love and life outside of work. We all need to do a better job at that!
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Contemporary romance, second chance troupe.
Clara Millen is working full tilt at her marketing dream job, sure the next promotion is just around the corner after the next successful pitch. Yes, she’s more or less dropped her friends and life outside of her job, but she’s a career woman and that’s just what is expected.
Clara is surprised when her boss sends her on a mandatory leave of absence. It’s only a week but the boss says that Clara is burned out and needs a reset.
The timing couldn’t be better for Clara. Her childhood friends all happen to be meeting at Pine Lake Camp for an annual retreat like they do every year. Clara hasn’t been able to go recently but this forced vacation has her in the car with and on the way to her nemesis, Mack. Or is he the one that got away? Clara has a lot of decisions to make in this week that could change everything.
The sparks have always been there between Clara and Mack but she was never ready to see it. He’s always been there for her. So much so that he really can’t help but watch her and make sure she has whatever she needs. If only it were him.
I didn’t really like Clara. I totally understand the professional drive but how did she not see the passing of the award for what it was? I’m glad she finally figured out that she needs her friends, and a love and life outside of work. We all need to do a better job at that!
3.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
May 29, 2024
After being forced into a micro-sabbatical from work, thirtysomething Clara Millen joins her friends for one last trip to their teenage summer camp, Pine Lake. While she is there, she realizes she still has feelings for her friend Mack.
So, second chance romance tends to be hit or miss with me. Unfortunately this one was a bit of a miss. I struggled to really like the characters, and I wasn’t invested in the romance between Clara and Mack. Obsessing over one moment they shared as teenagers 20 years ago seemed like a stretch.
This one wasn’t for me, but if the second chance romance trope is one of your favorites, you will probably enjoy this quick, summer read.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Publishing June 11, 2024
So, second chance romance tends to be hit or miss with me. Unfortunately this one was a bit of a miss. I struggled to really like the characters, and I wasn’t invested in the romance between Clara and Mack. Obsessing over one moment they shared as teenagers 20 years ago seemed like a stretch.
This one wasn’t for me, but if the second chance romance trope is one of your favorites, you will probably enjoy this quick, summer read.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Publishing June 11, 2024
June 17, 2024
It took a few chapters for me to get into this book, but then I just had a blast reading it! It’s probably the most summery book I’ve read this year. The camp vibes and the sweet friend group were just done so well.
I also really liked Clara’s growth in the story. She was so focused on her work that she ended up suffering from burnout and forgetting how to enjoy her life. She even drifts apart from some of her closest friends. And so, it was good to see her reprioritize things by the end of the story and learn how to have fun and live her life to the fullest. The romance was very cute too. Clara and Mack had such amazing banter. Their competitive and flirtatious nature really sold me and I was rooting for them.
My only complaint with this book is that there were definitely some moments where the silliness of the story became a bit much. But overall, a really fun book that is perfect for the summer!
I also really liked Clara’s growth in the story. She was so focused on her work that she ended up suffering from burnout and forgetting how to enjoy her life. She even drifts apart from some of her closest friends. And so, it was good to see her reprioritize things by the end of the story and learn how to have fun and live her life to the fullest. The romance was very cute too. Clara and Mack had such amazing banter. Their competitive and flirtatious nature really sold me and I was rooting for them.
My only complaint with this book is that there were definitely some moments where the silliness of the story became a bit much. But overall, a really fun book that is perfect for the summer!
June 14, 2024
This was the PERFECT nostalgic second chance at love, friend reunion story set at a favorite summer camp just before it's about to be sold. I loved the friend group, the queer rep, the main character, Clara who is burnt out at work, loves to make lists and is forced to go on vacation by her boss.
Reunited with her best friends from childhood and the boy who was her first kiss, Clara comes to appreciate all she's missed out on by being so focused on work and learns to take a chance on what makes her truly happy while checking off a list of must do activities before the week is over.
