I enjoyed reading Summer' Echo so much. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. Some parts of this book was so emotional. I just love the cover so much. This book was an amazing read. I will definitely be reading more of this Author's books.

As someone who is endlessly drawn to both friends-to-lovers and second-chance romances, Summer’s Echo swept me up from the very first page. This is a story that pulses with quiet emotion and a deep, enduring connection between two people who were always meant for each other—even if life had other plans.

Echo and Summer’s journey begins with the slow-burn sweetness of friendship, that undeniable shift when feelings begin to deepen. But just as love begins to take root, loss and time pull them apart. What follows is a beautifully written exploration of what it means to find your way back to someone when the timing finally aligns.

This book perfectly captures the ache of lost moments, the power of enduring love, and the belief that if it’s meant to be, it will return—stronger, wiser, and ready. An emotional, heartfelt read I won’t soon forget.

Thanks to Black Odyssey Media and Netgalley for the ARC.

This was my introduction to Robbi Renee and now I am obsessed with!

What I liked:
Dual timeline

Runaway bride, ie there will be a ton of drama to navigate.

Nigerian American MMC x African American FMC

Strong friendships and family connections.

Excellent use of pop culture references.

Excellent writing and dialogue.

This was a 5 star romance for me.

Thank you too Netgally & Black Odyssey Media for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Summer’s Echo by Robbie Renee is a beautiful second-chance romance about Echo and Summer, who met as camp counselors the summer before senior year and instantly connected. That summer changed everything, but life and heartbreak pulled them apart for five years. When they cross paths again at a wedding, all the feelings come rushing back—even though Summer is engaged. On her wedding day, she chooses her truth and the love she never stopped feeling for Echo.

Echo’s softness and the way he sees Summer, really sees her, had me in my feelings the entire time. He’s patient, gentle, and always exactly what she needs. I love second-chance romances, and this one hit every emotional note. Five stars—highly recommend! Robbie Renee never misses.

Summer and Echo become unlikely allies at camp one summer, and as summer progresses and the duo spends time together, they grow to become best friends. However, spending time together also leads to romantic feelings developing between the two. They decide to take the plunge and explore their growing feelings the summer before college, but taking the next step changes everything, and not in a good way, and the couple is separated. Fast forward ten years of no communication, and they're about to be reunited at a mutual friend's wedding, but old hurts still linger, and so do old feelings.

You can never go wrong with a Robbi Renee story, and this one is no different. This story is told in dual timelines, and I think it really laid the groundwork for the reader to understand Summer and Echo's dynamic. They were both such layered characters, and I honestly understood both sides. They were teenagers excited and scared while exploring something new, and they were also being heavily influenced by their parents. I think the passage of time that went by was very much needed for growth and self-reflection, although my heart did ache for them and what could have been. I loved Echo's self-assurance. He never wavered in his love for Summer. I loved Summer's willingness to listen to herself as an adult and walk away from a situation she knew she had no business in, no matter how much it hurt.

This is really a wonderful story of two best friends who happen to be the loves of each other's lives finding their way back to each other in order to heal what was once broken. My only critique for this story is the conversation between Echo and his dad happening behind closed doors. I felt that the reader deserved to see that, especially since his dad's actions had such a big impact on the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Black Odyssey Media for the advanced reader copy.

I absolutely loved this book!! I was deep in my feelings and I really need a physical copy for my book shelf. Summer and Echo had a complicated relationship, but I’m glad they found their way back to each other in the end. I loved that we were seeing their relationship in like 3 different time periods. I loved how patient Echo was with Summer. I loved everything about this book! I have no notes!

This childhood friends to lovers story features Summer and Echo who have a magical summer upon meeting as counselors at camp but heartbreak separates them for 10+ years. After leaving her fiancée at the alter, Summer contemplates the what she really wants. The pacing of this book wasn’t the best and it was hard to stay engaged with the time jumps between past and present. Still, the enduring connection between Summer and Echo was beautiful to read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this read. The book was well written with strong past and present instances. The relationship with Summer and Echo was quite strong and had a great connection. This is about a young couple that had a second chance romance.

I absolutely loved this story. The way it weaves between past and present made the reading experience feel layered. Watching Summer and Echo’s relationship unfold—first as teens navigating a deep connection, and then as adults carrying the weight of everything left unsaid—was such an emotional journey.

The transition between timelines was seamless, giving us a deeper understanding of their bond, the moments that caused distance, and the healing that comes with finally saying the words they held onto for so long.

It’s a beautiful, tender story about young love, growing pains, and the rare kind of second chances.

This plotline caught my eye, because what’s not to love about a second chance romance where you find first love at a summer camp?!

There were some beautiful moments in this book where the writing shone. I enjoyed the writing at times, but at other times felt it was not for me. That’s just a personal preference. I am particular about intimate scenes and how they are described. This just didn’t align with what I wanted, but may absolutely line up for another reader.

The romance was sweet and the flashbacks added an extra level of sweetness. I appreciated learning about the two characters as kids, their complicated relationships with each other and their families.

Overall, this was a cute story with what you’d want in a second chance romance plot.

Thank you to Robbi, NetGalley, and Black Odyssey Media for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Title: Summer's Echo-a standalone

Author: Ronnie Renee-new to me author

Publication date: 7-29-25 | Read 7-27-25

Format: e-Book 288 pgs.

Genre:
*Contemporary Romance
*AA Interests

Tropes:
*friends to lovers
*summer read/camp
*2nd chance romance
*runaway bride

POV: dual 1st person

TW: teen pregnancy, adoption, abortion

Setting: St. Louis, MI-two timelines- past 2004 and present 2019

Summary: Summer abandons her groom Deshawn at the altar, but her teenage BFF Echo comes to their "special" place to comfort her. They met 15 years ago at Camp Quest when they were 17 and fell in love. Echo came to the wedding as her friend, but their unresolved feelings turn into a new relationship.

Heroine: Summer Knight-owns a creative design firm
Hero: Echo Abara-a graphic designer

Other Characters:
* Deshawn Towns-Summer's fiancé
*Teresa + Oliver Knight-Summer's parents
*Hailee/Trinity/Brooke-Summer's BFFs
*Kourtni Lang-Echo's ex-girlfriend
*Obi +Mum -Echo's parents

My Thoughts: I just had "Summer Lovin" from Grease in my head the entire time. It was nostalgic and had me thinking of first love and how intense it can get. This was a nice palette cleanser of pure romance.

Rating: 4/5
Spice level 4/5

Thanks to NetGalley, Black Odyssey Media, and Ronnie Renee for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

Echo Abara and Summer Knight were teenagers when they spent a summer working as camp counselors. Although they got off on a rocky start, the two fell into an easy camaraderie, that continued to blossom into deeper feelings both were afraid to confess. As Echo and Summer try to figure their way through this journey, they learn decisions taken can have adverse reactions that will divide and break bounds that cannot be repaired. However, when love and faith are involved, broken hearts can be mended. The unlikely duo reunites at a friend’s wedding and now they must decide whether to finally voice their feelings and secrets for a second chance at love or allow fear to keep them apart?


Summer’s Echo was a slow burn read, but a thoroughly intriguing and loveable story. Ms. Renee did a wonderful job with character development. Readers will see Echo and Summer’s growth through the pages, as teenagers and adults. Their parents (Echo’s & Summer’s) were very influential and were very structured in their values. Echo was the oldest in the family and took care of his siblings. He fell hard for Summer and knew she was it for him. Summer, although she carried herself with confidence, she really struggled with trust and self-doubt. This tendency she has to suppress her feelings may have readers shaking their heads, thinking what is wrong with this girl. LOL It was frustrating for Echo as well. Once they are able to really sit down and finally talk, the turning point in their relationship can begin. Echo will always know where to find his Summer!
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I loved Summer’s Echo

Note: I received an advanced copy from Netgalley

Summer’s Echo is an emotional rollercoaster. When the reader first meets Summer, she’s experiencing the ultimate crash out. Summer’s spent her adult life being practical. Making her list and checking it twice. While Summer’s life seems picture-perfect, she can’t escape the gut feeling that everything is wrong. The timing is wrong. The wedding is wrong. The groom is wrong. The one person who is able to reach Summer when she’s drowning in self-recriminations is the man she’s loved since the age of 17, Echo.

Summer and Echo’s story unfolds through flashbacks spanning 15 years. Their love developed too fast, too deeply at such an early age, but no less real. Time and distance may have made it possible to ignore their bond but neither are enough to sever it. Summer’s Echo is an unconventional love story that is equal parts complicated and sacred; at moments painful but also healing. At its core, it’s a story about soulmates releasing themselves from the shackles of others’ expectations in order to live for themselves and reconnect with each other.

This novel lowkey made me boohoo like a baby. Also, shoutout to Robbi Renee for being able to write flashbacks in dual POV while effortlessly moving the story forward. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good cry followed by the sweetest HEA. Thank you NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media for this ARC.

Summer’s Echo by Robbi Renee was such a beautiful, tender love story…like seriously, my heart is so full. This book was the ultimate palette cleanser. It gave soft, it gave healing, it gave love in its purest form.

Summer and Echo? Whew. Their love felt magical. This was childhood lovers finding their way back to each other in the most heartwarming second chance romance. And it wasn’t just about the reunion…it was about how love, real love, will always find its way. No matter the time, distance, or obstacles in the way, their connection never missed a beat.

This story reminded me that when love is real, it doesn’t just disappear; it waits, it grows, and when the time is right, it comes back stronger. Robbi really gave us a story where love defies the odds and still comes out on top. I loved every second of it. 🥹💛

THANKS TO BLACK ODYSSEY & NETGALLEY FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL ARC

Can't wait for you guys to meet Summer & Echo, this is such a beautiful second chance love story. first off I love how the title of the book represent so many different meanings, the name of the characters as well as the Summer where it all started, and the Summer that changed everything.

Author Robbi Renee takes you on this time capsule journey of two people that is like nothing I've read. this story starts with Summer as an adult, that just made one of the toughest decisions of her life, which caused her to be a wreck, she is somewhat at a crossroad, with having to deal with the aftermath. Then there is Echo, the person that knows here the best. Summer & Echo met as teenagers at a summer camp at just 16/17 years old. They bonded and formed a true friendship, shared so much with each other. You get to go back and forth from their now curent adult life, to what happened all those years ago, and to learn why they not together now. The emotions tied to everything they have been through, had me so wrapped up in their story. This is a second chance friends to lovers, so you get to see them reconnect and work through a few things.

The writing on this was so beautiful, poetic, emotional, and captivating. Two souls that belong to each other that find their way back is so beautiful to read. Two people that tried to move on from each other, but their love never waivered. I cried, I smiled, and felt all the emotions. The tenderness and strength of the fmc, the vulnerability of the FMC, the longing, angst, and just all things black love. I really enjoyed this story.

Well I don’t think I ever wanted to be in love with the first boy I meet, to meet so young be best friends and so in love in secret is torture, but definitely I was rooting for Summer and Echo.there friendship was definitely unbelievably beautiful 😍. To have friendship that exceeded expectations and even when you making the biggest mistake they are still there for you. I love these two, and the journey it gave us throughout their story. It was definitely meant to be.

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! One of the best books i’ve this summer by far. I absolutely loved this story. 2 childhood best friends reunited years later for the FMC Summer’s wedding. The focus on the past and present was perfect to give you all the insight as to what caused the rift in Echo the MMC and Summer’s friendship. The second chance romance aspect was perfect. It definitely put me all in feelings. And I cannot wait for the release so that i can get my hands on a trope copy!

This book is one of those that you just dive into and can't put down. Summer and Echo really pull you into their world, both their past and what’s ahead. I'm all about those grown & sexy romances that make you think and feel real. Robbi has shown us over and over that she totally nails it!

WOW. JUST WOW. this was a beautiful friends to lovers romance. it was slow burn but you can feel the chemistry and pure love between summer and echo from the beginning of their friendship until they reunite almost a decade later. the way that echo let her live her life LOVING her the entire time - honestly, these two have me entire heart. this story was so emotional in the best way possible! i loved the author's writing - gripping and lyrical, grounded in emotion. definitely will not be the last i read from this author!

Summer’s Echo is an emotionally charged second-chance romance that delves into the intricacies of love, loss, and rediscovery. Robbi Renee masterfully crafts a dual timeline that seamlessly weaves past and present, unraveling the intricate relationship between Echo and Summer. Their undeniable chemistry shines through poignant lines like:

“I was never Summer to him, but instead his Sunshine, his Sun, and him? He was mine—Summer's Echo.”

The narrative is a symphony of emotions, exploring themes of resilience, personal growth, and the enduring nature of true love. Renee’s vivid imagery, such as monarch butterflies symbolizing strength in fragility, provides an evocative backdrop to Echo and Summer’s journey:

“Their wings may be fragile, but they're stronger than they seem.”

Renee’s lyrical prose captures the depth and breadth of love’s spectrum—from the fluttering excitement of new affection to soul-deep connections that withstand the tests of time and circumstance:

“Each kiss was full of silent confessions, every stroke of my tongue a declaration of everything I felt for her.”

The emotional depth of Summer’s Echo is further enriched by reflective passages that resonate with authenticity and heartache:

“We were only teenagers, but something about her felt timeless, like she could be my forever.”

Renee doesn’t shy away from the labyrinthine nature of relationships, embracing the complexity with lines that echo the tangled emotions of real-life love:

“If someone asked me to define what Echo and I had, I'd borrow one of my favorite words from Shakespeare: labyrinthine—intricate, complex, impossible to navigate. A complicated word for a complicated situation.”

In contrast, the simplicity of heartfelt devotion shines through:

“His simplicity came wrapped in roses and butterflies.”

The dual timeline structure adds a rich, layered texture to the story. Flashbacks to Echo and Summer’s youth highlight the innocence and purity of first love, while present-day scenes reveal the scars left by time and choices. This juxtaposition creates a compelling tension, making their reconnection all the more poignant.

Supporting characters are not mere background figures but integral to the protagonists’ growth. Their friendships and familial bonds add layers of emotional resonance, offering both solace and conflict. Renee’s attention to detail in crafting these relationships enhances the story’s authenticity.

At its core, Summer’s Echo is more than a love story; it’s a heartfelt testament to the idea that love—real love—always finds a way:

“We don’t choose love, we let love choose us.”

“But none of it mattered now because we were always meant to be. Yoked. Bound in ways deeper than flesh. Our bodies moved toward each other with instinctive trust, free of hesitancy, free of doubt.”

Renee’s prose lingers, much like an echo—resonant, haunting, and unforgettable. The novel is a beacon for anyone who believes in the magnetic pull of soulmates, the beauty of second chances, and the comfort of finding your way back to the one who feels like home.

“I will always find you, Sunshine, and I'll spend the rest of my life fighting for us.”

Summer’s Echo is a novel that stays with you long after the final page, a testament to the power of love to transcend time, pain, and distance.