One Golden Summer

This was a wonderful summer read. There was a lot of back and forth of the FMC and MMC that maybe got a little much in the middle but I really loved the storyline and the setting. Highly recommend as a fun summer read.

A little too much gross sex for me, but I loved the storyline.

Loved the people.

A great summer read. I love the visuals of this small town by the lake. I didn’t realize this was booked two in a series and I did not read book one.

Carley Fortune writes summer romance like she has successfully bottled sunshine, lake water, and the breathless little spark of a first crush. I adored One Golden Summer. I was smiling like a love struck fool for almost twelve hours. Alice is a Toronto photographer who is tired, heartbroken, and disconnected from the work that once made her feel alive. She returns to Barry’s Bay to help her grandmother recover from a broken hip. This brings her back to the lake where she once took the photo that changed her career. That photo captured three teenagers in a yellow speedboat. One of those teenagers was Charlie Florek. Years later, he is now very grown, charming, and aware that Alice is worth paying attention to. Charlie had me from the beginning. He is shamelessly flirty, helpful without being overbearing, and very much giving golden retriever energy. I loved the way he followed Alice around like a puppy dog while pretending he was just being friendly. Sure, Charlie. We all believe you. He and Alice have chemistry that made the whole book feel sun-warmed and sparkly. Nan was also a highlight. I loved her so much. She is opinionated, funny, and completely aware of what is happening between Alice and Charlie before they are ready to admit it. Every romance needs a grandmother who can clock true love from across the lake and then act like everyone else is being ridiculous for taking so long to catch up. Now let’s talk about Charlie’s little, “I cannot be with you because I might die,” routine. Sir, c’mon. I understood that his heart condition was serious. Fear can make people do messy things. Alice deserved the truth much sooner. Tell her what is happening, what you are scared of, and the risks. Then, let that grown woman decide what she wants to do with her own heart. Do not put her through emotional gymnastics because you think hiding your feelings is noble. It is not noble. It is annoying. That frustration aside, I loved the romance, Alice’s healing arc, the lake, the small-town atmosphere, the summer bucket list, the photography, and how this book made falling in love feel both exciting and safe. Fortune has such a lovely way of writing romance. Her stories have a Nicholas Sparks feeling where love is tender, dramatic, and easy to sink into. The audiobook was enjoyable, though the male voices were not always my favorite. Sometimes the narrator’s Charlie voice sounded a little too exaggerated during the sex scenes. I caught myself wanting to giggle when I should have been panting. That said, the romance still had plenty of heat. Bridel's rendention of Charlie and Alice had me smiling, blushing, and cheering them on the entire story. One Golden Summer is cute, emotional, spicy, and full of summer charm. It made me want to go sit by a lake, flirt with a man in a boat, and pretend I am also having a soft little healing arc. I will definitely be picking up more Carley Fortune.