Great on audio narrated by Kelli Tager and a GORGEOUS cover. HIGHLY recommended for fans of books like Happy Place by Emily Henry, That summer feeling by Bridget Morrisey or Every summer after by Carly Fortune and DEFINITELY my new favorite by Kate Spencer!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever and BookSparks for early digital and finished copies in exchange for my honest review! This book would make a great pick to read by a campfire at the lake with the sound of loons in the background!
💋Steam level: mostly kissing, some fade to black scenes
Reunited with her best friends from childhood and the boy who was her first kiss, Clara comes to appreciate all she's missed out on by being so focused on work and learns to take a chance on what makes her truly happy while checking off a list of must do activities before the week is over.
Great on audio narrated by Kelli Tager and a GORGEOUS cover. HIGHLY recommended for fans of books like Happy Place by Emily Henry, That summer feeling by Bridget Morrisey or Every summer after by Carly Fortune and DEFINITELY my new favorite by Kate Spencer!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever and BookSparks for early digital and finished copies in exchange for my honest review! This book would make a great pick to read by a campfire at the lake with the sound of loons in the background!
💋Steam level: mostly kissing, some fade to black scenes
February 23, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Workaholic, newly single, Clara is forced to take a week long mini-sabbatical, and the timing perfectly aligns with the annual Summer Camp reunion that she’s been skipping out on each year. One Last Summer is a story about friends, nostalgia, and what really matters most in our lives (and that we easily lose sight of).
Ultimately, I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I enjoyed Kate Spencer’s 2022 novel In a New York Minute and was hoping for the same heart-warming, fuzzy romcom. One Last Summer reads much more like a Women’s Fiction novel with hints of romance and a HEA. I enjoyed it but think Kate’s writing just may not be for me.
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Pre-review: So excited to sink my teeth into this one. RTC!
Workaholic, newly single, Clara is forced to take a week long mini-sabbatical, and the timing perfectly aligns with the annual Summer Camp reunion that she’s been skipping out on each year. One Last Summer is a story about friends, nostalgia, and what really matters most in our lives (and that we easily lose sight of).
Ultimately, I wasn’t sure how to rate this book. I enjoyed Kate Spencer’s 2022 novel In a New York Minute and was hoping for the same heart-warming, fuzzy romcom. One Last Summer reads much more like a Women’s Fiction novel with hints of romance and a HEA. I enjoyed it but think Kate’s writing just may not be for me.
—-
Pre-review: So excited to sink my teeth into this one. RTC!
April 15, 2024
THIS BOOK IS SO 😭😭😭😭😭 PERFECT 😭😭😭😭 FIVE STARS, FIVE STARS ALL THE WAY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
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I hereby proclaim One Last Summer by Kate Spencer as one of my top romcom books of all time. ALL TIME.
The amount of times I burrowed my head into my hands, yelled out expletives, and banged my head on my kindle… oh, dear sweet lord. This book had EVERYTHING I wanted in a romcom. EVERYTHING.
If you’re a big fan of Emily Henry & Jessica Joyce and have a penchant for romcom books that feel like women’s fiction BUT with the best tension and banter woven in, then this is for you!!!
I’ve been the biggest advocate for friends to lovers romance, but this one takes it up a notch by making it friends who torture each other relentlessly to lovers. Add in the fact that these are childhood friends and this is set in SUMMER CAMP, with the best, most close knit group of friends, AND the whole I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing-with-my-life twenties aspect, and you have a novel that I felt was written for me, specifically. Everything about this book was absolute perfection for me—and honestly, I have no notes. READ IT!! Add it to your tbr!!! The wait for June is going to be torturous but so WORTH IT for this title 😭
____
I hereby proclaim One Last Summer by Kate Spencer as one of my top romcom books of all time. ALL TIME.
The amount of times I burrowed my head into my hands, yelled out expletives, and banged my head on my kindle… oh, dear sweet lord. This book had EVERYTHING I wanted in a romcom. EVERYTHING.
If you’re a big fan of Emily Henry & Jessica Joyce and have a penchant for romcom books that feel like women’s fiction BUT with the best tension and banter woven in, then this is for you!!!
I’ve been the biggest advocate for friends to lovers romance, but this one takes it up a notch by making it friends who torture each other relentlessly to lovers. Add in the fact that these are childhood friends and this is set in SUMMER CAMP, with the best, most close knit group of friends, AND the whole I-don’t-know-what-I’m-doing-with-my-life twenties aspect, and you have a novel that I felt was written for me, specifically. Everything about this book was absolute perfection for me—and honestly, I have no notes. READ IT!! Add it to your tbr!!! The wait for June is going to be torturous but so WORTH IT for this title 😭
May 20, 2024
I want to start off by saying, thank you Kate for the ARC. Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t for me. I tried really hard to get into it but ended up having to DNF. This book was boring. The characters did not act their age and it just threw me off. It just wasn’t for me.
July 9, 2024
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June 8, 2024
One Last Summer is a cute romantic comedy that follows a frenemies to lovers trope (my favorite.)
The story unfolds through the lens of Clara Millen, one of the main characters whose snarky sense of humor and over the top work ethic shines through in this novel. Other notable characters are Mack Sullivan, and Sam (female) Cohen who really brought the story together for a fun and humorous camping adventure.
I really enjoy how the author always manages to capture the different personalities of her characters and the players in One Last Summer are fully developed and fleshed out. Even the minor players were fun to be with.
One Last Summer is the second novel that I’ve read from author Kate Spencer, and I look foward to many more. Five awesome stars.
The story unfolds through the lens of Clara Millen, one of the main characters whose snarky sense of humor and over the top work ethic shines through in this novel. Other notable characters are Mack Sullivan, and Sam (female) Cohen who really brought the story together for a fun and humorous camping adventure.
I really enjoy how the author always manages to capture the different personalities of her characters and the players in One Last Summer are fully developed and fleshed out. Even the minor players were fun to be with.
One Last Summer is the second novel that I’ve read from author Kate Spencer, and I look foward to many more. Five awesome stars.
July 17, 2024
filed under couples that would break up after a year
June 16, 2024
There are SO many good summer themed romances out this season and I have another one to recommend. As much as it’s a second chance romance between Clara and Mack it focuses heavily on their group of friends from summer camp too so you get a mix of romance and friendship fiction. I actually liked the dynamics between the friend group more than the romance surprisingly but the romance was cute. The friendship aspect was just nostalgic and sweet and even though I never did the summer camp thing I found them to be relatable and charming. I listened to the audio of this one and thought Kelli Tager was great, it was my first listen by her but she was delightful.
July 13, 2024
TITLE: ONE LAST SUMMER
AUTHOR: Kate Spencer
PUB DATE: 06.11.2024
I love a frenemies to lovers trope the best and ONE LAST SUMMER by Kate Spencer is such a cute romcom I simply adored reading for its nostalgia, themes of friendship and a sweet romance. This was the perfect beach read for me that I enjoyed over the holiday break.
Thank you Hachette Audio the narration by Kelli Tager was phenomenal and the voices were distinct that really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobook
AUTHOR: Kate Spencer
PUB DATE: 06.11.2024
I love a frenemies to lovers trope the best and ONE LAST SUMMER by Kate Spencer is such a cute romcom I simply adored reading for its nostalgia, themes of friendship and a sweet romance. This was the perfect beach read for me that I enjoyed over the holiday break.
Thank you Hachette Audio the narration by Kelli Tager was phenomenal and the voices were distinct that really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend the audiobook
May 16, 2024
I blame The Parent Trap for my love of summer camp settings. This was cute! It'll wrap you up in summertime nostalgia.
Forced to take vacation from work, Clara Millen seizes the opportunity to join her friends on their annual trip to Pine Lake Camp. I loved the comfortableness within this friend group. You know, the type of friends you can go years without seeing and pick right back up where you left off.
I did find they acted a little young—but in a way, the silliness brought on by their shared memories felt right for the setting. It was especially nice to see Clara repair relationships and let loose, especially after neglecting her career burnout for so long.
An enjoyable read, but the romance was a tad lacklustre for me. There wasn't a whole lot keeping Clara and Mack apart, past or present. Their history mostly revolved around lighthearted, flirty competitiveness. I wanted more from it. The tension was good at times, but I wasn't aching for them to be together.
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Forced to take vacation from work, Clara Millen seizes the opportunity to join her friends on their annual trip to Pine Lake Camp. I loved the comfortableness within this friend group. You know, the type of friends you can go years without seeing and pick right back up where you left off.
I did find they acted a little young—but in a way, the silliness brought on by their shared memories felt right for the setting. It was especially nice to see Clara repair relationships and let loose, especially after neglecting her career burnout for so long.
An enjoyable read, but the romance was a tad lacklustre for me. There wasn't a whole lot keeping Clara and Mack apart, past or present. Their history mostly revolved around lighthearted, flirty competitiveness. I wanted more from it. The tension was good at times, but I wasn't aching for them to be together.
(heat level: one open-door scene, mild details)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 17, 2024
I was interested in this one but was not a fan of it. This felt more like women's fiction than a romance. Also, the dialogue was stiff and there really wasn't much for good detail.
Also also, the whole 20 year later thing for camp and a kiss that is memorable seemed like such a stretch and then there were a lot of contradicting things along with those details. This tried a little too hard and it didn't work.
Also also, the whole 20 year later thing for camp and a kiss that is memorable seemed like such a stretch and then there were a lot of contradicting things along with those details. This tried a little too hard and it didn't work.
May 14, 2024
3.5⭐️ As a sleepaway camp girl, I’m all for any books set at summer camp. Told in a single POV, this follows 35 year old Clara after she is forced by her boss to take a sabbatical. The timing aligns with her annual camp reunion where she rekindles with her oldest friends and childhood crush. I loved the lakeside, woodsy setting in this and all the classic camp moments. The friend group reminded me of my lifelong friends who aren’t afraid to speak the truth and are always there with a story. My one setback for this was the romantic relationship. While I loved Mack, I think I would have felt the connection between the two a bit more if they were ten years younger. I listened to some chapters on audio, and thought the narration by Kelli Tager was excellent.
Read if you like:
-Summer camp
-Friends to lovers
-Close friend groups
-Women’s fiction/ romance blend
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read if you like:
-Summer camp
-Friends to lovers
-Close friend groups
-Women’s fiction/ romance blend
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2024
3.5
This was a pretty cute book but I don’t think it was really for me. Overall, I think it’s enjoyable and lots of people will love it.
I never fully connected with Clara or Mack. I liked them but I didn’t love them. So many moments, big and small, in this just felt like such a huge stretch and not very believable to me. I think it was honestly the fact that they were reminiscing about things from 20 years ago. I think if we had more moments shared from between then and now or if it was less time than 20 years I might have liked it more.
If you love summer camp vibes and second chance romance then I’d still say you should give it a chance. 💕
This was a pretty cute book but I don’t think it was really for me. Overall, I think it’s enjoyable and lots of people will love it.
I never fully connected with Clara or Mack. I liked them but I didn’t love them. So many moments, big and small, in this just felt like such a huge stretch and not very believable to me. I think it was honestly the fact that they were reminiscing about things from 20 years ago. I think if we had more moments shared from between then and now or if it was less time than 20 years I might have liked it more.
If you love summer camp vibes and second chance romance then I’d still say you should give it a chance. 💕
May 2, 2024
One Last Summer features Clara, a single workaholic 35-year-old, who is forced by her boss to take a burn-out relief sabbatical. The timing coincides with her friend group’s annual reunion to the summer camp they spent their teenage years at.
Reuniting with old friends and her first crush surrounded by the cheery vibes of summer camp sounds like the making of a perfect rom-com, but unfortunately most of the comedy fell flat. This felt more like a personal growth story with a dash of romance. The lesson to the millennial generation about not working ourselves to death was less than subtle.
While the summer camp vibes sparked positive memories of my youth, this story never sucked me in, and I had a hard time relating with the characters as most of them acted much younger than they actually were. This book would be better marketed as “women’s fiction/chick lit” than as a rom-com.
