Genre: Romance / Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

I have been in somewhat of a reading funk, as one might say. Maybe I just love my favorite authors too much. Maybe I am just chasing lightening, as I’m re-watching Parks and Recreation, yearn to read a romance like Leslie and Ben’s. Nonetheless, The Summer We Fell by Elizabeth O’Roarke got incredibly close to scratching that itch, but did not quite get there.

Juliet and Luke’s story spans nearly a decade of heartbreak, and following their journey was a wild ride. I really enjoyed parts of the book, but I found myself craving more depth and development in the present-day chapters. The flashbacks were compelling, but the “now” often felt thinner than it should have for the weight of their history.

Both Juliet and Luke carry the scars of abusive upbringings, forced to grow up far too soon. Juliet finds shelter with her boyfriend Danny’s parents, the local pastor and his wife, while Luke drifts in and out of her life during two pivotal summers. The second time, he returns for her.

Although the book is often described as a love triangle, I’d argue it isn’t one. Juliet’s relationship with Danny is rooted in obligation and circumstance, not love. She stays with him partly out of fear, knowing that breaking up could leave her without a home. By contrast, her bond with Luke is pure, grounded in friendship, shared pain, and the kind of understanding Danny could never give her. At one point, Danny even dismisses Juliet’s trauma by asking why she writes sad songs if she has a “pretty decent life.” That moment crystallizes the disconnect.

People complain on Goodreads that Juliet is a doormat and I think that judgment is misplaced. Juliet was in an impossible situation. She was blamed for being a victim, time and time again. She was scared of being a burden, and she did not want to rock the boat. She craved stability and love, and understood that her situation was a false sense of the two. the Pastor obviously did not want her in his home, but used her as a token for his religious teachings, despite treating her like an intruder in his home.

While I do wish the present-day relationship had been developed more, in some ways it wasn’t entirely necessary. Both Juliet and Luke still showed their care for each other during their time apart, especially Juliet, which felt significant given the circumstances (which I’ll get into later).

In some ways that shows an event more significant form of love, where the yearning keeps them going for so long.

The best character growth was really in Danny’s mom Donna. She was an implicit bystander in the way that Juliet was treated. She knew that she had bigger goals, she knew that she had been abused, and she knew that her husband was taking advantage of Juliet’s situation, exploiting her stories to the community. Within the flashbacks we saw glimpses of her protecting Juliet. Not wanting to tell her husband of certain situations, knowing he would work them into his sermons. However, there were other times where she could have been a safe space for Juliet, but treated her as an employee.

In the present day, she dispels her previous beliefs, and goes to bat for Juliet, showing how much she loves her, and wishing she could have been stronger for her. In a way Donna was a victim of her own circumstance, not having any power, financial or otherwise. She was pushed into the role of doting wife, and couldn’t push back against her husband.

Her realizations show how good of a person she was. Even though she herself was marginalized, she thought she had a duty to protect and love Juliet. She regretted not being able to stand up for her, and wanted to make things right.

I’m going to dive deeper into the plot line, but I want to answer one question for those who do not want spoilers.

So, do I think this book is worth reading? Maybe. If you go in knowing the present-day romance is underdeveloped but can appreciate the angst, the history, and the sacrifices, it’s a heartfelt read.

Let’s get down to business, spoilers are ahead.

Now, you might be wondering: Tatiana, why have you barely mentioned Danny? Wasn’t he Juliet’s boyfriend?
Yes, but he was also the root of nearly every issue in this book. His “indiscretions” read like a list of misogynistic rage bait:

• He hated Juliet getting attention, even disliking her singing in public.
• He slut-shamed her for wanting intimacy, then coerced her into sex, knowing she had been abused in the past, and blamed her for his religious guilt.
• Worst of all, he blamed her sexual assault on her. He claimed it was consensual, insinuating she cheated. Only after Luke hit him did he “come to his senses.” And even then, after sleeping with Juliet, he had the audacity to bring it up again.

I hate him. He’s the worst.

This book is packed with twists and betrayals I can’t fully get into here, but what makes Juliet and Luke’s love story shine is how selfless it is. They sacrifice so much for each other in secret. Juliet ends things to protect Luke. Luke comes back angry, only to realize she still loves him. Even apart, Juliet follows Luke’s career, quietly supporting him without anyone knowing. That kind of devotion, hat’s true love.

Final Thoughts! (No more spoilers I promise)

There’s a lot that I can’t even break the ice to get into, but the reason I loved Juliet and Luke’s love story is because their love for each other was truly selfless. They sacrificed so much for each other in secret, to protect Danny, when in my opinion he did not deserve the protection.

I landed on three stars not because the story lacked heart, but because the present-day romance didn’t get the time it deserved. So much of their love was told through flashbacks or through other characters’ observations, rather than real conversations between Juliet and Luke. I loved the angst, the sacrifices, the selflessness, but I needed more balance.

It was a good read, but falls into the category of great story that was not done justice because the author was afraid of writing a BRICK of a book.