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Forever #0.5

Summer Love

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TOBY

Spending the entire summer with my father wasn’t in my plans. I hated him. I was angry and resentful, and it made me feel out of control.

Until I met her.

Casey is carefree. She lives life to the fullest, without regrets, and to a guy like me, she was hope. We only had the summer, and I knew better than to get wrapped up with her, but I couldn’t help it.

And now? Now, I don’t know how to let her go.

CASEY

I’d never been in love. At fifteen, my life was filled with books and family expectations. Love was not something I had time for.

And then, he saved me.

Toby is a boy from California, so you would think he’d be easygoing, but he isn’t. He's the definition of self-control; everything has to be “just so.”

But when we’re together, living each day with reckless abandon, I realize that life is so much more than fairytales within the pages.

I’m pretty sure he’s my soulmate. But what good can possibly come from falling so hard when you’re this young? How can this ever work?

A promise. That’s all we have to hold on to. One. Simple. Promise.

ebook

First published July 10, 2018

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J. Lum

5 books101 followers

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5 stars
52 (50%)
4 stars
29 (28%)
3 stars
16 (15%)
2 stars
3 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Sanders.
107 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2017
What a debut this is from J Lum !
A beautiful, heartfelt romance that is the start of Tobias and Casey's story.
Young love at its finest.
We start the story one beautiful summer at the beach. Quickly they are totally consumed with each other, but both have issues going on in the background.
Love needs to be honest, open and always worked at, as they very quickly find out.
Do they manage to work out their differences and work through their problems?
Wonderful characters that will captivate and entrance you.
I cannot wait for the next part of their story.

One click today !
Profile Image for Crystal.
335 reviews
June 28, 2017
J. Lum knocked it out of the park with this debut novel. She hit all the feels with this one. I connected with Tobias "Toby" and Casey right away.
The story was compelling, and I found myself completely enthralled with how the characters developed.
Don't let the YA genre of this book fool you into believing that there is no depth to the emotions in their story. I felt every emotion that they were feeling, frustration, loneliness, longing, confusion and heartbreak.
The story ends with a "to be continued" and I cannot wait to see where Ms. Lum will take us in the next phase of their lives.
Profile Image for Deborah.
2,614 reviews22 followers
June 17, 2017
Loved it! Summer Love tells the story of a young romance that will steal your heart and leave you wanting more! Together, Toby and Casey explore a new friendship, their hopes and dreams. They share their secrets and ultimately their desires.

But is it enough? Can they turn their summer love into a future? Will their bond withstand a long distance courtship? J. Lum has done a fantastic job of writing her first book. She's created a world that's filled with characters that speak from the heart. Friendship, loyalty and family come with strings and, no matter your age, requires work. A. Must. Read.
Profile Image for Jenn Wood.
50 reviews41 followers
June 17, 2017
Oh my gosh! You have to read this book! Seriously - add it to your list, and get ready for it!

**Full review to come closer to release day**
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews10 followers
Want to read
March 7, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (3/7/2018)!💝

Blurb:
TOBY
Spending the entire summer with my father wasn’t in my plans. I hated him. I was angry and resentful, and it made me feel out of control.

Until I met her.

Casey is carefree. She lives life to the fullest, without regrets, and to a guy like me, she was hope. We only had the summer, and I knew better than to get wrapped up with her, but I couldn’t help it.

And now? Now, I don’t know how to let her go.

CASEY
I’d never been in love. At fifteen, my life was filled with books and family expectations. Love was not something I had time for.

And then, he saved me.

Toby is a boy from California, so you would think he’d be easygoing, but he isn’t. He's the definition of self-control; everything has to be “just so.”

But when we’re together, living each day with reckless abandon, I realize that life is so much more than fairytales within the pages.

I’m pretty sure he’s my soulmate. But what good can possibly come from falling so hard when you’re this young? How can this ever work?

A promise. That’s all we have to hold on to. One. Simple. Promise.
Profile Image for Sheena.
977 reviews25 followers
July 7, 2017
Short, bittersweet and captivating

This is an introductory and a wonderfully written debut story from the author…Casey is a carefree dreamer and Toby is the very definition of an angry young man personified, two young people who, free from their usual responsibilities, meet one summer, connect, make promises and irrevocably change their lives….

The world and the characters within this delightful novella are beautifully described with a depth and complexity which made them feel genuine…although the story is short the pages are packed with drama, fun and romance; I felt connected to the two main characters in a way that only usually develops in longer novels..

Full of emotion, humour and love this is a bittersweet and captivating story which I read in one sitting …This novella was reviewed for Summer's Eve Reads...
Profile Image for AJ's Book ReMarks.
1,379 reviews38 followers
June 30, 2017
Jen, excellent premier. Wow, just wow! I need more of Toby & Casey stat!

