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jamiecakes0522's review against another edition
2.0
Thank You to Little Bird Publicity and Amazon Publishing for the free copy of Last Summer in exchange for an honest review.
Ella Skye doesn't remember her car accident or the baby that she lost. Determined to remember everything that she has forgotten, she accepts an assignment to write an exclusive story on a man named Nathan Donovan. Nathan knows Ella. But she doesn't remember him. And she is hoping that he will help her unlock her memories.
The first 100 pages of this book had me so interested. I enjoyed trying to piece together Ella's forgotten memories. But, once I got past that point, the tone of the book changed. Ella started to annoy me. She takes too long to figure things out when they are blatantly in front of her. This may have been done for suspense, but all it did was get on my nerves.
The story is almost good, but not quite. The idea is a little far fetched. I get that it is fiction, but I still have to believe that a character would do something. If not, the integrity of the story doesn't hold up. The plot also feels a bit messy. I think with some editing, it could have been more concise and gotten the same point across. I sometimes felt like I was re reading something that I had already been told earlier.
This may just be me, but I was disappointed that the story in no way had anything to do with the summer season. It is clearly marketed as a summer read. But, it left me wondering what the cover had to do with the story.
I see what the author is trying to achieve, it just didn't work for me. I would recommend this one to readers who do not read many thrillers and readers who don't mind a story that is a bit far fetched.
Ella Skye doesn't remember her car accident or the baby that she lost. Determined to remember everything that she has forgotten, she accepts an assignment to write an exclusive story on a man named Nathan Donovan. Nathan knows Ella. But she doesn't remember him. And she is hoping that he will help her unlock her memories.
The first 100 pages of this book had me so interested. I enjoyed trying to piece together Ella's forgotten memories. But, once I got past that point, the tone of the book changed. Ella started to annoy me. She takes too long to figure things out when they are blatantly in front of her. This may have been done for suspense, but all it did was get on my nerves.
The story is almost good, but not quite. The idea is a little far fetched. I get that it is fiction, but I still have to believe that a character would do something. If not, the integrity of the story doesn't hold up. The plot also feels a bit messy. I think with some editing, it could have been more concise and gotten the same point across. I sometimes felt like I was re reading something that I had already been told earlier.
This may just be me, but I was disappointed that the story in no way had anything to do with the summer season. It is clearly marketed as a summer read. But, it left me wondering what the cover had to do with the story.
I see what the author is trying to achieve, it just didn't work for me. I would recommend this one to readers who do not read many thrillers and readers who don't mind a story that is a bit far fetched.
tashaseegmiller's review against another edition
5.0
I have had the profound honor of reading all of Kerry's books. Along with that, though, comes the worry that at some point, she'll stop surprising me.
Well, my friends, don't worry.
I was certain I knew what was going on at least a dozen times in this twisty book. With characters that are nuanced and so well developed, a setting that stretches from London to Alaska, an mysteries that keep piling on top of each other, both providing and withholding clues, Last Summer invites readers to determine the value of memories, the nature of healing, and the consequences of truth.
Well, my friends, don't worry.
I was certain I knew what was going on at least a dozen times in this twisty book. With characters that are nuanced and so well developed, a setting that stretches from London to Alaska, an mysteries that keep piling on top of each other, both providing and withholding clues, Last Summer invites readers to determine the value of memories, the nature of healing, and the consequences of truth.
jmbibliolater's review against another edition
5.0
Last Summer is an absolutely stunning and bewildering story of love, truth, lies, and deception. I couldn't put it down! It is not every day where I read a novel that leaves me questioning everything I just read but Kerry Londale's novel left me both stunned and a bit hoodwinked.
As I was reading Last Summer, I kept sensing that something was not right, that something was very off but I could not place my finger on it. I just couldn't figure out what. I was transposed into Ella's mind, twisting and turning through the plot as if I was her and I LOVED every minute of it. When the plot revealed the true villain of the story (or villains depending on how you look at it), I was left me utterly speechless. My mind was blown. And that ending....THAT ENDING!! Oh my.
Kerry Lonsdale is a literary genius that has mastered the element of surprise. Read this!
As I was reading Last Summer, I kept sensing that something was not right, that something was very off but I could not place my finger on it. I just couldn't figure out what. I was transposed into Ella's mind, twisting and turning through the plot as if I was her and I LOVED every minute of it. When the plot revealed the true villain of the story (or villains depending on how you look at it), I was left me utterly speechless. My mind was blown. And that ending....THAT ENDING!! Oh my.
Kerry Lonsdale is a literary genius that has mastered the element of surprise. Read this!
beastreader's review against another edition
4.0
I would call this book a "quiet psychological thriller". There was not a lot of flashy or big, big moments that took place in this book but there were enough good things happening to keep my interest all the way through the book.
The three main characters, Ella, Damien, and Nathan were pleasant to get to know. Although, Damien is the true bad guy in this story. I kept trying to figure out how the story was going to end and I did not come up with the true ending. Which; can I say that the ending left me with mixed emotions. Yet, it did not disappoint.
Fans of mystery, suspense, and psychological thrillers will really enjoy this book.
The three main characters, Ella, Damien, and Nathan were pleasant to get to know. Although, Damien is the true bad guy in this story. I kept trying to figure out how the story was going to end and I did not come up with the true ending. Which; can I say that the ending left me with mixed emotions. Yet, it did not disappoint.
Fans of mystery, suspense, and psychological thrillers will really enjoy this book.
bookswritingandmore's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what a book! I have loved all of Kerry Lonsdale’s novels and this one did not disappoint! The twists and turns in this book kept making me change my mind about all of the characters. I kept thinking I got them wrong from the beginning. She kept the story extremely intriguing, all while surprising me every step of the way.
Last Summer is an action packed, non stop, heart pounding thriller!
It all began with a young lady as a journalist named Ella who was involved in a horrific car accident and can't recall her memory or the days events.
The key to it all is locked into memory with her husband Damian and the events that led up to their quaint intimate wedding but unfortunately she can't recall anything about the loss of her child.
Memory suppression was a key to Dr. Irwin Whitley's job as a cognitive scientist and he was the expert.
Could the unimaginable and unthinkable have happened here in which certain memories were locked in while other parts suppressed on purpose? Manipulation? or Monster?
Well Ella, Damien, and Nathan are All Stars in every right.
They are all in play on this game of cat and mouse and certainly an issue comes up about love, marriage, and procreation.
This book was everything and more you would want in a psychological thriller. You will love it!!
Last Summer is an action packed, non stop, heart pounding thriller!
It all began with a young lady as a journalist named Ella who was involved in a horrific car accident and can't recall her memory or the days events.
The key to it all is locked into memory with her husband Damian and the events that led up to their quaint intimate wedding but unfortunately she can't recall anything about the loss of her child.
Memory suppression was a key to Dr. Irwin Whitley's job as a cognitive scientist and he was the expert.
Could the unimaginable and unthinkable have happened here in which certain memories were locked in while other parts suppressed on purpose? Manipulation? or Monster?
Well Ella, Damien, and Nathan are All Stars in every right.
They are all in play on this game of cat and mouse and certainly an issue comes up about love, marriage, and procreation.
This book was everything and more you would want in a psychological thriller. You will love it!!
cometreadings's review against another edition
5.0
Kerry Lonsdale delivers another well crafted fast-paced novel with complex characters and incredible twist and turns. Last Summer keeps the reader captivated until the last page and eager to read more.
I was a few pages into the book, and Ella's character sounded already so intriguing. She awakes in the hospital to found out that her pregnancy was interrupted by a car accident. However, affected by selective amnesia, Ella has no idea what everyone is talking about. She has no memory of her being pregnant; she only remembers that Daniel, her husband, has never wanted to have children.
What has changed in their relationship and why her husband seems so distant in this situation?
As a lifestyle journalist, Ella is assigned to an important job. She has to interview Nathan Donovan and finish the piece she has started the previous summer, but her mind is blank again. She recalls every person interviewed during her career, but not him. After his husband reaction to her new job, she starts thinking Donovan might be the key to her questions.
Last summer memories could really be the answer, or they will jeopardize her marriage. But Ella needs to take the risk.
Kerry Lonsdale is terrific in creating her characters and all the dynamics of this top-notch storyline. And when you think everything sounds clear, you will be surprised again. Bravo, Kerry! Now, what I need is reading more about Ella's story.
I was a few pages into the book, and Ella's character sounded already so intriguing. She awakes in the hospital to found out that her pregnancy was interrupted by a car accident. However, affected by selective amnesia, Ella has no idea what everyone is talking about. She has no memory of her being pregnant; she only remembers that Daniel, her husband, has never wanted to have children.
What has changed in their relationship and why her husband seems so distant in this situation?
As a lifestyle journalist, Ella is assigned to an important job. She has to interview Nathan Donovan and finish the piece she has started the previous summer, but her mind is blank again. She recalls every person interviewed during her career, but not him. After his husband reaction to her new job, she starts thinking Donovan might be the key to her questions.
Last summer memories could really be the answer, or they will jeopardize her marriage. But Ella needs to take the risk.
Kerry Lonsdale is terrific in creating her characters and all the dynamics of this top-notch storyline. And when you think everything sounds clear, you will be surprised again. Bravo, Kerry! Now, what I need is reading more about Ella's story.
stormiclouds's review against another edition
4.0
The Last Summer by Kerry Lonsdale is an interesting domestic mystery. It wasn't very suspenseful, but it was still enjoyable and mysterious throughout. The mystery of The Last Summer was very well written and kept me guessing until the very end. I found the pacing to be perfect for Ella's struggle to find out exactly what happened during the last seven months of her life.
meganmatranga88's review against another edition
5.0
Kerry did not disappoint! This book definitely keeps you on your toes until the very end. You never expect what’s coming! Loved it !
susanthebookbag's review against another edition
5.0
This book totally blew me away! I was kept guessing throughout the whole book, wondering which direction the story was going to go next, not knowing what twists and turns were yet to come. I didn't know who or what to believe.
I've read several other books that Kerry has written. I love her writing style and I've loved all of her books. This one has just become my new favorite. It pulled me in from the very start and I totally devoured it!
Run! Don't walk! Add this book to your TBR list now. Last Summer has GOT to be one of your must-reads for this summer! I absolutely loved it!!
I've read several other books that Kerry has written. I love her writing style and I've loved all of her books. This one has just become my new favorite. It pulled me in from the very start and I totally devoured it!
Run! Don't walk! Add this book to your TBR list now. Last Summer has GOT to be one of your must-reads for this summer! I absolutely loved it!!