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About Last Summer: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 18 May 27Three lifelong friends. Two big mistakes. One week to make things right.
Brea Wright has spent her life avoiding mistakes. As the daughter of famous self-help guru Viv Wright, millions of people consider Brea proof that good parenting makes a difference. But last summer, she messed up—twice. First, a careless remark caused a rift with her oldest friend, Sunil. Then she trusted Javi, who delighted in bringing out her worst when they were kids . . . only to discover that he’s still intent on making a fool of her.
Now the trio’s returning to the lake where their families once vacationed to celebrate Sunil’s wedding. Brea’s still reeling from an unexpected breakup-turned-existential crisis, but she vows to hide her heartbreak and fix things by throwing Sunil his dream wedding at Viv’s lake house. And if that means spending the week with Javi, who’s also in the wedding party, well—she’ll just have to pretend that’s fine.
Except Brea’s emotions keep threatening to ruin things, and she can’t seem to ignore her baffling attraction to Javi. When crisis strikes, putting Sunil’s wedding at risk, Brea’s forced to admit she can’t keep faking it. But the truth will require her to finally confront the mess she and Javi left at the lake last summer . . . and decide whether to risk it all by taking another chance on love.
About Last Summer is a warm, romantic novel about the enduring power of friendship—and finding love where you least expect it.
Brea Wright has spent her life avoiding mistakes. As the daughter of famous self-help guru Viv Wright, millions of people consider Brea proof that good parenting makes a difference. But last summer, she messed up—twice. First, a careless remark caused a rift with her oldest friend, Sunil. Then she trusted Javi, who delighted in bringing out her worst when they were kids . . . only to discover that he’s still intent on making a fool of her.
Now the trio’s returning to the lake where their families once vacationed to celebrate Sunil’s wedding. Brea’s still reeling from an unexpected breakup-turned-existential crisis, but she vows to hide her heartbreak and fix things by throwing Sunil his dream wedding at Viv’s lake house. And if that means spending the week with Javi, who’s also in the wedding party, well—she’ll just have to pretend that’s fine.
Except Brea’s emotions keep threatening to ruin things, and she can’t seem to ignore her baffling attraction to Javi. When crisis strikes, putting Sunil’s wedding at risk, Brea’s forced to admit she can’t keep faking it. But the truth will require her to finally confront the mess she and Javi left at the lake last summer . . . and decide whether to risk it all by taking another chance on love.
About Last Summer is a warm, romantic novel about the enduring power of friendship—and finding love where you least expect it.
- GenresRomance
288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 18, 2027
About the author
Camille Pagán
19 books1,867 followersI’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for letting me get an e-ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
5/5 — stars
Wow. I love this so much! It’s a romance, but also so much more. About Last Summer by Camille Pagán follows Brea, the daughter of a guru, as she returns to the lake house where she used to spend her summers to help her friend Sunil with his wedding while dealing with her feelings for Javi.
When I say it’s so much more, I mean that it’s about so much more than romance, especially compared to other books I’ve read. It’s about growing up and how friendships and relationships change as we do.
It was so beautiful. This is my first Camille Pagán book, and I’ll certainly be reading more of her work. I want to say more about this book, but I also don’t want to. I went into it completely blind, knowing only that it was a romance set in a lake house, and I’m so happy I did. I’d recommend going in blind and just knowing you’re going to have a blast.
- One POV
- Force proximity
- Second chance
- Wedding gathering
5/5 — stars
Wow. I love this so much! It’s a romance, but also so much more. About Last Summer by Camille Pagán follows Brea, the daughter of a guru, as she returns to the lake house where she used to spend her summers to help her friend Sunil with his wedding while dealing with her feelings for Javi.
When I say it’s so much more, I mean that it’s about so much more than romance, especially compared to other books I’ve read. It’s about growing up and how friendships and relationships change as we do.
It was so beautiful. This is my first Camille Pagán book, and I’ll certainly be reading more of her work. I want to say more about this book, but I also don’t want to. I went into it completely blind, knowing only that it was a romance set in a lake house, and I’m so happy I did. I’d recommend going in blind and just knowing you’re going to have a blast.
- One POV
- Force proximity
- Second chance
- Wedding gathering
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is Brea fundamentally broken or will she find love? I really loved Charlie in the book he seemed sweet but is that her person? Read and find out. A group of friends who have lost touch find each other again at Sunil and David’s wedding. Will she find more than that? Her mom is a bit of a work too I wasn’t much her fan.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy of this e-book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Is this a romance novel? Yes, but it's also so much more! A truly well-written novel that pulls you in.
I absolutely loved this book! I expected a romance novel, but I was so surprised when it became so much more. This story was so raw and real, dealing with family and friend dynamics, grief, perfectionism, finding your voice, and, of course, love.
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more from her! The way she writes her characters is really amazing. They felt fully fleshed out, and I was able to really get to know everyone, not just the main characters. I especially loved Brea's dad. He was hilarious while also dropping perfect little bits of dad wisdom.
As a recovering perfectionist, I really related to Brea. The pressure of having a mom who came from humble beginnings and changed the trajectory of her life can leave you with this overwhelming need to be perfect. The things she didn't have access to, or had to scrape and struggle for, aren't barriers for you. So you feel like you need to live up to your potential, live up to her potential, and be as close to perfect as you can possibly be.
This novel explores that pressure so beautifully, and watching Brea grow as a character was really amazing. I loved that this wasn't just a romance but also a story about finding your own voice and figuring out who you are outside of everyone else's expectations.
Is this a romance novel? Yes, but it's also so much more! A truly well-written novel that pulls you in.
I absolutely loved this book! I expected a romance novel, but I was so surprised when it became so much more. This story was so raw and real, dealing with family and friend dynamics, grief, perfectionism, finding your voice, and, of course, love.
This is my first book by this author, but I will definitely be reading more from her! The way she writes her characters is really amazing. They felt fully fleshed out, and I was able to really get to know everyone, not just the main characters. I especially loved Brea's dad. He was hilarious while also dropping perfect little bits of dad wisdom.
As a recovering perfectionist, I really related to Brea. The pressure of having a mom who came from humble beginnings and changed the trajectory of her life can leave you with this overwhelming need to be perfect. The things she didn't have access to, or had to scrape and struggle for, aren't barriers for you. So you feel like you need to live up to your potential, live up to her potential, and be as close to perfect as you can possibly be.
This novel explores that pressure so beautifully, and watching Brea grow as a character was really amazing. I loved that this wasn't just a romance but also a story about finding your own voice and figuring out who you are outside of everyone else's expectations.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Last night, I was sitting at a wine bar with a good friend who also happens to be one of the best read people in my life. With a glass of wine dangling in my right hand and my cheek cushioned on the fist of my left, I sighed: “What happened to ‘show don’t tell’?”
About Last Summer was an enjoyable book. The writing wasn’t memorable but neither was it disruptive to the reading experience. I enjoyed the setting – I love a lake! – and the cast of characters were fun, though frustrating at times (but ain’t that life?).
This book would have really benefitted from some flashbacks. Now, I’m wary of flashbacks in romance novels as they seem to often be used as a plot crutch, but we get none of them in About Last Summer. Which is a shame seeing as Javi has been in love with Brea for more than 2/3rds of their lives. Or that Theresa’s final summer at the lake house, supposedly a pivotal moment in all of the characters’ lives, is only established through throwaway sentences sprinkled throughout the novel. Hell, we don’t even see firsthand the kiss between Javi and Brea that sent Brea on a whole spiral the entire year before. We got nothing
“But I just didn’t feel anything!” I said as I took a sip of my wine.
That being said, I breezed through this in a weekend (a rare feat for me!) and know it will find its own place in some readers’ hearts.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the e-ARC!
About Last Summer was an enjoyable book. The writing wasn’t memorable but neither was it disruptive to the reading experience. I enjoyed the setting – I love a lake! – and the cast of characters were fun, though frustrating at times (but ain’t that life?).
This book would have really benefitted from some flashbacks. Now, I’m wary of flashbacks in romance novels as they seem to often be used as a plot crutch, but we get none of them in About Last Summer. Which is a shame seeing as Javi has been in love with Brea for more than 2/3rds of their lives. Or that Theresa’s final summer at the lake house, supposedly a pivotal moment in all of the characters’ lives, is only established through throwaway sentences sprinkled throughout the novel. Hell, we don’t even see firsthand the kiss between Javi and Brea that sent Brea on a whole spiral the entire year before. We got nothing
“But I just didn’t feel anything!” I said as I took a sip of my wine.
That being said, I breezed through this in a weekend (a rare feat for me!) and know it will find its own place in some readers’ hearts.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Even though I have loved other Camille Pagan novels, this one started off just okay for me. (BUT HOLD ON, KEEP READING THIS REVIEW). I think it had to do with the narrative structure of introducing the characters and conflicts in such a slow way— but my enjoyment of this novel was a steep and steady line on a line graph as I kept reading. I especially enjoyed (is that the right word? Probably not) the conflict/problem (I’m trying not to ruin this for y’all!) that we found out about about 80% into the novel— that added a huge level of depth that really made this something special.
All that to say: if you’re not loving the novel right away, keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All that to say: if you’re not loving the novel right away, keep reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📚 **About Last Summer**
What a great read! This was one of those books I genuinely couldn't put down!
I loved how the story introduced the main character as a ghostwriter tasked with writing a book about setting boundaries, only for that theme to weave its way throughout the entire story.
The unique and diverse perspectives made it even more captivating. I especially enjoyed seeing the different boundaries each character needed to establish and the personal growth that followed.
Such a clever way to connect the story's premise with the experiences of its characters!
**📖 Add this one to your TBR for its May release!** You won't want to miss it!
✨ Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
What a great read! This was one of those books I genuinely couldn't put down!
I loved how the story introduced the main character as a ghostwriter tasked with writing a book about setting boundaries, only for that theme to weave its way throughout the entire story.
The unique and diverse perspectives made it even more captivating. I especially enjoyed seeing the different boundaries each character needed to establish and the personal growth that followed.
Such a clever way to connect the story's premise with the experiences of its characters!
**📖 Add this one to your TBR for its May release!** You won't want to miss it!
✨ Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 26, 2026
This is a cute story of lifelong friendships across generations and how multifaceted they can be. Some of the character traits of the MFC can drive you crazy as she navigates her family, friends and career. However, the story comes other beautifully and I’m grateful to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved that this wasn't just a romance but also about friendship and family.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews