Last Day of Summer

by Natisha Raynor

Peace James has been with Will for eight years. He's a good man, and he treats her well. Peace isn't the same woman at thirty that she was at twenty-three. She feels that she's outgrown Will, but Peace is afraid that if she breaks up with him for superficial reasons that she'll be a bad person. Peace feels as if she has the weight of the world on her shoulders because she has a feeling that Will is about to propose, but how can she happily accept when she feels like she's falling out of love with him? As if he can read her mind, Will gives Peace the freedom to be free for two months. If she decides that she doesn't want to be with him, he'll walk away. Unsure of what to do, she goes to visit her sister who just gave birth. In the small southern town an hour away from Diamond Cove, Peace meets Honor. And all hell breaks loose. By the end of summer, everything has changed.

Genres: Romance, Westerns

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peace is at a crossroads in her relationship. She and Will have been together for eight years but, they're not the same people they were when they got together in their early twenties. Peace is a personable extrovert. Will is a quiet introvert. Peace likes to go out occasionally and shake her azz in the club. Will doesn’t like to stay out late and would prefer to just go to work and come home. Peace wants to get flewed out and go on exotic vacations. Will is afraid of flying and hates road trips that last longer than eight hours. Peace needs to get her back cracked multiple times a week. Will can forgo sex for multiple weeks. Peace is tired of Will actin’ like he’s twenty years older than what he is and, something has got to change. When he proposes, to say Peace was less than excited would be an understatement. When she confesses how she’s been feeling, Will tells her to take some time so they can both re-evaluate their relationship. Her upcoming trip to visit her sister is just the escape Peace needs. While she’s enjoying her time in Stone Ridge, NC, she meets a cowboy who is everything she craves. Honor is going to open Peace’s eyes and help her see just how lacking her relationship with Will truly is. Last Day of Summer was an okay ready. I didn’t hate it but, I didn’t love it either. I’ve definitely read better from this author. I don’t know if I’d recommend this book so, read at your own discretion. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[BrownBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good, quick story! I just wanted more. Honor was such a good man!

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I learned of the personalities of Peace and Will, I immediately thought of shake it fast vs slow down. 😂 Why the hell were they still together after all this time anyway? They had nothing in common. 👀 I wouldn't say Peace was out here wildin' but she liked to go out have a good time, and occasionally travel. However, all Will wanted to do was work and come home. Peace was fed up with her mundane life, and when Will proposed the two-month separation, that was her sign to see what else was out there.

Going to spend a month in Stone Ridge to help her sister with her new baby, brought her more than she imagined. Meeting Honor, the laid-back cowboy, quickly let her know what she was missing in her life with Will. Honor gave her new experiences, time and attention, and best O's ever! 🥵 What is a girl to do, stay with the familiar to step out on faith with the new? Now that revelation with Will threw me, but you know what they say about them quiet ones. 👀

I liked this read enough, however, the latter part of the book felt rushed. Everything moved so quickly, I didn't feel like we got to experience the growth of Peace and Honor. Nice quick read, nonetheless.

[Goddess’ Smut Library 🩷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨/🌶️🌶️

This book was written very well. I didn’t like the fact that the author in total probably wasted four pages going back-and-forth about the MCs exes. I would suggest for people to read this book if they want something short.

[Symone · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a nice quick read

[Mia Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This was a cute short read. I just think the author rushed that ending so fast. This book had the potential to be really good. The author missed the mark. There was a lot the author could have added to this story to make it better and longer. Th characters were there to make it good. I liked Peace and Honor.

[Pamela session · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 😍 👏🏾 🤩

Awwww, I love this story. It's super amazing. The love they had for each other one ❤️ one of my favorite couple 😊🥰😍the scene when he asked her to marry him 🥹🥹😍😍loved it

[Brisace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read straight to the point, exactly what I liked

[NubianJoí · Rating 4 out of 5]

Singing A Different Tune

Really Peace it took you eight years, one drink, a picnic & four rounds of beef BBQ 😜, now your a$$ is Dr. Ruth extraordinaire with sex advice and expertise 🙄‼️Oh, how quickly we forget Peace 🥴‼️…now someone you are physically attracted too with reciprocated (if not more) accomplishments, interests, ambitions and passions etc. your all in, ten toes down🥴‼️….Thereafter (my rant), I enjoyed “Last Day of Summer” and most of the characters including both Will & Honor. However, Peace (2.5 rating) was indecisive, annoying, petty & shallow. More so her temperament towards Will was accusatory, unnecessary & obnoxious. Slander & derogatory calling someone’s mother (anyone) outside of their name is offensive & juvenile. If that was how you felt about Will mother, 1. why didn’t you express those sentiments to her face; 2. you’re the idiot for remaining in a relationship for eight/nine years miserable and not remotely satisfied! Just content with complaining. ….but you’re now singing a different tune🤔‼️

[Amber Ganaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

🧡🧡🧡

Peace was in a really boring relationship and trying to figure things out. Will was predictable, boring and just acted like an old man with no fun in his life. Honor left a bad relationship but hadn’t given up on love. Meeting Peace gad him intrigued from the start. I loved how they built up from friendship to relationship. What will dud was trash but I guess everything worked out for the best. Great read

[Salene Whyte (thee_book_connoisseur_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboys up 1000

This is my first read from Natisha Raynor, and baby, I’m ready to dive into the catalogue. This story was the epitome of lightheartedness and sweetness. While it was short, it had a very nice development. It shows us that you can be with someone for years and still find your soulmate in mere days. This story also teaches us that we shouldn’t just be with someone because they tick certain boxes for us. This was a lovely read, and it gives me the feels.

[thebookcritic_ · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was alright

I thought this book was alright and would’ve done better as a full novel to let the chemistry build. They spent two weeks together and like a week apart, then got married.

The descriptions in the book felt like a list. The dialogue being cut off was missing the em dashes every time. Veneka having five kids and Honor wanting four kids would be nine kids not eleven.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline. I love the author showed that society’s perception of what a good man or relationship looks like isnt a one fits all situation. She showed that sometimes you have to step out on a limb to find what your happiness looks like although that maybe scary and you maybe afraid of what that looks like or how others will judge you its still worth a try!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

I think Natisha couldn’t pen a bad story even if she tried. The character development and storyline were interesting and intriguing. I enjoyed and recommend this five star read that is very much like my current situation. Time doesn’t mean anything with the right person!

[Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

😍😍

An ending always leads to a new beginning and that's exactly what happened for Peace and Honor. Time doesn't always follow the path you expect it to and these two proved that time had no meaning. Btw, I didn't believe Will about Karen!

[JazzReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

peace and Honor Story

Honor and Peace had a summer fling that turned into more. Overall I like this couple because I feel like Peace wanted something different than her boring ex-boyfriend.

[Shameka Erby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honor and Peace

[Saimone Sandles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only gave 4 stars because it was so short. I felt like the story was wrapping up so fast. I did like Honor as a character though. A fine a** cowboy chiiiii… I’m so happy Peace discovered herself. Great read! I definitely connected with the characters since they were from the south like me.

[Corinna Ferrier · Rating 3 out of 5]

TikTok over hyped this book. It was ok.

[Natashia Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5⭐️- Rating - I Loved this

Thoughts- let me tell you something. When I looked at the cover, which is what led me to read this, I had an intimate thought of how the MMC would be. He wasn’t anything I imagined, but he was more.

Honor definitely lives up to his name. This man stood on all things business. He minded his business, he handled his business, and he had no time for games or the foolery. What he said is what he meant. He was very mature and he embodied a self sufficient, real man. I loved his personality and his character. He is Bae, if you didn’t know. The way he loved his nieces was heart melting. The way he loves his family spoke volumes to the core values he had. I loved all things Honor.

My girl peace. Chile, she needed peace in her life. She was with a man for 8 years and wasn’t happy. I won’t divulge into all that but know when she met Honor, she found her peace. I initially was getting irritated with her not walking in her truth regarding Will but honey, I was so glad things played out how they did. She deserved happiness and I’m glad Honor was able to give her some life experiences.

Im usually not big on quick, instant love type stories but let me tell you- the pacing of this one worked for me. When you know you know and Honor said just that. I loved that these two instantly had clicked and didn’t play games. There was a moment where Peace wasn’t forthcoming with communication but that got rectified.

Natisha did an excellent job with this one. She added some great perspectives on relationships that I think many can relate to and agree with. This was a nice journey that I was glad to go through. And I have to say- the name Banana Bread was priceless. I definitely recommend this one!!!

[Charmy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peace has been with her long time boyfriend (Will) for eight years and is starting to feel that their relationship has run its course. It seems that there is no passion or desire. They decided to take a break from their relationship to see if they really want to be with one another.

Honor has been burned by love and it's the last thing he's looking for. He's content with living on his farm, baking infused desserts as a side business, and occasional one night stands with tourists passing through town. A relationship isn't at the top of his list of concerns at all.

Peace's trip to visit her sister who has just had a baby happens to fall right when she and Will decide to take a break from their relationship. During this trip she runs into Honor and there's intense attraction on both ends straight from the start. Not only do they have great physical chemistry but they also find it easy to talk to one another. I really liked their chemistry and how neither one of them was really looking for the other but they found what they needed.

As a reader it was clear to see that Will wasn't right for Peace but of course she couldn't quite see that. So many people get caught up in the amount of time they have put into a relationship and see that as a valid reason to "stick it out" or to stay in that relationship. Peace wasn't being loved the way she wanted to be loved and was convinced that those reasons were petty and not a good reason to leave. Will was boring and content with how he was living life. He was focused on his career and starting a family. He wasn't concerned about making memories with Peace, traveling together, and spending time together.

This was a fairly quick read but I really enjoyed Peace and Honor's story and the style of the writing. I'll be adding more from this author on my TBR.

[Vasaunti Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off the cover of the book had me sold. So please don’t change it. Never in all my days did I want a country man the way I did after reading this book. I want my little slice of heaven with a man that will make me forget the city and my precious life existed. Honor and Peace was a sweet coming to terms lover story.
A summer fling that was meant to have you experience and decide if you wanted a life that you were questioning if there was more to it.

Let me tell you if after 8 years and the man has not made you feel the way a man you meet in a month. Baby after sex I would have called my man on pause and told him I’m good.
Honor was in for a ride he didn’t intend. But the way he talked to peace made my damn stomach catch feelings.

Peace needed all of what Honor had to offer and I’m glad she came to her senses and allowed her self to feel and experience that man. That part when she comes to his house unannounced and that man told her he was pissed off and punished her while in her!!! Baby I was unwell.

Great read and in my next life time I’m finding me a country cowboy to ride off in the sunset with as long as he is just like honor.

[Tenika Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

When You Know, You Know!!

Peace needed some excitement in her life and Will just wasn't giving her that. Yeah, he had to work but he was a workaholic. He was set in his ways. That's why he asked Peace to marry him so he wouldn't be tempted by Karen. And that's why he suggested that break. Will just didn't know he did Peace a favor. She wouldn't have met Honor. Honor is adventurous, caring, single and sexy. They both got played by their ex's. Time waits for no one. Peace thought Honor of playing when he said let's get married. Now she knew what Anjelica meant she would follow Reed anywhere. Will had the audacity to call her and be mad about something he suggested be with your person.

[Pamela Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peace was at a crossroads in her relationship with Will. She kept feeling something was missing, and they didn't have anything in common anymore. After a botched proposal, Will suggested that they take a break for a month or two, which worked out great because she had planned to spend a month with her sister to help her because she and her husband recently had a baby. During this break, she met Honor, and she felt something she had never felt before. Honor had just ended his relationship and was living his best single life having flings with women who came to the town on vacation. I enjoyed the story it was a quick read. However, I just wished there was more thought put into the ending of the story. The ending was rushed, and it kinda ended abruptly. I enjoyed it otherwise.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heart knows

Once I started reading this book I became invested, after reading how Honor was feeling about her relationship and the way he was acting I felt either he was cheating or on the down low, but then he asked her to marry him just so she could stay busy while he continued to work said volumes, there was no love or passion, then he came up with the ideal only to satisfy his guilt the same night was crazy.
Once things came out Will had the nerve to get angry when he was in the wrong from the jump.
Honor came into Peace life right on time he gave and showed her exactly what she was desiring, their summer romance turned into a future of love and bliss.

[De · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I was rating on the cover alone 5 stars.. model is chef’s kiss 👌🏼. I thought by the cover I was reading a black cowboy book but her description of stuff he was wearing had me frowning up…like I don’t want a cowboy wearing Tims..give me a man in jeans and cowboy boots!! Minor maybe, but was definetely a mood killer for me.

Raynor does a great job of capturing the internal struggle many women face between settling and choosing to put themselves first. I found the dialogue between Peace, her sister, and her friends a realistic portrayal of how women feel about being scared to move on. She was definitely dropping words of wisdom throughout.

[Akilam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiiiiile I NEEEEED A "HONOR"

Ok, so listen, the bags are packed for Stone Ridge. I got 2 carryons, and I'ma have me a tiiiiime LMAO
I can't believe I finished this in 1 setting like I ain't gotta be up in less than 5 hours to watch a 10 month old. JESUS FIX IT.

The book packed a punch, and I loved every inch of it; cover to cover.
It gave family, fun, reality, love, vulnerability, and I hope we get a wedding and some babies in '25

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Day of Summer

This book was definitely a great read. I enjoyed this black love story. The passion and love and romance in this storyline was just incredible. I loved how Natisha Raynor gave the characters names of Peace and Honor hopeful names. I couldn’t put this book down. I gave it five stars because it imitated life. I’m glad she wrote in her storyline for us not to settle in a relationship.

[Keeyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace & Honor go hand in hand

Listennnnnnnnn I was here for every moment of this book honey ! I was rooting for my girl Peace ! It’s me screaming like I know them for real on certain parts of the book haha! Karma be real and I hate when people get a little money and can’t remain humble it’s despicable. Real love wins in the end and my heart is overjoyed and so happy! Black cowboys exist baby , get you one 10/10 highly recommend

[Quira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, quick read. Ending seemed a tad rushed, and we still got the age old “miscommunication trope” for a hot second. I do wish this was a little longer just so we could see them date more, the interactions were sweet. Idk why Peace was wasting her time with Will for so long, amazing how we humans stick around for the sheer comfortability, and fear of change. We gotta make that move and see what else there is to life.