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The Summer of Lost Things
Sexy new adult romance meets swashbuckling adventure when ex childhood friends Paige and Seb reconnect to finally track down the treasure that has been a legend in their small Michigan beach town for decades. Perfect for fans of
The Goonies
and Netflix’s
Outer Banks
who are craving more romance!
Star pupil Paige Malone just finished her first year at Harvard. Dropout Seb Jansen spent that time pumping gas for wealthy yacht owners at a Lake Michigan marina. They haven’t seen each other since high school. A shame, considering that they were once inseparable childhood friends who combed their coastal hometown’s sun-kissed beaches along with a couple of other middle-school pals—hunting the Golden Venus, a legendary local treasure that’s distantly connected to Paige’s family.
A treasure rumored to be worth millions of dollars. If it even exists.
These days, however, the former BFFs have traded adventure for reality. Paige is home for the summer and is spiraling after losing her college financial aid. While across town, Seb fell in with a bad crowd and now regrets his life choices, big time. Both feel colossally stuck. And alone.
But when Paige stumbles upon a hidden secret in her grandmother’s beach cottage, she must get their old treasure-hunting gang back together to finally unravel the mystery that has eluded her family for generations. Who the thrill of the hunt might help Paige and Seb find a path back to their lost friendship…or something more.
The Summer of Lost Things brings the summer heat with its combination of a high stakes treasure hunt and a swoony love story.
Tropes
Childhood friends to lovers Second-chance romance Treasure hunt Family secrets Partners in crime Summer love Small beach town setting Overachiever x bad boy Loveable rogue
Star pupil Paige Malone just finished her first year at Harvard. Dropout Seb Jansen spent that time pumping gas for wealthy yacht owners at a Lake Michigan marina. They haven’t seen each other since high school. A shame, considering that they were once inseparable childhood friends who combed their coastal hometown’s sun-kissed beaches along with a couple of other middle-school pals—hunting the Golden Venus, a legendary local treasure that’s distantly connected to Paige’s family.
A treasure rumored to be worth millions of dollars. If it even exists.
These days, however, the former BFFs have traded adventure for reality. Paige is home for the summer and is spiraling after losing her college financial aid. While across town, Seb fell in with a bad crowd and now regrets his life choices, big time. Both feel colossally stuck. And alone.
But when Paige stumbles upon a hidden secret in her grandmother’s beach cottage, she must get their old treasure-hunting gang back together to finally unravel the mystery that has eluded her family for generations. Who the thrill of the hunt might help Paige and Seb find a path back to their lost friendship…or something more.
The Summer of Lost Things brings the summer heat with its combination of a high stakes treasure hunt and a swoony love story.
Tropes
Childhood friends to lovers Second-chance romance Treasure hunt Family secrets Partners in crime Summer love Small beach town setting Overachiever x bad boy Loveable rogue
379 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
43 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Bennett
28 books4,941 followersJenn Bennett is the author of over a dozen books for children and teens, including: ALEX, APPROXIMATELY; STARRY EYES; and GRUMBONES. She also writes romance and fantasy for adults. Her books have earned multiple starred reviews, been Goodreads Choice Award nominees, and have been included on annual Best Book lists for both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly. She lives in a haunted house near Birmingham with one husband and two dogs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 18, 2026
⊱ now playing: "perfect places", lorde
"maybe that was just the nature of treasure. it was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that you could never quite get to, even if you believed with your entire heart that it existed."
☀️ this will be an absolutely fun summer read for sure! i am an absolute sucker for coastal towns, and this setting is honestly my favorite part of this book - the town is so fleshed out. the writing style was gorgeous, descriptive, and flowing, with fast-paced storytelling and conflict at every turn. it slowed down when it needed to, though, and left room for tender moments to develop the relationships between characters. it keeps you hooked with a pivot just when things feel predictable, but even then, there are a few plot points that seemed as though they were the "easy way out" as a writing choice.
the romance was great, but minimal. the strongest point are one-on-one dialogue and quotes, gems such as:
*"i never said i didn't want anyone to know."
*"but i'll tell you this much. one day i'm going to marry this girl." !!!
*"told you a million times, paige. i've got enough faith for the both of us."
(i love childhood friends to lovers so much)
an issue i had with this book was that although it is marketed as new adult, the characters feel less like college students than sixteen year olds. the lingo is also very contemporary at times, but other times, the dialogue feels inconsistent with how the character speaks.
the logistics also are a bit too convenient at times. one friend is strangely good at hacking and bypassing security to obtain so it easily solves the issue at hand. paige's cottage is ransacked for clues about a hidden treasure, and they smashed a couple of paintings looking for any written note, but managed to leave the one that had a code behind it untouched? a little uncharacteristic and too convenient. their flashlights die when touched with water in the cave, but then paige goes diving with the headlamp and it is not mentioned beforehand that it is waterproof or able to withstand this. paige's harvard letter, signed by her father in pen, stays perfectly intact after she dove straight into a pool with it in her pocket, even though it should have bled through.
quite a few aspects felt unoriginal and ripped from outer banks, which is another reason why i can’t rate higher. even the poor vs rich conflict between the townspeople and other characters, paul being the main antagonist who resembles rafe cameron. seb felt heavily inspired by jj maybank. the bonfire fight scene. i liked the scenery a lot in both instances, but it felt like the show was being regurgitated to me at times.
that being said, it was an enjoyable story and i had a lot of fun reading this. i just wish there were more original storytelling elements used to shape the story.
thank you so much for netgalley for providing me with a free arc in exchange for my honest review!
"maybe that was just the nature of treasure. it was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that you could never quite get to, even if you believed with your entire heart that it existed."
☀️ this will be an absolutely fun summer read for sure! i am an absolute sucker for coastal towns, and this setting is honestly my favorite part of this book - the town is so fleshed out. the writing style was gorgeous, descriptive, and flowing, with fast-paced storytelling and conflict at every turn. it slowed down when it needed to, though, and left room for tender moments to develop the relationships between characters. it keeps you hooked with a pivot just when things feel predictable, but even then, there are a few plot points that seemed as though they were the "easy way out" as a writing choice.
the romance was great, but minimal. the strongest point are one-on-one dialogue and quotes, gems such as:
*"i never said i didn't want anyone to know."
*"but i'll tell you this much. one day i'm going to marry this girl." !!!
*"told you a million times, paige. i've got enough faith for the both of us."
(i love childhood friends to lovers so much)
an issue i had with this book was that although it is marketed as new adult, the characters feel less like college students than sixteen year olds. the lingo is also very contemporary at times, but other times, the dialogue feels inconsistent with how the character speaks.
the logistics also are a bit too convenient at times. one friend is strangely good at hacking and bypassing security to obtain so it easily solves the issue at hand. paige's cottage is ransacked for clues about a hidden treasure, and they smashed a couple of paintings looking for any written note, but managed to leave the one that had a code behind it untouched? a little uncharacteristic and too convenient. their flashlights die when touched with water in the cave, but then paige goes diving with the headlamp and it is not mentioned beforehand that it is waterproof or able to withstand this. paige's harvard letter, signed by her father in pen, stays perfectly intact after she dove straight into a pool with it in her pocket, even though it should have bled through.
quite a few aspects felt unoriginal and ripped from outer banks, which is another reason why i can’t rate higher. even the poor vs rich conflict between the townspeople and other characters, paul being the main antagonist who resembles rafe cameron. seb felt heavily inspired by jj maybank. the bonfire fight scene. i liked the scenery a lot in both instances, but it felt like the show was being regurgitated to me at times.
that being said, it was an enjoyable story and i had a lot of fun reading this. i just wish there were more original storytelling elements used to shape the story.
thank you so much for netgalley for providing me with a free arc in exchange for my honest review!
Currently Reading
April 27, 2026・❥・⁀➷
pre-read
ahhh I’m always down for a good treasure hunt heheh AND with ex childhood friends?? 🤭
perfect for fans of outer banks??? hmmm i’m so excited
ahhh I’m always down for a good treasure hunt heheh AND with ex childhood friends?? 🤭
perfect for fans of outer banks??? hmmm i’m so excited
November 11, 2025
Friends to lovers (roommates, even!), second chance romance and treasure hunting.
I love the treasure hunt plot going on.
It’s always so much fun to read about, and I think it creatures so much energy and adventure.
I will say I feel like it was sort of… forgotten about? Around the midway point of this, when we started to focus more on the romantic development.
Personally, I thought it was okay though, because I was willing to sacrifice that for the nice romance scenes.
It does it back on track more toward the end though.
This story is focused primarily on the main characters Paige and Seb, but their childhood friend group is also part of it, which I liked a lot.
I loved seeing them reconnect with each other and re-develop their friendships. That’s just such a sweet and lovable plot.
Also, Paige and seb were too cute.
There really were some nice moments between them.
I adore the second-chance romance trope in general, so I ate that up.
There is even a point in this where they *try* to be roommates. So we get friends-to-lovers, second chance roommates?! HELLO?
I love.
The amount of times it was mentioned that Paige went to Harvard, was a lot.
I’m not a fan of over-repetition, so I started to get ever so slightly irritated. Especially when it seems to be bused as a comparison to her friends, to show that she is the one that grew up to be smart and successful.
Not that Paige gave of the vibe that she felt that way about herself, but it seems to be part of the reason it is mentioned so many times.
It wasn’t a huge deal, but I mentally noted it a few times.
Random note:
- Sharing a toothbrush and a razor and calling it intimate gave me chills. Shivers down my spine. Unapproved!
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Jenn Bennett, for providing me with the eARC of “The Summer of Lost Things”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 26, 2026
I love the treasure hunt plot going on.
It’s always so much fun to read about, and I think it creatures so much energy and adventure.
I will say I feel like it was sort of… forgotten about? Around the midway point of this, when we started to focus more on the romantic development.
Personally, I thought it was okay though, because I was willing to sacrifice that for the nice romance scenes.
It does it back on track more toward the end though.
This story is focused primarily on the main characters Paige and Seb, but their childhood friend group is also part of it, which I liked a lot.
I loved seeing them reconnect with each other and re-develop their friendships. That’s just such a sweet and lovable plot.
Also, Paige and seb were too cute.
There really were some nice moments between them.
I adore the second-chance romance trope in general, so I ate that up.
There is even a point in this where they *try* to be roommates. So we get friends-to-lovers, second chance roommates?! HELLO?
I love.
The amount of times it was mentioned that Paige went to Harvard, was a lot.
I’m not a fan of over-repetition, so I started to get ever so slightly irritated. Especially when it seems to be bused as a comparison to her friends, to show that she is the one that grew up to be smart and successful.
Not that Paige gave of the vibe that she felt that way about herself, but it seems to be part of the reason it is mentioned so many times.
It wasn’t a huge deal, but I mentally noted it a few times.
Random note:
- Sharing a toothbrush and a razor and calling it intimate gave me chills. Shivers down my spine. Unapproved!
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager and author Jenn Bennett, for providing me with the eARC of “The Summer of Lost Things”, in exchange for my honest review!
Publication date: May 26, 2026
Want to Read
October 25, 2025this is literally the prettiest cover ever I'm obsessed with it
Read
May 6, 2026as excited as i have been for this book it unfortunately is just not for me 😭.
its not a bad book by any means, it just feels a lot more YA than new adult and i’m just personally not vibing with it right now!! i may try again at a later date as i really did want to love this one.
its not a bad book by any means, it just feels a lot more YA than new adult and i’m just personally not vibing with it right now!! i may try again at a later date as i really did want to love this one.
May 7, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, and Harper Voyage for the ALC/ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Paige and Seb both have a history together, as they grew up together. While Paige was at Harvard, Seb spent his time pumping gas for wealthy yacht owners. Seb and Paige were best friends in high school and went to the beach to find The Golden Venus, which is a local legend said to have buried treasure. Many treasure hunters have tried to find it, but none have been successful. Seb and Paige haven’t seen each other since the end of high school, but everything changes the night that Paige returns home from school to her grandma’s house, which has been broken into and ruined. After seeing that, she decides to go to the beach, where she sees Seb, and they end up entangled back in each other’s lives, with him as a roommate! Will they be able to just stay friends, or are there feelings that are still lingering between the two?
If you love the childhood best friend trope, you’ll definitely love this book! Paige and Seb were such loveable characters, and the chemistry between them was impossible to ignore. I found myself rooting for them the entire time. Their relationship also gave strong second-chance romance vibes, which is one of my favorite tropes. I also loved the treasure hunting aspect of the story. It made the book feel unique and exciting, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them to find the treasure. There were so many setbacks and twists along the way that it constantly kept me on my toes. The mix of romance, tension, and adventure made the story so fun to read.
I also listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. She did a great job bringing the characters to life and making the emotions and tension feel even more real.
Overall, I highly recommend this fun summer/friends-to-lovers romance!
Paige and Seb both have a history together, as they grew up together. While Paige was at Harvard, Seb spent his time pumping gas for wealthy yacht owners. Seb and Paige were best friends in high school and went to the beach to find The Golden Venus, which is a local legend said to have buried treasure. Many treasure hunters have tried to find it, but none have been successful. Seb and Paige haven’t seen each other since the end of high school, but everything changes the night that Paige returns home from school to her grandma’s house, which has been broken into and ruined. After seeing that, she decides to go to the beach, where she sees Seb, and they end up entangled back in each other’s lives, with him as a roommate! Will they be able to just stay friends, or are there feelings that are still lingering between the two?
If you love the childhood best friend trope, you’ll definitely love this book! Paige and Seb were such loveable characters, and the chemistry between them was impossible to ignore. I found myself rooting for them the entire time. Their relationship also gave strong second-chance romance vibes, which is one of my favorite tropes. I also loved the treasure hunting aspect of the story. It made the book feel unique and exciting, and I couldn’t stop rooting for them to find the treasure. There were so many setbacks and twists along the way that it constantly kept me on my toes. The mix of romance, tension, and adventure made the story so fun to read.
I also listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator. She did a great job bringing the characters to life and making the emotions and tension feel even more real.
Overall, I highly recommend this fun summer/friends-to-lovers romance!
Currently Reading
December 23, 2025
May 2, 2026
It was the cover that pulled me in for this book. Then I read the blurb and thought it sounded fun. I didn’t really enjoy this though. Despite it being labeled new adult, it’s felt very young adult in most of the book. I felt meh about the fmc and didn’t like the mmc at all. The whole plot about solving a series of riddles and puzzles to find a treasure is fun in theory but didn’t feel well executed here.
😊 childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🐾 includes a dog
🛶 small town
single POV
3/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
😊 childhood friends to strangers to lovers
🐾 includes a dog
🛶 small town
single POV
3/5 stars ⭐️
1/5 spice level 🌶️
April 9, 2026
i had a blast reading this! 😍🤗 what a unique book and such a great premise!
it really managed to give Outer Banks vibes and to transport the reader into an adventure!
i loved the childhood friends to lovers trope🥰
was the resolution of the 3rd act conflict unbelievable and too easy? sure, but i still enjoyed the book for what it was.
it really managed to give Outer Banks vibes and to transport the reader into an adventure!
i loved the childhood friends to lovers trope🥰
was the resolution of the 3rd act conflict unbelievable and too easy? sure, but i still enjoyed the book for what it was.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
☀️🌊📚✨ ARC REVIEW — The Summer of Lost Things ✨📚🌊☀️ by Jenn Bennett
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
📚 Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet, nostalgic summer read 🏖️🗺️💛
From the very beginning, this story pulled me in with its cozy beach-town vibes, adventure, mystery, and heartwarming romance 🌅✨ There was something so easy and comforting about this book that made it such a fun read.
The characters were so easy to love 🫶🏼🥹 Their chemistry felt natural, and I really enjoyed watching their story unfold. I found myself rooting for them the entire time 💕 The emotional moments hit just right without feeling too heavy.
I also loved the treasure-hunt/adventure element 🗝️🗺️🌊 It added such a fun layer to the story and kept things engaging the whole way through.
Jenn Bennett captured that perfect end-of-summer nostalgic feeling so well — bittersweet, warm, adventurous, and full of heart ☀️🍃✨
If you love: 🏖️ beach-town settings 💕 lovable characters 🗺️ adventure + mystery ✨ nostalgic summer vibes
…this one is definitely worth picking up 📖💛
#ARCReview #TheSummerOfLostThings #JennBennett #NetGalley #Bookstagram #SummerReads #RomanceReads #AdvancedReaderCopy 📚✨🌊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars
📚 Thank you to Netgally and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet, nostalgic summer read 🏖️🗺️💛
From the very beginning, this story pulled me in with its cozy beach-town vibes, adventure, mystery, and heartwarming romance 🌅✨ There was something so easy and comforting about this book that made it such a fun read.
The characters were so easy to love 🫶🏼🥹 Their chemistry felt natural, and I really enjoyed watching their story unfold. I found myself rooting for them the entire time 💕 The emotional moments hit just right without feeling too heavy.
I also loved the treasure-hunt/adventure element 🗝️🗺️🌊 It added such a fun layer to the story and kept things engaging the whole way through.
Jenn Bennett captured that perfect end-of-summer nostalgic feeling so well — bittersweet, warm, adventurous, and full of heart ☀️🍃✨
If you love: 🏖️ beach-town settings 💕 lovable characters 🗺️ adventure + mystery ✨ nostalgic summer vibes
…this one is definitely worth picking up 📖💛
#ARCReview #TheSummerOfLostThings #JennBennett #NetGalley #Bookstagram #SummerReads #RomanceReads #AdvancedReaderCopy 📚✨🌊
January 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
3.5 stars rounded up.
When I first started this book, I wasn’t a fan of it and was worried I wasn’t going to like it at all, but it just needed to find its groove. I’m glad I stuck with it because it got better as it went on.
It was very much like “Outer Banks”, but it also stood on its own. I liked the setting, it was a great summer read in that case.
Paul very much reminded me of Rafe Cameron so I had a hard time not liking him. I lowkey liked him and Jaz together. He was definitely toxic for her, so it’s good they didn’t end up together, but I was almost hoping for a redemption arc for him.
It was written a little more like a YA book, even though they were adults. There was a sex scene, sexual content, and language though, so this certainly wasn’t a young adult book even though it felt like it with the writing.
I really would have eaten this up if I was younger, but this was still entertaining as an adult.
I think the end wrapped up a little too nicely for the Wags. I wasn’t expecting them to not come out on top, but it still felt a little too easy.
Paige kind of drove me nuts, I wasn’t really a fan of her, but it’s not like I hated her. She had a really stupid moment at the end of the book which got me mad, but I knew it was all part of the story.
I did NOT care about Seb and her relationship at all. Seb was kind of annoying too if I think about it. He wasn’t charming or compelling at all. I felt no chemistry between the two of them. Maybe because I don’t like the childhood friends to lovers trope, but I could not get into their relationship. I wish this book didn’t have that plot line.
It was also weird for a while there that Jaz especially was so angry that Paige and Seb were maybe going to get together. Her concern was valid in a way, but she had to have known Paige had feelings for Seb and wouldn’t hurt him, but Jaz didn’t give her the benefit of the doubt.
I was mainly here for them treasure hunting and the friendship dynamic. Jaz and Paige had a really nice friendship. I wasn’t totally sold on the groups friendship, especially because for the most part Benny was just kind of there with no real personality, but it’s fine. I loved Jaz, I think she was my favorite. She had the most characteristics I thought, whether it was messy or not.
I know it kind of seems like I am hating on this book which is partially why I am giving it 3.5 stars, but I did enjoy it. It was a fast paced read and just a fun book to get into. I was entertained throughout.
3.5 stars rounded up.
When I first started this book, I wasn’t a fan of it and was worried I wasn’t going to like it at all, but it just needed to find its groove. I’m glad I stuck with it because it got better as it went on.
It was very much like “Outer Banks”, but it also stood on its own. I liked the setting, it was a great summer read in that case.
Paul very much reminded me of Rafe Cameron so I had a hard time not liking him. I lowkey liked him and Jaz together. He was definitely toxic for her, so it’s good they didn’t end up together, but I was almost hoping for a redemption arc for him.
It was written a little more like a YA book, even though they were adults. There was a sex scene, sexual content, and language though, so this certainly wasn’t a young adult book even though it felt like it with the writing.
I really would have eaten this up if I was younger, but this was still entertaining as an adult.
I think the end wrapped up a little too nicely for the Wags. I wasn’t expecting them to not come out on top, but it still felt a little too easy.
Paige kind of drove me nuts, I wasn’t really a fan of her, but it’s not like I hated her. She had a really stupid moment at the end of the book which got me mad, but I knew it was all part of the story.
I did NOT care about Seb and her relationship at all. Seb was kind of annoying too if I think about it. He wasn’t charming or compelling at all. I felt no chemistry between the two of them. Maybe because I don’t like the childhood friends to lovers trope, but I could not get into their relationship. I wish this book didn’t have that plot line.
It was also weird for a while there that Jaz especially was so angry that Paige and Seb were maybe going to get together. Her concern was valid in a way, but she had to have known Paige had feelings for Seb and wouldn’t hurt him, but Jaz didn’t give her the benefit of the doubt.
I was mainly here for them treasure hunting and the friendship dynamic. Jaz and Paige had a really nice friendship. I wasn’t totally sold on the groups friendship, especially because for the most part Benny was just kind of there with no real personality, but it’s fine. I loved Jaz, I think she was my favorite. She had the most characteristics I thought, whether it was messy or not.
I know it kind of seems like I am hating on this book which is partially why I am giving it 3.5 stars, but I did enjoy it. It was a fast paced read and just a fun book to get into. I was entertained throughout.
May 8, 2026
I just finished this book with the biggest smile on my face. It is THE perfect summer read/listen and this Michigan girl is so happy she got to experience it.
I genuinely had a great time hearing Paige and Seb’s story. Friends to lovers is such a hit or miss for me, but it was executed so well here! She’s the overachiever who just finished her first semester at Harvard. He’s the dropout “bad boy” who’s still skating by in their small Michigan beach town. Paige is back home because she’s about to be disqualified from her financial aid and has to face her estranged dad. She heads to her late-grandmas lakeside cottage and finds it’s been turned upside down by a robber? A squatter? But wait- is that Seb? Why has her estranged childhood friend been crashing here?
What unfolds is such a fun, thrilling story of treasure hunting adventures, nurturing childhood friendships, and the absolute best of summertime in Pure Michigan! I highly recommend this read!
***Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own***
I genuinely had a great time hearing Paige and Seb’s story. Friends to lovers is such a hit or miss for me, but it was executed so well here! She’s the overachiever who just finished her first semester at Harvard. He’s the dropout “bad boy” who’s still skating by in their small Michigan beach town. Paige is back home because she’s about to be disqualified from her financial aid and has to face her estranged dad. She heads to her late-grandmas lakeside cottage and finds it’s been turned upside down by a robber? A squatter? But wait- is that Seb? Why has her estranged childhood friend been crashing here?
What unfolds is such a fun, thrilling story of treasure hunting adventures, nurturing childhood friendships, and the absolute best of summertime in Pure Michigan! I highly recommend this read!
***Thank you NetGalley and Harper Audio Adult for the ALC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own***
December 14, 2025
I'm going to be honest and I wanted to read this because of the cover. I mean it's GORGEOUS and super cute and fun. I think the story itself is also very fun and I think if you like Outer Banks then you'll enjoy this. I honestly found the dialogue very awkward and didn't flow naturally. I don't know if I bought this group of people as friends, but I found that chemistry and relationship aspect worked better than the romantic aspects. It says adult but this felt very young adult and the choices characters made felt childish. BESIDES that, it was a pretty quick and fast paced read. It was a fun little read and a perfect summertime read.
Thank you to avon and harper and netgalley for the arc!
Thank you to avon and harper and netgalley for the arc!
May 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I love a treasuring hunting story and this cover 😍 are you joking me!
This was so much fun and it was giving season 1 of The Outer Banks! After completing her first year at college, Paige comes home to her family's house destroyed. Paige and her childhood friend Seb suspect someone has been breaking in and looking for her family's treasure. Paige reconnects with Seb and their friend group (Wags) to go on their own adventure to find her family's lost fortune.
Tropes:
☀️Childhood Friends to Roommates to Lovers
☀️Second Chance Romance
☀️Treasure Hunting
☀️Found Family
☀️Small Michigan Town
I love a treasuring hunting story and this cover 😍 are you joking me!
This was so much fun and it was giving season 1 of The Outer Banks! After completing her first year at college, Paige comes home to her family's house destroyed. Paige and her childhood friend Seb suspect someone has been breaking in and looking for her family's treasure. Paige reconnects with Seb and their friend group (Wags) to go on their own adventure to find her family's lost fortune.
Tropes:
☀️Childhood Friends to Roommates to Lovers
☀️Second Chance Romance
☀️Treasure Hunting
☀️Found Family
☀️Small Michigan Town
February 13, 2026
(hello this cover??? SO CUTE!!)
can’t stress enough how fun this book is!!! kinda reminds me of outer banks (first season at least) and i ate it up. treasure hunt books are hit and miss for me but this one was great!! and it has one of my all time favorite tropes: CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS!!! the fmc was a breath of fresh air, she is very real and relatable and the mmc was so charismatic and obsessed with her i lovedddd it. i LOVED the friend group and they were great secondary characters
(also there’s a villain character in this & i kinda wanted him to be redeemed butttt whatever)
perfect summer vacation book!! thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
can’t stress enough how fun this book is!!! kinda reminds me of outer banks (first season at least) and i ate it up. treasure hunt books are hit and miss for me but this one was great!! and it has one of my all time favorite tropes: CHILDHOOD FRIENDS TO LOVERS!!! the fmc was a breath of fresh air, she is very real and relatable and the mmc was so charismatic and obsessed with her i lovedddd it. i LOVED the friend group and they were great secondary characters
(also there’s a villain character in this & i kinda wanted him to be redeemed butttt whatever)
perfect summer vacation book!! thank you to the publisher for providing this book for review via netgalley. all opinions are my own <3
May 3, 2026
This was fine, but I REALLY felt like it was missing the spark I expect from a Jenn Bennett book.
May 1, 2026
The Summer of Lost Things follows Paige Malone, a Harvard student on the brink of losing her critical financial aid, as she returns home to her small Michigan beach town for the summer. Shortly after she gets home, Paige encounters Seb Jansen, her former childhood best friend/co-treasure hunter who fell into a bad crowd and got shipped off to a military school for their senior year of high school. Despite initially butting heads, once Paige stumbles on a hidden secret in her grandmother's beach cottage, she gets Seb and the rest of their childhood treasure-hunting gang together to finally find the Golden Venus, a legendary treasure hidden by an infamous lake pirate related to Paige. As their quest helps Paige and her estranged childhood friend group come back together, it also leads Paige and Seb down a path to something more,
This is a book made for a beach vacation! While I've never seen Netflix's Outer Banks myself, this book is exactly what I imagine the show is like. The laid-back summer vibes, sweet slow(ish) burn romance, and fast-paced, exciting treasure hunting all combined into an enjoyable read! I envy every person who will get to enjoy this while they lay out on the sand on their beach vacations this summer because that is the perfect environment for this.
The town of Haven Beach was charming and remarkably fleshed out; I enjoyed following Paige and her friends as they explored so many different places on the hunt for their treasure. The treasure hunt itself is the standout plot of this novel; I rarely read books that have a treasure-hunting plot, so I found it incredibly fun and refreshing! I also very much enjoyed the dynamic the Wags had when they were all together. Their banter was fun and felt very realistic for a group of older teens that have known each other most of their lives.
Paige and Seb's romantic dynamic was decent for how adventure-focused the story was, but I did find it a bit weaker than I expected. While I think the building romantic tension between the two of them was well done, I feel like their story could have benefitted from proper flashbacks to how their relationship was growing up rather than the detail-spilling during their fights or Paige info-dumping in her narration.
The other element I found a bit weak were the villains. I think the story could have really benefitted from them playing a more active role in the novel prior to the last 35-ish percent of it. It also made it difficult to take them seriously or feel truly intimidated by them since most of their more villainous tendencies were info-dumped by Paige or the other Wags rather than things that I could experience in real time as the reader.
I will say that while this is classified as New Adult, the writing does feel a bit more juvenile than other New Adult novels I've read, but I think that's because the characters are 19 and the writing is so adventure-focused.
Overall, The Summer of Lost Things is an enjoyable read that I think is best read on a beach or lake vacation when you're in the mood for something easy and fun!
Read If You Like:
- Treasure Hunts
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Small Town Vibes
- The Show "Outer Banks"
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is a book made for a beach vacation! While I've never seen Netflix's Outer Banks myself, this book is exactly what I imagine the show is like. The laid-back summer vibes, sweet slow(ish) burn romance, and fast-paced, exciting treasure hunting all combined into an enjoyable read! I envy every person who will get to enjoy this while they lay out on the sand on their beach vacations this summer because that is the perfect environment for this.
The town of Haven Beach was charming and remarkably fleshed out; I enjoyed following Paige and her friends as they explored so many different places on the hunt for their treasure. The treasure hunt itself is the standout plot of this novel; I rarely read books that have a treasure-hunting plot, so I found it incredibly fun and refreshing! I also very much enjoyed the dynamic the Wags had when they were all together. Their banter was fun and felt very realistic for a group of older teens that have known each other most of their lives.
Paige and Seb's romantic dynamic was decent for how adventure-focused the story was, but I did find it a bit weaker than I expected. While I think the building romantic tension between the two of them was well done, I feel like their story could have benefitted from proper flashbacks to how their relationship was growing up rather than the detail-spilling during their fights or Paige info-dumping in her narration.
The other element I found a bit weak were the villains. I think the story could have really benefitted from them playing a more active role in the novel prior to the last 35-ish percent of it. It also made it difficult to take them seriously or feel truly intimidated by them since most of their more villainous tendencies were info-dumped by Paige or the other Wags rather than things that I could experience in real time as the reader.
I will say that while this is classified as New Adult, the writing does feel a bit more juvenile than other New Adult novels I've read, but I think that's because the characters are 19 and the writing is so adventure-focused.
Overall, The Summer of Lost Things is an enjoyable read that I think is best read on a beach or lake vacation when you're in the mood for something easy and fun!
Read If You Like:
- Treasure Hunts
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Second Chance Romance
- Small Town Vibes
- The Show "Outer Banks"
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While my relationship with this story started on shaky ground, I’m really glad I pushed through the initial chapters. Once the plot found its rhythm, it evolved into a fast-paced, highly entertaining summer read.
The atmosphere immediately reminded me of 'Outer Banks', but the story still managed to carve out its own identity. If you’re looking for a seasonal escape centered on treasure hunting and group dynamics, the setting here is fantastic. It’s written with a distinct YA "feel"—despite the characters being adults and the presence of explicit language and spice—which made it feel a bit younger than I expected. That said, even though I probably would have obsessed over this as a teenager, it still held my attention as an adult reader.
Paul was a standout for me. Even though he was undeniably toxic, I found myself lowkey rooting for him and Jaz. I was secretly hoping for a redemption arc that never quite came, but for the sake of the characters, it’s probably for the best that they didn’t end up together!
To be honest, Paige got on my nerves at times. She made a choice near the end that was genuinely frustrating, though I recognize it served the plot. My biggest hurdle, however, was the romance between her and Seb. I’ve never been a huge fan of the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and I felt zero chemistry here. Seb lacked the charm needed to make me care about that particular plot line.
The core of the book for me was Jaz and Paige’s friendship. Jaz was easily my favorite character; she felt the most "real" and well-developed, even when she was being messy. I wasn't entirely sold on the chemistry of the full group—Benny, in particular, felt a bit like an afterthought—but the treasure-hunting aspect kept me hooked regardless.
The resolution for "The Wags" felt a bit too neat and easy, and there were moments where Jaz’s protectiveness over Seb (and her lack of trust in Paige) felt a bit forced. However, don't let my critiques fool you—I genuinely enjoyed this. It was fun, it moved quickly, and it kept me entertained from the moment it found its groove until the final page.
Definitely recommend for fans of: High-stakes treasure hunts, moody coastal vibes, and complicated friendship circles.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jenn Bennett was one of those YA authors for me growing up—the kind whose new releases were automatic reads—so when I saw she was releasing a new YA/new adult contemporary romance, I ran to request the ARC. And I’m happy to report: The Summer of Lost Things absolutely feels like a Bennett book, just with slightly older characters and a sun-soaked, adventurous twist.
At its core, this is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers story wrapped in a treasure-hunt mystery. Paige heads back to her Michigan beach-town home after her freshman year at Harvard (a detail that comes up… a lot), only to find herself reconnecting with her childhood best friend Seb—and the rest of their old friend group. Watching the friends slowly reform over the course of the summer was one of my favorite parts of the book. The shared history feels real, and there’s something really comforting about seeing people who drifted apart find their way back to each other.
Paige and Seb are undeniably cute together. Their dynamic is very soft, very nostalgic, and very “what if we never stopped caring?” Friends-to-lovers, second chance, and roommates? Say less. The chemistry is there, the tension builds nicely, and when things finally tip into romance, it feels earned—even if the pacing is a bit quick in places.
The treasure-hunt angle is what initially hooked me, and it ended up being such a fun, adventurous thread running through the whole story. Some of the action and clue-chasing moments do lean a little on the fantastical side, but honestly that didn’t make them any less exciting to read. If anything, it gave the book this slightly thriller-esque energy that kept me turning the pages. I can’t think of many romances I’ve read that blend mystery, danger, and swoony moments quite like this, and it made for a really entertaining ride.
Overall, The Summer of Lost Things is a fun, nostalgic, beachy read with second chances, buried secrets, and a friend group you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time with. It’s easy to fly through, perfect for summer, and very bingeable—and it made me really happy to be back in Jenn Bennett’s storytelling world.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
At its core, this is a second-chance, friends-to-lovers story wrapped in a treasure-hunt mystery. Paige heads back to her Michigan beach-town home after her freshman year at Harvard (a detail that comes up… a lot), only to find herself reconnecting with her childhood best friend Seb—and the rest of their old friend group. Watching the friends slowly reform over the course of the summer was one of my favorite parts of the book. The shared history feels real, and there’s something really comforting about seeing people who drifted apart find their way back to each other.
Paige and Seb are undeniably cute together. Their dynamic is very soft, very nostalgic, and very “what if we never stopped caring?” Friends-to-lovers, second chance, and roommates? Say less. The chemistry is there, the tension builds nicely, and when things finally tip into romance, it feels earned—even if the pacing is a bit quick in places.
The treasure-hunt angle is what initially hooked me, and it ended up being such a fun, adventurous thread running through the whole story. Some of the action and clue-chasing moments do lean a little on the fantastical side, but honestly that didn’t make them any less exciting to read. If anything, it gave the book this slightly thriller-esque energy that kept me turning the pages. I can’t think of many romances I’ve read that blend mystery, danger, and swoony moments quite like this, and it made for a really entertaining ride.
Overall, The Summer of Lost Things is a fun, nostalgic, beachy read with second chances, buried secrets, and a friend group you’ll genuinely enjoy spending time with. It’s easy to fly through, perfect for summer, and very bingeable—and it made me really happy to be back in Jenn Bennett’s storytelling world.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!
February 10, 2026
First thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Jenn Bennett for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this book after reading the description of “an adult romance” for fans of The Outer Banks and The Goonies with a hunt for lost treasure. The blurb and the cover hooked me and I was so excited when I got the approval for this one. And while it was good, it fell a bit short for me.
What worked well:
•The setting - the beach town, the “class society” of the town, were all fleshed out well and gave the perfect summery vibe along with meeting that Outer Banks expectation.
• The rag tag treasure hunting gang - this group with all their drama and history gave all the entertainment value of a soap opera while also hitting on notes of nostalgia.
• The treasure hunting storyline - While some of the clues were easy to guess at, the whole treasure hunting plot added some fun and action to the book. And the final clue did get me by surprise a little bit!
What didn’t work for me:
• This was pushed as an adult romance. And while there is some spice, and some adult content surrounding the little crime group, and some references to drug use, it still had a feeling of a YA novel. It could be due to the fact that the main characters were teenagers and were going though all the emotions of that angsty period of life, but I did find some things to be tad on the cringy, immature side.
• The mention of the FMC attending Harvard, a lot. To be fair, troubles with her school scholarships and funding are why she has found herself back home for the summer, so it should be mentioned a few times, but it felt like it was being mentioned more than needed. And I didn’t like that it felt like at sometimes it was being used as a way to put her ahead of her friends from back home?!?
Overall this book is a great book if you want something fun and uncomplicated for a summer read on the beach. And if you’re a fan of the soap opera type drama, then you’ll enjoy this as well.
I requested this book after reading the description of “an adult romance” for fans of The Outer Banks and The Goonies with a hunt for lost treasure. The blurb and the cover hooked me and I was so excited when I got the approval for this one. And while it was good, it fell a bit short for me.
What worked well:
•The setting - the beach town, the “class society” of the town, were all fleshed out well and gave the perfect summery vibe along with meeting that Outer Banks expectation.
• The rag tag treasure hunting gang - this group with all their drama and history gave all the entertainment value of a soap opera while also hitting on notes of nostalgia.
• The treasure hunting storyline - While some of the clues were easy to guess at, the whole treasure hunting plot added some fun and action to the book. And the final clue did get me by surprise a little bit!
What didn’t work for me:
• This was pushed as an adult romance. And while there is some spice, and some adult content surrounding the little crime group, and some references to drug use, it still had a feeling of a YA novel. It could be due to the fact that the main characters were teenagers and were going though all the emotions of that angsty period of life, but I did find some things to be tad on the cringy, immature side.
• The mention of the FMC attending Harvard, a lot. To be fair, troubles with her school scholarships and funding are why she has found herself back home for the summer, so it should be mentioned a few times, but it felt like it was being mentioned more than needed. And I didn’t like that it felt like at sometimes it was being used as a way to put her ahead of her friends from back home?!?
Overall this book is a great book if you want something fun and uncomplicated for a summer read on the beach. And if you’re a fan of the soap opera type drama, then you’ll enjoy this as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.5 Stars
I want to start by saying I am a HUGE fan of Jenn Bennett. I have loved her adult and young adult books be they contemporary and historical paranormal. I loved the description of this story, and the things mentioned in the synopsis hit perfectly, but not everything worked for me.
I thought this was going to be a romance with a touch of adventure, but I feel it leaned more romantic suspense. There was the mystery of Wyrd Jack's hidden treasure plus a nefarious plot. I struggle a bit with the bad guy plot. It just didn't feel right to me. People talk about how many times Harvard was mentioned, but I could say the same for weed. Weed before food, smelled like weed, backup weed stash, origami joint, vapes. I will admit that be this young adult or new adult, I am not the target audience, and I am not from Michigan, maybe they are high all the time there, but I am just not a fan of casual drug use.
I must say, I did get The Goonies vibes here. The search for Wyrd Jack's treasure was the standout part of the story. Finding the clues, figuring out what they meant, leaning into the family history - LOVED IT! I also liked the Seb was given a second chance. He really messed up with the wags, but during their time apart, he worked on himself and grew to be a better person. I was also very taken with the setting. Bennett did an incredible job bringing this beach town to life. The descriptions were vivid and the vibe was strong. I loved seeing so many parts of this town via the treasure hunt too.
Overall, I enjoyed being part of the search for Wyrd Jack's treasure. There was mystery, adventure, friendship, and romance along the way that kept me entertained.
*ARC provided by publisher
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I want to start by saying I am a HUGE fan of Jenn Bennett. I have loved her adult and young adult books be they contemporary and historical paranormal. I loved the description of this story, and the things mentioned in the synopsis hit perfectly, but not everything worked for me.
I thought this was going to be a romance with a touch of adventure, but I feel it leaned more romantic suspense. There was the mystery of Wyrd Jack's hidden treasure plus a nefarious plot. I struggle a bit with the bad guy plot. It just didn't feel right to me. People talk about how many times Harvard was mentioned, but I could say the same for weed. Weed before food, smelled like weed, backup weed stash, origami joint, vapes. I will admit that be this young adult or new adult, I am not the target audience, and I am not from Michigan, maybe they are high all the time there, but I am just not a fan of casual drug use.
I must say, I did get The Goonies vibes here. The search for Wyrd Jack's treasure was the standout part of the story. Finding the clues, figuring out what they meant, leaning into the family history - LOVED IT! I also liked the Seb was given a second chance. He really messed up with the wags, but during their time apart, he worked on himself and grew to be a better person. I was also very taken with the setting. Bennett did an incredible job bringing this beach town to life. The descriptions were vivid and the vibe was strong. I loved seeing so many parts of this town via the treasure hunt too.
Overall, I enjoyed being part of the search for Wyrd Jack's treasure. There was mystery, adventure, friendship, and romance along the way that kept me entertained.
*ARC provided by publisher
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May 8, 2026
Read if you like
- beach town settings
- Found family
- Treasure hunts
- Childhood friends to lovers
Main couple:
Paige, Ivy League brainy girl
Seb, golden retriever, rough around the edges, “bad boy”
I have to admit… this one is hard for me to rate. I grew up reading Jenn Bennett’s YA books. I love her. I support and am excited for her journey into adult books. This book though… I wasn’t a huge fan of. It was an easy read. It is a fan summer read for a casual reader but for me it didn’t hit.
It was very very derivative of outer banks… to the point I could tell who the characters probably were on outer banks. I tried to get past that because everything is derivative of everything but it becomes an issue when I’m trying to care about the story on its own.
Furthermore, you can’t really think too much about the logistics of this one or it won’t make sense. I would dive deeper on that but I don’t want to spoil the book before anyone reads. To sum it all up- I didn’t buy the ending.
I’m not sure the rich vs poor plot works very well with coastal lake Michigan but I’m not from there so I can’t judge. I just think she could’ve left that part of outer banks out.
Lastly, it read like YA. They mentioned the main character going to Harvard many times. They mentioned getting high and weed many times and sex many times. Some mentions do work… too many feels like a little kid trying to sound grown up. I’m no prude. I love a good banter and weed is legal in Michigan so I don’t care but it was just the amount that felt juvenile. I’m not sure how to explain it. The adult topics were over-seasoning the story to put it into metaphor.
I hate saying that because it is an easy read and I want Jenn to keep exploring the adult genre. It just needs reeled in a bit.
3/5 stars because I do think it will be well received by some
Allie Shae did amazing at narrating the audiobook. She is easy to follow and her voice is clear and precise. 10/10 no notes
Thank you NetGalley and Harperaudio adult for the advanced copy of this audiobook!
- beach town settings
- Found family
- Treasure hunts
- Childhood friends to lovers
Main couple:
Paige, Ivy League brainy girl
Seb, golden retriever, rough around the edges, “bad boy”
I have to admit… this one is hard for me to rate. I grew up reading Jenn Bennett’s YA books. I love her. I support and am excited for her journey into adult books. This book though… I wasn’t a huge fan of. It was an easy read. It is a fan summer read for a casual reader but for me it didn’t hit.
It was very very derivative of outer banks… to the point I could tell who the characters probably were on outer banks. I tried to get past that because everything is derivative of everything but it becomes an issue when I’m trying to care about the story on its own.
Furthermore, you can’t really think too much about the logistics of this one or it won’t make sense. I would dive deeper on that but I don’t want to spoil the book before anyone reads. To sum it all up- I didn’t buy the ending.
I’m not sure the rich vs poor plot works very well with coastal lake Michigan but I’m not from there so I can’t judge. I just think she could’ve left that part of outer banks out.
Lastly, it read like YA. They mentioned the main character going to Harvard many times. They mentioned getting high and weed many times and sex many times. Some mentions do work… too many feels like a little kid trying to sound grown up. I’m no prude. I love a good banter and weed is legal in Michigan so I don’t care but it was just the amount that felt juvenile. I’m not sure how to explain it. The adult topics were over-seasoning the story to put it into metaphor.
I hate saying that because it is an easy read and I want Jenn to keep exploring the adult genre. It just needs reeled in a bit.
3/5 stars because I do think it will be well received by some
Allie Shae did amazing at narrating the audiobook. She is easy to follow and her voice is clear and precise. 10/10 no notes
Thank you NetGalley and Harperaudio adult for the advanced copy of this audiobook!
November 4, 2025
3.5/4 Star Read
I requested this ARC based on the book cover and description.
"Sexy new adult romance meets swashbuckling adventure when ex childhood friends Paige and Seb reconnect to finally track down the treasure that has been a legend in their small Michigan beach town for decades. Perfect for fans of The Goonies and Netflix’s Outer Banks who are craving more romance!"
I enjoyed The Summer of Lost Things and the cast of characters, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more whimsy. To be fair, I went in expecting something closer to The Goonies, which probably set me up with the wrong mindset. While there’s definitely mischief and adventure, the story leans more into the romance between Seb and Paige and their family dynamics.
I do believe the book aligns more to Outer Banks in terms of the social divide and working class. Which was a theme prominent throughout the book. The story mainly follows Seb and Paige and their group of friends. I liked their dynamic and started enjoying the story more once Jaz and Ben were a more consistent part of the picture. Once childhood friends who drifted apart when Paige left for college, they reconnected through their shared past as part of the WAGS, a group connected by a love of adventure and treasure hunting. Having become friends due to their intertwined families and association to certain illegal activities they reignite their friendship to go on yet another adventure. Doing so as they navigate situationships, town gossip, crime organizations and lost family treasures.
It was a quick and easy read, that was easy to follow filled with hometown history and family drama, and second chances.
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC
I requested this ARC based on the book cover and description.
"Sexy new adult romance meets swashbuckling adventure when ex childhood friends Paige and Seb reconnect to finally track down the treasure that has been a legend in their small Michigan beach town for decades. Perfect for fans of The Goonies and Netflix’s Outer Banks who are craving more romance!"
I enjoyed The Summer of Lost Things and the cast of characters, though I did find myself wishing for a bit more whimsy. To be fair, I went in expecting something closer to The Goonies, which probably set me up with the wrong mindset. While there’s definitely mischief and adventure, the story leans more into the romance between Seb and Paige and their family dynamics.
I do believe the book aligns more to Outer Banks in terms of the social divide and working class. Which was a theme prominent throughout the book. The story mainly follows Seb and Paige and their group of friends. I liked their dynamic and started enjoying the story more once Jaz and Ben were a more consistent part of the picture. Once childhood friends who drifted apart when Paige left for college, they reconnected through their shared past as part of the WAGS, a group connected by a love of adventure and treasure hunting. Having become friends due to their intertwined families and association to certain illegal activities they reignite their friendship to go on yet another adventure. Doing so as they navigate situationships, town gossip, crime organizations and lost family treasures.
It was a quick and easy read, that was easy to follow filled with hometown history and family drama, and second chances.
I wanted to thank NetGalley for this ARC
December 8, 2025
This book was a swashbuckling good time!
After finishing her freshman year of college at Harvard, Paige Malone is back home in Haven Beach, Michigan, exhausted and frustrated with her financial situation. To make matters worse, she finds out that her former childhood best friend, Seb Jansen, has been squatting in her late grandmother’s house. A surprise discovery among her grandma’s possessions and Seb’s charm has Paige reuniting their friend group, the Scallywags (aka the Wags), for the summer and embarking on a treasure hunt for infamous Great Lakes pirate treasure. The group agrees that they could all use the money, but the more time Paige and Seb spend together, the more their reinstated friendship starts to feel like something a little more.
I have always been a huge fan of Jenn Bennett, particularly her contemporary young adult work (my favorite being The Anatomical Shape of a Heart)! Those books are annual rereads for me, so when I saw that she had written an adult romance, I jumped at the chance to read it. The Summer of Lost Things definitely gave me Serious Moonlight vibes!
I was so enthralled by the treasure hunt, I could not put this book down. The story was fast paced, action packed, and full of tension, particularly between Paige and Seb. I loved their childhood friends turned strangers turned friends and adventurers turned lovers trajectory.
What I found the most striking about this book was the dynamic friendship group. I can definitely confirm that the Wags are the Goonies meets Outer Banks but with a Midwest charm. Each character in the group felt so real and well rounded, and it made for great banter!
I can see this being a fun beach read when it’s out next May 2026! Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!
After finishing her freshman year of college at Harvard, Paige Malone is back home in Haven Beach, Michigan, exhausted and frustrated with her financial situation. To make matters worse, she finds out that her former childhood best friend, Seb Jansen, has been squatting in her late grandmother’s house. A surprise discovery among her grandma’s possessions and Seb’s charm has Paige reuniting their friend group, the Scallywags (aka the Wags), for the summer and embarking on a treasure hunt for infamous Great Lakes pirate treasure. The group agrees that they could all use the money, but the more time Paige and Seb spend together, the more their reinstated friendship starts to feel like something a little more.
I have always been a huge fan of Jenn Bennett, particularly her contemporary young adult work (my favorite being The Anatomical Shape of a Heart)! Those books are annual rereads for me, so when I saw that she had written an adult romance, I jumped at the chance to read it. The Summer of Lost Things definitely gave me Serious Moonlight vibes!
I was so enthralled by the treasure hunt, I could not put this book down. The story was fast paced, action packed, and full of tension, particularly between Paige and Seb. I loved their childhood friends turned strangers turned friends and adventurers turned lovers trajectory.
What I found the most striking about this book was the dynamic friendship group. I can definitely confirm that the Wags are the Goonies meets Outer Banks but with a Midwest charm. Each character in the group felt so real and well rounded, and it made for great banter!
I can see this being a fun beach read when it’s out next May 2026! Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC!
January 10, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Jenn Bennett for an advanced reader copy of The Summer of Lost Things in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, I LOVED this book! My only regret is not reading it closer to summer, because its summer vibes are impeccable.
One of the blurbs claims that The Summer of Lost Things is great for fans of Outer Banks, and I would definitely agree!
The Summer of Lost Things was a really great time. I honestly don’t know where to start because I loved so much about it. The writing was wonderful, the book read very quickly and easily, and I never wanted to stop.
The characters are an interesting group of misfits, and it was fun experiencing a small, lakeside town in Michigan.
And the treasure hunt was a blast! Super original, but still really easy to follow along with. My only complaint is that one of the clues felt really obvious to me, BUT the resolution of the clue was a surprise, and I was still caught off guard. It was really enjoyable to experience an adventure that I would NEVER actually be a part of, and this really hit on my favorite part of reading— experiencing something completely unique and new to my life!
I enjoyed the mix of teenage drama, family drama, and darker, more criminal drama. I felt like I was constantly on my toes (but never stressed out), and I never wanted to stop reading so I could finally learn all the answers to all the mysteries.
And the spice was great, too! Honestly, the yearning and the tension building up to the spice was my favorite part, and I loved every way the author honored Seb and Paige’s relationship, both physical and emotional.
I would definitely recommend The Summer of Lost Things to all my friends!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow, I LOVED this book! My only regret is not reading it closer to summer, because its summer vibes are impeccable.
One of the blurbs claims that The Summer of Lost Things is great for fans of Outer Banks, and I would definitely agree!
The Summer of Lost Things was a really great time. I honestly don’t know where to start because I loved so much about it. The writing was wonderful, the book read very quickly and easily, and I never wanted to stop.
The characters are an interesting group of misfits, and it was fun experiencing a small, lakeside town in Michigan.
And the treasure hunt was a blast! Super original, but still really easy to follow along with. My only complaint is that one of the clues felt really obvious to me, BUT the resolution of the clue was a surprise, and I was still caught off guard. It was really enjoyable to experience an adventure that I would NEVER actually be a part of, and this really hit on my favorite part of reading— experiencing something completely unique and new to my life!
I enjoyed the mix of teenage drama, family drama, and darker, more criminal drama. I felt like I was constantly on my toes (but never stressed out), and I never wanted to stop reading so I could finally learn all the answers to all the mysteries.
And the spice was great, too! Honestly, the yearning and the tension building up to the spice was my favorite part, and I loved every way the author honored Seb and Paige’s relationship, both physical and emotional.
I would definitely recommend The Summer of Lost Things to all my friends!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett, Paige Malone is forced to return to her small hometown on the coast of Lake Michigan after her freshman year of college. Here, she finds herself drawn back into her childhood friend group as they embark on a hunt for a rumored treasure, potentially worth millions. Along the way, she must contend with complicated family relationships, messy friendships, and a whirlwind romance with a boy she once thought she’d never see again.
The thing that I loved most about this book is how well Bennett is able to balance all the separate elements - the friendships Paige has with each side character, her romance with Seb, as well as the elusive treasure all felt equally important. I enjoyed getting to see her and her friends piece together clues just as much as I enjoyed getting to see her relationship with Seb blossom.
The relationship was done incredibly well, with just enough angst to keep you on your toes without leaving you frustrated. Every setback felt justified and understandable, and when ultimate declarations are finally made, they feel well earned.
The treasure hunt was also so fun to follow along with. Things may have jumped the shark at the end a tad, but regardless I still loved how everything played out.
At this point, I have read most of Jenn Bennett’s back catalogue and she really continues to prove what a strong romance author she is, and I am desperately crossing my fingers and toes for a book 2.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio with Allie Shae as the narrator who did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and infusing the perfect amount of emotion into every line.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the audio-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
The thing that I loved most about this book is how well Bennett is able to balance all the separate elements - the friendships Paige has with each side character, her romance with Seb, as well as the elusive treasure all felt equally important. I enjoyed getting to see her and her friends piece together clues just as much as I enjoyed getting to see her relationship with Seb blossom.
The relationship was done incredibly well, with just enough angst to keep you on your toes without leaving you frustrated. Every setback felt justified and understandable, and when ultimate declarations are finally made, they feel well earned.
The treasure hunt was also so fun to follow along with. Things may have jumped the shark at the end a tad, but regardless I still loved how everything played out.
At this point, I have read most of Jenn Bennett’s back catalogue and she really continues to prove what a strong romance author she is, and I am desperately crossing my fingers and toes for a book 2.
I had the pleasure of listening to this on audio with Allie Shae as the narrator who did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and infusing the perfect amount of emotion into every line.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the audio-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First, a big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Jenn Bennett’s novel “The Summer of Lost Things" – “Sexy new adult romance meets swashbuckling adventure when ex childhood friends Paige and Seb reconnect to finally track down the treasure that has been a legend in their small Michigan beach town for decades. Perfect for fans of The Goonies and Netflix’s Outer Banks who are craving more romance!”
The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett is bursting with warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible spark of summer adventure. From the very first page, it sweeps you into a world of sun-drenched beaches, buried secrets, and a second-chance romance that will make your heart soar.
Paige and Seb’s story is beautifully layered. Their journey from childhood best friends to estranged adults and back again feels genuinely emotional and deeply moving. Bennett captures the ache of growing up, losing touch, and finding your way back. Something that I think we could all use more of.
The treasure hunt adds the perfect touch of excitement, blending mystery and nostalgia in a way that feels cinematic—like The Goonies, which definitely delivered. Each clue, each discovery, deepens not only the plot but also the relationships between the characters.
The Summer of Lost Things is everything you want in a summer read—heartfelt, romantic, adventurous, and full of hope. It’s a love letter to second chances and the kind of friendships that never fade. Definitely check this one out this summer - its cozy in the best ways.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett is bursting with warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible spark of summer adventure. From the very first page, it sweeps you into a world of sun-drenched beaches, buried secrets, and a second-chance romance that will make your heart soar.
Paige and Seb’s story is beautifully layered. Their journey from childhood best friends to estranged adults and back again feels genuinely emotional and deeply moving. Bennett captures the ache of growing up, losing touch, and finding your way back. Something that I think we could all use more of.
The treasure hunt adds the perfect touch of excitement, blending mystery and nostalgia in a way that feels cinematic—like The Goonies, which definitely delivered. Each clue, each discovery, deepens not only the plot but also the relationships between the characters.
The Summer of Lost Things is everything you want in a summer read—heartfelt, romantic, adventurous, and full of hope. It’s a love letter to second chances and the kind of friendships that never fade. Definitely check this one out this summer - its cozy in the best ways.
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A perfect blend of summer magic, adventure, and heartfelt romance
The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett is an absolute gem—a story bursting with warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible spark of summer adventure. From the very first page, it sweeps you into a world of sun-drenched beaches, buried secrets, and a second-chance romance that will make your heart soar.
Paige and Seb’s story is beautifully layered. Their journey from childhood best friends to estranged adults and back again feels genuinely emotional and deeply moving. Jenn captures the ache of growing up, losing touch, and finding your way back—to both yourself and the person who always mattered most. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s their emotional connection that truly shines.
The treasure hunt adds the perfect touch of excitement, blending mystery and nostalgia in a way that feels cinematic—like The Goonies, but with more heart and romance. Each clue, each discovery, deepens not only the plot but also the relationships between the characters.
Jenn’s writing is warm, vivid, and full of life. The beach town setting feels alive with charm, and the supporting characters add humor, depth, and just the right touch of small-town magic.
🌅 Final thoughts: The Summer of Lost Things is everything you want in a summer read—heartfelt, romantic, adventurous, and full of hope. It’s a love letter to second chances and the kind of friendships that never fade. Easily one of the best feel-good books of the year.
The Summer of Lost Things by Jenn Bennett is an absolute gem—a story bursting with warmth, nostalgia, and that irresistible spark of summer adventure. From the very first page, it sweeps you into a world of sun-drenched beaches, buried secrets, and a second-chance romance that will make your heart soar.
Paige and Seb’s story is beautifully layered. Their journey from childhood best friends to estranged adults and back again feels genuinely emotional and deeply moving. Jenn captures the ache of growing up, losing touch, and finding your way back—to both yourself and the person who always mattered most. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s their emotional connection that truly shines.
The treasure hunt adds the perfect touch of excitement, blending mystery and nostalgia in a way that feels cinematic—like The Goonies, but with more heart and romance. Each clue, each discovery, deepens not only the plot but also the relationships between the characters.
Jenn’s writing is warm, vivid, and full of life. The beach town setting feels alive with charm, and the supporting characters add humor, depth, and just the right touch of small-town magic.
🌅 Final thoughts: The Summer of Lost Things is everything you want in a summer read—heartfelt, romantic, adventurous, and full of hope. It’s a love letter to second chances and the kind of friendships that never fade. Easily one of the best feel-good books of the year.
November 10, 2025
I love Jenn Bennett's books. Anytime I see a new release of hers I need to grab it. She is amazing at writing teen and adult romance. This was no exception. This story had drama, love, friendships, and treasure hunting. Paige lost her scholarship from Harvard because of her deadbeat dad's wealth. Which didn't make too much sense because he refused to acknowledge he was her dad so why lose a scholarship for that? She came back for the summer to resolve the issue. Being back home and being able to be with her friends eventually leads to a treasure hunt for the Golden Venus—a legend among the locals and part of Paige's family history. With criminals tracking down the treasure as well, it's a race to see who finds it first. Additionally, Paige rediscovered her old friendship with Seb. I loved how she gave him a chance to redeem himself. I loved Paige's friends Benny and Jaz. The foursome buddies were enjoyable to read. It's beautiful to read a book that depicts a really solid and trustworthy friendship. The slow-burning romance was really good. That first kiss was chef's kiss perfection. Together Paige and Seb were adorable. The scenes between them were steamy. The only meh moments were the treasure hunting. I thought some of those scenes were a bit boring. The bad guys were a bit comical. And Paige's and Seb's dads were horrible individuals. They added to the melodrama of the story. The ending was really great and a bit surprising. Overall, it was a really incredible romance story. I definitely recommend it. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my ARC.
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