It's Not Summer Without You (Summer, #2)

by Jenny Han

[Angie]

This Summer is very different than the previous one Belly shared with us. There's no Cousins beach, no Susannah, and no Conrad. Based on the title, I figured that Susannah would be gone, but I wasn't sure what that would mean for this book. I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first even though it has a darker tone, but I still didn't feel anything. I'm sure that makes me a horrible person, but I just don't have a connection with Belly's story.

Belly and Conrad have to be two of the most frustrating characters I have ever encountered. She is whiny and thinks everything needs be exactly how she wants it, but I guess that makes her a real teenager. Conrad is the most selfish guy ever, and I couldn't wait for Belly to see that. She has this idealized picture of him, and refuses to see how he pushes people away and shuts himself down whenever things don't go his way.

There's an actual plot this time. Conrad disappears so Jeremiah and Belly take off to go find him. Of course he's at the beach house. He's not there for the reasons that Jere and Belly think though, and I actually really enjoyed watching that plot unfold. Their dad is a super ass-hat (Laurel's word, not mine) and it's clear where Conrad gets his moodiness from. Laurel turns into super woman and saves the day, even though I couldn't help but be mad at her for one emotionally charged scene. In the end everything is nicely wrapped up and happy, since that's just what kind of series this is.

It's Not Summer Without You is closer to a four star than the first book, but I still can't bring myself to round up. I want to feel something when I'm reading, but with this one, while I liked it, I just felt like I reading, nothing more. I think it's because I can't sympathize with Belly on any level, since I don't like her. She's not someone I would want to hang out with. I just enjoy watching her drama unfold. I am glad that's she finally seen the light though, so I'm eager to know what her final Summer has in store.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.