The Last Summer

‘The Last Summer’ by Cait Marie has all the signs of a predictable sweet romance, and even though this is true, there is also quite a twist thrown in that is not necessarily expected. While Lila and Gavin have known each other since they were born only three days apart, growing up in houses right next to each other, their friendship faltered years ago, when a misunderstanding tore them apart, causing them to have to live without each other despite their close proximity.

Lila has only ever wanted Gavin to reach out, and Gavin has continued to care for her from afar, but their pride and uncertainty over their mutual feelings keeps them at a distance. When Lila’s boss, who also happens to be Gavin’s mom, pushes them into working together at the local ice cream shop for the summer, they find their way back into friendship—and more.

As they come to terms with what has kept them apart for so many years, realizing how it has kept them from each other, they also learn new facts, especially on Gavin’s part when he comes to understand that Lila has a secret she hasn’t been sharing with him. This secret only serves to bring them closer together, ensuring that they will work to complete her summer bucket list in two weeks’ time. He doesn’t understand why there has to be so much haste until he discovers that college isn’t the reason for having to check things off so quickly. There is more to her story, and they find themselves having to figure it all out together.

Without giving away the unpredictability within the book, there is so much to love and relish in as one reads this beautiful story of friendship, love, truth, acceptance, and thoughtfulness. The way Gavin steps up, along with Lila’s friends, is a testament to the power of friendship and doing what is right even in the face of an uncertain tomorrow. The story will bring more than one tear to any reader’s eye.

THE LAST SUMMER by Cait Marie is a YA contemporary novel set in the Midwest between next-door neighbors, Lila and Gavin. The two of them have grown up together since the womb— they were even born a few days apart from one another— but unfortunately, an incident happened at their eleventh birthday which resulted in the end of their friendship. Now, it’s the summer after graduation, and they’re both forced to work at the same ice cream shop. They think it’s the end of the world, but it forces them to reevaluate where they stand with one another. Soon, they realize that as difficult as the past has been, the future will be worse if they continue keeping secrets.

This book is the perfect meal for fangirls and fanboys. I’m obsessed with it. The plot has so many fun tropes; friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, stuck together, one bed. It’s all the cute, angsty, and romantic vibes that can fill the soul when an escape from reality is needed. The story also invokes some very iconic romance stories, most notably, A WALK TO REMEMBER. Like Landon, Gavin is the popular kid, and like Jamie, Lila is the more studious. Similar to Nicholas Sparks’ characters, once Lila and Gavin break down the walls between them, they have to face an unexpected obstacle that could stand in the way of their happily ever after. I also saw hints of THE VOW, as well as THE KISSING BOOTH 3 with the summer bucket list that two childhood friends swear to complete.

That being said, this book isn’t all fluff either. It does engage with some more serious topics, such as strife and separation between parents or caregivers and how that can affect the child. It also touches on some health issues, reminding us that our time on earth is finite and we have to be intentional in how we spend it. The characters, who are getting ready for college, must also face what it means to be leaving home for the first time, saying goodbye, and considering the paths they want to take. I’ll be honest, there was a point after about fifty pages, that I was worried this book would take a very dramatic turn in tone, but the author did a great job at balancing the sweetness with the real.

To be frank, I could not put THE LAST SUMMER down. I read it in two sittings and probably would’ve read it in one if I hadn’t started it so late at night. I highly recommend this book to readers who are looking to be swept up in a story that will give them butterflies, will tug at their heart, and will be cheesy in the best way possible.