Best Summer Ever

by Jessica Cunsolo

Perfect for readers of YA contemporary romance and authors like  Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, and Beth Reekles. Set in a glamorous lakeside house, this dual POV beach read is the ideal combination of enemies-to-lovers, family drama, and female friendship.

Perfect for readers of YA contemporary romance and authors like  Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, and Beth Reekles. Set in a glamorous lakeside house, this dual POV beach read is the ideal combination of enemies-to-lovers, family drama, and female friendship.

Jenna doesn’t like to appear out of control . . . ever. But when she learns her best friend has accepted a place at a university on the other side of the country, her father is moving to Vancouver and selling the family properties, and her cousin/BFF Olivia has decided to move in with her boyfriend,  Jenna’s carefully constructed façade begins to crack. Everyone around her is making plans and moving on . . . except her. 

Faced with losing everything that matters to her, Jenna decides to invite her friends to her family’s lake house and host a weeklong extravaganza before everyone goes their separate ways. So what if she doesn’t ask her dad first? It’ll be a party to make everyone remember her; what could go wrong?

Meanwhile, Olivia has just learned that her long-term boyfriend cheated on her and she has to decide whether to break up or forgive him. The last thing she wants to do is attend a party, especially with her ex's best friend, but she can't let Jenna down.Now, she has to figure out how to keep the truth secret—and what comes next. 

As the week unfolds, friendships are tested and so are new and old romances. And by the end of their trip, both Jenna and Olivia discover that it’s impossible to be in control all the time (especially if feelings are involved) . . . and this summer will change everything.

Genres: Summer, Romance, Summer Reads, Young Adult, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Jessica Cunsolo’s young adult series, With Me, has amassed over 140 million reads on Wattpad since she posted her first story, She’s With Me, on the platform in 2015. It has won a Watty award, been published in multiple languages, and is in development for a feature film with Wattpad WEBTOON Studios. Jessica lives just outside of Toronto, where she enjoys the outdoors and transforming her real-life awkward situations into plotlines for her viral stories. You can find her on Instagram @jesscunsolo.

Reviews

[lydia {67} ୨ৎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

❀° ┄───╮
review
╰───┄ °❀

overall 3 stars

I think the idea of this book was better than the actual book. I absolutely loved the plot and where Jessica Cunsolo was going with the story, I just think she didn't get there. there was so much potential for this book, but it felt poorly written. jenna was definitely a spoiled brat and I was disappointed there was no character growth. olivia was such a good character though!



❀° ┄───╮
pre-read
╰───┄ °❀

yes, another arc that is unread (and not even added to my tbr! 💀). I'M GETTING TO IT DW!!

[ingrid｡⋆𐙚˚ (not active rn) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

okay. it was okay. i didn’t really care at all for jenna and her story, i just thought she was really bratty and annoying 😩 but i liked olivia!! 🥰
i also justtt didn’t really love the constant drinking and partying..!
overall didn’t love this book, cute summery vibes though!! ⭐️

[Lynette Baumgardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good! I didn’t really agree with most of the themes in this book but it was still pretty enjoyable. I didn’t really care for Jenna and i didn’t really like reading her chapters. I did kind of like seeing her with Hari but they didn’t get together until the last like 5 pages so there wasn’t much to go on. I really liked reading about Olivia and Dylan though! I really liked Olivia and i kind of related to her. I also think that her and Dylan are perfect tgt but there is this one thing. Even though there was so much chemistry and stuff between them she literally said that she wants to wait a couple months to get together! 😑 Like the author CANNOT put all that chemistry between them in the book and just leave me like that 😭 Her reasoning does make sense because she had gotten dumped less than a week before, but still!!! Anyways it was still a pretty good book!

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars! ⭐ This was the perfect summer read with the aspect of the cottage, the lake, the friendships, etc.

I really loved that we got Jenna's pov and then Olivia's pov throughout their little trip to the cottage; it really made the story feel so much longer than 300 some pages. It was nice that while Jenna's and Olivia's povs had different things happening they overlapped and each was needed in order to understand the other (if that makes sense lol 😂). There was so much complexities to such a simple looking book!

With Olivia she reminded me so so much of Bailey from Betting on You. Just her soft spoken matter and the cuteness to her. DYLAN was always there for her even after her stanky 💩 cheating boyfriend tried to continue to get back with her. He was so sweet and helped show Olivia that she doesn't need to try and make everyone happy, that she also should do what makes her happy. Also that fight scene, phew it had me.

As for Jenna I can really relate and connect to her and how she tries to hide and mask her feelings and emotions. Poor girl felt so lost and lonely and I am glad that her dad ended up not being a jerk and fixing everything. But HARI (And he reminded me of Charlie from Betting on You) just understood her so well and helped her learn how to express herself and feelings. And we love a man who does that. I'm happy with their ending too!

I'm so sad I finished this so quickly, but I honestly couldn't stop reading it was so good and fast paced. I loved all the characters and will be missing them for sure.

🏞️🌊☀️🌺

[Ria Camden · Rating 3 out of 5]

If "It's Not Summer Without You" and "Happy Place" had a Canadian baby.

I had no idea what to expect from this book, and writing this I can definitely say: I haven't shipped unknown characters so hard in a while!

What really did it to me is the dual POV: our main characters are cousins, who deal with their own life crises while spending the last week of summer before college at the lake house with quite a team of their mutual friends.

I was actively rooting for both of them, especially when it comes to the love portion of the story.
What can be better than friends to lovers? Only enemies to lovers.

A big thank you to Edelweiss and Wattpad Books for the DRC!


˙⋆.˚୨ৎ ria’s romance rating scale ୨ৎ˙⋆.˚

• plot 77/100
• writing 62/100
• characters 70/100
• giggle & feet-kick-ability 75/100
• general enjoyment 72/100
• cringe -0/-100

total: 356

*500-471 - 6 stars
470-401 - 5 stars
400-341 - 4 stars
340-201 - 3 stars
200-101 - 2 stars
100-0 - 1 star

[Jessy Melton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect palette cleanser and what better time of year than now to read a fun, coming of age summer romance book!!!! (Def gave a mix of “Anna and the French Kiss” X “Outerbanks” + Old money vibes)

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to talented @jesscunsolo and @wattpadbooks for this incredible #gifted book.

This captivating summer read unfolds in a charming lake cottage, weaving a rich tapestry of teenage angst and the profound bonds of friendship.

Told through the poignant perspectives of Jenna and Olivia, this story encapsulates a transformative summer—the pivotal time between high school graduation and the onset of college. As they grapple with their individual crises, their week at the lake becomes a journey of self-discovery. From the very first page, Jenna and Olivia’s experiences draw you in and make you feel deeply connected to their struggles.

The character development is exceptional; Jenna's desperate efforts to resist change and her raw grief over its inevitability resonate powerfully. Olivia’s journey through heartbreak after her breakup, as she searches for her own identity, is beautifully portrayed. The blossoming friendship and romance between Jenna and Hari adds depth and warmth, as he helps her navigate the turbulent waters of change. The lively ensemble of friends who join them for the week injects humor and lightness, balancing the emotional weight of the narrative.

This book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates young adult fiction that is both engaging and heartfelt. It strikes the perfect balance between romance, friendship, and the exhilarating chaos of growing up, making it an unforgettable summer delight.

[Tara Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Wattpad Books for a gifted copy of Best Summer Ever.

If you’re looking for a fun summer young adult read then this book is for you!

I loved it so much. The characters were great , they were all apart of a fun friend group. It has the perfect summer backdrop because who doesn’t love time at the lake.

It is told as a dual POV. It has a unique format but sometimes I did get a little confused on what was happening but I caught up very easily.

You might like Best Summer Ever if you like:
☀️Enemies to Lovers
☀️Cousins who are BFFs
☀️Lake House chaos
☀️One Last Summer
☀️Dual POVs
☀️Beachy Summer Read

⚠️ Trigger warnings: cheating (off page), abandonment, parental death/grief, underage drinking

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This was such a cute, fun, YA romance, palette cleanser. It was exactly what I needed at the time.

My most favourite part of this whole book was that I knew of all the locations that the author brought up, being born and raised in Ontario 🇨🇦.

I enjoyed all of the subjects that were discussed in this one. The importance of communication, to feel your emotions, and to lean on those you trust.

Such an overall feel good story with some really emotionally mature characters.

You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• YA
• Coming Of Age
• Big Changes
• Importance Of Communication
• Grief
• Large Friend Group

I really enjoyed this one! Available on ebook and paperback.

[Deanna Nedanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica cunsolo you never fail to amaze me with your writing.

