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Seasons of love #3
It Happened One Summer
Darshini Mirza, the girl next door, his best friend's twin sister, and completely off-limits.
Dante Verratti first saw Darshini when they were five. Even then, she stood out to him in ways he couldn’t explain. But he could never pursue her, not when he became best friends with Ibrahim, her brother, and especially not when her family considered him one of their own.
Fifteen summers later, everything changed. With Ibrahim abroad and Darshini’s parents out of state, it was just them–alone for the first time ever. They kept each other’s company–shared books, late-night swims and long drives with nowhere in mind, letting the days pass.
But somewhere between the stolen glances and lingering touches, Dante started seeing Darshini in ways he shouldn’t, his suppressed feelings threatened to rise, and he struggled to push them away. Giving into his feelings was a betrayal he couldn’t afford. Ibrahim meant too much to the both of them, more than a forbidden romance.
Or so Dante thought... until one summer night when it finally happened. Their first kiss. The kiss that crossed the line he swore he never would.
With so much at stake, they must decide: was risking it all for one taste of the forbidden worth it, or would they walk away before it was too late?
Dante Verratti first saw Darshini when they were five. Even then, she stood out to him in ways he couldn’t explain. But he could never pursue her, not when he became best friends with Ibrahim, her brother, and especially not when her family considered him one of their own.
Fifteen summers later, everything changed. With Ibrahim abroad and Darshini’s parents out of state, it was just them–alone for the first time ever. They kept each other’s company–shared books, late-night swims and long drives with nowhere in mind, letting the days pass.
But somewhere between the stolen glances and lingering touches, Dante started seeing Darshini in ways he shouldn’t, his suppressed feelings threatened to rise, and he struggled to push them away. Giving into his feelings was a betrayal he couldn’t afford. Ibrahim meant too much to the both of them, more than a forbidden romance.
Or so Dante thought... until one summer night when it finally happened. Their first kiss. The kiss that crossed the line he swore he never would.
With so much at stake, they must decide: was risking it all for one taste of the forbidden worth it, or would they walk away before it was too late?
313 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2025
5 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 2, 2025
It Happened One Summer turned out to be such a fun and heartfelt read!
Perfect if you like:
♡ Childhood friends to lovers
♡ Brother's best friend
♡ Bookish FMC & MMC
The beginning was a bit slow, but I actually didn’t mind it since the slow pace gave room for Dante and Darshini’s friendship to build naturally. Their shift into something more felt real, and once the tension picked up, the romance delivered. It was way spicier than I expected, in the best way!
One thing I really appreciated was how the cultural elements were woven into the story. It wasn’t forced or surface-level. It felt personal, and there were moments that genuinely felt relatable! I loved learning little things through Darshini’s character, and it gave the book a lot of heart!
Darshini is such a likable lead, and Dante was the ultimate green flag! He’s muscular, sweet, tattooed, and just the right amount of protective. Their banter had me smiling, and the chemistry between them was on point!!
This book had the perfect mix of humor, emotion, and steam. It’s a feel-good romance with depth, and it left me wanting more. If you’re into friends-to-lovers stories that make you smile and swoon, definitely give this one a shot!
Perfect if you like:
♡ Childhood friends to lovers
♡ Brother's best friend
♡ Bookish FMC & MMC
The beginning was a bit slow, but I actually didn’t mind it since the slow pace gave room for Dante and Darshini’s friendship to build naturally. Their shift into something more felt real, and once the tension picked up, the romance delivered. It was way spicier than I expected, in the best way!
One thing I really appreciated was how the cultural elements were woven into the story. It wasn’t forced or surface-level. It felt personal, and there were moments that genuinely felt relatable! I loved learning little things through Darshini’s character, and it gave the book a lot of heart!
Darshini is such a likable lead, and Dante was the ultimate green flag! He’s muscular, sweet, tattooed, and just the right amount of protective. Their banter had me smiling, and the chemistry between them was on point!!
This book had the perfect mix of humor, emotion, and steam. It’s a feel-good romance with depth, and it left me wanting more. If you’re into friends-to-lovers stories that make you smile and swoon, definitely give this one a shot!
July 15, 2025
This was such a cute friends to lovers book. I love to see the slow burn romance of this story and the longing between those characters knowing that their love was forbidden but still wishing to be with each other.
Dante was the cutest and most caring I love all his green flags he was just perfect. I love that the story has a dual POV so we get to experience what is on his mind making the story more interesting and appealing.
Without a doubt Darshini and Dante were made for each other and I’m happy that after years of just being friends they took the next step and they ended up together.
💕Thanks to the author for the gifted eARC.
Dante was the cutest and most caring I love all his green flags he was just perfect. I love that the story has a dual POV so we get to experience what is on his mind making the story more interesting and appealing.
Without a doubt Darshini and Dante were made for each other and I’m happy that after years of just being friends they took the next step and they ended up together.
💕Thanks to the author for the gifted eARC.
July 19, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!❤️🔥👙💕✨
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC! I am truly honored to have read the third book in the Seasons of love series🥺
I love a good childhood friends to lovers moment and this book DELIVERED!! Darshini is alone in her house for the summer and her brothers best friend, Dante, who happens to be her next door neighbor is also alone during the summer so you know what that means hahah😏❤️🔥 I loved the build up chapters, especially when we find out that Dante has loved Darshini basically since he first laid his eyes on her likeeee
The only thing that lowkey shook me were the spicy scenes 😭 Like Dante's personality shift was absolutely insane like it may have just been me cause he went from Tom Holland to Christian Grey in a snap of your fingers 🤣 it was almost funny lowkeyyy. I guess that is a plus if you think about it from a diff angle lol
All in all, this was such a well written book! I read it in one sitting and didnt once feel bored while reading🥺❤️🔥 Not only does it tell a romance story, it showcases the importance of having a village that supports you, loves you and sometimes calls you out on your BS😭 Dante and Darshini were surrounded by people who love them and it was a beautiful thing to read about!
Thank you again to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing summer romance & I cannot wait to read more in this series!!!!❤️🩹✨🫶🏾
Thank you so much to the author for this ARC! I am truly honored to have read the third book in the Seasons of love series🥺
I love a good childhood friends to lovers moment and this book DELIVERED!! Darshini is alone in her house for the summer and her brothers best friend, Dante, who happens to be her next door neighbor is also alone during the summer so you know what that means hahah😏❤️🔥 I loved the build up chapters, especially when we find out that Dante has loved Darshini basically since he first laid his eyes on her likeeee
The only thing that lowkey shook me were the spicy scenes 😭 Like Dante's personality shift was absolutely insane like it may have just been me cause he went from Tom Holland to Christian Grey in a snap of your fingers 🤣 it was almost funny lowkeyyy. I guess that is a plus if you think about it from a diff angle lol
All in all, this was such a well written book! I read it in one sitting and didnt once feel bored while reading🥺❤️🔥 Not only does it tell a romance story, it showcases the importance of having a village that supports you, loves you and sometimes calls you out on your BS😭 Dante and Darshini were surrounded by people who love them and it was a beautiful thing to read about!
Thank you again to the author for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing summer romance & I cannot wait to read more in this series!!!!❤️🩹✨🫶🏾
July 14, 2025
It Happened One Summer by E.L. Deliza
📚Book 3: Seasons of love series
🌻Dual POV
🌻Forbidden Romance
🌻Open Door
🌻Brother's best friend
🌻Buy's her TBR list
This book follows Darshini Mirza and Dante Verratti as they spend the summer together. Darshini stays home while her family is away for business. She needs to attend robotics classes and weddings but her cars broke.
Dante decides to stay the summer at home while his family is away on holiday in Italy. He tries to proof that he can take over the family business. When Dante finds out that Darshini's car broke he volunteers to driver her around.
This was so cute!! Childhood best friends, the girl next door, his best friend's twin sister, spending the summer together what more can you ask for!
Dante is the ultimate book boyfriend. He cooks, he gives Darsh the princess treatment, he buys her books and he teaches her how to swim. Green flags all over. Darsh is kind, strong and treats Dante with just right.
I love the suspense, the tension and the different cultures.The ending was so cute!!
I can’t wait to read It Happened one Spring
Thank you authors.pr and E.L. Deliza for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
📚Book 3: Seasons of love series
🌻Dual POV
🌻Forbidden Romance
🌻Open Door
🌻Brother's best friend
🌻Buy's her TBR list
This book follows Darshini Mirza and Dante Verratti as they spend the summer together. Darshini stays home while her family is away for business. She needs to attend robotics classes and weddings but her cars broke.
