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If the Summer Lasted Forever

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Every year when the weather gets warm, tourists flock to Gray Jay, the cutest little resort town in the Rocky Mountains. Seventeen-year-old local native Lacey has one never fall for the summer boys. She’s been there, done that, regretted it for a solid year. No one is going to change her mind, not even tall, blond, and handsome Landon Tillman.
Landon’s not looking for a summer fling. Still nursing a broken heart months after his girlfriend dumped him, he’s content to travel the country with his family and create videos for their wildly popular internet travel channel.
When well-meaning family members try to push Lacey and Landon together, the duo decides to fake a romance so they can enjoy their summer in peace. After all, what could go wrong?
True, they’ll have to spend a lot of time together to make the relationship look believable. They might even have to share a kiss or two for the sake of credibility. And sure, it’s possible lines will blur and fake feelings might morph into something real…
But that’s just a chance they’re going to have to take.

264 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2018

184 people are currently reading
320 people want to read

About the author

Shari Lynn Cook

9 books8 followers
Shari Lynn Cook is a pen name for USA Today bestselling author Shari L. Tapscott. Unable to choose between her love for fantasy and romcoms, she created the Cook name, finally giving her contemporary romances a home of their own.

When she’s not traveling the US with her family in their fifth wheel, you can find her in western Colorado, exploring the mountains, drinking too much tea, and arguing with her characters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥.
772 reviews392 followers
September 28, 2018
If the Summer Lasted Forever was a super quick and adorable book! By the first chapter I was already smiling and laughing. And while it seemed to move a little slower than I was use to, I happily found myself devouring this book. I was shocked how addicted I became and that I even had tears in my eyes towards the last few chapters. This is the 4th book I've read by Sharri L Tapscott and I can't wait to read the rest of them!
Every time I see him, my breath catches, and my stomach flutters. I know it’s just a crush, something meaningless, but I don’t want to feel that way about him or anyone else.

Lacey lived in the middle of nowhere Colorado, and come summertime her tiny little town would become a tourist trap. She worked at the campgrounds and cabins her mom owned, along with her Uncle Mark. Summer boys would always come and go, but after getting her heart stomped on last year, Lacey swore off all boys. Unlike her best friend, Paige, who was the cutest ever and loved the summer boys! But when the Tillman's came to stay the summer at Lacey's family's campground, their oldest son Landon caught her eye.
Landon’s eyes search mine, and his fingers tighten on my sides. I gulp. We’ve crossed a line—a very serious line. And I want to do it again. In fact, I want to erase the line, scratch it out, wash it away and pretend we never created it.

I heart Landon! He was charming, adorable and made me constantly smile. He would say and do the cutest things ever and while Lacey tried to keep her distance from him, it was impossible. I also loved Lacey too. She was easy to talk to, such a hard worker and had the hugest heart ever. It was easy to see why Landon was pulled in by her. And every time they were around each other they caught themselves flirting. It all felt like first love, it was so cute, a little bit awkward, entirely innocent and I loved every minute of it!
I freeze as Landon casually drapes his arm over my shoulder, pulling me to his side like an affectionate boyfriend would. He gives me a squeeze, reminding me to play along. The problem is that I’m trying not to swoon.
He doesn’t need to know that though.

But each of them had their guard up. Lacey didn't want to get attached because she knew he would just be leaving in a few months. And Landon had his reasons for not jumping into a relationship with Lacey. But both of their mom's kept pushing for them to be together. Now here's the funny thing. I completely forgot this was a fake boyfriend/girlfriend book. When it finally happened I had the hugest grin ever. Finally they wouldn't have an excuse to not be around each other. And that could only lead to touching and kissing, sigh. I was beyond ecstatic and loved how this story evolved! What started out innocently, turned into something where the lines blurred. Yes they were pretending to be together, but it felt real at times. And my heart was oh so happy!
“We’re not in public,” I remind him when he brushes his lips against my jaw. It’s my last noble effort to keep things simple.
“No, we’re not.”
“I thought we weren’t going to—”
“I changed my mind.”

So if you're looking for a quick, adorable book with the fake boyfriend/girlfriend trope then definitely give this one a chance! I loved how it mixed friendship, romance and family relationships together. And I also loved how the secondary characters and even dogs played such an important part of this story. If the Summer Lasted Forever had so much heart and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

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Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
June 15, 2018
Oh to be young and in love. This book captures perfectly that young love vibe, the uncertainty and vulnerability, the excitement. It's YA romance at it's best. So cute!

It was so easy to like both Lacey and Landon. They are both nice people and had nice families. I really felt like I was right there with them and could picture everything as it was happening. I really loved the ending and the postcards leading up to the ending. It was so sweet.

Content: kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Suad Shamma.
731 reviews209 followers
March 31, 2019
I've said this time and again. I am a sucker for YA romance!
I don't know what it is. Does it remind me of being young and in love, with no responsibilities or stress and the most critical thing in my life being this boy and whether he likes me back or whether we can sustain a long-distance relationship or whether I will go the university of my dreams.

Whatever it is, I love reading it. No matter how silly, mundane or predictable. I enjoy it, it makes me all tingly and gives me butterflies and takes me back to a beautiful time of my life. Also, every time I ready a cute YA novel, I close the book and go jump my husband, so hey! It also helps maintain my own romantic relationship with my husband! TMI? Sorry.

Anyway, so this story was cute in every aspect. I loved Landon, I thought he was so charming, clever, and straightforward. I love that it was drama free, I love that even the complicated was made uncomplicated, and I love that he was able to win Lacey over. I didn't for one second buy their fake relationship, and knew from the get-go that he was really into her. So obvious!

I loved the whole postcard thing at the end. I don't know if guys like that exist, but it's definitely nice to think so.

This book is just a really sweet escape from reality. Take it with a grain of salt, don't overthink it, and just enjoy it.
Profile Image for Tara.
339 reviews
April 4, 2019
Oh my. Loved this one! Adorable, funny, swoony, clean YA romance at its best! Loved Lacey and Landon and loved their story. And the ending? 😍 If I cant get an epilogue, that’s as close to perfect as it can end. 😉 I’ve definitely found a new favorite author!! ❤️
Profile Image for Stefanie.
13 reviews6 followers
June 5, 2020
I need a sequel... It was so inocent and cute. Love it!!
Profile Image for Erin.
914 reviews105 followers
February 1, 2022
This was a fun, very sweet, YA romance. I read it in a day and it was satisfying and cute.
The chemistry was high, which I really enjoyed.
The writing was engaging and funny in places. I definitely enjoyed that aspect.

Landon was adorable. A little unrealistic with the letters, but it was cute.
Lacey was mostly cute but more aloof and workaholic-ish than I would have wanted, or would have thought natural for a teenager. Two things kinda bugged me about her personality:
1) She thought she was indispensable at the family business and honestly thought her folks couldn’t survive without her… and she thought she couldn’t go to college because of that?? That’s just weird. She was married to her work at age 17 which was strange. But forgivable because I didn’t think it would translate to the rest of her life- it was just due to the circumstances I think.
2)The fact that Lacey was upset about her mom dating someone after being a widow for ELEVEN YEARS was completely ridiculous. Besides that very minor subplot, I liked the story.

Both main characters had happy, functional families and attentive, good parents. That was cool.
The two side romances could have been fleshed out a bit to add some chemistry there, but oh well.

Landon just graduated HS and Lacey was about to be a Senior. As the reader, I felt their relationship could have been deeper to really warrant the dedication they both exhibited for a year, but it’s fine. The conclusion was rather abrupt, but I still finished with a smile on my face. It was a cute, sweet, darling romance. Short and satisfying.

Content:

Language- no swearing at all.
Sex- no sex or talk of sex. Some good kisses but still ultra clean. Chemistry was pretty high.
Cover- cute
I read this KU
Profile Image for Pascale’s*ARC,Unwind,Read,Review.
2,359 reviews31 followers
September 13, 2022
Loved, loved, loved it! There’s just something about this author’s work that captivates me. As soon as I start reading, I’m instantly drawn in and I can’t put the book down.

