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Just One of the Guys #2

Finally...One Summer

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Emma is leaving for the summer…virginity intact. Zach stays behind, hopeful she is ready for the commitment he wants. Promises have been made and their love will be put to the test.

Zach promised to love her forever…
After dealing with his questionable past and facing her posse of overprotective self proclaimed body guards for nearly a year, he finally earned her love…just in time for her to leave for the summer and return to those he had fought.

Austin promised her a day…
When she returns to Cannon, his turf, he will show her a day like no other. A day she will never forget. But can he overlook the four-year age difference between them and enjoy what they have together?

Ryan promised to protect her…
His entire life has been devoted to taking care of his sister. From the time she was a preemie…to her first date. Finally, his guard was down and he was allowing people in, unaware of just how much she still needs his protection.

Grant promised…well…to be Grant…
He promised to break up her and Zach and to get into her britches—using any means necessary.

Emma is sixteen now and dreading her summer in Cannon. Her entire life she has been surrounded by guys who had nothing but pure intentions. But that has all changed. Promises made to Zach prior to leaving have her questioning how to handle this newfound attention. Her overwhelming hormones and unsettling new desires have her head spinning. Will Zach and Emma’s young love survive the summer? Will she finally give herself to the one she loves? Or will an unexpected relationship come between them? And what consequences will she face when she trusts someone she shouldn’t? It all happens…Finally…One Summer….

378 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

17 people are currently reading
682 people want to read

About the author

Kristi Pelton

14 books509 followers
HI! The Just One of the Guys series was my first writing experience. I love writing romance. I struggle writing sex… But usually like the end product. I think…

I work part-time as a probation officer for juveniles. But i spend the majority of my time with two of the most freakishly awesome boys ever...MY two sons!

I am a huge Kansas Jayhawk fan, Oregon Duck fan and Chicago Cubs! I'm deliciously addicted to music...Love all kinds! Dr. Pepper is a close second in my addictions.

Life is taken way to seriously by most...i say enjoy every moment, have a drink and READ!

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5 stars
199 (40%)
4 stars
178 (36%)
3 stars
79 (16%)
2 stars
26 (5%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Riza.
403 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2014
*5-PUMA-4-ZACH-STARS*
Finally... One Summer is the second book installment of Just One Of The Guys Series, the story pull off right after the ending of Old Enough to Love.. — which is a great way to continue the story BTW.
As always the Zach never disappoint me (I am ready to be PUMA for Zach) and well, Ryan, Austin, Grant and Seth too.. Ohhhhh i so heart those boys!
THIS book had a bit of everything romance, suspense, angst, love triangle and well LOVE.
As much as I want to hate Emma, I chose to be openminded because I imagine myself when I was her age and well the way how she is confused, hard headed, aggressive and hormonal at 16 or 17 is very understandable.
So what can I say? Love me some Zach again Kristi?
PS
MAKING THIS REVIEW AFTER FINISHING BOOK 3 IS A GOOD IDEA.. =)
Profile Image for Bella.
806 reviews28 followers
January 4, 2016
2 Stars

I ain’t gonna lie, I really struggled to want to finish this book. There was just SO MUCH DRAMA and Emma drove me nuts! The way she carried on throughout the story made me want to give up on the series. After all, this series is supposed to be about Emma and Zach, but he shared Emma's affection in this book. Basically, book two was all about Emma and her indecision over who to date.

*WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD*

Thumbs UP

There were some serious themes covered in this book that raised my enjoyment level, simply because they raised the maturity of the story.

There were some fun times shared between Emma and Austin, and I liked Grant’s mischievous side when it came out.

The moment Emma and Zach had been building up to for MONTHS finally happened.

Zach was a bloody saint for putting up with Emma! The guy was faithful, loving, forgiving, very patient and deserving of much better than this version of Emma.

Thumbs DOWN

Often when I read, I take notes as I’m going so I remember what to write in my review. This is what I wrote this time;

Double standards. Immature. Jealous. Liar. Constant fighting. Pushy.

All of that related to Emma. Here’s what I was referring to;

Double standards – Throughout the book she gave Zach grief for hanging out with other girls, meanwhile she was hanging out with other guys too, only what she was doing wasn’t innocent. Whilst he was 100% faithful to her, she kissed both Grant and Austin, numerous times. She also went skinny dipping with one of them.

Immature – This was self-explanatory. She was like a little girl crying every time she didn’t get her way. She sulked when Zach didn’t cave to her. She sulked when she didn’t get the guys attention.

Jealous – Even though she maintained that she only wanted Zach, she still acted like a jealous girlfriend when Grant or Austin hung out with other girls. It was really pathetic and she was way out of line. She basically wanted all the guys pining after her, or she'd get an attitude.

Liar – Her lies caused a pretty huge rift between her and Zach and started a lot of trouble. It was also pointless to continue lying because Zach new she was lying! But she continued to talk shit anyway.

Constant fighting – Their relationship was shaky throughout the story, but it wasn’t just Zach and Emma fighting. She also fell out with Grant and Austin.

Pushy – The girl couldn’t take a hint. She harassed Austin until he confessed his feelings toward her and she was pretty persistent about him kissing her too. That’s just a couple of examples though.

I also have to reiterate how infuriating I found Emma’s actions. She was literally crying one moment about the loss of Zach, then the next she was flirting and organizing potential future dates with another guy. She was a very immature sixteen year old. I found her naivety endearing in book one, but this time I wanted to strangle the stupid girl. I also struggled to see what the big deal was with Emma anyway. Why the hell did all the guys want her?! I didn’t get it.

Zach spent a lot of time running away in this book. That got old.

Non-existent/Fade to black sex scenes were bullshit. After a book of waiting, I felt ripped off.

I stopped counting how many times I saw You’re used when it should have been Your. The author and editor should be ashamed for letting such a basic error and common pet-peeve go by unnoticed.

Final Thoughts

Despite my dislike of this book, I am committed to finishing the series, and will be reading book three ASAP. I hope the series will end on a high note, but there is a lot of ground to make up for me now.
Profile Image for Clista.
488 reviews16 followers
July 28, 2013

Finally...One Summer (Just One of the Guys) is book 2 of a series. After book one, Emma and Zach are a couple who had many issues and obstacles to overcome. Even at their young ages, 16 and 18, they have a strong love for each other. Emma has always been surrounded by "her boys." This is still the case in this book. She is young and immature. She is 16. Emma loves Zach, but now it is summer, and her family is off to their vacation home on Cannon Beach, for their annual extended summer vacation. She is separated from Zach by the distance. Emma is faced with temptations as her hormonal body is awakened. She finds herself in situations, that she always dreamed of, being kissed and wanted by Grant (18) and Austin (20). Only now, she is in love with Zach, who is back home is Ashland. He will also have to deal with temptations from other girls. The events that happen in this book are full of angst and frustration. There are moments, where I wanted Emma to finally experience the things she has always dreamed of. That being the case, she is committed to a relationship with Zach, or she is supposed to be. I enjoyed the flow of the story. The writing is sharp and engaging. The sub characters are rich with their own powerful presence. The antagonists in this book are beyond villainous. Emma is faced with situations that are heart breaking and down right scary. She has always been "just one of the guys," so she finds herself in circumstances she is not prepared to handle. She may be small, but she wants to be mighty.
The story has many funny lines, that I highlighted. The banter between Emma and Austin is exceptional writing. I found myself wanting to be on, "Team Austin," if I am to admit that.
The book seems like it could be YA, but I think it is more adult because of the sexual content. There are grown-up issues that are absolutely realistic.
My heart broke for Zach, as in this quote from Loc. 3715. "Look, I can't compete with all the guys in your life. You have a friggin' army. Each of them willing to step up and take care of you...whether it's in a friendly way or not...and you feel an obligation to let them. There's loyalty there...some unspoken commitment. I can't win with that. You were right. This is your social circle. But...your buddies are guys and I'm the outsider...I always have been. But you know what...I will always love you." OMG! Right? I want to be on, "Team Zach!"
So, the story continues, this triangle of love and wanted desires. This is not the end of their story. We will have to wait for the 3rd installment.
Kristi will make us wonder what will happen as years and distance continue to impact the lives of these characters. I loved that Kristi included the 1st chapter of the 3rd book. I hope we don't have to wait too long to read more.
I highly recommend this book. Which "team" will you choose? I guess that will be Emma who has to chose (I will be ready for a HEA!)
I am a Fan of Kristi's writing and these books. I bet you will be also.
Profile Image for M. S.  Reele.
66 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2013
ughhh this book! I couldn't get enough of Emma and her boys!! It really left me frustrated, devastated, yet hopeful (duh! or else there wouldn't be a third book). Zach and Emma, I have no words, except tears for them...





The time frame may have been shorter here than in OETL, but don't let that statement fool you, a lot has really happened. From an attack, to skinny dipping, moving to college(for the guys) and, the most heartbreaking split you'll ever read. Ms. Kristi Pelton has done it again and surpassed my expectations with Finally.. One Summer!

One thing I wasn't still sure of was Austin, probably because I was still hung up on Grant as the third wheel between Zach and Emma. However, I'm glad that Grant was cut right before things got really serious for him and Emma.


Now on to the next one!!! Maybe Emma will get the ring back on her finger :)
Profile Image for Megan Fall.
Author 13 books366 followers
September 9, 2014
I need more stars. I think I cried through this entire book, and not little tears, it was full out sobbing. This book was amazing! I really like Austin, but he in no way compares to Zack. Her band of protectors were still there too, and for this I was thrilled. I will be thinking about this story for a long time. I am so glad that I already have the last book on my reader because I will be starting it as soon as I finish this rewiew! Mrs. Pelton, you awe me!!!
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
318 reviews
November 16, 2013
There were parts I enjoyed and really liked but overall this pissed me off. I'm not a huge fan (ok, not a fan at all) of love triangles and I hated Emma's double standards! Together, apart, together, apart... Gaaahhh!!
I'll probably read the last book because I want to know who she ends up with, though I have a feeling it's not going to be who I want.
Profile Image for Amber.
149 reviews8 followers
July 22, 2014
I loved this book. its one where I read it slow as I knew I wouldn't want it yo end and I was right. there are so many emotions that people as readers can connect to. Emma being 16 falling for an older guy not really realizing who she is. They way her brother and friends protect her is just heart warming. I'm excited yet sad at same time as to see what Emma will do.
Profile Image for Tera Chastain  (Co-Creator of The Book Bistro) .
593 reviews8 followers
July 16, 2014
Really was looking forward to the follow up ..Since reading Old Enough to Love..and this second book delivered..and then some..these characters countinue to evolve and grow...this author has true talent...can't wait for book 3!!!
Profile Image for Char ღ Denae.
986 reviews92 followers
March 20, 2015
My only complaint is that there are only 3 books in the series. *sigh*

I have one word for this book... heartbreaking.

Emma and her boys are at the beach, again, for the summer and the angst is thicker than the fog off the ocean. It starts where book #1 left off, with Emma depressed because she's separated from Zach. Grant puts on the pressure to get in her pants and Emma doesn't know how to keep her hormones in check. Zach visits as often as possible but circumstances continue to work against them. Austin promises to help protect her from Grant but that backfires, as well. Being attacked on the beach, after dark, contributes to Emma's troubles and Zach starts to think he's just not good for her. Little Emma just can't win. Loved by so many hot boys but still not happy. Poor thing.

You'll fall in love with these characters and you'll wish the story would never end. Kristi Pelton keeps the anxiety and suspense going until the very last page. Even then, you'll have to read the third book to see if one of the boys can mend Emma's heart with their love. Awesome YA series.
Profile Image for Mehtap.
569 reviews18 followers
August 29, 2019
Okay I give this second book a four stars cause Em did get in my nerves with her back and forth feelings. Zach keeps being the perfect boyfriend but I love Austin like at first love grant than didn't but oh boy do I love Austin. This series only keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to read the third and final book. I do recommend this book one hundred percent. I needed this series. I haven't love a series this much in a long time. And I am bless that Kristi gave the chance to read this book. Thanks Kristi you are one amazing author and lady.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,110 reviews555 followers
April 21, 2015
Second installment to this series where a tiny dynamo sets a team of guys hearts afire. And a triangle (I think that's what is being formed but there are lots of choices) that seems to be taking center stage. And I could "Gibbs-smack" Zach about three-fourths of the time -- but he sure is nice to picture in my head!

Going to follow on with the third installment hoping that the resolution is believable and a happy one.
Profile Image for DaHonna.
19 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2015
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book...the ending has me screaming for the next book lol. I'm on the edge of my seat with suspense & what ifs. I LOVED how the content wasn't graphic which made me want to read more. I don't like sex books that drag every detail out so this book was very well written. Waiting for the next one...
Profile Image for Tonya Vorisek.
200 reviews
July 30, 2014
5+++ Incredible Heart-wrenching stars!! So much love...so many mistakes...so much pain and uncertainty. I have no idea what will happen next but I know with 100% certainty that I will be a part of the journey. I'm rooting for Zach and Emma! I like Austin but Zach is Emma's HEA!!! Pleeeeaaase!!!!
Profile Image for Kate.
128 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2014
This is seriously tearing me up! Ugh, I can't decide!
195 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2019
A lot happened in this book especially for Em. She went through a lot of ups and downs with all the boys. I really like all the characters of the 'boys'. They all protect her in their own way through love and/or friendship. There is always humour involved as well with Em and the boys. I still love Zach and how protective he is of Em. He's a little possessive of her but in a positive way if that even makes sense. He understands the difference in their ages. I loved how he knows her so well even when something is up and she is hiding something from him. At times Em drove me crazy with her immaturity and decisions, but you have to remember the ages of these characters in this series. It's about young love, new experiences, and trying new things from a teenager's perspective. I enjoyed the writing with how patient Zach was with Em and her inexperience. Everyone can relate to this book as a teenager with new relationships and young love in mind. There was a few twists and turns as well, and several questions and a little confusion of why Zach does what he does in the end... but it added to the storyline and his love for her. I don't want to give any spoilers away. I went on to read the third book and it is more of an adult version when they are all grown up in college or post-college. Overall, enjoyable series, and book 2 (this one) was my absolute favourite between all of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Tori.
197 reviews19 followers
July 16, 2019
This book was...sloppy and all over the place. It definitely was not as well written as the first. You could definitely tell how immature Emma really was. Don’t know if the author intended for her to be like this or if that’s just how she writes all teenage characters. I’ll read the next one but I don’t have high hopes and I’m dreading the drama.
Profile Image for Stacie (BTR).
940 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2022
Dnf. I rated the first in this series 5 stars years and years ago. I have no idea if I were to re-read it today if I’d enjoy. I can say that as a 30 something in 2022, the heroine lost all appeal for me in this installment. To be fair, perhaps it is a realistic glimpse into the behavior of an insecure, immature, 16 year old girl. But, it’s certainly not enjoyable to read about.
498 reviews
Want to read
January 26, 2015
Emma is leaving for the summer…virginity intact. Zach stays behind, hopeful she is ready for the commitment he wants. Promises have been made and their love will be put to the test.

Zach promised to love her forever…
After dealing with his questionable past and facing her posse of overprotective self proclaimed body guards for nearly a year, he finally earned her love…just in time for her to leave for the summer and return to those he had fought.

Austin promised her a day…
When she returns to Cannon, his turf, he will show her a day like no other. A day she will never forget. But can he overlook the four-year age difference between them and enjoy what they have together?

Ryan promised to protect her…
His entire life has been devoted to taking care of his sister. From the time she was a preemie…to her first date. Finally, his guard was down and he was allowing people in, unaware of just how much she still needs his protection.

Grant promised…well…to be Grant…
He promised to break up her and Zach and to get into her britches—using any means necessary.

Emma is sixteen now and dreading her summer in Cannon. Her entire life she has been surrounded by guys who had nothing but pure intentions. But that has all changed. Promises made to Zach prior to leaving have her questioning how to handle this newfound attention. Her overwhelming hormones and unsettling new desires have her head spinning. Will Zach and Emma’s young love survive the summer? Will she finally give herself to the one she loves? Or will an unexpected relationship come between them? And what consequences will she face when she trusts someone she shouldn’t? It all happens… Finally… One Summer….

#1 Old Enough to Love...
#2 Finally...One Summer
#3 My Someday...
Profile Image for Selena.
587 reviews
November 23, 2015
The second installment of this series was just as thrilling as the first book. Emma is still in high school and she has to deal with Zachary being two hours away in his first year of college. This story picks up in the summer time when Zachary is left home and she goes to Cannon Beach with her family. She struggles with the distance and the trust issues of her relationship to Zachary. He buys her a phone so they can keep in touch. But of course, Emma has moments where she isn't sure with what she wants. Grant and Austin are showing interest in her finally after all this time, and a part of her foolishly kisses Grant, and skinny dips and kisses Austin. All the while, she is honest with Zachary about her mishaps, but it quickly turns to a double standard when he hangs out in a group with girls and guys and Jaycee shows him interest that he doesn't return. Emma can't handle it.

The book also focuses on the situation with Paul, his attempt to rape her, and having been killed recently. Emma fears it was one of the guys trying to protect her. Zachary admits to beating the guy up the day before, but states he didn't kill him. But to keep Emma out of it, he makes the decision to move to Southern California to attend school and to keep Emma safe by not dating her anymore.

I truly enjoyed this book, but didn't like Emma's continuous back and forth between her feelings and the guys. While Grant was short lived, Austin was more aggressive and it would piss Zachary off. A huge part of me didn't like Emma for doing this. But when you are sixteen, well it sounds about right. The story ends and it leaves you wanting the next book. 4 stars!
Profile Image for Stief.
254 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2015
I'm not sure if I preferred this one or the last one... there was more going on in this book- more twists, turns, interesting plot and lots of different characters. Emma aggravated me- her insecurities, her BAD decisions, her hypocrisy... argh!!! It annoyed me - and yes, she is only 16 blah blah blah- but even so, some of her BAD decisions could be obvious to 10 year olds, simple right or wrong.

Zach also flaked a little for me in this book... where did his fighting spirit go, where did his Alpha male presence disappear to? He started to become a wet blanket in places and buried his head in the sand... man up!

Right- those are my rants with the book and why it didn't get the 4 stars I was almost giving.

Good things about it- Austin- I enjoyed his cheekiness and how we got to know him, his fun personality and spontaneity. He took over that Alpha lead from Zach in this book and in some ways and I liked that... I was spurring them on!

I liked the ending, it needed a refresh and a clean start for the next book. I wasn't worried about Emma pining, because she always lands in somebody else's arms >.<

I did enjoy this despite my rants- it was long but there was enough going on.
9 reviews
April 24, 2016
"If I love you enough I will set you free" that I get, but again you have no life experiences... but I suppose that's where the fantasy of novels takes place. But, if you loved someone enough why would you want to kiss other people or have "dirty" thoughts about other people? I know it's all apart of growing up but... why do it? Emma loves Zach, apparently, and goes kissing other boys. Again, temptation but keep it real. Though all books need some drama.

I like Austin. He is a tad old for Emma at this point of the game, but again, if you want to wait for someone keep it in your pants. It's really not all that hard. Not all boys are players. Or does Emma only fall for the "bad boys"?

Oh and another thing... a 16 year old should not be calling the shots after almost getting raped, especially when she has a tight knit group of friends who will support her. Her brother fails her here and I think he should have just gone ahead and done what they all wanted to do. This might have prevented the drama with Zach and kept them together a little bit longer.
Profile Image for Avon Bernabe.
401 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2015
3.5stars!

If only I wasn't so annoyed with Emma's hypocrisy, I would have given this a higher rating. But all throughout the book I always find something that irritates me to no end.

Anyway, I like Zach but, Austin. Oh my Austin. I loved him. I am Team Austin all the way. It is not so often that I would like the other guy more than I would like the first loved guy. But Austin is my man.

This series, I have grown to like so much. I have found occasional grammatical errors but decided to let go. This book was not perfect but still liked it a lot.
Profile Image for Jessica.
809 reviews20 followers
October 31, 2015
I was sucked in quickly but...

OMG this heroine is just so awful...I actually swore out loud at her so many times. So stupid, such a hypocrite and a liar. But still demands everyone around her to be perfect. But while Emma annoys me to bits I still couldn't stop reading which is a good sign for a read. I didn't get Zach's motivation in the end at all. So the end fell short to me. But I still will read the last book. I hope Emma has finally grown up to a decent person by then.
Profile Image for Carolina Godinho.
306 reviews
May 18, 2015
I still don't know how i could keep going with this book, it was so much annoying that " Oh, I love Zach!" then " Oh, I love Grant" and out of the blue " Oh, I Think I love Austin too²!" and they loved Emma, a freaking tiny 15 year immature whiny girl, who doesn't know nothing about nothing and yet think she does.
Profile Image for Candice.
694 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2016
WTF

I literally wanted to reach through the pages and ring Zach's neck and sometimes Emma too. But love it I did. I can't wait to read the last book. Who will Emma end up with......Austin or Zach.....
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