Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - We'll Always Have Summer

I read this audiobook through my library via Libby.

Brief Summary: Belly is in college and is in love. However, after learning some disturbing information she returns to the only place she has truly felt herself, Cousins. As she tries to understand events and how to move forward, she must also listen to her heart.

Thoughts: I enjoyed this book a little more than the second one, but I still think the first book in the series is my favourite. I loved Laurel in this book. She is the true hero of the series and I honestly have no notes on her behaviour throughout the book. I would love it if she got her romance novel and got a new chance at love, especially after her children are out of the house.

A testament to Han's writing is that Belly is such a unique form of hot mess that can only happen for someone transitioning into adulthood. In many ways, I identified with Belly as she was trying to navigate a relationship that hit a rough patch, but because I am older I was also yelling at her to listen to her mom and her friends.

Overall, I was happy with the conclusion to this series.

Content Warnings

hjb_128's review

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

sadiebugreads's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

infusionofviolets's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

vereadsbooks's review

Go to review page

emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I liked this book! It’s what I was looking for when I grabbed the first book. I’m so glad I kept reading this trilogy.

What I feel right now is nostalgia. I’m going to miss Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad. I’ll miss the beach house and all the drama of this threesome.

I wish the author had opened up the story beyond the love triangle. It'd be amazing for the story—besides, Susannah and Laurel's friendship is worth delving into. Also, I would have loved to see more of Steven, Taylor, and Anika.

I loved Conrad! It was great to see him redeemed. My heart goes out to him, as he was a sad little boy. He remained silent for too long because he thought Belly was happy, but we all knew she wasn’t. Conrad worked on himself and learned how to express his feelings. However, I wish he had fought for Belly with all his heart and soul.

It bothered me how Jeremiah just changed his behavior out of nowhere to make Conrad look better. In the first two books, the author portrayed Jeremiah as a kind and easygoing brother. He would always look out for Belly. However, in this third installment, Jeremiah acts like a rude person.

I’m Team Conrad through and through. But Jeremiah seems to be a different person. I understand Belly was an unreliable narrator, and that may be why we view Jeramiah’s transformation as significant. However, I did not appreciate it. Conrad could have fought harder to prove that he was deserving of her.

The audiobook is amazing! Having Lola and Chris narrating the book is perfect. I liked this book! It’s what I was looking for when I grabbed the first book. I’m so glad I kept reading this trilogy.

Content Warnings

demy_summer's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings

rebecathebookworm's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

annatl4's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

i think the letters at the end made up for how awful the entire series was. the entire plot of this last book was so weird and stupid. the entire story feels lost from the first book to the last even though it follows the same characters. the summer storyline and the house just fall to the background when that felt like the focus?? again, i miss steven. even tho i cringed most of the book and hated the marriage plot, this was probably the best of the three. it felt short and rushed like the other books but i guess that’s fine since it allowed me to finish in a few hours. i liked seeing more of taylor and belly’s matured relationship, as well as the college plot even if it felt much different than the first two books. although the entire book was about the wedding, i felt like it was more about explaining the time jump between the second and third book?? it was also confusing trying to decipher between past and current events. glad i finally finished so now i can cringe just as hard when i watch the show.

Content Warnings

More...