Review: Yes, Finally we have more reading pleasure!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 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!)