It’s a hot summer afternoon. You’re planning to go sit by the pool with an ice cold lemonade, but before you go, you need to find a good book to keep you entertained. You pick up a book that you’ve been saving for this moment, “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune, and head out into the sunshine. 

“Every Summer After” by Carly Fortune is the story of Percy and Sam who quickly become childhood best friends when Percy’s dad buys the lake cottage next door to Sam’s. Told in both past and present perspectives, readers follow along as they fall in love as teenagers and then inevitably piece that love back together as adults when they are forced to see each other again. 

Madi: As an avid summer romance reader, I had very high expectations going into this book, and it did not disappoint. I have seen a lot about it on social media, and once I finally picked it up, I was immediately hooked by the easy-to-digest writing and lake house summer vibe. The dual perspectives emphasized the difference in the characters’ carefree summer lifestyle when they are teenagers and the sophisticated lifestyles when they are adults. Fortune did a really nice job of transitioning between the past and present and portraying the warring feelings they still have about their situation. You can tell that they both still have feelings for each other but that there is underlying tension that makes you want to find out what happened. 

Stefany: “Every Summer After” is not only a great read but it’s easily accessible too. I can see a lot of different types of readers enjoying this book because of the writing style and intriguing plot. The writing is simple yet catchy, making it great for those who want an easy summer read or those just getting into reading. Fortune encapsulates that “perfect summer” in her writing; I could picture the scenic summer lake house and felt like I was there with the characters. As the reader, you grow very attached to the story as the characters grow up and their relationship develops. Reading about their interactions as they started developing feelings for each other without the other one knowing made it much more satisfying when they finally got together. In addition, watching the main characters rekindle their relationship in the present after all that time spent apart truly makes the story. 

Madi: Yes, she portrays the summer vibe really well and keeps it lighthearted while still maintaining the plot. The duel timeline is great for readers looking for something to make them more attached to the characters. When I was watching them fall in love as teenagers, it made me root for them way more when they were adults. Fortune writes the relationships between other characters really well, especially family. The love interest, Sam, had a big family and through her writing, their bonds were so well portrayed. The friendships that Percy forms with Sam’s siblings are just as intriguing and you feel like a part of their family just as much as Percy did. At the end, when Sam goes to school and the conflict ensues, I didn’t feel like it was too made-up or dramatic. The problems in their relationship come from being apart which doesn’t make their relationship seem too forced, a problem that many romance novels face.  

Stefany:  Yes, it was so relatable. That’s another reason why I can definitely see this as a staple read for anyone looking for a realistic yet entertaining modern romance. I love how Fortune shines light on both the good and bad aspects of their relationship over the years that definitely sets her apart from other romance writers. Often, romance books can set unrealistic expectations for relationships or even glamorize certain toxic traits, but Fortune was mindful of this when writing. Percy stayed true to herself despite the hardships and the tension throughout the story gave no clues about how it was going to end. Overall, this book was refreshing and heartfelt. As we approach the warmer months, I would definitely suggest to those looking for a good romance to add “Every Summer After” to your list.