What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasmoke Friends #1
Summer's Road
My name is Ian Memmer, and I've been keeping something from my best friend Summer Quinn for years. I'm in love with her. She breaks my heart over and over, day after day, but I love her. We grew up next door to one another. She's kind and beautifully broken, and she has no idea how I feel. Because of her depression, and since she never showed any signs she felt the same, I've kept silent. Tormented. Wanting her. Becoming the playboy everyone views. I'm her rock. She needs me. I fear she's keeping secrets from me, too. Then a passionate moment between us changes everything, gives me hope. Yet the guy she's been dating wants to take their relationship to the next level. If I don't make a move soon, I could lose her. But telling her the truth could rip us apart forever.
Top Review Pick from Night Owl Reviews & The Romance Reviews!
*A stand-alone novel with a HEA*
"With a tortured heroine and headstrong hero, Moran crafts a story about making the difficult choices in the search for love."
~NY TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Caridad Pineiro
Top Review Pick from Night Owl Reviews & The Romance Reviews!
*A stand-alone novel with a HEA*
"With a tortured heroine and headstrong hero, Moran crafts a story about making the difficult choices in the search for love."
~NY TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author, Caridad Pineiro
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2011
12 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Moran
50 books1,325 followersKelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.
She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.
Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her three sons, their wily dog, a bearded dragon, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 30, 2010
Art teacher Summer Quinn has long been haunted by her mother's abandonment when she was a baby and, more recently, has experienced the profound loss of her father. But Summer always found solace in her good friends, Rick, Dee and Ian, the latter of whom has been "the boy next door" for as long as she can remember.
Now, just at the point when Summer seems to be getting her life together with Matt, her kind and reliable boyfriend, and gaining a burgeoning sense of the security she's always craved, her mother abruptly returns to town, making Summer question both her past...and her future. Summer also begins to see her best friend Ian in a very different light and this causes an unexpected chaos to erupt within her group of tightly knit friends.
A warm and, at times, very emotional romance, Moran has created a moving love story where a choice must be made between a steady, comforting relationship and a friendship that's suddenly caught fire.
Now, just at the point when Summer seems to be getting her life together with Matt, her kind and reliable boyfriend, and gaining a burgeoning sense of the security she's always craved, her mother abruptly returns to town, making Summer question both her past...and her future. Summer also begins to see her best friend Ian in a very different light and this causes an unexpected chaos to erupt within her group of tightly knit friends.
A warm and, at times, very emotional romance, Moran has created a moving love story where a choice must be made between a steady, comforting relationship and a friendship that's suddenly caught fire.
March 6, 2013
Review: Before you read this book you may want to have a box of tissues handy as they may be needed.
Art teacher Summer Quinn has gone through an awful lot in her life. Raised by her father, her mother left them while she was young; she now has to deal with her past.
Summer having just lost her father to cancer is now on her own. All her life she has relied on her friends to get her through any situation that arises. And as good friends they coddle her and help her to survive.
Summer was teased as a young child because she had no mother. Her two best friends Rick and Ian were always there for her. Later on in High School when a new girl moves to town she decides not to like her at first because Summer felt she was going to take Ian and Rick away from her. But, Dee stands up for her on Prom night and the four become the best of friends.
Now, Rick and Dee are married and Summer couldn’t be happier for them.
On the anniversary of her father’s death, Sharon, Summer’s mother shows up and lets her know that the house she thought was hers is really Sharon’s.
Summer runs to her boyfriend Matt who declares his love for her. Confused yet? There is more.
Ian has always been in love with Summer and just has never gotten around to declaring his love. Is it too late? Summer has strong feelings for Ian but doesn’t know what they are.
Planning to make love to Matt one night she sees a picture of her father, mother and herself from a summer long ago. Running scared she runs home and into the arms of Ian. Making love is wonderful but confuses her even more.
She tells Matt who gives her the ring that he was going to propose with giving her two weeks to make a decision. And a very long two weeks this turns into.
There is so much that goes on and happens that you won’t want to put this done until you get to the last page.
Ms. Moran shows us that even though friends have good intentions sometimes they shield us from things too much. Throughout this story we are with Summer going through every issue that faces us every day. We have to deal with an estranged relationship with a mother, the loss of a father, the love of a best friend that goes from friendship to love, and the realization that you have been selfish your whole life. Letting others deal with everything and never really listening to them as friends. Somehow you find yourself and learn to deal with things on your own.
This is a story that has heart. An emotional journey that is very funny, engaging and full of charm. A story that makes you laugh, love and cry. In the course of the story you just might realize some things about yourself.
Reviewed by: Robin
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Art teacher Summer Quinn has gone through an awful lot in her life. Raised by her father, her mother left them while she was young; she now has to deal with her past.
Summer having just lost her father to cancer is now on her own. All her life she has relied on her friends to get her through any situation that arises. And as good friends they coddle her and help her to survive.
Summer was teased as a young child because she had no mother. Her two best friends Rick and Ian were always there for her. Later on in High School when a new girl moves to town she decides not to like her at first because Summer felt she was going to take Ian and Rick away from her. But, Dee stands up for her on Prom night and the four become the best of friends.
Now, Rick and Dee are married and Summer couldn’t be happier for them.
On the anniversary of her father’s death, Sharon, Summer’s mother shows up and lets her know that the house she thought was hers is really Sharon’s.
Summer runs to her boyfriend Matt who declares his love for her. Confused yet? There is more.
Ian has always been in love with Summer and just has never gotten around to declaring his love. Is it too late? Summer has strong feelings for Ian but doesn’t know what they are.
Planning to make love to Matt one night she sees a picture of her father, mother and herself from a summer long ago. Running scared she runs home and into the arms of Ian. Making love is wonderful but confuses her even more.
She tells Matt who gives her the ring that he was going to propose with giving her two weeks to make a decision. And a very long two weeks this turns into.
There is so much that goes on and happens that you won’t want to put this done until you get to the last page.
Ms. Moran shows us that even though friends have good intentions sometimes they shield us from things too much. Throughout this story we are with Summer going through every issue that faces us every day. We have to deal with an estranged relationship with a mother, the loss of a father, the love of a best friend that goes from friendship to love, and the realization that you have been selfish your whole life. Letting others deal with everything and never really listening to them as friends. Somehow you find yourself and learn to deal with things on your own.
This is a story that has heart. An emotional journey that is very funny, engaging and full of charm. A story that makes you laugh, love and cry. In the course of the story you just might realize some things about yourself.
Reviewed by: Robin
Book provided by: Publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
July 8, 2013
This is an incredible story. At times sweet and shy and others gut-wrenching and painful. I appreciated the way that we got the background information necessary to understand why Summer is the way she is. The characters are so well written you feel as if you’ve known them their entire lives. Ms. Moran takes no shortcuts and you are with Summer, Ian & Matt for the entire process. Break out the tissues and prepare to laugh and cry I know I did.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and any time she wants to give me another I’ll not turn it down.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review and any time she wants to give me another I’ll not turn it down.
November 20, 2011
This is my first book from author Kelly Moran and it was such a well written book. Summer’s Road grabbed me from the beginning page and stayed with me long after I finished. To me that’s a sign of a good book when you think of these characters as real people and you begin to care for them as such.
Summer's Road is a story of loss and forgiveness and how one deals or doesn’t deal with them.
To read Amanda's entire review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
Summer's Road is a story of loss and forgiveness and how one deals or doesn’t deal with them.
To read Amanda's entire review click this link
http://www.guiltypleasuresbookreviews...
July 18, 2013
Summer’s Road is mixed with romance, heartbreak, friendship and a road not commonly travelled but in the end it taught me to cherish what I have and not dwell on what I don’t.
While travelling a road you can stop to smell the orchid’s, take in the sights but you need to keep moving as you never know what beauty is waiting just ahead.
Remember what made you who you are but be that person and grow.
Thanks again to Kelly Moran for sharing this novel with me. It’s like we’re Summer and Dee even though we haven’t met yet.
And thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
author of Arm Farm, Brain Tales - Volume One and Sending You Sammy
While travelling a road you can stop to smell the orchid’s, take in the sights but you need to keep moving as you never know what beauty is waiting just ahead.
Remember what made you who you are but be that person and grow.
Thanks again to Kelly Moran for sharing this novel with me. It’s like we’re Summer and Dee even though we haven’t met yet.
And thank you for reading,
Sarah Butland
author of Arm Farm, Brain Tales - Volume One and Sending You Sammy
February 9, 2014
A lovely story about the discovery of the truth and what is really important in life - so true to reality. I read this book in one sitting. It was easy to sympathize with all the characters, and their progression over the story was realistic and poignant. Tissues are a requirement, but the sadness is well balanced by the humour and happiness of the story.
March 13, 2014
Summer's Road is a very touching story about love, loss, and friendship. I was prepared to love this book, from reading other reviews, what I didn't expect was to feel so much.
To be so immersed in the story-telling as if I was there. I felt Summer's loneliness, her loss, her love.
I could feel Ian's struggle to tell Summer how he felt. Their friends love and devotion to them and each other.
I loved the glimpses into the past, showing the reader how everything came to be. I love that I cried with them, and laughed with them.
As an avid reader, I am so impressed with Kelly Moran's writing, and her ability to just draw you in, from the very first word.
I highly recommend this wonderful, heartfelt, emotional read!
To be so immersed in the story-telling as if I was there. I felt Summer's loneliness, her loss, her love.
I could feel Ian's struggle to tell Summer how he felt. Their friends love and devotion to them and each other.
I loved the glimpses into the past, showing the reader how everything came to be. I love that I cried with them, and laughed with them.
As an avid reader, I am so impressed with Kelly Moran's writing, and her ability to just draw you in, from the very first word.
I highly recommend this wonderful, heartfelt, emotional read!
May 18, 2011
When Summer's mom left her and her dad, she said she was fine. When people belittled throughout her childhood because she didn't have a mother involved in her life, she said she was fine. When her father got sick and died, she said she was fine. But Summer was not fine. She hid her emotions and thoughts away from the friends who stayed by her side. They never pressed her to talk about the feelings she had bottled up inside. Summer never really opened up before. And now, things are changing rapidly. It's time for Summer to make some very tough decisions, and open her life to emotion and love.
Despite the hardships life threw her way, Summer made it through. She's got the best of friends who are her only family, but they have always been there. They stick up for her, comfort her, and console her. Especially Ian, the boy she's known since diapers. Her best friend. Ian is a bit of a playboy, never staying with one girl for long. What Summer doesn't know and never expected, are Ian's true feelings for Summer. When someone mentions Ian in love with her, Summer pushes off the thought.
Throughout Summer's Road, at the start of each chapter, is a reflective glimpse of Summer's past. The author clues the reader in on signs of how Ian quietly shows his love for Summer. He's always been there.
When life gets intense, with Summer's estranged mother popping back in and then out again, and the choice to be made about taking a step further with boyfriend Matt, both Ian and Summer have a lot of thinking -- and talking -- to do. Summer's Road is the story about friends who will possibly take the step to much more, and the people it will affect, including them. There's the choice of letting someone in, and hearing the truth that needed to be said. Summer's Road is emotional, heartwarming, and dynamic. The characters are fresh and they face difficult challenges of life. This contemporary story is engaging, funny and charming.
Do you enjoy stories full of heart? Summer's Road will sweep you off your feet. It will make you smile, laugh and cry. You won't want to miss this wonderful story.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
Despite the hardships life threw her way, Summer made it through. She's got the best of friends who are her only family, but they have always been there. They stick up for her, comfort her, and console her. Especially Ian, the boy she's known since diapers. Her best friend. Ian is a bit of a playboy, never staying with one girl for long. What Summer doesn't know and never expected, are Ian's true feelings for Summer. When someone mentions Ian in love with her, Summer pushes off the thought.
Throughout Summer's Road, at the start of each chapter, is a reflective glimpse of Summer's past. The author clues the reader in on signs of how Ian quietly shows his love for Summer. He's always been there.
When life gets intense, with Summer's estranged mother popping back in and then out again, and the choice to be made about taking a step further with boyfriend Matt, both Ian and Summer have a lot of thinking -- and talking -- to do. Summer's Road is the story about friends who will possibly take the step to much more, and the people it will affect, including them. There's the choice of letting someone in, and hearing the truth that needed to be said. Summer's Road is emotional, heartwarming, and dynamic. The characters are fresh and they face difficult challenges of life. This contemporary story is engaging, funny and charming.
Do you enjoy stories full of heart? Summer's Road will sweep you off your feet. It will make you smile, laugh and cry. You won't want to miss this wonderful story.
originally posted at http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
March 23, 2014
The book Summer's Road by Kelly Moran had me on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. This was a well written, emotion-filled story about love, loss and friendship with the added benefit of a nice, though complicated, romance. There were many times I wanted to scream at the characters but a few times I actually cried with them, too. This author has this effect on people with her wonderful stories that pack a punch. I would definitely give this a high recommendation.
May 3, 2014
Summer’s Road was such a wonderful read. Heartfelt and emotional, you feel everything right along with the characters. It often gave me the perspective of being an outsider, sitting in someone’s living room, watching them play out their lives. Like you’re sitting in a small town, watching it all happen. Like you’re there with them. The characters aren’t perfect, they’re real, with desires and hurts and fears. Like they're people you could know. A wonderful book. Hooked me from the first page and kept me reading, because these wonderful characters drew me in.
April 9, 2014
Excellent book, I love the characters and the love story and how the group of friends all stay together after high school
February 7, 2016
i thought it was awesome it truly tells how someone feels when they don't have anybody.It tells the true story which was great
May 6, 2014
*SPOILERS* I recently received a copy of Summer's Road by Kelly Moran.....Emotional,'real' characters .Come read this story ,with its ups and down of emotions and denials that lead Summer and Ian to a happy place.
Summer...locking feelings away so that she wont worry people so they wont leave her,never realizing that she is hurting them by shutting them out.
Rick and Dee are two of Summer's friends that will do anything to help her.
Matt another friend who wants more.
Ian.Wonderful Ian,I just wanted to hug him.There was a part in the story that had my chest tight from crying from his pain.
Excellent Story.
Summer...locking feelings away so that she wont worry people so they wont leave her,never realizing that she is hurting them by shutting them out.
Rick and Dee are two of Summer's friends that will do anything to help her.
Matt another friend who wants more.
Ian.Wonderful Ian,I just wanted to hug him.There was a part in the story that had my chest tight from crying from his pain.
Excellent Story.
April 14, 2014
*wiping tears* Wow, what an amazing sincere, heartfelt romance. Having married 'the boy next door', I can so totally relate to this. Kelly had me laughing, ready to slap someone and crying throughout this entire book. There were so many gut-wrenching moments that I had to have a mental break for a second so I could wipe the tears and be able to see the words to continue. If you want to be taken on a magical, heartfelt romance than this book is for you. Kelly makes sure you understand what trials, triumphs and trauma that both Ian and Summer have had from the time they were kids and growing up as neighbors. I love how Kelly gave as insight into Summer's younger years and then paired it with present day for her. She allowed us insight into the emotion that would be dealt with within that chapter by giving us definitions so that we could mentally understand the pain and anguish within the word. I enjoyed this big whole heatedly and love that I got to see the HEA. Thank you Kelly for such a wonderful and emotion roll coaster of a ride that you took me on within this book!
February 27, 2016
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
This book is stunning. it follows the story of Summer Quinn, a girl who has struggled to fit in at school due to her mother being off the scene, she struggling through a lot of things, but her best friend Ian Memmer was always there to be her crutch, her somebody to lean on.
Summer has hopes and dreams of a future with The One, but she's struggling with feelings she doesn't understand and depression that threatens to ruin her.
I loved the storyline, I really enjoyed reading about the characters...but, in some parts I wanted to strangle Summer, she felt like a royal pain in the ass, but that's what made her....her. She's unusual and talks a lot in riddles (making you want to slap her upside the head) I liked her character, sure, she had a lot of personality but in parts I didn't like her.
I felt bad for Ian, he was amazing and the bestest friend anyone could ever hope for. Summer crapped on him a few times but they always made it out the other side stronger. He is the boy next door....literally and looks wise.
Dee and Rick had me chuckling. They're a really cute and funny couple...both much serious and their banter was great.
Overall, I enjoyed this and know others will too....I highly recommend it!
This book is stunning. it follows the story of Summer Quinn, a girl who has struggled to fit in at school due to her mother being off the scene, she struggling through a lot of things, but her best friend Ian Memmer was always there to be her crutch, her somebody to lean on.
Summer has hopes and dreams of a future with The One, but she's struggling with feelings she doesn't understand and depression that threatens to ruin her.
I loved the storyline, I really enjoyed reading about the characters...but, in some parts I wanted to strangle Summer, she felt like a royal pain in the ass, but that's what made her....her. She's unusual and talks a lot in riddles (making you want to slap her upside the head) I liked her character, sure, she had a lot of personality but in parts I didn't like her.
I felt bad for Ian, he was amazing and the bestest friend anyone could ever hope for. Summer crapped on him a few times but they always made it out the other side stronger. He is the boy next door....literally and looks wise.
Dee and Rick had me chuckling. They're a really cute and funny couple...both much serious and their banter was great.
Overall, I enjoyed this and know others will too....I highly recommend it!
March 8, 2016
Just finished with reading SUMMER’S ROAD and oh my! Oh my… I am utterly speechless and overwhelmed. To be honest I don’t know what to write and how to justify the book, what I just read to make you go and pick this book right away. This blew me away and now I want to blow you away too so this might be long. Stay with me.
*Takes a deep breathe*
Let me begin with why it gob-smacked me. Reading books in first person, multiple POVs is not my preference but if I do read them, it is very rare for me to get immersed in the characters and live through them. In SUMMER’S ROAD, however, I lived, got my heartbroken and loved through them. For the first time since Styxx, I was too overwhelmed with emotions to continue reading the book in a single sitting. Had to keep it down for a few hours to take a breather and at the same time wanted to pick it up again.
First off is Summer Quinn, a woman who has been struggling with depression and feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem for as long as she can remember. I think it is very rare to come across who has never at any point in life felt the same. What makes her and her struggle so real is the events she went through; mother leaving when she was a child, being bullied and taunted by kids, at tender age, who didn’t know any better that she was unlovable that is why her mother left her. So scarred and overcome she is by these things that she takes for granted the blessings she already has; her childhood best friends – Ian and Rick, Dee and her father who loved her more than anything and his loss sends her in a downward spiral which almost cost her, her life. I can relate to the part that so many times we take things for granted; like our parents, friends, better-halves, and our life only for things and people who have no meaning or place when it really counts. It is only when something drastic happens, we are jolted out of our world to look around, see the things we have been overlooking. How many times have we come across people who regret not spending enough time with their loved ones, not telling them they loved them or not appreciating all that life gave them till it was too late to do anything? Summer makes you face all these things; love, loss, the need for acceptance and forgiveness and most of all believing in yourself.
Then there is Ian Memmers. The headstrong boy, loyal to a fault who grew up to love Summer with such passion, that she deserved, it will leave your heart aching. I honestly have no words for him; they all fall short. He broke me, made me see Summer in a whole new light and showed me what happens when a Man loves a Woman with all his heart and soul. I can only say - you have to read this to really know him. I will also say - SUMMER’S ROAD has one of the best, most poignant and heart-breaking scenes written in a man’s pov, I have ever read. I got tears in my eyes just recalling it. :’(
SUMMER’S ROAD is a journey of struggle, relationships, love and enduring friendship; not just between Summer and Ian but also Rick. He understands and loves her on a platonic level but no less than Ian. And then there is Dee; a woman who is just as much of a friend as Ian and Rick and who has no insecurity about her man being so close to another woman (like we usually tend to read) and instead, is there for Summer as a silent supporting friend. Be sure to keep a pack of tissues once you start this journey of SUMMER’S ROAD. It will show you how love and faith is all that is needed in the end to cross the greatest hurdles in life. Be it a parent’s, friend’s, teacher’s, family’s love and faith or your own. How it is okay to ask for help or show your sorrow. And how prayers are answered at a time when you need it most rather than when you wish for them. Just have faith.
With The Dysfunctional Test, Ms. Moran brought us laughter amidst fairy tale love and now again she brings us another beautiful, simply beautiful love story that will resonate with all those who struggle in their own way to live for their loved ones. SUMMER’S ROAD will make you look around and tell your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them for being in your lives and making it so much better. Kudos to you Ms. Moran for slamming it home again, right where it is needed the most.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
*Takes a deep breathe*
Let me begin with why it gob-smacked me. Reading books in first person, multiple POVs is not my preference but if I do read them, it is very rare for me to get immersed in the characters and live through them. In SUMMER’S ROAD, however, I lived, got my heartbroken and loved through them. For the first time since Styxx, I was too overwhelmed with emotions to continue reading the book in a single sitting. Had to keep it down for a few hours to take a breather and at the same time wanted to pick it up again.
First off is Summer Quinn, a woman who has been struggling with depression and feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem for as long as she can remember. I think it is very rare to come across who has never at any point in life felt the same. What makes her and her struggle so real is the events she went through; mother leaving when she was a child, being bullied and taunted by kids, at tender age, who didn’t know any better that she was unlovable that is why her mother left her. So scarred and overcome she is by these things that she takes for granted the blessings she already has; her childhood best friends – Ian and Rick, Dee and her father who loved her more than anything and his loss sends her in a downward spiral which almost cost her, her life. I can relate to the part that so many times we take things for granted; like our parents, friends, better-halves, and our life only for things and people who have no meaning or place when it really counts. It is only when something drastic happens, we are jolted out of our world to look around, see the things we have been overlooking. How many times have we come across people who regret not spending enough time with their loved ones, not telling them they loved them or not appreciating all that life gave them till it was too late to do anything? Summer makes you face all these things; love, loss, the need for acceptance and forgiveness and most of all believing in yourself.
Then there is Ian Memmers. The headstrong boy, loyal to a fault who grew up to love Summer with such passion, that she deserved, it will leave your heart aching. I honestly have no words for him; they all fall short. He broke me, made me see Summer in a whole new light and showed me what happens when a Man loves a Woman with all his heart and soul. I can only say - you have to read this to really know him. I will also say - SUMMER’S ROAD has one of the best, most poignant and heart-breaking scenes written in a man’s pov, I have ever read. I got tears in my eyes just recalling it. :’(
SUMMER’S ROAD is a journey of struggle, relationships, love and enduring friendship; not just between Summer and Ian but also Rick. He understands and loves her on a platonic level but no less than Ian. And then there is Dee; a woman who is just as much of a friend as Ian and Rick and who has no insecurity about her man being so close to another woman (like we usually tend to read) and instead, is there for Summer as a silent supporting friend. Be sure to keep a pack of tissues once you start this journey of SUMMER’S ROAD. It will show you how love and faith is all that is needed in the end to cross the greatest hurdles in life. Be it a parent’s, friend’s, teacher’s, family’s love and faith or your own. How it is okay to ask for help or show your sorrow. And how prayers are answered at a time when you need it most rather than when you wish for them. Just have faith.
With The Dysfunctional Test, Ms. Moran brought us laughter amidst fairy tale love and now again she brings us another beautiful, simply beautiful love story that will resonate with all those who struggle in their own way to live for their loved ones. SUMMER’S ROAD will make you look around and tell your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them for being in your lives and making it so much better. Kudos to you Ms. Moran for slamming it home again, right where it is needed the most.
ARC received in exchange of an honest review.
April 4, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster with a perfect balance of happy, sad, friendship, love, heartbreak strength.
I loved how the story and the characters are so believable. It makes your heart ache for them when they are at low points and makes you happy for them at their hight points.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters. This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster with a perfect balance of happy, sad, friendship, love, heartbreak strength.
I loved how the story and the characters are so believable. It makes your heart ache for them when they are at low points and makes you happy for them at their hight points.
March 8, 2016
Summer Quinn is good at keeping her emotions at bay. She struggles with losing loved ones, depression and the curiosity and anger about things that happened when she was younger all while holding back from those closest to her so they don't worry. She will be challenged and I love her growth from those challenges! It is a sweet story with a sigh of contentment at the end.
April 5, 2016
Absolutely loved this book. Summer is rather heartbreaking. Throughout the whole book all I wanted was for her to find happiness, especially with Ian. From the beginning you never doubted Ian's love for Summer. He really was pretty devoted as a friend and as someone who loved another that didn't even see how he felt about her. Summer's life was not always easy and she fought a lot internal demons.
The author does a beautiful job of telling Ian and Summer's story. I couldn't put this book down.
The author does a beautiful job of telling Ian and Summer's story. I couldn't put this book down.
March 10, 2016
Summer’s mom left when she was young leaving her dad to raise her. After losing her dad to cancer, Summer is now on her own and relies on her best friends to help her through the good time and bad times. Summer pours her heart into teaching art that helps children.
Ian is Summer’s best friend. He has been there for Summer since childhood. He has been in love with Summer for the longest time but has never told her as he didn’t want to scare her and lose their friendship. Each time Summer needs a friend, a shoulder to lean on or just a cuddle, Ian is there with open arms.
This story will pull at your heart strings. You will laugh, cry, and love the characters as you connect with them emotionally. You can feel Summer’s love, loss and struggles while feeling Ian’s love, heartache and struggle to tell Summer how he feels.
I wasn’t too sure about the alternating chapters from today’s time to childhood time however the more I read the more I liked how the chapters of past gave you information and a peek into the history of Summer and Ian. The story drew you in from the beginning and captured you all the way to the end.
I recommend this emotional, heartfelt and exceptional book!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review*
Ian is Summer’s best friend. He has been there for Summer since childhood. He has been in love with Summer for the longest time but has never told her as he didn’t want to scare her and lose their friendship. Each time Summer needs a friend, a shoulder to lean on or just a cuddle, Ian is there with open arms.
This story will pull at your heart strings. You will laugh, cry, and love the characters as you connect with them emotionally. You can feel Summer’s love, loss and struggles while feeling Ian’s love, heartache and struggle to tell Summer how he feels.
I wasn’t too sure about the alternating chapters from today’s time to childhood time however the more I read the more I liked how the chapters of past gave you information and a peek into the history of Summer and Ian. The story drew you in from the beginning and captured you all the way to the end.
I recommend this emotional, heartfelt and exceptional book!
*Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a honest review*
March 8, 2016
If you want a book that pulls at your heartstrings from the get-go, Summer’s Road by Kelly Moran is a must-read. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, this wonderful story had me hooked from the start. Having several family members who have had life-long battles with depression, this story hits close to home.
Artist and teacher Summer Quinn has struggled with depression from an early age after being abandoned by her mother and then, most recently, with the loss of her father. I fell in love with Ian early on in the book and just wanted to hug him. He is Summer’s best friend and is always there for her. Both he and Summer’s other friends believe that they are doing the best for her by protecting her in the hopes that they can help keep her depression at bay. Unfortunately, this ends up contributing to Summer’s codependence and inability to make the hard decisions about her life, always wondering if she will be “enough”.
Ian has been in love with Summer for many year, but is afraid to rock the boat and risk their friendship. As his love continues to grow and as it becomes apparent to others, Ian finally makes his feelings known to Summer. Their relationship develops, but Summer continues to hold back from going “all in” as she waits for Ian to get tired of her and end things. Several events unfold and when things finally come to a head, Ian realizes that he needs to let Summer stand on her own before she can truly know who and what she wants, risking that chance that she will choose to take the risk that their love is real and lasting.
Artist and teacher Summer Quinn has struggled with depression from an early age after being abandoned by her mother and then, most recently, with the loss of her father. I fell in love with Ian early on in the book and just wanted to hug him. He is Summer’s best friend and is always there for her. Both he and Summer’s other friends believe that they are doing the best for her by protecting her in the hopes that they can help keep her depression at bay. Unfortunately, this ends up contributing to Summer’s codependence and inability to make the hard decisions about her life, always wondering if she will be “enough”.
Ian has been in love with Summer for many year, but is afraid to rock the boat and risk their friendship. As his love continues to grow and as it becomes apparent to others, Ian finally makes his feelings known to Summer. Their relationship develops, but Summer continues to hold back from going “all in” as she waits for Ian to get tired of her and end things. Several events unfold and when things finally come to a head, Ian realizes that he needs to let Summer stand on her own before she can truly know who and what she wants, risking that chance that she will choose to take the risk that their love is real and lasting.
March 6, 2016
I had no clue what this book was about before I started it. I didn't read the blurb, I didn't read reviews, I knew nothing. This was the first book by Kelly Moran that I have read. I hadn't even heard of her before this book. This book, in short, is incredible. You hope for good things to happen for the characters. This book proves that there doesn't always have to be a "bad guy" or someone there to rip a couple apart. I do love the "villians" in the books i read but this was refreshing. You feel drawn into the story. You want to be a part of their lives. I hope there is a sequel to this book because i would definitely read it. I will recommend this book to my fellow book junkies. This author has a new follower in me.
March 9, 2016
Loved It! This book is emtional, heartfelt, hot. You may need a box of tissues. The book gives a grest background of Summer and Ian her best friend. This is a great best friend to lovers book. Ian is the prefect book boyfriend. *sighs* My favorite part was when Summer finally opened her eyes to what has been right in front of her was the prefect man and her best friend. I look forward to reading more books by Kelly Moran. I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
Riveting. I couldn't put it down. Such a great story of life and love. Wish I had a friend like Ian.
April 17, 2014
Summer's Road by Kelly Moran is a lovely friends to lovers romance. It is also an emotional journey of healing and forgiveness for Summer Quinn as she makes peace with her past. But the heart and soul of this wonderful story is the delightful friendship that Summer shares with her best pals Ian, Rick and Dee.
Summer has been unable to move on from the two defining moments of her life-her mother's long ago abandonment and more recently, her beloved father's death from cancer. On the four year anniversary of her dad's death, she is shaken by her mother Sharon's unexpected reappearance in her life. As if her life is not in enough turmoil, her longtime boyfriend Matt is suddenly asking for a commitment and her close friendship with Ian takes a surprisingly romantic turn.
Although Summer has a very close friendship with her childhood friends, she always holds a little piece of herself back from them. Instead of confiding in them, she puts on a happy face and keeps her strongest emotions to herself. This defense mechanism works perfectly well until her past and present collide and she comes very close to ruining her friendship and, quite possibly, her future with Ian. But help arrives from a surprising source and Summer has a few revelations about her parents and her friendships that help her heal the wounds from her past.
The budding romance between Ian and Summer is full of misunderstandings but lack of communication is probably their biggest issue. For two people who think they know one another inside and out, it turns out they really don't know each other very well at all. Even worse, they are both guilty of assuming they know what the other person is thinking and this leads some frustrating conversations where they keep their true feelings hidden.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the close-knit friendship between Summer, Ian, Rick and Dee. Ian, Rick and Dee are more than Summer's friends; they are her family. The three have been with Summer through good times and bad and their support for her is unwavering. But as they soon discover, their good intentions have undesirable consequences that have hindered Summer more than they helped. Fortunately it is not too late for Summer to make amends for her past behavior and she embraces what she has in life instead of lamenting what is missing.
Summer's Road by Kelly Moran is a wonderful story of forgiveness, friendship and love. The cast of characters is appealing and beautifully developed. The story line is engaging with plenty of strong emotions. A heartfelt novel that fans of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.
Summer has been unable to move on from the two defining moments of her life-her mother's long ago abandonment and more recently, her beloved father's death from cancer. On the four year anniversary of her dad's death, she is shaken by her mother Sharon's unexpected reappearance in her life. As if her life is not in enough turmoil, her longtime boyfriend Matt is suddenly asking for a commitment and her close friendship with Ian takes a surprisingly romantic turn.
Although Summer has a very close friendship with her childhood friends, she always holds a little piece of herself back from them. Instead of confiding in them, she puts on a happy face and keeps her strongest emotions to herself. This defense mechanism works perfectly well until her past and present collide and she comes very close to ruining her friendship and, quite possibly, her future with Ian. But help arrives from a surprising source and Summer has a few revelations about her parents and her friendships that help her heal the wounds from her past.
The budding romance between Ian and Summer is full of misunderstandings but lack of communication is probably their biggest issue. For two people who think they know one another inside and out, it turns out they really don't know each other very well at all. Even worse, they are both guilty of assuming they know what the other person is thinking and this leads some frustrating conversations where they keep their true feelings hidden.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the novel is the close-knit friendship between Summer, Ian, Rick and Dee. Ian, Rick and Dee are more than Summer's friends; they are her family. The three have been with Summer through good times and bad and their support for her is unwavering. But as they soon discover, their good intentions have undesirable consequences that have hindered Summer more than they helped. Fortunately it is not too late for Summer to make amends for her past behavior and she embraces what she has in life instead of lamenting what is missing.
Summer's Road by Kelly Moran is a wonderful story of forgiveness, friendship and love. The cast of characters is appealing and beautifully developed. The story line is engaging with plenty of strong emotions. A heartfelt novel that fans of contemporary romances are sure to enjoy.
February 29, 2016
I received in exchange for an honest review
A woman that has battled depression and the man that has been her best friend will steal your heart and make you go through all the feels.
Summer Quinn always felt has if something was wrong with her. Her mom left her at a young age and she had heen teased by other kids except for her best friends, Rick, Ian and later Dee. Summer's dad had always been there for her only for her to lose him to sickness. Her depression took her under but Ian Memmer dragged her back.
Ian has been in love with Summer for as long as he can remember. His protective instincts over Summer had double after she suffered the death of her father.
The return of her mom and another man vying for her heart Summer begins questioning the past and the future.
In order to have a chance at a future with her Ian knows he must walk away.
The truth about her parents' past helps heal Summer's heart and clears her head in regards to her feelings for Ian.
A woman that has battled depression and the man that has been her best friend will steal your heart and make you go through all the feels.
Summer Quinn always felt has if something was wrong with her. Her mom left her at a young age and she had heen teased by other kids except for her best friends, Rick, Ian and later Dee. Summer's dad had always been there for her only for her to lose him to sickness. Her depression took her under but Ian Memmer dragged her back.
Ian has been in love with Summer for as long as he can remember. His protective instincts over Summer had double after she suffered the death of her father.
The return of her mom and another man vying for her heart Summer begins questioning the past and the future.
In order to have a chance at a future with her Ian knows he must walk away.
The truth about her parents' past helps heal Summer's heart and clears her head in regards to her feelings for Ian.
March 6, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This is the second book of Kelly's I've read and again I was not disappointed (my first was Exposure wow!).
I fell in love with the characters instantly and I loved how Summer did what she wanted when she wanted. Ian was such a sweetie (with major sex appeal!!) and he would do anything for Summer.
It was an easy read with a few secrets to discover and once I started reading it I could not stop! It's the first book I've read in a while in which I did need tissues so make sure you have them ready!
I would have liked an epilogue though.
Thanks Kelly and keep up the fabulous writing!
This is the second book of Kelly's I've read and again I was not disappointed (my first was Exposure wow!).
I fell in love with the characters instantly and I loved how Summer did what she wanted when she wanted. Ian was such a sweetie (with major sex appeal!!) and he would do anything for Summer.
It was an easy read with a few secrets to discover and once I started reading it I could not stop! It's the first book I've read in a while in which I did need tissues so make sure you have them ready!
I would have liked an epilogue though.
Thanks Kelly and keep up the fabulous writing!
March 14, 2016
Wow! I loved it! this sure is an eye opener! Open your eyes and see what is right in front of you! Very sweet love story! She and her best friend finally open up!
March 31, 2016
Summer Road By Kelly Moran was a wonderful book .It was gave me exactly what I wanted from this book .
In this book we mainly follow Summer and Ian . I love these two characters Kelly Moran did an amazing job with this friend to lovers style romance . I really loved how the love triangle was dealt with. You really don't see a lot of book with that kind of solution usually you end up not liking one of the person in the triangle ,but by the end of this book I respected each of them and wanted the best for them . I really felt for Summer in this book things have not been easy for her with the passing of her father and being abandon by her mother at such a earlier age. I am so glad she had such an amazing set of friends in her corner to help her through . Ian , I wanted to give him a hug it cannot be easy being in love with your best friend for so long. Ian and Summer relationship in this book was frankly and emotional roller coaster lol and I held on all the way through lol. I was very happy with were we left them at the end of this book.
Summer Road was and romantic, sexy ,emotional, heart warming and also had some very funny and sweet moment .I really wish I could tell you about them, but your going to have to read the book to find out lol. Kelly Moran has created a wonderful story and if you love your books with all of these things I suggest you pick up a copy
In this book we mainly follow Summer and Ian . I love these two characters Kelly Moran did an amazing job with this friend to lovers style romance . I really loved how the love triangle was dealt with. You really don't see a lot of book with that kind of solution usually you end up not liking one of the person in the triangle ,but by the end of this book I respected each of them and wanted the best for them . I really felt for Summer in this book things have not been easy for her with the passing of her father and being abandon by her mother at such a earlier age. I am so glad she had such an amazing set of friends in her corner to help her through . Ian , I wanted to give him a hug it cannot be easy being in love with your best friend for so long. Ian and Summer relationship in this book was frankly and emotional roller coaster lol and I held on all the way through lol. I was very happy with were we left them at the end of this book.
Summer Road was and romantic, sexy ,emotional, heart warming and also had some very funny and sweet moment .I really wish I could tell you about them, but your going to have to read the book to find out lol. Kelly Moran has created a wonderful story and if you love your books with all of these things I suggest you pick up a copy
April 5, 2016
This book had me in tears so I recommend having tissues handy. It's beautifully written and will suck you in. The emotions that is just gets out of you. Sometimes what we have been looking for has been right in front of us the whole time. Ian and Summer have been best friends forever, but she's never known his true feelings. That's all going to come to a head pretty soon. You can feel the connection between Ian and Summer. They have such history to start that you can see something more blooming. Problem is Summer isn't at that point yet. I love what Summer does in her Saturday therapy art class. It's truly a beautiful thing. Summer needs to face her past if she's going to have a chance to find love and happiness. Can she pull through or will it pull her down like once before? I highly recommend this one because you'll fall in the love with the story and the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews