Summer's Echo

by Robbi Renee, Wesleigh Siobhan (Narrator), Winston James (Narrator)

One summer bound them. One secret divided them. One reunion could change everything.

As teenagers, Summer Knight and Echo Abara spent one unforgettable summer as camp counselors. Beneath sun-soaked days and starry nights, their bond deepened from easy friendship into something more—an unspoken love neither dared confess. Life pulled them in different directions, yet their souls remained tethered by time, distance, and a shared secret.

Neither has forgotten their connection—nor the secret they swore to keep. When a reunion brings them back together, their lives collide once more, stirring long-buried emotions and unanswered questions. Summer and Echo must confront not only their unvoiced feelings but also the burden of their shared secret—one that could shatter everything they believed about their friendship and the summer that shaped them.

Will they find the courage to embrace what's always been between them? Or will the truth they've guarded destroy their second chance?

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, African American, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, African American Romance, Second Chance

Audiobook

About the author

Hey Loves! I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri (in the words of Nelly, “I’m from the Lou and I’m proud!) with incredible parents and two amazing older sisters. Born Stacey Renee, I was the baby of the bunch and always had a vivid imagination – was wise beyond my years (to grown for my own good) if you ask my mother!

My love for talking too much (ha!), journaling, daydreaming, reading & watching various genres of movies, books I went to journalism school, determined to become Oprah! After finishing my degree, I did everything but becoming a journalist. I dishonored my childhood dreams of being in some form of entertainment but found a way to use this big mouth for good in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space.

I rekindled my love for reading and writing during the 2020 pandemic where my alter ego & pen name, Robbi Renee was born. Robbi is my daddy’s nickname so my pen name pays homage to him. (Yep! I’m still a daddy’s girl!) Renee, as you can see is my middle name – Robbi Renee!

I started Love Notes by Robbi Renee as an outline to release all of the stories that live in my head. I was challenged to write and publish my first novella, French Kiss Christmas, published December 2020.

Robbi Renee draws upon personal experiences with life and love. My written works are inspired by my adoration for Black love, and stories of romance, heartache, trauma, intuition, and redemption.

Stacey/Robbi Renee enjoys her own Black family love story with her husband George and teenage son.

Reviews

[Shawnaci Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
- Loved this story so much! If you’re looking for a cozy sweet romance that will make you believe in soulmates, please pick up this book! It’s so nostalgic!
- This book will remind you of your firsts and make your heart grow 3x bigger! Love how this is set at a camp and goes between past/present timeline.
- Truly such a passionate and beautiful story. If you love Lauren Lacey and Brittainy Cherry’s stories & how they’re just so so sweet, this book will be perfect for you!!

[BookmarkedByAlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
This was cute🥰
The love between these two dripped from the pages. Echo was sooo sweet, patient and truly saw NOTHING but Summer-and all she saw and felt was Echo🩷
I loved the dual timelines allowing us to see the evolution of their relationship. This was a true friends to lovers story.
I will say that this one was better to read physically as opposed to listening because the times that I listened, I was so confused as to what point in time we were in. I think it would have made it an easier read of there were more chapters in the story and those chapters being labeled past/present as opposed to multiple timelines within the same chapter. I got used to it, but just wasn’t a fan.
Overall, seamless writing that flowed well and kept me engaged the entire time.

[T.Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summer & Echo have my WHOOLLLLEEEE heart!!!
Run, don’t walk, to read this. And believe me when I say, you won’t be disappointed.

This was my first read by this author, and it certainly won’t be my last. This story is EVERYTHING!!! Slow burn, friends to lovers and second chance romance. Guaranteed to make you feel ALLLLLL the feels. These two got my full attention and I found myself immersed in their connection from the very beginning.

The writing is emotional and was such beautiful story telling, it made me feel every piece of happiness, joy, sadness and tension as this story unfolded. From page one to the final page I literally did not want it to end!! 💛

Thank you NetGalley for the E-Arc!!!

[Antoinette (_literaryaura_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars Wesleigh and Winston bring the fire to everything they touch.

[Vanity La’Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ( Started as a 6 Star )

Before it was even mentioned, I got Runaway Bride energy from this and I was all the way here for it. First of all, I’ve been in love with Robbi Renee’s writing since Somebody’s Wife so thank you to the publisher for letting me get my hands on her newest work! Let’s gooo.

Right out the gate: chaos. Beautiful chaos. And a beautiful man too, whew. But Summer? She’s in that unsure phase of life and it feels real.

Here’s what I’m loving so far (without spoiling too much):

- The description of the first male character... I think I actually drooled a little 👀

- That conversation around women choosing “safe” over “meant to be,” and how we know when someone isn’t the one. Whew.

- Learning why it’s called Summer’s Echo so early in the book

- Finding out who Echo is and the nickname he has for her? When that man said “baby-girl,”—I promise I actually heard it

- The setting is where I live so it’s giving extra fun energy for the summer

- Female friendship! Summer has a girl group and y’all know I love seeing that in books. Loooooove a good, layered friendship dynamic in books—it always makes the story feel fuller.

It’s already giving grown, sexy, and emotionally complex. Robbi knows how to write that kind of story, and I know this one is going to be a hit. I’m so ready to see how it all unfolds!— Cannot wait to report back.

UPDATE :

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3–3.5 stars)
Started off feeling like a 6-star read… update: it’s not. 😅

So here’s the thing…
When I first started this, I really thought I had a new fave on my hands. But somewhere along the way, my investment started slipping. The first half had me kind of checked out… like, them being stuck in the same spot for that long? It was blowing me. I just didn’t care enough yet.

BUT—once they moved?? Baby. It picked up QUICK.
I flew through the last 50% and finished it expeditiously. I am glad I stuck with it.

What I loved:
- His nicknames for her were cute
- The setting had such a cozy, nostalgic vibe
- And there were a few emotional beats that hit home for me personally

Why it dropped to a 3–3.5:
- The past/present timeline… was distracting.
It just didn’t feel clean. I love a dual timeline when it’s done right, but this one had me frustrated and honestly, I think it only really mattered for one part of the plot. A simple “15 years ago” vs. “Now” would’ve done wonders. I summarize each chapter as I read, and this format made the experience choppy.

- The second chance half
Lowkey underdeveloped.
I needed a clearer reason for why they couldn’t reconnect as adults. I kept waiting for that “aha” moment, and it never came. The fact that he was about to show up at her wedding to another man but somehow they never reached out before??? Be for real. 😭 It felt childish and that knocked the emotional payoff down big time for me.

- The pacing around her “running away” situation.
If we got to that part sooner or even teased it more effectively, I genuinely think this would’ve been an easy 4-star read.

Final thoughts:

If you’re looking for a second chance romance without the usual toxicity, something a lil campy, cozy, and layered with just enough drama to keep you going? This one might be perfect for you.

[TwinTLC · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️: Robbi Renee has done it again!!!! Summer and Echo's story, from teenagers to adults, is simply beautiful! The way Echo loved, I mean truly loved Summer down, is quite special! Such a beautiful read! I will read anything Robbi creates! Anything!!

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story so much! Through trials and tribulations, Summer and Echo try to be together in their friends-to-lovers relationship. Lots of jumping from present to past and back, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of this beautiful love story. Just beautiful.

*Spoiler*
TW ⚠️: abortion

[Sheronda H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer and Echo were best friends as teenagers but they really wanted to be together. They finally stopped playing games after realizing that they were each other’s true love.

[Vonetta Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful friends to lovers romance with a love that transcends time. It starts in present day with Summer and her grappling with the life changing decision she has made, however, Echo is the one who is there to help her piece herself back together and then we see a glimpse into the past to learn how they became best friends. The back and forth between past and present day actually adds another layer to the book because it keeps you engaged and wanting to see what caused them to not talk for so many years. Through it all you get to understand their history and what went awry. I liked that Echo knew it was always Summer for him and even after all the time that has passed it would always be her for him. Even though he felt this way he still wanted to respect her wishes and giver her space to figure things out for herself. He applied some pressure but not too much because he knew her so well he knew how she would react. Summer knew deep down Echo was the one for her too but she just had to come around to that realization.

Summer's character was very relatable as a teenager and even as an adult because things that she experienced in the book both girls and women have gone through before so it was nice to see her character written in that way. The parents played a part in their "friendship/relationship" as well because they always wanted what was best for their child even if it wasn't the best decision to be made which was also very realistic. This book was definitely a slow burn and not too heavy on the spice but a nice love story overall and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to Black Odyssey Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

['The Book Queen' · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't crying, it was my eyelash

Whew! You all, this story was a slow burn that needed this pace to tell Summer and Echo's amazing story. First, the cover was seriously beautiful. Second, the story was worth all 299 pages. Summer and Echo met at a summer camp as counselors the summer before their senior year of high school. They started as enemies for a hot minute, and then they were best friends who loved one another. Their young age did not feel creepy with the way the story unfolds. Their bond was unfulfilled until they were headed to college. The unthinkable happened within their friendship and they were separated by his overbearing parents. Several years passed before Echo and Summer would have a second chance to love one another out loud and proud. I loved this story...

[Ambra | ambreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
— This was a beautiful love story about Summer and Echo, best friends-to-lovers — a second chance worth patience and choosing one another. Their love, friendship and connection was powerful upon meeting one summer as teens.
— That letter Echo wrote Summer made my heart full. I might’ve shed a tear at the end.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Black Odyssey Media and Netgalley for this Advance Readers Copy ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This story was heartbreaking, frustrating and beautiful! Second chance love story which can restore anyone’s faith in young love.

Miscommunication trope is my least favored trope ever! And this story did have a little bit of that. But what can expect from two 17 year olds?

You are first introduced to Summer & Echo in present day after Summer has made a drastic decision. Flashbacks to the past when they first met and fell in love as teens and it all fell apart. The dual POV and multi timeline was a little confusing at 1st, but as the story starts to develop you see why it’s told in this format. We are given bits of the past as they become relevant to the present.

And the lead up to the big reveal 😩my heart 💔 !! Props to an author that can write a character that you would fight for (because I was ready to throw hands for Echo!)

Do I recommend this book? Yes!! This is the perfect summer romance read.

[Amber Cherisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️
Uhh 😬 something about the pacing of the book threw me
Off! I feel like it dragged for the first 60-70% of the book and packed a punch in the last 20 where everything finally was explained & started happening.

The first 60.% took place in 24 hrs & flashbacks only. The characters didn’t feel like they made any character development & honestly this could have been shorter.

Once I read thru the entire book I thought it was a beautiful love story yes but did the end make up for the journey there idk 🤷🏾‍♀️.

I’ve read this author before & prolly will again, this just felt different the her other books.

[Whit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a captivating page turner! I am so delighted that the title of the book did not give away the hidden plot. Needless to say, I was blown away! Very rarely do you see the damage after the bride refuses to show up for her own wedding. WOW!!!!!! And the reason - shocking!!!!

Summer and Echo were childhood friends and neighbors. In addition, they shared summers as camp counselors with a deep respect for one another. They were careful not to cross that sexual line, until that one special birthday celebration for Summer. Magic word: Butterflies.

Currently: Summer is now scrambling for the words to explain to her parents, her siblings, her friends and to DeShawn, her abandoned groom why she skipped their wedding, and ran to the only place that provided the peace she so desperately needed to retain her sanity!

But that angry discussion, in her parent's kitchen with DeShawn, Summer's parents, her brother and sisters, and Echo was down right dangerous. And the shocking surprises did not stop there!!!!

[Nicholas Mccane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful friends to lovers, second-chance, slow burn with a touch of spice. 

I took my time with this one while I immersed read. The book follows two main characters. Summer Knight and Echo Abara. They are both teenagers who met at summer camp. They become friends and really like each other. But since neither of them confesses their feelings, life goes on. After 15 years, a reunion brings them back together. 

There are dual POVs with two timelines. It may (for some people) get a little confusing with the audiobook alone, so I recommend at least having the digital or physical book. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It’s a contemporary romance that’s perfect for someone who enjoys slow burns and limited spice. 

What I enjoyed. 

1. Almost everything. 

2. The Chicago references had me pumped. At one point, I jumped up and put on my Chicago Bears hat. Go Bears! 

What I didn’t enjoy so much. 

1. I couldn’t get used to Winston James’ voice. Sorry bro. I wish Wesleigh Siobhan would’ve narrated both Echo and Summer. 

[Elisabeth M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the type of romance book you devour. Summer and Echo have been best friends for years— until something momentous shifts their relationship. Flash forward over 10 years later and we see them reunite under intense and unlikely circumstances.
This story has dual POVs and time jumps, and we can vividly see the chemistry and emotional attachment these two have no matter the decade. The story is gripping, and I love seeing young love mold into something stronger and more grounded as our protagonists grow up. There is sweet nostalgia in this story, as well as pain and growth in having to make difficult decisions. Our characters are creative, ambitious, have such heart for family and one another.
The writing was beautiful and introspective. Personally, I could have done without repetitive references to a women’s “precious treasure” (lol), but overall this was a lovely, mid-spicy book to read and it’ll definitely be a romance I recommend this year!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC

[Kay Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slowwwww burn that picked up in the last few chapters. Thankful I listened to it on Audible but it dragged out for so long between Summer Knight and Echo Abara. Their love was evident but the narrative between the two was the majority of the story (besides summer camp flashbacks). I enjoyed the narration but felt like I was going in circles for the first 2/3 of the book. Enjoyed the last few chapters immensely.

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an advanced reader copy of this book. I enjoyed this book and the story. I am happy that the couple found a way back to each other. Overall good book and I will be reading more by this author.

[Ebony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tender second chance at love story following Summer and Echo. We get to know about Summer and Echo’s relationship mainly through flashbacks from when they were younger and, at times, the story does read more as a YA novel. I loved their backstory and the friends to lovers aspect. This was so well written and such a sweet and heartbreaking story. It does take a long time for readers to get to what created the rift between the two characters and what makes this a second chance love story. I felt we rarely got to see them as adults throughout this. This was overall a good read.

[Latoya White · Rating 3 out of 5]

ehhh.. I wanted to love it. It was a good storyline but a bit frustrating for me. The dual timelines were kind of all over the place and lingered a bit too long. I wish the time at the end had a bit more depth. Overall a good story. I just wished it was a bit more seamless.

[Kieshawnda (Kieshlovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Summer and Echo met the summer before their Senior year at summer camp and became inseparable best friends. Things change in their friendship the following summer before going off to college, that changes everything. Now 10 years later Summer is a runaway bride and ends up reunited with Echo.

This was such a well-written best friend to lovers, second chance story. There were multiple timelines and dual POVs, so you will need to pay attention. Even though having a past and present timeline can be tricky in some books, I appreciated this one. It was necessary to see how their friendship developed when they were 17 years old, and the close, intense bond they had then, to understand the crossroads and choices they needed to make in the present. There was a big secret that was underlined throughout the whole book and when it finally was revealed, my heart broke for teenage Summer and Echo.

I loved that even though they hadn’t seen each other in years, the connection never wavered. Echo said he wasn’t losing her again, and he meant just that. I appreciate that the author allowed Summer to heal on her own, before bringing them together again. This was a slow burn, but I loved the growth and healing these two went through, and happy they got their happy ending.

Thank you, NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this ARC.

[stellareadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Format: Kindle ARC

What to expect:
•Friends to lovers
•Second chance romance
•Dual POV and timelines
•Secrets
•Grief

💭 This story beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of healing and hope. The way this story paints Summer and Echo's inner struggles and triumphs makes you feel as if you’re living right alongside them. Through dual timelines this story reflects on how early experiences and choices resonate throughout life. This one's for the lovers. For the ones who've had to make hard decisions. The ones trusting that feeling deep down inside. The ones refusing to settle.

Please check trigger warnings and as always, protect your mental health 🖤

Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this ARC.

[tre be · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet friends to lovers, second-chance, slow burn romance that had all of the summer feels!

Summer & Echo met as teens while at summer camp in 2004. They bonded and slowly developed feelings for each other over the years.

They are reunited when Summer decides she can’t go through with her wedding - on her wedding day.

We go back in time to see how their young loved developed one summer at a time, echoing through the
Myears ahead.

This was a nice read and it had a similar plot as Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. I liked reading both of their POVs, and glimpses into their family lives.

It reads as pretty much 80% past and 20% present. I would’ve liked more of their story as adults, especially in between young adulthood and the wedding.

[kaylyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. JUST WOW. this was a beautiful friends to lovers romance. it was slow burn but you can feel the chemistry and pure love between summer and echo from the beginning of their friendship until they reunite almost a decade later. the way that echo let her live her life LOVING her the entire time - honestly, these two have me entire heart. this story was so emotional in the best way possible! i loved the author's writing - gripping and lyrical, grounded in emotion. definitely will not be the last i read from this author!

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc!

[mmmkay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc. This book was amazing. I expected nothing less from Robbi Renee. From the first page to the last page I was hooked. The writing , my god. Such a breath of fresh air. I am not a book crier but the end made me shed tears. I am definitely purchasing the physical on release date. This book was that good!!

[Taees_Cozy_Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echo was a beautiful boy turned more precious man, who truly knew the heart of Summer and catered to her in every way. Even as kids at camp he always made her feel safe and important and cared for. A bad situation, timing and the big feelings of adults tore them apart but the love never faded.

I feel like both Echo & Summer were afraid of the possibility of what their young love could be so they tried to move on and make contentment in other people and things but true love never fades.

I thought their story was beautiful and I was so happy for their happily ever after.

I do think it was a Little long but overall a good read

[Tazja Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although there was a lot of jumping back and forth, this love story was so sweet, cute and wholesome. Don’t settle for less than what you want and deserve��and true love will always find a way. Souls that are meant to be, will be.

[Chichilovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felt all the fells! Good friends to lovers romance 🥰

[Leka C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want it to end!

[martha fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author delivered again!

I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this beautifully written love story. It's like a warm blanket on a rainy day, so comforting and so hopeful. I don't want to provide any spoilers but if you are familiar with this author just know that she did it again! She truly delivered!