Record Scratch. There's... a remarkable amount of attachments here for a book titled "The Summer of No Attachments". #ijs :D

But seriously, this is one of those feel good, not even quite Hallmarkie (since it doesn't really even have any even pushover "big threat") Southern romance tales. Yes, there are a lot of heavy elements here - mom abandons son, drug use (off screen), abuse (also mostly off screen), #MeToo moments (also off screen), etc - but there is also quite a bit of lighthearted banter and romance. And puppies! And an old cat! This is apparently book 2 of a series, but it totally works as a standalone, as the people from Book 1 barely show up at all - making this one of those barely connected tangential "series" that share the same world and even town, but don't heavily feature in each others' tales.

Overall truly a light and refreshing read, despite its occasional heft, and great for a relaxing summer read, or a relaxing read at any point in the year really. Very much recommended. ( )

The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster
The Summer Friends #2

What a delightful story this was…actually, two romances in one book and both heartwarming and delightful! Love this author and loved this book!

What I liked:
* Ivey Anders: veterinarian, friend, animal rescue veterinarian, best friend of Hope, just coming out of a stagnant relationship, and ready for change. Loving, giving, caring, direct, delightful…
* Corbin Meyer: IT guru, son, brother, new father to ten year old son, new in town, superb parenting skills and loving family to support him…really liked him.
* Justin: Corbin’s son, sensitive, loving, abused by his mother, anxious, trust issues, wonderful with animals, loved watching him open up.
* Hope Mage: assistant at work and friend to Ivey, trust issues, afraid of men, traumatic experience in the past, tentative, sweet, really liked her and watching her bloom.
* Lang Meyer: Corbin’s older brother, great guy, patient, caring, good with his family, supportive of Corbin, there for Justin & Corbin, great with Hope, a delightful person and perfect for Hope.
* The writing, plot, and feels in the story
* Watching the development of the two romances AND the way Justin was embraced and drawn in by the various other characters
* Learning a bit more about horror movies…
* Vesta: mother of Corbin and Lang, bigger than life, a hugger, raised to great sons into admirable men, in a relationship with a good man.
* Geoff: Ivey’s ex that grew a lot before the end of the book.
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Darcie: mother of Justin, addict, abusive, someone easy to dislike…
* What happened to Hope and the way her family treated her
* Having to say goodbye to such wonderful characters…and wondering what their lives will be like.

Did I like this book? Loved it!
Would I read more by this author? Definitely!

Thank you to the NetGalley, HQN, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )