Review: THE SUMMER I FELL by Sonya Loveday

THE SUMMER I FELL

by Sonya Loveday

Publication Date: July 27, 2014

Pages: 239

Source: Xpresso Book Tours

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“So you wanna be part of the Six, huh? You wish…” 
~Jared, Ace, Mark, Josh, Aiden & Eli 

Riley Clifton can’t remember a time when she wasn’t a part of the Six, a group of rowdy boys who would do just about anything for her. Growing up alongside of six guys is never easy. Especially in high school. Falling in love with one of the Six? Even harder when Ace has a hold of her heart, and he doesn’t even know it. 

Jake (Ace) Aceton has loved Riley for a long time, but has kept the secret oath of the Six. Riley was off limits. At least until after graduation. When he overhears Riley admitting to her best friend, Paige how she feels about him, Ace doesn't let his chance slip by. Riley, in his mind, has always been his. 
When her college plan falls through, and her future is left to the hands of fate, Riley finds herself scrambling to keep up with all the changes. But that's not the hardest part. The hardest part is saying good-bye, especially to Ace. 

Heartache, hard lessons, and a love deeper than her Alabama roots will threaten to crumble Riley’s world as she waits for Ace’s return. 

Will Riley and Ace’s love be strong enough to hold them together when life tries to tear them apart? 

My Thoughts

I was initially drawn to The Summer I Fell because of the friendships between the Riley and the boys who make up "The Six". In high school, I had a best girlfriend and we were best friends with the rowdiest group of guys. We all loved each other, teased each other, and took care of each other. And there were a few crushes and romances over the years. Reading about these friends was like reliving those good times and it was great. Their rough-housing and razzing had me cracking up, but they loyalty they had for each other was endearing too.

I LOVED the opening scene of The Summer I Fell. Field parties and fighting, ah memories. Just kidding. I'm not a proponent of violence, but when it's a character in a book, sometimes they get pushed too far and they need to put someone in their place. It showed just how much of a badass Riley could be. 

The romance between Riley and Ace was super sweet. While their getting together may seem sudden, the relationship was years in the making - the readers just didn't get to experience that part with them. I didn't mind it because what we do get was enough to notice that they mean everything to each other. My favorite part about them as a couple was that they were shy but exhilarated that they were making a go at it - it was like they shared a secret between the two of them, but it wasn't a secret at all.

There were some really great moments throughout the book. Some honest moments between friends and some honest moments between family. One of my favorites was between Riley, Ace, and Ace's mother and he was packing up to leave for a life beyond their small-town. I don't want to say too much more than that to avoid spoilers, but I am so glad this scene was included in the book. 

There are a good number of characters to keep track of and there is a lot going on, but the heart of the story doesn't get lost. It is easy to become immersed in the lives of the characters and want to know more about them. I couldn't read this book fast enough and then suddenly it was over! I immediately bought the next book. I had to know what was happening with the characters (I'm still reading and finding out) and I'm already looking forward to book number 3!!

Readers will love this story about friendships and romance and making life choices and what happens after high school.

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from Xpresso Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

$25 Amazon Gift Card

6 ebook copies of The Summer I Fell

3 button swag packs

a Rafflecopter giveaway