Elizabeth O'Roark's The Summer You Found Me Review!

The Summer You Found Me

By: Elizabeth O’Roark

Release Date: January 25, 2024

Publisher: Elizabeth O’Roark

Author Website: https://www.elizabethoroark.com/

5 Star

Elizabeth O'Roark's The Summer You Found Me was a hard read, a beautifully ugly read, a story that will break your heart even as it makes it whole again.

Kate Lowell was not an easy character to love. In fact for the first half of this book it was nearly impossible not to actively hate her, so it was a testament to this author's storytelling skills that she was able to turn Kate around to a place of not only like but love. Brilliant and damaged Kate's life was one of endless sadness and tragedy that overshadowed any bright spots that managed to break through. Her holding on to what she perceived as the good points of her past smothered her and was unrealistic blinding her to the potential good that was waiting for her peripherally. Kate's acting out in cruel and calculated ways was hard to ignore. 

Jacob "Beck" Beck never reached out for more as the one thing he wanted was taken from before it was his, Kate. Attached to Beck's best friend Kate was taboo and Beck struggled to keep his distance until fate intervened and he was given a chance to be where he always wanted with Kate. Hidden by indifference and sarcasm Beck hid a tender heart and kindness.

Beck was a man who understood Kate on a whole other level. This couple's connection was deep, painful and filled with broken pieces. That they could see each other's dysfunction and not only not run but try and fix it spoke volumes. As this pair worked through their attraction, which was so much more than physical, it was hard not to feel their pain as well as their love. The intensity of Beck and Kate's chemistry was powerful and the effort to not get knocked down by it was not easy, theirs was a fierce love with lots of obstacles. Intense interactions and conflicts fleshed this story out and emphasized the depth of pain in this work as well as meaningful friendships showing hope.

Elizabeth O'Roark goes to places that are as intimidating as they are devastating. This author's ability to bring happiness out of emotionally crushing situations is remarkable and inspiring. Elizabeth O'Roark's The Summer You Found Me was this year's book that needed to be found, a great read 

*While this story can be read as a standalone, reading the previous book in this series would enhance the overall reading experience of this work.*