"Every Summer After" by Carley Fortune: A Review

Selecting the first Book of the Month for the Busy Bee Book Club was difficult at the start of this year. We struggled with finding a novel that embraced the coming of age genre at its core and was enticing and exciting enough to take the featured spot for the month. Ultimately, we kept returning to Every Summer After, no matter how many titles we went through. I can't tell you whether the title, the author, the cover art, or the high praise from author Emily Henry (Beach Read, Happy Place, Book Lovers) ultimately did it. For me, it was a combination of it all that drew me in, and as we close the first month of 2024, I don't think we could have selected a better title to kick-start the Busy Bee Book Club.

THE BASICS

As this is our first official Busy Bee Book Club Book of the Month book review, I want to explain how we have structured our reviews. We will start with the cover, blurb, and basic rankings.

The Queen's Ranking: This is our version of the standard five-star review scale
1. Snob-Bee (1): We disliked the book. There wasn't anything about the book that we enjoyed, or that was memorable.
2. Fumble-Bee (2): We liked a few things. The book was lacking in some areas, but it had enough to make us finish it.
3. Hap-Bee (3): The book was good. We didn't love it, and we didn't dislike it, but we wouldn't pull an all-nighter to finish it.
4. Honey-Bee (4): We enjoyed the book. We would pull an all-nighter to finish it and liked the characters and plot.
5. Drone-Bee (5): This book was amazing. We could not put it down and read it in any spare moment. It is a definite addition to any reading list.
6. The Queen's Crown (6): This book is addictive. This boon superseded all expectations and was a five-star read for all of us. It is an automatic recommendation and joins our most elite rank.
The Sticky Scale: This is our version of a spice scale (already introduced in our Honeypot posts)
1. Wax: No explicit sensuality. Physical romance may be described in general terms or implied.
2. Honey: Moderately explicit sensuality. Physical details are described but are not graphically detailed.
3. Nectar: Explicit sensuality. Sex or other physical acts are described in graphic detail. It may depict acts beyond intercourse, such as kinks, taboos, etc.
The Hive Scale: This is our version of a world-building review scale.
1. Footing: The setting and world have been introduced. There are no defining features or differentiating factors to the world.
2. Foundation: The setting and world have been expanded. There are defining features and differentiating factors in the world. Locations, cultures, and basic societal structures are present.
3. Frame: The setting and world are immersive. All aspects are detailed and set apart through descriptive language. Locations, cultures, societal structures, belief systems, races, magical systems, species, languages, and other integral aspects pertinent to the world are present and detailed.

THE REVIEW

This section will follow our basic rankings and contain a spoiler-free summary of the novel and a spoiler-free review.

THE SWARM SCORES

This section will provide a more detailed breakdown of different aspects of the book based on a 0-4 rating scale. With seven distinct sections, all books can obtain an overall score of up to 28. However, not all novels will feature all seven aspects. Therefore, this is as much a challenge for the books to be all-encompassing as it is for us to find those hidden treasures that rank high amongst the swarm.

Horror Score: To what extent did the novel achieve horror/thriller/suspense within the plot?
Romance Score: To what extent did the novel portray romance or other forms of love?
Tear Score: To what extent did the novel evoke emotions, positive or negative?
Humor Score: To what extent was the novel comedic or humorous?
Believability Score: To what extent was the story/plot and the characters believable?
Predictability Score: To what extent was the story/plot/ending predictable or foreseeable?
Fluff Score: To what extent was the novel packed with filler chapters?

THE ANALYSIS

This section will contain a spoiler-full summary and review and dive deep into our analysis, annotations, thoughts, opinions, and overall enjoyability of the novel.

THE SUPERLATIVES

We will continue with superlatives featuring the book characters, followed by a breakdown and summary of the main characters present in the novel and those that had an impact.

MEMORABLE QUOTES

To close out, we'll look back on the quotes that stood out when reading.

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek—the man she never thought she’d have to live without.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family’s restaurant and curling up together with books—medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her—Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

When Percy returns to the lake for Sam’s mother’s funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them, they’ll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

Told over the course of six years and one weekend, Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic look at love and the people and choices that mark us forever.

Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right.

