Four Summers Ago is a charming, second-chance romance with plenty of heart, humor, and heat. Abby is a relatable, guarded heroine, and her chemistry with Ben is undeniable from the very first date. Their banter, shared love for books, and undeniable spark made their summer romance feel magical. While I wish some of the emotional fallout from their separation had been explored a bit more deeply, the story still delivered a satisfying blend of angst, healing, and hope. A feel-good read with just enough tension to keep the pages turning.

This book was written for anyone in the mood for a fast paced, insta-love turned to hate kinda romance. Sparks fly from the first page and the MMC Ben, seems too good to be true. I enjoyed the books concept as an author/movie script writer x movie star/ director.

Abby was a fun character who loved deeply and wears her heart on her sleeve. Helen and Nick were such amazing friends throughout this book and it really carried the trope of found family. The trope of one bed will always have my heart so that was a plus.

This book has quite a few time jumps that did effect the flow of the book. I found the third time jump a bit repetitive and unnecessary with Pedro’s character. I also found it lacking in depth as it was so fast paced, but I enjoyed it as a quick read to act as a pallet cleanser.

DNF at 30%

I am very much a mood reader, and I just wasn’t vibing with this one. I wasn’t a fan of the MMC, he was just too “meh”. The beginning was cute, and the book had a decent set-up, but something just wasn’t doing it for me. Something along the way just didn’t seem like it fit. Unfortunately I can’t name that “something.” Maybe it was their relationship didn’t feel believable or have good chemistry, or the plot could have been too rushed. Not sure. But it just wasn’t for me.

stoooooop! these books destroy me. they are what the cynic like me hates. but loves. but hates themselves for loving. that hates to believe in this stuff. but we do. we all do really or at least we all do in books. so yeh, completely adore these books and this is one of the best.
but of course that means its also one of the worst because the angst and hoping and waiting and breaking you have as the reader feels just too much, ha!
this is the story of two people who fall in love. and then one leaves. and leaves the other heartbroken. lives go on(i hate you for what you did to her Mr) and then lives meet once again. and you see, you see the person you love...still. oh no!
oh Abby what a gem you are. can i just hug you and make sure you are protected at all costs. Abby has her romance novels for love they are safer. so when Ben comes along her leap is one of bravery. but she does so and she does fall in love. but then Ben leaves. they never handled the "what about our future" bit because they just wanted to hold on to the now. but still, he left and he left her in pieces. and poor Abby vowed never again. so what happens when years later he is the director of one of her novels. Crap. she will avoid him at all cost. well let me tell you i didit want to avoid him i wanted someone to give him a piece of my mind. i wanted him to gorvel. but the worst thing is he is sorry and he does and always did love her. Oh Ben why do you do this to us?
what Abby does have is her great mate. true soul mates is what her and Helen are. And what can we say about lovely Nick. where will he fit.
oh and Duke where is his story next please. all the characters in this book has thier perfect place and they all felt like it was important to the book which i really appreciate and love in a book.
oh this book had me. it had me good. and i love that it did.

concept? ate. ben in the beginning? also ate. i do, however, wish we lived in the angst more and that we saw their development post first breakup instead of hearing about it. also the second breakup felt super unnecessary and the pedro thing was for weird shock value. helen and nick are the best friends ever btw like. they deserve financial compensation i fear.

thank you to netgalley and jenson rose long for the arc!

This was my first book by this author. The writing was easy to read and the characters were well developed and thought out. The FIRST "break-up" was lame and didn't make sense. The story as a whole was Meh and really didn't hold my attention. I wanted to quick reading several times throughout the book but stuck with it.

When Abby Steele’s best friends set her up on a blind date, it happens to be Ben Richards, the Hollywood it-guy who starred in the viral movie about a wave of deadly hurricanes. While Abby doesn’t think they’ll have anything in common, she soon finds herself instantly intrigued by him. Soon they begin a summer romance that has the potential to turn into something more. At the end of the summer, Ben jets off to do the press tour for another movie and ghosts Abby. Two years later, Abby’s book is becoming a movie, and Ben is the director. She has a plan to keep her heart from getting broken. Yet, when she sees Ben again, all the past comes back.
A sweet romance that had me captivated from the beginning. I loved the start of the romance, but knowing that it wasn’t going to work out (from the blurb), I anticipated the fallout. Yet when they meet again, it is so obvious that there was more to their story from Ben’s part. I did find that the indecisiveness at the end seemed to be a bit unusual, as it detracted from the natural progression of the story. It did show the reality of a romance that struggles through distance, making for a realistic storyline. A great read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Four Summers Ago is a nostalgic, bittersweet story about young love, lost dreams, and the moments that shape us. Jensen Rose Long captures the ache of the past with beautiful, tender writing that pulls you in from the first page. A perfect read for anyone who’s ever wondered what if.

Cute and quick pallet cleanser read, if I had read this over the weekend I would have finished it in one sitting. I enjoyed it; the location headers were interesting and I ended up liking having that info really quick since the its a shorter book. Abby and Ben's relationship issue felt realistic to me, its something I can see happening and I know can be hard to deal with. This is a closed-door romance.
3.5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

I am so torn about this book because it started off just so lovely in giving me all the feels for new love! Abby and Ben are fixed up by friends who believe they are a perfect match. Abby a romance writer and Ben an actor (who is the cousin of friend Nick) While neither was looking for love, their summer romance and special connection felt like the forever kind of love...and then the book jumped ahead, and you find out Ben ghosted her after declaring his love and two years have gone by. Ben is now starring/directing a movie made from Abby's book and they have to work together. The two have unresolved feelings, and Abby has no answers to why Ben left her. I just didn't buy Ben's reasons...give me a break! He supposedly loved her and didn't have the decency to break up in person or even a phone call??? I get being scared, but really...:(

Yes, I wanted our couple to get back together and have a happily ever after. But then other obstacles (and Pedro? UGH!!) I understand timing in a relationship, but "the breaks" just didn't feel organic.

We eventually get the happily ever after but getting there was frustrating to me.

3 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I liked the storyline idea. However, I would love to learn more about why and what happened each time Abby and Ben broke up. I understand that they were not ready for a long distance relationship and important life change decisions but to me, those parts were the core elements of the story to understand the characters’ feelings better, yet they were mentioned in only several sentences in between the characters’ conversations.

This book was super cute! A fast paced read and this super cute storyline about making sacrifices for love! And how love is something you have to work for❤️

This book had me hooked from the beginning, and i loved every second of it. Struggled to put it down🥺 Thank you for writing this!

I just closed the final page of Four Summers Ago, and my heart feels both full and fragile. Jensen Rose Long has crafted a story that captures the bittersweet essence of youth, love, and the passage of time.​

Set against the backdrop of sun-drenched days and starry nights, the novel delves into the complexities of teenage friendships and the secrets that can both bind and break us. The characters are vividly drawn, each carrying their own burdens and dreams, making their journeys feel deeply personal.​

What struck me most was the authenticity of the emotions portrayed. The narrative doesn't shy away from the messiness of growing up—the heartbreaks, the misunderstandings, the moments of joy that are all the more precious because they are fleeting.​

Long's prose is lyrical yet grounded, painting scenes that linger in the mind long after reading. It's a story that doesn't offer easy answers but instead invites reflection on our own past summers and the people who shaped them.​

If you're looking for a novel that resonates with the nostalgia of youth and the enduring impact of our formative years, Four Summers Ago is a poignant and rewarding read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the first page of this book I was hooked. The chemistry and romance between Abby and Ben was soooooo 🧑🏼‍🍳 💋. This was my first book by Jensen Rose Long but it won’t be my last. The insta love trope is one of my favorites and this one was soooo good. Abby and Ben will live rent free in my head for a few long time to come.

Book review of Four Summers Ago by Jensen Rose Long

Have you ever dated a celebrity? Or dreamt of dating a celebrity and wondered what it would be like? Four Summers Ago, by Jensen Rose Long gives you a good glimpse of that dream. Here is my review of this sweet and cute book.

First thoughts: I like the book cover. It immediately caught my eye along with the title. So far, so good.

Blurb: It is spot on and effective. It definitely intrigued me, so it worked exactly as it should do.

Final impressions: I admit, I had to plough through a bit in the first half of the first chapter but then I nicely got into the story as characters formed and the story plot bloomed to which then things moved at a nice pace. I liked the message that the author made in that love can work if both parties put in the effort, a give and take in the relationship.

Here are my answers to some important book review questions.

1. Who was your favourite character, and why?
A. I would have to say Helen because I can relate a lot to her character, and I love her kindness along with the right amount of sassiness that she portrays.
2. Did the characters feel real to you?
A. Yes, they felt quite real as if they were part of my life, very relatable characters.
3. Did the story keep you guessing?
A. At some parts of the story, yes it did. I do admit though, the ending was quite obvious but who does not like a happy ending?
4. What was your favourite part of the book, and why?
A. My favourite part of the book was about the middle of it when Abby was angry with Ben and tries to hide her true feelings but obviously struggled with her plan. It gave a humorous yet realistic feel to the story.
5. Did the story grip you and keep you turning the pages?
A. I can definitely say that yes it did as I stayed up till about two o’clock in the morning (twice) reading as I could not put the book down. I had to know what happened next! A good sign of a great read right there, people!
6. Did you find it difficult to like/care about a main character, and could you work out why?
A. I feel torn about this question because I think it is a yes and a no at the same time. Yes, because at times I found it difficult to like Abby and Ben because of the on and off moments throughout the book, their blindness and lack of willingness to compromise from both ends but I also liked that because it is so very much like that in real life.
7. Would you recommend this book to others?
A. The answer that everyone (especially the author) is waiting for, and the answer is… Yes! I would definitely recommend this book. If you have not read it yet or are not sure whether to read it, then do not hesitate! Give it a go, it is well worth it.

Reviewed by Nathalie W Reviewer

Who wouldn’t want to date a movie star once in their lives? That’s exactly abbey Steeles predicament especially after a bad break up the last thing she wants to be is set up. To her surprise they really hit it off u til they don’t and she is left ghosted but a chance meeting again on a future project may be the answer to real love meant to be coming true

Well, this book gave me all the feels in every extreme: I wept, I cringed, I hated with a passion, I had anxiety, I laughed… really I just adored this book. To me, this is everything a romance should be. Normally there’s a huge break down about 75% of the way through the book and you don’t know if they’ll make it. But this whole book carried that tension, but it was in a way that had reading as fast as I could. I love the character growth and how the author actually took to the time bring you along for the ride and not just jump ahead to the growth at the end. The friend characters are wonderful, but the main characters are perfection (they are not perfect people by any stretch, you will probably hate them at some point, but that’s part of a great story).

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy for an honest review!

Was such a fun read. Was a 3.5 stars for me, is my usual type of books I enjoy to read and it did not disappoint. Will be looking out for more books from this author

This was such a sweet romance. Right away, Abby and Ben drew me in with their immediate chemistry... I loved seeing them get to know each other and fall in love. The initial part of their love story just felt very natural, and you couldn't help but root for them to get their happily ever after... but then we cut to a few years later as her book is becoming a movie, with him as the star and director and we learn that he had ghosted her, and it was their first time seeing each other since. I found myself wanting to see them get their second chance... but well, it might take more than a second chance for these two to finally work it all out and there were certainly a few times throughout that I found myself wanting to shake some sense into the characters. This story was definitely the perfect example of it being the right person at the wrong time... it took us on and an emotional roller coaster for them to finally get there, but it was certainly an enjoyable ride and well worth it in the end. In addition to Abby and Ben, I also couldn't help but love all the side characters and everything they added to the story too (looking at you, Duke!). I would absolutely love to see some of them get their own stories as well.

Four Summers Ago is a closed-door romance, with fade to black scenes. While nothing happens on the pages, it does get a little steamier with clothes coming off before fading to black and some innuendo. There is some minor language as well. There is mention of miscarriage as well, with no details given.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Quick Summary: A timing is everything romance

My Review: Four Summers Ago by Jensen Rose Long is a 2025 women's fiction romance.

About the Book: "Love is not something Abby Steele is interested in.

Abby goes on one last blind date. That blind date happens to be Ben Richards, the hot Hollywood it-guy...

Abby doesn’t think they’ll have anything in common, but she finds herself instantly intrigued...

They spend the rest of the summer falling in love...

Abby doesn’t expect him to leave her heart in pieces as he promptly ghosts her."

In My Own Words: The right time. The right place. The right guy. The right romance. The right love story. A life interruption. A heartbreak. A devastation. A reunion. An unsettling. And...

Question to Consider: What happens when you unexpectedly find your someone and he turns out to be your greatest heartbreak?

About the Characters:

Abby - > I felt so much for this character. I wanted to wrap her up and protect her. Her backstory was kind of heartbreaking. Despite what she had lived through, she still had a strength about her. She was independent and accomplished, which made me want to cheer for her. She deserved good things in her life.

Ben - > I liked him and did not like him and loved him all at the same time. He took me for an emotional ride. He was a good guy who made not so good choices. I appreciated his growth and liked how he turned out.

Helen - > What a beautiful relationship she and Abby had. Theirs was a sisterhood. I loved how she supported her friend through everything and stood by her in the valleys, as well as on the mountaintops.

Nick - > Dude! He won all the brownie points. His love for Abby was so sweet. I really liked how he showed his heart for her. He was sensitive to her needs and showed such compassion. He had her back, regardless of what went down.

Duke - > I loved this guy!!! Can he get his own story? His is the case of how a minor character can have such a major impact. He was a real one.

Lainey - > I loved her energy. She was making moves. Her connection with Abby was almost instantaneous, and it worked. Also, I want to know her story with Bob. I have to know! It was set up so perfectly. I was left with a dangling thread...in a good way.

Pedro -> He played his role. I looked up, and he was just there. (I see what you did there, Ms. Long. Very clever.)

My Favorite Scenes (coded, so as to avoid spoilers):

Time After Time
The Message
How Do You Want to Play This?
I See You See Me
Under the Stars

My Final Say: Four Summers Ago was such an emotionally moving book. Once I started it, I COULD NOT put it down. It had me! It. Had. Me. I was completely captivated. I went through a gamut of feelings. I smiled. I laughed. I cried. I hoped. I waited. I celebrated. I cringed. I wished. I clapped.

This is the type of story that is simple yet complex at the same time. It had colors and movement, as I like to say. It had texture and depth. It was challenging. It was tense, just as much as it was hopeful. The characters were relatable. They were familiar in such a way that they were like the people we all know in our own lives.

At the end of the day, I would simply say that this story is about life, love, relationships, choices, regrets, second chances, family, and about what comes next when everything falls apart and comes together again.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Happily Ever After
Realistic
Tear-jerker
Easy-to-read
Entertaining

Other: Readers who enjoy stories where blind dates become boyfriends, where lovers become enemies, where separations and second chances merge, and where close proximity work situations are the order of the day will like this novel.

*** I think this will be incredible as an audiobook. I cannot wait to have that experience! The emotional aspect alone will be golden. ***

Rating: 4.75/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status/Level: 💖

Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have voluntarily shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I am grateful for the opportunity to review this writer's work. This was my first acquaintance with this author, but it will not be my last.