From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.What do you do when a sexy, older man moves into your family’s summer rental?Well, apparently, you make a fool of yourself-over and over. Things didn’t exactly get off on the right foot with Noah Cavallari. Our first encounter was embarrassing, to say the least.But despite that, I found myself waking up every day … day with a newfound energy. Nothing exciting ever happened on the lake-not until Noah moved into the small boathouse on our property. He’d booked it for the entire summer¿and I was still trying to figure out why.When my mother became ill, I inherited the responsibility of making sure our guests were well taken care of. I should have been in college. Instead, I was living my best life¿as a maid.Dark, handsome, and mysterious, everything about Noah screamed forbidden. I knew he was just passing through town for the summer.I knew he was probably too old for me.Yet, I was drawn to him.Not to mention, he tried to save my life when he mistakenly thought I was drowning.I wanted him and made no secret of it.His own attempts to warn me away soon gave way to late-night moonlight chats by the lake. We were slowly easing into a friendship that was gearing up to explode into something I might not recover from. Because he’s leaving at the end of the summer.And I have no idea what I’ll do when August ends.
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I don’t know what to say about this book except WOW! I can’t put my finger on why it had all the feels but it just did. There was so much depth and soul. Life lessons and heartache, love and strength. I didn’t want it to end and I sure loved it. It rigged on my heart in the best way.
SUMMER LOVIN’ CAN LAST FOREVER
First, let me say, I am aware of the fact that I’m a bookcover whore….and Joseph Cannata is on the cover of WHEN AUGUST ENDS….so…there’s that before you even open the book….
I loved WHEN AUGUST ENDS….I don’t even know where to begin…
I love the storyline….I love the slightly older man/slightly younger woman aspect…I loved the characters, Noah and Heather….They are lovable, and their chemistry is off the freakin’ charts…I even love the obstacles that continue to be put in front of them, and they just blow ‘em all to $#!t…..This couple is meant to be together, and no matter how long it takes, nothing is going to stop them…..This book is just different…..in a VERY GOOD WAY!!!
And, through the whole book, I imagined Joseph Cannata as Noah!!! JS
A perfect book for any rainy day, beach trip, or when you have time to keep reading—this is one book you will not want to put down! Noah Cavallari’s officially the new favorite book boyfriend. An older (30’s), solitary man who rents a lake cottage for the summer has his hands full with the young, naive, and adorable Heather. He says she’s too young and knows nothing will happen between them. But summer friendships sometimes take unexpected turns. Hated to see this book end.
Love it! Highly recommend it! I couldn’t put it down.
Their chemistry isn’t instant. Their relationship isn’t ideal and their circumstances surely aren’t all that they seem. But Noah and Heather can only control so much of their own fate. A superbly written novel with brilliant characterization and intense, slow-burn emotion. 5 stars.
I’m not sure how Penelope Ward does it. She has a way of drawing you in, gettin you hooked, emotionally attached to characters and tells a magnificent story each and every time. When August Ends, is no different. Her ability to write characters that linger in my heart astounds me. I thought about Noah Cavallari and Heather long after I finished the book. I loved the entire experience as I went through their trials and tribulations.
When Noah moves into Heather’s boat house for the summer, it’s the first time she’s ever been intrigued by a renter. Of course, this is the first time one has looked like Noah. But he is determined to keep her advances away for reasons of his own.
I absolutely loved experiencing this story. Noah and Heather are among my favorite characters Penelope Ward has written. My only regret is that their story had to end. I can’t wait to see what Penelope comes up with next.
PS – The audio version of this book is incredible. Andi Arndt and Sebastian York pair perfectly with Penelope’s words. They create a lasting experience. This trifecta is one I would always recommend to others.
Wow talk about a slow burn. This couple has some crazy chemistry and attraction but he isn’t about to cave into it. This book was such a great love story that I was flipping these pages like crazy. Penelope did such a beautiful job with this story.
If you appreciate a good age gap romance, I would suggest you give this book a read. Some authors make the age gap between the hero and heroine built on a relationship of age-play, which some authors make a little uncomfortable to read, but Penelope Ward did not do that in When August Ends.
Heather Chadwick is a young woman with a mature spirit. At 20 years old, she has been dealt a hand of life experiences that most 20 year olds wouldn’t know how to handle, but Heather makes strides and she still has a light to her. After her family is struck with tragedy, Heather has to care for her mother, who is barely functional and suffering from depression, and take care of their lakehouse/boathouse rental property. When Noah Cavallari rents the guesthouse, Heather not only wonders what a man like him is doing in her docile, small town but she is instantly attracted to him. Unfortunately, Noah rejects all og Heather’s advances abd makes it clear that nothing will happen between them… But he is wrong.
Noah is a successful photographer that has traveled the world. He has simple plans for his summer, but he doesn’t anticipate Heather Chadwick to turn those plans on their ear. Even though he makes it clear that he doesn’t want a sexual relationship with her, they build a slow friendship over tge course of the summer. He helps Heather repair things on the rental property so that she can sell it, but his feelings for Heather start to be more than friendly. The more time they spend together, the more they are likely to cross the friendship line that they built during the summer.
If you want to know what happens when August ends, I suggest you give Heather and Noah’s story a try. I love how Penelope Ward is able to give two characters a love story built on a perfectly temporary situation that neither of them sees coming. Even though there is an age gap element, I personally think this is more of a friends-to-lovers romance because of how slow Noah and Heather’s feelings for one another built throughout the story.
** I voluntarily left a honest review after reading an advanced review copy of this book **
Noah & Heather’s story was magical!
I loved it all!
Author Penelope Ward gives us another book couple to fall in love with.
Noah & Heather’s sexual tension was beautifully written in a built up that once released, had me deliciously sated.
Sexy, funny & Author Penelope Ward’s signature swoon factor touch of falling in love no matter the age difference, this book just gave it all and then some.
I liked a lot that even with the 20 year age difference between Heather and Noah, this story was more about two people in love with one another & that is what matters in the heart.
Age is just a number & this book is not just a book, it is a book YOU have to grab & read!
5 Popped!
Oh my stars. This book had some unexpected moments that blew me away and I was fully in love with the characters. Heather alone is an amazing young woman that has sass and is quirky and you cannot help fall in love with her. Her attraction to Noah is instant and their pull is swoon worthy! Noah is guarded and when you find out why, it breaks your heart. Their connection is one of a kind and keeps you completely engaged throughout the story. With those little twists that could have broken them, actually strengthened their bond. Regardless of the age difference, they were each other’s halves!
Overall, I really loved this story. I laughed, I swooned and I felt the pain that both these characters felt. The build and fluidity of the whole story was flawless. I highly recommend this story as it will draw you in completely!
He’s the new tenant in the boathouse at the lakehouse until the end of August.
She’s the girl who got more than she bargained for when her life was turned upside down.
Their first meeting could of gone better..Half naked man vs lady with cleaning supplies and an excited dog..
Their second meeting and he’s a superhero… or is it a misunderstanding?
She wants him, he refuses, so she wants him more…
First off five stars does not do justice as to how amazing this book is.
Secondly it doesn’t matter what I say as again I fear my words won’t be enough.
I laughed like a loon, I shouted like a mad person and I wailed like I had lost the best thing in my life, and all because Penelope Ward made me with her words.
This book is so many different things at the same time. It’s hilarious and will make your face ache. It’s full of every day mishaps that have you nodding and imagining happening to yourself, and then there’s an undertone of sadness and loss whilst a new love desperately tries to peak through.
Heather is an amazing character she’s so quirky and unique. You won’t meet anyone like her! She has a gentle strength about her that’s calming and her mouth.. oh my gosh she had me in giggle fits!
Noah is the guy who you have to really get to know to see his inner beauty. There is more to him than meets the eye. He’s worthy of every second of your time.
You won’t find two characters that come close to these guys anywhere else! They are well and truly embedded in my heart and this is a book that I will most definetly read again!
I feel well and truly lost now my time has come to an end and I just know I’m not going to find a book as special as this ever again.
I love Penelope Ward and age-gap romances, so it’s no surprise that I adore When August Ends. Heather is 20-years old and has put her college plans on hold in order to stay home and help her mother, who battles depression. She rents out the boathouse on their lakefront property, and this summer’s tenant is a sexy and alluring older man, Noah. They have instant chemistry and an effortless dynamic, and Heather makes it clear that she wants more than friendship. But Noah is adamant that they not get involved romantically, considering how much younger Heather is. Nice try, Noah, nice try. Heather is mature beyond her years, sassy and intensely likeable, so he doesn’t stand a chance. But both of them soon discover that their age difference isn’t the only potential roadblock to happily ever after. When August Ends is an insightful, funny and sensual romance, and you’ll want savor every word because you simply don’t want it to end – just like summer.
Well Penelope Ward has absolutely done it again but I had no doubt!! This woman is a genius an amazing freakin adorable author genius!!! As soon as I start one of her books I am sucked in and can’t stop until I finish it no matter the time and no matter if I need food or water.. lol all I need is to finish all the words. And when August ends was no exception at all. As usual I am not giving anything away because you need to find out all there is to know about Noah and Heather all on your own. Just know 5 stars doesn’t do this book justice and I highly highly recommend this book!!! – By Tina
5 stars
Yet another addicting story by Penelope award, so please make sure you take the time and add this to your TBR list as soon as possible. There’s a special way she writes, that makes her characters just seem so incredibly genuine, that it always amazes me. Heather was just that-she was incredible quirky, so much so, that I just felt she was such a total goof but wanted so much for her. I wanted those schorching hot moments, I wanted to give her a well deserved break from working, and I wanted to hear her hush more about how hot Noah was. It was so easy to take a liking to her, and after so much of a slow burn and many awkward interactions between Noah and her, I found myself truly rooting for her.
It’s definitely a unique, light hearted story with a low angst factor, which was totally refreshing. If you’re a Penelope Ward fan you surely don’t want to miss out on this story of an eccentric female and a broody alpha male! – By Victoria
I spent the day binge reading When August Ends by Penelope Ward. I didn’t want this book to end!!! I seriously can’t wait for you guys to meet Heather and Noah. I loved everything about this book. When August Ends had the perfect amount of sweet and heat that made my heart skip an emotional beat. Mark your calendar 2/25/19. You better clear your schedule to read this one! WAE is on my Best of 2019 list! Full review to follow! #kindlecrack When August Ends
When August Ends is Penelope Ward’s newest masterpiece. I just know every time I start one of her books I will not want to put it down! Her words hook me in from the very beginning to the very end.
Heather was warned that the newest tenant in her rented boathouse was going to surprise her but she never expected him to change her life. She felt it the first time she saw him even if it was one of her most embarrassing moments in her almost twenty-one years on earth. That was just the start. He brought out things in her from that day she never expected.
Noah was there to get some peace and quiet. He was not there to entertain this girl. She was too much. A little troublemaker that he needed to stay away from. It was refreshing that she didn’t hold back though. She asked the tough questions. She made passes towards him. He has to resist. She was too young for him. She needed to be free from this place, not tied down. Even if he wanted to do just that . She deserved more than what he could give. She deserved everything.
Noah and Heather’s relationship is complicated. They are friends. Friends who can talk for hours. Friends who want the other to be happy. Friends who truly care. They were also friends who had to resist their attraction. They had three months. What will happen when August ends?
Overall…it’s an unique story that I didn’t want to end. I loved the way Noah saw her and the way Heather saw him. It wasn’t what others saw. It is a beautifully written journey about friendship, lust, love, and life. I fell for the characters. Heather is wise beyond her years, strong, and beautiful inside and out. Noah is mysterious, sexy, and sweet.I laughed. I cried. I swooned. I cried again. And laughed even harder.
Quotes:
“Is there a reason you’re staring at me instead of leaving?”
Um…because you’re hot as fuck?
“I was wrong about you,” I teased. “You’re not a teenager. You’re eighty.”
She chuckled. “Don’t make fun of my Hummels.”
“I’m joking.”
Once again, a point in time with him had become my happiest moment of the day.
I will read anything Penelope Ward writes, she always captures me and pulls me into her story. When August Ends had the perfect mix of emotions as well as wondering what is going to happen. The pace for this book was perfect and made the build up perfect.
Noah and Heather are two people you wouldn’t not expect together. He is broody and set in his ways. Heather is very optimistic with everything she has been dealt in her life.
I always know when I pick up a book by Penelope Ward I am going to get one heck of a story. If you like slow burn friends to lovers story look no further.
This book was easy on the soul with just a dash of heaviness.
Heather and her mother (who struggles with depression) live in New Hampshire and rent out their boathouse for the summers. Noah is their summer tenant.
First, I can not stress enough how much I enjoyed Heather’s character. And I mean ‘character’ in every sense of the word. She is honest to a fault. She’s put her life on hold to take care of family. She’s a bit naive and sweet. She was so refreshing.
Noah is ~14 years older than she is and she makes it her mission to friend him despite his objections.
The chemistry between the two if off the charts.
You watch a friendship develop between the two over the course of the summer and then BAM! Classic Penelope twists happen.
There were so many funny and touching moments. Side characters and animals that you will fall in love with. Just a really good book.
When August Ends is an amazing read. I loved everything about this one. Heather is twenty and instead of being of at college and enjoying life she’s home looking after her mom and their lake house. Heather is a down to earth girl. I really liked her. She’s has a lot going on in her life but she’s never whiny about what life has dealt her. Noah is thirty five and he rented Heather’s boat house for the summer. Noah is an interesting guy. They have great chemistry. Their age difference and Noah’s past makes him not want to start anything more then a friendship relationship with Heather. I loved how the built a strong friendship before anything else. This one is a slow burn one and I was rooting for them to get together already. I thought everything was going good until there was a hint of something just not just right from Noah and I couldn’t read fast enough to see what was up. I was a little surprise at the twist but it fit perfectly into the story. I loved this one from beginning to end. This is one you should definitely one click.
Oh Penelope really knows how to weave a great story that will leave you as one happy reader!
Heather is such a young girl who feels stuck with nowhere to go (talk about boring) but when the new guest comes to stay at the boat, she suddenly feels sparks of excitement. Never in her wildest dreams did she think she would run into a man that godly and sinfully good looking.
Noah is a bit closed off and a bit broody. He’s trying for dear life to stay away from the sexy blonde, but she seems to make it impossible for him to want her in ways that are sinful.
I can tell you that I never need to read the synopsis when it comes to a Penelope Ward book. She intrigues me to no end and I always know that whatever she brings out will captivate me to the fullest.
When August Ends was definitely one of those slow burn, delicious reads that will have your kindle burning from hours of reading.
I can also tell you that I love, LOVE a forbidden affair or romance in the air. With Noah being quite a bit older than Heather really picked my interest to keep reading this book when I first opened it up. Heather was pretty young but she was a wise and intelligent girl who knew what she wanted and she wasn’t scared or ashamed to show it.
Noah and Heather seemed to have bonded and were building a great friendship that was slowly morphing into more.
A great read that will leave you in complete bliss.
4 Stars!
The Review:
This was another great read told from one of my favorite authors. Penelope Ward knows how to take a muted plot and turn it into a fun-filled romance, weaving in intelligent, playful characters, and a unique story with just enough twists and turns and steamy chemistry to WOW this reader.
When August Ends is a wonderful story about timing, fate and breaking the rules. I loved Noah and Heather!
Story/Characters…
Heather Chadwick needs a little excitement in her life. Some help and a solid shoulder to lean on wouldn’t hurt either. At only twenty years old, she’s encumbered by duty and resigned to her fate, but the minute she meets her hot new boathouse tenant, her life starts to shift and suddenly she’s looking forward instead of feeling stuck.
Noah Cavallari is older and wiser … and he absolutely will not touch the young, blond haired, blue eyed goddess that he rents the boathouse from. It’s only three months and he’s not there to start anything that could deter him from the reason he’s spending the summer at the lake. But that vow and all his good intentions just can’t compete with the temptation Heather poses when she sets her sights on him and entices him in ways he never knew he could be tempted.
Thoughts…
I was skeptical. I won’t lie. As much as I love a Penelope Ward book, I was a little scared to dig into this one after reading the blurb and knowing the hero would be quite a bit older than the heroine. However, though Noah is nearly thirteen years her senior, I never felt the distance between him and Heather. Noah’s experience and life lessons made him wise, rational, sensible and VERY sexy – all things Heather needed in her life.
Heather was an old soul. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was levelheaded, responsible and duty bound. She also had a lightness that shined bright in the midst of all that burden. Noah couldn’t help but be pulled towards it. They made a perfect couple, and their attraction to one another created a slow build that was enjoyable and fun. As the summer passed, their bond grew through midnight talks and daily chores, their steadfast friendship quickly passing into something profound and life-changing for both of them. I fell in love with them, their story and their chemistry.
I will say that I felt like the ending just came together way too easily. I also wish the pace had been a little more exciting and though I honestly didn’t see the “big reveal” coming and was surprised by it and loved the maturity with which both the mains handled it, I also felt the emotional impact wasn’t on par with the angsts I usually get from this author. I loved the story. I loved the characters. But I also felt it was missing a small amount of something that’s usually there to pull me off the grey line and into the “feels” I love so much.
The Wrap Up:
Overall, I really enjoyed this easy-to-read, well-written book. I admired the friends-to-lovers feel while the mains shared a fair amount of sexual tension that slowly built into a handful of sexy moments as Noah and Heather fought their serious attraction to one another. I’m a huge fan of this author and always will be. She’s my go-to place for quick, easy-to-read sexy romances that hook me from the beginning and thrill me to the very end. When August Ends was a good read and one I know I’ll reread again soon.