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A review by goblin_reaper
Not Our Summer by Casie Bazay
4.0
Not Our Summer follows K.J. and Becka, two cousins, as they face a series of challenges. When their grandfather died, he left them a sizable inheritance on the condition that they take a series of family vacations. Although this could seem to be a simple task, K.J. and Becka are bitter enemies due to unresolved family issues. They gradually come to understand each other over the course of the journey, all while enjoying the time of their lives.
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!
Not Our Summer does not defy expectations. It's about two girls who are working on a bucket list and going from rivals to frenemies. It's sweet and campy, and it's a simple and enjoyable read. I just wish we had a bit more development into either girl's mother, given that they are the root of the feud, or maybe more flashback scenes between the girls and the people they've lost in their lives. A couple of the beats here sounded like they were going to be dramatic, but they were so unsupported that they ended up sounding empty.
Since the story is so character-driven, it was critical that I liked the characters. I'm pleased to report that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own distinct voice, and I loved each of them. It was so moving to see them reunited, particularly because it felt so genuine. They didn't just become best friends and forget about their years of animosity. Instead, they'd make some gains but lose them, before making some more. I was cheering for them the whole time due to the sluggish process, and I was really pleased with the outcome!
This was a great book for me! Casie Bazay did an excellent job with this novel's prose. I didn't get annoyed with the story or the characters for the most part, and I was always eager to see what happened next. It was quickly cliché, but I didn't mind because the book was well worth the read.
I'll be on the lookout for them, given how much I loved this! I enjoyed hearing about the wonderful places these girls visited; they were all so lush and lovely. If you enjoy contemporary fiction, you'll enjoy this novel.
Thank you to Perseus Books and Running Press for letting me read an eARC on Net Galley!