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The Summer #3
The Summer You Found Me
KATE
I tore out of rehab to win my husband back. It’ll work, too. He just needs to see that I’m clean, that I’m on my feet again.
Until that happens, though, I’ve got only got one guy in my corner-Beck, my husband’s best friend, who takes me in against his will and keeps me sane.
Living with Beck is easier than I expected. And fun. Except I’ve got a long history of wanting things I’m not supposed to want.
And Beck may be the most dangerous of them all.
BECK
Kate had nowhere else to go-helping her out is the right thing to do. Though if she thinks she the fact that she’s still married to my best friend means she’s safe walking around my house in nothing but a t-shirt…well, I’m somewhat less sure.
Because maybe Caleb could overlook her. Maybe Caleb could fail to notice her.
But from the moment we met, Kate’s been the only thing I could see. And no matter what she’s telling herself, she wants me just as badly as I want her.
I tore out of rehab to win my husband back. It’ll work, too. He just needs to see that I’m clean, that I’m on my feet again.
Until that happens, though, I’ve got only got one guy in my corner-Beck, my husband’s best friend, who takes me in against his will and keeps me sane.
Living with Beck is easier than I expected. And fun. Except I’ve got a long history of wanting things I’m not supposed to want.
And Beck may be the most dangerous of them all.
BECK
Kate had nowhere else to go-helping her out is the right thing to do. Though if she thinks she the fact that she’s still married to my best friend means she’s safe walking around my house in nothing but a t-shirt…well, I’m somewhat less sure.
Because maybe Caleb could overlook her. Maybe Caleb could fail to notice her.
But from the moment we met, Kate’s been the only thing I could see. And no matter what she’s telling herself, she wants me just as badly as I want her.
307 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2024
1181 people are currently reading
10872 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth O'Roark
31 books7,709 followersElizabeth O’Roark lives in Washington, DC with her 3 children. After many years spent writing scintillating brochures about amniocentesis and heart surgery, she is thrilled to have found a job that allows her to just make s*** up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews
January 30, 2024
4 stars
I had everything I expected and hoped for the characters in this book. the female main character, a redhead, portrayed as a temptress villain instead of a damsel in distress. the male protagonist, a personification of Thor, who were desperately enamored with her immediately upon seeing her.
every altercation, every glimpse of their past, every declaration, or chapter was a pure tangled mess over the pages. it catalyzed so deliciously the angst, the resentment and agony that were so palpable all along the storytelling and all over the protagonists’ relationship.
one of the aspects of 'The Summer You Found Me' that absolutely won me over was that Kate’s character development did not particularly curve into a redemption arc, she did not attempt to tame her 'bitch character' or alter her true self. but also the way Beck loved her, all of her.
the depiction of her struggles to remain clean after each blow that was aimed at her was something I loved. her addiction did not evaporate after she left rehab which enhanced a crude realism to the narrative.
the storyline somehow orbited around her obsession to reunite with her husband. although I didn't particularly enjoy it, the more you immerse yourself in the narrative and character's depth, the more you comprehend that her obstinacy to rebuild her shattered marriage had more to it than to reconquer her (ex) husband. It was more closely associated with the memory of her deceased child than anything else.
Beck's efforts to avoid falling or being seduced by his best friend's (ex) wife enabled the relationship to shift towards a slow-burn romance. from the very beginning of chapter one, there was undeniable sexual tension and chemistry between them. although I wish there were a soupçon of cute moments in their relationship throughout the storyline, the epilogue was the sweetest chapter ever.
————
unpopular opinion: i always LOVE to read books with protagonists i hated as side characters/antagonists in previous books
“it takes balls to be a villain.”
I had everything I expected and hoped for the characters in this book. the female main character, a redhead, portrayed as a temptress villain instead of a damsel in distress. the male protagonist, a personification of Thor, who were desperately enamored with her immediately upon seeing her.
”because how many times in your life will you ever meet someone who was made for you?
and how do you possibly walk away if you find her?”
every altercation, every glimpse of their past, every declaration, or chapter was a pure tangled mess over the pages. it catalyzed so deliciously the angst, the resentment and agony that were so palpable all along the storytelling and all over the protagonists’ relationship.
”I don’t need to impress him or win him over and he doesn’t need to impress me either. He’s okay with me exactly as I am.”
one of the aspects of 'The Summer You Found Me' that absolutely won me over was that Kate’s character development did not particularly curve into a redemption arc, she did not attempt to tame her 'bitch character' or alter her true self. but also the way Beck loved her, all of her.
“I fought my way back from the dead, but I still don’t have a life.”
the depiction of her struggles to remain clean after each blow that was aimed at her was something I loved. her addiction did not evaporate after she left rehab which enhanced a crude realism to the narrative.
” It was about Hannah, not Caleb. Everything was about Hannah.”
the storyline somehow orbited around her obsession to reunite with her husband. although I didn't particularly enjoy it, the more you immerse yourself in the narrative and character's depth, the more you comprehend that her obstinacy to rebuild her shattered marriage had more to it than to reconquer her (ex) husband. It was more closely associated with the memory of her deceased child than anything else.
”can say that sometimes from darkness a beautiful thing emerges, something you’ll call your own. and the man in front of me, and the future we share, is mine.”
Beck's efforts to avoid falling or being seduced by his best friend's (ex) wife enabled the relationship to shift towards a slow-burn romance. from the very beginning of chapter one, there was undeniable sexual tension and chemistry between them. although I wish there were a soupçon of cute moments in their relationship throughout the storyline, the epilogue was the sweetest chapter ever.
————
unpopular opinion: i always LOVE to read books with protagonists i hated as side characters/antagonists in previous books
January 24, 2024
3 Evil Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I've been contemplating how to review this book for a few days now, and ultimately, I believe the issue lies with me. I know that sounds cliché, very much like the classic "It's not you, it's me," but for once I am not being flippant and I genuinely mean it.
Let me elaborate... This book follows Kate and Beck. While technically it could be considered a standalone, I wouldn't advise doing so without reading book 2, as that one is HIGHLY connected to this in terms of plot, characters, and the foundation for what happens in "The Summer You Found Me." Basically, Kate has just come back to town after a year MIA, where she spent some of that time in rehab twice after she fell off the rails when she lost her baby girl. Her only mission is to get her husband back (CALEB - WHO GOT HIS HEA IN BOOK 2 with a NEW FMC). Finding herself with very few friends, she moves in with Beck - her ex-husband's best friend, who has also been secretly pining after Kate for years. It's only a secret for them and Caleb, as everyone else in the small town thinks they are a couple or should be.
Now, my main issue is that I don't like Kate. Her motivations are wrong, and she has a weak character (not in that she was weakly written - the opposite in fact) but in the way that she has no problem doing something she knows is problematic or bad, making an excuse that her actions are justified or validated by the end goal. While she recognizes this trait in herself, she doesn't do much to change it, and even though she goes through a redemption arc, it almost feels like it was done reluctantly or against her will as she realizes her goal for her actions is not something she actually wants.
This is where I find it difficult to judge the book because I ACTUALLY APPLAUD Elizabeth O'Roark, who made such a well-characterized character that made me hate her and her actions so much. It takes someone really talented to be able to do this, and I am still thinking about Kate, her actions, and how she made me feel. The thing is she was dealt an awful hand in life, and like many people who experience such trauma, she is not able to handle her grief with an appropriate coping mechanism so makes bad choices. She is extremely real and human and has so many faults. I wanted to help her; I wanted to climb in the book and slap some sense into her as she needed it, but I also don't think I would have been able to see myself as her friend - especially since she spends such a long time trying not to help herself on her quest for vengeance to win her husband back.
Beck - He was ok, I guess - most of the book is in Kate's POV, so we don't have too many scenes of him, and I almost wish there were more, as his love for her only felt impactful because we were told of their history and his actions for what he did before Kate lost the baby. I almost wished this had the dual timeline as "The Summer We Fell" so we would be able to actually see how these two had always loved each other but it was the wrong time and not just been told about it.