Oh, need to say received ARC in lue of a review
Profile Image for Debbie Eichler.
782 reviews13 followers
July 2, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and I can honestly say I absolutely loved it. What a fantastic debut from author J Lum . This story was not only about Toby and Casey experiencing first love but also Toby finally finding out some truths in his life and finally letting down some of his walls. It was a summer of growing for both Toby and Casey, I cannot wait to see what happens with Toby and Casey next.
Profile Image for That Chic Jamie.
594 reviews34 followers
July 15, 2017
WOW! What a phenomenal debut novel!

I went into this book 100% blind, I didn't look or read any of the teasers, excerpts, blurb or anything associated with this book on social media before it hit my kindle.

Summer Love is a beautifully written novel about first love and learning to forgive. Tobias and Casey were very easy to connect with; although they are young, they have very real, adult feelings. The story and characters developed nicely, just the way they should. We didn't jump from one thing to another, they grew with the story.

This book gave hope, heartache, love and second chances. I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!

I was given a direct to kindle copy of this book.
Profile Image for April.
Author 8 books67 followers
July 4, 2017
This is a novella, but I didn't get short changed. It is a well written story of boy meets girl on their summer break. I enjoyed the personalities of Casey and Toby and the easy attraction they had for each other! I enjoyed the story line, the personal issues, struggles and the openness to accept thoughts or advice on issues from the other. This story is a perfect example that things happen that are beyond the control or ability of children/teens to change or comprehend.
I do have some questions, but I have a feeling they will be answered in the next book! J Lum is a new author that did a brilliant job of writing a beautiful love story, successfully writing in the vernacular of a teen! Bring on more words, Author Lum!
*I requested an advanced reader copy of Summer Love and volunteered to write an honest review* I wanted to give a 4.5 star rating, but just couldn't drop to a 4, so 5 stars from me!
Profile Image for Sheri.
227 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2017
This is the first book written by the author and you would never know it if someone did not tell me. The writing is phenomenal! You will be hooked from the moment you start reading. An unexpected summer love that turns into so much more for the both of them. Young love should be easy and carefree but not for Toby and Casey. Toby has lived through so much in his short time on earth and as a result as grown up way quicker than he should, taking on responsibilities no child should ever have to worry about. Casey has certain expectations set for her by her father, yet she wants to be able to choose how her life will unfold. In the end, can they make it work or will life and the unexpected turns that are taken cause them to fall apart. I can not wait for the next book to come out...so the author better be writing quickly!!!!
Profile Image for TLBC.
533 reviews11 followers
July 14, 2017
https://triciaciak.blogspot.com/
ARC provided...

J. Lum did an amazing job with this novella. It was a perfect lead up to her series. It has me on edge and wanting to read the next book now! I felt a definite connection between the H and h and cannot wait to see it grow as they get older. I’ve said before that YA isn’t my go to genre but this book was the perfect YA read and lead into an NA novel.

One of my favorite books is a second chance romance so I’m anxiously waiting for the next book. We do get left with one big cliffy so I hope it’s not too long!

The title of this book is exactly what this was, a young summer love, that first love you meet as a teenager and it grips you and knocks you sideways. She wrote their story so well in the short story it was. We got to know them and their families. A lot of times I feel cheated or cut short with a novella but Jen was able to pack everything in without it feeling rushed and we get a good feel of the characters and their backgrounds. I loved it!

Bravo!!
Profile Image for Stacey Hashimoto.
251 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2017
4.5 big stars

I absolutely loved Summer Love!
Toby and Casey are absolutely adorbs!!! Toby has a permanent scowl and it's amazing how Casey can break down his walls and get him to smile. She is everything refreshing and just what he needs. But can Casey love him despite his ways??? Can she make him open up???? But the clock is ticking and their summer romance will end as they both must part ways and I didn't see it coming but this book left me hanging...yes it's cliffs and I'm dying to know what happens next!!!

Thank U J Lum for this amazing and refreshing YA read but pls hurry up and give us the next story!!!!

-FMR BOOK GRIND REVIEWER
476 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2017
Reviewed on behalf of Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner

5 Stars

This was a fantastic book full of teenage troubles, heartache and one hell of a cliffhanger.

Tobias has been sent to spend the summer with his father, he doesn’t want to spend time with him and the two fight all the time.

Casey is spending the summer with her family in Nags Head, she loves the Ocean and spending time with her Gran.

When the two meet, they have an instant attraction and the summer goes from good to great. But what will happen when the summer ends and they both have to go home, miles away from each other?

Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.
Profile Image for Excessive~Reader.
201 reviews20 followers
July 30, 2018
This booked shocked me, J Lum hit the ground running with this debut book. It’s a story of not just young love but life, love, family, and all the hard stuff in between. The 2 main characters are teenagers but are written with such emotion and passion I couldn’t help getting lost in the story. I laughed, I fell in love, I cried tears, and was left in the edge of my seat.
It is a cliffhanger but thankful I can dive right into Forever Love now.
Profile Image for FMR Book Grind.
2,189 reviews126 followers
July 19, 2017
STACEY'S REVIEW
4.5 STARS

I absolutely loved Summer Love!

Toby and Casey are absolutely adorbs!!! Toby has a permanent scowl and it's amazing how Casey can break down his walls and get him to smile. She is everything refreshing and just what he needs. But can Casey love him despite his ways??? Can she make him open up???? But the clock is ticking and their summer romance will end as they both must part ways and I didn't see it coming but this book left me hanging...yes it's cliffs and I'm dying to know what happens next!!!



Thank U J Lum for this amazing and refreshing YA read but pls hurry up and give us the next story!!!!
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,170 reviews50 followers
July 10, 2017
Summer Love is quite the story - not only does it bring us a novel of first love, but it is also a story about forgiveness and growing up and learning truths that sometimes hurt. J. Lum blended the emotions of Toby well as he worked through his anger at his father and his awakening feelings for the girl he meets.

From the start, it's plain to see that there isn't much happy about the situation Toby finds himself in for the summer; stuck in a house with a father he hasn't seen in years and the family he fears has replaced him in this man's life. I really enjoyed how layered Toby's emotions were about his father - he hated the man, but then he also had questions; though he was afraid to know the answers to them. It is because of his anger towards his father that he meets Casey for the first time - and in doing so he meets a person who becomes so much more to him.

Casey was also an interesting character to try to figure out - she's got her own stuggles with her family, albeit completely different ones - but she's also insightful. I loved that she speaks her mind and does her own thing.

The connection between these two was palpable from the start and only grew as the pages turned. Yes there's is a story of first love - but this felt so much deeper than that - even knowing they were only supposed to have the summer. As Casey helps Toby come to terms with his past and move on from his anger, something deeper develops and they find themselves pulled further into each other.

Summer Love is an excellent example of a debut novel - a compelling story, characters that called to me, and a love that was felt with each flip of the page, a story that left me craving more. The writing was engaging, full of emotional range that had me feeling everything the characters felt from rage, to pain, to hope, to love and everything in between.
Profile Image for Kathy Rouchelle .
969 reviews13 followers
July 7, 2017
OOOOOHHHHH WWWOOOOOOWWWW. I loved this little book. The story of Casey and Toby was so very well written and the story line well defined as it takes us through Toby's story of a difficult childhood and Casey's way of helping him to heal the rocky relationship with his father. This is a true young love story and it will have you remembering those feelings of your first love as you turn the pages.

The characters are welll defined and Toby is just a little complex as he harbors a lot of anger towards his father for leaving his family when Toby was quite young, and that anger only gets stronger as the years pass. His mother has him go to spend the summer with his father after his 16th birthday which he is not happy with at all. Casey is an innocent, free spirit who loves books and the ocean. So much so that she loses herself to the feeling of the waves and the wind and gets into trouble, but it also leads her into Toby's arms. And the rest as they say is history.

Truly a wonderful story of young love that will have you gasp then frown as you reach the end, but have heart...this is evidently the preface story for a series in the works, so yes...there is a cliffie. And it's a harsh cliffie if I am honest (in my opinion), and you will see what I mean when you read this book that I highly recommend! Great book!
Profile Image for Barbara Ronevich.
27 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2017
Summer Love...Where to start?!? This is a pre-novella of two teens who fall in love one summer and are learning about themselves in the process. This is Young Adult which leads into their story as adults which I CANNOT await to read!!!! This book will give you all the feels. This is a debut book for the author and you wouldn't even know it by reading! I highly recommend one clicking!!!
Profile Image for Franci Neill.
2,110 reviews90 followers
December 19, 2018
4 Fabulous Debut Stars

This is the debut novel for J. Lum and she has bright future ahead of her if Summer Love is an indication of her storytelling ability. This is really a novella that introduces us to Toby and Casey two somewhat rebellious angry teenagers spending their summer at their respective family beach homes. Let's face it I think we all had cause to be rebellious in our teens but these two really have pressures facing them that none of us want to experience.

They meet one fateful early morning when they're both at the beach. There's an undeniable chemistry between them. Whereas Casey has family pressures that cause her some stress Toby on the other hand is a very angry young man and I have to say, I don't blame him. When Casey decides she wants to be friends and potentially more with Toby is when we get all the feels. I loved how she challenged Toby to look outside of his anger so he can maybe have a better Summer than he's expecting

Ms. Lum does a wonderful job of developing her characters and the story itself. I felt all of Casey's joy, tears and anger at what's expected of her. And Toby he's so lost in what he thinks he knows and he lets those feelings fly at the risk of losing the best thing that's ever happened to him. The pace is perfect for a Summer spent at the beach and we also get some great secondary characters that I'm so going to get to know in this series.

