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Avery & Angela #1
The Last Good Day
Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything.
Avery Young is having a moment.
How he handles it will determine his future.
A talented musician, Avery is leaving home in New Jersey to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Before he boards the 8 AM Northeast Connector out of Princeton Junction, he has one last day at the Jersey Shore with his best friend of four years, Angela, who's been unusually distant all summer.
When Angela finally reveals the reasons behind that distance, it changes everything,
When the moment comes, as they stand along the shore, Avery is forced to reconsider who he is, who he wants to be, and more immediately, what is he going to do now? His plans for the future, which include musical stardom and a life of constant creativity with his best friend by his side, have gone completely up in flames.
How can he pursue his dreams when it could mean losing Angela, the only stable thing in his life, forever?
Avery Young is having a moment.
How he handles it will determine his future.
A talented musician, Avery is leaving home in New Jersey to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Before he boards the 8 AM Northeast Connector out of Princeton Junction, he has one last day at the Jersey Shore with his best friend of four years, Angela, who's been unusually distant all summer.
When Angela finally reveals the reasons behind that distance, it changes everything,
When the moment comes, as they stand along the shore, Avery is forced to reconsider who he is, who he wants to be, and more immediately, what is he going to do now? His plans for the future, which include musical stardom and a life of constant creativity with his best friend by his side, have gone completely up in flames.
How can he pursue his dreams when it could mean losing Angela, the only stable thing in his life, forever?
- GenresRomanceYoung Adult
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2018
136 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kugler
12 books66 followersRobert Kugler is the award-winning author of the Avery & Angela series, as well as the Aloha Kugs series, retired from education in order to focus on both writing and parenting.
A graduate of The College of Wooster and Seton Hall University, Robert is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, enjoys mixology, and does the occasional sprint triathlon. (slowly)
He currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, children and a Labrador named Maggie.
He spends as much time as possible in Wildwood, NJ, as it’s simply the best beach on the East Coast or anywhere else.
A graduate of The College of Wooster and Seton Hall University, Robert is an avid Philadelphia sports fan, enjoys mixology, and does the occasional sprint triathlon. (slowly)
He currently lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, children and a Labrador named Maggie.
He spends as much time as possible in Wildwood, NJ, as it’s simply the best beach on the East Coast or anywhere else.
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February 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/5/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything.
Avery Young is having a moment.
How he handles it will determine his future.
A talented musician, Avery is leaving home in New Jersey to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Before he boards the 8 AM Northeast Connector out of Princeton Junction, he has one last day at the Jersey Shore with his best friend of four years, Angela, who's been unusually distant all summer.
When Angela finally reveals the reasons behind that distance, it changes everything,
When the moment comes, as they stand along the shore, Avery is forced to reconsider who he is, who he wants to be, and more immediately, what is he going to do now? His plans for the future, which include musical stardom and a life of constant creativity with his best friend by his side, have gone completely up in flames.
How can he pursue his dreams when it could mean losing Angela, the only stable thing in his life, forever?
Blurb:
Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything.
Avery Young is having a moment.
How he handles it will determine his future.
A talented musician, Avery is leaving home in New Jersey to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. Before he boards the 8 AM Northeast Connector out of Princeton Junction, he has one last day at the Jersey Shore with his best friend of four years, Angela, who's been unusually distant all summer.
When Angela finally reveals the reasons behind that distance, it changes everything,
When the moment comes, as they stand along the shore, Avery is forced to reconsider who he is, who he wants to be, and more immediately, what is he going to do now? His plans for the future, which include musical stardom and a life of constant creativity with his best friend by his side, have gone completely up in flames.
How can he pursue his dreams when it could mean losing Angela, the only stable thing in his life, forever?
June 25, 2018
Ever have that one great day when everything was perfect? Life was just getting exciting as you are coming into adulthood. This book captures those feelings and the hopes and dreams of the two characters before they become jaded adults. Robert does a great job setting the scene in New Jersey focusing on Wildwood. You can almost smell the salt in the air!
This was a very enjoyable read.
This was a very enjoyable read.
January 6, 2019
By the time I got over being put off by the “teen angst” aspect of this novel — and remembered that I, too, had a bad case of angst as a teenager (and beyond) — I appreciated how well the author, a guy who’s at least in his 40s (judging by his profile photo), described what it feels like to be a young man newly graduated from high school and ready (or not?) to face the “real world.”
Besides my husband, I don’t think I’ve run across a dude who’s better at describing vulnerable emotions than this author.
It’s what initially attracted me to my husband, and it’s the main reason I liked “The Last Good Day.” Kugler is good at describing feelings, as well as scenery. We get a sense of the places Avery and Angie visit and the things they do; I can see myself on the boardwalk, at the top of the Ferris wheel and eating mouth-watering corn on the cob fresh from the grill.
By the time I reached the halfway point of the book, I had grown not only to love Avery (and identify with his angst) but to appreciate his qualities. By the time a major turning point came (I won’t spoil it), I was rooting solidly for Avery and his people.
To go into too much detail would spoil some of the wonderful things about Avery and Angie’s “last good day” and the people who come into their lives afterward.
I’ll let you enjoy it with them for yourself.
Besides my husband, I don’t think I’ve run across a dude who’s better at describing vulnerable emotions than this author.
It’s what initially attracted me to my husband, and it’s the main reason I liked “The Last Good Day.” Kugler is good at describing feelings, as well as scenery. We get a sense of the places Avery and Angie visit and the things they do; I can see myself on the boardwalk, at the top of the Ferris wheel and eating mouth-watering corn on the cob fresh from the grill.
By the time I reached the halfway point of the book, I had grown not only to love Avery (and identify with his angst) but to appreciate his qualities. By the time a major turning point came (I won’t spoil it), I was rooting solidly for Avery and his people.
To go into too much detail would spoil some of the wonderful things about Avery and Angie’s “last good day” and the people who come into their lives afterward.
I’ll let you enjoy it with them for yourself.
May 27, 2021
Kindle Unlimited? I thought this was an author gift but has KU banner across the bottom - however when I try to return to Kindle it sends an error message.
The Last Good Day is an excellent Teens/YA novel containing all the angst and uncertainty we all experienced when taking that jump from just attending high school to making - and accepting - the repercussions of adult decisions. The setting is Princeton Junction, NJ, the music is hot, and summer is in full swing. Avery is a very musically talented young man with only enough funding to complete one year of college and must apply for and win a scholarship for the remaining years, or drop out after only one. Angela is his best friend and confidant since ninth grade, a girl whom he has talked to most days, but has scarcely seen this summer. Angela will be going locally to Princeton. The day before he will have to take a train to Boston Conservatory of Music Avery and Angela spend their last day together till Christmas break, visiting Angela's Aunt Jenny and Uncle Bob at Wildwood. Avery hopes he will find out what has been bugging Angela all summer, and they can find their way back to each other before college will separate them again. Bob has also offered to set him up with a couple of clubs where he can make music to bring in a little cash during the school year.
A very interesting book, with lots of info about what is available scholastically and for entertainment in this neck of the woods, from a year-round Christmas store to Coney Island and lots of music everywhere. The protagonists are warm and sociable, the relatives are spicy, and the angst is well defined. Robert Kugler really knows his teenagers. This is an affirming read, one I am pleased to recommend to my nieces and nephews. And the greats!
Reviewed on May 26, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review on BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
The Last Good Day is an excellent Teens/YA novel containing all the angst and uncertainty we all experienced when taking that jump from just attending high school to making - and accepting - the repercussions of adult decisions. The setting is Princeton Junction, NJ, the music is hot, and summer is in full swing. Avery is a very musically talented young man with only enough funding to complete one year of college and must apply for and win a scholarship for the remaining years, or drop out after only one. Angela is his best friend and confidant since ninth grade, a girl whom he has talked to most days, but has scarcely seen this summer. Angela will be going locally to Princeton. The day before he will have to take a train to Boston Conservatory of Music Avery and Angela spend their last day together till Christmas break, visiting Angela's Aunt Jenny and Uncle Bob at Wildwood. Avery hopes he will find out what has been bugging Angela all summer, and they can find their way back to each other before college will separate them again. Bob has also offered to set him up with a couple of clubs where he can make music to bring in a little cash during the school year.
A very interesting book, with lots of info about what is available scholastically and for entertainment in this neck of the woods, from a year-round Christmas store to Coney Island and lots of music everywhere. The protagonists are warm and sociable, the relatives are spicy, and the angst is well defined. Robert Kugler really knows his teenagers. This is an affirming read, one I am pleased to recommend to my nieces and nephews. And the greats!
Reviewed on May 26, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and Barnes&Noble. Not available for review on BookBub, Kobo, or GooglePlay.
February 13, 2019
The Last Good Day (Avery & Angela Book 1) is a beautiful "coming of age" story. Our young couple finds themselves in the last days of that innocent time known as high school. As they start their journey to college, life hits them with tragedies, illness, and hard decisions to make. Welcome to adulthood.
The characters are well developed and will steal your heart. The author includes music references throughout the book which are a great added touch in bringing the story to life.
I recommend this book to readers of Young Adult, Clean Romance, and General Fiction genres.
Read it today, then get Book 2 immediately. You won't want to wait.
The characters are well developed and will steal your heart. The author includes music references throughout the book which are a great added touch in bringing the story to life.
I recommend this book to readers of Young Adult, Clean Romance, and General Fiction genres.
Read it today, then get Book 2 immediately. You won't want to wait.
November 16, 2018
This is a gentle positive love story. The book slowly draws you into the moving story of a young musician and his friend Angela. It focuses mainly on the last day before he heads off to music college. It’s about people being their best self and avoiding hate and negativity. Refreshingly, there’s no swearing, sex, or violence. I really liked how you could listen to Avery’s acoustic guitar song The Garden from the book at the author’s website. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
December 27, 2018
This is a lovely coming of age novel. All young people struggle with identity at some time and finding their independence when they leave home for the first time. This is beautifully written and is a book to be enjoyed by readers of any age.
Avery will be leaving for college in Boston tomorrow. But today is for spending with his best friend Angela. They have a big day planned. They are driving down the coast to the boardwalk at Seaside.
Normal summers for the past four years would have been spent mostly together but for some reason, between his gigs and Angela’s schedule, this summer, they haven’t even seen each other. They have talked almost every day, but that just isn’t the same. Going away to college, not being able to see each other at all, that is going to be a huge change.
Come along on the last day of youth as Avery and Angela prepare to face their future.
Kindle Unlimited edition
Avery will be leaving for college in Boston tomorrow. But today is for spending with his best friend Angela. They have a big day planned. They are driving down the coast to the boardwalk at Seaside.
Normal summers for the past four years would have been spent mostly together but for some reason, between his gigs and Angela’s schedule, this summer, they haven’t even seen each other. They have talked almost every day, but that just isn’t the same. Going away to college, not being able to see each other at all, that is going to be a huge change.
Come along on the last day of youth as Avery and Angela prepare to face their future.
Kindle Unlimited edition
August 27, 2019
Wonderful Young Love
Best friends for 4yrs. This story is about two young people that finally find the true love they always had for each other, but never showed tbe other. After graduating, they had plans on college and Avery was going to Boston. Angela had taken the semester off from her college. After a wonderful day at Wildwood, Avery finally realized the love he held for Angela. There last good day. Angela had hoped this day would come. They were happy and in love. Avery had to leave for Boston the next day and vowed his love for her. Then she tells him some news that changes and strengthens his love. Follow their love in this sweet young love story.
Best friends for 4yrs. This story is about two young people that finally find the true love they always had for each other, but never showed tbe other. After graduating, they had plans on college and Avery was going to Boston. Angela had taken the semester off from her college. After a wonderful day at Wildwood, Avery finally realized the love he held for Angela. There last good day. Angela had hoped this day would come. They were happy and in love. Avery had to leave for Boston the next day and vowed his love for her. Then she tells him some news that changes and strengthens his love. Follow their love in this sweet young love story.
March 9, 2021
I enjoyed this young adult story. Avery and Angela are best friends who spend the day before Avery goes off to college. this is an entertaining story about young people and the way friendships change as they grow older. some stay friends, some don't. i would recommend it to people who like young adult stories told with heart.
February 26, 2019
Lovely story!
This teen story of friendship and romance was a delightful read. I could imagine myself in this stage of life again with all the insecurities and changes and decisions to be made. Real life struggles with a sprinkling of adventure made this story believable and enjoyable. I liked that it was from the male viewpoint. A refreshing perspective from this genre. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two in the series!
This teen story of friendship and romance was a delightful read. I could imagine myself in this stage of life again with all the insecurities and changes and decisions to be made. Real life struggles with a sprinkling of adventure made this story believable and enjoyable. I liked that it was from the male viewpoint. A refreshing perspective from this genre. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two in the series!
June 15, 2019
First Love
A classic story of reaching the maturity to see what or who is foremost in life. This book tugs slightly at the heartstrings.
A classic story of reaching the maturity to see what or who is foremost in life. This book tugs slightly at the heartstrings.
March 7, 2020
The Last Good Day (Avery & Angela Book 1)
This is a wonderful story, and I can't wait share it with a couple of my granddaughters. Avery realizes on the day before he leaves for college that he is completely in love with Angela, and has been ever since they met four years ago at the beginning of High School. Of course Angela has known this from their first meeting, and has been quietly in love with him as well. After all, as we all know, boys do tend to mature at a slower rate... but she has patiently waited for his heart and eyes to be opened. To her joy, he is as elated at his "awakening" as she is. There is one thing she does have to let him know, and she hopes fervently that it doesn't make their road too rocky, or even tear them apart completely. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone, from High School age and up, perhaps a mature Middle School student even. I've just purchased the second book in the series, and intend to start it as soon as I get the evening chores done and hop into bed! I am really very pleased with Mr. Kugler's writing, and what a relief to have proper editing! There is no fighting with misspellings, improperly used words, or vulgarity. I have only come across a few swear words (less than ten in the whole book, I believe!), and certainly none of the seriously crude ones. This has been a great pleasure to read so far, and I truly can't wait to start the next book. I think it's safe to say that I will be finishing the trilogy... 5 stars for a great read, Mr. Kugler! Thank you so much! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👍👍👍👍👍
This is a wonderful story, and I can't wait share it with a couple of my granddaughters. Avery realizes on the day before he leaves for college that he is completely in love with Angela, and has been ever since they met four years ago at the beginning of High School. Of course Angela has known this from their first meeting, and has been quietly in love with him as well. After all, as we all know, boys do tend to mature at a slower rate... but she has patiently waited for his heart and eyes to be opened. To her joy, he is as elated at his "awakening" as she is. There is one thing she does have to let him know, and she hopes fervently that it doesn't make their road too rocky, or even tear them apart completely. I would heartily recommend this book to anyone, from High School age and up, perhaps a mature Middle School student even. I've just purchased the second book in the series, and intend to start it as soon as I get the evening chores done and hop into bed! I am really very pleased with Mr. Kugler's writing, and what a relief to have proper editing! There is no fighting with misspellings, improperly used words, or vulgarity. I have only come across a few swear words (less than ten in the whole book, I believe!), and certainly none of the seriously crude ones. This has been a great pleasure to read so far, and I truly can't wait to start the next book. I think it's safe to say that I will be finishing the trilogy... 5 stars for a great read, Mr. Kugler! Thank you so much! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👍👍👍👍👍
June 11, 2019
Lovely coming of age book with perfect teenage angst. Nice story
July 29, 2023
3 Stars.
What I Liked:
• Cute Romance
• Vaguely interesting characters
What Wasn’t My Cup of Tea:
• Monotonous
Overall Thoughts:
I liked this book, I’ve had it on my TBR for awhile & figured I would read it on my vacation down to the Jersey Shore to really feel the story. I thought the romance/friendship between Avery & Angela was so great. It was really what kept me interested in the book because Avery had a bit monotonous voice. I liked how Angela’s family was supportive of her & Avery, even just as friends.
I was pretty quick to pick up on the secret when it was mentioned early on & how it said that Angela really didn’t complain when anything was going wrong with her life. Or when she didn’t hang out with Avery all summer. I understand they were good friends before they didn’t see each other but I would’ve like to have the book started maybe in the last few weeks of school because we really didn’t know Angela at all & she was supposed to be his best friend so it was a little strange since we were told about her more than anything.
I thought the characters were vaguely interesting, but maybe it was Avery’s tone that just didn’t make them anything special. But the parts of them we did see were nice.
Overall, this was a nice book & at this point I’d read the next book.