Just felt a little too teen drama-y for me.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a super fun lighter read

[zasou.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna = annoyingly selfish and bratty bitch
I didn't like her in the first book (Best Vacation Ever) and she wasn't even there. But just with what was said about her, I really disliked her and now she's one of the main characters in this one, so that was not a great start. Also, this is another story about teenagers making stupid decisions. The writing was very basic (as with all the Jessica Cunsoko books I've read), but with a book published by Wattpad, what can you expect? The story often felt redundant and like it was going nowhere. I did like Olivia and her storyline much better, but it was hard for me to read all the underage drinking... I mean do these kids ever do anything else? All in all, not my favorite book by this author.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rian Cragar · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute YA. dual POV between cousins. reminded me of the woes of being 18-19. no on page, off page mentions, two f bombs. probably fine for 14ish+

[Paige V · Rating 5 out of 5]

As summer draws to a close, the final week promises to be an unforgettable adventure for cousins Jenna and Olivia.

Jenna, an 18-year-old woman, is facing a tough time as her friends and cousins leave for different provinces in Canada for college. To make matters worse, after hosting a huge birthday party for her friend Elena, her father informs her that he is selling their house and the cottage she used to visit with her late mother on weekends. He plans to move to Vancouver. In response, Jenna decides to throw one last party during the final week of summer break, hoping to create lasting memories with her friends and cousin.

Meanwhile, Jenna's cousin Olivia is struggling with her own issues. She is worried because her boyfriend, Alessio, hasn’t spoken to her since his trip to Cuba. On the first day of the weeklong party, Olivia discovers that Alessio cheated on her while he was away. With encouragement from Alessio's and her friend Dylan, she decides to attend the party.

Will Jenna be able to keep the party a secret from her father and prevent the others from finding out that they weren’t supposed to be there? And will Olivia be able to confront the reality of her relationship with Alessio, which wasn’t as perfect as she had believed, and address her feelings for someone else?

This book was an absolute page-turner, filled with captivating twists that had me eagerly racing to uncover what would unfold next. The intricate web of relationships and character dynamics was truly the highlight, revealing layers of depth and complexity that kept me enthralled. I found myself chuckling at the sharp, sarcastic wit woven throughout, which added a delightful spark to the narrative.

Jenna, with her control-freak tendencies, elicited both frustration and sympathy—a character who felt incredibly real. Her blunt, unapologetic honesty was not just entertaining; it was refreshingly inspiring. In contrast, Olivia, the embodiment of warmth and kindness, experienced significant growth that resonated deeply throughout the story. Then there’s Elena, your quintessential astrology lover, who brings a whimsical flair to the group.

Alessio, shrouded in a cloak of mystery, struck me as shady right from the start. His disingenuous apologies felt like smoke and mirrors, leaving me with a palpable sense of unease. On the other hand, Dylan shone as a beacon of support, always there for Olivia, embodying the essence of true friendship. Jenna's father, with his cold demeanor, reinforced an emotional distance that tugged at my heartstrings, especially in his interactions with his daughter. And let's not forget Hari, Jenna's formidable rival, perceptive and cunning, always poised to exploit Jenna's vulnerabilities.

This book is perfect for anyone craving a gripping read that they can relate to—a literary delight that you’ll devour in one sitting!

Happy Summer Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Thank you, @wattpadbooks, for sending me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Kompelien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC! I love the opportunity to check out books for my library before they are released.

Meet Jenna, whose life is going in a drastically different direction than she anticipated: Her best friend is going to a different college than they'd discussed, her dad is moving to Vancouver AND selling both of their homes, and she's just had a confusing run in with her middle school nemesis Hari, who has had quite the glow up since she saw him four years ago.

Meet Olivia, Jenna's cousin, whose life is imploding before her eyes as she discovers her boyfriend of five years cheated on her while on a guy's trip to Cuba. They were supposed to be moving in together, but instead, they are taking a break as she figures out what she wants.

Despite her father's insistence that she's not allowed to, Jenna plans one last hurrah with her friends at the cottage, where all her memories of her mother are strongest. Told in alternating perspectives, Best Summer Ever is the story of two girls who both are faced with difficult situations and have to figure out not only what to do, but also who they are in the face of the twists and turns of their lives.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The main characters were well done, and I felt deeply for both. I thought Cunsolo did a fantastic job with their inner turmoil and their story lines. Their romantic interests were also pretty solid. The other side characters, though? You could have thrown away half (all) of them. There was one friend, Robbie, who literally talked once even though he was on the whole trip; all I knew about him was that he DJed and was gay. Truly, he had one to three lines of dialogue the whole book, and it was all at the beginning. It was really weird. The other side characters were not much better. It felt a little like a checklist the author had in her head to meet certain criteria or something instead of meaningful diversity (though the romantic interests were both people of color and had plenty of good "screen time"). Cunsolo did a great job with the setting and description in scenes, though. I've never been to Canada, and I know practically nothing about it (I had to Google what a Muskoka chair is), but I felt like I could see a lot of the scenes despite my lack of familiarity. I thought she really brought the places and main characters to life. I even found myself crying in the car as I finished up the last 10% thanks to Jenna and her dad. I'd definitely recommend this book to my students looking for a summer romance that is light, but also has some good emotional depth.

It's a 3.5 star review rounded up. :)

[Jody Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Best Summer Ever" by Jessica Cunsolo is now a must have must read author! This is my first Jessica Cunsolo book and it will not be my last!
Best Summer Ever is an enchanting novel that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of summer, resonating with readers across various age groups. The narrative revolves around a close-knit group of friends who embark on an exhilarating journey during a transformative summer, filled with adventures, significant personal growth, and unforgettable experiences.

Cunsolo's prose is both engaging and richly descriptive, creating a vivid tableau of sun-drenched days, late-night bonfires, and the intricate dynamics of friendship. Each character is intricately crafted, possessing distinct challenges and dreams that make them relatable and deeply engaging. The author masterfully interweaves themes such as love, self-discovery, and the bittersweet transitions of growing up, ensuring that the story resonates on multiple levels. The banter was *chefs kiss*.

A particularly remarkable element of the book is its power to evoke a sense of nostalgia, prompting readers to reflect on their own youthful summers characterized by carefree moments and pivotal life lessons. Through her keen attention to detail, Cunsolo allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the setting, conjuring sensations of warmth from the sun and the refreshing coolness of evening breezes.

In essence, "Best Summer Ever" is a heartwarming and captivating tale that serves as a poignant reminder of the joys and freedoms of youth, while also addressing the complexities and challenges that accompany the journey into adulthood. This delightful story makes for an ideal summer read, leaving readers with a sense of nostalgia and hope, and it is a must-have addition to any beach bag or summer reading list. Best Summer Ever is expected to be released June 10, 2025 and needs to be put at the top of your summer TBR!!

Thank you Wattpad Books & Jessica Cunsolo, for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.

#bestsummerever
#jessicacunsolo
#wattpadbooks
@jesscunsolo
@wattpadbooks

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Summer Ever is a great summer YA read about the confusing and complicated transition from youth to adulthood after completing high school, when you're expected to 'have everything figured out.' Full of romance, fun, heartache, and tender moments, this book is perfect for readers who love relatable characters and dual POVs.

Jenna and Olivia are cousins who are high school graduates and are ready for the next chapter in their lives. Each is experiencing their own set of obstacles; Jenna feels like everyone is moving on and making adult moves while she is staying in place, and Olivia just found out her boyfriend of 5 years cheated on her. This is the last summer they can enjoy the 'carefree' life before adulting begins, and Jenna decides to throw one last hurrah at her family's lakeside cottage.

Jenna finds shocking comfort in her childhood rival, Hari, and Olivia lets her guard down with her ex's best friend, Dylan. It's surprising, charming, and angsty. I love the romance between each new couple/pair because it helps each cousin learn more about themselves. Jenna begins to realize that being in control of everything is simply impossible and to appreciate the journey rather than stress about the destination. Olivia's personal growth is astounding. So much of her life was wrapped up in her cheating ex, Alessio, and she finally gains that confidence in her judgement.

First time reading Jessica Cunsolo was a success. I enjoyed the likable, relatable, and engaging writing style. I admit that Dylan and Olivia were my favorites, but I appreciated the heart of Jenna's story so much because she went through so much in her young life. I look forward to reading more stories by Jessica Cunsolo!

[chels · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ The perfect YA summer read! ✨
Best Summer Ever is everything I want in a summer book. It’s fun and romantic but also filled with those bittersweet, heart-clenching moments that hit deep.

Jenna and Olivia’s story pulled me in right away. I loved how real and relatable both girls felt. I felt Jenna’s desperation to keep everything from changing, even though it already was, and the way she dealt with grief was so real and raw. I understood Olivia’s heartbreak and that feeling of being lost now that your 5 year relationship is over, and wondering how to start over and discover yourself. The drama pulled me in right away, and even the side characters had me laughing (Fletcher and Martina especially!).

The banter was *chefs kiss*. Hari and Jenna together had me laughing and squealing. And (no spoilers) the relationship Olivia forms is so swoon worthy! The things he does for Olivia made me love him 10000x more than I already did from his appearance in the first spin-off Best Vacation Ever. I knew he would be the perfect book boyfriend, and he does not disappoint 😍

And the tropes? Perfection.

❤️ Forced proximity
🔥 Childhood rivals
🛏️ Only one bed
👀 Ex’s best friend
😈 Hate to love
✨ It’s always been you

I love that it’s a quick and easy read and it’s written in a way that’s accessible and makes you forget that you’re even reading. It’s perfect for teens or people who love and appreciate YA and engaging stories. It’s fun, heartfelt, and the perfect mix of romance, friendship, and the chaos of growing up. The day flew by while I was reading and yet I didn’t want it to end!

Thank you netgalley for the ARC.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Best Summer Ever by Jessica Cunsolo @jessicacunsolo from @wattpadbooks and here are my thoughts.


Jenna is feeling stagnant. Everyone is making changes and she feels like she is being left behind. She decides to throw a party at her family’s lake house… The kind of party for the ages. Her cousin Olivia has her own burdens to bear but this summer will change everything for the both of them.

LOVED LOVED LOVED the dual POV of the cousins Jenna and Olivia. It was done with real skill because I detest multiple POV normally but this worked really well. College is the next big adventure for them both and having that last hurrah is what they both need.

It was a really easy read and I needed that kind of book in my life. The pace was a bit slow for my tastes but sometimes you need to slow down and smell the roses so I enjoyed the book for that.

I do love a good YA but this one had a lot of drinking in it so that is a TW for anyone who is sensitive to drinking. It comes up a lot. I loved Jenna and what she was going on with her dad. It felt real..

I loved the book more than I thought I would because summer reads aren’t normally my thing but I felt really drawn to this book and got sucked right in.

Read this if you like

Forced proximity
Childhood rivals
One bed
Exe’s best friend… teeheehee

4 stars

Thank you to Jessica and Wattpad books for my gifted copy and my thoughts are my own! Out now!

#bestsummerever #jessicacunsolo #wattpadbooks #yaread #summerread #romanceread #romancereader #bookalorian #bookish #wattpad #bookinfluencer #literaryinfluencer #litdulterous #bookblog #bookishblogger

[Charli · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

the exploration of family./friendship in this book is what I liked the most! i relate to jenna on a spiritual level in the sense that change is very scary and that a summer escape before the start of college is what sounds like the most amazing way to cope with that. jenna is the perfect mix of sarcastic and adventurous, loyal but strong-willed.

on the other hand, Olivia didn't appeal to me as much, but she was a fun character to read about as well. However, I feel like her entire story was shadowed by not only her breakup with alessio but also with a certain someone else that gets involved.

however, once again with books like these, realism is sacrificed for the sake of plot. Olivia just got cheated on with her long term boyfriend -- she's not going to fall into another romance in just a week. Jenna just met her old childhood friend/nemesis -- she's not going to magically fall for him after just a week together after years of not seeing each other. if anything, the romance in this story felt forced. the friendship and family aspect of the story was already enough for me, and the romance just felt like a side add-on.

finally, while I enjoyed getting to know both jenna and olivia, the story is told from a dual pov, which takes away from the depth we get from each character. i feel that if the story had instead been told from one pov, it would've been easier to connect with the characters and the plotline.

overall, not a bad read! definitely a cozy summer read meant for summer days at the beach or on vacation!

thanks to netgalley for the arc!

[Brittany Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Wattpad Books & Jessica Cunsolo for this ARC of Best Summer Ever 💌

When it comes to summer romance books, I gravitate toward feel-good, drama-filled YA romcoms that hit like your favorite coming-of-age TV shows. 😏 If you loved The Summer I Turned Pretty or To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, this one reads like the perfect blend of both. It's the ultimate beach read to start your summer. 🎥🍿

🛶 What I loved:
Everything. I want my YA romance novels to have drama, emotional tension, and relatable characters, and this book totally delivered. It explores:
🩷 Cheating & trust
🩷 Outgrowing old friendships
🩷 Family dysfunction
🩷 Finding your voice
🩷 Healthy communication (!!!)

🛶 Expect:
💥 Relationship drama
🎓 College-bound coming-of-age
🗪 Dual POV
👯 Strong female friendships
☀️ Small-town summer setting
🔥 Steam: kissing only

🛶 How was the romance?
Two arcs: one centers on childhood love & self-discovery, the other on emotional intimacy & breaking down walls. Both were sweet, heartfelt, and hit all the right notes for a YA love story. 🥰

🛶 Do I recommend it?
Absolutely. If you’re after a low-spice summer romance that still brings the tension, banter, and emotional pull, Best Summer Ever is a must. 🥹😍

🛶 Perfect for fans of:
📚 Jenny Han
📚 Kasie West
📚 Sarah Dessen

🛶 Mood: ✨ Nostalgic | 🏖️ Coastal summer | 👯‍♀️ Girlhood

🛶 Read if you like:
👙 Small-town beach reads
💗 YA friendship
😎 Coming-of-age summer stories
🎬 Books that feel like Love & Gelato or The Summer I Turned Pretty

[Katie | niftyreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) Thanks, Wattpad Books, for the book!

Reading BEST SUMMER EVER by Jessica Cunsolo is totally a #SummerVibes book. It brought back memories of vacationing at summer houses with my friends and having house parties - although we were not cool enough to have mansions and a cleaning crew! I even got feels of TSITP as I read.

Cunsolo's writing makes me want to be part of the story and friends with her characters. I loved the WITH ME series, and I’m loving this standalone yet interconnected series of BEST VACATION EVER and BEST SUMMER EVER.

I like how it’s a found family of friends - good friends - the kind that you can choose to be in your life and have your back. Many fun party moments made me laugh, but the best parts were the friend moments, especially the unexpected ones.

The two FMCs, cousins Jenna and Olivia, were both at the lake house, but dealing with separate major issues. My favorite storyline between the two is Jenna’s. I liked it a little more because I had a soft spot for Hari and his British accent. An author can’t name a character that and make them British and not expect me to have him as my favorite 😏⁣

BEST SUMMER EVER is a summer read that will entertain you as you lounge by the pool or lake to keep cool!

#BestSummerEver #JessicaCunsolo #WattpadBooks #BookReview

Content Warnings: death of a parent (off-page), grief, infidelity, gaslighting

[Mireille (readingwithmrleo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a perfect little summer read!

I honestly loved the whole summer vibe in this one! It paired perfectly with what was going on, with not wanting things to change, being brought back to old memories, and trying to just enjoy life and have a great time.

I liked both our main characters, and they really grew on me quickly with what they were going through. The dual POV brought some overlaps that were super interesting and I enjoyed getting two love stories. You get the enemies to lovers vibes on one side and the friends to lovers on the other, which is a perfect mix, different enough to make both stories interesting.

Jenna came out a bit as a brat... but at the same time, her father was so bad, it kind of made sense she would act this way. I particularly enjoyed how Hari always appeared in the worst possible moment. They had great banter and the way he was trying to get her to talk and open up was my favourite thing.

Olivia on the other side was the sweetest thing. She had such a great evolution with the help of the people around her. It was great to see her find herself and realize she was worth something. The relationship with Dylan was sweet, and I did enjoy seeing them realize their feelings.

I was so craving big character growth and even though this story was all in a very short span of time, it did not disappoint and still made sense. It was honestly such a fun one.

Thanks to Wattpad for the book. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Summer Ever is a fun, light and easy YA read that just helped me slow down the pace. It isn't a fast paced read, it's one that you take more time with and it was something I didn't know I needed right now. Even though it's fun, there are some emotional subjects at hand that are discussed and explored. I thought it had a great balance. I adored how Jessica did the 2 POV’s between the cousins, you really get 2 journeys and love stories. The realness of the characters, the emotions and reactions felt very accurate to real life which really made me feel for them even more.

Jenna & Olivia are 2 very different FMC’s, distinct personalities and ways of being. I loved how they both experienced so much growth throughout the novel, how they both became vulnerable and opened their heart to the right person. I truly feel that the character development in this book is the absolute highlight of it. It is very character driven which usually deters my enjoyment, but Cunsolo managed to hook me to the characters and the story.

Overall, this is a nice YA summer delight that is perfect for the pool or the beach. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more from this author.

✨ ️ Thank you to @wattpadbooks & @jessicacunsolo for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC was provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity!

Jessica Cunsolo has done it again! My 22-year-old self was not reading this my 16-year-old self was. We follow two cousins who are soon to be going off to college. Both of them are going through major life changes and are trying to navigate their relationships through the shift. This book took me through all the frustration and nostalgia and grief I had in my teen years as everything changed around me. The only issues I had throughout the whole thing was that the slow pacing almost lulled the story to a stop which made this a much longer read for me than I am used to with Jessica's books. I also found trouble with just how many characters there were. It almost became confusing to follow based on how many names and people we focus on through the story. All that aside, this story was a really refreshing YA teen fiction that focused on friendship and coming of age instead of solely focusing on the boys in the story as romantic interests. What a refreshing summer teen book that is reminiscent of the YA books of my childhood.

[Nicole Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It started a bit slow where I didn’t care for the characters but as they went I found part of myself relating to both.

I feel Jenna was really misunderstood as she internalized a lot of her trauma. One thing I didn’t care for was how her dad still didn’t fully accept that he had been neglecting her for years but only accepted that it seemed like he was abandoning her now. But it did seem on track for his character to not really realize that he hadn’t been good and it was on track for Jenna who was just finding her voice in telling others how she really feels.

I feel like a bit of Olivia is in all of us young girls who date someone with a big personality at a young age. She found her voice and stood up for herself which takes all of us a lot longer than 18 to realize.

Jessica really found a strong voice that will show young readers that it is ok to express your feelings and that you as a person have worth.

I loved this story and felt the emotional rollercoaster with the characters

[Lisa Roppel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new must read author! This is my first Jessica Cunsolo book and it will not be my last!
This is the perfect novel to read this summer! I had the privilege of getting to devour this novel while on a weekend in Muskoka (which is the setting of this book). The story is told as a dual narration by the two FMC which adds different perspectives to the same events. There is great character development and plot twists and turns that keep the story interesting.

Best Summer Ever is considered YA but I think that it would appeal to a wider audience as there is much more depth to the story then I would normally expect from a typical YA read.

Thank you Net Galley, Jessica Cunsolo, Wattpad and Webtoon Book Group for the opportunity to preview this title. The opinions shared are my own.
Best Summer Ever is expected to be released June 10, 2025 and needs to be put at the top of your summer TBR!!

[Mariana Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best Summer Ever gave all the summery vibes! Not only is the cover art amazing, but it’s a great coming of age story mixed with some romance. Although I enjoyed my time reading this book, I felt like the pacing was a bit off. I was intrigued in the beginning but felt like the story was a bit slow in the middle and then it picked back up again in the end. Our two main characters are cousins Jenna and Olivia and we follow both of their romantic interests. I definitely preferred Olivia’s story and chapters more than Jenna’s and overall found her a much more likable character. I think this book was a bit predictable and cliche at times which is typically not my favorite. The writing also fell a bit flat for me since I found it to be very matter of fact and repetitive. Regardless, this was a fun read if you’re looking for a quick summer story! A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Best Summer Ever" is a fantastic YA novel that explores the transition from high school to college, focusing on friendships, romantic love, and the anxieties that accompany such changes. Filled with summer fun and romance, it is a heartwarming read, featuring delightful banter and complex characters. I loved the vivid scenery and engaging storylines, and I found the conflicts to be realistic and well-crafted.

The book is told from two perspectives, each facing their own unique struggles and both internal and external conflicts. Unlike many other novels, I enjoyed both perspectives so much that I can't even choose a favorite. The same goes for the romance and the main characters; I had no preference between them, as I loved them all wholeheartedly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Thank you to Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of Best Summer Ever to read and enjoy.

I enjoyed this book, I like that we had dual POVs of Jenna and Olivia, cousins who are graduating and I liked that it was a cute and easy read. I couldn’t really relate to Jenna because I’m not rich ahhaha. I didn’t plan awesome parties all the time. But I did feel bad for her for feeling alone. I’m glad her and her dad figured out what they needed at the end. I didn’t enjoy Olivia a bit more, she seemed more relatable or at least to me. I enjoyed that she also got her happy ending and learned her worth and that other people loved her for who she was and she could be herself around them.
The overall story was a cute coming of age with for the most part realistic things that teenagers may have to deal with.
I would recommend this to the YA or NA crowd.