This is hard to review. I adored some of this book, the first half was so good but the latter half just didn't work as well for me and it felt a little meh. I adore instant romances and deep connections and this book definitely featured that. Also, both of the main characters were very cute and I enjoyed the dynamic that the two of them had.

I was a little annoyed at how a lot of the other characters are just all of a sudden vilified and the isolation of the two main characters, they only end up really having each other which never sets overly well with me in books. There were also a lot of things that were mentioned and then never spoken about or talked about again.

Overall though I enjoyed this and it was a quick, fun read.

Thanks to Netgalley for an Arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

I picked up this book because demi-sexual rep can be hard to find and I have a weakness for summer romances. The setting in Tampa was full of beachy summer vibes which are much appreciated in the pursuit of fun literary escapism! As the description tells you, things start off with Shae's boyfriend dumping her for her best friend and all of her summer plans falling apart. Newly single Shae then has a classic meet-cute with tattooed musician Asher and insta-love ensues. We are talking really fast. So if you're looking for a slow burn this isn't it. But if you're down with the insta-love trope it was pretty cute and both Shae and Asher seem to be quite self-aware and occasionally cautious of how fast things are progressing.

Some things I like about their relationship:
> First and foremost was the fact that they were both musicians. Most of the romantic scenes centered around music and I really appreciated how their shared love of music brought them together.
> Boundaries about physical touch are explicitly discussed and clear affirmative consent is asked for and given when appropriate. (I really can't express how appreciative I am of this)
> I have a personal hate of the miscommunication trope in romance. There is none of that here. Shae and Asher seem like emotionally healthy individuals who actually communicate their insecurities and seek assurance from each other. In several instances, they define boundaries, communicate worries, notice the other person's nervousness or emotions, and then ASK about what that person is feeling and give them space to say as much or as little as they want. They trust each other even when they are insecure. I was like whoa romance characters treating each other well and nurturing a truly healthy relationship? whaaaattt?
I do want to note that I'd be interested in what other demi-sexual reviewers thought of the representation. The specific term was not clearly used though it was tagged "demi-sexual" on Netgalley and Asher clearly communicates that he is on the Ace-spec. The insta-love made things move pretty quickly which made it not quite match up to my own experiences. However, there is no single experience of being on the ace-spec so other readers might feel differently. I did really appreciate the conversation Asher had about it with Shae. I wish it was pointed out a bit more explicitly how some comments made by side characters were really insensitive. Though most readers will probably be able to make that conclusion by themselves. I think it is really important to normalize having romance books with Ace-spec characters and I love how this book is doing that.

Final note!: Another thing I think the book did well was how it addressed the process of ending friendships and that sometimes we realize our friends aren't who we thought they were. (view spoiler)

If you're a lover of the romance genre and all its associated tropes and looking for a few hours of fun escapism give The Summer I Loved You a go.

I posted the wrong review, but I will be reading this book soon. I am sorry! I posted the wrong review, but I will be reading this book soon. I am sorry! I posted the wrong review, but I will be reading this book soon. I am sorry! I posted the wrong review, but I will be reading this book soon. I am sorry!