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brinley 's review for:
Not Our Summer
by Casie Bazay
This book was truly a pleasant surprise. I went in blind, and my hopes weren't the highest based off of the cover, but I really liked this. It was a super quick read, but it was wholesome.
Not Our Summer follows two cousins, K.J. and Becka on a series of challenges. After their grandfather passed away, he left them a large inheritance on one condition; that they go on a series of vacations together. While this may sound easy, K.J. and Becka hate each other, due to unresolved family drama. Over the course of the trip, they slowly grow to understand each other, all while having the trip of their lives.
The plot of this is pretty character-driven, so it was super important that I liked the characters. I'm happy to say that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own unique voice, and I really liked them both. Watching them reconnect was so touching, especially because it felt realistic. They didn't immediately become besties and forget the years of hate. Instead, they'd make a little progress, and then lose it, and then make a little more. The slow process had me rooting for them the entire time, and I was super happy with how this ended!
The twist that happens around the 60% mark actually really surprised me, I wasn't expecting to be shocked in a character-driven book. And, even better, the twist felt natural, not like it was thrown in just to add page time. I loved what it added to the story.
I do have to admit that I haven't read many novels about bucket lists, but considering how much I enjoyed this, I'll be on the lookout for them! I loved reading the descriptions of the fabulous places these girls traveled, they were so lush and beautiful. If you're a fan of contemporary, you'll love this book!
Thanks to Casie Bazay and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Not Our Summer follows two cousins, K.J. and Becka on a series of challenges. After their grandfather passed away, he left them a large inheritance on one condition; that they go on a series of vacations together. While this may sound easy, K.J. and Becka hate each other, due to unresolved family drama. Over the course of the trip, they slowly grow to understand each other, all while having the trip of their lives.
The plot of this is pretty character-driven, so it was super important that I liked the characters. I'm happy to say that I did! Becka and K.J. both had their own unique voice, and I really liked them both. Watching them reconnect was so touching, especially because it felt realistic. They didn't immediately become besties and forget the years of hate. Instead, they'd make a little progress, and then lose it, and then make a little more. The slow process had me rooting for them the entire time, and I was super happy with how this ended!
The twist that happens around the 60% mark actually really surprised me, I wasn't expecting to be shocked in a character-driven book. And, even better, the twist felt natural, not like it was thrown in just to add page time. I loved what it added to the story.
I do have to admit that I haven't read many novels about bucket lists, but considering how much I enjoyed this, I'll be on the lookout for them! I loved reading the descriptions of the fabulous places these girls traveled, they were so lush and beautiful. If you're a fan of contemporary, you'll love this book!
Thanks to Casie Bazay and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!