What I Liked:
• Cute Romance
• Vaguely interesting characters
What Wasn’t My Cup of Tea:
• Monotonous
Overall Thoughts:
I liked this book, I’ve had it on my TBR for awhile & figured I would read it on my vacation down to the Jersey Shore to really feel the story. I thought the romance/friendship between Avery & Angela was so great. It was really what kept me interested in the book because Avery had a bit monotonous voice. I liked how Angela’s family was supportive of her & Avery, even just as friends.
I was pretty quick to pick up on the secret when it was mentioned early on & how it said that Angela really didn’t complain when anything was going wrong with her life. Or when she didn’t hang out with Avery all summer. I understand they were good friends before they didn’t see each other but I would’ve like to have the book started maybe in the last few weeks of school because we really didn’t know Angela at all & she was supposed to be his best friend so it was a little strange since we were told about her more than anything.
I thought the characters were vaguely interesting, but maybe it was Avery’s tone that just didn’t make them anything special. But the parts of them we did see were nice.
Overall, this was a nice book & at this point I’d read the next book.
November 13, 2021
The story begins with Avery, a young college boy in Pricenton Junction, New Jersey. Having only theample ount of capital for one year of college, he gets into a must-win-scholarship situation to pursue his up coming college years . He meets Angela with whom he's been friends from his nineth grade but had hardly seen her the summer, just the day before he must take a train to Boston for the concert he must win to get the scholarship . Both Avery and Angela wants to spend his last day with each other before he bids Pricenton Junction a goodbye . The author presents each and every emotions so beautifully that the reader connects with both the character in no time . One can feel what it feels like or felt like in a College first year, lots of hope yet indecisiveness of whether to chose their passion or just flow with the flow. Several mysteries unfurl and worlds drift away all with no trace of negativity. The author showers the angst atmosphere of the unraveled mysteries with a sprinkle of positivity and love . Moreover a male point of view tugs all the heartstrings making it a perfect heart-wrenching yet so beautiful and pure teenage story
August 10, 2020
I just read my favorite book f the year
This book was so good. It was a make you feel good book. The storyline and characters were so awesome. The relationships were ones you can relate to. I am off to start book 2 and it is 1 am in the morning. Please read this book. I also want thank Robert Kugler for a great book.
This book was so good. It was a make you feel good book. The storyline and characters were so awesome. The relationships were ones you can relate to. I am off to start book 2 and it is 1 am in the morning. Please read this book. I also want thank Robert Kugler for a great book.
June 4, 2020
I loved that Avery's voice in the book came across as that of an actual 18 year old boy - his perspective, thought and interactions rang true. I found myself caught up in the story of this last good day and enjoyed the layering of Avery and Angela's experiences at Wildwood with my own memories of enjoying a weekend there. (And the music references were fun.) I just wish the book had ended at the completion of that day rather than having a few chapters meandering over four months towards the next book since It's clear I'm going to have to read the next book anyway to find out what happens with Avery and Angela.
December 9, 2023
The Last Good Day by Robert Kugler
"Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything!"
The title immediately grabbed me and I had to know why it was the last good day.
The voice is absolutely compelling--I was immediately transported to Wildwood with Avery and Angela. The writing is gripping and unputdownable.
This YA/NA coming of age book takes you on the emotional rollercoaster ride of the last day of summer before leaving for college.
I laughed. I cried. I felt 18 again. I'll definitely be reading more in this series!
It was truly a beautiful book to read.
"Two best friends. One last day. One huge secret that changes everything!"
The title immediately grabbed me and I had to know why it was the last good day.
The voice is absolutely compelling--I was immediately transported to Wildwood with Avery and Angela. The writing is gripping and unputdownable.
This YA/NA coming of age book takes you on the emotional rollercoaster ride of the last day of summer before leaving for college.
I laughed. I cried. I felt 18 again. I'll definitely be reading more in this series!
It was truly a beautiful book to read.
October 17, 2023
More than just a coming of age love story
This story is written from a young man’s perspective, as he faces an uncertain future, strengthens his relationships with family and friends, and begins to create his own future. The characters are strong and well written and you really share their emotions. And the music is great! Although this novel is complete, I’m glad there are additional books to continue his story.
This story is written from a young man’s perspective, as he faces an uncertain future, strengthens his relationships with family and friends, and begins to create his own future. The characters are strong and well written and you really share their emotions. And the music is great! Although this novel is complete, I’m glad there are additional books to continue his story.
July 23, 2018
If you enjoy Nicholas Sparks, you'll like Kugler's YA debut. Young love, deep thoughts, friendship, talent, humor in batches. Though I've never been to Jersey or Wildwood, I delighted in walking the streets, the beach, the clubs, goodness, even the Christmas shop, with Angela and Avery.
August 29, 2023
So so….
Maybe because this is the first book in a series of four in total, it really dragged for me. Avery seems like a nice and kind guy, and Angie is facing a lot of challenges. They are also still young, so hopefully things will end up better for them.
Maybe because this is the first book in a series of four in total, it really dragged for me. Avery seems like a nice and kind guy, and Angie is facing a lot of challenges. They are also still young, so hopefully things will end up better for them.
August 9, 2025
Great read
This was a sweet and fun read. It's about a relationship finally morphing into the love that has been there all the time. It is about struggle and sorrow and also growth and joy. It was beautifully written.
This was a sweet and fun read. It's about a relationship finally morphing into the love that has been there all the time. It is about struggle and sorrow and also growth and joy. It was beautifully written.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 31, 2025
Good Day
Finding love and life experiences is this book. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Finding love and life experiences is this book. I really enjoyed it! I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
October 25, 2019
Great characters and POV but its ending was too long
I loved the first-person POV, diving deep into Avery's character. I thought there were a few scenes where he rabbit-trailed into irrelevant memories, like with the bully and even his father. This story was about if he and his best friend Angie were ever going to get together. All those other things seemed unnecessary.
The sensory details were lovely and really painted a picture of the Jersey Shore, to which I've never been.
I also loved the depth of details in the music. I know a little about music (though not most of the bands or specific albums he mentions), and it felt really genuine and authentic.
My two main beefs were with the editing and the ending. I felt like the story was mainly done after about 85%. But he kept dragging it out in 4 more chapters, I believe. I think he could have skipped the college stuff and just made an epilogue of the last chapter. But that's just what I would have done.
I did also like the faith thread, though it's really just an opening of a possibility later down the road.
Favorite quotes:
“Angie laughed until she snorted again, which I always love. I could have her laugh as a ringtone, I think, and be pretty happy.”
“A girl never forgets the first thing a boy writes for her.”
“'God clearly has something to say both to and through you.” I know that I started the conversation with him looking for an argument, but I didn’t find one. I really didn’t know what to say.”
“'You can talk to the universe, but I can’t talk to inanimate objects?' 'Fair enough.'”
“I guess I never conceived the notion that something existed that might make her cry. Maybe I am truly, really, a selfish, selfish person after all.”
“'Because I’m a girl who’s upset and it’s what I want!' I saw no reason to argue with her, so I didn’t.
“My heart might have figured it out earlier, as it had been telling me all day how I felt being so close to her, but my head has always been behind the curve. Angie had always been the only stable thing in my life, so no wonder I hadn’t been able to see her differently, until now.”
“'Am I that easy to read?' 'Oh, sweetie, there is nothing easy about you. But, I think you just might be worth the effort.'”
“It was the first time in my life that I felt really safe. Secure is maybe a better word, like that everything would be OK, that it all would work out, which was ironic considering the changes that were coming for both of us, together and separately. I suddenly and for the first time in my life really felt like I was loved as myself, whoever that might be.”
“'I’m proud that I raised a son who’s turned into a man that a girl like that wants to be around.'”
I loved the first-person POV, diving deep into Avery's character. I thought there were a few scenes where he rabbit-trailed into irrelevant memories, like with the bully and even his father. This story was about if he and his best friend Angie were ever going to get together. All those other things seemed unnecessary.
The sensory details were lovely and really painted a picture of the Jersey Shore, to which I've never been.
I also loved the depth of details in the music. I know a little about music (though not most of the bands or specific albums he mentions), and it felt really genuine and authentic.
My two main beefs were with the editing and the ending. I felt like the story was mainly done after about 85%. But he kept dragging it out in 4 more chapters, I believe. I think he could have skipped the college stuff and just made an epilogue of the last chapter. But that's just what I would have done.
I did also like the faith thread, though it's really just an opening of a possibility later down the road.
Favorite quotes:
“Angie laughed until she snorted again, which I always love. I could have her laugh as a ringtone, I think, and be pretty happy.”
“A girl never forgets the first thing a boy writes for her.”
“'God clearly has something to say both to and through you.” I know that I started the conversation with him looking for an argument, but I didn’t find one. I really didn’t know what to say.”
“'You can talk to the universe, but I can’t talk to inanimate objects?' 'Fair enough.'”
“I guess I never conceived the notion that something existed that might make her cry. Maybe I am truly, really, a selfish, selfish person after all.”
“'Because I’m a girl who’s upset and it’s what I want!' I saw no reason to argue with her, so I didn’t.
“My heart might have figured it out earlier, as it had been telling me all day how I felt being so close to her, but my head has always been behind the curve. Angie had always been the only stable thing in my life, so no wonder I hadn’t been able to see her differently, until now.”
“'Am I that easy to read?' 'Oh, sweetie, there is nothing easy about you. But, I think you just might be worth the effort.'”
“It was the first time in my life that I felt really safe. Secure is maybe a better word, like that everything would be OK, that it all would work out, which was ironic considering the changes that were coming for both of us, together and separately. I suddenly and for the first time in my life really felt like I was loved as myself, whoever that might be.”
“'I’m proud that I raised a son who’s turned into a man that a girl like that wants to be around.'”
July 5, 2024
2.75 stars
Dnf 18%
I LOVE the idea of this book. A ya friends to lovers, count me in!! And this book was free, too. But it didn't quite cut the mark.
I feel SOO bad for dnfing this book. Nothing is ACTUALLY wrong it so far--except how SLOOOOWLY it's paced. I haven't been able to do any slow books lately, and this one seemed to go on and on and the plot dragged. I'm not gonna tell you not to read this. I just can't do slow motion paced books, but if you can, go for it.
CW/TW thus far: some mild physical attraction, a mention of Avery finding what's her name pretty, some staring ANF long looks, some play wrestling between a girl and boy, some sweeties, a few dears, A mention of "making out"
They get their "palms read" as a joke, (its Andies idea, not Averys), a mention of cancer and recovering from it, (Andie got it when she was young and lost her hair), a mention of a tattoo, (Avery got one once she was legally old enough), a mention of a jerk, a h**l, a stupid, a mention of a bar and playing in one, Avery is paid in money not drinks because he's underage
*Note: A mention of dunking donuts and Chipotle, a mention of the song "American pie"
Dnf 18%
I LOVE the idea of this book. A ya friends to lovers, count me in!! And this book was free, too. But it didn't quite cut the mark.
I feel SOO bad for dnfing this book. Nothing is ACTUALLY wrong it so far--except how SLOOOOWLY it's paced. I haven't been able to do any slow books lately, and this one seemed to go on and on and the plot dragged. I'm not gonna tell you not to read this. I just can't do slow motion paced books, but if you can, go for it.
CW/TW thus far: some mild physical attraction, a mention of Avery finding what's her name pretty, some staring ANF long looks, some play wrestling between a girl and boy, some sweeties, a few dears, A mention of "making out"
They get their "palms read" as a joke, (its Andies idea, not Averys), a mention of cancer and recovering from it, (Andie got it when she was young and lost her hair), a mention of a tattoo, (Avery got one once she was legally old enough), a mention of a jerk, a h**l, a stupid, a mention of a bar and playing in one, Avery is paid in money not drinks because he's underage
*Note: A mention of dunking donuts and Chipotle, a mention of the song "American pie"
December 5, 2025
This premise sets up a sharp emotional crossroads rather than a simple coming-of-age arc. Avery’s last day at the Jersey Shore isn’t just nostalgia, it’s the point where the life he’s planned collides with the truth Angela has been hiding. The tension between artistic ambition and personal loyalty feels authentic, and the coastal setting gives their reckoning a grounded, bittersweet weight. It’s a quiet story, but the stakes are real: a young musician realizing that chasing his future may cost him the one person who’s kept him steady.
October 17, 2023
A beautifully written story of two friends and how life can quickly change. Avery is going to study music but can he do it without his friend. Totally enjoyable.
April 25, 2026
a gentle love story
An easy read. I bonded with the characters from the start.
Their story was so relatable. When the book ended, I wanted to know more about them. Good read.
An easy read. I bonded with the characters from the start.
Their story was so relatable. When the book ended, I wanted to know more about them. Good read.
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