What do you think?
Rate this book
The Summer #5
The Summer I First Saw You
Once upon a time, my buddy's younger niece was following me around the beach with stars in her eyes. Now Daisy's twenty-one, the loveliest thing I've ever laid eyes on, and blackmailing me into letting her stay for the summer.
If she's not bent over on my deck in yoga pants, she's in a bikini that covers far less. She makes me laugh when I want to stay pissed off and forces me to remember all the things I used to love. If only she weren't so damn young and so incredibly off-limits.
__________________________________________
Readers can't get enough of the Summer series
'The Summer We Fell is full of tragedy, heartbreak, sacrifice, longing, lust, and never-ending, soulmate-level love'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'You tell Elizabeth to write a book and she writes a masterpiece'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'An absolute angst fest and I loved every minute of it'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This book is everything'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The sizzling tension between us is getting harder to resist, but giving in would destroy some of my oldest friendships. Worst of all, though?
It might destroy Daisy too.
If she's not bent over on my deck in yoga pants, she's in a bikini that covers far less. She makes me laugh when I want to stay pissed off and forces me to remember all the things I used to love. If only she weren't so damn young and so incredibly off-limits.
__________________________________________
Readers can't get enough of the Summer series
'The Summer We Fell is full of tragedy, heartbreak, sacrifice, longing, lust, and never-ending, soulmate-level love'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'You tell Elizabeth to write a book and she writes a masterpiece'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'An absolute angst fest and I loved every minute of it'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
'This book is everything'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The sizzling tension between us is getting harder to resist, but giving in would destroy some of my oldest friendships. Worst of all, though?
It might destroy Daisy too.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2024
1303 people are currently reading
12005 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth O'Roark
31 books7,535 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 984 reviews
August 23, 2024
4.5 stars
whenever I'm craving raw, unapologetically flawed characters, I find solace in the world of Elizabeth O'Roark's novels. her masterful penmanship effortlessly balances the allure of forbidden arcs with the palpable tension of angst, resulting in a narrative that's impossible to put down. and ’The Summer I First Saw You’ was no exception to the rule.
when Daisy abandons her life in DC for the summer to support her broken-hearted mother, she's met with a cruel surprise: her mother's decision to rekindle her marriage with the man who broke her heart. forced to flee, Daisy finds herself on the streets, until she stumbles upon a chance to stay with her uncle's friend, Harrison- or so she thinks. unbeknownst to him, she's been harboring a long-held secret crush on him. as they strike a precarious roommate agreement, they must navigate the blurred lines between their complicated past and the uncertain future they're building together.
Daisy and Harrison's story is the personification of an emotional storytelling, dexterously drowning the reader through a range of emotions - from laughter to tears to frustration. despite their individual and collective baggage, the characters' complex personalities and relatable struggles made them impossible to resist, and i ended up falling in love with them. one of the standout aspects of this author's writing is her ability to subtly weave in hints and clues throughout the narrative, culminating in jaw-dropping reveals that will leave you reeling by the end. as with any emotionally intense story, it's essential to consult the trigger warnings before diving in. however, for those willing to take the emotional journey, this addictive tale is well worth it.
many thanks to Valentine PR for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
—————
here we go..😋
“i don’t think i’ve ever known anyone who relishes life quite the way Daisy does.”
whenever I'm craving raw, unapologetically flawed characters, I find solace in the world of Elizabeth O'Roark's novels. her masterful penmanship effortlessly balances the allure of forbidden arcs with the palpable tension of angst, resulting in a narrative that's impossible to put down. and ’The Summer I First Saw You’ was no exception to the rule.
when Daisy abandons her life in DC for the summer to support her broken-hearted mother, she's met with a cruel surprise: her mother's decision to rekindle her marriage with the man who broke her heart. forced to flee, Daisy finds herself on the streets, until she stumbles upon a chance to stay with her uncle's friend, Harrison- or so she thinks. unbeknownst to him, she's been harboring a long-held secret crush on him. as they strike a precarious roommate agreement, they must navigate the blurred lines between their complicated past and the uncertain future they're building together.
Daisy and Harrison's story is the personification of an emotional storytelling, dexterously drowning the reader through a range of emotions - from laughter to tears to frustration. despite their individual and collective baggage, the characters' complex personalities and relatable struggles made them impossible to resist, and i ended up falling in love with them. one of the standout aspects of this author's writing is her ability to subtly weave in hints and clues throughout the narrative, culminating in jaw-dropping reveals that will leave you reeling by the end. as with any emotionally intense story, it's essential to consult the trigger warnings before diving in. however, for those willing to take the emotional journey, this addictive tale is well worth it.
many thanks to Valentine PR for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
—————
here we go..😋
October 22, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
This was my second book by Elizabeth and it did not disappoint! When I tell you she knows how to write chemistry and tension that is off the charts… mixed with a slow burn, girl, I was hanging on by a thread.
This was SO fun. The vibes were all there. I gobbled it up and now I’m politely asking for more.
There’s just something about a forbidden age gap romance that has be gagged.
‘Liam warned us off his sister. He never felt he needed to warn us away from his niece. I hate that it was apparently necessary.’
PLEASE!!! Like, pleaseeeee 👹
I loved how effortlessly clear it was that Harrison and Daisy are so perfect for each other. The banter, the tension, the sizzling hot chemistry… so, so good.
I really enjoyed them both as characters and how they connected when they needed each other the most, even though they didn’t realise it at the time. Harrison showed Daisy that she doesn’t need to be anyone but herself and Daisy showed Harrison what real love was when he put his own wants first.
I kinda wish it was a bit longer to be honest, because although I connected to them and their relationship, I just wished I had a bit more time to connect to some aspects on a deeper level, I also felt a few things were tied up really quickly towards the end.
I do think the execution of this book was on point though, because there was a lot of build up based on the MCs sexual desires for each other. but it was done in a way where you’re just like damnnn this shits hot 🤭 & that’s exactly how you do it well! Then the spice… okayyyy 🔥
If you are also a feral raccoon for a forbidden age gap, 10/10 recommend. This will have you antsy from the slow burn!
“The way she smiles at me, and only me, is something I want to keep forever. And I want to keep it entirely to myself.”
‘One day, when the time is right, I’m going to give Daisy Doherty the entire world.’
‘He gave me this life. He made me realize that it’s okay to want the things I want, that I don’t need to live anyone’s dream but my own. He gave me him.’
Shoutout to my girls Grace and Jess for bullying me long enough to read this 🤭
____________
Pre-read: I’m just a girl, starting yet another book - begging for it to be good. (Update, it was)
This was my second book by Elizabeth and it did not disappoint! When I tell you she knows how to write chemistry and tension that is off the charts… mixed with a slow burn, girl, I was hanging on by a thread.
This was SO fun. The vibes were all there. I gobbled it up and now I’m politely asking for more.
There’s just something about a forbidden age gap romance that has be gagged.
‘Liam warned us off his sister. He never felt he needed to warn us away from his niece. I hate that it was apparently necessary.’
PLEASE!!! Like, pleaseeeee 👹
I loved how effortlessly clear it was that Harrison and Daisy are so perfect for each other. The banter, the tension, the sizzling hot chemistry… so, so good.
I really enjoyed them both as characters and how they connected when they needed each other the most, even though they didn’t realise it at the time. Harrison showed Daisy that she doesn’t need to be anyone but herself and Daisy showed Harrison what real love was when he put his own wants first.
I kinda wish it was a bit longer to be honest, because although I connected to them and their relationship, I just wished I had a bit more time to connect to some aspects on a deeper level, I also felt a few things were tied up really quickly towards the end.
I do think the execution of this book was on point though, because there was a lot of build up based on the MCs sexual desires for each other. but it was done in a way where you’re just like damnnn this shits hot 🤭 & that’s exactly how you do it well! Then the spice… okayyyy 🔥
If you are also a feral raccoon for a forbidden age gap, 10/10 recommend. This will have you antsy from the slow burn!
“The way she smiles at me, and only me, is something I want to keep forever. And I want to keep it entirely to myself.”
‘One day, when the time is right, I’m going to give Daisy Doherty the entire world.’
‘He gave me this life. He made me realize that it’s okay to want the things I want, that I don’t need to live anyone’s dream but my own. He gave me him.’
Shoutout to my girls Grace and Jess for bullying me long enough to read this 🤭
____________
Pre-read: I’m just a girl, starting yet another book - begging for it to be good. (Update, it was)
August 11, 2024
MY FAVORITE IN THE SERIESSSSS
GOD, no one writes like soulmates like elizabeth o’roark, i swear. harrison and daisy are like matching pieces from two different puzzles… they shouldn’t fit so perfectly but god, do they ever.
daisy is lying to everyone in her life and currently has no plans and no place to stay so… she plans to crash on the deck of her uncle’s best friend’s house while he’s in LA. except, when she gets there, he is very much not in LA and has been keeping secrets of his own. SO NATURALLY, she blackmails him into giving her a place to stay because gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.
harrison: grumpy, sullen (currently), damaged, broody, workaholic, loves to avoid daisy
+
daisy: sunshine, flies by the seat of her pants, would rather surf than work, loves to find harrison anyway and annoy him
=
the perfect match
WHEN I TELL YOU, they built the most genuine, real, soulmate level connection, i could not deal. and it builds up over a delicious, banter and tension filled slow burn but when the fire gets going, they are ELECTRIC.
100000000/10
AGE GAP EXPLANATION SINCE I KNOW Y’ALL TEND TO DRAMATICIZE -
they are eleven years apart. he is her uncle’s best friend. he references being around her while she was growing up. that’s because he’s obviously conflicted about their age difference and his relationship with her uncle. if you don’t like age gap, you won’t like it, so don’t read it because you don’t get to complain about something you willingly read. if you do like age gap, READ IT, it is so well done.
and slight ***spoiler***
since i saw someone commented on the age gap + the title, the title is referencing him seeing her in this new light as if he’s truly seeing her for the first time. don’t make things creepy that aren’t xoxo
GOD, no one writes like soulmates like elizabeth o’roark, i swear. harrison and daisy are like matching pieces from two different puzzles… they shouldn’t fit so perfectly but god, do they ever.
daisy is lying to everyone in her life and currently has no plans and no place to stay so… she plans to crash on the deck of her uncle’s best friend’s house while he’s in LA. except, when she gets there, he is very much not in LA and has been keeping secrets of his own. SO NATURALLY, she blackmails him into giving her a place to stay because gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.
harrison: grumpy, sullen (currently), damaged, broody, workaholic, loves to avoid daisy
+
daisy: sunshine, flies by the seat of her pants, would rather surf than work, loves to find harrison anyway and annoy him
=
the perfect match
WHEN I TELL YOU, they built the most genuine, real, soulmate level connection, i could not deal. and it builds up over a delicious, banter and tension filled slow burn but when the fire gets going, they are ELECTRIC.
100000000/10
AGE GAP EXPLANATION SINCE I KNOW Y’ALL TEND TO DRAMATICIZE -
they are eleven years apart. he is her uncle’s best friend. he references being around her while she was growing up. that’s because he’s obviously conflicted about their age difference and his relationship with her uncle. if you don’t like age gap, you won’t like it, so don’t read it because you don’t get to complain about something you willingly read. if you do like age gap, READ IT, it is so well done.
and slight ***spoiler***
since i saw someone commented on the age gap + the title, the title is referencing him seeing her in this new light as if he’s truly seeing her for the first time. don’t make things creepy that aren’t xoxo
March 6, 2025
BETA READ: I simultaneously wanted to read this as fast as humanly possible while also slowing it down to a snails pace. At the end of the day, I did not want this book, or series to end. It’s hard reading the last installment, knowing a goodbye is drawing near. And yet, I could not have imagined a better story to bookend this series than Harrison and Daisy’s.
At this point, I have become a pseudo expert on the age gap trope and even more so on the highly antsy combo of age gap/forbidden love. Usually, this involves a lot of pining and a lottttt of emotional angst and upheaval. What the author does so well here, is to balance the angst with the positives of an age gap romance - fun, flirty, reinvigorating, character growth, etc.
Were their moments of angst? Absolutely! Were their moments I wanted to scream at a character or two? You know it. But what I loved most, is the ability to laugh at these two goofballs and see all the positives of their complex relationship, in addition to their obvious challenges.
This book does deal quite a bit with mental health, both for our MMC Harrison and the dissolution of his marriage, as well as our FMC Daisy who has quite the emotional baggage she’s been collecting along the way. One of my favorite aspects of this book is how these two were able to push and pull each other when it came to dealing with their own emotional struggles - always forcing the other to tackle things head on. This isn’t always the case in romance, and its uniqueness sets it apart.
And the steam, oh boy the steam. While I’m not always a door off the hinges girlie, if anyone can turn me into one, it’s Elizabeth O’Roark. She has this magical touch of knowing exactly how much to add and when, never overpowering the plot or sacrificing character development. And she packs a punch with these two dynamic characters 🔥.
👉🏻 Read if you like: age gap, forbidden love, slow burn with insta attraction, forced proximity, brother’s best friend, all the surfing and smoothie bowls, complex family dynamics, found family vibes
‼️ CW: There are a few. Please DM me for more info if you are sensitive to triggers.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to beta read and provide feedback.
At this point, I have become a pseudo expert on the age gap trope and even more so on the highly antsy combo of age gap/forbidden love. Usually, this involves a lot of pining and a lottttt of emotional angst and upheaval. What the author does so well here, is to balance the angst with the positives of an age gap romance - fun, flirty, reinvigorating, character growth, etc.
Were their moments of angst? Absolutely! Were their moments I wanted to scream at a character or two? You know it. But what I loved most, is the ability to laugh at these two goofballs and see all the positives of their complex relationship, in addition to their obvious challenges.