And the ending? Wow!! Totally threw me for a loop and I even had my mouth hanging open because how could the author leave us with that little gem? I know when we get Forever Love it's going to have been worth it because I'm positive it'll be worth it when we again get to see Toby and Casey!
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
August 4, 2018
So much in such a little package. I am not a big fan of teen angst books because it's usually just too much and I can't deal with the drama. Well that wasn't the case with this book. The story of these two is everything. They met. She would say he saved her cos he did, but he would say the same because being with her, knowing her made his life better. Toby is dealing with a lot of anger, fear, a misguided sense of protection for his mother. Nothing is what he thought it was and as he deals with all of this things happen to both of them and it changes everything. Yes it ends in a cliff hanger but in this case it separates this the story of how they met with the story of their second chance.

I love that the author separates the story and hopefully the second book is as good as this on. I had to give 5 stars if for no other reason except us not having to deal with the teen angst at least not over the top angst. This is an amazing read and from (yuppers) another new author for me. I do love her style and if the second book is as good as the first one I wont be one of the folks complaining about it being in two books.
Profile Image for Heather Blake.
44 reviews25 followers
July 14, 2018
Toby Cardona was sent to spend the entire summer with his father and his family. Which was exactly the last thing he wanted to do. Toby hated his father for abandoning him when he was a child. Nothing could make this summer better until he met Casey.
Casey Loughlin is fifteen and is all about books and doing what her family expects. That doesn’t mean she can’t have fun from time to time. After the day at the beach where Casey meets Toby everything changes. Casey shows Toby how to be carefree, and Toby shows Casey how to love. What happens when you find your soulmate at fifteen? Is it truly real, or just Summer Love? Who’s heart will end up broken when the summer ends?
OMG! I absolutely love Toby and Casey. They bring out the best in each other. I loved how Casey helped Toby mend his relationship with his father. They are definitely each others soulmate. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Especially how some major events will shape them into different people. This is a great book!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
472 reviews20 followers
July 7, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Such a sweet summer romance. The connection between Casey and Toby was intense and immediate, love at first sight. They had a little bump in the beginning, but it brought Toby out behind his wall and really let Casey in. J. Lum did a great job at making me feel all the emotions these two went through and just when I thought I knew how this was going to end...boom. She hits us with something I didn't see coming and left me wanting more! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book of their story! Great job J. Lum, now please hurry so I can have more of these two!!!
Profile Image for Dayreader Reviews.
792 reviews62 followers
August 21, 2017
Awesome first book by this author. Great characters I fell in love with them Tobias (Toby) and Casey. Following them through the summer of their romance. Both were having to spend the summer with their families in their beach homes. Toby is visiting his dad and his new family for the summer. Toby is a very angry and hurt teenager. Casey tries to get Toby to let go of the anger and forgive his parents for the life he has been dealt. These two teens fall in love and the process learn about their selves and each other.


Can't wait for the series to continue and see how their relationship develops


I would recommend this book and the author.
Profile Image for Amo.
576 reviews
July 2, 2017
This was a good debut from J Lum.

In this descriptive account of Tobias & Casey's book it let's us into the emotions of their life's.

As teens there's issues from both Casey & Tobias they need to be worked through.
They had an instant connection but with things coming between them will that connection last or is a Sumer Love all it was ever meant to be....

The cliffhanger on this was good and I'm excited to see what happens next.

Amo
Profile Image for Cat Parisi.
115 reviews14 followers
July 11, 2017
Amazing Debut for this new author! This novella was a great way introducing to Toby & Casey as teenagers and how they met. I fell in love with these characters & their story from the very beginning and couldn't wait to see where their story took them. Great secondary characters, Gran & Jamie being the scene stealers!

*Warning - This novella does end in a cliffhanger, but the blurb and first chapter for Forever Love is included.
Profile Image for Aisling Cooper.
183 reviews25 followers
July 16, 2017
Summer Love was a fantastic novella and debut book for J.Lum. Summer Love is about a romance that will end up with you wanting more.
Toby and Casey during the book explore their new friendship, their dreams and hopes, desires and things that no one else knows about them
But is one summer enough and can their relationship work long distance or is it just a summer romance?

Reviewed for Amo and Sarah corner gifted for an honest review
Profile Image for Natasha Carrere.
258 reviews15 followers
February 19, 2018
Oh how much I enjoyed this one! I was excited to read this once I saw J. Lum at a signing that I recently went to and I saw she published her first book. Wonderfully written; timeline went smoothly and I enjoyed reading how Tobias and Casey feel in love. I haven’t read a YA Romance in quite some time so I’m glad this was so realistic and well written. I look forward to the next book since this one does end in a cliffhanger. J. Lum has a new fan!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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