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Summer Easton #1
Finding Strength
After a devastating loss, Summer’s life has been really hard. Between the bullying, nightmares, and her lack of interest in anything, survival mode is her new normal.
An unwanted surprise forces her to move and start over again. Turns out, a fresh start was what she needed. She meets a group of 5 friends over spring break that change everything. Taking Summer under their wing, they provide support and understanding.
Seb, the golden retriever who invades her life with a smile
E, the beautiful soft soul who loves to cook
Bay, the boy next door, who likes to fix things
Alex, the formal, rich genius
Nick, the grumpy, bad boy
With her new family and friends, she discovers she can live again and be happy. But shadows from the past can follow you anywhere.
Finding Strength is a mature high school/new adult romance. Although Book 1 does not contain spice, Books 2-4 contain sexual scenes, and the sex featured is consensual within the group. This is a new contemporary slow burn reverse harem romance series. Trigger warning—this book discusses trauma, sexual assault, loss, and more.
familyFriends to loversSlow burnBisexual best friendsA strong female dealing with trauma
An unwanted surprise forces her to move and start over again. Turns out, a fresh start was what she needed. She meets a group of 5 friends over spring break that change everything. Taking Summer under their wing, they provide support and understanding.
Seb, the golden retriever who invades her life with a smile
E, the beautiful soft soul who loves to cook
Bay, the boy next door, who likes to fix things
Alex, the formal, rich genius
Nick, the grumpy, bad boy
With her new family and friends, she discovers she can live again and be happy. But shadows from the past can follow you anywhere.
Finding Strength is a mature high school/new adult romance. Although Book 1 does not contain spice, Books 2-4 contain sexual scenes, and the sex featured is consensual within the group. This is a new contemporary slow burn reverse harem romance series. Trigger warning—this book discusses trauma, sexual assault, loss, and more.
familyFriends to loversSlow burnBisexual best friendsA strong female dealing with trauma
- GenresAmazon
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 31, 2026
3.5 stars.
This is the beginning of the Summer Easton series. At this point three of four books are published. The next one will be out at the beginning of July 2026. This review is about the first three books.
In a way this series reminds me of The Veil Diaries without the paranormal stuff. In the first book we get to know Summer. She is living in her home town with her foster mom Sue. Sue is a really nice woman. She used to be a teacher but is retired now. In the Prologe we find out that there was an accident because a Truck driver drove into Summer's family car. Summer barely survives the accident, but her mum and little sister are killed. And Summer's boyfriend is in a coma.
After the accident she had to live in two foster homes. The first one couldn't take care of her, because she has a deep trauma and was acting out. In the second one the foster guy tried to molest her. But the Sue stepped in and she has been good to Summer and very caring. But CPR is looking for her father and they find him. Her very strange case worker tries to get her out of the system and to a father whom she doesn't know.
After moving to her father, a lot of things happen to her. And these things remind me of what happened to Lexi in the third book. She meets nice guys and three of them like Summer. Two of them like her too, but they seem to be not into a why choose relationship.
In the first book I thought the writing was a little weird, but either I adjusted quickly or the writing got much better. So I read the two following books. I would give the series a four stars rating. It is slow burn and the story is very trauma driven. Also there are too many bad people in their lives.
I'm looking forward to the last book.
This is the beginning of the Summer Easton series. At this point three of four books are published. The next one will be out at the beginning of July 2026. This review is about the first three books.
In a way this series reminds me of The Veil Diaries without the paranormal stuff. In the first book we get to know Summer. She is living in her home town with her foster mom Sue. Sue is a really nice woman. She used to be a teacher but is retired now. In the Prologe we find out that there was an accident because a Truck driver drove into Summer's family car. Summer barely survives the accident, but her mum and little sister are killed. And Summer's boyfriend is in a coma.
After the accident she had to live in two foster homes. The first one couldn't take care of her, because she has a deep trauma and was acting out. In the second one the foster guy tried to molest her. But the Sue stepped in and she has been good to Summer and very caring. But CPR is looking for her father and they find him. Her very strange case worker tries to get her out of the system and to a father whom she doesn't know.
After moving to her father, a lot of things happen to her. And these things remind me of what happened to Lexi in the third book. She meets nice guys and three of them like Summer. Two of them like her too, but they seem to be not into a why choose relationship.
In the first book I thought the writing was a little weird, but either I adjusted quickly or the writing got much better. So I read the two following books. I would give the series a four stars rating. It is slow burn and the story is very trauma driven. Also there are too many bad people in their lives.
I'm looking forward to the last book.
May 1, 2026
Like Dory from Finding Nemo says "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" After suffering a tragic loss, less than ideal foster home, bullying, and nightmares, Summer is doing her best to just to survive. She is idle. She doesn't even realize how idle she is and how she is in a place of reliving the past and just treading water.
Just when it looks like she can't catch a break, life gives her a little push. Her estranged father comes to meet her and relocate her to his hometown. Taking what pieces are left, she moves, meets "the guys", and starts to put one foot in front of the other. Can Summer heal? Can she build a new life? Will her past continue to haunt her? Who can she trust?
Finding Strength is a slow to medium paced contemporary story. The world is easy to digest and many of the characters are like-able. While the plot centers around Summer, you see character building in her immediate circle. The writing felt methodical and routine based at times but goes to show the work required by someone working towards healing. I found it refreshing that Summer uses her tools in therapy to move foward, finds her routine and starts to rebuild herself for...her. The guys, drool...I can't wait to see where this goes! While book 1 ends on a CLIFFHANGER, the churn and start of a slow burn dynamic has me hooked and immediately staring book 2.
If you like young/new adult settings, found family, trauma healing, slow burn, why choose books, give this story a try!
Just when it looks like she can't catch a break, life gives her a little push. Her estranged father comes to meet her and relocate her to his hometown. Taking what pieces are left, she moves, meets "the guys", and starts to put one foot in front of the other. Can Summer heal? Can she build a new life? Will her past continue to haunt her? Who can she trust?
Finding Strength is a slow to medium paced contemporary story. The world is easy to digest and many of the characters are like-able. While the plot centers around Summer, you see character building in her immediate circle. The writing felt methodical and routine based at times but goes to show the work required by someone working towards healing. I found it refreshing that Summer uses her tools in therapy to move foward, finds her routine and starts to rebuild herself for...her. The guys, drool...I can't wait to see where this goes! While book 1 ends on a CLIFFHANGER, the churn and start of a slow burn dynamic has me hooked and immediately staring book 2.
If you like young/new adult settings, found family, trauma healing, slow burn, why choose books, give this story a try!
February 28, 2026
How do you go on when your life falls apart? Well this is Summer’s story.
I really loved the first part of this book. It’s was heartbreaking what the FMC went through.
I am going to keep this short and sweet as to not give spoilers. Overall At was a solid 3 star.
I really loved the first part of this book. It’s was heartbreaking what the FMC went through.
I am going to keep this short and sweet as to not give spoilers. Overall At was a solid 3 star.
February 28, 2026
Dnf might pick back up later
Nothing wrong with the writing
*new author for me.
I just found it extremely boring I'm sorry to say. It is a slow burn and I was aware of that going in but the constant break down, need my therapist & so on was just too much in such a short amount of time that by the time the FMC,meets the first MMC (i think it was around the 38% mark) I was beyond over it.
I'll keep track for the sequal & try again when that comes out. Like I said it could've just been my mood.
Nothing wrong with the writing
*new author for me.
I just found it extremely boring I'm sorry to say. It is a slow burn and I was aware of that going in but the constant break down, need my therapist & so on was just too much in such a short amount of time that by the time the FMC,meets the first MMC (i think it was around the 38% mark) I was beyond over it.
I'll keep track for the sequal & try again when that comes out. Like I said it could've just been my mood.
April 22, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded up.
“Some days, life feels insurmountable, and even the act of breathing hurts.”
This quote hits you early in chapter one of Finding Strength. It’s immediately relatable for anyone who has suffered from grief, depression, anxiety, etc. And impossible to fathom how bad things must be for this to be a quote from a 16-year-old girl.
Not a spoiler alert: s**t went really bad for her.
But then, a turn. Shortly into the book, Summer finds a lifeline. A one-way ticket out of her trauma-riddled life. And the majority of this book is about her learning to accept her good fate, to live with her grief, and, most importantly, how to move on.
I highly recommend this book, but I have a few very important notes:
1. The prose style of this book is very methodical, detailed, and process-oriented, e.g. “She did x. Then y. Then z.” I fully believe that this is 100% intentional. It near perfectly illustrates the concept of, “just take the next step, and then the next” style of getting through the day when living with grief.
2. The teenagers in this book do not talk like teenagers. Most of them have their own drama and/or trauma and have grown up way too fast. A lot of them, including Summer, have had or are currently in therapy. As a result, they approach their problems with a level of emotional intelligence you don’t even see in a lot of adults. If you want your teens to be teens, this isn’t your book. If you want a lesson or two in how to communicate with people when they hurt you, read this book. Now.
3. Romance does not start until book two. It is worth the wait, I promise.
Okay, that is all. Please read this book if you love coming of age books about people dealing with trauma and learning to live their lives again.
“Some days, life feels insurmountable, and even the act of breathing hurts.”
This quote hits you early in chapter one of Finding Strength. It’s immediately relatable for anyone who has suffered from grief, depression, anxiety, etc. And impossible to fathom how bad things must be for this to be a quote from a 16-year-old girl.
Not a spoiler alert: s**t went really bad for her.
But then, a turn. Shortly into the book, Summer finds a lifeline. A one-way ticket out of her trauma-riddled life. And the majority of this book is about her learning to accept her good fate, to live with her grief, and, most importantly, how to move on.
I highly recommend this book, but I have a few very important notes:
1. The prose style of this book is very methodical, detailed, and process-oriented, e.g. “She did x. Then y. Then z.” I fully believe that this is 100% intentional. It near perfectly illustrates the concept of, “just take the next step, and then the next” style of getting through the day when living with grief.
2. The teenagers in this book do not talk like teenagers. Most of them have their own drama and/or trauma and have grown up way too fast. A lot of them, including Summer, have had or are currently in therapy. As a result, they approach their problems with a level of emotional intelligence you don’t even see in a lot of adults. If you want your teens to be teens, this isn’t your book. If you want a lesson or two in how to communicate with people when they hurt you, read this book. Now.
3. Romance does not start until book two. It is worth the wait, I promise.
Okay, that is all. Please read this book if you love coming of age books about people dealing with trauma and learning to live their lives again.
May 12, 2026
Found Family, Healing, and Chaos
I absolutely loved this book and will be diving straight into book 2 because that ending wrecked me in the best way possible.
Summer’s life changes in the blink of an eye after the devastating loss of her mother and sister, while her best friend is left seriously injured. On top of dealing with her own healing journey, she’s placed into an unsuitable foster home before finally finding comfort and stability with Sue. Just when life starts feeling somewhat normal again, she discovers she has a father and is suddenly expected to move to an entirely new state.
Zander, her father, owns a security firm, and watching Summer slowly adjust to her new life was so rewarding. I loved seeing her build relationships, find real support, and finally feel cared for by the people around her. Every single one of the guys brought something special to the story, and I adored how attentive, respectful, and understanding they were toward Summer and all of her conditions.
If I had to pick a favorite, it would absolutely be Seb. His energy is completely infectious, and every scene with him made me smile.
And that cliffhanger? I swear it made me want to throw my phone across the room. I need book 2 immediately.
I absolutely loved this book and will be diving straight into book 2 because that ending wrecked me in the best way possible.
Summer’s life changes in the blink of an eye after the devastating loss of her mother and sister, while her best friend is left seriously injured. On top of dealing with her own healing journey, she’s placed into an unsuitable foster home before finally finding comfort and stability with Sue. Just when life starts feeling somewhat normal again, she discovers she has a father and is suddenly expected to move to an entirely new state.
Zander, her father, owns a security firm, and watching Summer slowly adjust to her new life was so rewarding. I loved seeing her build relationships, find real support, and finally feel cared for by the people around her. Every single one of the guys brought something special to the story, and I adored how attentive, respectful, and understanding they were toward Summer and all of her conditions.
If I had to pick a favorite, it would absolutely be Seb. His energy is completely infectious, and every scene with him made me smile.
And that cliffhanger? I swear it made me want to throw my phone across the room. I need book 2 immediately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok, WOW!! I loved this book. I seriously can’t get it out of my head. Finding Strength is not your typical “romance,” nor is it your typical “contemporary fiction.” I personally didn’t even see it as a why-choose story. This is the perfect blend of found family (literally), trauma healing, coming of age, self-discovery, and heartbreak.
This is not a spicy book, but it does contain adult themes and some darker topics, so I strongly recommend checking the content warnings if those are things you may want to avoid.
My only issue with this story is that I wanted more of her dad. He felt incredibly important in the first half and then became more of a secondary presence later on. That said, this is a very minor complaint, and this was still easily a five-star read for me.
I will say this is a very repetative story. There isn’t a strong central arc in the middle; instead, it follows her everyday life. For me, that’s part of the charm. I could honestly read ten books of just the gang’s day-to-day moments—it’s that good. I truly hope the author is extremely proud of this book. I can't get over how much I loved this!! Also, that ending...I'm destroyed.
This is not a spicy book, but it does contain adult themes and some darker topics, so I strongly recommend checking the content warnings if those are things you may want to avoid.
My only issue with this story is that I wanted more of her dad. He felt incredibly important in the first half and then became more of a secondary presence later on. That said, this is a very minor complaint, and this was still easily a five-star read for me.
I will say this is a very repetative story. There isn’t a strong central arc in the middle; instead, it follows her everyday life. For me, that’s part of the charm. I could honestly read ten books of just the gang’s day-to-day moments—it’s that good. I truly hope the author is extremely proud of this book. I can't get over how much I loved this!! Also, that ending...I'm destroyed.
April 12, 2026
Summer's life takes a turn when she suffers a terrible lost at a young age. Between bullying, nightmares, terrible foster homes, and a lack of interest in anything, her new normal is survival mode. Then, the unexpected happens and she has to do a fresh start... which ended being what she needed. She meets a group of five friends that take her under their wing providing support, understanding, and protection. With her new found family, she finds herself smiling again and looking forward to the next day. She starts to live again and be happy, but shadows from the past can follow you anywhere....
I have to admit, I thought this read was not going to be for me as I started reading it. However, I just kept reading and reading... and somehow found myself already starting book 2. I felt it was a little mechanical the way it was narrated but I understand why it was make like that ... after all I feel the same way when I am the one on therapy. The story is well structured, the characters specially crafted, and the experiences the FMC has to go through are very emotional and difficult. I love the five friends she meets and how each of them are so different but the same in loyalty and how they stick together and protect each other with their past hunting them and everything. Can't wait to see where else the story leads.
I have to admit, I thought this read was not going to be for me as I started reading it. However, I just kept reading and reading... and somehow found myself already starting book 2. I felt it was a little mechanical the way it was narrated but I understand why it was make like that ... after all I feel the same way when I am the one on therapy. The story is well structured, the characters specially crafted, and the experiences the FMC has to go through are very emotional and difficult. I love the five friends she meets and how each of them are so different but the same in loyalty and how they stick together and protect each other with their past hunting them and everything. Can't wait to see where else the story leads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This may be one of my favorite ARCs I’ve read all year. From the very beginning, my heart absolutely broke for Summer. She’s been through more than anyone should have to endure, and watching her try to build a fresh start had me fully in my emotions.
Seeing her slowly find a place with Seb, Alex, E, Nick, and Bay made my heart so happy. Their group dynamic is everything, and the chemistry between all of them and Summer is definitely there. I was on edge just waiting for certain moments to happen but I had a feeling this first book would be a slow burn, and it totally fits the story.
My only complaint? That cliffhanger 😩 Now I’m stuck impatiently waiting for Book 2.
Beyond the romance and relationships, this story also shines a light on some really important topics, including flaws in the foster care system and the lasting impact of bullying. I love when a book pulls you in emotionally while also bringing awareness to real issues.
I’m so grateful to Taylor for the opportunity to read an ARC of Finding Strength. I already cannot wait for Book 2, Facing Shadows.
Seeing her slowly find a place with Seb, Alex, E, Nick, and Bay made my heart so happy. Their group dynamic is everything, and the chemistry between all of them and Summer is definitely there. I was on edge just waiting for certain moments to happen but I had a feeling this first book would be a slow burn, and it totally fits the story.
My only complaint? That cliffhanger 😩 Now I’m stuck impatiently waiting for Book 2.
Beyond the romance and relationships, this story also shines a light on some really important topics, including flaws in the foster care system and the lasting impact of bullying. I love when a book pulls you in emotionally while also bringing awareness to real issues.
I’m so grateful to Taylor for the opportunity to read an ARC of Finding Strength. I already cannot wait for Book 2, Facing Shadows.
April 4, 2026
Amazing story
I don't even know where to start this review. This book was very good from start to finish. It does end on a cliffhanger.
Summer is a 16 year old girl who goes through something really traumatic and her wholenlife changes. After seeming she is in her forever place...her life gets uprooted and changed again when she meets her father....whom she knew nothing about.
Zander (her dad) welcomes her with open arms and wants to do anything and everything for her. When she moves with her dad she meets Seb, E, Bay, Alex and Nick and they become her circle...her friends...and her protectors.
Summer deals with a lot things mentally from the severe trauma she has been through. The author does an amazing job in this first book helping getting to kno Summer and each person in her life. There are a ton of emotions invloved in this story so be prepared to need tissues handy. I cant wait to see wat happens next and throughout thw series. I love watching Summer grow and start to heal from her trauma....im rdy for more of her growth.
I don't even know where to start this review. This book was very good from start to finish. It does end on a cliffhanger.
Summer is a 16 year old girl who goes through something really traumatic and her wholenlife changes. After seeming she is in her forever place...her life gets uprooted and changed again when she meets her father....whom she knew nothing about.
Zander (her dad) welcomes her with open arms and wants to do anything and everything for her. When she moves with her dad she meets Seb, E, Bay, Alex and Nick and they become her circle...her friends...and her protectors.
Summer deals with a lot things mentally from the severe trauma she has been through. The author does an amazing job in this first book helping getting to kno Summer and each person in her life. There are a ton of emotions invloved in this story so be prepared to need tissues handy. I cant wait to see wat happens next and throughout thw series. I love watching Summer grow and start to heal from her trauma....im rdy for more of her growth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW WOW WOW…. What an awesome start to this new series. So good I finished it in one day I couldn’t put it down! What an amazing girl Summer is! After the accident she was in and the tragedy that resulted my gosh is she brave and strong… my heart hurts for her and Jake of course (He wasn’t mentioned much during this first book for obvious reasons but already he has a piece of my heart). I have to say I love a found family and this is exactly that, all the boys and of course Summers dad made me feel so happy for Summer - I have to say Seb is my favourite at the moment he has such a bubbly personality (although I do love all the boys as they are all so different) so far the start of this series is up there with my favourite books - I can’t wait for the next ones which I’ll definitely be buying. I 100% would recommend this to anyone just mae sure to check triggers as there are a couple. Other than that as I said before what an awesome start to this book series!
April 8, 2026
Okay, cue the waterworks, I had to dig deep just to make it through this book without crying… just kidding I cried.
It follows a teenage girl named Summer whose life is turned upside down by a tragic event. As she navigates the aftermath, she’s forced to confront trauma and grief in ways that feel raw and real.
The friendships she forms along the way are exactly the kind we all wish for, loyal, protective, and unconditionally accepting. I loved how her friends show up for her, no matter what. And don’t even get me started on Zander.
It’s also really moving to see her family come together and step up when it matters most. And of course, book one ends on a cliffhanger and I’m already impatient to find out what happens next.
It follows a teenage girl named Summer whose life is turned upside down by a tragic event. As she navigates the aftermath, she’s forced to confront trauma and grief in ways that feel raw and real.
The friendships she forms along the way are exactly the kind we all wish for, loyal, protective, and unconditionally accepting. I loved how her friends show up for her, no matter what. And don’t even get me started on Zander.
It’s also really moving to see her family come together and step up when it matters most. And of course, book one ends on a cliffhanger and I’m already impatient to find out what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2026
5 star read! This book was an emotional roller coaster of feelings. The FMC goes through it all and its amazing to see how a group of guys can turn her hardships into something positive and help her find joy and happiness again. This book has a slower start, which helps build up the characters and helps transition the readers for going into book two. It really starts to get suspenseful towards the last half of the book. The Author does well with descriptive detail really allowing the readers to imagine the setting, as well as the actions of the characters. The best part, was the twisty, suspenseful cliffhanger at the end. I highly recommend this book if your looking for a contemporary romance. This one is fantastic. Can't wait for book 2!
May 22, 2026
This first book in the series has promise. I like the characters. Summer isn’t your typical badass FMC. She had to deal with a lot of trauma but isn’t looking for pity either. I like the story line and I was really into it at first but the farther I got into the book things started to escape me. You get details about her homework, going shopping, cooking and making her cream. But when she hangouts with the guys there’s barely any details. Everything was happening within a couple sentences. There’s barely any dialogue between her and the guys too. It got repetitive. School, coming home to shower and soak, two sentences about the guys, dinner then bed. I just felt like the author wanted to get the book over with near the end. I hope there’s way more details and dialogue in the next books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a coming-of-age story about an FMC that is learning to manage her trauma, finding out she has blood-related family after tragic loss, and a discovering a found family that is a fabulous support system. Definitely check your triggers and know that this will be a why choose. There is no spice in this first book, but I didn’t miss it, as there was great character development. For me, the language between characters seemed more formal than I hear from most teens, but that didn’t deter me from truly enjoying this debut from Taylor Fay. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
February 27, 2026
One moment at a time
Have your tissues ready…chapter 1 was emotional and had me in tears. I want to hug Summer. This book is written in a very real way so you can relate closely with the FMC and how different things effect her emotions. It has great representation of the importance of mental health care and having a great support system at home. It also shows how sometimes life just isn’t fair. But I am loving seeing the friendships she’s building with the guys and other bonds she has with her new and old family. I cannot wait to continue this series to see where this goes.
Have your tissues ready…chapter 1 was emotional and had me in tears. I want to hug Summer. This book is written in a very real way so you can relate closely with the FMC and how different things effect her emotions. It has great representation of the importance of mental health care and having a great support system at home. It also shows how sometimes life just isn’t fair. But I am loving seeing the friendships she’s building with the guys and other bonds she has with her new and old family. I cannot wait to continue this series to see where this goes.
March 1, 2026
Sometimes all you need is a brand new start. This book had me hooked from the beginning. Summer has had a lot happen in a short ammount of time. This book definitely put me through the ringer of all the emotions. You will feel all the feels and thing all the things wondering how someone can move on from all the trauma shes been through. As the book goes on her new found family of her 5 new friends and her long lost father. She has found the protection and strength to semi close a chapter in her life and make her own life moving on. You will fall in love with all of these characters and wonder more about their storie. I hope all of them get their time to shine.
March 28, 2026
I devoured this book and have already recommended it to several people. I cannot express how much I loved it, the entire time you have this unbelievable ache in your chest, but there’s also so much love and so much good. It really covers not only trauma, but how to navigate it at such a young age and how it can be even harder to deal with when everyone your age is young and living their childhoods and you’re stuck suffering, feeling alone and confused. As someone who was diagnosed with c-ptsd at 15yo, I related to so much of this. You will fall in love with so many characters, you will definitely hate some too.
I cannot wait to read book 2 and the rest of the series.
I cannot wait to read book 2 and the rest of the series.
April 19, 2026
This book...This book... is incredible I don't even know where to start it definitely has you up in your feelings. Summer had definitely been though a lot for being so young the loss that she endures definitely has traumatized her. She soon finds out that she has a father in North Carolina and everybody encourages her to move in with her father. Then she meets 5 incredible guys Seb, E, Alex,Nick and Bay theses guys are so special they definitely help her get out of her shell and help her get her life back. There are no words to tell you how incredible this book is. It's one that you will have to experience yourself!
May 16, 2026
This book handles trauma in a very real and relatable way.
You can really feel how different situations affect Summer emotionally.
It shows how confusing and isolating trauma can be when everyone around you is busy living normal lives while you’re just trying to survive your own thoughts and emotions.
The found family dynamic added so much warmth to the story, and seeing Summer slowly let people in made me so happy for her.
The characters were my favourite part. I got attached to them way too quickly and I genuinely cared about what happened to them.
Definitely one of those books that quietly sneaks into your heart before you even realise it 😭💙
You can really feel how different situations affect Summer emotionally.
It shows how confusing and isolating trauma can be when everyone around you is busy living normal lives while you’re just trying to survive your own thoughts and emotions.
The found family dynamic added so much warmth to the story, and seeing Summer slowly let people in made me so happy for her.
The characters were my favourite part. I got attached to them way too quickly and I genuinely cared about what happened to them.
Definitely one of those books that quietly sneaks into your heart before you even realise it 😭💙
April 14, 2026
What a great introduction to Taylor Fay's books!
After just a few chapters, I was getting emotional. A year after a life changing tragedy then put into foster home just to be pulled out of the foster home and luckily got to lived with Sue, Summer is a whole mess. She's dealing with losing her only family, anxiety, phobia to touch, and bully at school. Life couldn't be any worst. Then getting uprooted to a new city with a dad she never knew she had. Talk about stress level up the roof!
The beginning of the book is heavy as she is going through her emotions which causes me to go through my emotions. But as the book progress it starts to be more uplifting as she gets used to her new life and meeting a group of guys that work for her dad. There aren't much spice, there isn't even much flirting to be honest so it leaves me waiting for some sort of chemistry. I mean you get the feeling that she would end up with the group of guys and this will be a why choose novel but there isn't much tell. It feels more like they're just friends.
This book does slightly drag with the school life which I feel can be shorten and wouldn't make the book any less good. But the pace is pretty quick which makes it okay?
This book initially had me predicting it would feel like Binding 13 but then as the story progress, it felt more like WITSEC series. Either way, still a great start to the series!
After just a few chapters, I was getting emotional. A year after a life changing tragedy then put into foster home just to be pulled out of the foster home and luckily got to lived with Sue, Summer is a whole mess. She's dealing with losing her only family, anxiety, phobia to touch, and bully at school. Life couldn't be any worst. Then getting uprooted to a new city with a dad she never knew she had. Talk about stress level up the roof!
The beginning of the book is heavy as she is going through her emotions which causes me to go through my emotions. But as the book progress it starts to be more uplifting as she gets used to her new life and meeting a group of guys that work for her dad. There aren't much spice, there isn't even much flirting to be honest so it leaves me waiting for some sort of chemistry. I mean you get the feeling that she would end up with the group of guys and this will be a why choose novel but there isn't much tell. It feels more like they're just friends.
This book does slightly drag with the school life which I feel can be shorten and wouldn't make the book any less good. But the pace is pretty quick which makes it okay?
This book initially had me predicting it would feel like Binding 13 but then as the story progress, it felt more like WITSEC series. Either way, still a great start to the series!
March 1, 2026
DNF 35%
The writing style was very immature; not talking about fart jokes or toilet humor, I mean that the author is new and it clearly shows.
The plot hadn't moved at all in over 140 pages; the author repeated information many times; everything was written out, in great detail; too much dialogue and not enough introspection.
Also keep in mind that at 35%, we haven't been introduced to any of the MMC's.
The writing style was very immature; not talking about fart jokes or toilet humor, I mean that the author is new and it clearly shows.
The plot hadn't moved at all in over 140 pages; the author repeated information many times; everything was written out, in great detail; too much dialogue and not enough introspection.
Also keep in mind that at 35%, we haven't been introduced to any of the MMC's.
March 1, 2026
Just an awesome story! The world needs stories like this right now.
The lead character endures more trauma then any one person should, but she doesn’t break…she thrives. The family and friends she finds are great examples of love and strength that we should all aspire too. And then there is drama and action to keep you from putting it down.
Just a really, really great story. Can’t wait for the next book!
The lead character endures more trauma then any one person should, but she doesn’t break…she thrives. The family and friends she finds are great examples of love and strength that we should all aspire too. And then there is drama and action to keep you from putting it down.
Just a really, really great story. Can’t wait for the next book!
March 4, 2026
very well written , couldn’t put it down!
I had to read this book in one sitting because I absolutely could not put it down. MC Summer is so strong and resilient to everything traumatic she went through.
Author Taylor Fay is now amongst my all time favourite authors simply by the way her writing kept me interested in the story the whole time.
Wow cliffhanger though, I cannot wait for the rest of the series
I had to read this book in one sitting because I absolutely could not put it down. MC Summer is so strong and resilient to everything traumatic she went through.
Author Taylor Fay is now amongst my all time favourite authors simply by the way her writing kept me interested in the story the whole time.
Wow cliffhanger though, I cannot wait for the rest of the series
April 28, 2026
unexpected gem
This is a new to me author, and I am so glad I took a chance! While this is a true slooooow burn (no spice at all in this book) I was still totally invested. I really enjoyed the writing - I was tearing up and struggling not to cry through some of the trauma. And the relationships are sweet. At this point, I’d probably classify this as a YA romance - but I still really enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
This is a new to me author, and I am so glad I took a chance! While this is a true slooooow burn (no spice at all in this book) I was still totally invested. I really enjoyed the writing - I was tearing up and struggling not to cry through some of the trauma. And the relationships are sweet. At this point, I’d probably classify this as a YA romance - but I still really enjoyed it and will definitely be continuing the series.
March 3, 2026
Such a good read!
I really enjoyed reading this. I’m so used to fast paced books that I was really nice enjoying a long book that focused on not just action but healing, character relationships, storyline.
I just love myself a good, long book that’s slow burn.
Already can’t wait for the next one!
I really enjoyed reading this. I’m so used to fast paced books that I was really nice enjoying a long book that focused on not just action but healing, character relationships, storyline.
I just love myself a good, long book that’s slow burn.
Already can’t wait for the next one!
March 25, 2026
An amazing story of growth, of finding family, and overal a new start in life. That is what Summer needed and after everything she's gone through she deserves to find some happiness. I love the emotional rollercoaster this book is, stitching it all back together. Even finding her father and a few new friends help her heal. I really enjoyed reading this book and will for sure pick up the next.
May 11, 2026
I loved the growth Summer had after she moved in with Zander. Going through something unimaginable seems so hard but she met a good group of people to help her heal!! I love the boys, Seb definitely comes off strong at first but he's still so loveable, I have to say I think my favorite is Nick though so far!
I can't wait to read more and get some of my questions answered.
I can't wait to read more and get some of my questions answered.
May 19, 2026
FINISHED!!! Oh gosh this book has been an emotional read but I have absolutely loved it! The growth in Summer is amazing!!!! In some ways I connect and understand Summer as a person and the struggles she is going through. I love how Zander makes her feel like she is enough unlike others in her past. This is definitely a slow burn. I jumped straight into book 2 Facing Shadows.
March 10, 2026
Super Sweet Start
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
Read if you like:
Traumatized FMCs
Why Choose
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
This harrowing coming of age romance follows Summer doing her best to keep going when everyone is trying to get her to fail.
Teenagers are cruel and life isn’t fair. As the school pariah Summer don’t have much to look forward to but things seem to be changing for the better, even if they don’t feel like it.
With new relationships forming she’s finally able to rely on others and heal some of the heartache weighing her down.
I can’t wait to see Summer blossom in the next books!! She’s already started but I can tell there’s so much we’ve tear to see!
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
Read if you like:
Traumatized FMCs
Why Choose
Found Family
Mental Health Rep
This harrowing coming of age romance follows Summer doing her best to keep going when everyone is trying to get her to fail.
Teenagers are cruel and life isn’t fair. As the school pariah Summer don’t have much to look forward to but things seem to be changing for the better, even if they don’t feel like it.
With new relationships forming she’s finally able to rely on others and heal some of the heartache weighing her down.
I can’t wait to see Summer blossom in the next books!! She’s already started but I can tell there’s so much we’ve tear to see!
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