Really Loved
Genre: Romance / open
Published 2024
Soundtrack: Surrender – Natalie Taylor
Beach walks, an endless supply of fresh seafood, a soulmate of a best friend, a few game nights with one too many drinks, and, of course, a lust-filled 5-year journey is just a little bit of ✨magic ✨ of Carley Fortune’s latest novel.
Creating three stellar variations on second-chance romance, all with summer themes is exceptionally difficult, yet Fortune nailed it again. While this might be more lust to lovers, I think calling it that would be a disservice. This novel is full of that gentle love you don’t see coming until it overwhelms you. The main characters are finely crafted, and the supporting cast is robust and integral to the plot.
From banter over books to remembering her favorite brand of butter, Felix embodies that kind, understated, patient love that will have you swooning from the moment you meet him. I found Lucy incredibly relatable, like someone I could easily have in my inner circle. Her love for her best friend and their relationship subplot was perhaps one of my favorite aspects of this book.
Fortune’s writing is detailed yet comforting and formatted to make it easy to read. She vividly depicts Prince Edward Island; you can feel the salt air and picture the grassy fields. This is spicy, with just enough descriptions to make you want to blush. I think this might be my favorite variety of spice, sprinkled throughout but nothing too over the top. I spent much of this book smiling because the romance felt inevitable, even if the main characters couldn’t see it themselves.
Similar books vibes include People You Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry and Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh. Books where you get dual timelines and get to watch a romance unfold over years.
This book radiates summer and feels like being wrapped up in a cozy, warm sweatshirt at a beach bonfire. I loved that Felix and Lucy’s story was so much about everyday moments; there was lots of cooking, eating, and gathering. This Summer Will Be Different encompasses all there is to love about summer romances and is perhaps Fortune’s best work yet!