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A review by readandwright
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
3.75
Thank you Forever and Grand Central Publishing for my copy! All thoughts are my own!
If you know my reading taste at all, you know I saw this cover and had to read this book. I think this will be a very popular Summer reading choice because it’s a quick read with a great summery setting, a little bit of heart, a breezy second chance romance, and a fun, bright friend group.
I enjoyed reading this book! I loved the setting and the discussion on creative burnout.
Synopsis:
“Clara Millen’s life is spiraling out of control: her dream job is a nightmare, she’s resoundingly single, and it’s been years since she’s taken some time off. Thankfully, the last problem she can fix—this year she’ll join her friends on their annual summer vacation to their beloved childhood sleepover camp for a much-needed escape.
But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome change: the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome).
Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive. “ —NetGalley
But when Clara arrives at Pine Lake Camp, she faces yet another unwelcome change: the owners are retiring and selling the property. The news turns her plans for revelry into a night of reminiscing . . . and prompts a surprise heart-to-heart between Clara and Mack, her old camp nemesis and constant competitor, who's still just as annoying (and annoyingly handsome).
Soon the campfires aren't all that's throwing off sparks. And when one wildly passionate night turns into two (then too many to count!), Clara begins to wonder if she and Mack could have a future together. But when Clara's boss finally offers her everything she's worked so hard for, Clara will need to decide if the life she's always wanted is the life that makes her feel truly alive. “ —NetGalley
What I Liked:
- The Setting—I love a lake setting (i’m a broken record) and the idea of adult Summer camp is so appealing. I feel like we spend our entire adult life trying to return to the joys of adolescence and Summer is one of the most nostalgic times.
- The Friend Group/Characters—I found them all so delightful and real. I loved their banter and how they encouraged each other and ragged on each other.
- The First Half Pacing—I loved how it just “started.” It’s an appealing aspect of rom coms that make me feel like I’m enjoying a film.
What Didn’t Work:
- The Second Half Pacing—Things fell off for me between 50-70% when our enemies/rivals to lovers became a little murky.
Character Authenticity: 4/5 Spice Rating: 0/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5