Dante decides to stay the summer at home while his family is away on holiday in Italy. He tries to proof that he can take over the family business. When Dante finds out that Darshini's car broke he volunteers to driver her around.
This was so cute!! Childhood best friends, the girl next door, his best friend's twin sister, spending the summer together what more can you ask for!
Dante is the ultimate book boyfriend. He cooks, he gives Darsh the princess treatment, he buys her books and he teaches her how to swim. Green flags all over. Darsh is kind, strong and treats Dante with just right.
I love the suspense, the tension and the different cultures.The ending was so cute!!
I can’t wait to read It Happened one Spring
Thank you authors.pr and E.L. Deliza for sending me this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 15, 2025
First off, thank you to the author, E.L. Deliza, and authors pr for giving me an e-arc copy of this book. This act did not affect my rating.
OMGGG Dante and Darshini were the cutest from page one. I loved that they were childhood friends and we got to see (multiple times) how well they knew each other.
A summer together, and apart from their families helped them grow closer and realise their true feelings for one another.
Also, this book has desi representation which I loved and appreciate SO MUCH. I’ve only ever heard/ seen stories where Indian food is criticized for being stinky and oily but seeing Dante asking Darshini to make him some sweets was very refreshing to see. Thank you so much for this Deliza!
Darshini, the smart, sweet, book- lover FMC was very easy to relate to. I loved seeing her getting excited in bookstores and having a never ending tbr (because- same).
Dante, where do I even start? He reads books recommended by her, takes Darshini to bookstores, COOKS for her (this point alone sold me), and he accidently calls her baby or sweetheart (hehehe).
They were the cutest couple from page one and I loved getting to know them and reading their happily ever after.
This book was a perfect cozy summer read and I recommend it to everyone!
OMGGG Dante and Darshini were the cutest from page one. I loved that they were childhood friends and we got to see (multiple times) how well they knew each other.
A summer together, and apart from their families helped them grow closer and realise their true feelings for one another.
Also, this book has desi representation which I loved and appreciate SO MUCH. I’ve only ever heard/ seen stories where Indian food is criticized for being stinky and oily but seeing Dante asking Darshini to make him some sweets was very refreshing to see. Thank you so much for this Deliza!
Darshini, the smart, sweet, book- lover FMC was very easy to relate to. I loved seeing her getting excited in bookstores and having a never ending tbr (because- same).
Dante, where do I even start? He reads books recommended by her, takes Darshini to bookstores, COOKS for her (this point alone sold me), and he accidently calls her baby or sweetheart (hehehe).
They were the cutest couple from page one and I loved getting to know them and reading their happily ever after.
This book was a perfect cozy summer read and I recommend it to everyone!
July 19, 2025
4.5/5
The author gave me yet another love story to be obsessed with- Darshini & Dante's love story and I adored this book.
The characters were the perfect mixture of everything- goofy, adorable, playful, wise, funny, caring, hot and most importantly FOODIES.
Loved certain things in the book:
☆ the way Dante handles maps/directions when Darshini is bad at it, how he gifts her books and brings her food (the best, isn't it) how he helps her overcome her fears, her mom asking for pictures of them both together, how he follows her sunscreen suggestion, him helping her with her saree, how they know each other so well, care for each other and so so so much more.
What flatters me most about the book is how detailed it is written- truly spectacular. The representation of two different cultures and food items, the right amount of spice, the private swimming classes, the inclusion of the side characters showing how relevant they are to the story, revisiting childhood memories, the focus on the importance of family and friendships and of course my personal favourite, including the various fields in academia, thus balancing out the story perfectly.
Overall the read for me was filled with smiles and giggles.
The author gave me yet another love story to be obsessed with- Darshini & Dante's love story and I adored this book.
The characters were the perfect mixture of everything- goofy, adorable, playful, wise, funny, caring, hot and most importantly FOODIES.
Loved certain things in the book:
☆ the way Dante handles maps/directions when Darshini is bad at it, how he gifts her books and brings her food (the best, isn't it) how he helps her overcome her fears, her mom asking for pictures of them both together, how he follows her sunscreen suggestion, him helping her with her saree, how they know each other so well, care for each other and so so so much more.
