What do you think?
Rate this book
We Only Have The Summer
Not yet published
Expected 8 Apr 27*** COMING 2027 ***
THE NEWEST UNFORGETTABLE LOVE STORY FROM SUNDAY TIMES AND MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
______________
Maddie needs dance like her lungs need air. Or at least, she used to. Until Beau – her dance partner and first love – died in a tragic accident.
Maddie hopes that a summer spent in Beau’s hometown in the Canadian Mountains will help her heal her heart.
She doesn’t expect Miles. Newly moved back to town to bond with the son he barely knows, Miles’s struggle is one she can’t turn away from. Because his son Kai loves dance, and Maddie might be the key to helping them connect.
Miles ignites a spark in Maddie she feared was gone. But she can’t fall for him. Miles won’t leave his son again and loving him would mean sacrificing her dreams.
As summer comes to an end, she is faced with an impossible choice. One that could ruin her all over again.
______________
Praise for Paige
‘You’ll love it, cry buckets and be uplifted’ Marian Keyes
'Paige Toon makes me fall in love and then breaks my heart every time' Giovanna Fletcher
‘Nobody writes angst and joy and hope like Paige Toon’ Christina Lauren
‘Paige’s beautiful, emotional love stories sweep me away’ Beth O’Leary
‘Warms your heart, shatters it in pieces, then puts it back together again and again’ Abby Jimenez
‘Paige Toon breaks your heart then stitches it back together with expert hands’ Carley Fortune
'A sweeping love story that is deep, complex and so, so riveting. I devoured this novel in one glorious gulp and still wanted more.' Jill Santopolo
THE NEWEST UNFORGETTABLE LOVE STORY FROM SUNDAY TIMES AND MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
______________
Maddie needs dance like her lungs need air. Or at least, she used to. Until Beau – her dance partner and first love – died in a tragic accident.
Maddie hopes that a summer spent in Beau’s hometown in the Canadian Mountains will help her heal her heart.
She doesn’t expect Miles. Newly moved back to town to bond with the son he barely knows, Miles’s struggle is one she can’t turn away from. Because his son Kai loves dance, and Maddie might be the key to helping them connect.
Miles ignites a spark in Maddie she feared was gone. But she can’t fall for him. Miles won’t leave his son again and loving him would mean sacrificing her dreams.
As summer comes to an end, she is faced with an impossible choice. One that could ruin her all over again.
______________
Praise for Paige
‘You’ll love it, cry buckets and be uplifted’ Marian Keyes
'Paige Toon makes me fall in love and then breaks my heart every time' Giovanna Fletcher
‘Nobody writes angst and joy and hope like Paige Toon’ Christina Lauren
‘Paige’s beautiful, emotional love stories sweep me away’ Beth O’Leary
‘Warms your heart, shatters it in pieces, then puts it back together again and again’ Abby Jimenez
‘Paige Toon breaks your heart then stitches it back together with expert hands’ Carley Fortune
'A sweeping love story that is deep, complex and so, so riveting. I devoured this novel in one glorious gulp and still wanted more.' Jill Santopolo
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 8, 2027
About the author
Paige Toon
43 books6,206 followersPaige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has written fifteen novels, a three-part spin-off for young adults and a collection of short stories. Her books have sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide. She loves hearing from her readers so get in touch via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @PaigeToonAuthor or visit her website and sign up to her free newsletter The Hidden Paige.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paige Toon writes romance novels that at some point throughout the book you can see yourself in - be it the emotions, the location, the friendships, the breakups, the grief, something and she writes books that pull at your heart. This is no different. The location is so vividly described that you feel like you are there in the mountains, surrounded by the very nature that Maddie is falling in love with.
The only reason is 4-stars and not higher is because I felt like some of it was a bit contrived. I wish Maddie would have met Miles when he took his son to his dancing lessons where Maddie was a teacher so that it was a bit more natural knowing that Kai loved dancing and that is what brought Miles and Maddie together. Miles could still have struggled with the dancing element but it would have seemed more natural instead of a world-class dancer just happening in Revelstoke at the exact same time that an 8-year old boy decides he likes to dance. But the story still has some really good emotions and little twists here and there that I managed to read it in one day!
Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Toon and G.P. Putnam for allowing me to escape into the world of grief, hope, love and dance. This publishes on April 6, 2027.
The only reason is 4-stars and not higher is because I felt like some of it was a bit contrived. I wish Maddie would have met Miles when he took his son to his dancing lessons where Maddie was a teacher so that it was a bit more natural knowing that Kai loved dancing and that is what brought Miles and Maddie together. Miles could still have struggled with the dancing element but it would have seemed more natural instead of a world-class dancer just happening in Revelstoke at the exact same time that an 8-year old boy decides he likes to dance. But the story still has some really good emotions and little twists here and there that I managed to read it in one day!
Thank you to NetGalley, Paige Toon and G.P. Putnam for allowing me to escape into the world of grief, hope, love and dance. This publishes on April 6, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Available for purchase April 2027. This is an ADVANCED READING COPY FROM NETGALLEY
#PaigeToon has written an endearing and engaging book #WeOnlyHaveTheSummer that as a dancer myself, I absolutely adored.
The relationship between Miles and Maddie is so genuine and emotional I couldn’t help but become personally invested in their future and the hope that it would somehow survive the international tour she was committed to once their summer was over. Her gentle and loving approach with Kai was so lovely and it bridged the gap between himself and his father Miles. I felt their connection was so strong and instantaneous, both Maddie and Miles and Maddie and Kai’s.
The mind blowing shocking revelation that Maddie stumbles across while at Miles mothers and stepfathers house threw me for a loop. I could totally understand how both Miles and Maddie must’ve felt, I know it felt to me as if a bomb was detonated on their relationship and any hope of their future together. It was so significant and seriously one of those freak moments where you just cannot even envision any sort of going forward together after the realization of this knowledge that 100% changes every dynamic between them and at first glance it doesn’t seem that time or space to get used to the fact of what they’ve learned will change things for the better. It’s surreal and the chances of it happening seem
impossible, a one in a million odds that this would be the case yet there’s no mistaking this is the case, the facts are real as they come and the reality is there’s not just their feelings to come to terms with in this situation. There’s many others that will feel very strongly about this and it will impact them profoundly. The aftershocks that rock both Maddie and Miles will reverberate through them both with an intensity and permeate their lives with disbelief and fear of what’s to come because there is no denying their love despite this serious revelation is not something that can easily be ignored denied or dismissed.
The author is brilliant with the substantial emotionally charged connection between these two main characters, Maddie and Miles and that talent is so powerful those emotions her characters go through emote off the pages deep into the heart of the reader and you cannot help but become personally invested and wholly immersed in the characters and the story as it unfolds.
Such a poignant and powerfully emotional book charged with grief, humility, love, forgiveness and compassion and characters who have such dynamic and complex personalities and experiences that fuel the connections between them and strengthen their bond and love for one another. I didn’t want the story been these two to end. I’d love to read another one to be a part of Maddie and Miles lives again. They were so good for one another and the relationship Maddie has was Kai is so organic and extremely good for him as she encourages him to remain true to who he is and helps his dad Miles accept his son for the things that make him happy and he feels passionate about. Maddie truly was a good send for this father son duo and their meeting was kismet and perhaps even something that was brought together from the other side. I’d like to think perhaps Beau had been keeping watch over them all and sent Maddie two doors down from Miles because knowing they were together and had the love they did would’ve made any brother and love happy. I’m sure he is the inspiration behind Kai’s passion for dance and the characteristics and natural qualities he has when it comes to performing and the arts as well. Wonderfully written and beautifully executed characters and plot. I loved it!!
Thank you to #Nettgalley advanced reading copy for this ARC I adored it and to #Putnam publishing for this ARC as well.
#PaigeToon has written an endearing and engaging book #WeOnlyHaveTheSummer that as a dancer myself, I absolutely adored.
The relationship between Miles and Maddie is so genuine and emotional I couldn’t help but become personally invested in their future and the hope that it would somehow survive the international tour she was committed to once their summer was over. Her gentle and loving approach with Kai was so lovely and it bridged the gap between himself and his father Miles. I felt their connection was so strong and instantaneous, both Maddie and Miles and Maddie and Kai’s.
The mind blowing shocking revelation that Maddie stumbles across while at Miles mothers and stepfathers house threw me for a loop. I could totally understand how both Miles and Maddie must’ve felt, I know it felt to me as if a bomb was detonated on their relationship and any hope of their future together. It was so significant and seriously one of those freak moments where you just cannot even envision any sort of going forward together after the realization of this knowledge that 100% changes every dynamic between them and at first glance it doesn’t seem that time or space to get used to the fact of what they’ve learned will change things for the better. It’s surreal and the chances of it happening seem
impossible, a one in a million odds that this would be the case yet there’s no mistaking this is the case, the facts are real as they come and the reality is there’s not just their feelings to come to terms with in this situation. There’s many others that will feel very strongly about this and it will impact them profoundly. The aftershocks that rock both Maddie and Miles will reverberate through them both with an intensity and permeate their lives with disbelief and fear of what’s to come because there is no denying their love despite this serious revelation is not something that can easily be ignored denied or dismissed.
The author is brilliant with the substantial emotionally charged connection between these two main characters, Maddie and Miles and that talent is so powerful those emotions her characters go through emote off the pages deep into the heart of the reader and you cannot help but become personally invested and wholly immersed in the characters and the story as it unfolds.
Such a poignant and powerfully emotional book charged with grief, humility, love, forgiveness and compassion and characters who have such dynamic and complex personalities and experiences that fuel the connections between them and strengthen their bond and love for one another. I didn’t want the story been these two to end. I’d love to read another one to be a part of Maddie and Miles lives again. They were so good for one another and the relationship Maddie has was Kai is so organic and extremely good for him as she encourages him to remain true to who he is and helps his dad Miles accept his son for the things that make him happy and he feels passionate about. Maddie truly was a good send for this father son duo and their meeting was kismet and perhaps even something that was brought together from the other side. I’d like to think perhaps Beau had been keeping watch over them all and sent Maddie two doors down from Miles because knowing they were together and had the love they did would’ve made any brother and love happy. I’m sure he is the inspiration behind Kai’s passion for dance and the characteristics and natural qualities he has when it comes to performing and the arts as well. Wonderfully written and beautifully executed characters and plot. I loved it!!
Thank you to #Nettgalley advanced reading copy for this ARC I adored it and to #Putnam publishing for this ARC as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think if you're a big fan of Toon then you know how this is going to go
Maddie arrives in Canada to grieve over the lose of her partner Beau, how can she move on? Oh look over there. There's a big hunk of a man ready to step in and be Mr Perfect. As Always there is a spanner in the works. How can this possibly work?
I knew what would happen but it didn't stop be loving the story or maybe crying a little bit.
Thank you Netgally for my advanced copy.
Maddie arrives in Canada to grieve over the lose of her partner Beau, how can she move on? Oh look over there. There's a big hunk of a man ready to step in and be Mr Perfect. As Always there is a spanner in the works. How can this possibly work?
I knew what would happen but it didn't stop be loving the story or maybe crying a little bit.
Thank you Netgally for my advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hidden for minor spoilers:
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I really enjoyed this story about a woman trying to start over and finding love again after a tragic loss. There was twist I didn't see coming, and it was a moving story about moving on with your life when you are not sure you can.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I really enjoyed this story about a woman trying to start over and finding love again after a tragic loss. There was twist I didn't see coming, and it was a moving story about moving on with your life when you are not sure you can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone (Penguin) and NetGalley for the opportunity of reading this ARC! The review is personal and unaltered by external factors.
5/5
“We Only Have The Summer” by Paige Toon is an adult romance novel focusing on grief, the art of dance, and the psychological surroundings of those in art who suffer through the tumultuous emotions of having and losing a partner, along with the spark of healing and change opening up to others can offer. The emotional enrichment of the heroine, a professional dancer named Maddie, is at the centre of this novel, and it is expertly portrayed through her mental breakdown caused by severe grief and revival from her own ashes.
The plot is relatively simple; Maddie goes to her deceased partner’s favourite location in his native Canada, as to feel closer to him again and attain a certain closure before going on tour again. However, life is not that simple, as she encounters someone who feels like home from the very start: Miles. For the first time since Beau’s death, Maddie feels safe, and, furthermore, for the first time in what seems to be forever, our heroine feels understood without having to justify herself or try to mould herself according to her surroundings. Consequently, while straightforward in regards to action, the plot is very much character driven, the psychological evolution of Maddie being the focus of the novel. The major plot twist was not particularly mind-bending, nonetheless, as previously mentioned, since the characters themselves are the focus, their reactions to the revelation being what mattered and not the revelation itself.
