Summer Memories (Sultry Summer #3) by Laura John



Summer Memories is a small town, second chance romance.

From the blurb:

Sometimes you can go home again.

π˜Šπ˜π˜œπ˜Šπ˜’
The hope of a serious relationship was fleeting. Random hook-ups, a few decent conversations, and the occasional drink is all I was ever willing to give, but it got lonely.
Finally deciding to go out on a limb, I take my dating app a bit more seriously and meet someone great.
There were no expectations, no judgements. Just pure heartfelt talks and the idea of something great. Only, when I finally meet the man in person, I realize it’s not the stranger I thought.
Simon was my best friend growing up. We spent every summer together and formed a bond I thought was unbreakable until he left.
Now he’s back, threatening to steal my heart all over again. Even worse? He’s working alongside me in the bakery.
As much as I want to give in, I’m not sure I can. He knows me better than I know myself, but I don’t want to be hurt again.

π˜šπ˜π˜”π˜–π˜•
Coming back to Summersville I didn’t have much hope for anything other than landing a decent job, helping my sister with the home we inherited, and taking things easy.
But when I meet a man on a dating app, I realize Summersville could potentially hold more for me. Our conversation was easy and something about him felt so familiar. When I finally meet him in person, I know exactly why.
Chuck was the one for me, only I left before we could take the final step. Now being back, I’m ready to remind him of all the love we used to share, but he doesn’t seem so willing.
After some time, I finally start to break down the walls he’s built around him, but the universe has other plans.
Tragedy comes knocking and I’m forced to make the decision to stay or leave again.
This time I don’t think Chuck will wait for me though.

If you like second chance romances with small town nosey neighbors and spicy m/m love that is guaranteed to melt your kindle, then this book is for you! 




Jacqueleen the Reading Queen's Review:

Summer Memories was my first book by Laura John. It was cute, but I was kinda hoping for more of an enemies to lovers vibe. Chuck's attitude towards Simon, his teenage love who broke his heart, didn't really last long when it comes to on page time. I totally understand Simon not having a choice about moving away as a teen, but the fact that he posted pictures on social media of his boyfriend at the same point he had promised to come back for Chuck was super insensitive. He didn't even have the decency to reach out and tell him. Yes, you can grow apart and move on, but at least be kind about it. This was the major hurt Chuck had when it came to Simon, and it was never even addressed when they decided to give it a go as adults.

As far as the romance went, it was sweet once they got together. Since they both admitted that neither got over the other, it moved pretty fast. Both clung tight so as not to lose the other again. The steam was pretty good too. I liked that Chuck was described as a bit pudgy around the middle and how he had made peace with his body now, as opposed to being more self-conscious when he was younger. Not all of us are muscle gods or skinny minis and I love seeing that represented in books. I also loved the strong females present in both MCs' lives. No unnecessary drama from the BFFs to be found.

The next book in this series is also slated to be MM. It's got a 20 year age gap with a feisty little twink and a grumpy bartender who happens to be Simon's cousin. I liked the glimpses we got of both guys, so I'll likely add it to my enormous TBR. What's one more right?

Rating: 3.5 Stars


Summer Memories is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Comments