A big thanks to NetGalley and Wattpad for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

First off, if you haven't read Best Vacation Ever, go pick it up. This book picks up right where that one left off, and having that context will make everything even more enjoyable. I found myself really connecting with the characters this time around, and it was interesting to see the other side of the arguments from Best Vacation Ever.

That being said, I had a lot of fun with this book! Would my younger self have loved it? Absolutely. It’s a perfect escape from reality. As an adult, though, what resonated with me most were the friendships. There’s plenty of drama and secrets, and I had to keep reminding myself that these characters are teenagers! Overall, it was a light, heartwarming read. I also really appreciate the author’s writing style—it flows so well and is super easy to follow, without any confusion.

4 stars!!

Best Summer Ever by Jessica Cunsolo is a heartwarming and engaging summer read that perfectly captures friendship, love, and adventure. Jenna and Olivia’s journey is both relatable and emotional, filled with moments that make you smile and characters that feel incredibly real. The banter between the characters is fun and witty, making their interactions feel natural and entertaining. Seeing places like Western and UofT in the book made me feel even more connected to the story, adding a special personal touch. It’s refreshing to read a book set in familiar places, making the experience even more immersive.

Beyond the romance, the book beautifully explores the bonds of friendship and the bittersweet nature of change. Jenna and Olivia’s last summer before college is filled with excitement, uncertainty, and self-discovery, making it easy to root for them as they navigate new experiences. The mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and personal growth keeps the story engaging from start to finish. Whether you're looking for a lighthearted beach read or a story with deeper emotional moments, Best Summer Ever delivers.

Jessica Cunsolo is not a new author to me—her other books have been just as incredible, and Best Summer Ever is no exception. Her storytelling always draws me in, and I can’t wait to read her upcoming books. A must-read for anyone who loves contemporary fiction with charm and heart!

Pick this book up on June 25th 2025☀️👙⛱️

Best Summer Ever leans more toward women’s fiction than romance, which in my opinion I loved but most importantly made sense for this story it’s rare to see a YA story focus so deeply on friendship, family, and growing pains without making romance the main plot. That said, the three couples featured were super cute (especially Olivia and Dylan, who had amazing chemistry from the start!).
For me, Jenna’s character arc stood out the most. Her struggle with change, control, and entering adulthood felt so relatable. While the romance between her and Hari felt a little underdeveloped, I appreciated that the story didn’t force it to take center stage.
The diverse cast, refreshing parent dynamics (Jenna’s dad was a surprise favorite), and the way it ties into Best Vacation Ever made it a satisfying read. The ending mirrored a few beats from the previous book, which felt slightly repetitive, but overall, this is a heartfelt, messy, and summery read that hits the right notes for fans of character-driven YA.

"Best Summer Ever" is a fantastic YA novel that explores the transition from high school to college, focusing on friendships, romantic love, and the anxieties that accompany such changes. Filled with summer fun and romance, it is a heartwarming read, featuring delightful banter and complex characters. I loved the vivid scenery and engaging storylines, and I found the conflicts to be realistic and well-crafted.

The book is told from two perspectives, each facing their own unique struggles and both internal and external conflicts. Unlike many other novels, I enjoyed both perspectives so much that I can't even choose a favorite. The same goes for the romance and the main characters; I had no preference between them, as I loved them all wholeheartedly.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Best Summer Ever gave all the summery vibes! Not only is the cover art amazing, but it’s a great coming-of-age story mixed with some romance. Although I enjoyed reading this book, I felt the pacing was a bit off. I was intrigued in the beginning, but felt like the story was a bit slow in the middle and then it picked back up again in the end. Our two main characters are cousins Jenna and Olivia and we follow both of their romantic interests. I definitely preferred Olivia’s story and chapters more than Jenna’s and found her a much more likable character overall. I think this book was a bit predictable and cliche at times, which is typically not my favorite. The writing also fell a bit flat for me since I found it to be very matter-of-fact and repetitive. Regardless, this was a fun read if you’re looking for a quick summer story! A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

Best Summer Ever – Jessica Cunsolo
A lighthearted, feel-good novel that captures the magic of summer adventures and young love. Cunsolo crafts an irresistible story filled with fun, friendship, and just the right amount of romance. The perfect book to escape into.

Such a cute summer love story! I was worried at first that this would be just another book about rich kids getting anything they wanted, but it surprised me!

What a such cute book! This helped me when I was in a reading slump, but I think it could had done little bit better.

3.5/5

the exploration of family./friendship in this book is what I liked the most! i relate to jenna on a spiritual level in the sense that change is very scary and that a summer escape before the start of college is what sounds like the most amazing way to cope with that. jenna is the perfect mix of sarcastic and adventurous, loyal but strong-willed.

on the other hand, Olivia didn't appeal to me as much, but she was a fun character to read about as well. However, I feel like her entire story was shadowed by not only her breakup with alessio but also with a certain someone else that gets involved.

however, once again with books like these, realism is sacrificed for the sake of plot. Olivia just got cheated on with her long term boyfriend -- she's not going to fall into another romance in just a week. Jenna just met her old childhood friend/nemesis -- she's not going to magically fall for him after just a week together after years of not seeing each other. if anything, the romance in this story felt forced. the friendship and family aspect of the story was already enough for me, and the romance just felt like a side add-on.

finally, while I enjoyed getting to know both jenna and olivia, the story is told from a dual pov, which takes away from the depth we get from each character. i feel that if the story had instead been told from one pov, it would've been easier to connect with the characters and the plotline.

overall, not a bad read! definitely a cozy summer read meant for days at the beach or on vacation!

thanks to netgalley for the arc!

If you love a sweet summertime love story, this is the book! I absolutely adored the characters and their journey to figure out summer! The setting was just perfect.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Thank you to Wattpad Books for this earc! I loved this book! It reminded me of being in high school and all the little dramas that would happen only in high school. I loved the dual pov with the cousins! I thought it was a nice little twist from getting only one couple pov!
I loved how Olivia and Jenna both grew as people. Such an enjoyable and fun read!
Review will be posted on Amazon once it releases!