The Review

Before continuing, please note that the following content warnings apply and could be triggering to certain readers: cancer, grief, the death of a parent, infidelity, panic attacks, and sexual intercourse.

SUMMARY

A sweeping love story unfolds over six years, following Percy and Sam from the beginning of their friendship to a heartbreaking turning point. Set in Barry's Bay, the novel explores their deep connection as they navigate the challenges of growing up. The narrative alternates between their past and present, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Carley Fortune's writing immerses readers in the town's vivid scenery and relatable characters. While the story is engaging and well-paced, the revelation of a significant mistake feels somewhat out of character for the protagonists, impacting the overall experience. Despite this, Every Summer After is praised for its debut, successfully blending romance and coming-of-age elements in an emotionally charged narrative. The book's nostalgic charm and relatable characters make it a compelling read.

REVIEW - NO SPOILERS

A sweeping love story told over six years up to the point where it all comes crashing down and Percy and Sam are thrown off course of both their romance and friendship. The story begins with Percy, a thirty-year-old woman, receiving a call about Sam's mother's death. This prompts her hasty return to Barry's Bay, the backdrop of her childhood summers and where she initially encountered the person who would profoundly impact her life, only to lose him later on.

As Percy rushes back to Barry's Bay after over a decade, the story returns to the past, introducing twelve-year-old Percy experiencing her first summer in Barry's Bay. Escaping the city's chaos, she meets Sam, the boy next door, who intrigues her with his floppy hair and tanned skin, sparking a connection rooted in curiosity and friendship. As the years pass, their bond deepens into an enviable friendship until the line between platonic and romantic love blurs. This sets them on a collision course years in the making. However, as life dictates, all good things come to an end. Percy and Sam face the consequences of a mistake that breaks them physically and emotionally. Over the following decade, their paths diverge until the death of Sam's mother becomes the unexpected force drawing them back together. Now, Percy and Sam must confront the regrets and mistakes of their past as their worlds collide once again.

Carley Fortune skillfully captures a sense of nostalgia and yearning, creating a town that captivates readers with its vivid depictions of the lake, bush, and the distinctive traits of its characters. Upon starting the novel, I found myself immediately immersed in the world of Barry's Bay, yearning to dive into the lake alongside Percy and Sam, feeling the water envelop me as I broke the surface. The portrayal of Percy's parents and Sam's mother reflects the genuine struggles real-life parents face while navigating the challenges of raising teenagers, presenting experiences that parents aim to shield their children from yet must allow them to confront and overcome on their own. Sam's older brother, Charlie, adeptly embodies his role, occasionally causing near frustration as I empathized with Sam's irritation at his constant teasing and meddling. The relatable nature of the characters draws you deeply into the narrative, evoking a sense of shared understanding with the characters' emotions and experiences.

Fortune's writing is like a breath of fresh air. Like the immersive setting she paints, it effortlessly draws you in, making you feel part of the story. The vivid imagery and descriptive language make the story engaging, allowing you to construct a mental picture of Percy and Sam's world. I found myself unable to put it down, consistently urging myself to read just one more chapter—a telltale sign of a good book. Even when I eventually reprimanded myself for staying up late, I couldn't help but spend the time before falling asleep, imagining where the story would go next. Percy's natural openness and naivety as a twelve-year-old lend themselves to form a connection, while Sam's easygoing nature and reserved personality draw you to his character. Fortune's writing adeptly navigates between the past and present, offering insights into their early years while aligning with the revelations and references the characters allude to in the present day.

However, despite our five-star rating, the narrative is not without its imperfections. Following the captivating tale of friendship and romance skillfully woven by Fortune, the revelation of the much-anticipated "mistake" in the story left me somewhat underwhelmed. This point will be further explored in the subsequent analysis (including spoilers), but suffice it to say the mistake felt out of character for Percy. Similarly, the circumstances leading to the mistake, for which Sam is partly at fault, seemed at odds with his character. While not entirely unexpected, as attentive readers will notice moments throughout the story building to the mistake, it still felt somewhat disconnected from the characters, albeit remaining within the realm of believability. It was a twist that took me by surprise, not becoming apparent until the moment unfolded before me.