Thank you to NetGalley & Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Reuniting with old friends and her first crush surrounded by the cheery vibes of summer camp sounds like the making of a perfect rom-com, but unfortunately most of the comedy fell flat. This felt more like a personal growth story with a dash of romance. The lesson to the millennial generation about not working ourselves to death was less than subtle.
While the summer camp vibes sparked positive memories of my youth, this story never sucked me in, and I had a hard time relating with the characters as most of them acted much younger than they actually were. This book would be better marketed as “women’s fiction/chick lit” than as a rom-com.
Thank you to NetGalley & Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 11, 2024
⭐⭐⭐Enjoyed, would recommend
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer is a sweet summer read that mixes romance and friendship. Clara's break leads her back to her old summer camp, where she reconnects with friends and her first love, Mack. The nostalgic friendship dynamics were charming, but the romance felt rushed.
Clara's self-discovery journey was relatable, but the overall story fell short. This is a good summer beach read type of book.
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer is a sweet summer read that mixes romance and friendship. Clara's break leads her back to her old summer camp, where she reconnects with friends and her first love, Mack. The nostalgic friendship dynamics were charming, but the romance felt rushed.
Clara's self-discovery journey was relatable, but the overall story fell short. This is a good summer beach read type of book.
June 2, 2024
3.5 rounded up!! This was a really cute, funny, lighthearted summer read! This book follows Clara, a workaholic in Boston who is forced to take a week long sabbatical from her job because her boss thinks she’s burnt out. In this week, she is able to go on her annual summer friend’s trip (she’s missed the last few years) and she reconnects with her summer camp friends, including Mack, a boy she has grown up with, kissed once, and has loved for years.
While there were a few moments of thinking “how are these people in their thirties???” (the miscommunication drama definitely made me think they were a lot younger), I did think it was a really funny and tender story about growing up, trying to figure out who you are and what makes you happy, and really tapping into your inner child.
I also think I probably would have liked this book more if I went to summer camp as a kid, as this entire book takes place at a summer camp.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever/Grand Central Publishing, and Kate Spencer for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
While there were a few moments of thinking “how are these people in their thirties???” (the miscommunication drama definitely made me think they were a lot younger), I did think it was a really funny and tender story about growing up, trying to figure out who you are and what makes you happy, and really tapping into your inner child.
I also think I probably would have liked this book more if I went to summer camp as a kid, as this entire book takes place at a summer camp.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever/Grand Central Publishing, and Kate Spencer for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 14, 2024
3.5/5 stars
This is a cute second chance romance.
The narrator is Clara. She is a workaholic and has missed her last five friend reunions at Pine Lake Camp.
But when her boss forces her to take a break she goes back to the camp to reconnect with her friends (who she has been ignoring for years).
My favorite part of this book was the friendships. I liked Clara’s friendship with her assistant Lydia. And I loved getting to see Clara reconnect with her camp gang, especially Sam (woman).
The romance with Mack was fine. The camp environment was fine. It was an enjoyable read. But overall I wasn’t overly invested in the story.
Thanks to netgalley and Forever Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
This is a cute second chance romance.
The narrator is Clara. She is a workaholic and has missed her last five friend reunions at Pine Lake Camp.
But when her boss forces her to take a break she goes back to the camp to reconnect with her friends (who she has been ignoring for years).
My favorite part of this book was the friendships. I liked Clara’s friendship with her assistant Lydia. And I loved getting to see Clara reconnect with her camp gang, especially Sam (woman).
The romance with Mack was fine. The camp environment was fine. It was an enjoyable read. But overall I wasn’t overly invested in the story.
Thanks to netgalley and Forever Publishing for allowing me to read this book.
March 4, 2024
Read this if you:
•Ever went to summer camp
•Have a close knit friendship group
•Like a good second chance romance
•Have ever felt burned out (looking at your corporate America!)
This book had so much nostalgia. I love that the summer camp theme is coming back in so many book right now, it makes my heart so happy. It’s so incredibly relatable to reconnect with what you thought your life would be. There’s a lot of silliness in the book but there’s also hard conversations too which I really liked.
Thank you Forever Pub for the eARC!
•Ever went to summer camp
•Have a close knit friendship group
•Like a good second chance romance
•Have ever felt burned out (looking at your corporate America!)
This book had so much nostalgia. I love that the summer camp theme is coming back in so many book right now, it makes my heart so happy. It’s so incredibly relatable to reconnect with what you thought your life would be. There’s a lot of silliness in the book but there’s also hard conversations too which I really liked.
Thank you Forever Pub for the eARC!
May 27, 2024
I loved Kate Spencer's debut last year, In a New York Minute, and was excited for her next book.
I was not in love with the premise of childhood friends now in their 30s reuniting every year summer camp where they met initially.
I gather that summer camp is/was a big thing in the US, or for some people in the US and while I could see it being fun for kids, the re-union aspect, for like over 15 years, it was not for me. It seemed silly and pointless, especially the fact that they tried to re-create the fun activities they did as kids.
It could be my age showing but it didn't feel nostalgic or childhood carefree fun to me. I found it mostly annoying.
I liked the heroine, going through burnout at work and basically re-evaluating her life and work priorities. Her getting back with her childhood biggest rival and childhood crush was fun but the repeated interruptions of their intimacy was one too many for me. And here is my biggest issue with the story, the hero. We never get his POV, his motivation and thought process remained vague and a somewhat distant. All I got from him was this casual, beach-style dude (with great hair and athletic body) who is great as a camp manager and has been in love with the heroine forever. I don't know but I wanted more personality from him, just more depth and substance.
I agree with other reviewers that this story reads more as WF with a side of romance and thus, it was not exactly what I expected.
Overall, it was not bad, but not great either.
CW: premature birth scare, hospital stay, work burnout
I was not in love with the premise of childhood friends now in their 30s reuniting every year summer camp where they met initially.
I gather that summer camp is/was a big thing in the US, or for some people in the US and while I could see it being fun for kids, the re-union aspect, for like over 15 years, it was not for me. It seemed silly and pointless, especially the fact that they tried to re-create the fun activities they did as kids.
It could be my age showing but it didn't feel nostalgic or childhood carefree fun to me. I found it mostly annoying.
I liked the heroine, going through burnout at work and basically re-evaluating her life and work priorities. Her getting back with her childhood biggest rival and childhood crush was fun but the repeated interruptions of their intimacy was one too many for me. And here is my biggest issue with the story, the hero. We never get his POV, his motivation and thought process remained vague and a somewhat distant. All I got from him was this casual, beach-style dude (with great hair and athletic body) who is great as a camp manager and has been in love with the heroine forever. I don't know but I wanted more personality from him, just more depth and substance.
I agree with other reviewers that this story reads more as WF with a side of romance and thus, it was not exactly what I expected.
Overall, it was not bad, but not great either.
CW: premature birth scare, hospital stay, work burnout
April 9, 2024
I can not begin to tell you how much I loved everything about this book! One Last Summer by Kate Spencer is the quintessential summer rom-com~ Clara & Mack had amazing chemistry & I could not get enough of their banter. So so good- pick this one up for your next beach read!!
Thank you NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC copy of this book.
June 18, 2024
3.5!
I love books set at summer camp, so I knew I would enjoy this one! This was such a sweet story about second chances and reuniting with old friends. It was a fun, quick read that captured the best summer vibes. I enjoyed watching each character grow and reconnect. Clara's transformation was especially satisfying. She became so consumed by her job that she burned out and lost touch with how to enjoy life, even distancing herself from her closest friends. Seeing her shift her priorities and rediscover joy was incredibly rewarding. If you like quick, summery reads, you'll love this!
summer camp
friends to lovers
second chance
close friend group
childhood friends
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I love books set at summer camp, so I knew I would enjoy this one! This was such a sweet story about second chances and reuniting with old friends. It was a fun, quick read that captured the best summer vibes. I enjoyed watching each character grow and reconnect. Clara's transformation was especially satisfying. She became so consumed by her job that she burned out and lost touch with how to enjoy life, even distancing herself from her closest friends. Seeing her shift her priorities and rediscover joy was incredibly rewarding. If you like quick, summery reads, you'll love this!
summer camp
friends to lovers
second chance
close friend group
childhood friends
Thank you NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 7, 2024
I have this idea in my head that I like a good lightweight romance — and I think that’s probably still true, but this book has be seriously questioning it. Or maybe the kicker is that it has to be at least a little, you know, actually good. And this one was not.
