She was the light in my dark life. The sunshine that warmed me and made me smile.
We had one summer. One perfect summer, until the day it ended.
Years later, she walked back into my life. Older. Sadder. More beautiful than ever.
How can I prove to her that summer was real?
How do I make her see the boy who loved her then, still loves her now?
How do we get back to the summer when we were us?
A Summer and a Lifetime
Linc and Sunny’s story is an emotional read with low angst and soul deep love. I was immediately enamoured with Linc and Sunny’s connection. Their relationship felt innocent, yet arousing. I was swept up in young love and felt every moment of joy, heartache, and hope.
When they were suddenly ripped apart, my heart felt ripped in half. So much like Sunny and Linc themselves felt. They both struggled with their heartbreak. Sunny mourned and then learned to put on a brave face to her family and the world. Linc let his father believe his spirit was broken; that he was an obedient and compliant son, only to systematically strip his father of his money and power. The heartbreak definitely fueled their paths in life.
When fate led Linc and Sunny back to one another, I immediately felt my heart flutter with anticipation. Their love was still as potent as ever, but anger and hurt were also prevalent. Ms. Moreland didn’t give them an easy path to their HEA. However, their love always pushed them to try, to trust, and to hope. The Summer of Us is a steamy and stirring love story. And once again, the epilogues were blissfully beautiful.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This book started as One Hot Summer from the Spring Fling Anthology. I didn’t get the opportunity to read that, so this was a whole new story for me.
That being said, this was a read that I couldn’t get into, but I also couldn’t put down. Linc and Sunny stole my heart, they truly did. I loved everything about their story. The only thing that felt off for me, was all of the twists and turns. I never really got a moment to just enjoy the story for what was happening in the moment, and was instead flung another piece that threw things off. This didn’t take away from the book, but it just made it hard for me to connect to.
Sunny and Linc’s story is full of angst, betrayal, trust, growth, and a second-chance. The pivotal moments of the story pull you in and you need to know more. You want to know more, and you want everything to work out for them.
All in all, I can’t wait to see where Melanie takes this series next, as it was a good read for me, even though I didn’t get the connection that I love while reading.
Four stars for this angsty second-chance romance that will definitely have you wanting to return to Mission Cove.
Melanie Moreland just keeps sweeping me off my feet, this time with an emotional friends to lovers second chance romance. Linc and Sunny may have lived in the same town but they came from two very different worlds. Linc was born to privilege but lived in a loveless home. While very young he met the most amazing friend who lit up his day and they became fast friends. Sunny sat next to a quiet boy who shared his crayons with her and they never stopped sharing their lives. Fast forward to their summer together as teens without the influence of the outside world. It would change their lives forever. But as fate would have it, that summer would also be the one to tear them apart and rip their hearts from their bodies. Now fate is a devious master and has decided to change course and bring these two together again. Can Linc and Sunny find their way back to each other and to the life they were truly meant to share? It is an addictive story that you will not want to put down. I don’t know how she does it but Melanie has pulled me into another web of tales. Now I can hardly wait for the next story in the series!!
Melanie Moreland just keeps sweeping me off my feet, this time with an emotional friends to lovers second chance romance. Linc and Sunny may have lived in the same town but they came from two very different worlds. Linc was born to privilege but lived in a loveless home. While very young he met the most amazing friend who lit up his day and they became fast friends. Sunny sat next to a quiet boy who shared his crayons with her and they never stopped sharing their lives. Fast forward to their summer together as teens without the influence of the outside world. It would change their lives forever. But as fate would have it, that summer would also be the one to tear them apart and rip their hearts from their bodies. Now fate is a devious master and has decided to change course and bring these two together again. Can Linc and Sunny find their way back to each other and to the life they were truly meant to share? It is an addictive story that you will not want to put down. I don’t know how she does it but Melanie has pulled me into another web of tales. Now I can hardly wait for the next story in the series!!
This is the 1st in a new series, and this is the perfect beginning. Linc and Sunny have been best friends since kindergarten, and in their teens this relationship grows into boyfriend / girlfriend, but they need to keep this a secret from Linc’s controlling and abusive dad. When they are cruelly split from each other it is 10 years before they meet again. Linc is now the man that his past has defined him to become, and Sunny is a strong and independent woman, but will they get a 2nd chance at love? This is a beautifully written story which is sweet, heart-warming, and with secrets, heartbreak and love. I was intrigued throughout and highly recommend for all readers.
The Summer of Us is book one in the Mission Cove series by Melanie Moreland. This was previously released as a short story in the One Hot Summer anthology. Now with added content, it is a full length novel and true to the magic of Melanie Moreland, it has an amazing epilogue that if you weren’t already filled with warm and fuzzies, then you definitely will be.
Linc Thomas and Sunny Jenson have been best friends since they were in kindergarten and shared their crayons. But their lives couldn’t be more different. Linc’s parents were very wealthy. After he lost his mother, he was raised by a cold hearted, brutal, power hungry father that made his life unbearable. The only bright light he had was Sunny. Sunny and her two younger sisters were raised by their single mom. They lived on the wrong side of the tracks so to speak. But their home was full of love. Over the years, Linc and Sunny’s relationship went from friendship to more, so much more.
Linc was forbidden to have anything to do with Sunny. But the summer when they were both seventeen, they were both working for a nearby summer camp. Here they could be together whenever they wanted, they were free and happy and they were in love. It was a beautiful summer full of dreams of a future together. Until everything was ripped away from them.
Now it’s ten years later. Linc has spent the years meticulously implementing his plan of revenge on his father. He never wanted to return to Mission Cove, the town so full of memories of both the darkest parts of his life, and also the brightest, his Sunny. He never could find her, they have had no contact in ten years. And then there she is, right in front of him, his Sunny Girl.
Linc and Sunny are different people now, both shaped by sadness, fueled by pain. But one look and Linc knows that he will do anything and everything in his power to win her back. To make her understand what happened. To give him another chance. Because he lost her once, and he wasn’t going to let her go again.
I fell in love with this the first time I read it as a short story. So you wouldn’t think I could love it more, but I do. I loved Linc so much, his determination, his heart. Don’t even get me started on Sunny. She was the only person that could help Linc to finally move on, to let the past go. And then there is the epilogue of all epilogues. When you close the cover of this book, you will be smiling a big huge smile. Melanie has once again woven a story of pain, of love, of heartbreak, and of happiness. And once again, she has stolen my heart.
“You’ll always be the girl I fell in love with, Sunny. You will always be my girl.”
An amazing story of young love and then the gift of reconnecting and second chances. This author never fails to deliver an emotional story that has you engaged from the first page. You can relate to the characters and story, while at the same time losing yourself for several hours at a time. Sunny and Linc’s story is a must read and one that will certainly stick with me.
5 STARS
This book is heartwarming and such a captivating story. From a young love that’s hidden to a journey at a second chance at love. Linc and Sunny’s is a love story that is definitely Hallmark Movie worthy!!! The Summer of Us by Melanie Moreland is an EPIC second chance romance that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Linc is the son of the richest man in town, Sunny is the daughter of a single mom and they have been best friends since elementary school. That friendship turns into a love that should be for a lifetime except for the fact that Linc’s father is a cruel man who wants to control every aspect of his son’s life and make him as miserable as he is. Ripped from each other’s lives, 10 years pass before Linc returns to Mission Cove a different man than when he left, looking to make things right.
Melanie Moreland’s second chance romance has the distinction of not relying on classic cliches. There are no great misunderstandings and miscommunications, the characters are upfront with what happened to them and what they are feeling which makes for a read that is so much more relatable and so much more real feeling. Moreland’s writing always gives a very real view on her characters and situations and Summer of Us is a great example of that. Linc and Sunny’s reconnection has past hurts, 10 years of personal growth, and current happenings that have to be resolved and incorporated into the couple that they are today to become what they want to be.
The Summer of Us is a fantastic second chance romance that will have you rooting for Linc and Sunny as if they were your best friends and you have a personal stake in them getting back together.
If you are looking for a great second chance romance look no further than The Summer of Us because this book is one of the best I have read in that genre. This book ticked all my boxes, it has all the feels you want and expect in a great read, it will make you smile and it will certainly pull on your heartstrings as well as having you fall for the adorable characters.
Linc and Sunny have a history, as teenagers they were lovers but it wasn’t their time fate had other plans for them so will the timing be right now, they are 10 years older and have a lot more experience of life under their belts but will the past be just to painful to get over. Well I guess you need to read the book to find that out……..
This story drew me in from the first page, I was captivated by the story as well as the characters, I smiled and i held my breath a lot throughout this beautifully written heartfelt romance. I highly recommend this gem of a read and I’m looking forward to more from this very talented author.
ooooh Sunny & Linc and all the feels. I feel like I was transported back to high school. The summers, the tans and the kisses. A second chance at love, great characters and amazing words that transports you to all the places. Melanie knocks it out of the park again! It has a great epi too!
This is an expansion of the short story in One Hot Summer which fulfils your need for more of the Lincoln and Sunny Story.
Linc and Sunny had a secret relationship in their youth that was derailed by Linc’s overbearing and powerful father who had his own plans. This looks more into the second chance at that relationship as they are brought back together 10 years later. Lincoln has grown up, the balance of power has changed and he knows what he wants. Sunny has built up her own strength and inner power in his absence. I liked the additional material that showed how Lincoln had grown, changed and what had happened to him in the time they were apart. I was impressed with Sunny’s determination that she would not settle for less than she deserved in a relationship. The addition of Abby and Mike and the suspense element of the story really added to the strength for me. I would like to see more of Abby’s story.
Melanie Moreland always writes these wonderful women who are strong minded and sure of their worth deep down, but have not lost the softness and warmth and traditional qualities, they all seem to show their love with food. I like that.
Such a great story. Every book of Ms Moreland’s makes me want MORE! And this book is MORE of Sunny and Linc that I needed. Great story! Linc and Sunny’s story was a story that took a hold of your heart and never looked back!
When I first met Linc and Sunny in the novella contribution to the One Hot Summer anthology, I hoped like crazy that they would get a full length book.
This book has a lot of angst before and after Linc and Sunny’s summer together. Even with all of the angst, there’s so much growth that these characters experienced over their 10 years apart. I loved meeting the new people in their lives and seeing how much they changed over Linc and Sunny’s lives.
I can’t wait to visit Mission Cove again and see which new characters will get their own HEAs!ac
Melanie has once again pulled me into a beautifully heartbreaking tale of young love. Linc and Sunny are young love. They share one Summer together. Linc is from a wealthy family and his father is a tyrant that rules with harsh words, hate and iron fists. You certainly never know what is going on behind closed doors. Sunny is just as her name sounds she brings joy and love to Linc’s life . He wants nothing more than to be with her and keep her safe. When Linc is given an ultimatum he chooses to leave love and keep her safe. Sunny has made a life for herself but she has never forgotten her true young love . Now 10 years later he walks back in to the Sunshine but can the past be forgiven .
Loved it !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
What an amazing 5 star story this was. An amazing story that was lighthearted with pure selfless love.
Linc has been in love with Sunny since he laid eyes on her at a young age. Started as friends to lovers. They have planned their future but his abusive father will tore them apart. Now years later, Linc is back to settle business but he never thought he would see Sunny again. The love they had is still burning strong.
When I started reading this story, I had this weird feeling that I already read it before. I was right, it came out as part of an anthology. But this story is complete and developed. I was hooked to this amazing page turner. An amazing sweet storyline between soulmates. It was addicting and entertaining. I loved all the amazing characters that graced this story.
Standalone told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this story.
The Summer of Us was initially featured as a short story in the Spring Fling anthology. Lincoln and Sunny are both 17 and spending their summer together. Linc’s father is ruthless and abusive; blackmailing and conniving in order to get his way. Lincoln is counting down the minutes until he can access his trust fund, so he and Sunny can stop keeping their relationship a secret.
Their summer is going beautifully…until Lincoln’s father catches them together. He forces Lincoln to leave without a goodbye by threatening her mother’s job and livelihood.
Ten years pass before their paths cross again. Ugh…all that wasted time! Second chance romances are so painful in a good way.
While they were apart, both grew and matured, so it was nice to see that they both seemed to fit each other again. It felt like their relationship moved fast, but both characters communicated well and made an effort to learn and get to know the grown up version of themselves.
The angst was totally there too, even after they reunited. Misunderstandings abound, making the reader restless…will their painful past stop them from having a beautiful future? But in typical Melanie Moreland fashion, she wraps it up nicely with a HEA and a bonus epilogue to save the day.
I loved the continued story of Linc & Sunny! You will get more back ground on these two, and what Linc went through with his father, what his father did to Sunny. And all Linc wants to do when he comes back to Mission Cove and sees her for the first time in ten years, is tell her why everything happened the way it did. Don’t miss out on the conclusion from Melanie’s short story from One Hot Summer. You will love it! 5 hot stars for this one!
Sunny and Linc were best friends since kindergarten when he shared his crayons with her. During their teen years they became boyfriend/girlfriend but had to keep it hidden because of Linc’s father. Linc’s family had money and with Sunny coming from normal working stock, his father deemed her not worthy of his son.
They managed to have a summer together when Linc’s father sends him to work at the summer camp. He had no idea that Sunny had taken a job there for the summer, so they were over the moon when they discovered what had happened! A summer of being together, unrestricted, sounded like a slice of Heaven. The Summer of Us!
But Linc disappears after one glorious, forbidden night never to be seen again for over a decade. Yet, ten years later, Linc materializes in Sunny’s Bakery, as surprised to see her as she is to see him. A lot has happened in the time they were apart, but one thing is clear, they both still have strong feelings for each other.
But the years apart have changed Linc. Hatred for his father has dominated and controlled his life since the night he was taken from camp – from Sunny. Sunny is worried that he is turning into his father and knows that she can’t be with a man like that. They both have to do some soul searching to figure out if there is anyway to salvage their relationship.
Melanie is a one-click author for me! She always writes such great books and this one was super good! There was such a wonderful Epilogue that extended for several years and I was so, so in love! I would love to read a spin off story about Amanda!
I read the shorter version The Summer Of Us by Melanie Moreland when it appeared in an anthology last year. I wanted a bigger story for this sweet, young couple and Melanie has delivered as she always does.
Lincoln and Sunny had known each other since they were kids. They fell in love at fifteen, but Linc’s father (a boorish, hateful man) forbid their romance. When Linc ignored him, he was horribly punished.
Now ten years later, they’re both back in Mission Cove. Sunny has her own bakery and Linc is there to dismantle his hated father’s businesses. They reconnected and their chemistry was immediate and complete.
It’s not all a simple tale of falling in love, they have some issues to work through but watching these two come together as one, was mesmerizing and wonderful. The entire story kept my attention and I LOVED the epilogues. Melanie is outstanding when it comes to this part of a book.
The Summer Of Us is more than just a summer, it’s an always and forever kind of story. It’s got feels galore, angst, and some gritty bits, but most of all, it’s heartwarming and will leave you with a blissful smile on your face.