★★★★★ 3
Charming and Summery, But Longer Than It Should Be
Format: Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5 Stars)
I listened to Every Summer After on audio, and at first, it really felt like it had the potential to be a solid 4-star read for me. The beginning is charming, easy to sink into, and definitely has that cozy, nostalgic summer atmosphere that so many readers love. It’s a cute, pleasant story with a smooth flow, and the type of book you can listen to without needing to focus too deeply.
However, as the story went on, the pacing became a real issue. At around ten hours, this audiobook felt unnecessarily long. The plot didn’t have enough depth or twists to justify that length, and I honestly think it would have been a much stronger book if it wrapped up closer to the seven-hour mark. Around the midpoint, I found myself losing interest at times simply because the narrative stretched itself thin.
When it comes to the writing itself, Carley Fortune keeps things very simple. There’s nothing particularly inspiring, profound, or memorable about the prose. It’s straightforward and easy to follow, but it doesn’t stand out, and I wouldn’t say it’s developed enough to be considered a distinct “writing style.” It does the job, but it never elevates the story or adds emotional depth the way some authors can.
I also didn’t fall deeply in love with the characters. They were fine, but not the type that stay with you after the book is over. Because the character connection never fully clicked for me, the slower pacing felt even more noticeable, and some of the emotional beats didn’t land as strongly as they were intended to.
Overall, Every Summer After is an easy, pleasant listen — perfect if you’re looking for something light, summery, and uncomplicated. While the overly long runtime, very simple writing, and limited emotional connection kept it at 3.5 stars for me, it’s still a sweet story that delivers exactly what many readers look for in a nostalgic summer romance. I’m still open to exploring more of Carley Fortune’s books, and I’m curious to see how her other stories compare!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2025
