Summer in Phoenix

by Lana Vargas

2 Ex-Best Friends. 1 Summer.
“Time heals all” isn’t always the case.

“It’s been five years since I’ve seen or heard from Elliot Cortes. Despite his promise to stay in touch after moving away, I never heard from him—until recently, that is. Now I’m being forced to stay with him and his family for the summer in Phoenix.
Mad would be an understatement of how I felt after years of silence, but after a while, I chose to pretend like he never existed. It was working out pretty great until now. I’m sure he’ll try to sell me some excuse as to why it’s been years since we’ve spoken, but no explanation will make me hate him any less.
Me and Elliot under the same roof for three months? This will be interesting.”

Genres: Romance, Second Chance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Summer

276 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2022

About the author

Lana Vargas is a Mexican-American Romance Author who resides in California. With her debut novel Summer in Phoenix landing her in the top 40 on Amazon, followed by her Sophomore novel The Darkness that Follows Us landing in the top 20 and winning Best Romance Novel in the Literary Romance category from Wolf Media Festival, she is proof that anyone can make their dreams a reality. She plans to continue to show women that we all deserve great love stories one book at a time.

Reviews

[Gabby readwithg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Summer I Turned Pretty meets Love and Other Words meets A Thousand Boy Kisses and rips your heart out.

Reread of the new edition: I loved this book once again the second time around and Elliot and Emory will never leave my head. I absolutely adore them and their story. The alternate ending and extended epilogue had me in tears. This one was definitely improved from the original edition a the new cover is STUNNING. Thank you so much to Lana for the arc! 💗

[Natasha Behrens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Def some grammar issues but they’re easy to look past. My issue with the book is that the main character genuinely only cares about herself. She needs to wake up and grow up. Throughout the entire book all she cares about is her own feelings and thoughts and Idt she ever changed.

[ceci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’M CRYING SO MUCH😭😭

[•.~*Izzy*~.• · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf at about 50-60%. i think this book had potential to be so much more than what it was. with this being her first book i don’t wanna critique it too much, but it wouldn’t be my review if i wasn’t fully honest and that’s where i just have to mention that the fmc was a bit selfish and kind of annoying to read about her perspective. it felt kind of wattpad-y and i dont wanna use that as an insult bc some wattpad books are genuinely good, and this is self published as well, it just seems like the writing has a little bit of a ways to go in terms of being a book i truly enjoy

[Bookish Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You were my first kiss… and my last.”

*screams throws up yeets myself to the sun*

Ms. Lana Vargas has been sent my therapy bill. Summer in Phoenix was such a beautiful read. It was refreshing to have a summer romance story without any spice. The more I read, the more I was invested. I saw the twist coming and when I tell y’all it took me a few minutes to recover from my denial. I saw it coming yet I didn’t want to believe it actually happened. If something is too good to be true, it probably is. Well that’s what Lana did. She put the cutest cover on the front to distract us from the fact that this book will rip your heart out and stomp on it as you cower in the corner in a puddle of tears.

5 stars!

I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for Latine representation, a cute (yet painful) summer romance, complex characters and a man so down bad, I wish he was real.

Note: I am aware of the spelling mistakes but because I know the second edition is coming soon and because I was invested in the story, I overlooked the grammar and lost myself in the book. I’m sure that once Lana does the edits and releases the second edition, Summer in Phoenix will be the next big thing!

[Cristina Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and it was a nice easy read (I literally read it in one sitting). I also really enjoyed the meaning behind the cover art because that made me feel how important the little details in Elliot and Emory’s story were. Only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because I kept noticing spelling/ grammar/ writing errors as I read.. Other than that I am very excited for the spin off 💖

[Delanique Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m in physical pain.. like I truly would’ve prepared myself to read this book if I knew what it was going to put me through 😩😭
My heart hurts so I’m going to bed

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hurt.

❀ Thank you to Lana for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. ❀

Emory and Elliot are childhood best friends who were inseparable. Suddenly, at 14, Elliot and his family move but both agree to stay in contact. After, five years of no contact Emory is forced to spend the summer with Elliot.

I didn't read the original version, but I got to read the updated version and liked it. I loved how she ended this book, the story's tone, and the topic of grief. The way Lana started the story was also great. You get to understand Emory and Elliot's dynamic from when they met to when they were separated. I will say that it took me a while to get into the book. It was very fast-paced with short chapters. It did read like a Wattpad book (which, I'm convinced, is one of the reasons I was so attached to this book). Please know this is not a bad thing lol.

❀ Tropes: Ex Childhood Friends to Lovers/ GrumpyxSunshine/ He Falls First/ Forced Proximity/ Slow Burn

❀Themes: Latine Romance/ CHECK CW!

[chloe ୨ৎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

However long you need, I’ll be waiting. Whether it’s ten months or ten years, I’ll pick up when you call. -Ej

Elliot and Emory will forever have my heart. 💛
“ I found a love exactly like the one I witnessed growing up. One you wake up every day grateful you get to experience. It caught me off guard and consumed me in the best way possible. Even if I only get to experience it for a short while, it’s more than what most people get.”
This book was so special to me the first time I read it and finding all the new scenes that Lana added made my heart so happy. It was like finding easter eggs!

The ending was so beautifully done. Lana really showed us the reality of losing someone you love. That it’s okay to grieve, it’s okay to take your time, and especially, it’s okay to continue to live your life and be happy while still remembering those you’ve lost. I was able to get the closure that I didn’t get from the first edition!



Liam and Lily, I hope you love to the fullest. 💛

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, even with the tears shed throughout the end of it

I honestly didn't think I would've wanted to read it knowing why Elliot didn't communicate with Emory lol I'm not the biggest fan of reading books that will make me cry

BUT I did like this book very much!

being that this is a re-release of Lana's first ever book, I think it was great! but I can see where she can grow! the book read a bit Wattpady (if you've ever read books from there) and I only say that because I think of how young the characters are! because there was some back and forth with feelings it just felt a bit juvenile

BUT I can see why because of their age, like I said! and that doesn't make it a bad book, it's just how I see it. also for context I'm 26 lol

overall I really did enjoy this book though I sometimes wanted to throw it because I just wanted to hear from Elliot's POV (you only get Emory's POV) lol

I can't thank Lana Vargas enough for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. so grateful I can say I was apart of this author's journey from the beginning!!!

[eryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw this novel I thought "cute romance".
Which is it but I also didn't realize it would hurt me so much at the same time. I wanted to cry multiple times at all the cute things Elliot was saying but also at the loss.

*The pain that I had to switch the edition I read just to rate & review.

[Elsa · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 44%.

This book felt like it was taking forever even though it is fairly short and fast paced. It had a bunch of random conflicts added to keep the story going and it got boring for me really quickly. Emory acted so self absorbed and immature the entire time, and yes i get her frustration but it’s literally insufferable to read from her pov😭😭 Emory and Elliot’s characters just felt kinda dull to me and it was giving off STRONG Wattpad vibes

[Alexis Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book by an amazing author. Got this book in her giveaway and had it on my list to read. I devoured this book in 3 days and that was due to my life restricting the time. This is a must read if you love love. If you have a soft heart you will cry!!!

[Shauna Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not okay.

[Shaina Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be sending the author compensation fees for my THERAPY over that ENDING AHHHHH (I'm still crying)

[Dumb blond]

No one fucking told me he FUCKING DIES

[jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, I loved every second of this book!! I couldn't put it down. The meaning behind the cover of the book, the plot twist, just overall such a great book!

[Glenda Carrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer in Phoenix 🌼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Note to self: Do not, I repeat, Do NOT leave the last 30% of this book to when you’re 35k feet from the ground and surrounded by so many people with no privacy(an airplane). This book had me BAWLING my eyes out.

Debut author @authorlanavargas delivers a story of pain, regret, friendship and forgiveness in less than 300 pages. I already knew where this story was going but I kept torturing myself. Reviews say it’s similar to A Thousand Boy Kisses and I see it. But this was better. It was refreshing and sweet. Hard to read especially when your throat is in knots and you can’t see through blurry tears.

This is a debut author who if you stay around to the authors note, she goes into detail as to when she wrote this when she was 13 and published it years later. I devoured this story. Elliot and Emory are perfect.

Trigger Warnings:
Cancer
Death of parent
Death of loved one

[Cara Iafano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sobbed like an absolute baby in front of strangers while reading this book on an airplane. You know what, I might still be crying. 😭🤧

[Nathalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made my emotions feel like a roller coaster; I was so excited to read it and It didn’t disappoint ❤️ 100000/10

[Birdcageink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really pulled on our young romantic heart. It reflects a raw and real love no one really ever asks for. One that truly lets you know that things are out of your control. Life can be a roller coaster, and all we can do is hold a memories in a playlist. A life long connection all wrapped up in just a summer. It keeps you wanting to take every risk of the danger that comes with love.

[Chrissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me go from "meh, I don't care" to crying for 30 pages straight.
I can't explain it.

Pros:
It's not a literal masterpiece, but it was a very quick and easy read that got me in my feelings in the end like no contemporary romance has done in a while. Also it was quite cute sometimes and I liked the absolute "girlhood" dynamic, that the two girlies had going on. Elliots way of communicating felt exactly right for Emory at times. Also them singing to Enchanted by TS two days after I screamed the lyrics to this song at the top of my lungs at the Eras Tour? It was meant to be.

Cons:
The pacing felt a bit weird at times. Everything happened very fast (the book is not that long) and it felt like every scene revolved around Elliot. I wished it would talk about something else at times. Also it was written overly dramatic in some scenes and the MC is quite immature and got on my nerves, couldn't connect to her all that much.

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!

[luna ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so beautiful and heart-felt it had me crying at the last chapters. At the start I was frustrated with the main character because of her selfishness but at the end character development was given! There are some grammar mistakes but it’s easy to look past them. Self-publishing is really hard so i didn’t mind it much:) I loved loved the message behind this story. I am looking forward to read more books of this author <3

[Mary Araujo · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK RIPPED MY HEART OUT OF MY CHEST!
4.5/5 STARS!

Wow, where to begin? I didn't know what to expect when I initially read the synopsis for this book but boy was I in for a shock! Emory and Elliot's love story is not for the weak at heart, but it was so, so beautiful that I can't NOT recommend it. Emory was so relatable as a FMC because I think everyone has dealt with the loss of childhood friends at some point in their life with them moving away or you yourself moving away. This book shows the variety of emotions that you feel when that happens and the confusing state of mind you can have with seeing that friend again after a long period of time. Emory and Elliot's status as soulmates was undeniable from the first page and I don't think there's anything wrong with that being the basis for the story. I know some people don't like it, but I didn't mind it at all. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because of nitpicky things like writing structure and some red flags for Elliot IMO. Sometimes it was hard to tell who was speaking during the dialogue because the sentences would be within the same paragraph, but it is two different people speaking. I hope I explained that well enough for people to understand. Therefore, it would be a little confusing sometimes and I would have to reread the dialogue to make sure I understood who was speaking. The red flags that I speak of with Elliot, you'll just have to decide for yourself if you agree because I don't want to spoil any plot points here.

I am so glad I decided to read this book, and I think it'll take a little bit for my heart to recover. Lana Vargas, this was a beautiful story that you told, and I thank you for telling it! I think it'll help a lot of people with coping with grief, loss, and moving forward with life. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

[Ayanna ໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this author from TikTok because I was looking for motivation to start writing again, love her content and I was so excited to see she had a couple of books out. :3

I wanted a nice fluffy romance after reading MP: into the dark bc it made me cry so much and WELL I just cried some more because of this book. For some reason, this story was weirdly nostalgic for me? Idk how to even explain it but it just felt that way to me and I found myself feeling comforted by it. Strangely lmao I loved when Emory and Elliot would argue or get into some yelling, maybe because it felt so real like if I was in the room with them. Everything built up naturally for them to get into those moments.

Emory is definitely relatable, yes some of her actions aren’t the best but she was definitely me after experiencing a big loss and I truly understood her. That inner battle of wanting to trust but still being scared, being too over-protective about yourself all the time so you don’t get hurt. I loved seeing her go through those realizations and wanting to change. Elliot…don’t get me started dude 😭his kindness and personality was so infectious, he’s a cutie. I even felt butterflies from how sweet he was. Seeing how he felt about Emory and about his illness tore me UP, just always wanting to be there and help others without having people worry about him. Stop I can’t deal. 💔

Their love for each other was so sweet and innocent, from them being kids to them being young adults. I loved the glances, the hidden meaning behind Elliot’s words, the memories they shared together that blossomed their crushes for each other. I felt so warm inside.

I can’t wait to read about Kat and Drew next and supporting Lana. 🩷🥰

[Zoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy re-release day, Lana! Thank you so much for the arc🫶

This book broke me. I haven’t read a book classified as sad in ages for a reason, but when I saw Lana post that she’s re-releasing her first book updated with more chapters, I couldn’t miss it. Also, I read an arc of book 2 a few months ago, so I knew what was going to happen, but no, nothing prepared me for the pain I felt reading. I was sobbing very ugly and choked up on words.

For one, Elliot had my heart, he was sunshine in a body. He always wanted to see everyone around him smiling and he always wanted to be the reason, especially when it came to Emory.

Emory was our grumpy girl. She’s gone through a lot the past few years, so truly no one can blame her. Every time she resisted Elliot, it was just another way for him to try again, a different way.

I love them so bad. I do. I loved seeing Andrew and Kat (characters from book 2) it made it all the more special. Now, for the depressing part, definitely check out TW’s, this book mentions alcohol, cancer, death of a loved ones, etc. Always put you first.

-Friends to strangers to lovers
-Tattoos for each other
-“Reverse” grumpy x sunshine

Lana wrote the last few chapters so beautifully, so true to its word, I applaud her for it. Thank you so much again for the arc, I am so grateful💛💌

[Bituwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐Hi this contains spoilers!⭐

Elliot's character will stay with me for a long time as good characters do. Forever can't even compete with all the love and future they deserved. I'm reading back all of my quotes so I can share them here but I am crying again lol As a reader who's been too spoiled on one idea of HEAs, this one broke me but redeemed my sad heart with the bonus ending. Because of it I can see them in other Universes having so many chances to meet differently. In another Universe maybe Elliot and Emory marry too early, argue constantly then one day they decide to fight for each other not with each other. Because much like their first love story, no one else feels like coming home than they do. Oh, the wondeful aching possibilities.

I love that she lived on as Eliott promised her to and found the man he said he would send 😭❤ such a nice twist. Easton turned out to be so perfect for her and I didn't see it coming because >>>Sidenote: Why did I think for a second there that Emory and Andrew were going to find each other, fight their grief, and fall in love years later lol maybe in another universe... ?

[sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a wreck. I guessed what was going to happen pretty early on, there were little things that were said that kind of tipped me off but it still didn’t cushion the blow. lana wrote each character so beautifully, I am amazed that this is her first novel. the way elliot and emory found their way back to each other was almost like two magnets instantly clashing together. no matter how hard she tried to resist him he managed to worm his way back in. watching her lose another loved one to cancer was not easy, but seeing how well she processed her grief the second time around made me sob even harder than I already was. elliot gave her every single tool that she could possibly need to ensure that she would be alright without him, and that’s something she didn’t have when her mom passed. i’m so happy that he was able to experience that kind of love before he died, and I’m even happier that he was able to give emory everything she ever wanted and then some, when he was gone. I really hope they find each other in another lifetime, they definitely deserved more time together.

[Jackie Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐
This book was an amazing launch to this author's carreer. I really enjoyed reading it and its definitely a story that evokes a lot of emotions.

The pacing and the timeline is used well to the advantage of the story being told. We see characters grow and how life molded them into who they were when the story takes place.

It's a beautiful love story that hits some deeper level marks on what it means to love someone or lose someone. The inevitable pain that comes with loving anyone - one day you'll come to lose them one way or another.

I also really liked the tropes used in this book from ex-childhood friends to lovers, forced proximity, and grumpy girl × sunshine guy.

In this re-release there is some bonus content that gives a fuller sense of closure to the story. Also, brought a new sense of hope that love can live on.

We have to appreciate the Latino representation! I recommend this books not only is it a great read, but its also your chance to support a Latina Indie Author.

[Lani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in tears 😭 I just finished reading and it only took me two days because I could not put this book down! This is the type of book I wish I had when I was in my late teens/ early twenties, but honestly even being almost thirty now it was still an amazing read! Amazing and heartbreaking. I loved the reference to the music Emory listened to when she was younger like “The Fray” and it was so nostalgic and felt relatable for a younger version of me lol. The love story was sweet and reminded me what it was like when you are young and have that pure love and connection with someone. I also loved the evolution of Emory and I felt like she related to my younger self a lot as well. I feel like this healed and hit the spot for my inner teenager and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this amazing new author! ❤️