REVIEW: This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

In This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune, The first time Lucy Ashby set foot on beautiful Prince Edward Island was supposed to be with her best friend in the world, Bridget Clark–an island native–by her side. Instead, she met the most handsome, charming guy she’d ever seen, and they spent an incredible night together. The next morning, though, when they realized that she was besties with his sister, Lucy and Felix swore they wouldn’t sleep together again. But over the years, things got out of control each year when she traveled back to PEI. Their attraction was too difficult to ignore. And as hard as they tried to keep things platonic, Lucy and Felix always found themselves alone together wishing she didn’t have to go home to Toronto quite so soon.

Bridget gave me just three rules for the trip.
“Number 1. Eat your weight in oysters.
Number 2. Leave the city behind.
And Number 3. Don’t fall in love with my brother.”

When Bridget calls Lucy in the middle of a crisis or a meltdown, Lucy isn’t sure which, and asks her to fly to PEI the next day, she can’t refuse. Knowing how many times her best friend has been there for her, there’s no way Lucy can say no. Even if it means having to be in the same house as Felix after they left things in an awkward place the year before. And as she tries to coax out of Bridget the reason why she’s freaking out, Lucy finds that her connection with Felix has deepened even more into something that feels a whole lot like the L word. Her fear is that he won’t feel the same. Unsure if admitting to her feelings will push Felix away or strengthen their bond, Lucy must also make sure she doesn’t damage her friendship with Bridget as it means everything to her.

‘I had no interest in falling in love with Felix. Having his mouth and hands all over me, however, I was very much in favor of.’

Steamy and sweet, a ridiculous amount of fun, and deeply emotional in all the best ways, THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT was Carley Fortune’s latest spectacular novel that will send your heart soaring.

“The greatest loves are not always romances.”

THIS SUMMER WILL BE DIFFERENT was an absolute pleasure to read. I’m always impressed with author Carley Fortune’s writing voice, but there was something so uplifting about this particular novel. I loved how it showcased our heroine Lucy’s relationships with her love interest Felix, and with her best friend Bridget (Felix’s older sister). Both of them made an indelible mark on Lucy’s life. And I thought Fortune did a fantastic job of carefully crafting each relationship, showing the ups and downs, the flaws and the perfection in a real way, giving them space to grow. The entire story was a nice mash up of friendship, romance, and even some family drama and growth.

I will note that I had a little bit of trouble following the time jumps in the story–but I think it was just me having to pick the book up and set it down a few times. We followed Lucy, Felix, and Bridget as things changed in their lives, going back and forth from present day to flashbacks that began five years prior–working its way forward until everything met up at the end. Again, I could see the reason Fortune used this element and don’t think most readers will mind it at all.

Told strictly from Lucy’s POV, this was a character-driven story where I fell in love with each person we met–as well as the gorgeous setting on Prince Edward Island. Lucy was trying to find her way after losing her mentor, her Aunt Stacy, and searching for her true place in the world. She was such a lovely person, too. Fun, talented, a true friend to everyone around her, I think readers will have a great time with Lucy–and with Bridget, her bestie. Talk about a firecracker. (lol) You always knew where you stood with Bridget, and I got such a kick out of her being Lucy’s cheering squad and hype person all rolled into one. She had her own romance that was blooming at the same time Lucy was ever so slowly falling for Felix. And I have to say that quiet, thoughtful, steadfast, and charming Felix is my new favorite Carley Fortune hero. Everyone deserves to have someone as wonderful and supportive in their world as Felix was for Lucy.

QOTD: Have you ever traveled to a place that felt like home?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: May 7th, 2024 | Berkley |

This summer they’ll keep their promise. This summer they won’t give into temptation. This summer will be different.

Lucy is the tourist vacationing at a beach house on Prince Edward Island. Felix is the local who shows her a very good time. The only problem: Lucy doesn’t know he’s her best friend’s younger brother. Lucy and Felix’s chemistry is unreal, but the list of reasons why they need to stay away from each other is long, and they vow to never repeat that electric night again.

It’s easier said than done.

Each year, Lucy escapes to PEI for a big breath of coastal air, fresh oysters and crisp vinho verde with her best friend, Bridget. Every visit begins with a long walk on the beach, beneath soaring red cliffs and a golden sun. And every visit, Lucy promises herself she won’t wind up in Felix’s bed. Again.

If Lucy can’t help being drawn to Felix, at least she’s always kept her heart out of it.

When Bridget suddenly flees Toronto a week before her wedding, Lucy drops everything to follow her to the island. Her mission is to help Bridget through her crisis and resist the one man she’s never been able to. But Felix’s sparkling eyes and flirty quips have been replaced with something new, and Lucy’s beginning to wonder just how safe her heart truly is.