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Have a Great Summer
Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, TODAY Show journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Anabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.
305 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2026
About the author
Francesca Cocchi
1 book234 followersFrancesca is a writer and editor with more than nine years of experience at national outlets, such as NBC’s TODAY and Food Network Magazine. A proud Jersey native, she grew up down the shore in Monmouth County and currently lives in Jersey City with her husband, dog, and an overflowing bookcase. Have a Great Summer is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 917 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you’re looking for an atmospheric beach reach packed with emotion and nostalgia a la Carley Fortune and Elin Hilderbrand … I wrote this book for you <3 (Bonus points if you love millennial references, second chance romance, or have spent any time on the Jersey Shore!)
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
“Set against a vibrant Jersey Shore backdrop and bursting with summertime romance, hometown nostalgia, smart humor, female friendship, and millennial angst, journalist Francesca Cocchi’s dual-timeline teenage-crush-to-adult-lovers debut is the perfect beach read for fans of Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, and Emily Henry.
If time is supposed to heal all wounds, Lina Mariano’s broken teenage heart never quite got the message—but 15 sunny, sandy, angsty Jersey Shore summers later, she finds herself unexpectedly facing her old crush, getting a new perspective—and maybe even a hopeful glimpse of the future . . .
Lina Mariano is stuck—in her hometown, in her job, and in the past. And after six years of writing up local weddings as a columnist for a popular lifestyle website, she’s wholeheartedly sick of nuptials. Worse, the next one on her list is none other than Sebastian Nikolaou’s.
Working high school summers with sweet, handsome Sebastian at his mother’s iconic beach restaurant, teenage Lina was totally wrapped up in the way he made her feel—until the night that everything changed. Even so, she’s embarrassed to admit how often she still thinks of him, and now, comparing their present lives is wrenching. It will take a careful look at her younger self, and some wisdom from the best friend who was there for it all, to see that making her dreams come true is up to her alone—whether or not those dreams still include Sebastian . . .
Poignant, engaging, and insightful, Have a Great Summer is an ode to the confused teenager in all of us, and a reminder of the blissful, excruciating, delicious days of summers gone by.”
June 21, 2026
this was a cute read for summer!! 3.5 ⭐️!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Although set on the Jersey Shore, this book is for anyone looking for a fun, nostalgia-inducing read that will transport you right back to your teenage years, regardless of where you spent them. Francesca's voice is second to none that makes this a very funny, very relatable and very easy read.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
This book hits you in all the right places, with an amazing dual timeline romance...and an even better subplot about our most important friendships that will make you want to pick up the phone and catch up with an old friend.
August 13, 2026
Francesca Cocchi is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to heart tugging stories, and she is now an auto buy author for me! HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is a debut novel and the perfect book to get lost in! Francesca is going to be the voice in women’s fiction and she totally knocked it out of the park with her story telling! The peek into these characters lives shows you how people deal differently with their problems. Sometimes it’s funny and other times it left a lump in my throat. I mean seriously, how can you not fall in love with these people and get all up in their business? Besides, its one of my favorite tropes, second chance romance! How can you resist?
I feel that the title, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is perfect, as is the heart tugging story. Francesca Cocchi captures the charm of, essence of, and the depth in characters that make for page turning and emotional reads. Wow!! I loved this book so much! It reminded me of all the summers I spent down at the Jersey Shore! I can almost smell the sausage and pepper sandwiches!💜💜 HAVE A GREAT SUMMER will cause you to look within your heart and to think about yourself as one of the characters…you think about what you would do, how you would react and how to proceed given the information. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is going to be the beach read of this summer!
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is an emotional story where I laughed, cried and know that I will be thinking about it long after I finished. The story is well crafted and emotionally engaging. All the characters in HAVE A GREAT SUMMER are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that these caring people are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Lina was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. Francesca Cocchi grabs her readers by the heart and never lets them go. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story of love and finding a way to get through the situation these people were thrown into.
Now that I have read HAVE A GREAT SUMMER and discovered Francesca Cocchi I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a contemporary read that is filled with heavy subject matter, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read HAVE A GREAT SUMMER. Go and grab yourself a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese on a hard roll(a Jersey delicacy), get on your couch, and get ready to get lost in this perfect love story to the Jersey Shore!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
I feel that the title, HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is perfect, as is the heart tugging story. Francesca Cocchi captures the charm of, essence of, and the depth in characters that make for page turning and emotional reads. Wow!! I loved this book so much! It reminded me of all the summers I spent down at the Jersey Shore! I can almost smell the sausage and pepper sandwiches!💜💜 HAVE A GREAT SUMMER will cause you to look within your heart and to think about yourself as one of the characters…you think about what you would do, how you would react and how to proceed given the information. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is going to be the beach read of this summer!
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER is an emotional story where I laughed, cried and know that I will be thinking about it long after I finished. The story is well crafted and emotionally engaging. All the characters in HAVE A GREAT SUMMER are very relatable and not perfect at all. You can’t help but feel each emotion that these caring people are dealing with. When one of them was happy, I was happy. When Lina was crying, I was crying too. I love when an author does that to their readers. Francesca Cocchi grabs her readers by the heart and never lets them go. I truly was an emotional mess after reading this heart tugging story of love and finding a way to get through the situation these people were thrown into.
Now that I have read HAVE A GREAT SUMMER and discovered Francesca Cocchi I’m excited to read more of this new to me, auto buy from now on author. If you are looking for a contemporary read that is filled with heavy subject matter, but still fills you with hope, please take a chance and read HAVE A GREAT SUMMER. Go and grab yourself a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese on a hard roll(a Jersey delicacy), get on your couch, and get ready to get lost in this perfect love story to the Jersey Shore!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fresh Fiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
May 30, 2026
Title: Have a Great Summer
Author: Francesca Cocchi
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Lina (FMC) & Sebastian (MMC)
What to expect:
*Second chance romance
*Meddling best friends
*High school Friends to Crush
Safety:
MMC is engaged to OW at the beginning of book. He quickly breaks the engagement, no on page spicy scenes. Third act breakup.
Review:
Debut title by Francesca Cocchi, set in New Jersey. Read as part of a 50 state reading challenge.
The FMC was so incredibly frustrating in this title, she absolutely refused to communicate her feelings and questions to the MMC. She finds him surfing with another woman and refuses to ask him who it is, what they were doing. Of course that refusal to communicate leads to the most confusing, dramatic third act breakup ever. Then she flees the country and has a ONS with another guy!!! Nope!
The meddling best friend was so over the top. She actively kept them apart even when she knew both of them wanted to be together.
We had to get the VERY END OF THE BOOK before we got the MMC’s POV. He had no excuse for why he lied to the FMC about his plans, just complete avoidance.
This book was written well, most readers will enjoy it, it was just not for me.
Author: Francesca Cocchi
Format: Libby audiobook
Genre: Contemporary, romance
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️🌶️
POV’s: Lina (FMC) & Sebastian (MMC)
What to expect:
*Second chance romance
*Meddling best friends
*High school Friends to Crush
Safety:
MMC is engaged to OW at the beginning of book. He quickly breaks the engagement, no on page spicy scenes. Third act breakup.
Review:
Debut title by Francesca Cocchi, set in New Jersey. Read as part of a 50 state reading challenge.
The FMC was so incredibly frustrating in this title, she absolutely refused to communicate her feelings and questions to the MMC. She finds him surfing with another woman and refuses to ask him who it is, what they were doing. Of course that refusal to communicate leads to the most confusing, dramatic third act breakup ever. Then she flees the country and has a ONS with another guy!!! Nope!
The meddling best friend was so over the top. She actively kept them apart even when she knew both of them wanted to be together.
We had to get the VERY END OF THE BOOK before we got the MMC’s POV. He had no excuse for why he lied to the FMC about his plans, just complete avoidance.
This book was written well, most readers will enjoy it, it was just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2026
I had so much fun reading Francesca Cocchi’s debut novel! I really enjoyed the dual timelines and the nostalgia of the earlier timeline (2010’s), during which I was a college student having my own coming of age moments. I also enjoyed the writing style and personality of this book - I found myself laughing out loud and highlighting multiple quotes from both the main and supporting characters. This story fits the vibe of some of my other favorite love stories by Abby Jimenez, Jenny Han, and Emily Henry. It’s perfect for a beach read, dropping right around Memorial Day Weekend. Get ready for your own great summer with HAGS!! Now to put the finishing touches on my companion playlist that I put together while reading to keep myself in this world until actual summer is here!Thank you to NetGalley for my first ARC.
December 18, 2025
How do I convince every romance genre-lover to read this novel?! We all know I’m a little biased towards a second chance romance, which is what Francesca kept hinting at before I was able to get this book in my hands. Not only does it tell the page-turning story of Lina and Sebastian, navigating their now-adult feelings for one another despite breaking one another’s heart in high school, but also gives way to let another relationship and love shine through by way of her best friend. This book reminds me of the Olivia Dean song, “I’ve Seen It,” due to the myriad of ways love shows up throughout Lina’s life (or the small glimpse we see of it throughout the book). Thanks for letting me read it in advance, Francesca! I’m so excited to see it officially out in the world next May.
July 10, 2026
This is the kind of book you toss into your beach bag, carry onto a plane, or curl up by the pool. The chapters fly by, and before you know it, you’re staying up later than planned because you just have to know what happens next. If you’re looking for a feel-good escape this summer, look no further. Have A Great Summer is pure sunshine in book form and easily one of my favorite reads of the year. It is based on summer love at the jersey shore. Had me smiling throughout the book, and would love to read another future release from this author.
Cute story, fun read as jersey girl 🏖️
Highly recommended.
Cute story, fun read as jersey girl 🏖️
Highly recommended.
May 30, 2026
Have a Great Summer is not only a love letter to the Jersey Shore, but to friendship, family, and the importance of following your heart. This book was immediately on my radar when I saw a Tiktok posted by Francesca Cocchi saying that her debut novel was about a summer romance that took place at the Jersey Shore. As someone who grew up minutes from the Shore, I absolutely needed to give it a read and it exceeded any expectations. I highlighted so much of this book because I related to a whole lot. Having to go to work super early in the summers because of the Shore traffic, Paisley Vera Bradley bags, the Abercrombie skinny jeans & Uggs combo. So nostalgic!! I loved that she mentioned real establishments like Rook and the attention to detail. All the details Francesca Cocchi provides are so atmospheric that I really felt like I was there and she really sums up the Jersey Shore experience (not the MTV version!) perfectly.
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
In the book, we have dual timelines that alternate from now to 14 years ago when Angelina (Lina) Mariano was a high schooler working at Brantley Beach’s legendary restaurant, Bubba’s, which is where we meet her love interest, Sebastian. While their relationship can be a little complicated at times, the story focuses on so much more. We not only see their relationship dynamic change, but we see Lina’s character development which was very enjoyable. High school is such an impressionable time, but so is your 20s when you feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Even if you’ve never been to the Jersey Shore, there is something you will relate to or connect with in this story. Whether you attach to the characters or whether you can relate to what they’re going through, this is a perfect beach read for anyone.
Thank you to Kensington Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC! All opinions are my own.
P.S. Where can I get a copy of “Beach Bites: A Culinary History of the Jersey Shore”?!
September 26, 2025
Absolutely adorable and filled with so many NJ Easter eggs it will make every Jersey Girl heart sing! 😍 Grab yourself a bagel from your favorite spot and enjoy a tale that captures millennial nostalgia and the unspeakable joy spent at the Jersey shore so lovingly that you’ll find yourself packing your beach bag and gladiator sandals before you know what hit you. Or, if you’re like me, it will transport you right back to high school and you’ll feel weirdly stressed about what to write in your crush’s yearbook. Loved it and cannot wait for more from Francesca Cocchi!
July 11, 2026
always love an east coast beach read !! such a sweet second chance romance. adored the dual timeline - from the nostalgia of teenage crushes to the messiness of adulthood and figuring out friendships, relationships, and career paths.
this was the perfect quick read to binge in the sunshine, and the jersey shore setting completely transported me.
🌊🌞⚓️🛥️🍔
“The only thing still missing is a partner to share it all with. Someone who sees all of me—the good and the bad—and accepts me anyway. I want what my parents have.”
this was the perfect quick read to binge in the sunshine, and the jersey shore setting completely transported me.
🌊🌞⚓️🛥️🍔
“The only thing still missing is a partner to share it all with. Someone who sees all of me—the good and the bad—and accepts me anyway. I want what my parents have.”
June 29, 2026
4.5/5⭐️
This one took me by surprise in the best way! I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this one. With the Jersey Shore as its backdrop, this story is told through dual timelines-present day and back when the MCs were teenagers working at a beach restaurant.
A few things I didn’t care for, but I devoured this one so I had to give it the added half star. Absolute perfect beach read! I could picture myself right there on the boardwalk in the sun! I think fans of Carley Fortune, Elin Hilderbrand and 27 Dresses will like this one.
Star rating: 4.5/5⭐️
🤬: some explicit language
🔥: fade to black
This one took me by surprise in the best way! I’m surprised I haven’t heard more about this one. With the Jersey Shore as its backdrop, this story is told through dual timelines-present day and back when the MCs were teenagers working at a beach restaurant.
A few things I didn’t care for, but I devoured this one so I had to give it the added half star. Absolute perfect beach read! I could picture myself right there on the boardwalk in the sun! I think fans of Carley Fortune, Elin Hilderbrand and 27 Dresses will like this one.
Star rating: 4.5/5⭐️
🤬: some explicit language
🔥: fade to black
January 7, 2026
“Sebastian had shone his light on me, and I let myself melt from the warmth.” 💙
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
I couldn’t have picked a better book for my first read of 2026! Have a Great Summer made me feel all the feels, and I found myself smiling so often as I read. There are so many different relationship dynamics to love and appreciate in this story, and I found myself reflecting on my own life and the people I am grateful for as I made my way through the story. Truly relatable and wholesome.
This book had me wishing I grew up on the Jersey Shore. The setting is so dreamy, cutesy, and cozy. Even better, the nostalgia brought about through all of the mid-2000s references had me reminiscing on my own teenage years. Also, we love a dual timeline. This was such an easy and refreshing read, and I couldn’t put it down! I didn’t want the story to end, but I think Francesca wrapped it up beautifully. My heart is happy!
June 14, 2026
This book, at its core, is a love letter to the Jersey Shore, and reading it while living in Asbury for the summer was genuinely magical. So much of this book, for so many reasons, was painfully relatable. I adored it.
4.5 stars probably but in my post-book high, she’s a 5 to me😌 When they mentioned Nardi’s on LBI I screamed.
4.5 stars probably but in my post-book high, she’s a 5 to me😌 When they mentioned Nardi’s on LBI I screamed.
May 18, 2026
4.25⭐️ Out 5/26!!
Perfect for fans of Every Summer After! This was such a fun beach read that gave me all the nostalgic vibes of long summer days by the water with friends. I really enjoyed Lina’s character, LOVED Sebastian, and especially adored the friendship between Lina and Maren. It completely made me want to experience a summer at the Jersey Shore! Such a solid debut from Cocchi, and now I’m really hoping we get Maren’s story next.
If you love 2000s rom com vibes (think The Wedding Planner) mixed with a friends to lovers romance, you’re definitely going to want to pick this one up! This would make the perfect poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted physical copy!
Perfect for fans of Every Summer After! This was such a fun beach read that gave me all the nostalgic vibes of long summer days by the water with friends. I really enjoyed Lina’s character, LOVED Sebastian, and especially adored the friendship between Lina and Maren. It completely made me want to experience a summer at the Jersey Shore! Such a solid debut from Cocchi, and now I’m really hoping we get Maren’s story next.
If you love 2000s rom com vibes (think The Wedding Planner) mixed with a friends to lovers romance, you’re definitely going to want to pick this one up! This would make the perfect poolside or beach read.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the gifted physical copy!
July 31, 2026
3.75 cute love a Jersey shore summer
July 3, 2026
This rating is purely based on the fact it’s just all taking place and Monmouth county by a 30 year old and I am a Monmouth county raised 32 year old so it’s basically about me and it’s so important to see yourself in literature, even if it’s just a girl dealing with her situation ship from the Avon Pavilion for 15 years (note: there were no cute boys when I worked there and the boss WAS NOT NICE)
March 31, 2026
It finally happened… I won my first goodreads giveaway!!! I could not have asked for a better book to win, especially as an obsessive giveaways enterer that runs on vibes and cover art, mostly.
“Have a Great Summer” by Francesca Cocchi is set to release June 2026 and I suggest you go ahead and put this one on your TBR if you love summer beach reads, nostalgia (it is quite literally HAGS), strong female friendship, teen-to-adult love stories, and classic rom-com vibes. The style definitely reminded me of Carley Fortune and, just like her books, was an easy 5 star for me. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my friends!
I loved the dual timeline, especially because the teen moments felt so embarrassingly, yet endearingly truthful. The amount of dissecting every word and interaction with a crush as a teenager was so real and hilarious.
I also loooove when a “rom-com” isn’t just about the romance. This book is full of reminders of the good things in life - the joy of a small beach town (aka: wherever you grew up and became who you are now) - the awkwardness both as a teen and as an adult of accepting yourself and finding confidence - good and believable friendships - misunderstandings explained - and so much more!
When deciding to read a new book, especially a new author, I always search “spice” in the comments to try and get a gauge. So whatever your particular flavor, this is a delightful closed door romance. There is some lead up language and then the scenes fade to black, essentially.
I found everything about this book enjoyable and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had early access to this story!
Thank you Goodreads and Between the Chapters.
HAGS!
“Have a Great Summer” by Francesca Cocchi is set to release June 2026 and I suggest you go ahead and put this one on your TBR if you love summer beach reads, nostalgia (it is quite literally HAGS), strong female friendship, teen-to-adult love stories, and classic rom-com vibes. The style definitely reminded me of Carley Fortune and, just like her books, was an easy 5 star for me. I’ll definitely be recommending this to my friends!
I loved the dual timeline, especially because the teen moments felt so embarrassingly, yet endearingly truthful. The amount of dissecting every word and interaction with a crush as a teenager was so real and hilarious.
I also loooove when a “rom-com” isn’t just about the romance. This book is full of reminders of the good things in life - the joy of a small beach town (aka: wherever you grew up and became who you are now) - the awkwardness both as a teen and as an adult of accepting yourself and finding confidence - good and believable friendships - misunderstandings explained - and so much more!
When deciding to read a new book, especially a new author, I always search “spice” in the comments to try and get a gauge. So whatever your particular flavor, this is a delightful closed door romance. There is some lead up language and then the scenes fade to black, essentially.
I found everything about this book enjoyable and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had early access to this story!
Thank you Goodreads and Between the Chapters.
HAGS!
February 25, 2026
This was sweet and atmospheric. Maybe too low stakes and telling over showing for me, but I recommend it!
July 1, 2026
When I saw this was a book about the Jersey Shore, I knew I had to read it, having grown up on the Jersey Shore myself.
I read this book in one day—literally started and finished on the same day. Honestly, I’m not sure the plot was great, although it did hold my attention. It’s a minuscule spice romance with a side of friendship and finding yourself thrown in. I knew how it would end from the first few pages, honestly.
But, what earned it a 4 was the nostalgia factor for me—especially since I moved away from the Jersey shore 10 years ago. In the first chapter or two I was texting my two Jersey shore best friends about the things that reminded me of our hometown. And as the story got going, Lina’s job on the boardwalk as a teen coupled with her best friendship with Maren reminded me of my own best friend who I met at our jobs working on the boardwalk. (In fact, Lina & Maren’s long distance best friendship reminds me of the best friendship I have with the same bestie I met working on the boardwalk.)
While Lina’s teen years took place during my adulthood, that feeling of being a teen on the Jersey Shore in her teen chapters was very much the same as I remember my teen years. So, I think it’s the personal connection and nostalgia for me.
As for the rest of the story, it is your typical romance. It’s cute, there’s the misunderstanding trope, the friends turned lovers trope, and the I’m getting out before I get hurt trope. From the beginning you know exactly how it will end. But, it didn’t mean that the journey wasn’t enjoyable. This book is light beach fluff. The perfect summer read. (I mean, the name practically screams that its purpose is to be a light, fluffy beach read!)
I did find one editing error that drove me nuts (but I do happen to be grammar crazy…). I hate when people say “lightening” when they mean “lightning.” Those two words are not synonymous. The author did that in the book. It frustrated me that no editor found it. But, honestly, that’s just being nitpicky.
If you’re not from the Jersey Shore, you’d probably give this a 3-3.5. It got an extra half star from me due to it feeling like childhood, home, and long summer days and nights with my best friend. It also had an epilogue, so that helped push it to the 4!
I read this book in one day—literally started and finished on the same day. Honestly, I’m not sure the plot was great, although it did hold my attention. It’s a minuscule spice romance with a side of friendship and finding yourself thrown in. I knew how it would end from the first few pages, honestly.
But, what earned it a 4 was the nostalgia factor for me—especially since I moved away from the Jersey shore 10 years ago. In the first chapter or two I was texting my two Jersey shore best friends about the things that reminded me of our hometown. And as the story got going, Lina’s job on the boardwalk as a teen coupled with her best friendship with Maren reminded me of my own best friend who I met at our jobs working on the boardwalk. (In fact, Lina & Maren’s long distance best friendship reminds me of the best friendship I have with the same bestie I met working on the boardwalk.)
While Lina’s teen years took place during my adulthood, that feeling of being a teen on the Jersey Shore in her teen chapters was very much the same as I remember my teen years. So, I think it’s the personal connection and nostalgia for me.
As for the rest of the story, it is your typical romance. It’s cute, there’s the misunderstanding trope, the friends turned lovers trope, and the I’m getting out before I get hurt trope. From the beginning you know exactly how it will end. But, it didn’t mean that the journey wasn’t enjoyable. This book is light beach fluff. The perfect summer read. (I mean, the name practically screams that its purpose is to be a light, fluffy beach read!)
I did find one editing error that drove me nuts (but I do happen to be grammar crazy…). I hate when people say “lightening” when they mean “lightning.” Those two words are not synonymous. The author did that in the book. It frustrated me that no editor found it. But, honestly, that’s just being nitpicky.
If you’re not from the Jersey Shore, you’d probably give this a 3-3.5. It got an extra half star from me due to it feeling like childhood, home, and long summer days and nights with my best friend. It also had an epilogue, so that helped push it to the 4!
July 28, 2026
"How we were convinced all those high school summers were supposed to be monumental, and in a way they were, because everything feels monumental when you're fourteen, fif-teen, sixteen." She pulls back to look at me. "But honestly? I feel like we're just getting to the good stuff now."
•••
4.5 stars rounded up for GR.
I LOVED this one. As a Jersey girl — yes I may be a BENNY but I’m PROUD of it, being able to relate to Lina & Sebastian as two teens growing up at the Jersey Shore is what made this story so special. It felt so nostalgic to me being able to read the words written & at the same time seeing these scenes from my childhood memories come back so easily. What Jersey native didn’t love running around on the boardwalk with their friends, eating greasy food, and laughing on the beach from sun up to sun down? Some of my best memories were created down the shore.
Angelina Mariano — Lina, is a wedding journalist who managed to land her dream job in NYC right out of college. That is, until she gets laid off, & ends up right back home in Brantley Beach writing for her small town’s magazine, “Shore Life”. Lina feels stuck. She just wants to write about things that excite her, & it’s safe to say she’s outgrown writing about weddings. Is there something else she’s meant to do?
As luck would have it, while at the towns municipal building picking up work documents she’ll run into none other than Sebastian Nikolaou. The same Sebastian who just happens to be her teenage mega crush, & the guy who broke her heart all those sunsets ago. Things are only made worse when Lina’s asked to sign as a witness for his marriage license. Does the weirdness end there? Of course not. Because why wouldn’t they have signed the papers incorrectly?
Before those things can be addressed Lina’s tagging along on Sebastian’s wedding errands, and the two are reminiscing on their summers working at Sebastian’s family’s boardwalk staple, and restaurant; Bubba’s.
While these two grow close reliving the past, seeing if their wrongs can be righted, and old scars can be healed, we’ll learn that sometimes all it takes is a conversation between two people who care about one another in order to go the distance.
•••
4.5 stars rounded up for GR.
I LOVED this one. As a Jersey girl — yes I may be a BENNY but I’m PROUD of it, being able to relate to Lina & Sebastian as two teens growing up at the Jersey Shore is what made this story so special. It felt so nostalgic to me being able to read the words written & at the same time seeing these scenes from my childhood memories come back so easily. What Jersey native didn’t love running around on the boardwalk with their friends, eating greasy food, and laughing on the beach from sun up to sun down? Some of my best memories were created down the shore.
Angelina Mariano — Lina, is a wedding journalist who managed to land her dream job in NYC right out of college. That is, until she gets laid off, & ends up right back home in Brantley Beach writing for her small town’s magazine, “Shore Life”. Lina feels stuck. She just wants to write about things that excite her, & it’s safe to say she’s outgrown writing about weddings. Is there something else she’s meant to do?
As luck would have it, while at the towns municipal building picking up work documents she’ll run into none other than Sebastian Nikolaou. The same Sebastian who just happens to be her teenage mega crush, & the guy who broke her heart all those sunsets ago. Things are only made worse when Lina’s asked to sign as a witness for his marriage license. Does the weirdness end there? Of course not. Because why wouldn’t they have signed the papers incorrectly?
Before those things can be addressed Lina’s tagging along on Sebastian’s wedding errands, and the two are reminiscing on their summers working at Sebastian’s family’s boardwalk staple, and restaurant; Bubba’s.
While these two grow close reliving the past, seeing if their wrongs can be righted, and old scars can be healed, we’ll learn that sometimes all it takes is a conversation between two people who care about one another in order to go the distance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Have a Great Summer is a perfect beach read that will transport you back in time in the best way, especially if you are from the tri-state area and used to blast playlists filled with Boys Like Girls on repeat with the windows down on the way to the beach.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Filled with millennial angst and brimming with hope and emotion, the story's dual timeline second chance premise is unique as it is teenage crush to lovers. Lina and Sebastian's connection is obvious pretty immediately when they are younger but you know she harbors resentment towards him now. Although you'd think there might be a power imbalance when they accidentally reunite years later, their dynamic was a lot sweeter and more wholesome than I expected which really drew me in. So much so, that I finished the book in one sitting.
Have a Great Summer is nostalgic, breezy, emotional and swoony and will have you itching to visit the Jersey Shore. A stunning debut from Francesca Cocchi, I'd recommend to all romance readers. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
June 4, 2026
Wow!!! Such a fun and great summer read! Have a Great Summer is a beach romance book that takes place in New Jersey. While reading this I couldn’t help but smile because there were so many places mentioned that I go to and have been to. Also love a Coffee Corral shoutout. There were lovable characters, strong friendships, and a second-chance romance. You also have the beach town charm which gives a nostalgic feeling while reading.
July 9, 2026
I have mixed feelings about this book! I loved the jersey shore element of it and the nostalgia it brought. I think it would’ve been better with a dual point of view. I related to some of the rejection stuff she was feeling but also found it corny at times and the protagonist to not take ownership for her part in things.
July 21, 2026
I feel like you know what to expect with this book lol, a little fluffy but I love the jersey shore references. Definition of a beach read
August 9, 2026
Enjoyable summer read that goes beyond just a love story. No smut/spice. Heartwarming and easy to read.
June 16, 2026
I really enjoyed the cute Summer Beach Romcom set on the Jersey Shore. Had me smiling throughout the book and would love reading another future release from this author.
June 11, 2026
Cute story and super relatable for anyone who grew up in ocean or Monmouth county and worked at a summer restaurant.
June 29, 2026
Cute story, fun read as jersey shore girl 🏖️
July 8, 2026
3.5! a cute summer read 🫶
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