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Season of Change #1

Summer of You

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I never said I was good at keeping promises…

Nathan

Four years ago, we said goodbye. I’d always intended to come back for you, but life got in the way. All I have are cowardly excuses of being in school, fear of coming out, and thinking that too much time had passed. But fate? It’s a funny thing, because I’m now forced to spend the summer with you, working together. It’s my chance to make things right, but I know I have to prove myself to you. To show you I’m not afraid anymore. That I still burn hot and heavy for you. Can we work past our differences and try again? Can this be the summer of us?

Chase

Is there a stronger word for betrayal? If there is, I haven’t found it yet. It’s how I felt when you left and never even so much as called, let alone came back like you’d promised. You left me behind, alone, with no way out of a town that holds no future. Giving you all my firsts was my initial mistake. My second was letting you back into my bed when you finally returned. But that’s all we ever were, right? A mistake? I’ve spent four years not needing or wanting your excuses, but the more time we spend together, I’m reminded of how good we used to be. You want to fix what was broken, but I’m not sure I can forgive you.

Summer of You is book one in the Season of Change series. It's a low-angst, high heat second-chance romance with a guaranteed HEA. This book can be read as a complete standalone.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2024

112 people are currently reading
415 people want to read

About the author

Joelle Lynne

21 books223 followers
Joelle Lynne is a M/M Romance author who is a total nerd at heart. She loves her romance sweet but on the spicy side.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
Profile Image for Lily Loves 📚.
796 reviews31 followers
May 26, 2024
****SPOILERS GALORE**** You’ve been warned!!!!!

This was mediocre at best. Unfortunately there was nothing that kept my interest after a certain point and I skimmed the last quarter of the book.

What I expected was a bit of angst, a slow burn and a push and pull since Nathan promised Chase he would come back after his first year of college. Nathan didn’t come back nor did he try to reach out to Chase again and so after college Nathan is struggling to find a job. He is back living with his parents, which is seemingly normal after graduating because not everyone has a job lined up and is able to afford to live and pay rent or a mortgage immediately, but it seems that Nathan and his parents think that it supposed to happen and it’s looked at as him being a failure. Why can’t we normalize that it’s hard in today’s society to afford to live even if you’re making a decent salary? Nathan lives in Seattle and I am guessing it’s not cheap, especially in a city, to move out on your own immediately after college. You aren’t a failure if you need the support.

Nathan is partying too much and sleeping with girls, (after Chase he never was with another guy) one who he brings home to his parent’s house. His mom walks in on them in bed in the morning and she tells Nathan he needs to work at the beach with his uncle since he isn’t finding a job. He’s applying for jobs but his mom has unrealistic expectations. Granted he could get a job doing something but Nathan only wants a job where he uses his degree. In his opinion college isn’t worth it. He even tries to discourage his younger brother from going to college. That didn’t make sense. Just because something doesn’t work for you doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else. You just graduated. I didn’t get his reasoning.

Chase is working for Nathan’s uncle who owns a bunch of rental properties and Chase cleans them. Unbeknownst to Nathan, Chase’s parents were killed in a car accident 3 years prior and Chase is living in an old camper on a piece of property and rides his bike everywhere. Nathan’s uncle bought Chase’s parent’s house and won’t rent it out but has Chase working for him to ultimately buy the house back. I thought that was a bit harsh. But the uncle eventually tells Nathan all Chase has to do is ask bc and he’d give him the house at any time. Huh???? Way to take advantage of someone’s grief!!!

I liked Chase and I understood why he was upset and angry with Nathan. When Nathan shows up to work side by side cleaning houses with Chase he’s understandably angry. They work together one afternoon and Chase immediately decides to invite Nathan to a party and to use him for sex. He won’t listen to Nathan’s excuse as to why he never returned though. The communication here was terrible.

I thought that these two would work together for a while, building the sexual tension and learning they still loved each other. What happens? Chase gives Nathan a blow job the first night!!!!!!!! Then he’s very hot and cold with Nathan. But sex still happens.

Chase also won’t let Nathan know his parents died and that he lives in a trailer. Nathan’s uncle is a jerk too, I didn’t like him at all. He is rude and just seems to meddle at times. Then there’s a side plot with him that appears more than halfway through the book out of nowhere!!!

I started skimming at that point and also after Nathan explains to Chase why he never returned like he promised. The reason? Nothing!!!!! That was so ridiculous! I didn’t understand it at all. Then there were a bunch of sex scenes that made me yawn. All in all this was a huge letdown. I am not even going into the horrible friends Chase had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dani (Daniiireads).
2,026 reviews334 followers
April 8, 2024
- summer romance
- second chance
- forced proximity
- small town
- light degradation & praise schmink

CW: mentions of parental death, cardiac arrest, mentions of drug use & paraphernalia

Recent college graduate Nathan has zero job prospects, has been living back home with his family, and spends all his free time either applying for jobs or partying. Fed up with him, his mother kicks him out and volunteers him to work with his uncle for the summer.

Nathan hasn't been back to Ocean Shores since the summer before college, and is dreading his return. Four years ago he made a promise he couldn't keep, and is hopeful that that this summer will be his opportunity to make things right with the boy he left behind.

It's been four years since Chase last saw Nathan, and despite all the heartache and pain he's been through since Nathan left, the chemistry and pull between them is hard to deny. Chase tells himself he'll just have a little fun while Nathan's in town, but the more time spent together working and reconnecting, makes it nearly impossible for old feelings to stay buried.

I am an absolute sucker for second chance romances, and I ate this up! The banter and chemistry between Nathan and Chase was fantastic, and the spice was immaculate (who doesn't love a good boy?). I honestly wasn't ready to let these two go, and wish the story was longer! I would have loved to see more of their future together, but I'm excited for more of the series and hope to see them in future books as side characters!
Profile Image for Lindsey.
515 reviews33 followers
May 21, 2024
So, here I was browsing on GRR when I saw this cover, read the blurb, saw the kinks and instantly requested.

Straight up, this book is not kinky. Not in the slightest. One single sentence of "good boy," and such for each round of sex does not equal praise or degradation kink. So that already made my little kinky heart sad because honestly I was hoping and expecting for some spicy kinky times. Whomp whomp. The sex was alright. It wasn't spicy though. Maybe... 1? 1.5? But then again, I read some pretty spicy shit so my scale may be skewed.

I have to say though, I loved Chase. I adored him as a character and honestly wished he'd have moved on with his life, gotten therapy, and started dating someone else. He honestly deserved it. Because when it came down to it, the reason Nathan gave him for just... peacing out, was stupid as shit and I would have left his ass in bed, put him on block and never looked back. You're saying, the reason that you left the love of your soon to be life, was because you just wanted to fuck around?
I-
I don't get it. Like I literally did not understand his reasoning. This author could have come up with ANYTHING but... what? Also, why did they never speak to each other? 4 years ago cell phones did exist. Are you saying they met up for several summers in a row, turned a friendship into something *more* and didn't bother to exchange numbers? Alrighty then. I guess?

Also, how did Nathan's mum know about the passing of Chase's parents and didn't bother to let it slip even once? Like, "oh that poor boy you were best friends with when we went to see Drew for the summer? His parents died."

Ok. We get that Chase has a cat. Because Oreo is mentioned 50 times. FIFTY. TIMES. It's like the author copied and pasted that Oreo came to see him as soon as he opened the door, wound around his legs all while purring. He then opened a cupboard and grabbed a can of cat food and fed and watered her. Literally. Every. Time. He. Goes. Home. What about her litter box? What about playing with her or keeping her active? Literally nothing else but feeding her and that she purrs. The pets do not need to be brought up five bajillion times when they play zero part in the plot.

Can we also talk about what the hell is going on with the daughter? Because everyone who saw them interact thought they were banging. Drew even hinted at it. Then slips her a note while she is WORKING and I thought it was his number or something like "hmu when u get off bb 🍆💦" We never actually figure out what the note said, but we DO find out that Gabi is DREW'S DAUGHTER? Like... ew. The amount of ick I felt from that was just.... blegh. I read taboo and absolutely love it, so the ick wasn't from that. It was just a wild reading whiplash? How they went from flirting and blushing to just... not? It was weird and idk if it was for the drama or what, but ick.

Long story not at all short, the editing was bonkers, the relationship or friendship, or whatever this was, was off. There was never any barriers being let down because they literally never really talk. We see them play in the ocean with friends a few times, clean some houses, and bang.

"We were all sane once. It left back in 2019 before the virus came and wiped out a majority of everyone's sanity."
As someone who lost a few friends and family to the pandemic, fuck this shit. It wasn't a joke. It's still NOT a joke. Don't put the pandemic in your fucking books.

Chase, please leave and go find someone who isn't horrible. Maybe Daniel. Because honestly, he got fucked over in this book for absolutely no reason.
Profile Image for Sam.
428 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2024
This was a sweet read about young love and second chances. I really enjoyed this book and seeing Chase and Nathan come back togther after all the hurt they went though 🥰


*I followed him like I was following a mirage through the desert. He was water, and I was dying of thirst.*
Profile Image for Shellfish.
227 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2024
I loved Summer of you and I’m so excited for the whole series Season of change.
Summer romances are a world of their own and in this story I feel like it was extra special because it was every summer starting when they were 15.
Nathan left for his home in Seattle four years ago and never went back to the small beach town like he promised until now.
Poor chase, I really feel for chase. I’m glad that chase doesn’t quickly forgive Nathan. He doesn’t let him in and holds him at arms length with his heart, body different story. That being said, This is one sexy story I give it 🔥🔥🔥🔥 4 fires out 5
It’s a great love story with really good world building and even though it’s a stand alone there is some good build up for the other Seasons( the next books).

There was no third act break up which I was really glad for because with a second chance I think it’s too much. These characters are already going through it just dealing with their emotions. No need to add more drama than what’s already happening around them.
I definitely recommend, want a high heat low angst summer love story this is your jam
Profile Image for Amos24601.
1,289 reviews43 followers
April 12, 2024
This is the Joelle I’m talking about! I loved this story. Nathan and Chase had so much going for them, in spite of the obstacles that seemingly stood in their way.

Chase is harboring that old hurt left by Nathan. And while he also blames Nathan unfairly for some of the hardships that followed, he could never let Nathan go. I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances, but when they are done well, as in this case, they evoke all the feels. I really wanted things to work out for these two guys.

The spice was delicious and that mouth of Nathan’s? Once it gets going it’s a whole new thing. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for ashlee ❤.
1,998 reviews109 followers
May 22, 2024
Nathan + Chase

-summer romance
-small town
-second chance
-scorned lover

i loved the dynamic of these two! the tension was perfect & it was spicyyy for chase being soooo mad! lol but they were the best!!
Profile Image for TipsyMermaid GR.
1,466 reviews11 followers
May 8, 2025
This book is pretty meh.
It's about two twenty something guys who reconnect after the one gets out of college. There's some angst at the beginning of the book but it gets resolved pretty quickly and from then on it's smooth sailing and just a romance. It was a bit spicy. I'm giving it 🌶🌶/5 chilies on the spicy scale. 1 Chile for the s3x and 1 for the dirty talk, because it was awesome.
I listened to the audiobook and while the narrator's voice was good I did not care for him. I couldn't tell the difference between the 2 characters. He didn't change any intonation or anything when he did the voices so I could not tell the difference between who was talking. I had to listen for the characters to be named or addressed by name.
1,723 reviews14 followers
May 21, 2024
An easy to read love story that reunites old friends with a past. The story moves along quickly and serves up a happily ever after but not before the m/c’s face their past together and come out the other side better for it. The character’s have a low drama journey and the story sets the scene for future romances. Supporting characters play their parts well and add strength to the book. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Imogen.
301 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2024
3.5⭐️ I enjoyed most of this but I feel like it was missing something. I wish we had some flashbacks of Chase and Nathan before he went to college, it felt like I was being told they’d had an amazing relationship rather than reading about it in real time. The reason for them being apart was so dumb but I’m glad they sorted it all out. The spice was brilliant though 🌶️

*I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review*
Profile Image for Jenn.
533 reviews9 followers
April 25, 2024
- second chance
- fast paced
- summer fling

Honestly it was okay, i think that there was alot of talk of a degree and not actual talk of what degree be actually got. They were on pretty fast in the book so the pain wasnt really as believable as its written. chase deserves so much more then the half a**d apologies nathan gives felt like he just really wanted to have someone to love him after all his loses. It was a quick easy read though
Profile Image for DLB2572.
3,284 reviews26 followers
April 20, 2024
Sweet Second Chances

I enjoyed this one almost from the start. It's a very sweet second chance story with a little bit of spice to it.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
1,029 reviews63 followers
April 26, 2024
This was so sweet with plenty of steam. I loved Nathan and Chase so much. This is a second chance which is one of my favorites. The chemistry was great and it was well written.
Profile Image for camms.bookshelf.
599 reviews31 followers
April 16, 2024
Chase and Nathan are perfect! This book is a low angst, high heat, second chance romance that was so well written. I love this author’s writing style and even though second chance is not normally a trope I read, if Joelle writes it, I read it. I’m so glad I did. I loved this book.
Profile Image for Jessie J melka.
124 reviews11 followers
June 26, 2025
“He was mine. So fucking mine. He bore my marks, and I'd painted him deep within. I owned Chase Dawson, and that’s what it had really all been about.”

Summer of You is a second chance romance, although it is not my favorite trope. I have been reading a lot of that trope lately and I got to say it is growing on me FAST.

A part of why I liked summer of you was actually how Chase had to learn how to trust Nathan agin, and even though there were some serious events happening it was a low angst read which is always comforting to me.

I was very happy about the outcome of this book Joelle is an amazing writer, even though I haven’t read much of her work yet I am really excited to see what else she has in store.

The spice in this was amazing I am absolutely a smut kinda gal and this book had me blushing they really did bring out the best in each other

“That’s it. You want my hole. Want to fucking own me as much as I own you. You’re such a good fucking boy when you get fucked, and now you get to do the fucking. Show me just how good you can be.”

Yep as I said BLUSHING I’m a sucker for “good boy” and every time Nathan called him good boy or my fucking boy my mind went haywire

“Goddamn, Chase. That’s such a good fucking boy. Grip harder. Pull my dick like you mean it.”

For this series I would love to read Andrew and Brandon’s story, if they are a part of this series it would make me very happy, also I would love to read Aiden’s story to and possibly Joe’s story although I have a feeling about Aiden and Joe I think we know how that will go down.

Nathan and will were always inevitable you can feel it when you read it just how right they are for each other

“Seattle was my new home with the man of my dreams. Home was wherever Nathan was with me.”

* second chance
* Forced proximity
* Small town
* Summer romance
* Light degradation and praise k!nk

If that is something that interests you, I think you should definitely check this book out. It is worth your time and it is so good and so loving it Just hits all the right spots
_________•_________

summer of you

by Joelle Lynne

ARC review by Jessie Melka
Profile Image for Taylar Miller.
88 reviews14 followers
May 21, 2024
☀️🌊🌲

“It was different this time. We were different.
While we could easily pretend that this was just another hookup, this meant more. This was our souls reconnecting and finding understanding again.”

Summer of You by @authorjoellelynne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I’ve had this book on the TBR for a while and once I started, I finished it in one sitting! SO GOOD.

This story is low angst, high heat with so many heartbreaking and swoony moments.

Chase has been through the unthinkable the past few years and the boy who crushed his heart returns to their small town to work alongside him that summer.

Nathan has a big heart and works hard to prove himself to Chase. But will it be enough?

This book originally caught my eye because I’m a Pacific Northwest girlie and I spend tons of time at our small beach towns. Joelle captured Ocean Shores perfectly!

This was such an enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

• Second Chance
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity
• Light Degradation + Praise Kink
• Dirty Talk
Profile Image for Jennifer Epling.
311 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2025
Summer Of You was a cute, second chance romance.
There are a few trigger warnings that I feel are worth mentioning: mentioning parental death, cardiac arrest and mentions of drug use.
Nathan is a college graduate with no job prospects, he graduates and moves home and does nothing but party. His mother is tired of him bringing girls home and not being productive, so she kicks him out. But there’s more, she agrees to have him work with his uncle for the summer at Ocean Shores. The place he hasn’t been back to since he left for college. He also left a boy behind that summer, and now he’s faced with the one that got away. Will this be the summer he fixes all of his broken promises? Is the fire still alive with Chase?
This is a sweet read that I devoured rather quickly. It would make the perfect beach read.
I can’t wait for more of the season of change series!
Profile Image for GreenwingReads.
344 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2024
This is the story of Chase and Nathan getting a second chance at love now that they are adults. When I read the blurb, I was excited to read it. That excitement died fairly quickly into the story, unfortunately.

Chase was a wonderful character. He was sweet, reliable, and independent. But he let people walk all over him. His friends (except Daniel) were users. His employer, Drew (also Nathan's uncle), was kind of a jerk. In a way, he was the only family Chase had, but he kind of took advantage of Chase. When Nathan comes back to town, Chase is reasonably angry. In my opinion, he was too quick to jump back into sex with Nathan, but I liked to see the hot and cold attitude and the shield he put up to protect himself from Nathan, who absolutely deserved the way Chase initially treated him and more.

The whole premise of Chase working to buy back his parents' home from Drew felt wrong. Drew promised to never use the house as a rental property and kept up maintenance on it. What a waste! Why not let Chase do a rent to own kind of thing or at least rent it? Where did the money from selling his parents' shop go? Why leave his family home sit empty with all of Chase's family's belongings inside while Chase lived in a run-down camper? It felt like the only purpose behind Chase living in the camper was so he seemed poor and near-homeless to make him more victim-like. Chase's entire adult life over the past four years was one let-down after another.

Also, the whole plot point of keeping the death of Chase's parents secret from Nathan didn't make sense. Why didn't Drew or someone else mention it to Nathan over the years? Throughout the book, it's like social media and phones don't exist. How was Nathan so totally out of touch? Nathan was definitely self-absorbed, but to not even know what happened seemed extreme. It seemed like these guys only talked to each other when Nathan stayed with Drew during the summers. There was really no communication between them during the school year at all? Doesn't really seem like they were all that in love as teens.

I struggled to like Nathan even a little bit. He was overbearing about his brother and whiny and irresponsible in most other respects. He is 22 but his mom still "punishes him" and at one point she made him get a haircut. What? He's an adult! His inability to find work and refusal to do anything that didn't involve his degree didn't really make sense. I don't think he was worthy of Chase. When he finally told Chase the (ridiculous) reason that he broke his promise and ghosted him, I was done. I couldn't get over how stupid it was. Chase deserved so much better. I honestly would have liked the idea of him getting together with Daniel and leaving Nathan behind. The way things ended with their relationship also didn't sit right with me. Nathan walks away with every dream fulfilled while Chase gave up all that mattered to him to be with Nathan. Ugh. It feels like the future of their relationship will always be Nathan doing what he wants and Chase making sacrifices to go along for the ride.

None of their friends were all that great either and Uncle Drew as downright hypocritical. He took advantage of Chase and forced him into a situation where he had to tell Nathan something he wasn't ready to share. He pushed Chase to spill his secrets while keeping big secrets of his own. The plotline of Uncle Drew's secret also came out of nowhere and felt unnecessary. Nathan's mom was also pretty awful and overbearing.

Bottom line, I really wanted to love this book, but I only sort of liked it for Chase and Oreo. Some of the writing was repetitive, but it was an easy, quick read overall and would be good for a day spent reading on the beach. I don't think I liked any of the characters enough to continue with the series, unfortunately. I have read other books by this author that I liked much better, so I will probably read future releases if they sound promising.
Profile Image for Bethanie Tass.
39 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2025
Summer of You by Joelle Lynne


Summer of You is an emotional second chance romance about Nathan and Chase, two young men who, after a shattering breakup when Nathan left for college 4 years prior, reunite when Nathan is sent to his Uncle Drew’s to work for the summer.

Unbeknownst to Nathan, Chase has lost everything during the 4 years Nathan has been gone; his parents, his home, and his heart. When Nathan returns, Chase is angry at first, spitting fire at Nathan. That doesn’t last long, and soon they are wrapped up in lust, drowning in longing kisses and drugging sex.

When Chase allows Nathan to finally explain why he stayed away for four years, it stings. It’s a cutting reminder to Chase of all he’s lost. But Nathan still doesn’t know this, so he misunderstands.

Chase’s heartbreaking confession to Nathan about the death of his parents tore out my heart. It’s written quite well and draws out emotions.

The summer passes quickly. Uncle Drew starts feeling ill, and Nathan can’t get him to see a doctor. He involves his mom, who doesn’t have luck either. Drew begins behaving oddly, and his friend/girlfriend? Gabriella, takes care of the food and Drew’s house. When Drew ends up in the hospital, new information comes to light.

Nathan’s mom meets everyone at the hospital, learns she has a niece she didn’t know about, and gets to see Chase again, greeting him warmly, and assures him he’s already part of the family.

Chase finally decides to say goodbye to his childhood home. Nathan finds a job in Seattle, and asks his mom if he can bring Chase back with him. She gives an assuming yes. 👏

This was a book about second chances, first love, and redemption. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am looking forward to listening to the next book in the series: Fall of Us, by Joelle Lynne.

I really enjoyed Joelle’s method of writing. Her word choices are great, her verbiage is excellent, and her imagery draws me in. I’ll definitely listen to more audiobooks written by Joelle Lynne!


Profile Image for A.E. Jensen.
Author 18 books208 followers
April 17, 2024
🚲 ARC REVIEW 🧢 Summer of You ☀️ By Joelle Lynne 🌊

You had me at the cover, Joelle, and the tropes just sealed the deal for me. I mean, c’mon, small-town second chance? 🩵 Gimme!

Second chance books can often be on the heavier side angst wise but I don’t always need that. I enjoy a softer, sweeter approach too, of course with a little pining on the side. And boy, does Joelle give us pining and stolen looks ☺️🩵

Nathan and Chase are such amazingly wholesome characters. Of course, they mess up and behave like idiots at times, but they are overall just such lovely boys. I have a thing for the whole backwards ballcap thing 😮‍💨🫠 so freaking hot, so it was pretty much insta love for me with Chase.

Nathan took a little longer to grow on me, but it was clear that he was confused and torn. His vulnerability made him such an endearing character. I just wanted to hug him and tell him “it’ll all be okay.” It was amazing to see how he slowly found a way back to Chase AND himself 🩵

I’m on a bit of a smut hiatus atm and I mostly skip the steamy parts because they bore the f#ck out of me. 🥱😴 but since this was an ARC, I read the steamy parts too and they were actually pretty good. Especially as the book progresses and the level of intimacy increases. There were some really hot scenes where Chase and Nathan forget who and what they were and just disappear inside each other and their momentary bubble of bliss. 🩷☺️

And of course I have to briefly mention the dirty talk which was done in such a fun and sexy way and totally matched the MCs age 😮‍💨🩵

Overall, I really enjoyed the story of Chase and Nathan finding their way back to each other. I’m excited to see where the Series goes next because a lof of interesting side-characters were introduced 🩵🩵

Thank you for another lovely read, Joelle 🩵🩵

*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
Profile Image for Kiki Reads.
460 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2024
Summer love and second chances. What better way to kick off late spring than this sweet (and steamy) story about a young love that ended badly, but now has a chance at a do-over?
The characters in Summer of You by @authorjoellelynne are so darned appealing and relatable.
Nathan and Chase shared a magical summer when they were teens. Then Nathan left for college, promising he’d return. He didn’t. Some heartbreaking things happen to Chase, which Nathan is oblivious to.
Fast forward 4 years and Nathan is newly graduated, looking for work. Frustrated with his partying and lack of job prospects, his mother sends him to work for his Uncle Drew in the seaside town where he and Chase fell in love.
Chase is not thrilled with this development and working in close proximity with Nathan. All. Damn. Summer.
Nathan is clueless. Chase is angry. But slowly, slowly they find their way back to each other.
They’re both still young, and communication is something they continue to work on, but once the starts talking - and listening- they can’t deny they were meant to be. Add in possessiveness, regained trust, and praise kink? Good lord yes!!
Plus you get Oreo - I’m not a cat person and I loved this amazing feline. And Uncle Drew - he’s a keeper. And the family subplot was unexpected and satisfying.
The resolution is beautiful. Letting go of what you thought you’d always wanted to find something even better? The growth of these two men was A+
The thing I enjoy about second chances is the shared realization of what was lost and how precious it is that they have an opportunity to recapture that magic.
This was such a lovely read and I loved everything about Nathan and Chase’s story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Profile Image for Avery.
488 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2024
“He was mine. So fucking mine. He bore my marks, and I'd painted him deep within. I owned Chase Dawson, and that's what it had really all been about.”


Four summers ago, Nathan left Chase to go to college, with the promise he would be back for him. But he never came, until now. He is back to help his uncle and Chase is still there, still where he left him, a lot more closed off and feeling betrayed but still the boy that makes his heart race.

Chase is not happy to learn that the person who will be helping him with his work this summer is no other than the boy who broke his heart four years ago. He vows to keep him at arm’s length, he will not go down this road again to be hurt even worse than before.

But spending that much time in close quarters makes it impossible not to give into their undeniable attraction.

"You wanted this to be a summer hookup, to go back to what you seem to think we once were, but we were always so much more. I can't separate my feelings like that. At least not with you. You mean too much to me."


This was such a fun second chance romance to read, filled with summer vibes, a few secrets and very hot parts where they just had to give in to their lust. The banter between them was on point and the heat radiating of them was searing. Where their past gives them some hurtles, the love they have is able to deal with all those issues and prevailed in the end. I love how and where they ended up, it was a beautiful ending that closed the book on the past and let them walk into their future fully committed to each other.

I want one of the books in this series to be for Brandon and Andrew, just the little glimpses into them and what could potentially be has me wanting!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Michele (_LivesBtweenPgs_).
737 reviews24 followers
June 3, 2024
“It’s a family home, but it’s not mine anymore. You’re my home.”

Second chance will forever be a favorite of mine and this one fell into that category perfectly.
I knew going into this one that it was going to be a rough go and maybe a touch of the feels and it was.

🏖️Friends to lovers-ish
☀️Small town
🏖️Praise
☀️Degradation..just a smidge 😉
🏖️Summer Romance
☀️Second Chance
🏖️Forced Proximity

Chase & Nathan are or were everything to each other once upon a time and spent every summer together until the one that was promised, never happened. One was left with a broken heart and the other well you have to read to find out.

This story tugged at my chest for Chase. Losing everything you hold close is the hardest thing to survive but he did it, with the help of Drew of course but he did it. Chase losing everything seemed to have changed him but who wouldn’t change after something like that. Changing is surviving.
Nathan got on my nerves at first but eventually he slotted right in there with Chase and it all made sense. We all were dumb teenagers once upon a time and promises are always made and most times they are broken but he has to face his head on and that is when it all got interesting.

Chase & Nathans story flowed at just the right speed, no rushing or leaving things out.
You get tension because of course you would, it’s a second chance. You get just a touch of angst. Last but not least you get those spicy moments and damn are they so good.

I absolutely loved these two and the journey they take in this small beach town.
This is my first book by this author but definitely not my last.
Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
456 reviews16 followers
July 11, 2025
Summer of You- Joelle Lynne
ALC - Oliver Williams
5/5✨🌟

** SPOILER **

𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘬𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥-𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘴𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘔𝘺 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘶𝘱 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸. 𝘈𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵, 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘔𝘺 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯.

I knew from the moment that these two reconnected when they saw each other after years that this book was going to be epic and holy hell, Oliver Williams definitely did so amazing in the audiobook.

I felt for both characters, especially Chase. I loved that he had a cat, who immediately warmed up to Nathan, who normally doesn’t like people. I felt so bad for Chase because he lost his parents.

Nathan’s uncle is so hardheaded but I loved him so much. And I’m not going to give any spoilers but I loved Gabi too.

The only thing I didn’t like was how hard Nathan’s mother was on him. I definitely understood but give the kid a break. I love how the fun starts with the two but they just can’t get enough of one another.

Can I just say the dirty talk was out of this world? Out of all the books I’ve read by her, the dirty talk was just so good. The spicy scenes were so steamy I just had to fan myself.

I loved the ending for these two because it was so worth it. Second chance romances are my favorite to see how they will reconnect with one another.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for RomanceLand65.
500 reviews
April 9, 2024
This was a great read. I enjoyed the chemistry between chase and Nathan. I really do enjoy the second chance trope. And the bringing of these two together was simply magical. It was touch and go in the beginning but once they found their groove there was no stopping their love for one another.
I must admit I don't normally read the college age romance because of my age being close to 60 but I was glad I took the chance. I especially liked that there was no third act break up. Not even a hint of a break up drama. They kept building on the romance of their relationship. Keeping it healthy and happy. It was a refreshing change from the over the top drama that others enjoy. Obviously not me. I'm in it for the romance.
What I did not feel the best about was the pillow talk during sex. That's not on the author that's on me. I was very happy with the couples chemistry but I fell flat on the dirty talk. I don't know if it's me but I kind of felt this couple did not need that kink. But as I said not me.
What i do love when an author throws in the pets. It immediately makes me bond with the characters. It makes the couple much more relatable.
So if you are looking for a good read I am going to say this is one you really should give a chance to.
This is my first book by this author and I am sure not my last.
Profile Image for Debra.
71 reviews4 followers
April 28, 2024
Faced with many truths they have to share and either accept or fight, these two young men face them with heart and emotions appropriate to each one.

Nathan must face the boy he hurt but finds a different person than he last knew. The truth he has to give Chase is a bit immature and a bit hurtful and he is ashamed to give it to him, but he does. When he does it's up to Chase how he will take it. The one truth he is afraid to give is the one that will hurt him if it's not accepted, and he is scared to provide it for a while because he doesn't want to risk his heart but more because he thinks it's too soon.

Chase has had to grow up a lot faster than most of his friends. He must face a few truths when it comes to Nathan when he is thrown back into his life. He starts out showing his hurt and anger by lashing out with ridicule. He also wants to keep from learning any truth or having to accept them so he starts out planning to keep the heart out of everything. But he finds he must face both Nathan's truths as well as share his own and learn to accept what the heart wants. But as he realizes he needs to give Nathan all his truths he also learns that one isn't as important if he wants to accept the ultimate truth.

Can love conquer the anger, hurt, and pain of the loss and finally accept the truth?

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for L..
509 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2024
Summer of You is the first book in the Season of Change series by Joelle Lynne. I was lucky enough to win an e-book copy of it in a recent giveaway, and I’m so happy I did because I really enjoyed it.

Nathan and Chase used to spend the summers together, and also fell in love, when they were teenagers. Then Nathan left and didn’t come back, even though he made a promise to Chase that he would. Four years later, Nathan is once again back in the small town where Chase still lives, and they are forced to work together for the summer.

This was a lovely second chance romance. I found Nathan’s explanation for why he didn’t come back a little weak, but they were also quite young at the time and sometimes life just happens. The fact that he’s so committed now was lovely to see, but I could also completely understand Chase’s reluctance to let himself get close to Nathan again, even though I didn’t always love the way he treated Nathan in the beginning.

I loved seeing where the two of them ended up though, because they felt so solid and like they truly could face anything.

This was my first book by the author, and I definitely want to continue this series when the next books are being released. I feel like I got an idea about who the other books will be about, and I’m intrigued!
Profile Image for Courtney Dixon.
Author 44 books1,093 followers
April 19, 2024
One thing Joelle is good at is sweet, low-angst romances. That doesn't mean Chase and Nathan don't have their ups and downs and struggles.

We first meet Nathan, a young man who had just graduated from college, living back at home with no direction or job prospects. Mom is tired of his partying and forces him to help out his uncle, maintaining summer rentals near the coast to mostly keep him out of trouble. What Mom doesn't know is that Nathan left behind a boy so many summers ago, a boy with whom they shared their explorations and self-discoveries. Nathan had promised to come back for Chase, but he never did.

Enter Chase, a young man who has lost everything and has no direction. He tries to push forward with his life, striving to do what he can with his little princess, Oreo, a tuxedo cat. After not hearing from Nathan for four years, he's suddenly forced to work with him again over the summer, and all those past summer flings come back to haunt him.

I love second-chance romances, especially ones where the characters learn and grow to achieve their HEA. Nathan starts out rough, but he quickly grows and strives to get Chase back into his life. Chase isn't having it, yet he can't forget his first love.
Profile Image for C. Gray.
1,581 reviews16 followers
July 6, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!! It’s been four years since Nate has been back to Ocean Shores. He made the biggest mistake of his life and when he walks back into his life, he will do anything to make things right. I can’t wait for book two, Fall of Us. 🖤🔥🌊🔥🖤

My favorite quotes:

• Nathan: You’re the only person to have ever given me what I want.”

Maybe I shouldn’t feel pride in that statement, but I did. It was powerful to know that I’d be the only one to have satisfied his real needs.

• Chase: “You’re different.” Was he? It was reckless to give him that part of me, but he’d already had everything else. Why not this as well? He’d had it all from the start. Maybe he’d have it all forever.

• Chase: How did you allow the person who utterly ruined you back in?

• Nathan: Yeah, things were about to get real interesting up in here for my family. Welcome to the Grant/Morris gang. We were all sane once. It left back in 2019 before the virus came and wiped out a majority of everyone’s sanity.

• Chase: The kiss that Nathan placed against my lips set my nerves at ease. I knew that going forward, this man had my back. He meant every last word that he said and that our problematic past was washed away.
Profile Image for Ash.
402 reviews27 followers
April 10, 2024
Chase and Nate were just the sweetest twenty somethings in Ocean Shores.

I love a book that hits my childhood and Ocean Shores is the pinnacle of my childhood. I could picture everything and even if you’ve never been to that little blip on the map, it was perfectly described 🖤

This is a second chance romance and it was full of misplaced angst and valid hurt. Nate made a promise and he broke it for THE WORST reason (imo). Was he the cause of everything bad that happened to Chase after that? No. I didn’t like that Chase put that specific blame on him. Yes, he wasn’t there, but it wasn’t his fault. 🫠

This book is probably better described as second chance (lovers to enemies to fwb to lovers 😂) because boy do they go through it.

I love the supporting characters but would have loved to see a sweeter justice for Art and the gang. That conflict was slightly ominous and then ended. Also did the brother and Nate talk??? Who knows.

I’m excited to see where this series goes! I think that this was a wonderful way to kick off this little coastal universe 🖤

I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
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