Overall, the writing is excellent and engaging, and the problem is entirely mine for not enjoying it, as I just had a problem with who Kate was - but I can't fault the book for that - I judge books based on my enjoyment, and because I didn't like Kate - in fact, might still hate her - I didn't enjoy this book as much as I think I would have if I just felt more connected to her.
Trope Summary:
▶ Dual POV
▶ It's always been you
▶ Ex's Best Friend
▶ Forbidden Love
▶ Roommates to Lovers
▶ Angsty and Emotional
▶ Forced Proximity
All in all, I definitely still recommend this book and series - it is an emotional ride with angst and pining and beautifully captures the flaws we have as humans.
Thank you Valentine PR and Elizabeth O'Roark for my ARC gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
I've been contemplating how to review this book for a few days now, and ultimately, I believe the issue lies with me. I know that sounds cliché, very much like the classic "It's not you, it's me," but for once I am not being flippant and I genuinely mean it.
Let me elaborate... This book follows Kate and Beck. While technically it could be considered a standalone, I wouldn't advise doing so without reading book 2, as that one is HIGHLY connected to this in terms of plot, characters, and the foundation for what happens in "The Summer You Found Me." Basically, Kate has just come back to town after a year MIA, where she spent some of that time in rehab twice after she fell off the rails when she lost her baby girl. Her only mission is to get her husband back (CALEB - WHO GOT HIS HEA IN BOOK 2 with a NEW FMC). Finding herself with very few friends, she moves in with Beck - her ex-husband's best friend, who has also been secretly pining after Kate for years. It's only a secret for them and Caleb, as everyone else in the small town thinks they are a couple or should be.
Now, my main issue is that I don't like Kate. Her motivations are wrong, and she has a weak character (not in that she was weakly written - the opposite in fact) but in the way that she has no problem doing something she knows is problematic or bad, making an excuse that her actions are justified or validated by the end goal. While she recognizes this trait in herself, she doesn't do much to change it, and even though she goes through a redemption arc, it almost feels like it was done reluctantly or against her will as she realizes her goal for her actions is not something she actually wants.
This is where I find it difficult to judge the book because I ACTUALLY APPLAUD Elizabeth O'Roark, who made such a well-characterized character that made me hate her and her actions so much. It takes someone really talented to be able to do this, and I am still thinking about Kate, her actions, and how she made me feel. The thing is she was dealt an awful hand in life, and like many people who experience such trauma, she is not able to handle her grief with an appropriate coping mechanism so makes bad choices. She is extremely real and human and has so many faults. I wanted to help her; I wanted to climb in the book and slap some sense into her as she needed it, but I also don't think I would have been able to see myself as her friend - especially since she spends such a long time trying not to help herself on her quest for vengeance to win her husband back.
Beck - He was ok, I guess - most of the book is in Kate's POV, so we don't have too many scenes of him, and I almost wish there were more, as his love for her only felt impactful because we were told of their history and his actions for what he did before Kate lost the baby. I almost wished this had the dual timeline as "The Summer We Fell" so we would be able to actually see how these two had always loved each other but it was the wrong time and not just been told about it.
Overall, the writing is excellent and engaging, and the problem is entirely mine for not enjoying it, as I just had a problem with who Kate was - but I can't fault the book for that - I judge books based on my enjoyment, and because I didn't like Kate - in fact, might still hate her - I didn't enjoy this book as much as I think I would have if I just felt more connected to her.
Trope Summary:
▶ Dual POV
▶ It's always been you
▶ Ex's Best Friend
▶ Forbidden Love
▶ Roommates to Lovers
▶ Angsty and Emotional
▶ Forced Proximity
All in all, I definitely still recommend this book and series - it is an emotional ride with angst and pining and beautifully captures the flaws we have as humans.
Thank you Valentine PR and Elizabeth O'Roark for my ARC gifted copy.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
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January 26, 2024Available now!
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Grab your copy today! Read for FREE with KU!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3skaukT
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TSYFM
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MsCCcv
March 1, 2025
‼️Important note: While each book in this series can be read as a standalone, it is helpful to read The Summer I Saved You first in order to understand the characters and their various relationships. In addition, there are quite a few references to TSISY in this one that won’t pack the same punch if read out of order.
When Kate comes crawling back to town, tail between legs and fresh out of rehab, she is determined to win her soon to be ex-husband back. With no place to go, she asks to stay with Beck, the only man who’s remained by her side, but who also happens to be her husband’s best friend. As she begins to find herself leaning more and more on Beck and his friendship, an underlying attraction starts to brew, making her question what exactly she really wants out of life and what she’s willing to do, or not do, to get it.
I was EXTREMELY lucky to have beta read this, and I knew from the end of The Summer I Saved You, that this was going to be *the* book of the series, at least for me.
Kate is a force to be reckoned with; a dynamic, multifaceted, powerhouse of a character who you will love to hate and hate to love. Beck is the man of all of our dreams - the grumpy cinnamon roll hero with the surly, but sexy, exterior.
When unrequited love meets forced proximity, sparks ignite, and I mean they ignite 🔥 And I say this as someone who doesn’t always love a steamy sexy scene, the steamy scenes are written to perfection, in large part because of the character development and sizzling chemistry created beforehand.
One thing that stands out to me most in this story, is the complexity of each of the characters, their back stories, and the intricacies of the relationships both in the past and present. While this is one of the most romantic books I have ever read, it is so much more than just a romance.
O’Roark tackles grief, addiction, abandonment, and sense of duty in such a raw and powerful way, the emotions of these characters are felt viscerally. You can’t help but empathize with their pain, their longing, and their absolute grief and isolation. But simulatanously, you feel the love that exists, the vulnerability, the need to belong and have those you love in your corner.
At the end of the day, this book will make you feel all the feels. You’ll laugh at the banter, cry for Kate, and maybe Beck too, and you will swoon at the deep connection and romance between them. This book, and these characters will stay with you long after you’ve read their beautiful story.
While I originally beta read TSYFM with my eyes, I chose to do a reread via audio as well, and have to give a major shout out to the duet narrators, Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais who breathed life inti these two amazing characters, as well as the rest of the cast. All of the emotion that leaps off the page is just as present, if not more so, in their narration, and these two were also just insanely easy to listen to. Will I do a third reread of this book? Duh. Will I do it via audio? You better believe it.
A big thank you to the author, Elizabeth O’Roark, for sharing her beloved characters with me early. They are by far my favorites 🥰.
Read if you like:
•all the angst
•emotional romances
•complex characters
•forbidden love
•best friend’s ex
•forced proximity
•unrequited love
CW: Infant death, drug addiction; parental abandonment
Thank you Valentine PR and the author for my gifted copies.
When Kate comes crawling back to town, tail between legs and fresh out of rehab, she is determined to win her soon to be ex-husband back. With no place to go, she asks to stay with Beck, the only man who’s remained by her side, but who also happens to be her husband’s best friend. As she begins to find herself leaning more and more on Beck and his friendship, an underlying attraction starts to brew, making her question what exactly she really wants out of life and what she’s willing to do, or not do, to get it.
I was EXTREMELY lucky to have beta read this, and I knew from the end of The Summer I Saved You, that this was going to be *the* book of the series, at least for me.
Kate is a force to be reckoned with; a dynamic, multifaceted, powerhouse of a character who you will love to hate and hate to love. Beck is the man of all of our dreams - the grumpy cinnamon roll hero with the surly, but sexy, exterior.
When unrequited love meets forced proximity, sparks ignite, and I mean they ignite 🔥 And I say this as someone who doesn’t always love a steamy sexy scene, the steamy scenes are written to perfection, in large part because of the character development and sizzling chemistry created beforehand.
One thing that stands out to me most in this story, is the complexity of each of the characters, their back stories, and the intricacies of the relationships both in the past and present. While this is one of the most romantic books I have ever read, it is so much more than just a romance.
O’Roark tackles grief, addiction, abandonment, and sense of duty in such a raw and powerful way, the emotions of these characters are felt viscerally. You can’t help but empathize with their pain, their longing, and their absolute grief and isolation. But simulatanously, you feel the love that exists, the vulnerability, the need to belong and have those you love in your corner.
At the end of the day, this book will make you feel all the feels. You’ll laugh at the banter, cry for Kate, and maybe Beck too, and you will swoon at the deep connection and romance between them. This book, and these characters will stay with you long after you’ve read their beautiful story.
While I originally beta read TSYFM with my eyes, I chose to do a reread via audio as well, and have to give a major shout out to the duet narrators, Samantha Brentmoor and Connor Crais who breathed life inti these two amazing characters, as well as the rest of the cast. All of the emotion that leaps off the page is just as present, if not more so, in their narration, and these two were also just insanely easy to listen to. Will I do a third reread of this book? Duh. Will I do it via audio? You better believe it.
A big thank you to the author, Elizabeth O’Roark, for sharing her beloved characters with me early. They are by far my favorites 🥰.
Read if you like:
•all the angst
•emotional romances
•complex characters
•forbidden love
•best friend’s ex
•forced proximity
•unrequited love
CW: Infant death, drug addiction; parental abandonment
Thank you Valentine PR and the author for my gifted copies.
January 27, 2024
binged this entire audio in one night and boy was it fantastic. i'll admit i was a lil nervy going into this one after finishing book 2, but i have never rooted for two people so hard!! kate is my girl i'll protect her til i die. but i won't even have to be beck would beat me to it. they were MEANT TO BEEEE. kate found something to fight for and i loved watching her heal and see her get a happy ending. it's one of those books where i kinda had a pit in my stomach from start to finish LOL (see also: book 1 of this series) but like it was so exhilarating i couldn't put it down
there is literally no better duo than samantha brentmoor and connor crais!!! this was duet narration and they are simply perfect together. i could feel the tension in my bones okay!!!! they brought this story and these characters to life like no one else could have!
there is literally no better duo than samantha brentmoor and connor crais!!! this was duet narration and they are simply perfect together. i could feel the tension in my bones okay!!!! they brought this story and these characters to life like no one else could have!
January 21, 2024
This one is so hard to rate because I knew the heroine was going to be hard to like, especially after reading book two. She's the ex of the hero in that book and she has not been good to him (to be fair, he wasn't good to her either). They both lost a child and she has had a really hard time coping with that, so she turns to drugs and becomes an addict. This story takes place after she is clean for months and wants to win him back to have a chance at a family again.
The heroine in this book is mean. She will say what she wants and does whatever she can to get what she wants. However, as we learned more about her, I really started to feel for her and everything she went through. And I loved how Beck would be so real and honest with her and not let her do whatever she wanted to do. The angst in their romance was so good because he's her ex's best friend and has loved her for so long. But she has a lot to come to terms with before starting a new relationship.
She makes some decisions that are so frustrating as a reader, but I really appreciated the direction the end took and how much had to happen for the couple to reach their HEA. The emotions and relationship are so complex, which I always love from Elizabeth's books.
The heroine in this book is mean. She will say what she wants and does whatever she can to get what she wants. However, as we learned more about her, I really started to feel for her and everything she went through. And I loved how Beck would be so real and honest with her and not let her do whatever she wanted to do. The angst in their romance was so good because he's her ex's best friend and has loved her for so long. But she has a lot to come to terms with before starting a new relationship.
She makes some decisions that are so frustrating as a reader, but I really appreciated the direction the end took and how much had to happen for the couple to reach their HEA. The emotions and relationship are so complex, which I always love from Elizabeth's books.
January 5, 2024
this is one of those books that was amazing, 5/5, loved it... but i will NEVERRRRRR read it again ok. i am a wimp, i am not an angsty girl and this was soooo angsty but SO GOOD.
i highly recommend reading the summer you found me first for kate's background. i don't want to spoil too much because i think you just have to go into it blind but she's trying to get her life back and needs a place to stay... which just happens to be in her ex husband's best friend's house.
kate and beck are the DEFINITION OF PASSION. they were so hot and so meant to be BUT GOD THE ANGST AND BACK AND FORTH AND TENSION!!!!!
mother MOTHERED with this one. elizabeth o'roark can't write a bad book. magnificent but now i need anxiety meds.
i highly recommend reading the summer you found me first for kate's background. i don't want to spoil too much because i think you just have to go into it blind but she's trying to get her life back and needs a place to stay... which just happens to be in her ex husband's best friend's house.
kate and beck are the DEFINITION OF PASSION. they were so hot and so meant to be BUT GOD THE ANGST AND BACK AND FORTH AND TENSION!!!!!
mother MOTHERED with this one. elizabeth o'roark can't write a bad book. magnificent but now i need anxiety meds.
March 8, 2025
With each book, this series is getting worse. At least the previous ones had decent protagonists.
August 10, 2024
Great steamy romance. I really liked Beck and grew to like Kate. The steamy scenes were great! I think the 3rd act breakup was actually necessary here and that surprises me since I don’t normally like them. Parts of this book are very heavy and deal with loss of a child but if you are ok reading about that then this is a wonderful book.
January 18, 2024
Omg I’m DYING ❤️❤️❤️
This book was so good in SO MANY WAYS
Kate and her struggles were so heartbreaking and real. And while you want to dislike her for her actions, I couldn't help but love her from the start because I felt her pain and anguish and I knew she was lashing out because of that pain and not because she was a bad person.
But amazing Beck… be still my heart. He is so patient and kind and puts Kate in her place. He KNOWS her and loves her for who she is...
This is my FAVORITE of the series so far.
A million stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Sometimes from darkness a beautiful thing emerges…”
This book was so good in SO MANY WAYS
Kate and her struggles were so heartbreaking and real. And while you want to dislike her for her actions, I couldn't help but love her from the start because I felt her pain and anguish and I knew she was lashing out because of that pain and not because she was a bad person.
But amazing Beck… be still my heart. He is so patient and kind and puts Kate in her place. He KNOWS her and loves her for who she is...
This is my FAVORITE of the series so far.
A million stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Sometimes from darkness a beautiful thing emerges…”
November 15, 2024
3.25 stars
I haven't completely lost my faith in this series because this was definitely better than the other book. What truly intrigued me in this book was that the female protagonist is not a protagonist at all, she is portrayed as a villain in her story, with a heavy and broken background that reflects her choices in present timeline. I liked Kate's character a lot, I haven't read 'The Summer I Saved You' and I should've read that first because this book is highly connected with that story, but it still doesn't change my feelings for Kate.
The story is about forgiveness, healing and creating something beautiful after loss. Kate and Beck both led a hard life. They both know what grief and regrets feel like, what not being loved feels like. Beck has always been in love with Kate (Beck's bestfriend's wife) and it is a trope that I don't like, but Elizabeth did a wonderful job with this trope.
Kate wanted nothing but a second chance at a life she almost had but lost a few years back, and she want that with no one else except her husband, Caleb. Kate did so many questionable things in this book to get Caleb back, but I understand why she did those things. Kate never had a family, and she desperately clung to the hope of finding it with Caleb, she never had healthy coping mechanisms because of the things she went through in her life.
She thinks she's always suppose to be the villain in her own story so she became exactly that, but inside she was hurting for years, no one saw that except Beck and he really helped her with her healing and moving on process. I liked how her character wasn't magically redeemed in the end, how her addiction after her rehab didn't cured just after being done with rehab because that only made her character more real.
“It was about Hannah, not Caleb. Everything was about Hannah.”
Beck was amazing. The way he loved and saw both good and bad, light and darkness in Kate from the very first moment he met her was everything. He loved her truly and wholeheartedly no matter who she became but he also helped her in becoming a better version of herself and that's the truest form of love.
“I wasn’t waiting for him to change his mind. I was waiting for you to change yours.”
: ̗̀➛ The romance served in this book. The chemistry between Kate and Beck was palpable from the start, brimming with tension and hidden desires they craved for each other. But there is also an emotional intimacy between these two, the way they understood and trusted each other. It was so sweet. Their journey to find their happy life is heartbreaking and frustrating, filled with so many gut-wrenching moments and mistakes, but never stopped fighting for it and that's all that matters.
My issue with this book is that I needed more domestic or cute moments between Kate and Beck because once they started having sex it was all there was to read about.
The epilogue was everything and the perfect ending for Kate and Beck's story. They deserved it and it was simply so sweet and beautiful.
“How many times in your life will you ever meet someone who was made for you? And how do you possibly walk away if you find her?”
I haven't completely lost my faith in this series because this was definitely better than the other book. What truly intrigued me in this book was that the female protagonist is not a protagonist at all, she is portrayed as a villain in her story, with a heavy and broken background that reflects her choices in present timeline. I liked Kate's character a lot, I haven't read 'The Summer I Saved You' and I should've read that first because this book is highly connected with that story, but it still doesn't change my feelings for Kate.
The story is about forgiveness, healing and creating something beautiful after loss. Kate and Beck both led a hard life. They both know what grief and regrets feel like, what not being loved feels like. Beck has always been in love with Kate (Beck's bestfriend's wife) and it is a trope that I don't like, but Elizabeth did a wonderful job with this trope.
“I don’t need to impress him or win him over and he doesn’t need to impress me either. He’s okay with me exactly as I am, something I don’t think I’ve ever had with anyone else“
Kate wanted nothing but a second chance at a life she almost had but lost a few years back, and she want that with no one else except her husband, Caleb. Kate did so many questionable things in this book to get Caleb back, but I understand why she did those things. Kate never had a family, and she desperately clung to the hope of finding it with Caleb, she never had healthy coping mechanisms because of the things she went through in her life.
She thinks she's always suppose to be the villain in her own story so she became exactly that, but inside she was hurting for years, no one saw that except Beck and he really helped her with her healing and moving on process. I liked how her character wasn't magically redeemed in the end, how her addiction after her rehab didn't cured just after being done with rehab because that only made her character more real.
“It was about Hannah, not Caleb. Everything was about Hannah.”
Beck was amazing. The way he loved and saw both good and bad, light and darkness in Kate from the very first moment he met her was everything. He loved her truly and wholeheartedly no matter who she became but he also helped her in becoming a better version of herself and that's the truest form of love.
“I wasn’t waiting for him to change his mind. I was waiting for you to change yours.”
: ̗̀➛ The romance served in this book. The chemistry between Kate and Beck was palpable from the start, brimming with tension and hidden desires they craved for each other. But there is also an emotional intimacy between these two, the way they understood and trusted each other. It was so sweet. Their journey to find their happy life is heartbreaking and frustrating, filled with so many gut-wrenching moments and mistakes, but never stopped fighting for it and that's all that matters.
“I can say that sometimes from darkness a beautiful thing emerges, something you’ll call your own. And the man in front of me, and the future we share, is mine.”
My issue with this book is that I needed more domestic or cute moments between Kate and Beck because once they started having sex it was all there was to read about.
The epilogue was everything and the perfect ending for Kate and Beck's story. They deserved it and it was simply so sweet and beautiful.
January 26, 2024
Loved it. Consumed it. I was in my angsty glory, and with a heroine redemption arc. I love them!
January 22, 2024
Alright y'all. I'm a HUGE @elizabethoroark fan, and I'm IN LOVE with The Summer series. The Summer You Found Me was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and while it was a little bit unexpected, I REALLY enjoyed it and read the entire thing on a flight. Elizabeth always brings the angst and tension in her books, and this one is no different. Want to see how she can make you FEEL for a female villain? Read on...
Though this book is considered a standalone, I think you really need to have read The Summer I Saved You for context. Kate and Beck are both introduced there, and the stories run parallel to each other. Kate is strong and beautiful, but she’s very prickly for a lot of the book. She's had some SIGNFICANT tragedy in her past (see TWs) that she does not always address in very healthy ways. Despite her personal issues, I found her POV chapters so interesting, especially how she slowly realizes how destructive her thinking is. She's also incredibly funny, and I found her banter with Beck to be very enjoyable. There is a lot of growth in this book, and I'm amazed by how strong her character is - I kept thinking something truly awful would happen to her, but she always persevered.
OMG, poor Beck. The guy has been pining after his best friend's girl for YEARS, feeling trapped working in his bar when he wishes he could be anywhere else. The fact that he's willing to look past Kate's many flaws and continually try to help her through her issues with addiction and grief show just how selfless of a man he is. You can see that they were meant to be together from the start, and when their control starts slipping the chemistry is ELECTRIC. I think the spice in this book might be my favorite so far - the combination of forced proximity, forbidden, and a slow burn makes for an INFERNO 🥵🥵 when it hits.
Seriously, you do not want to miss out on this series. If has all of the things I love in an Elizabeth O'Roark book - high angst, so much pining, and perfect spice. Though I can see how some of the premise could be contentious (as discussed with @bookishly_koi), I still think it's absolutely worth a read.
Though this book is considered a standalone, I think you really need to have read The Summer I Saved You for context. Kate and Beck are both introduced there, and the stories run parallel to each other. Kate is strong and beautiful, but she’s very prickly for a lot of the book. She's had some SIGNFICANT tragedy in her past (see TWs) that she does not always address in very healthy ways. Despite her personal issues, I found her POV chapters so interesting, especially how she slowly realizes how destructive her thinking is. She's also incredibly funny, and I found her banter with Beck to be very enjoyable. There is a lot of growth in this book, and I'm amazed by how strong her character is - I kept thinking something truly awful would happen to her, but she always persevered.
OMG, poor Beck. The guy has been pining after his best friend's girl for YEARS, feeling trapped working in his bar when he wishes he could be anywhere else. The fact that he's willing to look past Kate's many flaws and continually try to help her through her issues with addiction and grief show just how selfless of a man he is. You can see that they were meant to be together from the start, and when their control starts slipping the chemistry is ELECTRIC. I think the spice in this book might be my favorite so far - the combination of forced proximity, forbidden, and a slow burn makes for an INFERNO 🥵🥵 when it hits.
Seriously, you do not want to miss out on this series. If has all of the things I love in an Elizabeth O'Roark book - high angst, so much pining, and perfect spice. Though I can see how some of the premise could be contentious (as discussed with @bookishly_koi), I still think it's absolutely worth a read.
February 20, 2024
Elizabeth O’Roark has never written a book that hasn’t consumed me whole. I absolutely fell in love with Kate in this book. Even the times she aggravated me, I was still rooting for her and for her happy ending.
I’m so happy she was able to find a true partner in Beck. Beck was always there for her and was such a pillar of strength for her. While Beck didn’t shine as bright in this story as Kate did, he was still an essential part to the story.
I love the Summer Crew so much and I am so excited to read the rest of the books in this series!
Thank you Elizabeth O’Roark and Valentine PR for the ARC.
Someone explain why it’s not January yet???? I need this ASAP
I’m so happy she was able to find a true partner in Beck. Beck was always there for her and was such a pillar of strength for her. While Beck didn’t shine as bright in this story as Kate did, he was still an essential part to the story.
I love the Summer Crew so much and I am so excited to read the rest of the books in this series!
Thank you Elizabeth O’Roark and Valentine PR for the ARC.
Someone explain why it’s not January yet???? I need this ASAP
February 16, 2024
—second chance for her
—friends to lovers
—HEA
—slow burn
—close proximity
—TW so check those first please
Easily my favorite so far in this series. The Summer You Found Me was angsty, full of tension, character development, longing and growth. I absolutely devoured this book front page to back page and I loved every second.
The chemistry was top tier. And I loved the angst.
if you’re looking for a romance where he’s been wanting her for years and she gets a second chance at life, this book is a must read.
—friends to lovers
—HEA
—slow burn
—close proximity
—TW so check those first please
Easily my favorite so far in this series. The Summer You Found Me was angsty, full of tension, character development, longing and growth. I absolutely devoured this book front page to back page and I loved every second.
The chemistry was top tier. And I loved the angst.
if you’re looking for a romance where he’s been wanting her for years and she gets a second chance at life, this book is a must read.
May 23, 2024
NOT REDEEMABLE
This one was a huge disappointment, I tried but I just couldn’t get past Kate. It’s a shame bc I was looking forward to Beck but he was not what I was expecting in an hero. His persona gave the strong hero type but in reality he was just a sidekick. Kate was not a redeeming character not before or after the book ended.
I think I’m done with this series bc Liam’s love interest is a retched bish and I have desire for a repeat of book 3.
This one was a huge disappointment, I tried but I just couldn’t get past Kate. It’s a shame bc I was looking forward to Beck but he was not what I was expecting in an hero. His persona gave the strong hero type but in reality he was just a sidekick. Kate was not a redeeming character not before or after the book ended.
I think I’m done with this series bc Liam’s love interest is a retched bish and I have desire for a repeat of book 3.
January 18, 2024
WOW the angst in this book was so good.
This follows Kate and Beck. Kate is married to Caleb who is Becks best friend. Kate returns back home a year later after being away in rehab to try to win back her husband only to find out he’s moved on. She turns to Beck who had always had feelings for her since the very first time he saw her. Kate has gone through so much her struggles were so heartbreaking. The banter, tension and chemistry between Kate and Beck was so good. Elizabeth O’Roark never disappoints.
Tropes:
✨He Falls First
✨Angsty
✨Ex's Best Friend
✨Small town
✨Tragic Past
✨Forbidden love
✨Forced proximity
I do recommend reading The Summer I Saved you first to get a better understanding of the characters history.
This follows Kate and Beck. Kate is married to Caleb who is Becks best friend. Kate returns back home a year later after being away in rehab to try to win back her husband only to find out he’s moved on. She turns to Beck who had always had feelings for her since the very first time he saw her. Kate has gone through so much her struggles were so heartbreaking. The banter, tension and chemistry between Kate and Beck was so good. Elizabeth O’Roark never disappoints.
Tropes:
✨He Falls First
✨Angsty
✨Ex's Best Friend
✨Small town
✨Tragic Past
✨Forbidden love
✨Forced proximity
I do recommend reading The Summer I Saved you first to get a better understanding of the characters history.
April 10, 2024
OK Elizabeth O'Roark, why not just stomp on my heart and shred it into pieces? It would hurt less than reading The Summer You Found Me. It is just the kind of book that is going to tear your heart out but at the end..you will cry tears of happiness.
Its so hard to make a villain of one book into hero in the next one but I think the author did such a phenomenal job of transforming Kate in front of my eyes! You may have met Kate if you have read the previous book in this series of standalones about her ex-husband Caleb. This story starts from the point when Kate is back from rehab and she finds that her husband is in love with another woman. She knows that there have been a separation, physical and mentally and emotionally for years now but she refuses to accept. She believes that they were bound by their common grief and loss and he's the only reason she wants to stay sober. Where would she go now? Caleb's best friend Beck let her stay at his place in two conditions : she is not to mess with Caleb and Lucie's life and she has to stay sober. Beck is obsessively, instantly and quite forbidden-ly in love with Kate since the day he first saw her. There is something brewing between them now..more than friendship. Will it heal her or will the storm destroy everything?
This book may have triggers like addiction, death and mental health issues so read responsibly. Now when I read Caleb's story, I only saw one side of Kate's story superficially. She comes from a very rough foster background but she clawed her way out of the gutter with sheer determination. She is insanely talented and smart and intelligent. She has a fire and sass that shines beyond her darkness and despair. Her relationship with Caleb was an escape and she was happy before... it was only a downward spiral.I get to see Kate struggling with her deep pain, anger and hurt and my heart breaks for her. She wants to be the evil Queen everyone thinks her to be ,she wants to get back Caleb but Beck is a wild card here
he shows her that respect, the support and that trust she doesn't think she deserves, day after day and then there is that sizzling hot heart explosive chemistry brewing between them. At first, she doesn't think that she has a future with Beck but this gorgeous sexy alpha man is showing her day after day that maybe he is the one she really needs. May be he is the one she really would should have ended with. As the details unfold, you can see that her relationship with Caleb was somewhat of convenience , with situations aligning with each other and he's not really her soulmate
Kate has this tendency to go into self-destructive mode but Beck is making her doubt her own bad intentions. I absolutely freaking love Beck because it's not easy to love a woman who belonged to someone else, not just someone but his best friend. I am so obsessed with the tension in this story by step-by-step moment by moment you can.
Beck is a growling brooding possessive alpha who just melts you inside out. He was in middle of a battle..it started with the sex but it went deeper. He didn't try to shelter Kate from the brutal reality but he was there to catch her when she fell apart. His trust and care helped her heal properly..finally and she rebuilt her heart..her career and everything else. Kate had so much guilt and anger inside but Beck set her free. It's an all consuming tale of redemption and new beginning. A must read for all angst lovers.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Its so hard to make a villain of one book into hero in the next one but I think the author did such a phenomenal job of transforming Kate in front of my eyes! You may have met Kate if you have read the previous book in this series of standalones about her ex-husband Caleb. This story starts from the point when Kate is back from rehab and she finds that her husband is in love with another woman. She knows that there have been a separation, physical and mentally and emotionally for years now but she refuses to accept. She believes that they were bound by their common grief and loss and he's the only reason she wants to stay sober. Where would she go now? Caleb's best friend Beck let her stay at his place in two conditions : she is not to mess with Caleb and Lucie's life and she has to stay sober. Beck is obsessively, instantly and quite forbidden-ly in love with Kate since the day he first saw her. There is something brewing between them now..more than friendship. Will it heal her or will the storm destroy everything?
This book may have triggers like addiction, death and mental health issues so read responsibly. Now when I read Caleb's story, I only saw one side of Kate's story superficially. She comes from a very rough foster background but she clawed her way out of the gutter with sheer determination. She is insanely talented and smart and intelligent. She has a fire and sass that shines beyond her darkness and despair. Her relationship with Caleb was an escape and she was happy before... it was only a downward spiral.I get to see Kate struggling with her deep pain, anger and hurt and my heart breaks for her. She wants to be the evil Queen everyone thinks her to be ,she wants to get back Caleb but Beck is a wild card here
he shows her that respect, the support and that trust she doesn't think she deserves, day after day and then there is that sizzling hot heart explosive chemistry brewing between them. At first, she doesn't think that she has a future with Beck but this gorgeous sexy alpha man is showing her day after day that maybe he is the one she really needs. May be he is the one she really would should have ended with. As the details unfold, you can see that her relationship with Caleb was somewhat of convenience , with situations aligning with each other and he's not really her soulmate
Kate has this tendency to go into self-destructive mode but Beck is making her doubt her own bad intentions. I absolutely freaking love Beck because it's not easy to love a woman who belonged to someone else, not just someone but his best friend. I am so obsessed with the tension in this story by step-by-step moment by moment you can.
Beck is a growling brooding possessive alpha who just melts you inside out. He was in middle of a battle..it started with the sex but it went deeper. He didn't try to shelter Kate from the brutal reality but he was there to catch her when she fell apart. His trust and care helped her heal properly..finally and she rebuilt her heart..her career and everything else. Kate had so much guilt and anger inside but Beck set her free. It's an all consuming tale of redemption and new beginning. A must read for all angst lovers.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
January 25, 2024
(audiobook) That wasn’t an easy read, for several reasons.
First of all, the female character isn’t lovable. We learned about Kate in the previous book, about her loss and her addiction and the way she betrayed her husband. But it was easy to feel a bit of sympathy for her. Then she starts this book by saying she’s going to get her husband back, no matter how. As he’s already in a relationship, and he’s asking for a divorce, it won’t be pretty. Instant dislike. And without spoiling anything, let me tell you that she’s ready to fight dirty. This is Kate’s book, Kate’s story. Kate’s point of view. And she knows she’s bad, but she can’t help herself.
But the author? She’s good. She gives us Kate’s childhood and her disillusions. She shows us Kate’s need for a family and stability. Kate’s always looked for happiness in the wrong place–her husband, drugs… She has so much grieving to do, and not just for her daughter, whose loss is at the center of Kate’s story. She lost her mother too, and a stable childhood. She needs to dive into her past to build a future, and that’s what this book is about. This is her redemption story.
Because happiness was beside her all along. That’s Beck. They’ve had feelings for each other right from the start, but Kate was already chasing her dreams with Caleb, and Beck wouldn’t betray his best friend. But he understood Kate. He supported her when Caleb wouldn’t. Even knowing Caleb has already moved on, Beck doesn’t dare seducing Kate. To a point, of course.
He has some growing to do too. He doesn’t do things, he lets them happen to him. He works at the bar his mother left him, even though it’s a burden. He never confronted Caleb about the way he treated Kate. But having Kate back in his life forces him to take initiatives.
Through Kate and Beck, but also through other characters, motherhood is the main theme of the story. What does it mean to be a mother? What lengths are mothers ready to go for their children? What happens when a mother loses her child? What is the father’s place? There are as many situations, and as many answers, as there are characters, really.
As I said at the beginning, there are other reasons for it to not be an easy read. Some of the elements in this book could be triggering. Substance abuse, death of a child, mention of past psychological abuse… If you don’t like angst in your romance, this book isn’t for you. Not that there’s no humor at all. But the themes are heavy.
The female narrator was perfect for Kate. You can hear that she understands and loves the character, she brings life to all her different sides. As for the male narrator, he did a great grumpy Beck. If you aren’t afraid of emotional rollercoasters, you should definitely give Beck and Kate a chance.
Quickie
- Series: The summer #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #forbidden romance #ex’s best friend #angst
- Triggers: cheating (technically), mention of child death, grief, and substance addiction, past in foster care
- Main couple: Kate & Beck
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + a lesson in how to make you love the villain
- – still having a problem with ‘I’ve loved you for so long but slept with many other people’
First of all, the female character isn’t lovable. We learned about Kate in the previous book, about her loss and her addiction and the way she betrayed her husband. But it was easy to feel a bit of sympathy for her. Then she starts this book by saying she’s going to get her husband back, no matter how. As he’s already in a relationship, and he’s asking for a divorce, it won’t be pretty. Instant dislike. And without spoiling anything, let me tell you that she’s ready to fight dirty. This is Kate’s book, Kate’s story. Kate’s point of view. And she knows she’s bad, but she can’t help herself.
But the author? She’s good. She gives us Kate’s childhood and her disillusions. She shows us Kate’s need for a family and stability. Kate’s always looked for happiness in the wrong place–her husband, drugs… She has so much grieving to do, and not just for her daughter, whose loss is at the center of Kate’s story. She lost her mother too, and a stable childhood. She needs to dive into her past to build a future, and that’s what this book is about. This is her redemption story.
Because happiness was beside her all along. That’s Beck. They’ve had feelings for each other right from the start, but Kate was already chasing her dreams with Caleb, and Beck wouldn’t betray his best friend. But he understood Kate. He supported her when Caleb wouldn’t. Even knowing Caleb has already moved on, Beck doesn’t dare seducing Kate. To a point, of course.
He has some growing to do too. He doesn’t do things, he lets them happen to him. He works at the bar his mother left him, even though it’s a burden. He never confronted Caleb about the way he treated Kate. But having Kate back in his life forces him to take initiatives.
Through Kate and Beck, but also through other characters, motherhood is the main theme of the story. What does it mean to be a mother? What lengths are mothers ready to go for their children? What happens when a mother loses her child? What is the father’s place? There are as many situations, and as many answers, as there are characters, really.
As I said at the beginning, there are other reasons for it to not be an easy read. Some of the elements in this book could be triggering. Substance abuse, death of a child, mention of past psychological abuse… If you don’t like angst in your romance, this book isn’t for you. Not that there’s no humor at all. But the themes are heavy.
The female narrator was perfect for Kate. You can hear that she understands and loves the character, she brings life to all her different sides. As for the male narrator, he did a great grumpy Beck. If you aren’t afraid of emotional rollercoasters, you should definitely give Beck and Kate a chance.
Quickie
- Series: The summer #3 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #forbidden romance #ex’s best friend #angst
- Triggers: cheating (technically), mention of child death, grief, and substance addiction, past in foster care
- Main couple: Kate & Beck
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + a lesson in how to make you love the villain
- – still having a problem with ‘I’ve loved you for so long but slept with many other people’
February 21, 2024
2.5 Stars
I absolutely hated the heroine in this book!!! I get she is the mean girl and supposed to be the villain with some type of redemption. The problem was that she never had ANY redemption in this book. She was ruthless and did some extremely horrible and criminal things to an innocent woman. She never really felt bad about what she did and never took responsibility for her actions. I understand she went through a lot, but she literally blamed everyone else for her problems. She was vindictive and petty to other women. Basically, I could go on and on.
There was no connection between her and beck, because she spent the whole book trying to break up her ex's relationship. I hated her so much.......so yeah.
I absolutely hated the heroine in this book!!! I get she is the mean girl and supposed to be the villain with some type of redemption. The problem was that she never had ANY redemption in this book. She was ruthless and did some extremely horrible and criminal things to an innocent woman. She never really felt bad about what she did and never took responsibility for her actions. I understand she went through a lot, but she literally blamed everyone else for her problems. She was vindictive and petty to other women. Basically, I could go on and on.
There was no connection between her and beck, because she spent the whole book trying to break up her ex's relationship. I hated her so much.......so yeah.
April 12, 2024
“Kate, I’m going to say this once and then we are never going to discuss it again. The first time I saw you, I thought you were the most perfect thing I’d ever seen, and I still think it. I wouldn’t change a single thing about you. Now shut the fuck up and watch the show.”
Kate Bennett.
A recovering drug addict.
Determined to get her husband back.
No matter what it takes.
There’s something very caveman in the way he eats. Fuck your salad forks and polite bites, it says.
Beck.
Kate's husband's best friend.
He has always been in love with Kate.
Does he finally get his chance with Kate?
“Kate, let it go. She works at TSG with him and she’s a nice girl. They’re happy.”
“Girl is the key word. She looks like a Disney princess, just waiting for her magical first kiss.”
“And that makes you... what? The evil queen?”
Kate finally pushes herself to finish rehab because of the idea of getting back together with her husband Kate. He is all she has left of their daughter, Hannah, who died right after birth. Then, Caleb serves her with divorce papers and she is determined to fix her relationship with him. No matter what it takes. Even if she has to break up him and Lucie.
Beck is Caleb's best friend and there was instant attraction between Kate and Beck when they met. Too bad she was already dating Caleb at the time. Ever since, Beck has always been there for her, even when Caleb has not. Now, she has no other place to go so Beck takes her to live with him. She is so hung up on Caleb that she does not see that everything she has always needed is right in front of her, in the form of Beck. Will she realize what she has because she is too hung up on Caleb before it is too late?
Even the most happily married woman in the world has a hall pass list—the handful of men she’d sleep with if she could. My husband’s best friend just happens, inconveniently, to be at the top of mine.
Did I want to hate Kate? Yes. Did I hate her? Kind of yes. Did I also like her? Also yes.
I pretty much hated Kate in the beginning of this book. Her obsession with Caleb, her living in the past with Hannah and how petty she seemed at times. I understand her mourning for Hannah but, at the same time, she allowed it to completely take over her life. Never mind her being an idiot and going to Kent's house by herself, especially after promising Beck she would not do it.
Also, Kate's scheming with Jeremy was something I was not a fan of, at all. On the other hand, she had an amazing redemption arc in the end with bringing Lucie the evidence she needs to prevent Jeremy from stealing the kids from her. Kate was made such a villain in TSISY but her her humane side is shown and her overcoming her addiction and turning her life around, especially with all she did for Beck with the bar is what made me love her in the end. I can say she is definitely one of the most controversial characters with whom I have a love-hate relationship. Ever.
Beck was just amazing. I felt so bad for him with how he had always been there for Kate, how he was there for her now too when no one else was and she was just hung up on Caleb. Anyone would be happy to have a Beck in their life! Despite his exterior and, at times behavior, Beck gave slight golden retriever vibes for me.
Kate and I are the same on the inside—nothing but jagged pieces held together by raw hope. I felt it in my bones the moment I laid eyes on her, and of all the things I wish I hadn’t felt for Kate Bennett, that’s probably the hardest to disregard. Because how many times in your life will you ever meet someone who was made for you? And how do you possibly walk away if you find her?
At the end, I think the happy end came all of a sudden. It felt a bit aprubt and was a bit of a sudden and boring end to the book. Also, with Beck and Kate both being so damn stubborn in the end I was just so frustrated with them!
This book was definitely one that awoke a lot of different feelings in me. In a way, I had a lot of things in this book that rubbed me the wrong way but, on the other hand, Elizabeth O'Roark did what she does best and was able to awoke so many feelings in me that I was unable to give this book anything less than five stars!
I received an ARC of The Summer You Found Me in exchange for an honest review
Kate Bennett.
A recovering drug addict.
Determined to get her husband back.
No matter what it takes.
There’s something very caveman in the way he eats. Fuck your salad forks and polite bites, it says.
Beck.
Kate's husband's best friend.
He has always been in love with Kate.
Does he finally get his chance with Kate?
“Kate, let it go. She works at TSG with him and she’s a nice girl. They’re happy.”
“Girl is the key word. She looks like a Disney princess, just waiting for her magical first kiss.”
“And that makes you... what? The evil queen?”
Kate finally pushes herself to finish rehab because of the idea of getting back together with her husband Kate. He is all she has left of their daughter, Hannah, who died right after birth. Then, Caleb serves her with divorce papers and she is determined to fix her relationship with him. No matter what it takes. Even if she has to break up him and Lucie.
Beck is Caleb's best friend and there was instant attraction between Kate and Beck when they met. Too bad she was already dating Caleb at the time. Ever since, Beck has always been there for her, even when Caleb has not. Now, she has no other place to go so Beck takes her to live with him. She is so hung up on Caleb that she does not see that everything she has always needed is right in front of her, in the form of Beck. Will she realize what she has because she is too hung up on Caleb before it is too late?
Even the most happily married woman in the world has a hall pass list—the handful of men she’d sleep with if she could. My husband’s best friend just happens, inconveniently, to be at the top of mine.
Did I want to hate Kate? Yes. Did I hate her? Kind of yes. Did I also like her? Also yes.
I pretty much hated Kate in the beginning of this book. Her obsession with Caleb, her living in the past with Hannah and how petty she seemed at times. I understand her mourning for Hannah but, at the same time, she allowed it to completely take over her life. Never mind her being an idiot and going to Kent's house by herself, especially after promising Beck she would not do it.
Also, Kate's scheming with Jeremy was something I was not a fan of, at all. On the other hand, she had an amazing redemption arc in the end with bringing Lucie the evidence she needs to prevent Jeremy from stealing the kids from her. Kate was made such a villain in TSISY but her her humane side is shown and her overcoming her addiction and turning her life around, especially with all she did for Beck with the bar is what made me love her in the end. I can say she is definitely one of the most controversial characters with whom I have a love-hate relationship. Ever.
Beck was just amazing. I felt so bad for him with how he had always been there for Kate, how he was there for her now too when no one else was and she was just hung up on Caleb. Anyone would be happy to have a Beck in their life! Despite his exterior and, at times behavior, Beck gave slight golden retriever vibes for me.
Kate and I are the same on the inside—nothing but jagged pieces held together by raw hope. I felt it in my bones the moment I laid eyes on her, and of all the things I wish I hadn’t felt for Kate Bennett, that’s probably the hardest to disregard. Because how many times in your life will you ever meet someone who was made for you? And how do you possibly walk away if you find her?
At the end, I think the happy end came all of a sudden. It felt a bit aprubt and was a bit of a sudden and boring end to the book. Also, with Beck and Kate both being so damn stubborn in the end I was just so frustrated with them!
This book was definitely one that awoke a lot of different feelings in me. In a way, I had a lot of things in this book that rubbed me the wrong way but, on the other hand, Elizabeth O'Roark did what she does best and was able to awoke so many feelings in me that I was unable to give this book anything less than five stars!
I received an ARC of The Summer You Found Me in exchange for an honest review
January 27, 2024
I want more female characters who are just straight up bitches. Not antisocial or just not a people pleaser, female characters who by most accounts are not good or nice people. I loved Kate so much and I loved how Beck loved her and understood that just because she's not the nicest person doesn't mean that she doesn't need love and support and encouragement.
January 22, 2024
I. Couldn’t. Stop. Listening. To. This. Book.
Kate & Beck are so beautifully broken. The tragedies they’re trying to move on from… the forbidden nature of their relationship… wowza. This story was equal parts angst, heartbreak, and heat.
This was my first Elizabeth O’Roark book, but now I need to go read EVERYTHING. In fact, I should have read the other Summer books before this one, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book. It didn’t stop me from crying throughout, binge reading, and loving it.
Excellent duet narration from Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais- holy moly his deep voice was SO PERFECT for Beck.
There are some major trigger warnings, I will list the 2 big ones below.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the chance to enjoy an ALC. I’m a new hardcore Elizabeth O’Roark fan as a result.
TW:
Drug use/ addiction/ rehab- in past, described on page.
Child/ infant loss- in past, discussed often on page.
Kate & Beck are so beautifully broken. The tragedies they’re trying to move on from… the forbidden nature of their relationship… wowza. This story was equal parts angst, heartbreak, and heat.
This was my first Elizabeth O’Roark book, but now I need to go read EVERYTHING. In fact, I should have read the other Summer books before this one, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment of this book. It didn’t stop me from crying throughout, binge reading, and loving it.
Excellent duet narration from Samantha Brentmoor & Connor Crais- holy moly his deep voice was SO PERFECT for Beck.
There are some major trigger warnings, I will list the 2 big ones below.
Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for the chance to enjoy an ALC. I’m a new hardcore Elizabeth O’Roark fan as a result.
TW:
Drug use/ addiction/ rehab- in past, described on page.
Child/ infant loss- in past, discussed often on page.
January 26, 2024
Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Steam: 4 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
This one was hard to review. I love a good “villain gets a second chance” book and I knew from the last book that Kate had problems and was struggling but I felt like there was definitely room for her to grow on me and I would be cheering her on.
While I loved Beck and I loved the relationship between him and Kate, I did not like Kate. Her character was so hard to love and just never grew on me. On one hand I sympathize so greatly with her; she’s been through so much and I can’t imagine the pain. But on the other hand, she’s just not a good person. She’s self centered and not kind. And while she did grow a lot in this book it almost seemed against her will a lot of the time. She did so much messed up stuff but seemed to only care because she thought Beck would react badly. I just don’t think she’s a girls girl and that’s sad. I kept wanting to root for her and felt so strongly for her situation but I just didn’t vibe with her.
I wish we could’ve had more of Beck. I think he deserved a little more focus. And I loved him.
Overall, it was very well written and I breezed through it. I love this author and will continue to read her work.
Steam: 4 🔥
Audio: 5 🎧
This one was hard to review. I love a good “villain gets a second chance” book and I knew from the last book that Kate had problems and was struggling but I felt like there was definitely room for her to grow on me and I would be cheering her on.
While I loved Beck and I loved the relationship between him and Kate, I did not like Kate. Her character was so hard to love and just never grew on me. On one hand I sympathize so greatly with her; she’s been through so much and I can’t imagine the pain. But on the other hand, she’s just not a good person. She’s self centered and not kind. And while she did grow a lot in this book it almost seemed against her will a lot of the time. She did so much messed up stuff but seemed to only care because she thought Beck would react badly. I just don’t think she’s a girls girl and that’s sad. I kept wanting to root for her and felt so strongly for her situation but I just didn’t vibe with her.
I wish we could’ve had more of Beck. I think he deserved a little more focus. And I loved him.
Overall, it was very well written and I breezed through it. I love this author and will continue to read her work.
October 29, 2025
Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed by The Summer you found me.
I don‘t know but the previous two in the series were much better😕
What bothered me most was Kate’s obsession with destroying her soon-to-be ex-husband’s new life. If this had been summed up in a few pages, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but it felt like it took up almost 3/4 of the book🙃 it was sooo frustrating.
Secondly, I found it hard to connect with Kate. Her motivations are wrong, she was overly suggestible, and she kept making choices she knew were wrong. This really irritated me throughout the story😠
On the other hand, I would have liked more of Beck’s perspective🙈 He was kinda cute - I adored how he saw and loved both Kate’s good and bad sides. His unconditional love for her was incredibly sweet.
What I did appreciate about this book was how easy it was to read. While the story itself wasn’t particularly gripping, the writing style was enjoyable and kept me turning the pages😇
Despite my love for the author, I don’t think I’ll recommend this book😣 While it had its moments, it didn’t quite live up to the standards set by the previous books in the series.
3⭐️
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Instagram : jc.cosybooknookx
I don‘t know but the previous two in the series were much better😕
What bothered me most was Kate’s obsession with destroying her soon-to-be ex-husband’s new life. If this had been summed up in a few pages, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but it felt like it took up almost 3/4 of the book🙃 it was sooo frustrating.
Secondly, I found it hard to connect with Kate. Her motivations are wrong, she was overly suggestible, and she kept making choices she knew were wrong. This really irritated me throughout the story😠
On the other hand, I would have liked more of Beck’s perspective🙈 He was kinda cute - I adored how he saw and loved both Kate’s good and bad sides. His unconditional love for her was incredibly sweet.
What I did appreciate about this book was how easy it was to read. While the story itself wasn’t particularly gripping, the writing style was enjoyable and kept me turning the pages😇
Despite my love for the author, I don’t think I’ll recommend this book😣 While it had its moments, it didn’t quite live up to the standards set by the previous books in the series.
3⭐️
—-
Instagram : jc.cosybooknookx
February 2, 2024
4/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
I have truly loved this series so much so far but I will admit I was a little nervous about this one going in because I didn’t care for Kate, the FMC, who we met in the previous book. However, I enjoyed this book way more than I was expecting. I love Elizabeth’s writing so much that I think I could read her grocery list & still be absolutely glued to it.
Beck made this book for me! Loved his character so much & I knew I would based on his appearance in the other books. He was so in love with Kate from the moment he laid eyes on her, even when she wasn’t his to love.
Definitely recommend if you love good banter & lots of angst!
2/5🌶️
I have truly loved this series so much so far but I will admit I was a little nervous about this one going in because I didn’t care for Kate, the FMC, who we met in the previous book. However, I enjoyed this book way more than I was expecting. I love Elizabeth’s writing so much that I think I could read her grocery list & still be absolutely glued to it.
Beck made this book for me! Loved his character so much & I knew I would based on his appearance in the other books. He was so in love with Kate from the moment he laid eyes on her, even when she wasn’t his to love.
Definitely recommend if you love good banter & lots of angst!
January 31, 2024
caleb didn’t deserve a happy ending after being such a deadbeat husband and father and you can not prove me wrong!!
the relationship between kate and beck was cute though
the relationship between kate and beck was cute though
January 25, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨It’s Always Been You
✨Ex’s Best Friend
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Roommates to Lovers
✨Angsty
✨Forced Proximity
The Summer You Found Me is the 3rd book in the The Summer series following Kate & Beck. This one can be read as a standalone. Kate has just come back to town after a year MIA, where she spends some of that time in rehab twice after she fell off the rails when she lost her baby girl. Her only mission is to get her husband back (Caleb). She has no place to stay so she moves in with Beck – her ex-husband’s best friend, who has also been secretly pining after Kate for years.
I struggled to like Kate because of how book 2 went so she was already on my bad list, and it was hard to look past that. I do understand now on why she was evil in Caleb’s book and honestly, she was still evil in this but towards the ending she did redeem herself a little. I know how it is with someone struggling with addiction, so I related. They are not themselves. Some of the things she did were horrible and selfish, but she wasn’t herself. I really appreciated Kate’s growth and how she turned her life around and got her own happy ending. She just wasn’t my favorite FMC in this series but I still loved the story itself.
Beck however, LOVED HIM. He did everything for Kate even knowing she wants her husband back. He has been in love with her since he first laid eyes on her and kept it to himself for years because she was with his best friend and hoping one day, she would figure out that Caleb isn’t the one for her. He’s quiet but a bit of a cinnamon roll hero. The relationship is filled with angst, great banter, and you will feel the chemistry between Kate & Beck.
2/5🌶️
Tropes:
✨It’s Always Been You
✨Ex’s Best Friend
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Roommates to Lovers
✨Angsty
✨Forced Proximity
The Summer You Found Me is the 3rd book in the The Summer series following Kate & Beck. This one can be read as a standalone. Kate has just come back to town after a year MIA, where she spends some of that time in rehab twice after she fell off the rails when she lost her baby girl. Her only mission is to get her husband back (Caleb). She has no place to stay so she moves in with Beck – her ex-husband’s best friend, who has also been secretly pining after Kate for years.
I struggled to like Kate because of how book 2 went so she was already on my bad list, and it was hard to look past that. I do understand now on why she was evil in Caleb’s book and honestly, she was still evil in this but towards the ending she did redeem herself a little. I know how it is with someone struggling with addiction, so I related. They are not themselves. Some of the things she did were horrible and selfish, but she wasn’t herself. I really appreciated Kate’s growth and how she turned her life around and got her own happy ending. She just wasn’t my favorite FMC in this series but I still loved the story itself.
Beck however, LOVED HIM. He did everything for Kate even knowing she wants her husband back. He has been in love with her since he first laid eyes on her and kept it to himself for years because she was with his best friend and hoping one day, she would figure out that Caleb isn’t the one for her. He’s quiet but a bit of a cinnamon roll hero. The relationship is filled with angst, great banter, and you will feel the chemistry between Kate & Beck.
January 17, 2024
Freshly out of rehab, Kate wants to get her husband back. She finds refuge at Beck's, his best friend, and the only one accepting her back in town. Kate only has one goal, but Beck has always and feelings for her and the both of them living together light be more complicated that they anticipated.
----------
THE ANGST!! 🔥
Wow this was such a hard topic, and I devoured this story.
I love that we get another point of view of Kate and Caleb’s history.
I had a hard time liking Kate but her growth and development in the end is amazing.
The characters are real, not perfect. They earn their HEA.
And Beck is a top MMC.
----------
THE ANGST!! 🔥
Wow this was such a hard topic, and I devoured this story.
I love that we get another point of view of Kate and Caleb’s history.
I had a hard time liking Kate but her growth and development in the end is amazing.
The characters are real, not perfect. They earn their HEA.
And Beck is a top MMC.
January 30, 2024
This was my favorite in the series so far. I really liked how this story played out. Kate is supposed to be trying to get her husband Caleb back so I wasn't sure how a romance with Beck was going to play out. She was already the villain coming into this and trying to redeem herself but I gotta say, Caleb was already not my fave and this just reminded me I wasn't a fan of his.
Kate & Beck were great together, they really challenged each other and had great chemistry. I kinda loved how they immediately acted like a couple, watching game of thrones together and Kate making him breakfast every morning. It was actually pretty cute for two people that weren't typically great at relationships. Beck has always loved her anyway. I love when the guy is all about the girl. This had the perfect amount of drama, angst and steam for me.
Kate & Beck were great together, they really challenged each other and had great chemistry. I kinda loved how they immediately acted like a couple, watching game of thrones together and Kate making him breakfast every morning. It was actually pretty cute for two people that weren't typically great at relationships. Beck has always loved her anyway. I love when the guy is all about the girl. This had the perfect amount of drama, angst and steam for me.
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