What flatters me most about the book is how detailed it is written- truly spectacular. The representation of two different cultures and food items, the right amount of spice, the private swimming classes, the inclusion of the side characters showing how relevant they are to the story, revisiting childhood memories, the focus on the importance of family and friendships and of course my personal favourite, including the various fields in academia, thus balancing out the story perfectly.
Overall the read for me was filled with smiles and giggles.
July 16, 2025
This book was so good, the story of the Dante and Darshini both are neighbours. Dante is the best friend of Darshini's brother, so this book has a trope of Brother's best friend, which is so hot, so the story starts with a very sweet memory of their childhood which was they were getting married, like kids sometimes play fake marriage and like in Indian wedding , there is seven rounds around the fire . Dante took four rounds with Darshini, but her brother came to take rest of the three rounds because he also wanted to marry him 😂now after many years when they are settled in their lives and its summerbtime Darshini is alone in her house for the summer, and Dante is also alone in his house for summer because they had no plans for this summer, so they both decided to help each other out in each other things and accompany each other in the weddings where they have to visit. Dante also taugh her swimming and made her food, Darshini used to make indian sweets for him because he is a sucker for them, dante used to take Darshini to bookstores also he himself was a reader and he shared his annotated books with her. So while doing all these things they fell in love in the summer and things were going smoothly, but when their family comes to know about this, a little fuss is created because of course, nobody imagined them to be together, but then being very sweet and supportive family they were also ready and supported them in their love story. The book was very sweet. I really loved it and there were cute little moments, cute little things that was happening which was making me laugh and giggle a lot, I really enjoyed throughout this book and to be honest if you love brothers best friend, childhood friends, next door neighbours, found family, girl who likes to read books, kind of tropes, you should definitely read this book.
July 11, 2025
I think I’ve officially wrapped up my summer in the dreamiest way possible...with Dante Verratti and Darshini Mirza 🥺💖 Let’s be real…a man with blue eyes, who cooks like a total dream, buys
you books from your TBR, AND gobbles up halwa and jalebi?? Sign 👏 me 👏 up 👏!!
Darshini is a robotics queen 🤖💁♀️ and the sweetest sunshine, and Dante?? He’s the softshell boy who remembers everything about her, has been her secret admirer since she moved in next door, and treats her like a walking piece of art 🥹🍰📖
Best part? They’re best friends first. Like the softest, most slow-burn we know each other like our favorite song kinda love.Every look, every heat of moment, everyday 6pm swimming lessons
had me blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl 😳💦
This book gave everything: a love that felt like home, an ache of longing, the guilt of crossing lines, and the joy of finding someone who sees all of you and still chooses you. It’s soft, sweet, a lil bit open spicy 🌶, and filled with culture, warmth, and stolen morning kisses too ✨☀️
Now if y’all see a Dante-type man in your neighborhood...call me. IMMEDIATELY. 🚨😤
you books from your TBR, AND gobbles up halwa and jalebi?? Sign 👏 me 👏 up 👏!!
Darshini is a robotics queen 🤖💁♀️ and the sweetest sunshine, and Dante?? He’s the softshell boy who remembers everything about her, has been her secret admirer since she moved in next door, and treats her like a walking piece of art 🥹🍰📖
Best part? They’re best friends first. Like the softest, most slow-burn we know each other like our favorite song kinda love.Every look, every heat of moment, everyday 6pm swimming lessons
had me blushing and giggling like a schoolgirl 😳💦
This book gave everything: a love that felt like home, an ache of longing, the guilt of crossing lines, and the joy of finding someone who sees all of you and still chooses you. It’s soft, sweet, a lil bit open spicy 🌶, and filled with culture, warmth, and stolen morning kisses too ✨☀️
Now if y’all see a Dante-type man in your neighborhood...call me. IMMEDIATELY. 🚨😤
July 12, 2025
It Happened One Summer is the kind of slow, simmering, forbidden love story that quietly breaks your heart before slowly putting it back together.
Darshini Mirza is the sweet, smart, girl-next-door — and the one woman Dante Verratti has spent his entire life knowing he couldn’t have. She’s his best friend’s twin sister, and their families are so closely knit, pursuing anything more than friendship would feel like betrayal.
But oh, how that tension builds. This book thrives on longing — on every stolen glance, every shared moment that feels innocent until it suddenly doesn’t. The way Dante tries (and fails) to bury his feelings is beautifully frustrating, and Darshini is equally compelling. She’s kind but strong, and their connection grows so organically — through books, conversations, late-night swims, and those quiet summer moments where everything feels suspended.
The writing is tender and emotionally rich, and it captures the ache of almost — that desperate craving for something you know you shouldn’t want. The romance is slow-burn perfection, with a first kiss that is absolutely worth the wait. And when it finally happens… whew. It feels like something massive shifts.
Darshini Mirza is the sweet, smart, girl-next-door — and the one woman Dante Verratti has spent his entire life knowing he couldn’t have. She’s his best friend’s twin sister, and their families are so closely knit, pursuing anything more than friendship would feel like betrayal.
But oh, how that tension builds. This book thrives on longing — on every stolen glance, every shared moment that feels innocent until it suddenly doesn’t. The way Dante tries (and fails) to bury his feelings is beautifully frustrating, and Darshini is equally compelling. She’s kind but strong, and their connection grows so organically — through books, conversations, late-night swims, and those quiet summer moments where everything feels suspended.
The writing is tender and emotionally rich, and it captures the ache of almost — that desperate craving for something you know you shouldn’t want. The romance is slow-burn perfection, with a first kiss that is absolutely worth the wait. And when it finally happens… whew. It feels like something massive shifts.
August 7, 2025
It Happened One Summer by El Deliza
Tropes:
Brothers best friend
Swimming lessons
Forced proximity
Summer romance
Open door
He buys her books
“Ive always noticed you”
Forbidden romance
Firstly i would like to thank the wonderful El Deliza for the opportunity to read her amazing book It Happened One Summer which is the third book in the Season Of Love series. This was so so good. Once I opened I couldn't close until I finished.
It Happened One Summer follows Dante and Darshini. These two have such a strong connection.
Dante is the man we all like tattooed: check. Muscles: check. Protective: check.
Magnetic chemistry. Great banter. Princess treatment. Swoon worthy moments. He buys her books. Tension. The spice is 🥵🥵
This has been such a wonderful series and I've enjoyed every moment. Make sure you add this to your TBR.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Brothers best friend
Swimming lessons
Forced proximity
Summer romance
Open door
He buys her books
“Ive always noticed you”
Forbidden romance
Firstly i would like to thank the wonderful El Deliza for the opportunity to read her amazing book It Happened One Summer which is the third book in the Season Of Love series. This was so so good. Once I opened I couldn't close until I finished.
It Happened One Summer follows Dante and Darshini. These two have such a strong connection.
Dante is the man we all like tattooed: check. Muscles: check. Protective: check.
Magnetic chemistry. Great banter. Princess treatment. Swoon worthy moments. He buys her books. Tension. The spice is 🥵🥵
This has been such a wonderful series and I've enjoyed every moment. Make sure you add this to your TBR.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
July 4, 2025
ARC review 🫶🏻
I loved this so much it’s not even funny. It had me almost crying because of how adorable the MMC is (an absolute cinnamon roll 🥹)
I loved the plot, and I loved learning more about a different culture I haven’t experienced through the FMC, and I’m sorry to repeat myself but DANTE 🥹🥵
I did indeed need to put the book down and go breathe some fresh air a few times because DAMN 🫣
I’m ashamed to say that for the first time since I’ve been reading ARCs I didn’t have time to read the rest of the series beforehand, but I’m definitely going to read them ASAP (already downloaded)🙂↕️
I loved this so much it’s not even funny. It had me almost crying because of how adorable the MMC is (an absolute cinnamon roll 🥹)
I loved the plot, and I loved learning more about a different culture I haven’t experienced through the FMC, and I’m sorry to repeat myself but DANTE 🥹🥵
I did indeed need to put the book down and go breathe some fresh air a few times because DAMN 🫣
I’m ashamed to say that for the first time since I’ve been reading ARCs I didn’t have time to read the rest of the series beforehand, but I’m definitely going to read them ASAP (already downloaded)🙂↕️
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews