Karen Erickson’s ‘That One Summer’ is a fast-paced small town romance that would be perfect to throw in your beach/pool bag for a quick read.

Cameron McKenzie couldn’t wait to leave Lone Pine Lake, the small town where he grew up. An accomplished war photographer, he’s gotten really great at just that… leaving. It’s only when he reticently returns home for his sister’s wedding that her best friend, Chloe Dawson, catches his eye. Chloe has always had a crush on her best friend’s older brother, and manages to see beyond his brusque exterior… most of the time. When an accident throws them together, their simmering chemistry will spill over and leave them both wondering if it’s just a fling, or whether they have what it takes to make it work.

I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry between Chloe and Cameron, as well as the supporting cast of characters. Chloe’s friend, Ali, and Cameron’s brother, Mac, definitely have an underlying story within the greater narrative arc, and I’d love it if Erickson continues this series with their story. There were some elements of Cameron’s initial cruelty that I didn’t love, and parts of the plot line was a bit over the top, but sometimes that’s just what you need when reading a romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC, which I’ve reviewed honestly.

After I started reading this I realized that I had already read an earlier edition of this book which was then titled :Tempting Cameron: A Lone Pine Lake Novel". I enjoyed the plot then and still do with this new edition. However, I wish the author had indicated that this was a previously released book in her blurb so others will not make the mistake of thinking this is a new story.

This is a quick and easy read detailing the romance between Chloe, an elementary school teacher and Cameron, a photo journalist who does not enjoy being back in his hometown.

I was given a free ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have to say I was very impressed with Karen Ericksons writing style! It was very easy to read and easy to follow! I truly loved the characters, I actually fell in love with the plot and characters right off the bat. This is definitely a sweet and a lil steamy novel! The plot was very cute and I loved the character development but I have to say I wish it was longer! It felt like things went a lot faster after the accident and I found myself wishing it would slow down a smidge!

The story of Cam and Chloe. She has always had a crush on him, and now he is back in town for his sisters wedding, does she have a chance with him, or will he just leave again and break her heart?

Looking forward to the other books in this series.

WOW!!! This book is amazing. This is the first book I've read by Karen Erickson and I am amazed at how well written this story is. I will definitely read more of Karen's books. I could not put this book down. I normally do not finish a book so fast but this one was a easy read. The story line was easy to follow. There were moments when I wanted to smack one of the characters. My heart skipped beats while reading this book. This is such a romantic book. I can't say too much without giving spoilers. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.

I was given an ARC of That One Summer by Karen Erickson. This book was a fast pace and emotional romance. I really enjoyed this book. From the beginning of the first chapter I was hooked. It starts off at Chloe's best friend Jane's wedding. Dancing with her best friend Mac, who is also Jane's brother. When thier older brother Cam asks Chloe to dance. Her thoughts went wild. I am not going to say much more, because I dont want to spoil the book. If your looking for a great fast pace read, I would defiantly pick this one up. That one summer will be available for purchasing March 3. I rate this book 4.5/5 Stars.

A small town romance, Chloe and Cam have known each other since they were young. Chloe has always had a crush on him but Cam has always been resistant to her and left their small town once he was able to, never to look back again. He's back for his sister's wedding and recent events in is past has made it so that he needs to stay a little while. Can they take this time to become more than just acquaintances?

This was a cute story that I was given the opportunity to read through NetGalley (thank you!)- the book named for Chloe's request to have Cam give her an unforgettable summer. I thought that the characters, both the couple and the supporting characters, were a bit immature. Cam was called out for his "woe is me" behavior, Chloe can't help herself and breaks someone's confidence, Cam's brothers and sisters use odd ways of trying to get through to Cam that obviously wouldn't work given the way he is. It was a little unbelievable and because consistent, did get a little tiresome. However, overall, it was a sweet story that kept my attention and I enjoyed it.

That One Summer is a perfect example of Karen Erickson’s fluid writing style and her ability to engage her readers from the very first page, and keep you riveted till the last page is turned. That One Summer has wonderful characters, an engaging storyline and plenty of depth and emotion. I would probably rate the heat level of this story as less than I’m used to; being suitable for younger adults rather than exceedingly steamy, but nevertheless, it is an intriguing and heartfelt story that is easily consumed in one sitting, due to its easy ebb and flow.

I liked this book. The. couple tried to start their relationship out just as a summer fling-no sex just romance. This proved to be harder than they thought. She was the girl next door & he was a brooding loner. She was able to draw him out to his true self except he had something he hadn’t told her.

This was a very enjoyable book. A fast, easy read. Great character development. I loved them all...they were very real.

Thank you to Netgalley, Social Butterfly PR, and Karen Erickson for an ARC of That One Summer in exchange for an honest review. All of my opinions on this book are my own and not influenced by receiving an advanced copy.

I am rating this book a 4.2 out of 5 stars! I rate different categories that are important to me personally in a book, and then take an average of the scores to get my overall rating. I don’t share this rubric, because everyone has their own opinions on what makes a great book, and should cater their ratings to their own personal preferences!

The hook in this book was excellent. Pulled you in right from the get go, but what was truly great was the writing keeping you hooked throughout the whole story. I read it in under 48 hours. The writing style was very fluid; just felt very natural for the story being told.

I enjoyed the relatability of Chloe. I’m pretty sure all of us at some point had a major crush on a friend’s older brother. Possibly a flame some readers have carried into adulthood just like Chloe did for Cameron. Having a character like Chloe that you can relate to right away in the book is so great, because it helps the reader put themselves in the story. Loved the depth from both Chloe and Cameron, and their relationship.

Everyone’s opinion of the level of steaminess in a book is different. For me being a somewhat conservative girl, it was toeing the line of being uncomfortable. Based on steam level, I would recommend this book to my college girlfriends, but probably not to my mother. 😂

Enjoyed this story immensely, and would recommend reading it when released!

(3.5) Three Point Five Stars for “That One Summer” by Karen Erickson

Many thanks to NetGalley, Social Butterfly PR, and Karen Erickson for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review of “That One Summer”. My thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and independent of receiving an advance copy.

Synopsis: “The girl next door never looked so good…
Cameron McKenzie knows he's damaged goods. It's the reason he's stayed away from Lone Pine Lake--from just about everyone but his sister Jane. By default, that often meant her pesky, crushing best friend Chloe Dawson, too.

But when he sees Chloe at Jane's wedding, he sees something new in her. Something unexpected.
Chloe has always thought Cam hung the moon. She's even let herself dream of a future with the brooding bad boy in her heart of hearts. After one explosive kiss, it's time to make her move. The guy who always leaves might be tempted to stay by a no-strings offer of a summer romance.

No strings is exactly what Cameron needs to explore these confusing feelings about the beautiful girl next door. He knows he's not worthy of their hometown's resident good girl. But this good girl's ready for an adventure…one that just might end up lasting a lifetime.”

WRITING STYLE: 5/5
PLOT: 3/5
WORLD-BUILDING: 3/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 4/5
ROMANCE: 4/5 (sweet yet steamy variety)
HEAT: 2/5 (see above)

Author Karen Erickson gives us a stunningly beautifully written story with two great characters that unfortunately just falls short in the last act for some reason. It’s gorgeous and slow burn, sweet and steamy and then all of a sudden, rush, rush, rush, done. I don’t really know what happened there, if that was the intention for the story or if time ran out. Some people might be perfectly happy with the ending. I would have preferred a little more story. It’s so unfortunate because it is just gorgeous. I really do encourage people to read this book and make up their own minds. Cameron and Chloe are great characters and the setting is beautiful. The story is quite good. I just really hate to repeat myself but I wish that there had been more story to the last bit of this book.

Chloe and Cameron grew up together in Lone Pine Lake. Chloe has always had a crush on Cameron and he knows it. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, never feeling he’s worthy of…well much of anything. He leaves the small town at the first opportunity. Chloe and Cameron see each other when Cameron comes back for his sister’s wedding. There is electricity in the air and they share a kiss. Chloe knows that Cameron is not the staying around type but maybe she could have him for one summer? Things get complicated after Chloe gets into an accident and Cameron’s walls start to come down. Maybe he’ll stick around this time? Maybe forever?

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