This book does deal quite a bit with mental health, both for our MMC Harrison and the dissolution of his marriage, as well as our FMC Daisy who has quite the emotional baggage she’s been collecting along the way. One of my favorite aspects of this book is how these two were able to push and pull each other when it came to dealing with their own emotional struggles - always forcing the other to tackle things head on. This isn’t always the case in romance, and its uniqueness sets it apart.
And the steam, oh boy the steam. While I’m not always a door off the hinges girlie, if anyone can turn me into one, it’s Elizabeth O’Roark. She has this magical touch of knowing exactly how much to add and when, never overpowering the plot or sacrificing character development. And she packs a punch with these two dynamic characters 🔥.
👉🏻 Read if you like: age gap, forbidden love, slow burn with insta attraction, forced proximity, brother’s best friend, all the surfing and smoothie bowls, complex family dynamics, found family vibes
‼️ CW: There are a few. Please DM me for more info if you are sensitive to triggers.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to beta read and provide feedback.
Read
August 29, 2024Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UBmY1F
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TSIFSY
Audible: https://bit.ly/4fQQdHG
Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3QIeJQe
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UBmY1F
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/TSIFSY
Audible: https://bit.ly/4fQQdHG
Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor & Jason Clarke
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3QIeJQe
Want to read
June 14, 2024age gap pro max cause wdym toddler in diaper
September 1, 2024
”i have always loved you, for as far back as i can remember and before then too.”₊ ⊹
my thoughts┊sad to announce that i didn’t love this book as much as the others in this series, which sucks considering it’s the final one!
this was just such a miss for me. i’m all for an age gap romance, but things start getting a little murky when the older person knew and watched the younger person grow up to a certain extent. this could’ve been fine, but there were way too many comments about how harrison used to babysit daisy, how he used to change her diapers, etc. and that’s what made it kind of weird. also, harrison would’ve been eleven when daisy was born and like… i don’t care if he was my younger brother’s best friend, but there’s no way i’d enlist his help to change my daughters diaper? idk. i just found that odd, but maybe that’s just me lol. not to mention that daisy and her whole family spouted about her being in love with harrison since she was a toddler. like???
idk. it just seemed like o’roark needed some kind of drama for this character because they were so bland without it. no real chemistry whatsoever, just the sexual connection and fact that they both loved to surf. i feel like daisy’s big problem involving another older man was just really demeaning to her character and her development. i wish there had been more on her dad’s situation and focused on the family problems she was having. as for harrison, idk. this man was in his thirties but everyone made it seem like he was ancient. i just didn’t really care for his storyline much i guess. kind of thought he was a pretty shitty friend and i wish there had been more resolve in that area.
maybe i’m just tired of conventionally attractive characters lusting after each other for half a book and then calling it love in the end. the amount of times harrison mentioned daisy’s attractiveness/body was just annoying. we get it! she’s young and blonde and thin and has disproportionally big boobs but a tiny waist! she’s so fun and full of life and utter sunshine! we get it!!!! move on!!!!!!!
this was just a rough read lol. i basically read it in one sitting because i was determined to finish one more book this month, but it definitely was a struggle. i wasn’t attached to these characters or the plot-line or the romance as much as i had been for the other books. i wish there had been more of a group ending, because like where the fuck were luke and juliet?! not even a mention of them at caleb’s wedding? they’re the og’s, man. i really wanted to see the whole group together, but oh well.
my thoughts┊sad to announce that i didn’t love this book as much as the others in this series, which sucks considering it’s the final one!
this was just such a miss for me. i’m all for an age gap romance, but things start getting a little murky when the older person knew and watched the younger person grow up to a certain extent. this could’ve been fine, but there were way too many comments about how harrison used to babysit daisy, how he used to change her diapers, etc. and that’s what made it kind of weird. also, harrison would’ve been eleven when daisy was born and like… i don’t care if he was my younger brother’s best friend, but there’s no way i’d enlist his help to change my daughters diaper? idk. i just found that odd, but maybe that’s just me lol. not to mention that daisy and her whole family spouted about her being in love with harrison since she was a toddler. like???
idk. it just seemed like o’roark needed some kind of drama for this character because they were so bland without it. no real chemistry whatsoever, just the sexual connection and fact that they both loved to surf. i feel like daisy’s big problem involving another older man was just really demeaning to her character and her development. i wish there had been more on her dad’s situation and focused on the family problems she was having. as for harrison, idk. this man was in his thirties but everyone made it seem like he was ancient. i just didn’t really care for his storyline much i guess. kind of thought he was a pretty shitty friend and i wish there had been more resolve in that area.
maybe i’m just tired of conventionally attractive characters lusting after each other for half a book and then calling it love in the end. the amount of times harrison mentioned daisy’s attractiveness/body was just annoying. we get it! she’s young and blonde and thin and has disproportionally big boobs but a tiny waist! she’s so fun and full of life and utter sunshine! we get it!!!! move on!!!!!!!
this was just a rough read lol. i basically read it in one sitting because i was determined to finish one more book this month, but it definitely was a struggle. i wasn’t attached to these characters or the plot-line or the romance as much as i had been for the other books. i wish there had been more of a group ending, because like where the fuck were luke and juliet?! not even a mention of them at caleb’s wedding? they’re the og’s, man. i really wanted to see the whole group together, but oh well.
September 2, 2024
Whatever happened to this author’s writing? As a woman predominantly writing for women, why is she now writing like a creepy old man?
The heroine is reduced to her boobs or “assets,” as mentioned by the hero multiple times, and is portrayed as a hyper-sexualized little girl. The hero acts like one of those disgusting men who post creepy, perverted comments on women’s social media. And don’t get me started on the sexist microaggressions and cringy, perverted humor that is simply about the constant objectification of the heroine. This is so disappointing, especially since this author’s writing used to be my favorite.
The heroine is reduced to her boobs or “assets,” as mentioned by the hero multiple times, and is portrayed as a hyper-sexualized little girl. The hero acts like one of those disgusting men who post creepy, perverted comments on women’s social media. And don’t get me started on the sexist microaggressions and cringy, perverted humor that is simply about the constant objectification of the heroine. This is so disappointing, especially since this author’s writing used to be my favorite.
August 29, 2024
perfect ending for a perfect series.
i’ve never picked up an elizabeth o’roark book and not been absolutely consumed start to finish, and this was no exception! it had everything i love in a forbidden romance, the push and pull, the tension, banter, the sneaking around, the connection they never saw coming. this was two people who had been suffering alone for a while, until they found unexpected comfort and safety with each other UGH I’m sick over how much I loved this book!
it was the perfect ending to this hot, messy, angsty, hilarious series that i love soo so much. i didn’t know if anything could surpass my love for the first book in this series, but this may have done it.
all 5 books in this series being narrated by samantha brentmoor was such a treat!! we were spoiled for real. each FMC was so different and yet she somehow embodied all of them and brought each of their personalities and back stories to life perfectly. in a way that I could listen to the entire series back to back and almost forget that the narrator hadn’t changed with the book. TL;DR: she’s amazing, this series wouldn’t have been the same without her as the voice, and there is simply no better pairing than elizabeth o’roark and samantha brentmoor.
the male narrator was different for each book in the series, but closing out w jason clarkeas harrison was absolutely the cherry on top. I truly think this was some of his best (and hottest) work ever.
sad to leave, but grateful for the time spent w this summer crew on the coast of california.
i’ve never picked up an elizabeth o’roark book and not been absolutely consumed start to finish, and this was no exception! it had everything i love in a forbidden romance, the push and pull, the tension, banter, the sneaking around, the connection they never saw coming. this was two people who had been suffering alone for a while, until they found unexpected comfort and safety with each other UGH I’m sick over how much I loved this book!
it was the perfect ending to this hot, messy, angsty, hilarious series that i love soo so much. i didn’t know if anything could surpass my love for the first book in this series, but this may have done it.
all 5 books in this series being narrated by samantha brentmoor was such a treat!! we were spoiled for real. each FMC was so different and yet she somehow embodied all of them and brought each of their personalities and back stories to life perfectly. in a way that I could listen to the entire series back to back and almost forget that the narrator hadn’t changed with the book. TL;DR: she’s amazing, this series wouldn’t have been the same without her as the voice, and there is simply no better pairing than elizabeth o’roark and samantha brentmoor.
the male narrator was different for each book in the series, but closing out w jason clarkeas harrison was absolutely the cherry on top. I truly think this was some of his best (and hottest) work ever.
sad to leave, but grateful for the time spent w this summer crew on the coast of california.
September 1, 2024
GOD I NEED AN OLDER RICH MAN TO JUST WORSHIP THE GROUND I WALK ON AND FALL HEAD OVER HEELS IN LOVE WITH ME!
4.5 stars ✨
4.5 stars ✨
August 20, 2024
Ok but this was so👏🏻good👏🏻and👏🏻hot
Let me start by saying this audio is IMMACULATE. Holy Moly. Probably one of my favorite romance audiobooks.
If you love age gap & forbidden romance, give this a go!
Harrison is DREAMY
-age gap (32:21)
-forbidden
-forced proximity
-secret relationship
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Let me start by saying this audio is IMMACULATE. Holy Moly. Probably one of my favorite romance audiobooks.
If you love age gap & forbidden romance, give this a go!
Harrison is DREAMY
-age gap (32:21)
-forbidden
-forced proximity
-secret relationship
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
This was SO close to being a five star for me. It delivered exactly what I needed at the moment.
I just wish it had been about 50 pages longer. I loved the characters so much, they were the best part of this book. Daisy was so relatable to me. I felt specifically represented in her craving for a simple life. Her mother urged her to work for big things, like becoming a lawyer or a doctor, but all she wanted was to surf, cook, and love. I feel that is so often presented as laziness - shown in her childhood nickname "lazy daisy" - when in reality those are very normal things to want. We just live in a capitalistic system that pressures people to want things that benefit it. It was validating to see that represented in a book. (Even though its entirely unrealistic for me to be able to escape that system the way she did. Unless any rich and slightly older men want to fall in love with me. I am open to that idea.)
Whenever someone asks me, "What's your dream job?", my immediate internal thought is, "Who dreams of work?". Though I know some people do truly want the big life, the big jobs, and the money that comes with it, that has never been natural to me. Perhaps due to the way I was raised.
I also loved the mental health representation in this. I felt it was tastefully done and I loved reading Daisy fall back in love with life. I loved how much she loved the small things. I've always felt that was the most vital thing when you are trying to come back to yourself. Learning to love the simple things you overlook. The food on your table, the breeze in your hair, the laughter of your friends and family. It's easy to overlook those blessings when you're so stuck in your head.
The romance was well done, I felt their love and connection. The chemistry was there, and I honestly think this book would have been a five star if it had been just a little longer. I would have loved to see their connection after the aftermath of the family and Christian. I also would have loved to see Christian get kicked out on his ass. I mean, what? Who said that.
Anyways.
Speaking of, there was a plot twist related to him that made me literally gasp out loud. I didn't expect it all, but it made sense. It made my heart hurt for her.
I quite enjoyed the supporting cast as well. I will definitely be reading more books by the author in the future, it shocked me with how angsty and emotional it was. I read this book on an impulse, but I think I might go back and read the whole series.
Overall, a well-executed age-gap romance! I finished this book in just under three hours.
I thought the way the age gap was approached was respectful and not creepy, which is my biggest and most common criticism in this type of books. The conversations regarding it were well thoughtful and purposeful. I like that they didn't dance around the topic or the power imbalances, especially around the end.
This was SO close to being a five star for me. It delivered exactly what I needed at the moment.
I just wish it had been about 50 pages longer. I loved the characters so much, they were the best part of this book. Daisy was so relatable to me. I felt specifically represented in her craving for a simple life. Her mother urged her to work for big things, like becoming a lawyer or a doctor, but all she wanted was to surf, cook, and love. I feel that is so often presented as laziness - shown in her childhood nickname "lazy daisy" - when in reality those are very normal things to want. We just live in a capitalistic system that pressures people to want things that benefit it. It was validating to see that represented in a book. (Even though its entirely unrealistic for me to be able to escape that system the way she did. Unless any rich and slightly older men want to fall in love with me. I am open to that idea.)
Whenever someone asks me, "What's your dream job?", my immediate internal thought is, "Who dreams of work?". Though I know some people do truly want the big life, the big jobs, and the money that comes with it, that has never been natural to me. Perhaps due to the way I was raised.
I also loved the mental health representation in this. I felt it was tastefully done and I loved reading Daisy fall back in love with life. I loved how much she loved the small things. I've always felt that was the most vital thing when you are trying to come back to yourself. Learning to love the simple things you overlook. The food on your table, the breeze in your hair, the laughter of your friends and family. It's easy to overlook those blessings when you're so stuck in your head.
The romance was well done, I felt their love and connection. The chemistry was there, and I honestly think this book would have been a five star if it had been just a little longer. I would have loved to see their connection after the aftermath of the family and Christian. I also would have loved to see Christian get kicked out on his ass. I mean, what? Who said that.
Anyways.
Speaking of, there was a plot twist related to him that made me literally gasp out loud. I didn't expect it all, but it made sense. It made my heart hurt for her.
I quite enjoyed the supporting cast as well. I will definitely be reading more books by the author in the future, it shocked me with how angsty and emotional it was. I read this book on an impulse, but I think I might go back and read the whole series.
Overall, a well-executed age-gap romance! I finished this book in just under three hours.
I thought the way the age gap was approached was respectful and not creepy, which is my biggest and most common criticism in this type of books. The conversations regarding it were well thoughtful and purposeful. I like that they didn't dance around the topic or the power imbalances, especially around the end.
July 3, 2025
4.5🌟 “Tell me how to do this, Daisy.” His voice winds tight as he gets close. “Tell me how to be in the same room without wanting you.”
I lovveeeedddd this UGH. Forbidden age gap seriously hits every single time!!!! My favorite trope and I think I’ve probably said that in the last like 8 reviews of mine because I’m on a forbidden romance book bender lmfao
This was SOOO fun. The banter/tension/connection between Daisy & Harrison was a delicious slow burn hehe 🤭 I loved that Daisy was a little wild, outspoken, and just fun. She was the perfect balance to Harrison and I really loved them together. Oh and when they finally gave in, the spice was in fact spicing 🫦 harrison was so hot fr.
The vibe of this book was perfect for this time of the year. I think one of my favorite things they bonded over and did together was surfing. Daisy brought Harrison back to life by getting him back into doing all the things he used to love and stopped doing. It was just so cute.
I honestly enjoyed this book & the characters more and more as I kept reading!!! Which I’m so happy about because I felt the opposite while reading book 1 in this series.
Okay here are 2 quotes 🥰:
“Everything I have is yours, Daisy,” he says, his fingers tugging at the ties on my bikini bottoms. “Every fucking thing.”
I am so in love with her that I’m sick with it. And that I’ll be waiting. I’ll wait for the rest of my fucking life if necessary.
I lovveeeedddd this UGH. Forbidden age gap seriously hits every single time!!!! My favorite trope and I think I’ve probably said that in the last like 8 reviews of mine because I’m on a forbidden romance book bender lmfao
This was SOOO fun. The banter/tension/connection between Daisy & Harrison was a delicious slow burn hehe 🤭 I loved that Daisy was a little wild, outspoken, and just fun. She was the perfect balance to Harrison and I really loved them together. Oh and when they finally gave in, the spice was in fact spicing 🫦 harrison was so hot fr.
The vibe of this book was perfect for this time of the year. I think one of my favorite things they bonded over and did together was surfing. Daisy brought Harrison back to life by getting him back into doing all the things he used to love and stopped doing. It was just so cute.
I honestly enjoyed this book & the characters more and more as I kept reading!!! Which I’m so happy about because I felt the opposite while reading book 1 in this series.
Okay here are 2 quotes 🥰:
“Everything I have is yours, Daisy,” he says, his fingers tugging at the ties on my bikini bottoms. “Every fucking thing.”
I am so in love with her that I’m sick with it. And that I’ll be waiting. I’ll wait for the rest of my fucking life if necessary.
August 25, 2024
The Summer I First Saw You by Elizabeth O'Roark
5/5 stars
I am so in love with the Summer series by Elizabeth. And this fifth installment is just as good as the previous books.
In this beauty we follow Daisy who just came home after things got messy and heartbreaking at college. She is supposed to stay at her mothers house. But when she realizes her mother let her stepfather back into the house, Daisy is refusing to stay there. She knows Harrison is gone and she wants to sleep on his veranda. But there are no cushions and it's cold so she tries to open the back door. And it opens. She steps inside and suddenly Harrison barges drunkenly towards her. She gets him in his bed and the next morning they are arguing about her staying there for a longer period of time or not. Our Daisy is feisty and she knows exactly what to say and how to act to stay there.
He keeps on saying she must leave but slowly and surely those thoughts go to the back of his mind. Daisy had a crush on him ever since her teens. And she doesn't hide it. She sasses him, seduces him and pushes his buttons. But she also takes care of him. She cooks for him, takes care of the house and soothes his soul. She listens to him and is there for him. But she also provokes him and wants him to love her.
Harrison is 11 years older and he has been in her life since she was a baby. He is conflicted about his feelings. His mind tells him he cannot love his friend's baby sister. But he is drawn to her on a deeper level. She makes him smile. Shows him that a new future is possible. And even though he grunts at times. He loves her sassing him. And I fell madly in love with the both of them.
"I'm saying that if you were married to a woman who was wearing nothing but a sweatshirt when you got home, she'd probably welcome you back by climbing into your lap and showing you how much she'd missed you. And that would solve a problem or two right there."
My jaw locks, and my eyes fall closed. I can't help but picture Daisy straddling me on the couch, pulling one of my hands between her thighs to show me how fucking eager she'd been for my arrival.
"Yeah," I croak. "That might have solved a few problems."
Right now, though, it's only creating them.
I love their grins. And I love how Harrison tries to hide his jealousy and fails. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are perfect together.
"You know how you said I just need to meet someone who knew what he was doing but also knew me?"
He freezes. I haven't even stated my request, and it's already clear this is going to end badly.
"Well," I continue with a forced shrug, "what if it was you? I mean, I know you don't like me that way, and you're still getting over Audrey, but you seem like you could perform if you chose to, and you aren't dating anyone, so..."
He places a palm over his face and keeps it there for far too long. "Oh my God, Daisy. Did you seriously just come in my room to ask me to fuck you?"
I love how happy this book made me. And how many emotions are woven through this book. If you love a good love story with heart and soul then definitely pick this beauty up!
5 huge stars from me for this beautifully written love story!
5/5 stars
I am so in love with the Summer series by Elizabeth. And this fifth installment is just as good as the previous books.
In this beauty we follow Daisy who just came home after things got messy and heartbreaking at college. She is supposed to stay at her mothers house. But when she realizes her mother let her stepfather back into the house, Daisy is refusing to stay there. She knows Harrison is gone and she wants to sleep on his veranda. But there are no cushions and it's cold so she tries to open the back door. And it opens. She steps inside and suddenly Harrison barges drunkenly towards her. She gets him in his bed and the next morning they are arguing about her staying there for a longer period of time or not. Our Daisy is feisty and she knows exactly what to say and how to act to stay there.
He keeps on saying she must leave but slowly and surely those thoughts go to the back of his mind. Daisy had a crush on him ever since her teens. And she doesn't hide it. She sasses him, seduces him and pushes his buttons. But she also takes care of him. She cooks for him, takes care of the house and soothes his soul. She listens to him and is there for him. But she also provokes him and wants him to love her.
Harrison is 11 years older and he has been in her life since she was a baby. He is conflicted about his feelings. His mind tells him he cannot love his friend's baby sister. But he is drawn to her on a deeper level. She makes him smile. Shows him that a new future is possible. And even though he grunts at times. He loves her sassing him. And I fell madly in love with the both of them.
"I'm saying that if you were married to a woman who was wearing nothing but a sweatshirt when you got home, she'd probably welcome you back by climbing into your lap and showing you how much she'd missed you. And that would solve a problem or two right there."
My jaw locks, and my eyes fall closed. I can't help but picture Daisy straddling me on the couch, pulling one of my hands between her thighs to show me how fucking eager she'd been for my arrival.
"Yeah," I croak. "That might have solved a few problems."
Right now, though, it's only creating them.
I love their grins. And I love how Harrison tries to hide his jealousy and fails. Their chemistry is off the charts and they are perfect together.
"You know how you said I just need to meet someone who knew what he was doing but also knew me?"
He freezes. I haven't even stated my request, and it's already clear this is going to end badly.
"Well," I continue with a forced shrug, "what if it was you? I mean, I know you don't like me that way, and you're still getting over Audrey, but you seem like you could perform if you chose to, and you aren't dating anyone, so..."
He places a palm over his face and keeps it there for far too long. "Oh my God, Daisy. Did you seriously just come in my room to ask me to fuck you?"
I love how happy this book made me. And how many emotions are woven through this book. If you love a good love story with heart and soul then definitely pick this beauty up!
5 huge stars from me for this beautifully written love story!
Want to read
July 29, 2024The fact that it’s called the summer I first saw you and he’s seen her in diapers is um 😟😟😟😟
October 21, 2025
Dear Elizabeth O'roark, can you please recreate the spectacular devils series again, feat. some delicious & angsty spicy enemies to lovers tropes now that the summer series has ended 🩶
Spicy forbidden romance x age gap
I enjoyed the delicious tension in the first half of the story, before it exploded in the second half. and also how Daisy kept prodding and teasing Harrison, until his walls came crumbling eventually.
Spicy forbidden romance x age gap
I enjoyed the delicious tension in the first half of the story, before it exploded in the second half. and also how Daisy kept prodding and teasing Harrison, until his walls came crumbling eventually.
November 29, 2024
FMC invented brat summer, but like, in the literal sense of the word.
This was extra cute, tho!
(RTC)
This was extra cute, tho!
(RTC)
May 30, 2025
Boring!
October 9, 2024
3.5 stars
This is my favourite book of this series so far. I was engrossed in the story from the very first chapter. The moment Harrison saw Daisy, I knew they are going to be my favourite couple of this series. Elizabeth perfectly blended the age-gap and forbidden romance trope in this angsty and swoon-worthy story. She also managed to bring tears to my eyes with Daisy and Harrison's story, their past and how people broke their inner spirit. The story is emotional and vulnerable but it was also comforting and funny because of the dynamics between Harrison and Daisy.
Daisy was funny and outgoing and I immediately liked her. She was mature and always stood straight up to face the difficulties in her life. I liked how she got on Harrison's nerves with her antics and how she made him go crazy with her Yoga poses. I am glad she finally chose herself over her mother's ambitions for her. Harrison was sweet and thoughtful and he had perfect amount of grumpiness and cavenman qualities. He is my favourite mmc of this series and I liked how he admired Daisy and was still in denial for weeks. He was a goner for her the moment he saw her.
Daisy and Harrison had sizzling chemistry and delicious tension from the very first moment but they also had this emotional intimacy between them where they understood each other without even sharing their feelings and thoughts. Theu builded their relationship on a foundation of trust and sharing their vulnerabilities with each other. They knew what other person needed and they both cared for each other and showed it with their actions. I loved how Daisy made him food and made sure he was never alone and how Harrison made sure Daise was well taken care of in his house. He was jealous of anyone who even looked at her and it was endearing to see him go feral for her. I also liked how they developed trust and friendship before they started anything physical because it just showed how much they liked each other's company. Daisy fell first but Harrison fell harder for her.
I absolutely loved the ending and the extended epilogue. It was perfect for Daisy and Harrison.
“I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone who relishes life quite the way Daisy does.”
This is my favourite book of this series so far. I was engrossed in the story from the very first chapter. The moment Harrison saw Daisy, I knew they are going to be my favourite couple of this series. Elizabeth perfectly blended the age-gap and forbidden romance trope in this angsty and swoon-worthy story. She also managed to bring tears to my eyes with Daisy and Harrison's story, their past and how people broke their inner spirit. The story is emotional and vulnerable but it was also comforting and funny because of the dynamics between Harrison and Daisy.
“It has to end—she and I are still in completely different places in life, and we will remain so for the next decade at least—but there’s a part of me that would give up everything to keep her with me forever.”
Daisy was funny and outgoing and I immediately liked her. She was mature and always stood straight up to face the difficulties in her life. I liked how she got on Harrison's nerves with her antics and how she made him go crazy with her Yoga poses. I am glad she finally chose herself over her mother's ambitions for her. Harrison was sweet and thoughtful and he had perfect amount of grumpiness and cavenman qualities. He is my favourite mmc of this series and I liked how he admired Daisy and was still in denial for weeks. He was a goner for her the moment he saw her.
“There are a hundred people in the world who could detail my failures. It’s hard to care when Harrison, the best of them, likes me regardless.”
Daisy and Harrison had sizzling chemistry and delicious tension from the very first moment but they also had this emotional intimacy between them where they understood each other without even sharing their feelings and thoughts. Theu builded their relationship on a foundation of trust and sharing their vulnerabilities with each other. They knew what other person needed and they both cared for each other and showed it with their actions. I loved how Daisy made him food and made sure he was never alone and how Harrison made sure Daise was well taken care of in his house. He was jealous of anyone who even looked at her and it was endearing to see him go feral for her. I also liked how they developed trust and friendship before they started anything physical because it just showed how much they liked each other's company. Daisy fell first but Harrison fell harder for her.
“Her smile—fuck. The way she smiles at me, and only me, is something I want to keep forever. And I want to keep it entirely to myself.”
I absolutely loved the ending and the extended epilogue. It was perfect for Daisy and Harrison.
August 4, 2025
Spicy Friend’s Neice
This is one of those books where you make it to the 50% point and realize nothing has actually happened besides teasing and character development.
You make it to the end of the story and you wonder how you ever thought spice driven stories were worth your time. The plot is essentially a guy who is 11 years older than his friend’s niece and she wants him. Obviously he wants her too, but tries to be responsible. Then it gets super spicy on its way to HEA. Three star spicy romance. Writing is good, but the story is missing something in the translation.
This is one of those books where you make it to the 50% point and realize nothing has actually happened besides teasing and character development.
You make it to the end of the story and you wonder how you ever thought spice driven stories were worth your time. The plot is essentially a guy who is 11 years older than his friend’s niece and she wants him. Obviously he wants her too, but tries to be responsible. Then it gets super spicy on its way to HEA. Three star spicy romance. Writing is good, but the story is missing something in the translation.
September 3, 2024
This book was my intro to this world! I have had this series on my radar for a bit and even have the first one, but when I got the ARC for this one obviously I had to jump in. I will say that though this is able to be read as a standalone, I feel that I would have known more about these characters and others had I read the others first. All that being said- this book was GREAT! It was a true SLOW burn yall. The buildup was perfect. These characters were pretty perfect for each. We have Daisy who has been secretly crushing on Harrison from a far since she was a kid. And then Harrison who has been checking all of his boxes in his life plan not really thinking through what he would do if his life plan fell apart. They have history together. They have trust. I LOVED how Daisy helped Harrison get out of his shell- she helped him realize how to change his priorities and recognize what he could be doing with his life. Meanwhile Harrison helped Daisy feel understood and not as a placeholder for something or someone else but for her and who she is as a woman. This book was HOT too- loved the touch her and die vibes and how Harrison's brother was messing with him to bring that side out. I also think Harrison was kind of a grump so again watching him unravel was FUN! All that being said- there are some heavier topics discussed so I would check TWs if that gives you pause.
Daisy is going home for the summer. She needs it after the semester she just went through. The semester from hell that NO ONE knows about but herself. Then of course she gets home and her stepfather Scott is being his lovely self and so she decides she is going to "break into" her uncle's BF's house. Harrison. The man she has been crushing on from afar for forever. The man who is married to the worst woman in Daisy's opinion. He is supposed to be traveling so imagine Daisy's surprise when he finds her entering his home and he is drunk. Like drunk drunk. There is clearly more going on in his life than he is letting on. So Daisy sets her sights on making him smile again. Making him come alive again. Making him become the man she wants. Meanwhile she is going to use this time to reset and surf and remember what matters to her. But when Harrison starts looking at her like a woman and not the kid he remembers her as, her plans change. She is now determined to unlock him in a totally different way. She has to keep reminding herself though that she has to go back to school in August. She has to go back early for reasons no one knows, but when her and Harrison finally happen she falls harder than she thought. Could they make it work from afar? Or will he get tired of her like the men in her past have? Could they go the distance even though their relationship is considered taboo? What will happen when everyone finds out?
Harrison is in hiding. He has lied to his friends about having a fake GF to disguise that his marriage has imploded. The thing is that he isnt even upset about the implosion. He is upset that his life has become derailed. He is realizing that he has made the wrong choices and instead of doing what he wants, he has been doing the life that he thought he wanted. Now he is just going to hide away until he can talk about it. Or that is the plan until Daisy shows up. His best friend's niece who is NOT the 16 year old he remembers but has become this beautiful woman with luscious curves and some sass that he kind of needs right now. He absolutely can't go there though. And he tries to fight it. Lord does he try but then he realizes that she is what he wants and he is done doing what he should do. So he makes a move and MAN does it pay off. They fall into a regular rhythm. He knows she is hiding things from her past and of course it bothers him but he trusts she will share when she is ready. He does NOT expect what she tells him and how it makes him feel like he is in the wrong. He knew they would have to end when she went back to school but had kind of started thinking maybe they could go the distance. Will he be able to get out of his head and realize they could before it's too late?
While this was a slow burn, it was an easy fast read. I enjoyed watching this world come together and am sad to hear this is the last one in the series. I found myself hopeful in this one. I smiled and laughed out loud at Daisy's sass to the world. I loved her carefree energy. I also found myself heartbroken for her and what she had gone through. But wow what a strong woman. Her and Harrison were just YUM. And I just got the novella of their wedding- diving in now!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Elizabeth for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review :)
Daisy is going home for the summer. She needs it after the semester she just went through. The semester from hell that NO ONE knows about but herself. Then of course she gets home and her stepfather Scott is being his lovely self and so she decides she is going to "break into" her uncle's BF's house. Harrison. The man she has been crushing on from afar for forever. The man who is married to the worst woman in Daisy's opinion. He is supposed to be traveling so imagine Daisy's surprise when he finds her entering his home and he is drunk. Like drunk drunk. There is clearly more going on in his life than he is letting on. So Daisy sets her sights on making him smile again. Making him come alive again. Making him become the man she wants. Meanwhile she is going to use this time to reset and surf and remember what matters to her. But when Harrison starts looking at her like a woman and not the kid he remembers her as, her plans change. She is now determined to unlock him in a totally different way. She has to keep reminding herself though that she has to go back to school in August. She has to go back early for reasons no one knows, but when her and Harrison finally happen she falls harder than she thought. Could they make it work from afar? Or will he get tired of her like the men in her past have? Could they go the distance even though their relationship is considered taboo? What will happen when everyone finds out?
Harrison is in hiding. He has lied to his friends about having a fake GF to disguise that his marriage has imploded. The thing is that he isnt even upset about the implosion. He is upset that his life has become derailed. He is realizing that he has made the wrong choices and instead of doing what he wants, he has been doing the life that he thought he wanted. Now he is just going to hide away until he can talk about it. Or that is the plan until Daisy shows up. His best friend's niece who is NOT the 16 year old he remembers but has become this beautiful woman with luscious curves and some sass that he kind of needs right now. He absolutely can't go there though. And he tries to fight it. Lord does he try but then he realizes that she is what he wants and he is done doing what he should do. So he makes a move and MAN does it pay off. They fall into a regular rhythm. He knows she is hiding things from her past and of course it bothers him but he trusts she will share when she is ready. He does NOT expect what she tells him and how it makes him feel like he is in the wrong. He knew they would have to end when she went back to school but had kind of started thinking maybe they could go the distance. Will he be able to get out of his head and realize they could before it's too late?
While this was a slow burn, it was an easy fast read. I enjoyed watching this world come together and am sad to hear this is the last one in the series. I found myself hopeful in this one. I smiled and laughed out loud at Daisy's sass to the world. I loved her carefree energy. I also found myself heartbroken for her and what she had gone through. But wow what a strong woman. Her and Harrison were just YUM. And I just got the novella of their wedding- diving in now!!
Thank you to Valentine PR and Elizabeth for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review :)
September 4, 2024
I'm really disappointed in this book, so much so I couldn't go any further than 50%. I love a good age-gap, forbidden romance and this sounded perfect - FMC is 21 and MMC is 32, she's his best friends niece.
Daisy has always felt immense pressure from her mother to be the best, even if she had no interest in any of the those endeavors (doctor, lawyer, the best school, wealthy boyfriend, etc...). Ok that's fine, that didn't bother me. What DID in factor bother me was what Daisy wanted - To surf everyday. Not have a job. Refer to her body type in casual conversation to get what she wanted. Be superficial and petty. Complain about different wealth classes (helloooooooo, no job, no ambition, no goals...). So shallow and young.
And Harrison. He found all of that so charming. "She's wise beyond her years."
Pass. With emphasis.
Daisy has always felt immense pressure from her mother to be the best, even if she had no interest in any of the those endeavors (doctor, lawyer, the best school, wealthy boyfriend, etc...). Ok that's fine, that didn't bother me. What DID in factor bother me was what Daisy wanted - To surf everyday. Not have a job. Refer to her body type in casual conversation to get what she wanted. Be superficial and petty. Complain about different wealth classes (helloooooooo, no job, no ambition, no goals...). So shallow and young.
And Harrison. He found all of that so charming. "She's wise beyond her years."
Pass. With emphasis.
March 15, 2025
4 Stars
Oh I loved this final book in the series! It was sweet, sexy and also serious. There were some serious themes that were done really well. I loved how the lead female Daisy and lead male Harrison grew through this book and how they helped each other in so many little ways but also huge life changing ways. It was beautiful to read.
There was a really good twist as well which I didn't see coming which gets extra points.
I loved their romance, it grew so well and had perfect amounts of sweet and spice.
Both characters have their own issues and their growth and support for each other was my favourite part.
Daisy is hilarious. She oozes sex which made Harrison's life rather difficult at first and her banter was forever making me smile. But she isn't shallow, she has a lot on her plate and has also been through a lot of hard times. I thought she was actually very mature for her age. She also brought out the fun and happiness out in Harrison.
Harrison is a really interesting character and went on a really big mental journey through this book. He has always been a good man but has settled for less than he deserved in the past and it left him heartbroken anyway. So to see him getting what he really wants in this book was lovely.
I recommend this series so much to anyone that loves some smutty romance!
Oh I loved this final book in the series! It was sweet, sexy and also serious. There were some serious themes that were done really well. I loved how the lead female Daisy and lead male Harrison grew through this book and how they helped each other in so many little ways but also huge life changing ways. It was beautiful to read.
There was a really good twist as well which I didn't see coming which gets extra points.
I loved their romance, it grew so well and had perfect amounts of sweet and spice.
Both characters have their own issues and their growth and support for each other was my favourite part.
Daisy is hilarious. She oozes sex which made Harrison's life rather difficult at first and her banter was forever making me smile. But she isn't shallow, she has a lot on her plate and has also been through a lot of hard times. I thought she was actually very mature for her age. She also brought out the fun and happiness out in Harrison.
Harrison is a really interesting character and went on a really big mental journey through this book. He has always been a good man but has settled for less than he deserved in the past and it left him heartbroken anyway. So to see him getting what he really wants in this book was lovely.
I recommend this series so much to anyone that loves some smutty romance!
September 22, 2024
If you don't want to say goodbye to summer already, here’s a great reading where the surrounding environment is beache-based, mainly surfing 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𓇼 ࣪ 𓈒ㅤ
In “The Summer I First Saw You” we follow Daisy and Harrison story. Daisy is the niece of Harrison's best friend, a 21-year-old girl who’s still finishing college, while he's a newly divorced 32-year-old man ࿐ ࿔:･ﾟ
My first age gap novel, which actually didn’t make me confusion because even though it was 11 years apart, I didn't notice that there was such a big discrepancy between the characters :･ﾟ
I really enjoyed the book, even though it took me a while to read it due to lack of time, every time I read it I felt it was addictive and I didn't want to stop ࿐
//
Se não se querem despedir já do verão, têm aqui uma ótima leitura onde o ambiente envolvente é baseado em praias, principalmente, no surf 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𓇼 ࣪ 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ⭒
Em “The Summer I First Saw You” acompanhamos a história de Daisy e Harrison. Daisy é a sobrinha do melhor amigo de Harrison, uma rapariga de 21 anos ainda a terminar a faculdade, enquanto que ele é um homem de 32 anos recém divorciado ࿐ ࿔:･ﾟ
O meu primeiro romance de age gap, que na realidade não me fez confusão porque, mesmo sendo 11 anos de diferença, não notei que houvesse uma discrepância tão grande entre as personagens :･ﾟ
Gostei muito do livro, mesmo tendo demorado a ler por falta de tempo, sempre que lia sentia que era uma leitura viciante e que não queria parar ࿐
In “The Summer I First Saw You” we follow Daisy and Harrison story. Daisy is the niece of Harrison's best friend, a 21-year-old girl who’s still finishing college, while he's a newly divorced 32-year-old man ࿐ ࿔:･ﾟ
My first age gap novel, which actually didn’t make me confusion because even though it was 11 years apart, I didn't notice that there was such a big discrepancy between the characters :･ﾟ
I really enjoyed the book, even though it took me a while to read it due to lack of time, every time I read it I felt it was addictive and I didn't want to stop ࿐
//
Se não se querem despedir já do verão, têm aqui uma ótima leitura onde o ambiente envolvente é baseado em praias, principalmente, no surf 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ𓇼 ࣪ 𓈒ㅤׂㅤ⭒
Em “The Summer I First Saw You” acompanhamos a história de Daisy e Harrison. Daisy é a sobrinha do melhor amigo de Harrison, uma rapariga de 21 anos ainda a terminar a faculdade, enquanto que ele é um homem de 32 anos recém divorciado ࿐ ࿔:･ﾟ
O meu primeiro romance de age gap, que na realidade não me fez confusão porque, mesmo sendo 11 anos de diferença, não notei que houvesse uma discrepância tão grande entre as personagens :･ﾟ
Gostei muito do livro, mesmo tendo demorado a ler por falta de tempo, sempre que lia sentia que era uma leitura viciante e que não queria parar ࿐
September 7, 2024
Hello to sleep deprivation 🤣 this had me up until 2am because I had to know how Liam was going to react when he found out hahaha! Forbidden romance, forced proximity and most importantly HE'S 👏 RICH 👏
Daisy kept me lauging! 🤣 : "Though it does shoot my “Oh, this hotel only has one bed?” fantasy to hell."
Daisy kept me lauging! 🤣 : "Though it does shoot my “Oh, this hotel only has one bed?” fantasy to hell."
August 6, 2024
♾️/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
When I tell you I was HOOKED from chapter one… I mean I literally could not put this down. I never wanted it to end. The banter, the angst, the SPICE!! Perfection. I couldn’t get enough of Daisy & Harrison
Honestly I didn’t think another book in this series was going to top book 1 for me but this one blew me away. Definitely my new favorite in the series!
The perfect read for summer time 💛 Thank you Elizabeth for allowing me to read & review early!
Tropes:
- Billionaire Romance
- Age Gap (11 yrs)
- Forbidden
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
3/5🌶️
When I tell you I was HOOKED from chapter one… I mean I literally could not put this down. I never wanted it to end. The banter, the angst, the SPICE!! Perfection. I couldn’t get enough of Daisy & Harrison
Honestly I didn’t think another book in this series was going to top book 1 for me but this one blew me away. Definitely my new favorite in the series!
The perfect read for summer time 💛 Thank you Elizabeth for allowing me to read & review early!
Tropes:
- Billionaire Romance
- Age Gap (11 yrs)
- Forbidden
- She Falls First, He Falls Harder
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
September 1, 2024
I had such high hopes for this as I loved the series as a whole, but Daisy was the worst female character I’ve read by this author and I’m so disappointed. No ambition, no goals, typical “I want it all but don’t want to work for it mentality” and it’s totally accepted by the male lead because his ex-wife cheated on him and Daisy is hot? All I know is sign me up to have zero work ethic and end up with a rich man who just wants to bang me all the time in my next life. Also the confrontation scene when the “forbidden romance” comes to light was lame and anti-climactic.
August 29, 2024
These two were sooooo horny omg
September 13, 2024
Easily and without a doubt my least favorite of all of Elizabeth O’Roark’s books. Both MCs were so emotionally immature and annoying. There was no depth, no growth, and no chemistry. It was all super lusty and cringy. I immediately got the idk when he said that he used to change her diapers, like EW?? Why was there SO MUCH talk about watching her grow up and her as a little girl?? I also dislike that she was 21 and he was 32. 11 years isn’t that much of an age gap, and I would’ve preferred older and more mature characters. If I had a dollar for every time Daisy said something sorry or Harrison commented on how every man was always watching her, I would be very wealthy. Super disappointed by this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 984 reviews