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One Last Summer
After her mother checks herself into a mental health retreat, seventeen-year-old Cyra Burton is sent to spend her entire summer with her Gran in Paradise Bay. She hasn’t returned to Paradise Bay since her father walked out on her and her mum five years ago. Cyra meets Riley, a bubbly and beautiful local who is determined to get out of Paradise Bay. But before she leaves, she wants to make her last summer the best yet. She persuades Cyra to join her on a quest to fulfil her bucket list of all the items she wants to complete before permanently leaving Paradise Bay and beginning their lives as adults.
It quickly becomes apparent that Cyra and Riley are more than friends, but Cyra keeps her at arm’s length as she believes that anyone she lets close always leaves. It seems that the only way around it is that they become a summer fling, which has a definite expiration date. However, in a small town like Paradise Bay, Cyra can’t seem to escape the past and it may just ruin her whole summer.
It quickly becomes apparent that Cyra and Riley are more than friends, but Cyra keeps her at arm’s length as she believes that anyone she lets close always leaves. It seems that the only way around it is that they become a summer fling, which has a definite expiration date. However, in a small town like Paradise Bay, Cyra can’t seem to escape the past and it may just ruin her whole summer.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2022
5 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 16, 2022
This was a nice read. This is a debut book for Rossi. While I don’t know Rossi besides a comment here and there, and maybe a few likes, she is one of my Goodreads friends. I was happy to read this because I always get excited when a former “one of us” writes a book. I didn’t love this like I was hoping, but I did see some good potential in Rossi and I noticed that the book got better and better the more I read. Rossi got more into a writing groove to the point that I ended up liking the read even if wasn’t hitting all my personal tastes. To see that kind of improvement in just one book, makes me believe that she will only get better the more she writes and I would read one of her books again.
I love YA, to the point it has become one of my favorite genres again, but I’m a bit picky. I like a lot of emotional and drama in my contemporary YA stories. This book didn’t have the level I was hoping for. I was not clicking with the main enough to really feel what she was going through. I thought she was a fine character, but I wanted to be more connected to really understand her. Luckily, the last quarter or so of the book really picked up, in the angst and drama department, and it felt so much better to me. Finally I was feeling something on the MC Cyra’s behalf and I almost felt like I might tear up at one point (which is what I want). As I said already, the book got better and better as it went on and it became more enjoyable. I do think as a whole, this might be the kind of book I would have liked better if I was younger. I think if I had read this as a teenager I might have loved it.
TLDR: Overall this was about an average YA book for my tastes. I think it was a good start for a new writer, and it was good to see improvement as the book went on. I think Rossi has some good potential here as a story teller and I might have liked this book better if I was closer to the character’s age. While this wasn’t a perfect match for me, I liked it enough that I would read Rossi again.
A copy was given to me for a review.
I love YA, to the point it has become one of my favorite genres again, but I’m a bit picky. I like a lot of emotional and drama in my contemporary YA stories. This book didn’t have the level I was hoping for. I was not clicking with the main enough to really feel what she was going through. I thought she was a fine character, but I wanted to be more connected to really understand her. Luckily, the last quarter or so of the book really picked up, in the angst and drama department, and it felt so much better to me. Finally I was feeling something on the MC Cyra’s behalf and I almost felt like I might tear up at one point (which is what I want). As I said already, the book got better and better as it went on and it became more enjoyable. I do think as a whole, this might be the kind of book I would have liked better if I was younger. I think if I had read this as a teenager I might have loved it.
TLDR: Overall this was about an average YA book for my tastes. I think it was a good start for a new writer, and it was good to see improvement as the book went on. I think Rossi has some good potential here as a story teller and I might have liked this book better if I was closer to the character’s age. While this wasn’t a perfect match for me, I liked it enough that I would read Rossi again.
A copy was given to me for a review.
April 5, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟
I liked this book. It's a decent romance with decent characters and writing. I don't remember a lot of it unfortunately, but would recommend.
Content/ Trigger Warnings- blood, nose injury, OCD, heartbreak, break up, self harm (mild, pinching), anxiety attack
Reviewed on 5th April, 2025.
DISCLAIMER-All opinions on books I’ve read and reviewed are my own, and are with no intention to offend anyone. If you feel offended by my reviews, let me know how I can fix it.
How I Rate-
1 star- Hardly liked anything/ was disappointed
2 star- Had potential but did not deliver/ was disappointed
3 stars- Was ok but could have been better/ was average / Enjoyed a lot but something was missing
4 stars- Loved a lot but something was missing
5 stars- Loved it/ new favourite
January 24, 2023
I picked up a rom-com after so long and it didn't disappoint. This story is about teenage first love, first loss and first heartbreak. Cyra goes to her grandmother's for the summer and meets Riley who is on a mission to tick everything off of her bucket list before she leaves. Cyra tags along with her and they fall in love. I was impressed by the items on the bucket list because it reminded me of my own ridiculous one; but I never got to do even one of those things. Sad life.
I loved the fun moments, and there were lots of those. It was insta love and so Cyra had her doubts about the future of the relationship. I loved the side characters too, especially Cyra's grandmother.
Overall, this was a sweet coming of age story set in a beach town and a welcome change from my current TBR filled with very heavy topics. A promising debut. Definitely recommended.
I loved the fun moments, and there were lots of those. It was insta love and so Cyra had her doubts about the future of the relationship. I loved the side characters too, especially Cyra's grandmother.
Overall, this was a sweet coming of age story set in a beach town and a welcome change from my current TBR filled with very heavy topics. A promising debut. Definitely recommended.
August 30, 2022
One Last Summer is a queer YA set in Australia, which was really refreshing to read. Cyra and Riley are a very cute pairing, but I found it hard to connect with either. I think due to their behaviour, but also from those around them. The last quarter is a bit of a whirlwind, as a lot happens, and the story's conclusion felt super quick. I really liked the mental health representation within this though, particularly OCD.
Overall, a good YA novel and I look forward to reading more from Rossi in the future.
Many thanks to Emma Rossi for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, a good YA novel and I look forward to reading more from Rossi in the future.
Many thanks to Emma Rossi for providing me a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2023
I had the honor of being an early reader for this gem of a book, and now a year later I love it just as much. Emma weaves a wonderful story of teenage love and longing. I love the "summer fling" trope and the bucket list trope and this has both and doesn't dissapoint!
The mental health rep is so well done. Realistic but hopeful. I have OCD myself and its honestly rare to see accurate representation. Emma does an excellent job also of showing how the MC, Cyra, is affected by her mother's battle with OCD.
The relationship between Cyra and Riley is so cute. They become friends and it blossoms into more and we see Cyra's struggle to commit. I love how it ends, a realistic and sweet take on a HEA.
LOVE IT FOREVER.💖 Highly recommend
The mental health rep is so well done. Realistic but hopeful. I have OCD myself and its honestly rare to see accurate representation. Emma does an excellent job also of showing how the MC, Cyra, is affected by her mother's battle with OCD.
The relationship between Cyra and Riley is so cute. They become friends and it blossoms into more and we see Cyra's struggle to commit. I love how it ends, a realistic and sweet take on a HEA.
LOVE IT FOREVER.💖 Highly recommend
February 2, 2022
“i want to remember all the crazy things i got to tick off. things i’ll never get to do again. have one last summer here of being truly me.”
this book was so cute, even if it did have it’s flaws. we follow cyra, who is spending the summer with her gran in paradise bay, while her mom leaves for a mental health program to help with her worsening OCD. in paradise bay, cyra meets riley, and hesitantly agrees to help her with her summer bucket list, while they grow closer in the process. it’s a sapphic young adult love story set in australia, which is awesome! there were some things i wasn’t a fan of though, and wish the author made some different decision.
things i liked:
a large part of this story was cyra’s attempt to disconnect herself from riley, to keep things a summer fling, even as she acknowledged that initial attraction may be growing into more. cyra’s character is definitely one i’ve seen before- she’s cynical, she feels outcasted from other kids her age, she doesn’t quite know what she wants. somehow, this book make me feel very nostalgic? a story following somebody like cyra, cynical and hesitant and awkward reminded me of middle grade books i used to read, but directed toward older audiences. and sapphic. i loved seeing this type of character grow over the course of the summer, and though i was hesitant about her immaturity at the beginning, i did like seeing her mature as a person.
the romance between cyra and riley was so sweet, and i loved all the scenes of them together. i think a major obstacle in their relationship was secrets/lies, which i’m not always a fan of, but i did see a theme that you don’t necessarily owe yourself to someone, you’re allowed to keep things close to you until you’re ready to share them- and both riley and cyra had to learn to trust each other, it felt very authentic. also, i did like seeing the OCD rep via cyra’s mom, and though the way it was portrayed through cyra’s eyes made me hesitate, it’s important to show how mental illness can affect family members, and the love cyra had for her mom.
things i didn’t like:
there was definitely a “not like other girls” aspect to cyra, and even though it was never stated, her outcast from other kids her age, her hamilton shirt (??) and just her disposition made me feel like the author was trying to make her into something unique that already had been done before.
the motivation of both cyra but especially riley also made me uncomfortable, as riley wanted them to have absolutely no secrets due to her issues with her grandfather lying to her family a while ago. her hatred of “liars” as she said was based in a really weird place, and i didn’t like how she refused to give cyra space because of her past trauma, it wasn’t toxic, so to speak, but i wish she respected cyra more in this way.
finally, for the majority of the book, the OCD representation rubbed me in the wrong way. i understand and appreciate that we were getting cyra’s perspective and how she struggled to handle her mom’s mental illness, but cyra blamed her mom for a lot of her trauma, and i wish it was handled more lightly. i do appreciate what emma rossi was trying to represent/portray though.
thank you to pride book tours for an advanced copy of this book.
content warnings: compulsions, estranged family
this book was so cute, even if it did have it’s flaws. we follow cyra, who is spending the summer with her gran in paradise bay, while her mom leaves for a mental health program to help with her worsening OCD. in paradise bay, cyra meets riley, and hesitantly agrees to help her with her summer bucket list, while they grow closer in the process. it’s a sapphic young adult love story set in australia, which is awesome! there were some things i wasn’t a fan of though, and wish the author made some different decision.
things i liked:
a large part of this story was cyra’s attempt to disconnect herself from riley, to keep things a summer fling, even as she acknowledged that initial attraction may be growing into more. cyra’s character is definitely one i’ve seen before- she’s cynical, she feels outcasted from other kids her age, she doesn’t quite know what she wants. somehow, this book make me feel very nostalgic? a story following somebody like cyra, cynical and hesitant and awkward reminded me of middle grade books i used to read, but directed toward older audiences. and sapphic. i loved seeing this type of character grow over the course of the summer, and though i was hesitant about her immaturity at the beginning, i did like seeing her mature as a person.
the romance between cyra and riley was so sweet, and i loved all the scenes of them together. i think a major obstacle in their relationship was secrets/lies, which i’m not always a fan of, but i did see a theme that you don’t necessarily owe yourself to someone, you’re allowed to keep things close to you until you’re ready to share them- and both riley and cyra had to learn to trust each other, it felt very authentic. also, i did like seeing the OCD rep via cyra’s mom, and though the way it was portrayed through cyra’s eyes made me hesitate, it’s important to show how mental illness can affect family members, and the love cyra had for her mom.
things i didn’t like:
there was definitely a “not like other girls” aspect to cyra, and even though it was never stated, her outcast from other kids her age, her hamilton shirt (??) and just her disposition made me feel like the author was trying to make her into something unique that already had been done before.
the motivation of both cyra but especially riley also made me uncomfortable, as riley wanted them to have absolutely no secrets due to her issues with her grandfather lying to her family a while ago. her hatred of “liars” as she said was based in a really weird place, and i didn’t like how she refused to give cyra space because of her past trauma, it wasn’t toxic, so to speak, but i wish she respected cyra more in this way.
finally, for the majority of the book, the OCD representation rubbed me in the wrong way. i understand and appreciate that we were getting cyra’s perspective and how she struggled to handle her mom’s mental illness, but cyra blamed her mom for a lot of her trauma, and i wish it was handled more lightly. i do appreciate what emma rossi was trying to represent/portray though.
thank you to pride book tours for an advanced copy of this book.
content warnings: compulsions, estranged family
April 27, 2022
Sweet and dramatic!
Cyra is spending the summer with her Gran, but she hasn’t spent time there since her father left her and her mother. She meets Riley and together they embark on an adventure as Riley ticks off wild activities she has on her bucket list, before she leaves Paradise Bay. When their summer fling starts to develop roots, Cyra worries she is getting too attached and it will only lead to Riley breaking her heart.
I loved this! It was very sweet, a young adult finding her way in the world and turning eighteen, while dealing with all the worries and heartache that going through something traumatic leaves in its wake. Riley and Cyra had a great connection and were having a lot of fun. There were moments when I was laughing and thinking this is wonderful for them, then there were more sombre moments where Riley’s fears were holding her back. They suited one another though, and you could just tell fate had brought them together, and Riley was good for Cyra.
A whole cast of characters added to the uncertainty and the excitement of the story. I just wasn’t sure whether Cyra was going to be able to embrace everything Riley was offering but I could completely understand her hesitancy and worries. It was great to get to know Cyra so intimately, and there were lots of unexpected moments and surprises too. Also stealing the show was Gran. What a fantastic character, who again just made Riley’s character come alive as they too had a fantastic connection. Riley and Cyra had a few quirks, which just endeared Cyra to me, and after meeting Gran, I know where she got some of them.
Really hope we get to catch up with Riley and Cyra again in future stories, as I am sure more exciting adventures await them. Really enjoyed the book, just a sweet romance, with a little drama, some tender moments, heart-breaking revelations, and a great summer adventure.
Cyra is spending the summer with her Gran, but she hasn’t spent time there since her father left her and her mother. She meets Riley and together they embark on an adventure as Riley ticks off wild activities she has on her bucket list, before she leaves Paradise Bay. When their summer fling starts to develop roots, Cyra worries she is getting too attached and it will only lead to Riley breaking her heart.
I loved this! It was very sweet, a young adult finding her way in the world and turning eighteen, while dealing with all the worries and heartache that going through something traumatic leaves in its wake. Riley and Cyra had a great connection and were having a lot of fun. There were moments when I was laughing and thinking this is wonderful for them, then there were more sombre moments where Riley’s fears were holding her back. They suited one another though, and you could just tell fate had brought them together, and Riley was good for Cyra.
A whole cast of characters added to the uncertainty and the excitement of the story. I just wasn’t sure whether Cyra was going to be able to embrace everything Riley was offering but I could completely understand her hesitancy and worries. It was great to get to know Cyra so intimately, and there were lots of unexpected moments and surprises too. Also stealing the show was Gran. What a fantastic character, who again just made Riley’s character come alive as they too had a fantastic connection. Riley and Cyra had a few quirks, which just endeared Cyra to me, and after meeting Gran, I know where she got some of them.
Really hope we get to catch up with Riley and Cyra again in future stories, as I am sure more exciting adventures await them. Really enjoyed the book, just a sweet romance, with a little drama, some tender moments, heart-breaking revelations, and a great summer adventure.
March 15, 2022
Oh my gosh!! I loved this story!! It’s a pure delight. It’s witty, charming and filled with brilliantly crafted scenes. Its well scripted dialogue is a splendid combination of poignant observation and laugh-out-loud funny. Readers fall in love with these characters; they’re just so endearingly real.
This is Rossi’s first novel, and that’s a bit surprising since she appears to be quite comfortable in her craft. One Last Summer is solidly constructed with loads to adore. It’s nicely plotted and paced with finely developed characters. All of this is surrounded by a rich, vibrant story world that jumps off the page.
Though this is primarily a coming of age story, it is a story of family too. The dynamics between Cyra and her grandmother are among the best I’ve seen in young adult fiction. There is so much to appreciate here. Their witty exchanges are poetically punchy, entertaining the reader to the fullest. Most predominantly though, they capture the drama of angsty teenhood quite effectively. Yet, Rossi’s sense of humor softens it ever so elegantly, bringing forth the love and affection the two share.
Rossi does an excellent job building the other relationships within this tale as well. In fact, it’s what pushes it and makes it soar. The bonds Cyra shares with her mother and father are complex and often complicated, but they are what give this story its underlining shape. They provide the compelling substance that draws readers in and captivates them. Furthermore, they feed the sub-plots with the right amount of drama, making the overall story more cohesive and impactive.
Last, but not least, One Last Summer can not be talked about without discussing the importance of Cyra and Riley’s young and fragile summer-fling love. Rossi shines a light on all the emotions and angst of teenage love magnificently well, hitting on all the classic heartfelt emotions that are notoriously teen in nature. The real surprise in all of this though is that the fling isn’t a fling after all. It’s a journey, one that offers understanding and compassion in regards to love, relationships and life. Best of all, it’s a sweet backdrop for the story at large, giving the reader one more reason to adore this book.
Final thoughts…
This fabulous debut is quite impressive and shows that Rossi is someone to take seriously. One Last Summer is a wonderful read, full of humor and honesty. It is well written and told. I absolutely recommend this book and look forward to Rossi’s next.
Strengths…
Well-written
Heartfelt
Engaging
Compelling
Delightfully witty
Adorable characters
Wonderfully and soundly told
This is Rossi’s first novel, and that’s a bit surprising since she appears to be quite comfortable in her craft. One Last Summer is solidly constructed with loads to adore. It’s nicely plotted and paced with finely developed characters. All of this is surrounded by a rich, vibrant story world that jumps off the page.
Though this is primarily a coming of age story, it is a story of family too. The dynamics between Cyra and her grandmother are among the best I’ve seen in young adult fiction. There is so much to appreciate here. Their witty exchanges are poetically punchy, entertaining the reader to the fullest. Most predominantly though, they capture the drama of angsty teenhood quite effectively. Yet, Rossi’s sense of humor softens it ever so elegantly, bringing forth the love and affection the two share.
Rossi does an excellent job building the other relationships within this tale as well. In fact, it’s what pushes it and makes it soar. The bonds Cyra shares with her mother and father are complex and often complicated, but they are what give this story its underlining shape. They provide the compelling substance that draws readers in and captivates them. Furthermore, they feed the sub-plots with the right amount of drama, making the overall story more cohesive and impactive.
Last, but not least, One Last Summer can not be talked about without discussing the importance of Cyra and Riley’s young and fragile summer-fling love. Rossi shines a light on all the emotions and angst of teenage love magnificently well, hitting on all the classic heartfelt emotions that are notoriously teen in nature. The real surprise in all of this though is that the fling isn’t a fling after all. It’s a journey, one that offers understanding and compassion in regards to love, relationships and life. Best of all, it’s a sweet backdrop for the story at large, giving the reader one more reason to adore this book.
Final thoughts…
This fabulous debut is quite impressive and shows that Rossi is someone to take seriously. One Last Summer is a wonderful read, full of humor and honesty. It is well written and told. I absolutely recommend this book and look forward to Rossi’s next.
Strengths…
Well-written
Heartfelt
Engaging
Compelling
Delightfully witty
Adorable characters
Wonderfully and soundly told
February 7, 2022
Congratulations Emma Rossi on your wonderful debut novel.
A beautiful YA Sapphic (f/f) story set in a small Australian coastal town,
Cyra arrives in town to stay with her gran, while her mother attends a therapy retreat. Swept up by the effervescent Riley on a mission to leave town at the end of the summer with all her bucket list items ticked off, Cyra promises herself not to get too involved. Will it be just a summer fling?
Emma paints such a beautiful sense of all too familiar teenage self uncertainty. Not about her sexuality, she has that all figured out. Cyra is protecting herself from being let down by those she cares about again. Because this vulnerability is beautifully written with an authentic voice, it makes all the interactions believable and honest. I dare you not to fall in love with the easy going Riley and the strong supporting cast.
A beautiful YA Sapphic (f/f) story set in a small Australian coastal town,
Cyra arrives in town to stay with her gran, while her mother attends a therapy retreat. Swept up by the effervescent Riley on a mission to leave town at the end of the summer with all her bucket list items ticked off, Cyra promises herself not to get too involved. Will it be just a summer fling?
Emma paints such a beautiful sense of all too familiar teenage self uncertainty. Not about her sexuality, she has that all figured out. Cyra is protecting herself from being let down by those she cares about again. Because this vulnerability is beautifully written with an authentic voice, it makes all the interactions believable and honest. I dare you not to fall in love with the easy going Riley and the strong supporting cast.
January 11, 2022
I was given a free ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review—thank you!!
3.5 rounded up. This was such a sweet story with lots of fun twists on the classic summer fling/romance tropes. While it is a summer romance, I loved that it tackled other topics too, and the characters were all so vivid. I especially appreciated that, while it's a queer YA story, it diverged from typical narratives surrounding coming out and understanding queer identity—it was a queer love story through and through. At times though, the dialogue felt a little forced/unnatural which took away from an otherwise really great book. I'm really excited about this addition to the queer YA canon and excited to see what the author writes next, I definitely would have appreciated a book like this when I was younger.
3.5 rounded up. This was such a sweet story with lots of fun twists on the classic summer fling/romance tropes. While it is a summer romance, I loved that it tackled other topics too, and the characters were all so vivid. I especially appreciated that, while it's a queer YA story, it diverged from typical narratives surrounding coming out and understanding queer identity—it was a queer love story through and through. At times though, the dialogue felt a little forced/unnatural which took away from an otherwise really great book. I'm really excited about this addition to the queer YA canon and excited to see what the author writes next, I definitely would have appreciated a book like this when I was younger.
February 6, 2022
I did not fall in love: it seems like a draft version, idk, wattpad one? There could be so much more here, characters development needs work, the protagonist acts like a brat and I hate her so much. Idk I am just not convinced. Yeap I guess that's the word: unconvincing.
I am not in love with the cover either, the whole thing seems like not enough work was put in.
I am not in love with the cover either, the whole thing seems like not enough work was put in.
February 1, 2022
What a book! It had me hooked from the start. Emma is such an amazing story teller and has the awesome ability of making you feel like you are there living the story. I enjoyed all the characters and can't wait to read Emma's next book, also can't wait to reread this one when I get my hard copy!
February 2, 2022
First of all, I want to thank Emma Rossi and Pride Book Tours for a gifted ebook!
One Last Summer is a lovely romance for teenagers. I tend to like bucket list stories and this one certainly didn’t disappoint either. It’s fast paced and easy to read, and I was easily able to finish it in a day.
Cyra is a likeable character, who takes you on her personal journey as she deals with her issues throughout the summer. I was less fond of Riley, because I didn’t get most of her behaviour, but maybe that’s because it’s only told from Cyra’s point of view (or maybe I’m just getting too old for this 😉).
All in all, it’s a good book. I do, however, think I would have enjoyed it better if I’d still been a teenager myself.
One Last Summer is a lovely romance for teenagers. I tend to like bucket list stories and this one certainly didn’t disappoint either. It’s fast paced and easy to read, and I was easily able to finish it in a day.
Cyra is a likeable character, who takes you on her personal journey as she deals with her issues throughout the summer. I was less fond of Riley, because I didn’t get most of her behaviour, but maybe that’s because it’s only told from Cyra’s point of view (or maybe I’m just getting too old for this 😉).
All in all, it’s a good book. I do, however, think I would have enjoyed it better if I’d still been a teenager myself.
January 26, 2022
3.5 stars, but rounding up to 4 because it’s refreshing to have a queer teen romance that completely avoids the coming out or identity crisis drama. This is a fast paced, easy-read romance that just happens to be sapphic , and it’s delightful. It flows well, keeps your attention, and if I’d has the time I happily could have finished this in a day!
As well as the queer rep the story covers issues of mental health respectfully, without making them into plot devices or miraculously curing them for a happy ending. I also read Cyra as potentially autistic, though this might be my own experience colouring the text! Either way, her awkward teenage angst makes her a very relatable protagonist.
I’m less keen on Riley, though this might be because we don’t get her inner monologue the same way we do for Cyra. Particularly her attitude to lies and secrets - which she states she cannot stand, while repeatedly saying she’s fine with the ‘summer fling’ when she isn’t. She also responds more strongly to Cyra, who she’s known only a few weeks, than she does to her supposed best friend of 13 years and that makes her reactions feel a bit erratic to me. But Overall, a lovely romance for queer teenagers.
As well as the queer rep the story covers issues of mental health respectfully, without making them into plot devices or miraculously curing them for a happy ending. I also read Cyra as potentially autistic, though this might be my own experience colouring the text! Either way, her awkward teenage angst makes her a very relatable protagonist.
I’m less keen on Riley, though this might be because we don’t get her inner monologue the same way we do for Cyra. Particularly her attitude to lies and secrets - which she states she cannot stand, while repeatedly saying she’s fine with the ‘summer fling’ when she isn’t. She also responds more strongly to Cyra, who she’s known only a few weeks, than she does to her supposed best friend of 13 years and that makes her reactions feel a bit erratic to me. But Overall, a lovely romance for queer teenagers.
February 8, 2022
🌿BOOK REVIEW🌿
One Last Summer by Emma Rossi
“1. Only kissing- nothing below the waist 2. No romantic dates 3. No referring to each other as girlfriends 4. It ends the day before I go home 5. Absolutely NO catching feelings”
Cyra finds herself back in Paradise Bay to spend the summer with her Gran after her Mum decides to go on a mental health retreat to help her manage with her OCD. She hasn’t been back to the Bay since her father left Cyra and her mother 5 years ago. Cyra hopes to blend into the background in the Bay as she wills the summer to go quickly, but her Gran has other plans as she agrees on Cyra’s behalf that she will attend a party. In walks bubbly and beautiful Riley who is about to leave Paradise Bay at the end of summer, and ropes Cyra in to helping her have the best summer yet before entering the world of adulthood.
Honestly this is exactly the book I needed when I read it, some light hearted, sapphic greatness! Cyra is a fantastic main character who really captures the impact of mental illness and a parental divorce. This book provides a great insight into OCD, free of stereotypes and full of the debilitating impact that it has on the person and those around them.
This was such a great romance book that I flew through in a few days! Cyra and Riley help bring out the best in each other and after some rocky moments (fuelled by teenage drama) the pair gravitate back towards each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⚠️CW// OCD, mental illness, infidelity, bullying, outing
One Last Summer by Emma Rossi
“1. Only kissing- nothing below the waist 2. No romantic dates 3. No referring to each other as girlfriends 4. It ends the day before I go home 5. Absolutely NO catching feelings”
Cyra finds herself back in Paradise Bay to spend the summer with her Gran after her Mum decides to go on a mental health retreat to help her manage with her OCD. She hasn’t been back to the Bay since her father left Cyra and her mother 5 years ago. Cyra hopes to blend into the background in the Bay as she wills the summer to go quickly, but her Gran has other plans as she agrees on Cyra’s behalf that she will attend a party. In walks bubbly and beautiful Riley who is about to leave Paradise Bay at the end of summer, and ropes Cyra in to helping her have the best summer yet before entering the world of adulthood.
Honestly this is exactly the book I needed when I read it, some light hearted, sapphic greatness! Cyra is a fantastic main character who really captures the impact of mental illness and a parental divorce. This book provides a great insight into OCD, free of stereotypes and full of the debilitating impact that it has on the person and those around them.
This was such a great romance book that I flew through in a few days! Cyra and Riley help bring out the best in each other and after some rocky moments (fuelled by teenage drama) the pair gravitate back towards each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
⚠️CW// OCD, mental illness, infidelity, bullying, outing
March 22, 2022
One Last Summer is a Sapphic YA novel about Cyra and Riley. They have both just finished year 12 and are on the cusp of adulthood. But first, they will spend one last summer in the sleepy seaside town of Paradise Bay and try to fit in as many adventures as they can.
I think the author really got the setting right, I can feel the salt on my skin, smell my tanned skin and taste the melting ice cream. I also want to jump off the jetty and spend a few hours in the air-conditioned cinema, making out at the back. I admit that I am far off the intended audience, but I still found the book very enjoyable and a nice easy read. It’s a sweet story of teenage love and I think the prime target would be youngsters between 12-16 years of age.
I didn’t necessarily like the main character Cyra, but that didn’t take away from me liking the book as a whole. The only unbelievable part would be that two teenagers in love didn’t have more sexual interaction – but maybe that says more about me than about the book lol?!
I think the author really got the setting right, I can feel the salt on my skin, smell my tanned skin and taste the melting ice cream. I also want to jump off the jetty and spend a few hours in the air-conditioned cinema, making out at the back. I admit that I am far off the intended audience, but I still found the book very enjoyable and a nice easy read. It’s a sweet story of teenage love and I think the prime target would be youngsters between 12-16 years of age.
I didn’t necessarily like the main character Cyra, but that didn’t take away from me liking the book as a whole. The only unbelievable part would be that two teenagers in love didn’t have more sexual interaction – but maybe that says more about me than about the book lol?!
February 4, 2022
This is such a sweet, heartwarming, wonderful queer teen summer romance.
With such cute main characters in Cyra and Riley - honestly my heart broke and melted for them throughout the story! As well as fantastic side characters in Cyra’s Gran and her boyfriend who are simultaneously embarrassing (for a teen) and hilarious.
Rossi writes brilliant diverse characters in this charming romance, with not only wonderful LGBTQ+ rep but also heartfelt mental health rep (Cyra’s mother has OCD and is spending time in treatment).
I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves a cute romance (not spicy - which I prefer) with characters you just enjoy spending so much time with, with the exception of Morgan who fits the mean girl trope exactly, but that as a fun addition.
*** note I was gifted this book by Pride Book Tours in return for an honest review ***
With such cute main characters in Cyra and Riley - honestly my heart broke and melted for them throughout the story! As well as fantastic side characters in Cyra’s Gran and her boyfriend who are simultaneously embarrassing (for a teen) and hilarious.
Rossi writes brilliant diverse characters in this charming romance, with not only wonderful LGBTQ+ rep but also heartfelt mental health rep (Cyra’s mother has OCD and is spending time in treatment).
I would highly recommend this for anyone who loves a cute romance (not spicy - which I prefer) with characters you just enjoy spending so much time with, with the exception of Morgan who fits the mean girl trope exactly, but that as a fun addition.
*** note I was gifted this book by Pride Book Tours in return for an honest review ***
October 15, 2022
Queer YA book set in Australia. I couldn’t put this down once I started it. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It’s relatable, entertaining and worth reading.
Cyras mom is struggling with her OCD and signed up for a 12 week program. Cyra ends up going to live with her Gran in Paradise Bay.
Her first night with her Gran and she’s forced to go to a party which is where she meets Nick, Riley and Morgan. But apparently that wasn’t the first time she met them. Riley and Cyra become friends which ends up turning into more as days go by. Unfortunately it’s hard for Cyra to commit and she doesn’t want everyone knowing about her mom.
I enjoyed the relationships and friendships in this story. The wittiness between her and her Gran. The fact that people can relate to the family situation and the LGBT representation in this story.
Cyras mom is struggling with her OCD and signed up for a 12 week program. Cyra ends up going to live with her Gran in Paradise Bay.
Her first night with her Gran and she’s forced to go to a party which is where she meets Nick, Riley and Morgan. But apparently that wasn’t the first time she met them. Riley and Cyra become friends which ends up turning into more as days go by. Unfortunately it’s hard for Cyra to commit and she doesn’t want everyone knowing about her mom.
I enjoyed the relationships and friendships in this story. The wittiness between her and her Gran. The fact that people can relate to the family situation and the LGBT representation in this story.
January 19, 2022
A very touching and heartwarming story of young love. Let me take a second to dry my tears as this beauty had me an absolute mess. I laughed,I cried,I yelled at all of the characters at one point or another. A beautifully written story. Let me also say that writing about mental illness is a slippery slope sometimes. If not represented properly it can be a disaster but Emma not only did an amazing job with representing mental illness, she also did it in a way that showed the reality of it. The true scariness of it and how it also affects those closest to them. I loved that so so much. I feel so deeply for Gran too. Her personality had me howling with laughter! I cannot wait to read more by Emma and if you'll excuse me I need to go drown myself in partially melted cookie dough ice cream.
February 19, 2022
[3.5]
I didn't quite like this as much as I was expecting to, but it was still an enjoyable read. It was a pretty quick one as well; it took only a few hours to finish. I only had minor issues with it as well.
I love that we get a heartwarming queer romance, especially a summer one. I also love the mental health representation in this one as well! I think that was handled pretty well.
Unfortunately, I didn't really like the characters much. Both Cyra and Riley were a bit annoying in my opinion. Riley's attitude was just frustrating, as was the slight not-like-other-girls attitude Cyra had. Otherwise, this was a good read!
Thank you Pride Book Tours for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't quite like this as much as I was expecting to, but it was still an enjoyable read. It was a pretty quick one as well; it took only a few hours to finish. I only had minor issues with it as well.
I love that we get a heartwarming queer romance, especially a summer one. I also love the mental health representation in this one as well! I think that was handled pretty well.
Unfortunately, I didn't really like the characters much. Both Cyra and Riley were a bit annoying in my opinion. Riley's attitude was just frustrating, as was the slight not-like-other-girls attitude Cyra had. Otherwise, this was a good read!
Thank you Pride Book Tours for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2022
overall it was a super cute story! i really enjoyed reading it and will absolutely be recommending it to others! the story flows really well and was a pretty easy read! the romance didn’t feel rushed or forced which is something i’ve noticed with other sapphic romances i’ve read. my one and only qualm with this book is how the love interest handles the MC not telling her about her traumas. it’s a very personal thing to tell someone and getting mad at them for keeping it from someone they met a few weeks ago is a little concerning. but i appreciate that the traumas weren’t just used as plot points and that things worked out okay. i really enjoyed this book and again i will absolutely be recommending it to others!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2022
I'm always down for a bucket list book, especially one that takes place in Australia and has ALLLL the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergence rep. We follow Cyra as she transplants her life to Paradise Bay after her mother enters therapy for her OCD. At the beginning, I was leery of the portrayal of OCD but it really improves once we delve into the descriptions of intrusive thoughts. Cyra tries to keep everyone in her life at arms length, and she gets to grow from this cynic into a heroine worthy of a rom-com. This is a great YA romance novel that will leave you dreaming of summer.
*Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Spectrum Books for the gifted ARC*
*Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Spectrum Books for the gifted ARC*
January 25, 2022
3.5 rounded up!
Highlights:
✅ sapphic YA romance that doesn't focus on coming out or homophobia
✅Small Town Australia on the coast (I've never heard of Pasito before but I really want to try one now. I even tried to find some)
✅Mental health/ocd rep
✅Fluffy and cute
✅Quick read!
Didn't like:
💔 Insta love trope
💔 Miscommunication
💔Mean girl antagonist with no nuance other than she's just mean
💔 Slightly unbelievable ending that was summed up in one quick chapter
Ultimately a cute sapphic YA read that I think a younger audience would enjoy more. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Highlights:
✅ sapphic YA romance that doesn't focus on coming out or homophobia
✅Small Town Australia on the coast (I've never heard of Pasito before but I really want to try one now. I even tried to find some)
✅Mental health/ocd rep
✅Fluffy and cute
✅Quick read!
Didn't like:
💔 Insta love trope
💔 Miscommunication
💔Mean girl antagonist with no nuance other than she's just mean
💔 Slightly unbelievable ending that was summed up in one quick chapter
Ultimately a cute sapphic YA read that I think a younger audience would enjoy more. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
February 9, 2022
When reading this I was apprehensive due to the mcs mother having OCD. As someone who struggles with OCD myself, I had my fingers crossed that the disorder would be portrayed well AND IT DID! I think it highlighted the struggles of OCD without making it the whole of the mothers character and it shows how mental illness affects families as a whole, instead of just the individual. So 👏 to the author on that front.
Now, the main wlw love story was so beautiful and I think it captured the essence of first love accurately. I loved how there was a plot alongside the romance with the mc struggling to understand love, but also finding herself and what she wants to do in her life. This summer whirlwind romance made me swoon, the soul searching, the fun bucket list the characters ticked off together, the friends to lovers, the fling trope ejenejejwjej amazing.
The writing style really reminded me of Helen Hoang (and I love those books)
If you love books that are super fast paced and a queer romance, this is for you 😏
Now, the main wlw love story was so beautiful and I think it captured the essence of first love accurately. I loved how there was a plot alongside the romance with the mc struggling to understand love, but also finding herself and what she wants to do in her life. This summer whirlwind romance made me swoon, the soul searching, the fun bucket list the characters ticked off together, the friends to lovers, the fling trope ejenejejwjej amazing.
The writing style really reminded me of Helen Hoang (and I love those books)
If you love books that are super fast paced and a queer romance, this is for you 😏
March 4, 2022
I picked this up because the cover and blurb called to me, and I was in the mood for a nice sweet romance, and I have to say that I was blown away by how good this was. I loved Cyra and Riley and reading through their romance, the ups and downs, the twists and turns, filled my heart with joy. I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting and adored the ending, adored the way it all came together. It was beautifully told, and the character arcs were so well formed and relatable. Overall, a beautiful summer romance, with gorgeous themes and characters. Highly, highly recommended!
December 31, 2021
Review to come
March 27, 2022
AD - PR PRODUCT
I really enjoyed this one! It tells the story of 17-year-old Cyra whose Mum has just checked in to a mental health retreat to try and help her debilitating OCD - Cyra is sent to spend the summer at her Gran’s house and ends up having a whirlwind summer full of romance and drama. It was a very emotional read, but still had a rom-com feel and I was laughing out loud in places. You’ll absolutely love this book if you like..
✨Australian seaside town setting
✨sapphic romance
✨complex character-driven stories
✨mental health representation
It was an amazing debut novel and I’d definitely recommend picking it up (it’s free on kindle unlimited at the moment as well 👀)
Thank you so much to Pride Book Tours for the opportunity to read this lovely book!
June 23, 2023
I got all swept up in this book! I loved the pivoting, point-of-change that the main characters are at in their lives and the "one last chance" feel of it. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the friends she makes over the summer are a delight to get to know - with all their twists and turns! The romance is sweet and tentative and it all had a feel of the real to it. Five stars.
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