Overall, Every Summer After is a captivating and commendable debut novel by Fortune, deserving of the acclaim it has received. The alternating chapters seamlessly transition between the past and present, ensuring you can effortlessly follow the storyline. The pacing is well done, with revelations from the past perfectly synchronized with present-day references. The novel is rich with raw emotion and genuine human experiences, complemented by a touch of spice that feels so true to the characters it would have been a crime to leave it out. It is a story for those seeking an escape, making it an ideal beach read—a love story brimming with nostalgia and genuine emotion.

The Swarm Scores

Horror Score	While there are no inherent elements of horror or thriller in the novel, we gave it a one out of four in honor of Percy's love of the horror genre, horror films, and writing horror.
Romance Score	The romance was a total four out of four. Percy and Sam's relationship, both past and present, draws you in and portrays all of the realities of how love evolves as we mature.
Tear Score	Receiving a two out of four, a parent's death by cancer hit a bit too close to home and truly allowed me to connect with Sam's character; additionally, the story itself was chock full of regret and longing that pulled at the heartstrings in both frustration and disbelief.
Humor Score	While full of emotional moments, the story receives a one out of four for its ability to find humor even in the most challenging times and offer a momentary reprieve from heavy emotions.
Believability Score	Coming in short at a three out of four, the story is well-written and immersive, with a setting that is easily pictured and characters that are as real as the people in our lives, but the revelation of the mistake takes you out of the story and draws from the character's personas.
Predictability Score	Not surprisingly rated at a two out of four, the story is inherently predictable as it is told in both the present and the past, and you anticipate significant moments to come through the chapters in the past. Yet, it still keeps you guessing and throws in a few twists.
Fluff Score	A one of out four for the sole reason that much of the chapters in the present are repetitive, almost as if for no reason other than to remind you that a breaking point is imminent in the past against an otherwise well-paced and jam-packed manuscript.

The Analysis

The below review will contain spoilers. Do not continue reading this section if you wish to avoid spoilers for the story.

The story of Percy and Sam weaves a tapestry that alternates between the beauty of discovering a lifelong connection, the intense emotions of first love, and the subsequent heartbreak that follows. It's a story that grabs hold of your heart, treating it to moments of bliss before subjecting it to the harsh reality of pain. Yet, just when your heart feels battered and bruised, the story delicately picks it up and begins the healing process, mending both the heart and the relationship that had caused such turmoil.

It begins with Percy in her thirties, portrayed in a relatable scene returning from a party in a drunken state. This relatability adds a touch of humor, albeit shadowed by the harsh parallels to reality. Percy reflects on her recent failed relationship, acknowledging her struggle with openness and vulnerability, factors contributing to the relationship's demise. Sam remains a constant throughout this introspection, the one true love she lost. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Percy's past resurfaces, triggered by a call from Charlie, Sam's older brother, announcing Sue's—his mother's—death from cancer. This conversation reveals that twelve years have passed since Percy last visited Barry's Bay, the backdrop of her childhood summers. Charlie, unable to recall the duration himself, contrasts with Percy, who vividly remembers even in her inebriated state. During this conversation, Percy candidly admits her role in destroying her relationship with Sam.

From the start, the stage is set for a tale that balances predictability and unpredictability. It promises a romance destined to culminate in a tragic downfall yet simultaneously offers an immersive journey through nostalgia and the transformative beauty of maturing from a teenager to an adult. We are thrust into the past, introducing twelve-year-old Percy on her way to her family's newly purchased cottage in Barry's Bay, an escape from city life and past school-year bullying by her friend, Delilah. Carley Fortune's writing seamlessly immerses you in the mindset and world of a twelve-year-old, keeping you hooked. Here, Percy's struggles with fitting in, grappling with older parents, unruly hair, and a fascination with horror books and movies are revealed. Then come Charlie and Sam, brothers residing in Barry's Bay year-round with their mother, Sue, in the neighboring home. The older sibling, Charlie, seizes the opportunity to have some privacy with his friends while Sue tends to the Tavern, their family restaurant. This marks the inception of the enduring friendship between Percy and Sam.

Shifting back to the present, Percy rushes back to Barry's Bay, haunted by memories of her past relationship with Sam, with particular emphasis on their "firsts." Faced with confronting her first love after years, Percy succumbs to intrusive thoughts about Sam, particularly concerning his current relationship status. Returning to a world she abandoned over a decade ago, Percy describes it as "driving back into another part of her life." The story continues in both past and present as Percy and Sam grow up together. From their early teenage years, marked by Percy's candid reaction to the news of Sam's father's death during their initial meeting, to crafting friendship bracelets, reconciling with Delilah, and the complexities of introducing her to your summer home and Sam, the story encompasses a myriad of experiences. This includes navigating first kisses, relationships, goal-setting, embracing hobbies, skinny dipping, experiencing first jobs, cars, crushes, and more. Despite facing these challenges together, Percy and Sam struggle to acknowledge their burgeoning mutual attraction openly.

In the present, Percy and Sam's reunion after a decade brings out old habits, seamlessly slipping back into the easygoing and smooth dynamics of their childhood friendship. Yet, lingering tension and desire persist on both sides. As Sam compares Percy's return to being "punched in the heart," we witness the stark contrast between their distant, closed-off present selves and the love and friendship of their past. Carley Fortune masterfully weaves this intricate contrast, showcasing the jarring parallels through her writing. To complicate matters, Taylor, Sam's on-again-off-again and current on-again girlfriend, arrives. Discovering a drunken Sam and Percy catching up, Taylor assumes the responsible adult role, driving them both home.

Back in the past, Sam and Percy's mutual attraction intensifies. Sam's reserved nature becomes a target for teasing by his brother Charlie, who perceives him as a coward for not making a move. Charlie seizes every opportunity to mock Sam, often at Percy's expense, using sexual or romantic innuendos. At one point, he even suggests a threesome with Percy, himself, and his then-girlfriend directly in front of Sam. Here, we arrive at one of the most memorable moments for me when Sue, upon discovering their newly established relationship after Percy slept over in Sam's room without her knowledge, delivers a candid and humorous parental warning. She advises them to be safe, ensure mutual consent in their actions, and tells Percy not to "take any crap from any boy---not even my own sons." In the present, Sam and Percy share an untimely intimate moment, making out in Sam's car on the morning of Sue's funeral, leaving Percy feeling like she had taken advantage of him. Despite this, Sam later reveals that he had broken up with Taylor the previous night, bringing relief. The present contrasts with the past, showing Sam and Percy's openness and physical attraction, a stark difference from the hesitations and uncertainties they navigated in their teenage relationship. While the make-out session in the truck marks their first steamy encounter, it certainly won't be the last.

In the final phase of the past, Sam and Percy embark on separate journeys as they start university in different cities. Sam cuts short their last summer together to attend a workshop, marking the beginning of the end of their relationship. The distance, Sam's virtual silence, and hidden secrets trigger anxiety and paranoia in Percy. But if you called your boyfriend only to find he is drunk and a female friend answered his phone and claimed he is unavailable at the moment, wouldn't you be worried? The breaking point arrives when Sam requests space, struggling with the transition from small-town life to the big city and university. Here, the pivotal mistake of the past is revealed when Charlie steps in to comfort Percy during Sam's absence, leading to a growing connection. Paranoia and depression prompt them to spend the night together, resulting in Percy's first panic attack. Unable to confess the truth to Sam, she pushes him away, and their relationship crumbles during Thanksgiving when Sam proposes, and Percy, unable to reveal her betrayal, declines.

Fast forward twelve years to the present day. Sam and Percy reconnect magnetically, and after an intimate evening, Percy can no longer keep her secret. Despite fearing the revelation will shatter their renewed connection, she confesses. To her surprise, Sam ALREADY KNEW the truth, thanks to Charlie. In a poignant moment, Sam declares his enduring love, stating that he "fell in love with her at thirteen, and he never stopped." Amidst the reval of their mutual betrayals, in a moment that stood out to us, Sam acknowledges that "betrayals don't cancel each other out. They just hurt more." Percy and Sam's ending is a happy one as they rediscover each other and reignite their romance to start fresh. Yet, this new chapter requires adjustment as they discover the versions of themselves shaped by the decade that separated them. The journey is tumultuous, marked by rough patches, messiness, highs, lows, conflicts, passionate make-up sex, and, ultimately, profound contentment with life and their relationship.

It's a story that captivates you from the outset, compelling you to delve deeper into the world it intricately constructs until the final page. The story encompasses moments of exhilarating highs as you rejoice in the characters' triumphs, coupled with tender instances that resonate with the interactions between parents and children or the enchantment of new experiences unfolding in the characters' lives. And throughout it all, a constant and persistent pull pushes you to uncover what happens next. However, the revelation of the significant "mistake" came as a striking surprise, feeling out of character for everyone except Charlie, and even his actions seemed somewhat out of place. Charlie, always a flirt and teasing Sam, creating a scenario to sleep with his brother's girlfriend seemed inconsistent with his character. Similarly, Sam's sudden distancing contradicted his unwavering devotion to Percy in both friendship and romance. Percy, fixated on Sam and displaying only a factual appreciation of Charlie's physique, initiating the intimate encounter with Charlie also felt out of character. Yet, despite its seeming incongruity, the plot twist was subtly planted from the beginning, emphasizing the transformative nature of individuals and the influence of powerful emotions like lust, depression, grief, and paranoia.

Fortune's ability to tell a heart-wrenching tale infused with love, friendship, family, and the nuances of growing up while preserving her characters' authenticity and humanity is truly commendable. The story maintains a consistent pace, precisely hitting crucial moments that shape relationships and the world without sacrificing speed or allowing the present to overshadow the past. It strikes a balance, drawing you in and compelling you to connect with the characters, their emotions, struggles, highs, and lows. Beautifully written, masterfully told, and expertly arranged, it is a narrative that resonates with anyone who has experienced the regret of lost love—a testament to the nostalgia of teenage years and simpler times. At its core, it is a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of transitioning into adulthood and facing the trials and tests that life inevitably brings.

The Superlatives

Now, we will explore the characters that made the story what it is and look at the character superlatives! Every Summer After had a robust cast of characters that all held their own throughout the story and added to the overall narrative, for better or worse.

CUTEST COUPLE & HEARTTHROB

Persephone "Percy" Fraser takes center stage as our protagonist and narrator, constituting one-half of this month's cutest couple and best friends duo. Percy, a character with flaws aplenty, retains a striking similarity to her childhood self throughout the novel. Her early years were marked by the common struggles of bullying, anxiety, a sense of not belonging, and the pangs of isolation. However, the trajectory of her life takes a transformative turn upon meeting Sam, who enters at the precise moment Percy needs a friend the most. Reflecting on this, Percy acknowledges she "would have been thankful for any friend that summer, but finding Sam was like winning the friendship lottery." Percy candidly admits her role in the initial failure of their relationship, and as she returns to Barry's Bay, we witness her grappling with the trauma, heartache, and mistakes of her past. As the narrator, we experience Percy's journey from adolescence to adulthood firsthand. It becomes nearly impossible not to inherently root for her success, even if there are moments of frustration with her indecision or perceived lack of initiative. Ultimately, Percy finds the support and love necessary to confront her past, paving the way for her to embrace a future with Sam.

Sam Florek is Percy's love interest, and can we say two words fit him to perfection: CONSENT KING. Sam constitutes the other half of this month's cutest couple and takes the spotlight as the heartthrob of the month. From the moment he is introduced, Sam fits the mold of the quintessential boy next door—radiant skin, tousled hair, discerning eyes, reserved demeanor, and an all-around noble nature. He embodies the type of guy your mother would adore and your father would connect with, and for Percy, he becomes everything (a sentiment reciprocated wholeheartedly). Sam's character intrigues with his initial shyness and reserved nature, captivating you as you uncover the loving, intelligent, noble, and kind-hearted man that lies underneath. As he matures, Sam not only transforms into a fine specimen of a man, as repeatedly noted by Percy (with which we wholeheartedly agree), but he grapples with the same anxieties and challenges faced by all teenagers navigating their first crushes and loves. From the awkward talks about sex with his mom, Sue, to the relentless teasing from his older brother, Charlie, to the nerves and anxiety accompanying any attempt to make a move on Percy—his journey is fraught with relatable struggles. Moving away to the city for university adds strain to his relationship with Percy, leading to a web of secrets, depression, general anxiety, and feelings of failure. While the present sheds light on his post-move struggles and isolation, his actions in the past seem out of character, causing a jarring effect. Yet, one thing remains certain as he reveals to Percy: "I fell in love with you when I was thirteen, and I never stopped. You are it for me." Sam's character is bruised and undergoes significant challenges, making him the most relatable regarding experiences, decisions, and actions. His willingness to be open and vulnerable with Percy from a young age beautifully showcases how boys can navigate their emotions without compromising their personality or character.

CLASS CLOWN AND MOST CHANGED

Charlie Florek secured victory in two categories this month, earning the titles of the class clown and most changed, boasting the most significant character arc. As Sam's older brother, Charlie occupies the perfect vantage point to observe the evolution of Percy and Sam's relationship. Throughout their formative years, Charlie took it upon himself to playfully tease Sam about virtually everything, with much of the banter revolving around Sam's hesitancy to make a move on Percy. Charlie even went as far as giving Percy her first kiss during a game of truth or dare, a task Sam declined to perform. While as a teenager, Charlie embodied the spirit of "act first, think later," engaging in antics that sometimes irked others, as he transitioned to adulthood, a transformation occurred in Charlie's actions and interactions. Charlie contributed vital comedic relief at various points in the story, providing a relatable dynamic through his relationship with Sam. Witnessing the stark contrast between teenage Charlie and his adult counterpart is nothing short of jarring, underlining the impact the transition to adulthood can foster.

BEST FRIENDS

Delilah Mason earns the well-deserved title of the second half of this month's best friend pairing, and she truly stands out as the epitome of a best friend. Despite their initial fallout at the beginning of the novel's past storyline, Delilah and Percy swiftly reignite their friendship in the subsequent school year, and for many years, Delilah remains Percy's sole friend outside of Barry's Bay. The attunement between the two friends is remarkable, as Delilah astutely observes Percy developing feelings for Sam from the instant she catches her staring at him. Delilah plays the crucial role of Percy's confidante and the shoulder she can lean on when apart from Sam. She becomes the person Percy trusts to share her feelings and seek support. Delilah embodies the qualities of an opinionated, occasionally flirtatious (but who isn't, really?), no-nonsense friend. She's the type of friend who, upon spotting your ex on campus, promptly updates you on their status. In the inevitable scenario where you get upset and accuse her of flirting with him—despite him being the drunk one and hitting on her—Delilah fearlessly stands up for herself, firmly telling you "never to speak to her that way and to call her when you're ready to apologize." And when you do summon the courage to make amends, she welcomes you with open arms and asks, "What the hell took so long?" Perhaps most notably, in my humble opinion, Delilah epitomizes true friendship by prioritizing your needs above all else, even if that entails giving up the unthinkable: erotic literature! Such selfless acts are a testament to the depth of her genuine friendship.

LIFE OF THE PARTY

Sue Florek, the mother of Sam and Charlie, undoubtedly earns the title of the life of the party. Having lost her husband and childhood sweetheart at a young age, Sue embraced the role of a single mother to two young boys while managing the popular Barry's Bay nighttime restaurant, the Tavern. Sue embodied the qualities of a loving mother, a firm guiding hand, and a friend to all. Always looking after others, she was known to ensure no one ever went hungry around her. While her present-day storyline revolves around a celebration of her life following her passing, in her lifetime, she was truly the center of the fun. Sue's boundless love for her children and Percy was evident, and the impact of Sam and Percy's friendship, relationship, and eventual fallout affected her deeply. Even in her final moments, as she prepared to reunite with her true love, Sue prioritized her children's needs. She meticulously arranged all the preparations, personally prepped the food for her celebration of life during her last good days, and left Charlie with a task. Charlie later reveals to Percy that before Sue's passing, she asked him to call Percy, knowing that Sam would need her when she was gone.

An honorable mention goes to Arthur and Diane Fraser, Percy's parents, who play a significant role in the past storyline as they strive to do their best for Percy. Despite treating her with gloves at times and attempting to shield her from life's hardships, they gradually learn to let her spread her wings and make her own mistakes. However, it's hard to believe they sold the cottage!

Memorable Quotes

Page 48

We stand staring at each other silently, and then he takes three giant strides toward me and wraps his arms around me so tight it’s like his large body is a cocoon around mine. He smells like sun and soap and something new that I don’t recognize. When he speaks, his voice is a deep rasp that I want to drown in.

“You came home.”

I squeeze my eyes shut.

I came home.

Page 79

“What do you dream about?” I whispered.

“What do you think, Percy?”

I had a general sense of what boys found sexy. “Blondes with big boobs?”

“Sometimes, I guess,” he said. “Sometimes girls with brown hair,” he added quietly. The way he looked down at me made my insides feel like hot honey.

“What was your first kiss like?” I asked. The answer suddenly felt urgent.

He didn’t speak for several long seconds, and when he did, it came out on a soft exhalation. “I don’t know. I haven’t kissed anyone yet.”

Page 87

“Sometimes I think no one gets me the way you do,” he said, the pink of his cheeks deepening to scarlet. “Do you ever get that feeling?”

Page 160

“Who, Percy?” he asked again. I groaned.

“Don’t make me tell you,” I said so quietly I wasn’t sure if I’d said it out loud, but then I felt Sam’s hot breath on my face and the press of his nose and forehead against mine.

“Please tell me,” he pleaded softly. I was overwhelmed by him—this smell of his shampoo, his damp hair, the heat coming from his body.

I swallowed thickly, then whispered, “I think you know.”

Sam stayed silent, his mouth inches from my own, but his thumb began to move in back-and-forth strokes across my wrist.

“I want to be sure,” he murmured.

I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and let the words fall from me.

“I’d rather kiss you.”

Page 168

“What I mean is that you’re not just any friend to me . . . you’re my best friend. But we go for months without seeing each other, and we’re really young, and I’ve never had a girlfriend before. I don’t know how to do relationships, and I don’t want to screw it up with you. I want to be everything, Percy. When we’re ready.”

Page 186

“I loved you,” he whispers.

“I know,” I say.

Hurt eyes move across my face. “You broke my heart.”

“I know that, too.”

Page 217

“Mom lived without my dad for twenty years,” he says. “They had been friends since kindergarten, started dating in ninth grade, and got married after high school. My grandfather will tell you that there was no way to convince either one of them to wait just a little bit longer. They knew. Some people are lucky like that. They meet their best friend, the love of their life, and are wise enough to never let go. Unfortunately, my parents’ love story got cut far too short. Just before she died, Mom told me she was ready. She said she was tired of fighting and tired of missing Dad. She thought of death as a new beginning—said she was going to go spend the rest of her next life with Dad, and I’d like to think that’s exactly what they’re doing now. Best friends together again.”

Page 248

“What did you mean when you said you’ve changed since we were young?” I ask, partially because I want to know but also because I’m stalling for time. He takes a deep breath and runs his hands down the sides of my face to grasp my neck, his thumbs tracing the curve of my jaw.

“I don’t take things for granted anymore. I don’t take people for granted. And I know time is not infinite.” He smiles softly, sadly maybe.

Page 288

“I miss his feedback,” I told her through a chocolaty mouthful. “I don’t know who I’m writing for anymore.”

“You write for you, Percy, just like you always did,” she said. “I’ll be a reader for you. I promise to keep sex-related requests to a minimum.”

“Is that even possible?” I asked, feeling a rare smile creep across my mouth.

“For you, I’d do anything,” she said with a wink. “Even give up erotic literature.”

Page 292

“I still love him,” I whisper. “I screwed everything up. And I love him. And I’m worried that even if I can get him to forgive me, I’m still not good enough for him.”

“You’re good enough,” Chantal says.

“But I’m such a mess. And he’s a doctor.”

“You’re good enough,” she says again.

“What if he doesn’t think so?”

“Then you come home, P. And I’ll tell you why he’s wrong.”

I close my eyes and let out a shaky breath.

“Okay. I can do that.”

“I know you can.”

Page 296

The way I felt about you was always so clear to me—even when we were young I knew you and I were meant for each other. Two halves of a whole. I loved you so much that the word ‘love’ didn’t seem big enough for how I felt.

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“Deserved it?” he repeats, his eyes ferocious. “What are you talking about? You didn’t deserve it, Percy. Just like I didn’t deserve what happened with Charlie. Betrayals don’t cancel each other out. They just hurt more.”