Review: One Last Summer by Kate Spencer

*I received a copy of this book from Hachette Book Group Canada in exchange for an honest review.

One Last Summer

by Kate Spencer

June 11, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

From the cohost of the award-winning Forever35 podcast comes a dreamy, laugh-out-loud summer romance that asks: What do you do when the life you've planned isn't what you've dreamed?

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.

Review

I'm a huge sucker for summer camp stories so naturally One Last Summer was a must read for me! This book was full of fond memories, precious friendships and sweet love.

Clara's latest/last visit to Pine Lake Camp had her realizing how much she's missed out on in her life. While she was stuck in place, her friends were all at different life stages. She had a lot to make up for but they were worth it. Good friends make life so much happier and enjoyable!

One Last Summer was a reality check. It didn't take Clara too long to realize something was not right in her life. "I think that I've worked so hard because I thought it was the right thing to do. That it would make me happy." (p. 184) She was not happy where she was. Clara asking big life questions was so valid and relatable.

As soon as I saw Clara and Mack together, I knew they were meant to be. Despite spending years apart, when they finally reunited, they easily fell back into their old bickering selves. This time around, their history and connection demanded action. Every interaction between them felt sexually charged ;) I savoured all their exchanges.

Bursting with nostalgia, One Last Summer explored first love, old friendships and life goals. It's the perfect summer read!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.