-‘“I want this.” I squeeze his hand as I look up. “But I’m afraid if we go there, if we make this real, it’s going to destroy me when you go.” “Then let’s not put labels on it. We won’t make it ‘official’—you won’t be my fake girlfriend or my real girlfriend. You’ll just be my Lacey.”’-

This is a clean, teen/YA romance with no swearing, no sex, and it is suitable for all ages. (Some pretty sweet kissing scenes too!) Highly recommended for the young -and young at heart!
Profile Image for Becky.
752 reviews44 followers
February 1, 2019
For the most part, this is a super cute YA romance. I loved the chemistry between Lacey and Landon, and I really enjoyed her interactions with his family. The romance—and the fake relationship-turned-real aspect of it—had a slow burn quality that I enjoyed. I didn't love Lacey's reaction to her mom's love life (it's not like her dad died two or three years ago; he'd been gone ELEVEN years), and I thought the wrap-up was a little too quick, but overall, I enjoyed it. 3-1/2 stars.
Profile Image for Jessica Harrison.
560 reviews18 followers
November 8, 2024
This was a short and sweet romance. I enjoyed it, despite it being a little slow, and a little lacking in true plot and depth. It’s not quite as funny as Shari Tapscott’s typical book and almost has a somber note for much of it, but the ending is sweet and well done.

Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is clean and limited to kisses. This is not a fantasy novel, and there is no magic. There’s no mention of faith or God.
Profile Image for Deborah.
676 reviews52 followers
March 31, 2019
4.5
So adorable!! Loved Lacey and Landon and loved how sweet it all was. Just a fun story. I would read it again!
Profile Image for Leah.
399 reviews
May 25, 2018
Ah, I LOVED this story! It took me straight back to my teen years with all the butterfly feels of first love.
I loved Lacey and her personality and I really loved Landon...and his family. Honestly, I loved all the characters. From the minute I started the book, I was instantly hooked and I stayed that way until the very end.
Definitely a must read...especially if you like a clean and sweet love story.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,591 reviews130 followers
March 10, 2019
One of the best YA books I've read in ages!

Lacey's been burned before and wants no part of transient romances; Landon would like to convince her to take a chance for something more. It's not an original plot, but it's handled originally and still believably. It's fun and flirty, with just enough angsty stuff to keep it interesting, and was everything I want in a romance.

Clean romance level: passionate kissing,
no inappropriate graphic details or descriptions
Profile Image for  The Flipped Page (Susan K).
1,834 reviews39 followers
September 20, 2019
Romance, clean; YA;
This was one that will stick with me for a bit. Cute premise, and fun how SLT pulled this story together. Overcoming the summer love fear and realizing that there might be a future with a relationship was a gorgeous read. Unique characters, situations, and fun family moments, along with beautiful attraction and honest hearts made for a fun, cute read.
Profile Image for Annarisa.
230 reviews14 followers
January 6, 2021
Even though it's a typical cliché romance but it was a fun & fast read. Definitely love the scene when the ex-girlfriend appeared cause it was dramatic.
1 review
March 2, 2020
Considering I’m a teenage girl that hates reading, I really liked this book. This was one of the few books I could actually finish. Maybe it was because I love the somewhat cheesy teenage romance books, or maybe I loved the storyline, but this book made me actually want to read. I think what really drew me into the book was the connection I felt to the characters.
Throughout the whole book, the author, Sharli L. Tapscott, makes the characters very humble and relatable. The two main characters, Lacey and Landon, come from two completely different pasts, both being fairly relatable. Lacey lives in a small town in Colorado and she helps her family take care of their camping resort in a small town in Colorado. Landon's family travels the world and makes popular youtube videos. For some people, Laceys life seems more relatable, but for others, Landons is easier to relate to. For me, I think I can relate to both lifestyles equally. Although I don’t make youtube videos or work at a campsite with my family, I feel like I can relate to them as people more than I can to their lives.
Lacey is a shy, sweet girl that is scared to get her heart broken, but Landon is more outgoing and he is also very sweet. At first they have a few secrets from one another, but as the story goes on, those secrets become known and they start learning more about each other and themselves. They both are very responsible, probably because of all the responsibilities they have, so they know they should spend the time they have together wisly. I can strongly relate to all these things and I can also relate to the way they interact with one another throughout the book as well.
Lacey and Landon start off as being very awkward with one another, but throughout the book, they slowly get more and more comfortable with one another. After a while, they become best friends and start spending as much time together as they can. As you would have guessed, this results in them catching feelings for one another. I don’t want to spoil too much of the book so I’m going to end that there. In all of my past relationships, this is exactly how it went and I think we can all understand and relate to what they are thinking and how they are feeling as their relationship grows stronger throughout the book.
I loved this book for more reasons than just relating to the characters, but that's what really kept me invested the whole time. “If the Summer Lasted Forever” also has a really sweet and pure storyline. I loved watching Landon and Laceys relationship grow and all their experiences together. Although they had their ups and downs, they always got past every hard thing that came their way, making their relationship stronger and stronger. This was definitely one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for Kaele’s Krazy Book Obsession.
490 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2019
This was such a cute book! I loved the characters. I need a Landon like this in my life. I related so hard to Lacey. My goodness I got upset with her at some points. But I can’t honestly say I wouldn’t have done them same thing. I usually hate the premise of a fake relationship, or a summer relationship that has to end. But this was done well. It bugged me when she’d be constantly reminded herself that’s it was fake when I could see that he actually liked her. But I guess that was the problem. She didn’t want to accept that she did like him and that he could like her as well. Her bff Paige was an awesome well-rounded character. I was so happy that she ended up happy and in a good relationship with someone that deserved her. There were some funny scenes in here. The chocolate cake incident... that was hilarious. I loved the family dynamic. It kinda reminded me of My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. I liked that it didn’t take the entire book for them to admit they liked each other because that drives me crazy. I liked the realistic goodbye. It doesn’t always work out the way you hope. I loved the postcards. SOOO CUTE 😍 I would like to know more about what happens with her mom and Mark. And Paige and Jarret. I wanted to see them in Florida with his family. And her going to the beach for the first time. That would have been the perfect ending. I loved getting that bonus chapter in Landon’s perspective. But I would have loved an epilogue as well. I would definitely be down for a sequel. But overall, this was a cute and pretty light read. I was sad at some points just wanting everything to work out for them. But it was super cute and a great addition to my bookshelf.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Granthana Sinha.
Author 6 books53 followers
September 9, 2020
If The Summer Lasted Forever by Shari L. Tapscott

📓Genre: Young-Adult Romance
     Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌠 (4.1)

🔖I confess that the blurb of the story hadn't really interested me, given the cliché ― 'finally they fall in love'. But just to take a break from thrillers, I gave this book a read. And now, I'm kind of glad that I didn't miss this one.
🔖LIke the cover suggests, the main theme is 'teen romance', but the way the author has penned the tale ― this book ends up being a beautifully narrated tale of love.
🔖Having had her heart broken one summer by one of the several tourists who visit the resort town of Gray Jay ― 17-yr-old Lacey has sworn never to make the same mistake twice.
🔖But she isn't the only one who's determined not to fall in love. The charming Landon Tillman visits her town to vacation with his family, while still trying to get over his last heartbreak & mirroring Lacey's thoughts.
🔖And thus a beautiful story unfolds & follows the two teens, who decide to fake falling in love with each other to please their respective (& encouraging) moms & to spend the summer in peace.
🔖But as they get to know each other more, the pretenses give way to real feelings, & 'love finally finds a way'.
🔖The characters are well-penned. They are fun & spirited, while also being layered & believable. The story explores the vulnerabilities, emotional dilemmas & complexities of a teenager & how much it means to truly fall in love.
🔖This is an adorable teen romance meant for anyone who enjoys a sweet & beautiful YA love story.

🔸Final Verdict: Great
🔸Book Cover: It's cute & pretty
🔸Writing Style: Fun & well-paced
🔸Character Development: Good
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
629 reviews36 followers
September 8, 2018
This was a good one! I loved the concept and all the various parts that made up the story: Colorado, a travel vlog, camping, getting lost in the woods, fake romances, the childhood friends falling for each other background storyline (which I need a companion novel about ASAP, by the way), getting lost in the words... I could go on and on. Landon and Lacey were so cute, especially after both finally gave into temptation and lived in the now rather than thinking so much about the future—something I'm definitely guilty of. I also loved the fake romance aspect of it all. I even loved the cute post cards at the end and how they found their way back to each other in the end anyway.

The Tillman's were such a fun family and so endearing, you couldn't help but like them. I feel like some of the other underlying storylines weren't developed enough/kind of pointless because they didn't add anything to the main storyline as they are now. Uncle Mark and Lacey's mother's romance, Gia and Thomas, even Paige and Jarrett (looooove them)—you could have taken it all out and it would have not detracted from the final conclusions that much. Not that I would take them out; I just think they needed to be tied in a little more.

Overall, this was a nice, quick read that was cute and made me want more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
149 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2019
Shari L. Tapscott is a prolific YA writer of romantic fantasy, fairytale retellings and contemporary romance. I've enjoyed her books, but my favorites are her YA contemporary romance. On the surface, I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy this story (campground setting?), but I LOVED it. Lacey and Landon are both struggling with previous breakups, growing up, and trying to keep their families happy. When they pretend date to keep the peace, they discover they have more in common than they could imagine. The story is swoony while still being clean, which is pretty hard to do, so if you enjoy YA contemporary romances, you'll love If the Summer Lasted Forever!
Profile Image for c. anne ♥.
243 reviews
May 23, 2018
I was looking forward to this one since it was announced... and it did not disappoint.

Full of humour, summer fun, thrills and just a little bit of a rollercoaster, this books was the perfect read for a summer day. I loved it!

The characters felt real and tangible (I loved them all, honestly), the plot was well done (a bit predictable, but not super-noticeable), and Shari does it again. I think that's all I have to say: Shari does it again.

--
Content:
> kissing.

Disclaimer:
> i received an arc for an honest review. this was honest. promise.
Profile Image for Annie Lima.
Author 34 books174 followers
January 17, 2020
Teen romance isn't a genre I normally read, but I love this author's fantasy novels, so I figured I'd give it a try. And it's pretty good! The romance part wasn't really my thing, but the characters are all interesting and unique, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I appreciate that the story is clean, with no sex or language. I would have liked a little more substance to the plot, but that's just me, since as I said, this isn't really my genre. If you particularly like teen romance, you'll probably love the book.
Profile Image for Sami.
1,356 reviews
May 26, 2018
I have been on a contemporary romance kick lately so I was glad to get this one from Tapscott. I enjoyed the setting of this book and I liked that Landon and his family were vloggers but was also glad that the vlogging wasn't really a focal point of the story. Tapscott does really well at creating a great balance in her books of what I want for a great read. The romance was simple and sweet.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review :)
Profile Image for Angelica Curry.
8 reviews
June 14, 2018
Tapscott scores again

I own a majority of the books this author writes. As always Tapscott’s characters are well written and realistic. Reading this book is like listening to a friend tell you a story. You become invested in the characters and the choices that they make. I couldn’t put this book down and like her other books I’m sure it’ll be one that I come back to again and again when I want to visit my friends.
Profile Image for Jessica.
770 reviews28 followers
October 28, 2019
Lacey is 17 and works at the campground her mom owns. Since her heart was broken a year ago by a "summer boy" who cheated on her, she swears she'll never have a summer romance again. Then she meets Landon. Their parents are trying to push them together, so they decide to become fake-boyfriend and girlfriend. But can it stay fake?

Landon and Lacey are adorable and have you rooting for them to drop the “fake” label. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted read, check this one out!
8 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2018
I loved the book. It was really good! I thought it was going to be a typical cliched romance, but it surprised me many times in the book. Just as well written as all of Tapscott's other books!! I loved both Landon and Lacey ;) As well as the two mothers playing matchmaker! Totally recommend to others, especially those looking for a sweet, clean romance for the perfect afternoon!!!
Profile Image for Kerri.
617 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2018
A fun, easy read. Perfect for a summer weekend away, which is what I used it for. Lacey was good, though she didn't blow my skirt much as a protagonist. The best friend, Paige, felt like a bit of a cliche. Landon was adorable, as was his family. Interesting to imagine yourself having no roots and moving from place to place. The story was nice, but lacked a little spice.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Noel Foertsch.
14 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2018
This book had a great plot. It contained enough to keep the story suspenseful and interesting even though just like other novels of the genre it was predictable. I also enjoyed that Lacey was relatable because as Lacey was discovering to be true to herself and follow dreams, I also experienced introspection into rethinking what I truly want out of my life in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

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