Same Time Next Summer

Sam's structured no-nonsense approach to life has led her to build a successful career in HR and craft the perfect orderly life with her fiance Jack. But during a getaway to her parent's summer house where she's set to tour wedding venues, she runs into the one complication she didn't see coming. Her first love Wyatt who broke her heart when she was seventeen.

And as the days unfold Sam begins to reminisce on a time long ago when she and Wyatt were inseparable and their future lay before them before the fateful moment that led to the end of their love story. The more Sam remembers the more she begins to question who she is and if she's making the right decisions with her life.

This second-chance romance fell flat for one main reason I didn't buy the romance between the FMC (Sam) and MMC (Wyatt). They were in their teens when they dated and fell in love and now 13 years later, they have the same intense feelings despite having lived their own lives and evolving into the adults they are now. This just wasn't believable for me.

I also felt the ending was a little rushed we didn't get much time to experience the depth and complexity of the events that transpired. It was like everything fell into place with little to no effort.

While I couldn't push past my dislikes I can say I enjoyed Annabel Monaghan's storytelling skills. Despite my feelings, I was invested in Sam's journey and personal development. What would she eventually choose?

Additionally, her writing style is a fresh approach to crafting an emotion-packed contemporary romance that includes depth and layers. With a lot of focus placed on character development and growth as well as crafting a love story complete with chemistry and a happy ending.

I also enjoyed her family. They not only displayed a solid support system for Sam they added depth and complexity to the story.

I am looking forward to reading other books by this author but this just didn't hit the mark for me.