Good things happen at the lake, and in her newest novel, Fortune revisits characters from her first novel - Every Summer After. Charlie Florek takes centre stage as does Alice Everly who with her grandmother heads north to Barry’s Bay for the summer. A magical place for her grandmother, and a place for Alice to reset, unwind and of course you know from the outset - find love. A great snack of book. I am quite sure Fortune fans will be happy with the return to Barry’s Bay and the characters they have grown to love there. A friend’s to lovers romance with charm, wit and easy banter.
Perfect dockside summer reading.

I loved Every Summer After back when I read it in 2022, so you can only imagine how excited I was to hear that we were finally getting Charlie's story. Carley Fortune's writing is incredible, and One Golden Summer is truly one of the top books this year. Mark my words.

I think it might be physically impossible to not feel fully immersed in this book. I'm currently living through a freezing winter, but I felt like I was thrown into summertime at Barry's Bay. Not only that, but Carley's ability to write characters is truly remarkable (iykyk).

Charlie & Alice's characters are fleshed out so perfectly, it feels so natural in the way that we get to know these two. I absolutely adored the way that Carley built these two. A woman trying to live a life for herself, to find what makes her happy again. A man who lives in fear & grief, worrying too much about the "what-if" to allow himself the life he desires. Charlie & Alice are two beautifully written characters with so much depth, growth, relatability, and a sort of genuine feel that makes you feel like you're right there with them.

The romance in this was nothing short of perfect. Charlie & Alice's dynamic was everything I wanted it to be and more!!! The shy, blushing girl meets the cocky, flirty boy. A true embodiment of not only opposites attract, but also fate & soulmates. I loved their banter, their connection & their love story soso dearly. The chemistry & tension between these two radiates off the page and leaves you wanting more & more. I fell in love with these two as individuals and as the people they became with each other. I love them SO much!!!!

This book is one I'll hold on to forever, one I will certainly recommend to no end, & one of my favorite reads this year. I have yet to leave a Carley Fortune book without being in love with it by the end!!! Mark your calendars for this one!!!

“good things happen at the lake.”🚤🌊🌤️✨📸🏊🏼‍♀️

carley fortune, you have done it again. I am so amazed by this story. this book is for the people still trying to find a place in this world, and for the ones who feel very deeply but are afraid of truly being seen. I found so much of myself in this book, and when things like that happen it’s a really beautiful thing. from the very first page, I knew this book was going to be one of my favorite romances of the year.

I read every summer after in 2022, and it has been a book that has stuck with me since!! I fell for Charlie Florek early on and have always wanted to see more of his character. You learn so much about him in this book, and all I’m gonna say is he’s now in my top 10 book bfs list. the amount of times he made me laugh out loud… he’s such a funny character but also has such a beautiful depth to his personality. the last 10% of the book broke me because of how much I related to him❤️‍🩹

My sweet girl Alice!!! So I think Carley actually wrote about me? from the photography, to how she expresses love and wants to receive it, to how she feels so deeply for everything. Alice & Nan were such a sweet duo. I loved their time at Barry’s Bay together. And yes, we do get glimpses of Sam and Percy’s life together now. I missed them so much!!

if you can’t tell from this lengthy review, I love this book. definitely a new favorite. I read this at the right time in my life for sure.🤍

Carley the woman that you are!! Wow I LOVED every second of this book and truly believe this is going to be THE summer read of 2025. The tension and banter between our sweet and flirty Charlie and the daring new FMC Alice was absolute perfection. Not only did the romance have me giggling and kicking my feet but the sweet storyline between Alice and her grandmother was so tender. Carley Fortune has become an auto-buy author for me and I truly can’t wait for you all to revisit Barry’s Bay and melt into this book!

Thank you SO much NetGalley for this ARC :)

"Just see where the sun takes you. And don't forget: Good things happen at the lake."

I read this book in the middle of a New England winter and an entire snow storm, yet I felt like it was summer and I'm at a lake house in Barry's Bay. Her way of putting you into these scenes and characters emotions is what I love about her books.

Charlie is absolutely everything. He makes me giddy with the way he comes off so care-free and flirty. But his character development really shows how much is under the surface of him.

Alice coming out of her shell was also refreshing. They are a perfect match and watching their slow burn was chefs kiss 🤌🏼. They both show up for each other time and time again, they're honest, and open. I fell for these characters so quickly.

I also just feel like this is so nostalgic. Alice coming to the lake for her Nan, who spent most of summers here as well, took you through the complex relationships of families and old friends. The tie back to the first photo she took felt like fate and I loved that concept.

Needless to say, I adored this book. Thank you to Berkely and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you for the eARC, Berkley Romance!

In the highly anticipated follow-up to Every Summer After, readers return to the lake for Sam’s brother Charlie’s story. Charlie is taking care of the cabin that Alice and her grandmother plan to spend the summer in. At first, Alice finds Charlie cocky, flirtatious, and full of himself. Soon, she sees past his tough exterior to the kind, helpful, caring man that would do anything for those he cares for, except possibly give her the one thing she needs from him.

I absolutely loved Every Summer After, and this book was every bit as magical. Carley Fortune has the most amazing way with words that makes you feel like you are right there at the lake, breeze gently blowing and sun shining, enjoying the peaceful summer right alongside the characters. Charlie was such a lovable character, and I found Alice very relatable so they were such a fun couple to read about. I loved getting to revisit familiar characters and places, and for the best reading experience, I’d highly recommend that readers check out Every Summer After first because there is a lot of crossover and plot points mentioned in this book. This is the perfect summer beach, lake, or pool read, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Every time I think I can't love Carley Fortune more, she puts out another book and proves me wrong. The thing is that with One Golden Summer she said "Here look at how romance is supposed to be." This was to put it simply–her best book to date and I say this a lover of all of her previous books. This one was particularly special because we're back in Barry's Bay. Back to Charlie, to Percy and Sam. Every Summer After is one of my favorite books but One Golden Summer just completely killed me. This book is so romantic, so full of chemistry, with two main characters that are so great, and not only that but also a cast of incredible secondary characters. I didn't really expect to fall in love with Alice and Charlie quite as hard as I did. I adored Alice from the start and fell in love with the way she sees and perceives places, people, details, and emotions and her passion for photography. I think Carley managed to write such a beautiful portrayal of it. She's such a deep character. She feels so deeply and loves just the same. She's my favorite heroine Carley has written. I loved Charlie since I met him. But we got to see so much more and get to know him better and I loved him. He's immensely charming, so understanding, caring and feels incredibly deep. Now, Alice and Charlie together? Fireworks, sparks, explosives. They were PERFECT for each other. I can't explain how much I absolutely adored this book.

This book was an adventure into the summer romance all coastal girlies grew up dreaming about. The handsome, charming boy across the lake becomes the one to break down Alice’s emotional barriers over a decade after their first chance encounter - the encounter that began her career as a photographer. Sprinkled with familial love and turmoil, commentary on time and grief, and a dazzling setting every Canadian will find bits of themselves in, One Golden Summer is the perfect getaway.

One Golden Summer ☀️🚤🥟👙🎞️
5🌟
3🌶️

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free book! #berkley #berkleypartner

Do you ever read a book at a certain time in your life and it’s exactly what you needed because it’s exactly what you’re going through? One Golden Summer is that book for me. I recently had two family members get into a very bad car accident, and alongside my mom, have been working to take care of them. Every single word of Alice taking care of Nan felt relatable to me.

I’ve been a fan of Carley Fortune and Every Summer After for a long time now. I love the way Carley weaves stories and settings, and how she always has the most perfectly complex characters. After the twist in ESA, I was hesitant about Charlie as a MMC despite OGS being my most anticipated read of 2025.

Carley handles Charlie’s character progression and development really wonderfully. I found it within myself to forgive him for what happened in ESA, and I really started to root for him. I also really loved Alice’s entire character and development, and I really saw myself in her.

There is nothing like an up-north summer, and this book has me needing a Michigan summer, where I grew up, as soon as possible. There’s something so special and magical about summers up north, and Carley captures this within every single book in the best possible way.

While you can read this book without having read Every Summer After, I would absolutely highly recommend it to get the best experience out of One Golden Summer and to really understand the characters, their backgrounds, and how meaningful their progression truly is.

It Charlie’s turn! After reading Every Summer After and being introduced to Charlie there I wasn’t sure how I would feel about him in this one but I really enjoy him and this story!

Alice is a photographer who has always been comfortable on the sidelines but recently she feels like she wants more. When her grandma has a surgery she will need a bit of help recovering from Alice takes it as a sign to go back to somewhere they love, Barry’s Bay. Once they arrive non other than Charlie Florek makes his presence known by not only being the house care taker but being the handsome guy she had photographed years ago on her last visit to the lake.

Through all the flirting one thing is certain, relationships are off limits for the both of them.

I loved Charlie, Alice and her grandma Nan. Though This Summer Will Be Different is still my favorite Fortune book, I loved this one also!

Another fantastic summer read! Carley Fortune does it again!! Her books are always so great for summer reads. This has me wanting a summer day so badly!

I absolutely adored this book. My only complaint is that I don’t think Charlie’s exist in real life. But seriously this book was perfection. Spicy, sweet, surprising, just perfect.

This was a highly anticipated read for me this year and it showed up and exceeded my expectations.

Carley’s imagery is some of the best parts of her writing. You can vividly imagine Barry’s Bay it felt nostalgic after coming back after reading Every Summer After. One Golden Summer stands on its own but it’s so connected to Every Summer After, I highly recommend you read it first for the best character experience. Charlie makes some statements about himself that had been sobbing but would have been overlooked if you haven’t read Every Summer After.

I’ve read 4 out of 5 of Carly’s Books. I’d give this one a 2-3 (out of 5) spice ranking, making it one of her steamiest that I’ve read so far. It fit the characters love story and the slow burn was BURNING. There is some on page spice and some fades to black.

Alice was perfect for Charlie, and I am so glad Carly wrote their love story. I had so many mixed emotions with Every Summer After, THIS was the HEA we all needed.

Here’s to my new favorite book!! This will be the book of the summer.
Obsessed. Loved. Smitten. I could come up with so many more words to describe my feelings after reading this book. There’s something about Barry’s Bay that feels like home. The summers, the lake house, the boat rides, and the characters. This one is going to stay with me for a long time. It is just incredible in so many ways. I laughed. I cried. I fell in love again and felt those memories of being seventeen having the summer I will never forget! The yearning. The flirting. The carefree summer we always want. The summer nostalgia vibes and days spent at the lake are so perfect in this story.

One Golden Summer has everything we loved about Every Summer After but this is Alice’s and Charlie’s story. It takes place exactly three years after Every Summer After. There are so many woven layers into this story and I think so many people are going to connect with them on many levels. I felt so deeply connected with Alice and her character- this book spoke to me on many levels. Alice is in her thirties, living, but not exactly thriving. She is a photographer and has always committed herself to giving all she can to her work and relationships but many times not asking for help or receiving the same level of care she gives out. I felt so seen by this!! Charlie is in his redemption era trying to change who he was as a younger kid. I really enjoyed seeing his personality and his flirting behavior with Alice. Charlie says that Alice is funny, but Charlie and Nan were hysterical to me. Her old lady wise quotes and words had me laughing so much.

“Good things happen at the lake”

this book was just what I needed. the perfect cozy cottage, warm days, lake vibes has me yearning for summer. the writing style is so beautiful and the imagery makes you feel so nostalgic. this book feels like a big warm hug.

charlie and alice are the definition of opposites attract and they are just what the other needed. their connection and friendship was truly so beautiful to read about. this was a beautiful slow burn that had me on the edge of my seat. the tension was so palpable with those two and their chemistry was undeniable. I love them both so much!

this is the perfect book for summer and I definitely see myself re-reading this in the summertime.

thank you so much berkley & netgalley for the e-arc I’m forever grateful!!!

No one does angst like Carley Fortune! The longing, the tension, the redemption arc, the chemistry—absolute perfection. I loved Charlie in Every Summer After, so I was beyond thrilled to see him get his own book. If you haven’t read ESA yet, definitely start there!

And Nan—oh my heart. She reminded me so much of my own grandma with her happy-go-lucky spirit. The nostalgia, the summer vibes, the writing…chef’s kiss. Besides, who wouldn’t want to relive summer when you were 17 years old?! Mark your calendars for May, because this one is a must-read! Obviously!!

Alice spent one unforgettable summer at Barry’s Bay with her Nan at seventeen, capturing a photo that changed everything. Now a photographer who prefers life behind the lens, she returns to the lake years later, craving something more. But their quiet summer is disrupted by a familiar yellow boat—and Charlie Florek, the boy from her past who’s now all grown up. As long summer days and late-night conversations draw them closer, Alice realizes that while she’s always been the one to see people, Charlie is the first to truly see her.

The fact that this isn’t my story makes me so sad. Reading this in the dead of winter in the city made me feel like it was summer, and now I’m beyond excited for the warmer days ahead.

Charlie was everything I hoped he would be, I adore him. Alice too—she was so relatable. I can easily see this book becoming a hit summer movie, one that will make the season feel even more magical. I’m already dreaming of rereading it by the lake in the summer, only to cry myself to sleep because Alice got the life she wished for at 17… meanwhile, I probably never will.

I really loved Every Summer After, and it has stuck with me ever since. Back then, Sam was my only favorite, but I wanted to know more about Charlie, and I’m so glad we finally did. It was so wonderful to return to Barry’s Bay—I hope I can visit this summer. And, of course, I’m thrilled we got to see Sam and Percy again.

I hope we all get a great summer love story like Charlie and Alice, and when this becomes a MOVIE remember who told you first!

Thank you, Berkley, for the ARC!

Carley Fortune remains a must but, especially when it comes to the summer romance — and everything after. I love how her characters find themselves, rather than lose themselves, in love. I loved Alice, and how her journey to feel herself again included Charlie but was Alice-directed. It’s hard to write falling in love and still maintain such a truth to the essential of who each character is, but it’s done so well here. Plus, there’s Nan ❤️

Well, I’m a little mad at Carley Fortune for making us wait so long for Charlie Florek’s story after Every Summer After—which was quite a fascinating read for me… until it wasn’t (yes, I’m talking about that big twist in the last quarter that made me hate the book). But even that didn’t stop me from rooting for Charlie—an incorrigible flirt, a human beam of sunshine with his smart-ass comments, huge ego, and Greek-god-level looks, including those green eyes you could get drunk on with just a quick glance!

Thankfully, the wait is over, and this book turned out to be my favorite of Fortune’s works. Maybe I’m biased, maybe reading about Charlie and seeing his character evolve made me extra giddy, but I couldn’t help feeling pure joy as I followed Alice and Charlie’s slow-burn, opposites-attract, steamy romance that had me grinning from ear to ear until my face hurt. It was an absolute pleasure to return to Barry’s Bay, with its spectacular views that make you want to dive into the pages and never return to reality.

In this novel, Alice Everly returns to this magical place after 15 years to lift her grandmother’s spirits as she recovers from hip surgery. This town holds special meaning for Alice—it’s where she first found her purpose as a photographer. She even once photographed three familiar faces—young Sam, Charlie, and Percy (yes, the main characters from Every Summer After), though she was too shy to introduce herself. Instead, she submitted the photo to a contest that won her an award and kick-started her career.

But now, Alice feels lost. With her sisters moving on with their lives, her divorced parents in their own worlds, and a fresh heartbreak from the long-term boyfriend she planned to build a life with (who, by the way, had the audacity to get engaged to someone else immediately after their breakup), she buries herself in work. Needing a reset, she heads to Barry’s Bay to recharge. The one thing she didn’t count on? The absolute flirt, walking sex magnet that is Charlie Florek—who, in addition to taking care of the place she’s staying in, is adamant about taking care of both her nan and her. Charlie never takes no for an answer, easily getting under Alice’s skin despite her best efforts to resist. But the sparks don’t just fly—they’re about to set the whole town on fire. The only way to survive? Giving her heart a second chance, even though Charlie insists he’s not the kind of guy she can build a future with. But with him, she feels alive again—like she’s 17, refreshed, reborn, laughing more, finding her path, and falling hard. Will they take a chance on love, despite Charlie’s hesitations?

I loved this book with my whole heart. Alice’s journey of self-discovery was beautiful to witness, like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. And Charlie? He completely melted me with his charm, witty banter, and undeniable presence. I only docked half a point because I rolled my eyes at the final twist revealing the biggest obstacle between them—it was hinted at the beginning, but still made me groan. That said, I adored their intense friends-to-lovers romance so much that I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to a full 5. Carley Fortune, thank you for finally giving us Charlie Florek’s story—it was absolutely worth the wait!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an ARC of one of my most anticipated romances in exchange for my honest thoughts. Special thanks to Carley Fortune for finally delivering Charlie Florek’s story!

Some books have a way of transporting you, making you feel the sun on your skin and the nostalgia of summers past. This is one of those books. With a breathtaking lakeside setting and beautifully drawn characters, it’s a story that perfectly captures the magic of second chances, self-discovery, and the kind of love that sees you for who you truly are.