« I adored the feeling of being in control while losing myself completely, of being elevated above the normal stresses and strains of everyday life. »
Maddie’s character as a dancer, as an artist, as someone who feels life very intensely was absolutely amazing. As someone who was part of and in contact with the dancing scene, I found her artistic side extremely well-portrayed, and her effervescent expressions and feelings towards the art of dancing especially well-depicted. Paige Toon managed to capture the mind of an artist who is eaten away and possessed by their art remarkably well. The feeling of loss and confusion after disconnecting with something so quintessentially part of oneself was, in equal amounts, excellently portrayed. Maddie’s grief combined with her loss of self as both a woman and an artist was heartbreaking to read, vivid and consuming, creating an empathy-filled tenderness towards the heroine. Her evolution was well done, her reconnecting with her own self and her living up to the concept of change.
Miles was equally well-portrayed, the business analyst with an artist’s soul, finding life empty of meaning until he reconnects with the process of creating music, art, an expression of his very soul, as he finds meaning and hope within Maddie. His son, Kai, acts as a bridge between the two of them at times, but he represents an extension of Miles himself, a young artist seeking the very meaning of art, trying to express himself through dance.
The relationship between Maddie and Miles was healing and tender; although a bit quick, it was not dissonant with their characters’ parameters. In the end, they are both artists who feel and experience much deeper and passionate and consuming than others. Their relationship advancement reflected that particularly well. Beautiful chemistry, soft and suave, yet not lacking in passion and desire at any given point.
The memory of Beau as a recurring and haunting motif was excellent as well; soul-shattering and heartbreaking but extremely beautiful. A great character as well, complex and passionate.
« I felt it all with him: attraction, exhilaration, uncertainty, fear, hope . . . I’d never existed in such an acute way. The feeling was addictive. »
The prose is first person narration from Maddie’s perspective and, throughout all the novel, reflects the heroine’s mental state very well. Maddie’s moments of panic, grief, spiralling and completely losing herself to pain were excellently depicted, the fractured mental state and forcing herself to normalcy to becoming one with her new self being reflected in the prose at all times, her vocabulary itself becoming more and more intense as her mental state shifts.
As far as recommendations go, all I can say is that the author is special to me. After experiencing Sophie Kinsella and Lauren Weisberger’s novels as a teenager, it has been hard for me to reconnect with contemporary romance. In 2017, I randomly picked up “The One We Fell in Love With” because I liked the cover and the premise written on the back and, well, Paige Toon made me love love again. Read this book if you want a delicate yet sparkling experience in one afternoon, one weekend, or, perhaps, save it for when your heart needs some healing.
5/5
“We Only Have The Summer” by Paige Toon is an adult romance novel focusing on grief, the art of dance, and the psychological surroundings of those in art who suffer through the tumultuous emotions of having and losing a partner, along with the spark of healing and change opening up to others can offer. The emotional enrichment of the heroine, a professional dancer named Maddie, is at the centre of this novel, and it is expertly portrayed through her mental breakdown caused by severe grief and revival from her own ashes.
The plot is relatively simple; Maddie goes to her deceased partner’s favourite location in his native Canada, as to feel closer to him again and attain a certain closure before going on tour again. However, life is not that simple, as she encounters someone who feels like home from the very start: Miles. For the first time since Beau’s death, Maddie feels safe, and, furthermore, for the first time in what seems to be forever, our heroine feels understood without having to justify herself or try to mould herself according to her surroundings. Consequently, while straightforward in regards to action, the plot is very much character driven, the psychological evolution of Maddie being the focus of the novel. The major plot twist was not particularly mind-bending, nonetheless, as previously mentioned, since the characters themselves are the focus, their reactions to the revelation being what mattered and not the revelation itself.
« I adored the feeling of being in control while losing myself completely, of being elevated above the normal stresses and strains of everyday life. »
Maddie’s character as a dancer, as an artist, as someone who feels life very intensely was absolutely amazing. As someone who was part of and in contact with the dancing scene, I found her artistic side extremely well-portrayed, and her effervescent expressions and feelings towards the art of dancing especially well-depicted. Paige Toon managed to capture the mind of an artist who is eaten away and possessed by their art remarkably well. The feeling of loss and confusion after disconnecting with something so quintessentially part of oneself was, in equal amounts, excellently portrayed. Maddie’s grief combined with her loss of self as both a woman and an artist was heartbreaking to read, vivid and consuming, creating an empathy-filled tenderness towards the heroine. Her evolution was well done, her reconnecting with her own self and her living up to the concept of change.
Miles was equally well-portrayed, the business analyst with an artist’s soul, finding life empty of meaning until he reconnects with the process of creating music, art, an expression of his very soul, as he finds meaning and hope within Maddie. His son, Kai, acts as a bridge between the two of them at times, but he represents an extension of Miles himself, a young artist seeking the very meaning of art, trying to express himself through dance.
The relationship between Maddie and Miles was healing and tender; although a bit quick, it was not dissonant with their characters’ parameters. In the end, they are both artists who feel and experience much deeper and passionate and consuming than others. Their relationship advancement reflected that particularly well. Beautiful chemistry, soft and suave, yet not lacking in passion and desire at any given point.
The memory of Beau as a recurring and haunting motif was excellent as well; soul-shattering and heartbreaking but extremely beautiful. A great character as well, complex and passionate.
« I felt it all with him: attraction, exhilaration, uncertainty, fear, hope . . . I’d never existed in such an acute way. The feeling was addictive. »
The prose is first person narration from Maddie’s perspective and, throughout all the novel, reflects the heroine’s mental state very well. Maddie’s moments of panic, grief, spiralling and completely losing herself to pain were excellently depicted, the fractured mental state and forcing herself to normalcy to becoming one with her new self being reflected in the prose at all times, her vocabulary itself becoming more and more intense as her mental state shifts.
As far as recommendations go, all I can say is that the author is special to me. After experiencing Sophie Kinsella and Lauren Weisberger’s novels as a teenager, it has been hard for me to reconnect with contemporary romance. In 2017, I randomly picked up “The One We Fell in Love With” because I liked the cover and the premise written on the back and, well, Paige Toon made me love love again. Read this book if you want a delicate yet sparkling experience in one afternoon, one weekend, or, perhaps, save it for when your heart needs some healing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Literally the only thing I didn’t like about this book is that the cover depicts water and not the mountains because Paige Toon has done it again!
I tore through this strangers to friends to lovers romance and it made me giddy and kick my feet while also making me yearn right along with the characters. I just loved it.
I’m always so thankful to get Paige’s arcs and cannot recommend her stories enough to all romance lovers.
I tore through this strangers to friends to lovers romance and it made me giddy and kick my feet while also making me yearn right along with the characters. I just loved it.
I’m always so thankful to get Paige’s arcs and cannot recommend her stories enough to all romance lovers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I almost cried multiple times. I felt like the character development was so strong in the beginning of the book and I loved all the characters, but then in the second half I felt like suddenly they were making choices that made no sense for who they were. There were a few sub plots that were never really tied up and the end felt kinda rushed but I did like how everything came together in the end. Very cute
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We Only Have The Summer, Paige's Toon's latest romance, combines themes of moving forward through grief and fighting for love against the serene backdrop of Revelstoke, BC.
Quick Plot Overview: Maddie is still reeling from the death of her dance partner and boyfriend, Beau. She takes a summer break to heal and moves to Revelstoke, BC to visit Beau's hometown and gravesite. She didn't expect to befriend her new neighbor Miles and his son Kai. Over the summer, Maddie builds a strong connection to Miles and Kai and has a difficult time saying goodbye at the end of the summer. When a secret is revealed, Maddie and Miles face a challenge that might break their relationship. In the end, will they only have the summer together?
What I Liked: I was immediately drawn into the beauty of this book's setting. I have never been to Revelstoke, but from the descriptions I felt like I was there and now wish I could visit. Maddie and Miles have great chemistry throughout the book, and Miles is a great MMC and father. The ending of the book was satisfying.
What I Didn't Like: The first 40% felt like not much was happening. Minor details and interactions were described in a way that took up space but didn't push the story forward. The connection between Miles and Maddie was insta-love, and I didn't get to enjoy the yearning part for very long. Some readers might appreciate the fact that Kai was trying to bend gender-stereotypes and become a dancer, but it didn't work for me. I wanted more of the backstory and interactions between the family members, instead of just relaying their opinions through Miles and Maddie. I didn't personally connect with the dancer storyline, so I had a hard time connecting with Maddie.
Bottom Line: This isn't my favorite Paige Toon book, but fans of a good setting, easy/simple writing style, and a theme centered around dancing might enjoy this.
Content Considerations: Mild frequency of strong profanity (f---), multiple mild/vague open door scenes that are brief and mostly euphemistic in detail.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is not influenced by the author or publisher in any way.
Quick Plot Overview: Maddie is still reeling from the death of her dance partner and boyfriend, Beau. She takes a summer break to heal and moves to Revelstoke, BC to visit Beau's hometown and gravesite. She didn't expect to befriend her new neighbor Miles and his son Kai. Over the summer, Maddie builds a strong connection to Miles and Kai and has a difficult time saying goodbye at the end of the summer. When a secret is revealed, Maddie and Miles face a challenge that might break their relationship. In the end, will they only have the summer together?
What I Liked: I was immediately drawn into the beauty of this book's setting. I have never been to Revelstoke, but from the descriptions I felt like I was there and now wish I could visit. Maddie and Miles have great chemistry throughout the book, and Miles is a great MMC and father. The ending of the book was satisfying.
What I Didn't Like: The first 40% felt like not much was happening. Minor details and interactions were described in a way that took up space but didn't push the story forward. The connection between Miles and Maddie was insta-love, and I didn't get to enjoy the yearning part for very long. Some readers might appreciate the fact that Kai was trying to bend gender-stereotypes and become a dancer, but it didn't work for me. I wanted more of the backstory and interactions between the family members, instead of just relaying their opinions through Miles and Maddie. I didn't personally connect with the dancer storyline, so I had a hard time connecting with Maddie.
Bottom Line: This isn't my favorite Paige Toon book, but fans of a good setting, easy/simple writing style, and a theme centered around dancing might enjoy this.
Content Considerations: Mild frequency of strong profanity (f---), multiple mild/vague open door scenes that are brief and mostly euphemistic in detail.
Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the complementary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is not influenced by the author or publisher in any way.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eighteen months after the tragic loss of her dance partner and first love, Beau, Maddie travels to his small Canadian hometown of Revelstoke for the summer in the hopes of healing her heart. While there, she meets Miles, who has just moved back to town to be closer to his eight-year-old son, Kai. Miles makes Maddie feel like she could fall in love again, and Kai makes her feel like she could love to dance again, both things she wasn’t sure she was capable of anymore. As Maddie gets closer to Miles and Kai, she struggles with the fact that she and Miles could never be together long-term, as Miles has no plans to leave his son and Maddie has to leave Revelstoke at the end of the summer to pursue her dreams as a dancer.
Paige Toon has done it again! Every time I finish one of her books, I think there is no way I could possibly love the next one as much, but then I read it and I am blown away again. Her characters are so raw and real. There is so much emotion in her books. They make me feel giddy and give me butterflies but they also pull on my heartstrings.
I flew through this book in two days. Anytime I had to set it aside, I was still thinking of Maddie and Miles and couldn’t wait to get back to them. They were both imperfect humans, but that is one of the things I love about Paige Toon’s writing - the characters feel like real people with real flaws and struggles. I was rooting for Miles and Maddie individually and as a couple the entire book, and I loved seeing their characters develop throughout the story. The twist caught me completely off guard and was done so well. And the ending was perfect!
If you have enjoyed any of Paige Toon’s other novels, you are going to love We Only Have the Summer. Out April 8th, 2027 and I highly recommend pre-ordering!
Paige Toon has done it again! Every time I finish one of her books, I think there is no way I could possibly love the next one as much, but then I read it and I am blown away again. Her characters are so raw and real. There is so much emotion in her books. They make me feel giddy and give me butterflies but they also pull on my heartstrings.
I flew through this book in two days. Anytime I had to set it aside, I was still thinking of Maddie and Miles and couldn’t wait to get back to them. They were both imperfect humans, but that is one of the things I love about Paige Toon’s writing - the characters feel like real people with real flaws and struggles. I was rooting for Miles and Maddie individually and as a couple the entire book, and I loved seeing their characters develop throughout the story. The twist caught me completely off guard and was done so well. And the ending was perfect!
If you have enjoyed any of Paige Toon’s other novels, you are going to love We Only Have the Summer. Out April 8th, 2027 and I highly recommend pre-ordering!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Arc Review
We Only Have The Summer by @paigetoonauthor
Thank you to @netgalley , @cornerstone_press and @penguinrandomhouse for the e arc, for an honest review.
Beautiful and heartbreaking but heartwarming and healing and being able to breathe again after having your head underwater and having that guilt and fear holding you down.