Cute plot, which is the only reason I finished it. Absolutely neurotic protagonist — and this coming from someone who has recently quit her job due to, among other things, burnout — which was a strong disincentive not to. The writing felt lazy, poorly edited, or both — rampant word/phrase echo; zero attempt to avoid cliché; lots of little glitches about fabric (so much cotton distractingly and specifically called out) or the color of underwear or the like. (And our narrator rhapsodically describes a bagel at some point for its “soft, doughy deliciousness” — ew; has our heroine never eaten a real one??)
Ultimately just hated this one.
Cute plot, which is the only reason I finished it. Absolutely neurotic protagonist — and this coming from someone who has recently quit her job due to, among other things, burnout — which was a strong disincentive not to. The writing felt lazy, poorly edited, or both — rampant word/phrase echo; zero attempt to avoid cliché; lots of little glitches about fabric (so much cotton distractingly and specifically called out) or the color of underwear or the like. (And our narrator rhapsodically describes a bagel at some point for its “soft, doughy deliciousness” — ew; has our heroine never eaten a real one??)
Ultimately just hated this one.
June 12, 2024
Loved the premise. Poor execution. The only character I felt like we got to know was the FMC and she wasn't particularly likeable for a good chunk of the book. Overall, I was so bored. I really wanted to DNF @ 50% but figured that I had already read half the book, might as well get the credit for reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader. All thoughts are my own.
May 1, 2024
Thank you Forever and Grand Central Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
If you know my reading taste at all, you know I saw this cover and had to read this book. I think this will be a very popular Summer reading choice because it’s a quick read with a great summery setting, a little bit of heart, a breezy second chance romance, and a fun, bright friend group.
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved the setting and the discussion on creative burnout.
Synopsis:
“Clara Millen’s life is spiraling out of control: her dream job is a nightmare, she’s resoundingly single, and it’s been years since she’s taken some time off. Thankfully, the last problem she can fix—this year she’ll join her friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape.But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome change: the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome). Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive. “ —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a lake setting (i’m a broken record) and the idea of adult Summer camp is so appealing. I feel like we spend our entire adult life trying to return to the joys of adolescence and Summer is one of the most nostalgic times.
The Friend Group/Characters—I found them all so delightful and real. I loved their banter and how they encouraged each other and ragged on each other.
The First Half Pacing—I loved how it just “started.” It’s an appealing aspect of rom coms that make me feel like I’m enjoying a film.
What Didn’t Work:
The Second Half Pacing—Things fell off for me between 50-70% when our enemies/rivals to lovers became a little murky.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
If you know my reading taste at all, you know I saw this cover and had to read this book. I think this will be a very popular Summer reading choice because it’s a quick read with a great summery setting, a little bit of heart, a breezy second chance romance, and a fun, bright friend group.
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved the setting and the discussion on creative burnout.
Synopsis:
“Clara Millen’s life is spiraling out of control: her dream job is a nightmare, she’s resoundingly single, and it’s been years since she’s taken some time off. Thankfully, the last problem she can fix—this year she’ll join her friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape.But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome change: the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome). Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive. “ —NetGalley
What I Liked:
The Setting—I love a lake setting (i’m a broken record) and the idea of adult Summer camp is so appealing. I feel like we spend our entire adult life trying to return to the joys of adolescence and Summer is one of the most nostalgic times.
The Friend Group/Characters—I found them all so delightful and real. I loved their banter and how they encouraged each other and ragged on each other.
The First Half Pacing—I loved how it just “started.” It’s an appealing aspect of rom coms that make me feel like I’m enjoying a film.
What Didn’t Work:
The Second Half Pacing—Things fell off for me between 50-70% when our enemies/rivals to lovers became a little murky.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5
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