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Relentless #1
The Summer We Changed
We were the notes on a music sheet, playing in perfect harmony with each other. Creating a melody that people didn’t know they needed—that we needed. Until one day, our ethereal sound turned jarring and cryptic.
Tessa Williams is spending her last summer before senior year trying to find the girl she lost. Her outlet in photography and music captures memories that override the ones she wants to forget, with her support system Will Harding right by her side.
But when Ian Wells, front man of rising band Relentless, and former best friend of Will, comes walking back into their lives, tensions rise and friendships shatter.
Maybe Ian will be the one who makes them lose their harmony forever.
Or maybe, he’ll be exactly what they need to fix it.
Tessa Williams is spending her last summer before senior year trying to find the girl she lost. Her outlet in photography and music captures memories that override the ones she wants to forget, with her support system Will Harding right by her side.
But when Ian Wells, front man of rising band Relentless, and former best friend of Will, comes walking back into their lives, tensions rise and friendships shatter.
Maybe Ian will be the one who makes them lose their harmony forever.
Or maybe, he’ll be exactly what they need to fix it.
- GenresMusic
319 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2017
12 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Barbara C. Doyle
17 books109 followersBarbara C. Doyle grew up in a small town in Upstate New York, surrounded by a passion for writing, pizza, and cats.
Her journey started at the young age of fourteen, and grew as she pursued a degree in English and Journalism throughout college. She believes that the written word is best used as a mode to escape into a different reality, thus the birth of her novels.
Her other passions include binge-watching Netflix, reading, and hanging out with her cat.
Her journey started at the young age of fourteen, and grew as she pursued a degree in English and Journalism throughout college. She believes that the written word is best used as a mode to escape into a different reality, thus the birth of her novels.
Her other passions include binge-watching Netflix, reading, and hanging out with her cat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 22, 2017
Five "Just Kiss Already!" stars.
Barbara did an excellent job of building the friendship between Will and Tessa. I loved that so much was focused on that aspect so the reader really got to see them as THEM. Ian was so funny and I loved his character. I genuinely hope we get a book for him and the other guys in the band. If you're looking for a cute light read that will give you all the feels this is a great book to pick up.
Barbara did an excellent job of building the friendship between Will and Tessa. I loved that so much was focused on that aspect so the reader really got to see them as THEM. Ian was so funny and I loved his character. I genuinely hope we get a book for him and the other guys in the band. If you're looking for a cute light read that will give you all the feels this is a great book to pick up.
August 17, 2017
Must Read Summer Book!
If you're looking for a summer romance, or even bestfriends to lovers book, THIS is the book to read! It's been added to my top 10 favorite NA books!
I don't even know where to start!!! Tessa and Will have been best friends since they were children. Tessa is the out of the box, batman loving, beautiful soul. And then there's Will; the down to earth, and loyal to a fault family man. These two have been through thick and thin together; from family issues to unthinkable tragedies. They have been there to catch tears of sadness and laughter. I just LOVE them. Their banter is extraordinary, the awkward sexual feelings makes me want to scream "JUST DO IT ALREADY", the use of Ollie the cat (which, let's be honest, is my favorite) and Tessa's obsession with Batman! These characters draw you in and make you want to fall in love with your own bestfriend.
****Slight Spoilers BEWARE***
Both Tessa and Will are completely unaware of the others feelings toward the other, and under the phrase "we don't want to ruin our friendship" neither has ever acted on said feelings. But, something always changes, don't they? ;)
Tessa is everyone of us females, or at least who we wish we could be. Strong, independent, wild woman. Though she doesn't believe those things about herself. And Will, oh gosh Will! He is my DREAM guy. He's so down to earth, and would chose his family and friends over almost anything. He makes me swoon even if Tessa never realizes how much he truly cares for her!
Also, Barbara has done a fantastic job with secondary characters! Ian Wells, Ryder, and even Mr. Williams! Some of these characters I started out hating... **cough** Ian **cough** because I KNEW there was a story behind them, and why he was in the story. The first time we meet Ryder and Mr. Williams I was physically rolling with laughter. And though I started out hating him, Ian grows on you, and I am so happy to read we'll be seeing more from that character!!! (Because you just CANT make the point of talking about Kasey without that story...patiently waiting for that book...!!!!)
OLLIE (he deserved his own section!)
From the tripping scene, to the absolutely adorable cat tendencies and evil genius attitude...I'm in love. Don't EVER laugh at the cat!!!!! Will sure did learn his lesson. Also, he's named after the most delicious man Oliver Queen from Arrow, portrayed by the steamy Stephen Amell.
Some of my little notes and quirks that I loved: 1. The cologne from Dylan and Tessa they gave to Ian #fail but so hilarious! 2. The NCIS head smack reference, I about died reading that. I love GIBBS! 3. The superman underware!!!! Ahhhh, I was laughing so hard! Because Tessa soooo would!
All in all this book was super emotional and completely worth the read! There were parts I was laughing so hard, and others where I physically felt the same thing the characters did. I can't wait to read other books with these characters, SO WORTH THE READ 🖤
If you're looking for a summer romance, or even bestfriends to lovers book, THIS is the book to read! It's been added to my top 10 favorite NA books!
I don't even know where to start!!! Tessa and Will have been best friends since they were children. Tessa is the out of the box, batman loving, beautiful soul. And then there's Will; the down to earth, and loyal to a fault family man. These two have been through thick and thin together; from family issues to unthinkable tragedies. They have been there to catch tears of sadness and laughter. I just LOVE them. Their banter is extraordinary, the awkward sexual feelings makes me want to scream "JUST DO IT ALREADY", the use of Ollie the cat (which, let's be honest, is my favorite) and Tessa's obsession with Batman! These characters draw you in and make you want to fall in love with your own bestfriend.
****Slight Spoilers BEWARE***
Both Tessa and Will are completely unaware of the others feelings toward the other, and under the phrase "we don't want to ruin our friendship" neither has ever acted on said feelings. But, something always changes, don't they? ;)
Tessa is everyone of us females, or at least who we wish we could be. Strong, independent, wild woman. Though she doesn't believe those things about herself. And Will, oh gosh Will! He is my DREAM guy. He's so down to earth, and would chose his family and friends over almost anything. He makes me swoon even if Tessa never realizes how much he truly cares for her!
Also, Barbara has done a fantastic job with secondary characters! Ian Wells, Ryder, and even Mr. Williams! Some of these characters I started out hating... **cough** Ian **cough** because I KNEW there was a story behind them, and why he was in the story. The first time we meet Ryder and Mr. Williams I was physically rolling with laughter. And though I started out hating him, Ian grows on you, and I am so happy to read we'll be seeing more from that character!!! (Because you just CANT make the point of talking about Kasey without that story...patiently waiting for that book...!!!!)
OLLIE (he deserved his own section!)
From the tripping scene, to the absolutely adorable cat tendencies and evil genius attitude...I'm in love. Don't EVER laugh at the cat!!!!! Will sure did learn his lesson. Also, he's named after the most delicious man Oliver Queen from Arrow, portrayed by the steamy Stephen Amell.
Some of my little notes and quirks that I loved: 1. The cologne from Dylan and Tessa they gave to Ian #fail but so hilarious! 2. The NCIS head smack reference, I about died reading that. I love GIBBS! 3. The superman underware!!!! Ahhhh, I was laughing so hard! Because Tessa soooo would!
All in all this book was super emotional and completely worth the read! There were parts I was laughing so hard, and others where I physically felt the same thing the characters did. I can't wait to read other books with these characters, SO WORTH THE READ 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2017
We were the notes on a music sheet, playing in perfect harmony with each other. Creating a melody that people didn’t know they needed—that we needed. Until one day, our ethereal sound turned jarring and cryptic.
Tessa Williams is spending her last summer before senior year trying to find the girl she lost. Her outlet in photography and music captures memories that override the ones she wants to forget, with her support system Will Harding right by her side.
But when Ian Wells, front man of rising band Relentless, and former best friend of Will, comes walking back into their lives, tensions rise and friendships shatter.
Maybe Ian will be the one who makes them lose their harmony forever.
Or maybe, he’ll be exactly what they need to fix it.
I absolutely love Barbara's writing! This book was no different! I loved Tessa & Will's story. It was beautifully written. There were a few moments I wanted to throttle Will for his behavior but that didn't last long! Tessa and Will were very relatable and Ian was a character! Great Summer Read!
Tessa Williams is spending her last summer before senior year trying to find the girl she lost. Her outlet in photography and music captures memories that override the ones she wants to forget, with her support system Will Harding right by her side.
But when Ian Wells, front man of rising band Relentless, and former best friend of Will, comes walking back into their lives, tensions rise and friendships shatter.
Maybe Ian will be the one who makes them lose their harmony forever.
Or maybe, he’ll be exactly what they need to fix it.
I absolutely love Barbara's writing! This book was no different! I loved Tessa & Will's story. It was beautifully written. There were a few moments I wanted to throttle Will for his behavior but that didn't last long! Tessa and Will were very relatable and Ian was a character! Great Summer Read!
June 25, 2018
A very slow read that was actually 3 stars until I reached the last couple of chapters. Tessa has a bff Will, they are 20 & 23 respectively, but I found them to act a lot younger in all the ways that mattered. They do have a very close relationship and their banter back and forth was enjoyable and light-hearted. Everyone, including this reader knows they are crazy in love but 2 past events are keeping them from taking their sure bet friends for life to the next level. I will admit that Ian, lead singer of the hometown band made good Relentless practically steals this story. He is the reason I gave this book 4 Stars. His book is the next one in the series and I may give it a go but for me I need to move on to something with a faster pace.
October 1, 2017
I am now a huge fan of Barbara C. Doyle. This was a book that keeps the reader engaged from the very first sentence. The friendship between Will and Tessa is pure magic and when every one around them knows that they are destined to be together while they both are fighting their feelings, it makes for interesting interactions. When someone from their past come backs and threatens everything that Will has ever wanted will he be man enough to go after her, or will he step back and let the other man take his forever; his true happiness. Thank you for allowing me to read this book for a honest review.
October 7, 2017
This story was beautiful and watching the characters grow and struggle with their feelings made them seem like real people you could meet in every day life. You find yourself rooting for them and struggling with the urge to make them do what you want them too. I love the variety of emotions this story evokes. Thanks Left to Write for bringing this book to my attention!
October 7, 2017
I loved the relationship between Tessa and Will. This was a great friends-to-lovers romance. The main characters were pushed beautifully to get over their fears and be together. I loved that we got to see how great Tessa and Will's friendship was so that we were routing for them to get together. Will's love for Tessa was phenomenal and so sweet. He made some serious sacrifices to be with her, but he never saw it as a sacrifice.
This was a great afternoon read for me!
This was a great afternoon read for me!
October 1, 2017
Really sweet story mixed with a lot of little jokes and comments that kept me laughing.
August 24, 2017
The Summer We Changed is a great book I loved every single part of it, if you like friends to lovers books this one will not dissapoint you.
"...sometimes the people that are meant for us are right in front of us the whole time. Best friends don’t have to stay best friends. Why should they? They already know everything about each other.”
It is very well written and is a very easy and refreshing read that had me laughing so much because of every single silly thing they said or did.
The characters are great Tessa is a little bit crazy with her cat and Batman obsession but she's also sweet and cool. Will is so sweet and I love how he is with Tessa.
The band members are awesome and they have really good hearts that I can't wait to read their books.
Overall this was a great read plus add to the mix a crazy Cat + Batman +Superman+ Taylor Swift
and you have a great book with promises of tons of laughs.
“Oh, please,”he chortles, “I’m so swift they call me Taylor.”
This is the first book I read of this author and I will totally read other books of her.
"...sometimes the people that are meant for us are right in front of us the whole time. Best friends don’t have to stay best friends. Why should they? They already know everything about each other.”
It is very well written and is a very easy and refreshing read that had me laughing so much because of every single silly thing they said or did.
The characters are great Tessa is a little bit crazy with her cat and Batman obsession but she's also sweet and cool. Will is so sweet and I love how he is with Tessa.
The band members are awesome and they have really good hearts that I can't wait to read their books.
Overall this was a great read plus add to the mix a crazy Cat + Batman +Superman+ Taylor Swift
and you have a great book with promises of tons of laughs.
“Oh, please,”he chortles, “I’m so swift they call me Taylor.”
This is the first book I read of this author and I will totally read other books of her.
August 21, 2017
"Love isn’t a one and done deal. It’s a lifetime experience. An emotional roller coaster. If there isn’t one moment that you’re not contemplating their murder, you don’t love them hard enough."
The Summer We Changed brings us the story of Tessa and Will, best friends from chilhood who were afraid to admit their feelings because they were afraid of losing each other.
Will is your typical handsome, loyal and the caretaker of his family and friends. Tessa is funny, outgoing, she felt she was broken but that didn't stop her from being a great girl. This two make such a pretty couple, throughout the book they have to deal with the adversities in order to get their HEA.
Book received as an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.
The Summer We Changed brings us the story of Tessa and Will, best friends from chilhood who were afraid to admit their feelings because they were afraid of losing each other.
Will is your typical handsome, loyal and the caretaker of his family and friends. Tessa is funny, outgoing, she felt she was broken but that didn't stop her from being a great girl. This two make such a pretty couple, throughout the book they have to deal with the adversities in order to get their HEA.
Book received as an ARC from the author in exchange of an honest review.
August 21, 2017
It was so sweet! And cute. And a-freaking-dorable. And, cute. Did I mention cute?! I mean, best friend books always grab at my heartstrings, especially since my hubs was my best friend first.
There were so many great things about this book, but what I loved the most was the authenticity...and the humor. I'm a sap for comedy.
Will was such a compassionate character. His love for his best friend is strong, but so was his fear. But in all honesty, who doesn't like batman! He's batman! He lost cool points for that.
Tessa, she is a force. Her past didn't define her. And though she felt broken and believed it to be, she was strong and fearless. Obviously not in the love department, but in many other ways, she conquered it all.
I seriously adored these two characters, and the sweetness made me get a toothache!
There were so many great things about this book, but what I loved the most was the authenticity...and the humor. I'm a sap for comedy.
Will was such a compassionate character. His love for his best friend is strong, but so was his fear. But in all honesty, who doesn't like batman! He's batman! He lost cool points for that.
Tessa, she is a force. Her past didn't define her. And though she felt broken and believed it to be, she was strong and fearless. Obviously not in the love department, but in many other ways, she conquered it all.
I seriously adored these two characters, and the sweetness made me get a toothache!
August 25, 2017
Excellent Read!!
This is the third book I've read by this author, and I loved it as much as the other two. Her characters have a way of becoming the reader's own best friend, and makes you really care for their relationships and what happens! I love Will and Tess, and can't wait to hear about the other characters' stories! :)
This is the third book I've read by this author, and I loved it as much as the other two. Her characters have a way of becoming the reader's own best friend, and makes you really care for their relationships and what happens! I love Will and Tess, and can't wait to hear about the other characters' stories! :)
August 20, 2017
Friends to lovers sweet romance!!!
Wow!!!!! This friends to lovers really blew me away!!! Tessa and will grew up with each other but what happens when they start getting feelings for each other? I also loved Ian and Ollie the cat and her parents were hilarious! Omg this book had me laughing and crying All in the same area! I loved Tessa and wills chemistry
! I can't wait to read more from this author!
Wow!!!!! This friends to lovers really blew me away!!! Tessa and will grew up with each other but what happens when they start getting feelings for each other? I also loved Ian and Ollie the cat and her parents were hilarious! Omg this book had me laughing and crying All in the same area! I loved Tessa and wills chemistry
! I can't wait to read more from this author!
December 20, 2017
I loved Will and Tessa’s story! I’ll be honest, for the longest time I just thought of Will as the perfect best friend and was rooting for Tess and Ian! When the fair scene happened, I started to soften to the possibility of Will being more. Also, I never thought a barn scene could be hot! Can’t wait to read about Ian and his long lost love!
October 10, 2017
This book has all the feels! I laughed so hard and I very nearly cried at parts. I loved it so much! The characters were all relatable. Tessa has inner strength that is amazing. Will is the perfect guy. Ollie makes me want to never own a cat! I can't wait to read more books by Barbara.
November 8, 2017
This book gives you a mix of all the feels. I love the relationship of the two main characters and their tug and pull with each other emotionally. If they could just get on the same page! Just comes to show how communication is key in all relationships! All around beautiful story!
January 20, 2018
I thought this book was cute. There was a part of this book that Will did something and it just felt out of character. I expect that more from Tessa. My feelings toward this book is sort of hard to express, I have my issues with it but over all it was a cute book.
September 9, 2017
A perfect slow burn friends to lovers romance. Low angst, high on sweet romance. I loved the main characters but I would really love to read about Ian and the rest of Relentless too!
November 9, 2017
a amazing story. I'm new to Barbaras books. it she's. wry talented
December 10, 2017
It was really cute and a good read to escape current life. I would describe it as a really good beach book, one that keeps you entranced and dreaming of summer love. Well done in my opinion.
October 4, 2018
This was such a sweet book. One of those that you just have to read all at once. So many feels. I loved this book!
July 9, 2018
it is the first time reading this author. I enjoyed it very much. the banter between the characters is hilarious. tessa is a hoot and will just gets her craziness and embraces it and encourages it. Ian turns out to be a great friend to both of them and so do bash and Dylan. it's a story about best friends being afraid to admit their love for each other. it's a sweet, funny story. loved it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews