That Summer

I went into *That Summer* expecting another generic YA romance, but Dodd’s sharp dialogue and razor-thin plot twists kept me hooked. The story’s premise—a summer fling threatened by a sudden trip—sounds simple, but the execution is anything but predictable. Devaney’s crush, Jake, is equal parts charming and frustrating, and the way Dodd frames their dynamic makes you root for them despite their glaring flaws. The real star here, though, is the surrounding cast: Devaney’s best friend with secret crushes, her rival who’s secretly a softie, and the love interests who keep you guessing. It’s messy, but in the best way. Maren McGuire’s narration is the secret weapon here. Her voice is like a close friend whispering all the juicy details straight into your ear, and she nails the emotional beats—especially Devaney’s heartbreak and Jake’s defensiveness. That said, her performance occasionally stumbles when delivering overly cringe dialogue (looking at you, ‘I totally ship you two!’ moments). The pacing is brisk, with just enough angst to keep things engaging, though some side characters fade into the background by the final act. Still, if you’re craving a romance that’s equal parts sweet and salty, this audiobook delivers—just don’t expect subtlety.