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Always Been You #1
The Summer We Found Us
Could one summer at the lake house change everything?
Elijah Thorne
Tobias was my best friend. My everything. We swore nothing would break us.
Then high school started, and he shattered that promise—trading me for a perfect image and people who never really mattered.
After a traumatic event tore apart what little bond we had left, I did the only thing I could—I ran. Left our small town for school, desperate to erase Tobias and the feelings I never wanted to name.
But now I’m back for the summer. And he’s still here. Still tangled in everything I tried to leave behind. Still breathtaking. Still impossible to ignore.
Tobias Voss
Elijah doesn’t get it. Maybe he never will.
He doesn’t know the truths I’ve had to bury. The secrets I’ve had to keep. He doesn’t understand that I never wanted to hurt him. How he’s always been the most important person to me. That I’ve never stopped—
No. I can’t go there.
But summer came too fast, and the longer we’re stuck in this lake house, the harder it is to keep pretending.
Pretending that we were the problem when, in reality, it was everything else.
Maybe this summer is our last chance to get it right.
The Summer We Found Us is a mature, college/new adult, childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers MM romance with dark themes. There will be triggering content for some readers. If you have triggers—any at all—please proceed with caution. This book is intended for readers 18+. It is Book 1 in a duet and has a guaranteed HFN/HEA, with the second book releasing this fall.
Elijah Thorne
Tobias was my best friend. My everything. We swore nothing would break us.
Then high school started, and he shattered that promise—trading me for a perfect image and people who never really mattered.
After a traumatic event tore apart what little bond we had left, I did the only thing I could—I ran. Left our small town for school, desperate to erase Tobias and the feelings I never wanted to name.
But now I’m back for the summer. And he’s still here. Still tangled in everything I tried to leave behind. Still breathtaking. Still impossible to ignore.
Tobias Voss
Elijah doesn’t get it. Maybe he never will.
He doesn’t know the truths I’ve had to bury. The secrets I’ve had to keep. He doesn’t understand that I never wanted to hurt him. How he’s always been the most important person to me. That I’ve never stopped—
No. I can’t go there.
But summer came too fast, and the longer we’re stuck in this lake house, the harder it is to keep pretending.
Pretending that we were the problem when, in reality, it was everything else.
Maybe this summer is our last chance to get it right.
The Summer We Found Us is a mature, college/new adult, childhood best friends-to-enemies-to-lovers MM romance with dark themes. There will be triggering content for some readers. If you have triggers—any at all—please proceed with caution. This book is intended for readers 18+. It is Book 1 in a duet and has a guaranteed HFN/HEA, with the second book releasing this fall.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
323 people are currently reading
2201 people want to read
About the author
Ella Kit
5 books209 followersElla Kit is a writer of LGBTQA+ romance novels who loves giggling and kicking her feet over charming characters, crying happy tears over love declarations, and celebrating those hard-earned happily-ever-afters.
Through her stories, she brings to life heartfelt romances that dive deep into love, growth, and self-discovery.
When Ella isn’t writing, you can find her reading, exploring new adventures, and chatting with readers who adore sweet love stories as much as she does.
Through her stories, she brings to life heartfelt romances that dive deep into love, growth, and self-discovery.
When Ella isn’t writing, you can find her reading, exploring new adventures, and chatting with readers who adore sweet love stories as much as she does.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
October 17, 2025
This was cute, but it felt like a long book. I mean, it’s 367 pages, but it dragged so much. The idea of the plot was good, I loved the tropes, and I know this book has some emotionally heavy moments, but the writing took me out of them, and I couldn’t fully feel the emotions as deeply as I was meant to.
It was the same with the spice and the romantic moments between Tobias and Elijah. I know their relationship was sweet and cute, but everything they said felt so freaking cliché that I didn’t really feel their connection. I don’t even know how to explain it, it just didn’t feel deep to me. I didn’t have those “aww” moments that melt your heart, and with how their story was written, I know it was supposed to make me feel that way, so I’m sad that it didn’t.
That doesn’t mean I hated it, because I did enjoy reading it, and I liked both Elijah and Tobias. Their friendship was strong, and there was so much tension between them. When they “hated” each other—well, more like when Elijah hated Tobias—that tension was even better. I loved how they reconnected and rebuilt their friendship while falling in love. For me, though, Jude’s relationship with both of them was one of the best parts of this book. The way he accepted and cared for Tobias as if he were his own son was beautiful. Jude was such an amazing father, I don’t even want to talk about Tobias’s father, I just hate that he’s still around.
To be honest, I don’t think this book should’ve been a duet. With this first one, I already felt like it dragged, and even though it ended with a cliffhanger, I wish it had just wrapped up. It’s not the greatest book, but it was still really sweet and had its good moments, along with some that I think shouldn’t have been there. The writing might just not be my style, but that’s okay. I’m still going to read the second book because I need to know how their story ends.
It was the same with the spice and the romantic moments between Tobias and Elijah. I know their relationship was sweet and cute, but everything they said felt so freaking cliché that I didn’t really feel their connection. I don’t even know how to explain it, it just didn’t feel deep to me. I didn’t have those “aww” moments that melt your heart, and with how their story was written, I know it was supposed to make me feel that way, so I’m sad that it didn’t.
That doesn’t mean I hated it, because I did enjoy reading it, and I liked both Elijah and Tobias. Their friendship was strong, and there was so much tension between them. When they “hated” each other—well, more like when Elijah hated Tobias—that tension was even better. I loved how they reconnected and rebuilt their friendship while falling in love. For me, though, Jude’s relationship with both of them was one of the best parts of this book. The way he accepted and cared for Tobias as if he were his own son was beautiful. Jude was such an amazing father, I don’t even want to talk about Tobias’s father, I just hate that he’s still around.
To be honest, I don’t think this book should’ve been a duet. With this first one, I already felt like it dragged, and even though it ended with a cliffhanger, I wish it had just wrapped up. It’s not the greatest book, but it was still really sweet and had its good moments, along with some that I think shouldn’t have been there. The writing might just not be my style, but that’s okay. I’m still going to read the second book because I need to know how their story ends.
May 12, 2025
Kind of obvious that it was written by a strait woman. The whip lash between traumatic events and spicy stuff got repetitive and tiering. Not my cup of tea.
February 18, 2025
ARC Review - I must say that i didnt expected to be this good, i had to put it down a few times because my heart was breaking and i wanted to cry:))). The love between Elijah and Tobias was so beautiful,it broke my heart at the beginning at the book but when they let it go and loved each other was everything, if i could i would give 10 ⭐️
April 18, 2025
Dnf 30%. The writing was terrible, repetitive and dull. The mixture of present and past tense in the same sentence/paragraph made it feel like a first draft. All of these issues distracted from the story so much. Did my head in.
Did Not Finish
April 1, 2026DNF @ 49%. Every character is annoying as fuck. A mess.
April 1, 2025
ARC Review
This book honestly had a bit of everything. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. Found family. Break your heart and put it back together. And so much more
We begin with young MCs making promises to being together for life and then WAM BAM they hate each other
MC1 has so much to wave through and life for but it’s just so hard for him to life
MC2 is at uni being the best son to the best Dad to ever live
An amazing read from top to bottom. The feels, the drama, the MC, the characters, the spice, it just had everything and it was so so so good. I’ve never said this about a book but I wish it was longer so I could have more MC love I miss them already ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This story is just so well written from the feelings to the spice - in my opinion when the MC first bottomed for the first time EVER we read his feelings from the shyness of cleaning to the awkwardness to the pain to the good part - this for me was so well done I was amazed at how well the author did it
The story telling was so so so beautifully done I just couldn’t put the book down (I started reading at 5pm and finished at 3am) the plot, the drama, the side characters, the MCs, everything so just well done I still have goosebumps from the book
The spice is so well done; the MC are young adults so they are leaning what they like in bed and it’s done it a good way nothing forced and you get to see how they try new things and experiment on some “kinks”
Honestly this book, I came to it blind with no summary, no tropes, no clue what it was about to read and I was so surprised to what I read. One of my top reads in a very long time
I can’t wait for the author the write more. She is wonderful and represents her MCs amazing you actually feel them and live through them
This book honestly had a bit of everything. Friends to Enemies to Lovers. Found family. Break your heart and put it back together. And so much more
We begin with young MCs making promises to being together for life and then WAM BAM they hate each other
MC1 has so much to wave through and life for but it’s just so hard for him to life
MC2 is at uni being the best son to the best Dad to ever live
An amazing read from top to bottom. The feels, the drama, the MC, the characters, the spice, it just had everything and it was so so so good. I’ve never said this about a book but I wish it was longer so I could have more MC love I miss them already ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
This story is just so well written from the feelings to the spice - in my opinion when the MC first bottomed for the first time EVER we read his feelings from the shyness of cleaning to the awkwardness to the pain to the good part - this for me was so well done I was amazed at how well the author did it
The story telling was so so so beautifully done I just couldn’t put the book down (I started reading at 5pm and finished at 3am) the plot, the drama, the side characters, the MCs, everything so just well done I still have goosebumps from the book
The spice is so well done; the MC are young adults so they are leaning what they like in bed and it’s done it a good way nothing forced and you get to see how they try new things and experiment on some “kinks”
Honestly this book, I came to it blind with no summary, no tropes, no clue what it was about to read and I was so surprised to what I read. One of my top reads in a very long time
I can’t wait for the author the write more. She is wonderful and represents her MCs amazing you actually feel them and live through them
September 2, 2025
Character- 4.75/5
Plot- 4.5/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
What can I say, this book is emotional, spicy, fun and immensely gratifying to read. Ella Kit has constructed some very convincing characters, and made you fall in love with each and every one of them (except Tobias' dad who can rot in Hell).
So lets start first with the main vocal point of this book, and that's the two characters of Elliot and Tobias, childhood friends turned reluctant acquaintances. Elliot is a clever and artistic character who struggles with regulating his reactions to situations, often letting his emotions get the better of him. But he is deeply loyal and has a tremendous amount of love for the people he cares about in his life, and no shortage of sass. He feels very relatable and plays an important antagonistic role in the story initially, that adds some much needed depth to the relationship between him and Tobias.
Tobias, is my baby boy, and sweet summer child that has unfortunately been inflicted with one of literature's scummiest dads. Tobias is naturally kind, and often seeks affection and validation from those in his life. But he is fearful of his true self, which is a result of the abuse he's suffered at the hands of his father. But underneath the layers is someone seeking love and a paternal and romantic connection that he's been missing most of his life. Elijah fills that role for him, with Jude (greatest dad in the world) meeting those greatly neglected needs as well. His journey to self-confidence and discovery is wonderful to witness and is my second favourite part of this book.
My favourite part is how the theme of found family is depicted in this book, particularly through the character of Jude. Jude exhibits all the most positive aspects of masculinity, and has such an open heart and kind nature. He shows exactly what it takes to be a good father, and is a role model to any parent looking to emulate him. The love and dedication he shows towards his boys is deeply touching, and I loved his role in the story.
The plot sets up the perfect conditions to have a friend-enemies-lovers story unfold, with plenty of opportunities for high stakes angst, emotionally heart wrenching moments and steamy spice. The character growth is paced perfectly alongside the story, and you can't help but get engrossed. Truly this is a well thought out and executed story that does justice to the authors vision.
And on that note, this is a writer with an excellent eye for structure, who is able to balance nicely the needs of her characters with the needs of the story. She executes her themes in a way that is thorough and believable, and does justice to her ideas. This book is great, and a highly recommended story for me, Ella Kit, well done your book was fantastic.
Plot- 4.5/5
Pacing- 4.5/5
Entertainment- 5/5
Rating- 4.75/5
What can I say, this book is emotional, spicy, fun and immensely gratifying to read. Ella Kit has constructed some very convincing characters, and made you fall in love with each and every one of them (except Tobias' dad who can rot in Hell).
So lets start first with the main vocal point of this book, and that's the two characters of Elliot and Tobias, childhood friends turned reluctant acquaintances. Elliot is a clever and artistic character who struggles with regulating his reactions to situations, often letting his emotions get the better of him. But he is deeply loyal and has a tremendous amount of love for the people he cares about in his life, and no shortage of sass. He feels very relatable and plays an important antagonistic role in the story initially, that adds some much needed depth to the relationship between him and Tobias.
Tobias, is my baby boy, and sweet summer child that has unfortunately been inflicted with one of literature's scummiest dads. Tobias is naturally kind, and often seeks affection and validation from those in his life. But he is fearful of his true self, which is a result of the abuse he's suffered at the hands of his father. But underneath the layers is someone seeking love and a paternal and romantic connection that he's been missing most of his life. Elijah fills that role for him, with Jude (greatest dad in the world) meeting those greatly neglected needs as well. His journey to self-confidence and discovery is wonderful to witness and is my second favourite part of this book.
My favourite part is how the theme of found family is depicted in this book, particularly through the character of Jude. Jude exhibits all the most positive aspects of masculinity, and has such an open heart and kind nature. He shows exactly what it takes to be a good father, and is a role model to any parent looking to emulate him. The love and dedication he shows towards his boys is deeply touching, and I loved his role in the story.
The plot sets up the perfect conditions to have a friend-enemies-lovers story unfold, with plenty of opportunities for high stakes angst, emotionally heart wrenching moments and steamy spice. The character growth is paced perfectly alongside the story, and you can't help but get engrossed. Truly this is a well thought out and executed story that does justice to the authors vision.
And on that note, this is a writer with an excellent eye for structure, who is able to balance nicely the needs of her characters with the needs of the story. She executes her themes in a way that is thorough and believable, and does justice to her ideas. This book is great, and a highly recommended story for me, Ella Kit, well done your book was fantastic.
February 15, 2025
I got to read this before release and all I can say is WOW! This book gave me a whirl wind of emotions. Ella truly knows how to hit you in the feels. 😂❤️
April 22, 2026
2.5⭐️ forgot to update this last night.
this was cute i suppose and i defo wasn’t expecting the twist with the dad near the end. the writing style wasn’t my fave. it made the characters feel kinda childlike, like i was reading a wattpad book lol
this was cute i suppose and i defo wasn’t expecting the twist with the dad near the end. the writing style wasn’t my fave. it made the characters feel kinda childlike, like i was reading a wattpad book lol
March 10, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.6
Okay this book has all my favourite trope, friends to lovers, found family, childhood friends.
This book is okay for me. Like there were lot of moment I like . Some part was rushed.
Tobias and Elijah were childhood friends who get apart when the enter in senior school. All because of Tobias's dad(piece of shit).
When Elijah's dad brought Tobias to their home to help him to get away from his dad. The things between starting change.
They took this time to correct their miscommunication they have from the oast year. Elijah already left the town but comes to spend a vacation with his dad.
It was cute and sweet with full of summer vibes and supportive friendship and family.
As the story progress their friendship turned into something else.
They realized , what they've are more than friendships.
Everything was okay but not something exaggerate . I feel like their can be more characters development.
Plot was okay. In the beginning it was promising but in the mid it start diverted or feel like nothing happening.
Otherwise it was good.
For now they got HFN . It will duet . I am looking forward to second to see more growth.
I received ARC in exchange of honest review.
Okay this book has all my favourite trope, friends to lovers, found family, childhood friends.
This book is okay for me. Like there were lot of moment I like . Some part was rushed.
Tobias and Elijah were childhood friends who get apart when the enter in senior school. All because of Tobias's dad(piece of shit).
When Elijah's dad brought Tobias to their home to help him to get away from his dad. The things between starting change.
They took this time to correct their miscommunication they have from the oast year. Elijah already left the town but comes to spend a vacation with his dad.
It was cute and sweet with full of summer vibes and supportive friendship and family.
As the story progress their friendship turned into something else.
They realized , what they've are more than friendships.
Everything was okay but not something exaggerate . I feel like their can be more characters development.
Plot was okay. In the beginning it was promising but in the mid it start diverted or feel like nothing happening.
Otherwise it was good.
For now they got HFN . It will duet . I am looking forward to second to see more growth.
I received ARC in exchange of honest review.
July 18, 2025
Wouldn’t have read it if I knew it was a duet..I hate a cliffhanger
Was giving me Never Let Me Go (fave😩)vibes but 1/2 as good. I needed my heart torn out and stomped on and this storyline could have done it but it just didn’t follow through. I skimmed a lot bc it just wasn’t hitting as hard as I wanted it to. Felt very dramatized/movie ish and I don’t like that - the dialogue, gestures, wording. I also don’t even get why they had a falling out and “hated” each other either? It didn’t really seem like there was bad blood between them besides “growing apart” and Tobias starting to hang out with the “cool kids”… if his dad telling him to stay away was his reason it wasn’t emphasized and it should have been… we should have seen that play out.
Gwen and Jude were amazing tho ❤️ I really loved Gwen actually and I usually don’t like a lot of fmcs. And I love that her and the boys stuck together after Jude’s death. I wish elijah wasn’t so completely blind to the abuse that Tobias was going through both in childhood and when they were grown.. that’s just odd that he and his dad “didn’t know” and really Tobias never told them everything either
Was giving me Never Let Me Go (fave😩)vibes but 1/2 as good. I needed my heart torn out and stomped on and this storyline could have done it but it just didn’t follow through. I skimmed a lot bc it just wasn’t hitting as hard as I wanted it to. Felt very dramatized/movie ish and I don’t like that - the dialogue, gestures, wording. I also don’t even get why they had a falling out and “hated” each other either? It didn’t really seem like there was bad blood between them besides “growing apart” and Tobias starting to hang out with the “cool kids”… if his dad telling him to stay away was his reason it wasn’t emphasized and it should have been… we should have seen that play out.
Gwen and Jude were amazing tho ❤️ I really loved Gwen actually and I usually don’t like a lot of fmcs. And I love that her and the boys stuck together after Jude’s death. I wish elijah wasn’t so completely blind to the abuse that Tobias was going through both in childhood and when they were grown.. that’s just odd that he and his dad “didn’t know” and really Tobias never told them everything either
April 12, 2025
I dont know if I took too long breaks while reading this (usually these type of books I read in a day but this took 4 days to finish) but this wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. It had very good moments and I liked the main characters but it just felt out of place most of the time and at times their behaviour was a bit childlike. The events and plot just jumped weirdly. Also I was bored a lot which explains the 4 days it took to read this and in the end I just wanted to skim it -it just didnt give anything new at the end of the book. Also the death of Jude was odd as well, just out of nowhere he had cancer and just died. I dont even know what to write, almost feel like I forgot the plot already. However the relationship between Tobias and Elijah was cute and they were perfect for each other. Other than that this book didnt give me anything. Maybe I read it at wrong time who knows. Its hard to see how this can have a second book? Maybe I will give it a second chance then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2025
The storyline really interested me but I couldn’t get invested because the writing would start in past tense and switch to present tense mid sentence/paragraph. Needed a good edit because the duet intrigued me but I couldn’t read another book with the same format.
March 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable read, it felt fast paced and I just wanted to see what would happen next.
Elijah and Tobias were best friends growing up, and I felt like it was important for us to get to see their history before getting to the present time when they are back in each others orbits. Personally, I would have liked more time to elapse between the end of high school(when a traumatic event occurs that shatters what little bond they still had) and when they are at the lake house for a month. There was only a year between those two events and maybe it would have been better if there was more time between them. Elijah and Tobias' bond was so strong, that I don't doubt they would have found their way back to each other no matter the time. I enjoyed their journey of reconciliation and it was great to see them talk through their issues. It was also great to see Tobias feeling safe enough to open up about his past with his father. Elijah gave Tobias the unconditional love and acceptance that he never got, but desperately needed. Tobias made Elijah realize that he was also at fault for them drifting apart. Tobias also became Elijah's rock when unforseen events occurred and he was there to help Elijah through it all, take care of him and love him fiercely.
I know their love and bond was strong, but I didn't always see that. I would have enjoyed more pining between them.
There are still unanswered questions, and I'm excited to see those answered in the second book of this duet. Elijah and Tobias are still only 19/20 and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
Elijah and Tobias were best friends growing up, and I felt like it was important for us to get to see their history before getting to the present time when they are back in each others orbits. Personally, I would have liked more time to elapse between the end of high school(when a traumatic event occurs that shatters what little bond they still had) and when they are at the lake house for a month. There was only a year between those two events and maybe it would have been better if there was more time between them. Elijah and Tobias' bond was so strong, that I don't doubt they would have found their way back to each other no matter the time. I enjoyed their journey of reconciliation and it was great to see them talk through their issues. It was also great to see Tobias feeling safe enough to open up about his past with his father. Elijah gave Tobias the unconditional love and acceptance that he never got, but desperately needed. Tobias made Elijah realize that he was also at fault for them drifting apart. Tobias also became Elijah's rock when unforseen events occurred and he was there to help Elijah through it all, take care of him and love him fiercely.
I know their love and bond was strong, but I didn't always see that. I would have enjoyed more pining between them.
There are still unanswered questions, and I'm excited to see those answered in the second book of this duet. Elijah and Tobias are still only 19/20 and I'm excited to see what the future holds for them.
February 4, 2026
THE SUMMER WE FOUND US
OH. MY. GOD. THIS BOOK. THESE BOYS. ELLA YOU BROKE ME. 💔 The heartache. The tears. Tobias and Elijah's story is beautiful. I fell in love with these two over and over. 🥺 They have so many perfect moments & overcome so much 🥹
𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘺. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.
I also love Jude. He is the most perfect father ever 😭😭
𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦. 𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 - 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘯 - 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴. 𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.
I read this book in under 24 hours and can not recommend it enough!!
I am so glad these two got their happy for now ending - I fear I am not ready for book two in their story 🥺
OH. MY. GOD. THIS BOOK. THESE BOYS. ELLA YOU BROKE ME. 💔 The heartache. The tears. Tobias and Elijah's story is beautiful. I fell in love with these two over and over. 🥺 They have so many perfect moments & overcome so much 🥹
𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘪𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘥𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦. 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘺. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦.
I also love Jude. He is the most perfect father ever 😭😭
𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘴, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦. 𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘯 - 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘯 - 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭. 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘐’𝘮 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴. 𝘏𝘦’𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴.
I read this book in under 24 hours and can not recommend it enough!!
I am so glad these two got their happy for now ending - I fear I am not ready for book two in their story 🥺
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
3.5⭐️
I held off on writing my review until I finished the duet. While I really loved the story and connected with the characters, I found that, at times, the writing felt a bit strange and didn’t always flow as well as I’d hoped.
That said, I really appreciated the realism of the characters and the way they were faced with very real issues while still finding each other in the mess of their lives. I especially enjoyed how the situations presented to Elijah and Tobias were handled it felt grounded and believable.
Watching them navigate the world with so much on their shoulders at just 20 years old added an extra layer of depth. I found both MMCs well executed, and they definitely kept me invested enough to move straight into the next book.
I held off on writing my review until I finished the duet. While I really loved the story and connected with the characters, I found that, at times, the writing felt a bit strange and didn’t always flow as well as I’d hoped.
That said, I really appreciated the realism of the characters and the way they were faced with very real issues while still finding each other in the mess of their lives. I especially enjoyed how the situations presented to Elijah and Tobias were handled it felt grounded and believable.
Watching them navigate the world with so much on their shoulders at just 20 years old added an extra layer of depth. I found both MMCs well executed, and they definitely kept me invested enough to move straight into the next book.
January 30, 2026
I’m not going to lie. I DNF’ed this book at 30%. I’ve read other books by this author and liked them but this one was a hard read. Not enough backstory, Elijah was petulant and whiny. Both the characters seemed stunted and immature and the timeline was hard to follow. One minute they were slapping each other around and next they were hooking up? Idk I couldn’t get into it. It would have been a really good book if it were drafted and edited a bit better though. Like so much potential I’m quite sad I didn’t like it :/
March 30, 2026
⭐️5
This is such a heavy but lovely book.
Next to the very sweet (and very hot) romance, both the boys have heavy situations to deal with, which are written in such a beautiful way. It actually hurt to read how both boys are treated by life, but it was beautiful to see that in the end they both had each other to get through everything.
I could literally not stop reading.
Ready to read the sequel🤭
This is such a heavy but lovely book.
Next to the very sweet (and very hot) romance, both the boys have heavy situations to deal with, which are written in such a beautiful way. It actually hurt to read how both boys are treated by life, but it was beautiful to see that in the end they both had each other to get through everything.
I could literally not stop reading.
Ready to read the sequel🤭
March 22, 2026
Mam mieszane uczucia.
Z jednej strony wzruszająca i piękna historia o przyjaźni, miłości i pomocy.
Z drugiej troszeczkę niedopracowana. Duża wątków, zwłaszcza tych poważnych zostało trochę zepchniętych na drugi plan i zapomnianych :(
Z jednej strony wzruszająca i piękna historia o przyjaźni, miłości i pomocy.
Z drugiej troszeczkę niedopracowana. Duża wątków, zwłaszcza tych poważnych zostało trochę zepchniętych na drugi plan i zapomnianych :(
April 16, 2026
Listen.. they were cute okay I sobbed like a baby because of the first half, but.. the other half kinda ruined it for me like there were too many plot lines because someone tell me when they were finally happy Jude just died out of nowhere guys.. 😭😭
May 8, 2025
I cried in public reading this book.
I absolutely loved it so much and will be reading anything and everything by Ella in the future!
I absolutely loved it so much and will be reading anything and everything by Ella in the future!
August 16, 2025
DNF at 60% wayyyy too cliche!!! lost me as soon as they got together 🥱🥱
May 1, 2026
DNF’d at 64%. Truly a disappointment. I really, REALLY tried to push through this one but the writing was just awful.
Did Not Finish
May 7, 2026dnf 64%
a cute story but i didn't feel anything - not my writing style
a cute story but i didn't feel anything - not my writing style
March 26, 2026
3.5
got bored by the end.
A LOT of typos too. It drives me crazy.
got bored by the end.
A LOT of typos too. It drives me crazy.
March 23, 2026
This book had everything you could want in a romance. The writing is very accessible and easy-to-read while still full of detail and nuance. I especially enjoyed the author’s writing style and the connection between the characters, which felt genuine and made the story even more engaging.
March 14, 2026
One of the best books I’ve ever read, I loved every second. Thank you Ella we love you
Read
August 25, 20255 stars
From the get, I had a feeling I knew how this would go, I knew what to expect, and I got it—But I did not expect it to be this good. This story proves that you could take the most basic premise and still find a way to shock people. The things that happen in this book I could not see coming—the "prank" scene is one of them. Jude Thorne's ending, another. Tobias and Elijah had such a gripping love story that I rooted for pretty fast, but theyre also just really good characters and I didnt mind just hanging out with them in slower parts. The slower parts ended up being some of my favorite scenes. I'll save the rest for spoilers but if you were thinking of reading this, READ IT. You won't be disappointed.
Spoilers
I need to talk about that Dad. Jude Thorne. Oh my god. I never loved a fictional dad so much. And his "ending"?
My jaw dropped. I kept wondering, is the author really gonna do this? And they did! I was so pissed! I actually had to put it down a couple times because I kept tearing up. I had no idea why they would do that to such an amazing kind character. Then I read the acknowledgements. It all made sense. I respect it, and I understand.
Elijah and Tobias were very lovable, as was Gwen. I loved that the story felt very cozy and familiar so quickly in the beginning. It just felt like we were in for a good ride after that prelude chapter with the boys as kids before they got older.
As for the steam, the cøme as lübe, hot. Hot af. And yeah, I love that Elijah was the primary bottom.
I said it.
I have mixed feelings about the prank scene to be honest, it was shocking, and a good catalyst story-wise, but i felt like there should have been more consequence. They showed p*rn on school grounds. It's also revenge p*rn. That is illegal and treated much more seriously than general p*rn exposure. Surely there could have been more significant consequences. I know its acknowledged again at the end, but still. Rubbed me the wrong way. It is a little unsatisfying seeing the villains get off relatively unscathed, and then my good man Jude just drops dead.
I guess thats to show how life is unfair but my god, this book was so bleak at times.
I didnt know a sequel was coming until I found out scrolling on tiktok, and i was more than halfway done with the book. I will be reading, definitely, and hopefully the antagonists get the earned karma they deserve, because why oh why is Tobias' father still alive and Jude is dead.
That physically hurts me.
10/10
5/5 ⭐️'s
From the get, I had a feeling I knew how this would go, I knew what to expect, and I got it—But I did not expect it to be this good. This story proves that you could take the most basic premise and still find a way to shock people. The things that happen in this book I could not see coming—the "prank" scene is one of them. Jude Thorne's ending, another. Tobias and Elijah had such a gripping love story that I rooted for pretty fast, but theyre also just really good characters and I didnt mind just hanging out with them in slower parts. The slower parts ended up being some of my favorite scenes. I'll save the rest for spoilers but if you were thinking of reading this, READ IT. You won't be disappointed.
Spoilers
I need to talk about that Dad. Jude Thorne. Oh my god. I never loved a fictional dad so much. And his "ending"?
My jaw dropped. I kept wondering, is the author really gonna do this? And they did! I was so pissed! I actually had to put it down a couple times because I kept tearing up. I had no idea why they would do that to such an amazing kind character. Then I read the acknowledgements. It all made sense. I respect it, and I understand.
Elijah and Tobias were very lovable, as was Gwen. I loved that the story felt very cozy and familiar so quickly in the beginning. It just felt like we were in for a good ride after that prelude chapter with the boys as kids before they got older.
As for the steam, the cøme as lübe, hot. Hot af. And yeah, I love that Elijah was the primary bottom.
I said it.
I have mixed feelings about the prank scene to be honest, it was shocking, and a good catalyst story-wise, but i felt like there should have been more consequence. They showed p*rn on school grounds. It's also revenge p*rn. That is illegal and treated much more seriously than general p*rn exposure. Surely there could have been more significant consequences. I know its acknowledged again at the end, but still. Rubbed me the wrong way. It is a little unsatisfying seeing the villains get off relatively unscathed, and then my good man Jude just drops dead.
I guess thats to show how life is unfair but my god, this book was so bleak at times.
I didnt know a sequel was coming until I found out scrolling on tiktok, and i was more than halfway done with the book. I will be reading, definitely, and hopefully the antagonists get the earned karma they deserve, because why oh why is Tobias' father still alive and Jude is dead.
That physically hurts me.
10/10
5/5 ⭐️'s
March 31, 2025
My ARC review of The Summer We Found Us by @ellakitauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Overall Rating
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice Rating
This book is a MM romance book.
The Summer We Found Us is the debut novel by Ella Kit. I enjoyed this book very much. Tobias Voss & Elijah Thorne pulled on my heart strings. The chemistry between them was very enthralling to read. The evolution of their relationship from childhood friends to eniemes, then to lovers, was well done.
The spicy scenes were also well done. I felt the heat between Tobias and Elijah. I also felt the emotional connection between them too.
Ella did a beautiful job of breaking them up as friends in school to bring them back together after graduation. One summer really did bring these soulmates back together. Tobias, Jude, and Gwen with Elijah were a great found family dynamic. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes.
The Summer We Found Us does have a little bit of everything. Tropes featured in the book are romance, friendship, second chances, hurt/comfort, found family, and more.
Favorite Character :Tobias Voss
Quote: “I can start.” He said, cutting into the cheese. “I think it’s safe to say that I like you…like, a lot.” He sliced off another slice. “I like you too… a lot.” I smiled, buttering the bread.
This book does have some trigger warnings such as suicide (thoughts/attempts), child abuse, and cancer.
I recommend this book MM romance readers. I got ARC of The We Found Us. This is my honest review. The Summer We Found Us is coming out on April 1st.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Overall Rating
🌶🌶🌶🌶 Spice Rating
This book is a MM romance book.
The Summer We Found Us is the debut novel by Ella Kit. I enjoyed this book very much. Tobias Voss & Elijah Thorne pulled on my heart strings. The chemistry between them was very enthralling to read. The evolution of their relationship from childhood friends to eniemes, then to lovers, was well done.
The spicy scenes were also well done. I felt the heat between Tobias and Elijah. I also felt the emotional connection between them too.
Ella did a beautiful job of breaking them up as friends in school to bring them back together after graduation. One summer really did bring these soulmates back together. Tobias, Jude, and Gwen with Elijah were a great found family dynamic. Found Family is one of my favorite tropes.
The Summer We Found Us does have a little bit of everything. Tropes featured in the book are romance, friendship, second chances, hurt/comfort, found family, and more.
Favorite Character :Tobias Voss
Quote: “I can start.” He said, cutting into the cheese. “I think it’s safe to say that I like you…like, a lot.” He sliced off another slice. “I like you too… a lot.” I smiled, buttering the bread.
This book does have some trigger warnings such as suicide (thoughts/attempts), child abuse, and cancer.
I recommend this book MM romance readers. I got ARC of The We Found Us. This is my honest review. The Summer We Found Us is coming out on April 1st.
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