Review: Outstanding and Total Fun!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 19, 2013
Every time I read a novel by Duggan I fall in love all over again. The characters, the Australian setting, and the humor are always on point. When I grab a book I am looking to get lost in it - that's what happens with the Summer series! That One Summer is an absolute hit!It centers on Tammy Maskala who is brought into the picture in An Endless Summer as Amy Henderson's BFF from high school. She lurks on the fringe of the Onslow boys group, very much unsure of how she fits into it. She appears shy but inwardly she's sassy and full of spirit. Her thoughts are laugh-out-loud funny, and Tammy's always finding herself in the most hilarious of situations. I loved Tess and Amy but I feel like Tam has the perfect cross-blend of their personalities and she's such a great character. On one hand she's more to herself like Tess was and on the other she can be outgoing like Amy. I wasn't expecting such an instant likable heroine in the way that the others were but that's exactly what she was.That One Summer is set right after the events of An Endless Summer, told from Tammy Maskala's POV. When I heard it was going to be her whose story was next I was a little confused. That confusion was soon replaced by how-could-I-even-doubt-the-choice. Her story is refreshing because her only tie to the Onslow Boys is Amy, and it made the awe over them feel new again. Toby and Sean were the obvious eye-candy of the gang, as well as favorites. Chris Henderson is someone who sort of slipped under the radar for me. As an Onslow boy he didn't leave the biggest impression because in previous stories he always just seemed like the grumpy bartender and Adam's older brother who didn't have much to say. However, in this novel his character is brought to the forefront with a compelling story all his own. Tammy brings out another side of him that we never got to see before. This side is outgoing, compassionate, and sexy. Who'd have thought those qualities were hiding under his sullen mask? Not me! Chris and Tammy are the pefect match. They get put in awkward situations and roll with it, and all the things you'd think would draw them apart actually brings them together. I thought they had such a sweet developing relationship, and I loved it.It's Summer again in the town of Onslow, Australia and it's nearing the new millennium. The Onslow boys are back and ready for an unforgettable adventure—a road-trip without the girls. Amy Henderson puts a stop to that when she makes her recently reunited best friend Tammy Maskala intercede. Onslow is the last place the girls want to ring in the New Year so they crash the Onslow boys' plans and join them on the road, but they hit a few bumps along the way. Tammy has always felt like the outsider of the group, hanging out on the sidelines and never truly feeling like one of them. That all changes one summer when she gets up close and personal with one of the Onslow boys—Chris Henderson. Chris is the broody bartender who says little and seems to have a permanent scowl on his face. It's only when Tammy gets left behind by her friends Chris steps up to drive her to their New Year's destination, and that's when Summer really starts to heat up.All of the fun-loving Aussie boys are back! Couples Tess and Toby, Amy and Sean, even Adam and Ellie return along with the rest of the Onslow boys. It was great to see them all together again, and they each got their own small story-lines too. I enjoyed the surprises and turns taken. Tammy has a lot going on inside and seeing Chris ruffle her feathers and vice versa was adorable. The difference in setting gives a refreshing and welcome change. I wouldn't have minded it being set at the Onslow Hotel again, but I'm glad there was other locations to visit.That One Summer is total fun! From the first page to the last you'll want, crave, and need more. It has a swoony romance, drama, comedy, and characters you won't want to let go of. C.J.'s fictional town of Onslow and its residents will live in your imagination for books to come. Never have I been so eager for the next novel Duggan writes! The Summer series is outstanding, and readers who love their NA romances should buy it today!