My The Summer I Fell for My Best Friend Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
The Summer I Fell for My Best Friend by Sara Jane Woodley is a sweet, heart-felt young adult romance set at a family inn in the mountains. Bree Lewis had plans to spend her summer in Portugal, but her parents send her to work at Legacy Inn instead. Less than thrilled, Bree is ready to count the days until it’s over—until she sees Noah Sawyer, her childhood best friend she hasn’t spoken to in years. Noah, Edendale High’s heartthrob, is working at the inn as well. It’s been three years since they talked, but this summer brings them back into each other’s orbit. As old memories and feelings surface, Bree and Noah are forced to face what happened between them years ago and decide if their friendship—and maybe something more—can be salvaged. Featuring family drama, storm chasing, and plenty of awkward moments, this book is about taking chances and letting go of the past.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book captures the mix of awkwardness, nostalgia, and real emotion that comes with reconnecting with someone you once knew. The inn setting is cozy and gives plenty of chances for Bree and Noah to interact in funny, honest, and sometimes painful ways. Bree’s personality really shines—she’s messy, impulsive, and not perfect, but that makes her all the more real. I also like the touches of humor throughout—there are moments that made me smile and lines that stick with me. The focus on friendship and what it means to risk your heart for someone you care about is handled well. The storm chasing scenes bring something fresh to the plot. And while the story isn’t all light—there’s angst and some misunderstandings—it balances sweetness and drama in a way that feels true to being a teen. I finished the book feeling happy for Bree and Noah, and also glad to have seen Bree grow by the end.
Who Will Like This Book
If you enjoy friends-to-lovers romance with a dash of second chance and a lot of fluff, you’ll love this book. It’s perfect for readers looking for a clean, sweet YA romance, without mature content or harsh language. I think anyone who enjoys summer settings, family inn drama, or stories about forgiveness and fresh starts will connect with Bree’s and Noah’s journey. The book deals with teen angst and family expectations, so if you like coming-of-age stories, this one is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: There’s some family conflict and anxiety, and characters deal with insecurity and emotional pain, but there are no heavy or mature themes or content.
Tagged As
young adult, sweet romance, friends to lovers, second chance romance, summer romance, small town, family business, heartthrob hero, messy heroine, storm chasing, coming of age, clean romance, banter, awkward reunions, Legacy Inn, closed-door romance, no mature content, swoony moments, feel-good, reuniting, YA series, teen drama, sassy heroine, slow burn
Steam Level
There are sweet, romantic moments—maybe a kiss or two—but no explicit content. The intimacy is about longing looks, butterflies, and the excitement of first love, making it perfect for younger readers or anyone wanting a wholesome romance.
This novel is #9 on our list of Top 10 Clean Romance Novels. View the full list.