Dancing is what Maddie lives and breathes for until she meets her dance partner beau who is her first love, until a tragic accident takes him away for her and then she loses both of her greatest love.
She goes to the Canadian mountains where beau always wants when he goes back home.
It's difficult at first but then she meets her neighbour and his son, Miles and Kai. Kai has a hidden passion for dancing as he thinks he dad would not approve. But the more time they all spend together they creates such friendship and bonds. Especially Maddie and Miles, they have a friendship but it more than that a deep connection feeling like they have known each others for years. But as she's here only for 2 months can they really make it work. She has to return to London and her dancing tour.
What I loved is that she feels in love with dancing by teaching Kai, after when she was having dancing time with her mentor. She made miles fall back in love with his music and playing his guitar. I have greatly loved the moments they were all together it was beautiful but the deeper they go. Do they both truly know eachother and what secrets have they not truly Told each other. Will it break them apart if so can they learn to forgive themselves and come back together. There is so much history with what's to come.
There were no dry eyes in my room, I used a lot of tissues.
Releases April 8th, 2027
We Only Have The Summer by @paigetoonauthor
Thank you to @netgalley , @cornerstone_press and @penguinrandomhouse for the e arc, for an honest review.
Beautiful and heartbreaking but heartwarming and healing and being able to breathe again after having your head underwater and having that guilt and fear holding you down.
Dancing is what Maddie lives and breathes for until she meets her dance partner beau who is her first love, until a tragic accident takes him away for her and then she loses both of her greatest love.
She goes to the Canadian mountains where beau always wants when he goes back home.
It's difficult at first but then she meets her neighbour and his son, Miles and Kai. Kai has a hidden passion for dancing as he thinks he dad would not approve. But the more time they all spend together they creates such friendship and bonds. Especially Maddie and Miles, they have a friendship but it more than that a deep connection feeling like they have known each others for years. But as she's here only for 2 months can they really make it work. She has to return to London and her dancing tour.
What I loved is that she feels in love with dancing by teaching Kai, after when she was having dancing time with her mentor. She made miles fall back in love with his music and playing his guitar. I have greatly loved the moments they were all together it was beautiful but the deeper they go. Do they both truly know eachother and what secrets have they not truly Told each other. Will it break them apart if so can they learn to forgive themselves and come back together. There is so much history with what's to come.
There were no dry eyes in my room, I used a lot of tissues.
Releases April 8th, 2027
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One of the things I loved most about this book, and something I genuinely miss in a lot of contemporary romances, is how much Paige Toon shows rather than tells. We actually get to experience Maddie and Miles getting to know each other, from strangers to friends, from friends to something deeper, and eventually falling in love. Their connection doesn't happen overnight, and we're given the time and space to see it develop through their conversations, interactions, and little moments together. The progression feels natural and believable, which made me so much more invested in their relationship. I wish more romance authors would take the time to build relationships this way instead of simply telling us that two characters have fallen in love.
I also loved the setting. Revelstoke and its surrounding mountains are so vividly described that I could easily picture myself there. And I particularly enjoyed the role dance plays in the story, both as part of Maddie's identity and as a way for her to reconnect with something she thought she had lost.
As expected from Paige Toon, this is an emotional story about grief, healing, second chances, and allowing yourself to love again. The characters are flawed, their struggles feel genuine, and there's plenty of yearning along the way. There were also a few surprises I didn't see coming, which made the reading experience even better.
Another beautiful, heartfelt story from Paige Toon. If you enjoy emotional contemporary romance with well-developed characters, a slow-building relationship, and plenty of feelings, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Paige Toon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I also loved the setting. Revelstoke and its surrounding mountains are so vividly described that I could easily picture myself there. And I particularly enjoyed the role dance plays in the story, both as part of Maddie's identity and as a way for her to reconnect with something she thought she had lost.
As expected from Paige Toon, this is an emotional story about grief, healing, second chances, and allowing yourself to love again. The characters are flawed, their struggles feel genuine, and there's plenty of yearning along the way. There were also a few surprises I didn't see coming, which made the reading experience even better.
Another beautiful, heartfelt story from Paige Toon. If you enjoy emotional contemporary romance with well-developed characters, a slow-building relationship, and plenty of feelings, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Paige Toon for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you’ve been reading Paige Toon since the very beginning—way back to Johnny Be Good—you already know her rare superpower: she writes characters and love stories that burrow straight into your chest and stay there for days after you’ve turned the final page. We Only Have The Summer is Paige at the absolute peak of her powers, delivering a story that is both wonderfully nostalgic and deeply, achingly moving.
From the first chapter, the atmosphere is utterly immersive. Paige has this incredible knack for making you feel the heat of the sun, the salt in the air, and the intensity of those formative, once-in-a-lifetime connections. The pacing is pitch-perfect, balancing the sweetness of sun-drenched days with the bittersweet, raw complexities of growing up and figuring out who you are when the summer ends.
The emotional stakes are high, and the chemistry is off the charts, but what truly sets this book apart is its heart. The themes of family, forgiveness, and timing had me reaching for the tissues more than once. It’s impossible not to root fiercely for these characters as they navigate heartbreak, longing, and the courage it takes to risk your heart all over again.
As a lifelong fan who has grown up alongside Paige's books, I can honestly say this is one of her most unforgettable reads yet. It’s romantic, poignant, and everything a longtime fan could dream of.
An unputdownable 5-star read that I will be forcing into the hands of everyone I know!
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Paige Toon and Random House UK, Cornerstone 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
From the first chapter, the atmosphere is utterly immersive. Paige has this incredible knack for making you feel the heat of the sun, the salt in the air, and the intensity of those formative, once-in-a-lifetime connections. The pacing is pitch-perfect, balancing the sweetness of sun-drenched days with the bittersweet, raw complexities of growing up and figuring out who you are when the summer ends.
The emotional stakes are high, and the chemistry is off the charts, but what truly sets this book apart is its heart. The themes of family, forgiveness, and timing had me reaching for the tissues more than once. It’s impossible not to root fiercely for these characters as they navigate heartbreak, longing, and the courage it takes to risk your heart all over again.
As a lifelong fan who has grown up alongside Paige's books, I can honestly say this is one of her most unforgettable reads yet. It’s romantic, poignant, and everything a longtime fan could dream of.
An unputdownable 5-star read that I will be forcing into the hands of everyone I know!
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Paige Toon and Random House UK, Cornerstone 📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've loved Paige Toon's books for years, so getting the chance to read 'We Only Have the Summer' ahead of publication felt like a real pinch-me moment. One of the things I admire most about Paige's writing is how effortlessly readable her books are. It's easy to underestimate just how hard that must be for an author to achieve, but she does it every single time. And this book was no exception.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story and intrigued by what had happened to Beau. And Maddie? I'm not entirely sure you're supposed to like her straight away, but I couldn't help it. By the end, I loved both Maddie and Miles. They're flawed, complicated and very different from me, yet I found myself feeling such an affinity with them.
Beneath that easy-reading style, there's also a heartbreaking exploration of grief and guilt. Paige brings these emotions to life through characters who are imperfect, complicated and trying to navigate their own experiences. For me, that's the magic of her writing: making you understand and connect with people whose lives are nothing like your own.
And the setting! The forests and mountains of Canada were so beautiful and memorable that I'm now desperate to see them for myself. Although, like Maddie, I'll be making sure I have the bear spray ready!
This book has reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Paige Toon's writing in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story and intrigued by what had happened to Beau. And Maddie? I'm not entirely sure you're supposed to like her straight away, but I couldn't help it. By the end, I loved both Maddie and Miles. They're flawed, complicated and very different from me, yet I found myself feeling such an affinity with them.
Beneath that easy-reading style, there's also a heartbreaking exploration of grief and guilt. Paige brings these emotions to life through characters who are imperfect, complicated and trying to navigate their own experiences. For me, that's the magic of her writing: making you understand and connect with people whose lives are nothing like your own.
And the setting! The forests and mountains of Canada were so beautiful and memorable that I'm now desperate to see them for myself. Although, like Maddie, I'll be making sure I have the bear spray ready!
This book has reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Paige Toon's writing in the first place.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
October 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. It broke my heart and then slowly pieced it back together again.
I absolutely loved Maddie and Miles and found myself so invested in both of their stories. Their journey had me feeling all the emotions and I loved watching everything unfold between them.
One of my favourite parts was seeing how Maddie helped grow Miles’ relationship with Kai. It was so heartwarming watching them slowly become a unit, and those moments really did melt my heart.
Maddie’s flashbacks of Beau were hauntingly beautiful. They were such a powerful way of showing her grief and you could really feel the weight of everything she had been through. Those moments added so much depth to her character and made her story even more emotional.
The reveal was easy to foresee but honestly, that didn’t make it any less soul-shattering. Even when you have an idea of what’s coming, it can still hit you right in the heart when it finally unfolds.
There were a few moments throughout the story that felt a little too coincidental for me, which stopped this from being a full five-star read. However, that didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the overall story or how emotionally invested I became in these characters.
A beautiful story that definitely left its mark on me.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this earc from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My review is based on my own opinion and has not been influenced.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paige Toon is accomplished at getting me right in the feels with her books- I'm always incredibly excited/anxious waiting for the drop and her books always hit in terms of longing, complex stories & love overcoming pain. This one, while not my favourite, is about Maddie, a dancer who is navigating loss, guilt and grief. I could not stop thinking of the song line "We found love in a hopeless place" while reading this book.
The Canadian setting was so well written, immersive and beautifully described that I wanted to go there right away. Maddie was a FMC that grew on me as the book progressed and I learnt more about her as the story unfolded.
Paige is extremely talented at writing and her voice is so well developed that her books just float with every word and sentence carefully constructed and gorgeous. Miles was a really sweet MMC and I loved Kai. I loved the chemistry, dynamics and the stakes were SO high and I was invested completely. I HAD to get to the end. This will be a huge hit. I was carried away by this romance. I highly recommend picking it up.
The Canadian setting was so well written, immersive and beautifully described that I wanted to go there right away. Maddie was a FMC that grew on me as the book progressed and I learnt more about her as the story unfolded.
Paige is extremely talented at writing and her voice is so well developed that her books just float with every word and sentence carefully constructed and gorgeous. Miles was a really sweet MMC and I loved Kai. I loved the chemistry, dynamics and the stakes were SO high and I was invested completely. I HAD to get to the end. This will be a huge hit. I was carried away by this romance. I highly recommend picking it up.
October 10, 2026
4⭐️
A small-town romance that explores navigating life after loss and rekindling one’s passion.
As per usual, a very quick read with fast-pacing and more dialogue than prose. I liked that the professional dance circuit was explored and wish we could’ve seen more of that. I would’ve loved it if this was a dual-timeline romance that explored her time in the dance company more thoroughly.
While I usually adore Paige Toon’s novels and frequently have a visceral emotional reaction, this one fell rather mid-tier for me amongst her other novels. Although I’d still consider it a “good book”, the twist was rather obvious and I certainly didn’t feel compelled to tears at any point. The conclusion felt a bit rushed, although I wasn’t unhappy with the resolution. Single-parents are also not one of my favorite tropes so certainly could’ve contributed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A small-town romance that explores navigating life after loss and rekindling one’s passion.
As per usual, a very quick read with fast-pacing and more dialogue than prose. I liked that the professional dance circuit was explored and wish we could’ve seen more of that. I would’ve loved it if this was a dual-timeline romance that explored her time in the dance company more thoroughly.
While I usually adore Paige Toon’s novels and frequently have a visceral emotional reaction, this one fell rather mid-tier for me amongst her other novels. Although I’d still consider it a “good book”, the twist was rather obvious and I certainly didn’t feel compelled to tears at any point. The conclusion felt a bit rushed, although I wasn’t unhappy with the resolution. Single-parents are also not one of my favorite tropes so certainly could’ve contributed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In exchange for my unbiased opinion, I received an ARC from NetGalley for ‘We Only Have the Summer’ by Paige Toon. I’ve read a few of Toon’s latest books- and thoroughly enjoyed them - so I was excited to dive in. I loved it! The book focuses on a grief journey of Maddie and others as they navigate unexpected loss and the rollercoaster of emotions. This delicate subject matter is handled with grace and with care. Each person has a different grief reaction, all of which are very valid in real life grief.
On a side note, Paige Toon is English and it’s always interesting to note cultural differences in verbiage and ways of expressing oneself. I did find the constant mentioning of the belly button piercing to be odd. Is that more common in England? It definitely went out of fashion in the states in the early 2000s. So interesting.
Needless to say, 4.5 stars. Buy it. Read it. Thank you for the ARC!
On a side note, Paige Toon is English and it’s always interesting to note cultural differences in verbiage and ways of expressing oneself. I did find the constant mentioning of the belly button piercing to be odd. Is that more common in England? It definitely went out of fashion in the states in the early 2000s. So interesting.
Needless to say, 4.5 stars. Buy it. Read it. Thank you for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If there is one thing I can count on, it's that a Paige Toon novel will make me cry every time and I will love every second of it. This one was no different!
Paige is amazing at writing emotional ZZly complex and layered stories. I typically can't always guess where they're going, but this time I could. While that was the case I still enjoyed it a lot and had a great experience reading it. I devoured this in one day, I was so locked in needing to see how things went.
I enjoyed the setting of this one being in the area of Canada it was. It sounded so gorgeous that I looked up photos of that area and confirm it's stunning!
I also loved that the FMC was a professional dancer, it was something different and the descriptions of her dancing were so beautiful. Our MMC is great too. Very supportive, trying his best, and open to learning new things.
Thank you to Putnam for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💖
Paige is amazing at writing emotional ZZly complex and layered stories. I typically can't always guess where they're going, but this time I could. While that was the case I still enjoyed it a lot and had a great experience reading it. I devoured this in one day, I was so locked in needing to see how things went.
I enjoyed the setting of this one being in the area of Canada it was. It sounded so gorgeous that I looked up photos of that area and confirm it's stunning!
I also loved that the FMC was a professional dancer, it was something different and the descriptions of her dancing were so beautiful. Our MMC is great too. Very supportive, trying his best, and open to learning new things.
Thank you to Putnam for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review 💖
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Paige Toon is now one of my auto buy authors. After loving "Seven Summers" by her I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint! This is story about two people dealing with different sets of sadness and find each other in an unlikely place. They become fast friends and find an openness with each other that is beautiful.
Madison in a ballerina who tours the whole while Miles is a finance bro from Vancouver. They could not be more different but compliment each other so well. They way Paige Toon shows how they care for each other and are willing to encourage each other through grief and finding their passions is so tender.
If I could give any notes I would like a deeper dive into her relationship with Beau to truly understand how they felt connected.
I finished this book in 1 day and will be recommending!
Paige Toon is now one of my auto buy authors. After loving "Seven Summers" by her I was so excited for this book and it did not disappoint! This is story about two people dealing with different sets of sadness and find each other in an unlikely place. They become fast friends and find an openness with each other that is beautiful.
Madison in a ballerina who tours the whole while Miles is a finance bro from Vancouver. They could not be more different but compliment each other so well. They way Paige Toon shows how they care for each other and are willing to encourage each other through grief and finding their passions is so tender.
If I could give any notes I would like a deeper dive into her relationship with Beau to truly understand how they felt connected.
I finished this book in 1 day and will be recommending!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
And she did it again ! I didn’t love her last book, but this one I don’t know it reminds me of one of my favourite from her Only love can hurts like this. It was sweet and raw and sad and heartbreaking at some point. But Maddison story was so beautiful and so raw that it rings to me so much. Trying to forgive yourself and coming to terms that sometimes dreams can change and you have to be open to it.
Miles miles and miles ! Sweet cinnamon roll Miles, I feel like every single book I read with a miles in it it’s always a cinnamon roll MMC. Same here, he is so damn sweet and the plot line broke my heart for him. He is so patiente and comprehensive, compassionate with her it’s just the perfect couple. The chemistry was on point the stranger to friends to lovers was everything and more ! I loved it.
Miles miles and miles ! Sweet cinnamon roll Miles, I feel like every single book I read with a miles in it it’s always a cinnamon roll MMC. Same here, he is so damn sweet and the plot line broke my heart for him. He is so patiente and comprehensive, compassionate with her it’s just the perfect couple. The chemistry was on point the stranger to friends to lovers was everything and more ! I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved Paige Toon’s last release, so I knew I had to get my hands on this one as soon as possible. And wow, it was everything I needed.
The story, the setting, the characters. Everything about this one was so captivating! I loved the fresh premise, and Paige once again proved just how beautifully she writes emotional stories. I swear I felt every single emotion right alongside these characters.
The build and slow burn between Maddie and Miles was perfection. Even though I had a feeling I knew what was coming, it still managed to wreck me. I felt so deeply for both of these characters as they navigated grief, healing, and finding love again.
Beautifully written, perfectly executed, and ALL the feels. This is exactly the kind of emotional romance I love. An easy 5 stars and one I highly recommend!
Thank you to Putnam for the gifted ARC!
The story, the setting, the characters. Everything about this one was so captivating! I loved the fresh premise, and Paige once again proved just how beautifully she writes emotional stories. I swear I felt every single emotion right alongside these characters.
The build and slow burn between Maddie and Miles was perfection. Even though I had a feeling I knew what was coming, it still managed to wreck me. I felt so deeply for both of these characters as they navigated grief, healing, and finding love again.
Beautifully written, perfectly executed, and ALL the feels. This is exactly the kind of emotional romance I love. An easy 5 stars and one I highly recommend!
Thank you to Putnam for the gifted ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgally for the ARC.
We only have the Summer - its stunningly beautiful, romantic and as with all Paige Toons books, emotional, raw, she actually broke me again, multiple times actually!
Maddie is so hard on herself, I knew that twist was coming with Beau and Miles, awkward as hell and so very sad. Did anyone else think the dog was Beau's spirit animal leading her to Miles or do i just need to get out more??
Maddison/Maddie shes just wonderful in every sense, you cant not love her and feel her pain, emotion and triumph when ahe begins to dance again.
Miles warms up nicely and settles into a loveable character, not only as a father but as an individual navigating life that hasnt been that straightforward. Both characters have regrets from their pasts and im glad they dont let it ruin their future.
Kai was just adorable and the ending was perfect!
Another 5* smasher
We only have the Summer - its stunningly beautiful, romantic and as with all Paige Toons books, emotional, raw, she actually broke me again, multiple times actually!
Maddie is so hard on herself, I knew that twist was coming with Beau and Miles, awkward as hell and so very sad. Did anyone else think the dog was Beau's spirit animal leading her to Miles or do i just need to get out more??
Maddison/Maddie shes just wonderful in every sense, you cant not love her and feel her pain, emotion and triumph when ahe begins to dance again.
Miles warms up nicely and settles into a loveable character, not only as a father but as an individual navigating life that hasnt been that straightforward. Both characters have regrets from their pasts and im glad they dont let it ruin their future.
Kai was just adorable and the ending was perfect!
Another 5* smasher
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the story of Maddie and Miles, the addition of a complex past, a young son (Miles' and his ex Peyton) and so much emotional conflict made for an interesting and somewhat devastating conclusion. I have to be honest, I did guess the twist, but I think that was luck, there was nothing to indicate this would be the case.
Guilt was eating Maddie up inside, however it brought her an opportunity she wasn't initially open to for obvious reasons.
I loved Kai, loved the charm and innocence he brought to the story, his Sims were adorable, Maddy and Daddy and the multiple failed proposals, his love of dance and his fear that he was disappointing a dad he'd previously had minimal contact with.
So many great characters and a very untraditional love triangle (no, not Maddy, Daddy and the skater!).
Guilt was eating Maddie up inside, however it brought her an opportunity she wasn't initially open to for obvious reasons.
I loved Kai, loved the charm and innocence he brought to the story, his Sims were adorable, Maddy and Daddy and the multiple failed proposals, his love of dance and his fear that he was disappointing a dad he'd previously had minimal contact with.
So many great characters and a very untraditional love triangle (no, not Maddy, Daddy and the skater!).
October 18, 2026
I’m obsessed with the chemistry between Miles & Maddie. It was deeply authentic & romantic & fun! It made it so easy to root for them from the first page. & on top of that the bond between Maddie & Miles’ son was adorable. I really appreciated that aspect of the story.
The atmosphere was a small cottage in the mountains, I could feel like I was there. I was completely swept away. It added a lot to the story for me. & for the characters it was a perfect setting.
With the relationships, a gorgeous setting, & wonderful pacing. Toon did an amazing job making this a really enjoyable, & engaging read.
Thank you NetGalley, Penguin, & Paige Toon for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
That you NetGalley for the ARC!
I’ve followed the author for a while now and while not everything she writes is a hit for me, I did enjoy this one.
There is so much grief in Maddie’s story that when she describes dancing I can almost see it. It’s easy to see that Miles is going thru pain of his own tho at times I felt it wasn’t described well enough. I enjoyed their story and could tell they really cared for each other.
There was a twist that I saw coming but I believe it might have initially been revealed in a book description which is why I was predicting it. Still I had a hard time putting this down.
I’ve followed the author for a while now and while not everything she writes is a hit for me, I did enjoy this one.
There is so much grief in Maddie’s story that when she describes dancing I can almost see it. It’s easy to see that Miles is going thru pain of his own tho at times I felt it wasn’t described well enough. I enjoyed their story and could tell they really cared for each other.
There was a twist that I saw coming but I believe it might have initially been revealed in a book description which is why I was predicting it. Still I had a hard time putting this down.
October 23, 2026
Absolutely INCREDIBLE. This book was so intense and such a different vibe for Paige Toon I absolutely loved it.
The angst and pressure that comes with a dancer is something that was portrayed so well with Maddies character and the relationship between her and Miles was literally next level I absolutely adored these characters and the small town cosy setting. The character development between literally everyone was just so real and so emotional.
The plot twist I did not see coming AT ALL but it was so well written and the whole story just left me wanting more and more
Thanks so much to Paige and the gang at Cornerstone for the ARC this one was truly magical 💃
The angst and pressure that comes with a dancer is something that was portrayed so well with Maddies character and the relationship between her and Miles was literally next level I absolutely adored these characters and the small town cosy setting. The character development between literally everyone was just so real and so emotional.
The plot twist I did not see coming AT ALL but it was so well written and the whole story just left me wanting more and more
Thanks so much to Paige and the gang at Cornerstone for the ARC this one was truly magical 💃
October 26, 2026
This book wasn’t bad but I feel like I just didn’t really connect with the characters. I think the story was entertaining, and although I saw the “plot twist” coming, I think for someone that is feeling connected to the characters that would bump up the rating on the book for them.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting but I think that I just have a hard time connecting with stories related to dance, not even sure why, but I feel like most of the books that I’ve read recently, where the MC was a dancer haven’t really done it for me.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the setting but I think that I just have a hard time connecting with stories related to dance, not even sure why, but I feel like most of the books that I’ve read recently, where the MC was a dancer haven’t really done it for me.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. Wow, just wow. What an emotional, raw, heartbreaking yet hopeful story. Gosh, I cried so much. Grief and fear and guilt wrapped up with love, excitement and hope. I honestly didn’t see the twist, I thought she was going to have a run-in with the parents, not what actually happened. The ending was fabulous also. I took off 1/2 a star because it took me a minute to get into it, a little bit of a slow start and at some parts the story/the writing felt really truncated. This felt like the Paige Toon I love and it feels good to be wrecked emotionally again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Putnam Books for the ARC of this one! I am a huge fan of Paige Toon and this one proved why once again, She is the queen of emotional love stories and this one destroyed me and then put me back together again. The emotional depth in this story was incredible and the journey both characters went on was amazing to read. I read this one cover to cover on a cross country flight, so fortunately I didn't have to put it down!
The book follows Maddie, a professional dancer, as she travels to the hometown of her former love, Beau, who died in a tragic accident. She heads to his hometown in Canada to hopefully put her life back together and get back to being herself. When she meets her neighbor, Miles, she isn't expecting to develop a connection with both him and his son. She only has the summer there, but the pull to be together is almost impossible to resist. Their love story is full of yearning and I was truly rooting for them. The book has some surprises, too, which made it interesting! Definitely a 5 star read and another example of why Paige Toon is the best!
The book follows Maddie, a professional dancer, as she travels to the hometown of her former love, Beau, who died in a tragic accident. She heads to his hometown in Canada to hopefully put her life back together and get back to being herself. When she meets her neighbor, Miles, she isn't expecting to develop a connection with both him and his son. She only has the summer there, but the pull to be together is almost impossible to resist. Their love story is full of yearning and I was truly rooting for them. The book has some surprises, too, which made it interesting! Definitely a 5 star read and another example of why Paige Toon is the best!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read all of Paige Toon's books so was already looking forward to this book and she has done it again!
This book follows dancer Maddie who has taken a break from life to grieve and mourn Beau her dance partner, and travels to his hometown in Canada which is where she meets Miles who is trying to rebuild his relationship with his young son Kai.
Paige always seems to know how to pull at the heart strings and this book is no different and cannot recommend her stories enough to all romance lovers.
This book follows dancer Maddie who has taken a break from life to grieve and mourn Beau her dance partner, and travels to his hometown in Canada which is where she meets Miles who is trying to rebuild his relationship with his young son Kai.
Paige always seems to know how to pull at the heart strings and this book is no different and cannot recommend her stories enough to all romance lovers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews