That One Summer By C. J Duggan

That One Summer Summer Book Three
Written By C. J Duggan
Contemporary, Romance
Published December 17th 2013
305 Pages
Thank you to The Three Bookateers and C. J Duggan
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★★★★★

Loving Chris Henderson would be wrong. Diabolically disastrous. I mean, what is there about him to love? He’s moody, bossy, brooding, a control freak, and that’s on a good day… But there was one achingly obvious fact that haunted my every thought, every minute of every day…

He sure could kiss.

As the countdown to the new millennium begins, there is one thing everyone agrees on: no one wants to be in Onslow for New Year’s Eve. So that can only mean one thing: road trip!

No longer the mousey, invisible, shy girl from years ago, Tammy Maskala is finally making up for all those lost summers. A new year with new friends, which astoundingly includes the bossy boy behind the bar, Chris Henderson. She likes her new friends (at least most of them), so why does she secretly feel so out of place? After chickening out on the trip, a last minute change of heart sees Tammy racing to the Onslow Hotel, fearing she’s missed her chance for a ride. The last thing she expected to meet was a less than happy Onslow Boy leaning against his black panel van.

Now the countdown begins to reach the others at Point Shank before the party is over and the new year has begun. Alone in a car with only the infuriating Chris Henderson, Tammy can’t help but feel this is a disastrous start to what could have been a great adventure. But when the awkward road trip takes an unexpected turn, Tammy soon discovers that the way her traitorous heart feels about Chris is the biggest disaster of all.

Fogged up windows, moonlight swimming, bad karaoke and unearthed secrets; after this one summer nothing will ever be the same again.

Tammy Maskala's social life has become far more hectic since Amy Henderson moved back to town, drinks at the local, Sunday's at Sean's lake house, parties and now the New Year's Eve camping trip the Onslow boys have planned. Typically a boys only event, Tammy is already inventing excuses why she won't be able to attend the Port Shank Music Festival to countdown the New Year. Lately she's been feeling like the third wheel within the group of happy couples, and she'll be damned if she's stuck with someone of the likes of Chris Henderson. The moody barkeep and new part owner of the Onslow pub may be devastatingly good looking, but Tammy can't think of anything worse than spending seeing in the New Year with him. Amy has a plan, she knows something Tammy doesn't and is determined to throw the two together.

Tammy, fitness fanatic and part time personal trainer, is studying Biomedicine at university and wants to make the most of her well deserved break. Her only options? Spending the new year wedged between her parents, or a road trip with her new group of friends. But when she changes her mind and decides to take the plunge, it seems the group has already left... Except Chris. Well played Amy Henderson, not only does she need to sit in close proximity to the sullen Onslow boy and initiate idle chatter, but she'll be making the journey from the inside of a black panel van. Chris is a man of very few words, usually communicating through scoffing and exaggerated sighs, but the further he travels from Onslow, the more relaxed he seems to become. When Tammy forgets to bring her prescription migraine medication, she sees a new side to Chris that she thought was incapable of existing. Caring, gentle and unnerving. The last thing Tammy needs is to fall in love with someone like Chris, an enigma who seems determined not to let his guard down. Always the responsible one, reliable and quiet to a fault. But it's the quiet ones you usually need to worry about.

Armed with nothing more than her flannelette pajamas and a second hand Punky Brewster sleeping bag, the campsite where the two traveling companions are resting... Isn't a camp site at all. Chris refuses to sleep in a tent, so why would he have brought one along on the road trip? He didn't, but luckily the panel van has a mattress in the back. When a phone call to the convoy reveals that Amy left without her on purpose and blackmailed Chris into becoming Amy's ride, Tammy can't help but wonder what it is that Amy holds over him. Is it something about her? The group decide to camp at Evoka Springs for the night, allowing Chris and Tammy to catch up, but when Tammy overhears a conversation that could very well tear the couple apart, her and Chris hit the road and decide to drive straight through.

Chris doesn't ask any questions but instead suggests since their friends are playing matchmaker, that he and Tammy should have a little fun themselves. The flirtatious touches, winks and knowing drawn out glances, perhaps the two aren't fooling anyone after all. But when the road trip finally reaches it's destination, friendships will be tested, relationships will move forward but will Tammy and Chris admit the shouldering attraction between them?

Kelly's Thoughts

There is something remarkably special about Onslow and the characters that call the fictional town home. At the center of each story, is an Onslow boy, affectionately known due to the groups frequent visits to the Onslow Hotel. They're tradesmen, footballers, lighthearted and entertaining. But the one surprising aspect about these young men, they love their women fiercely. That One Summer is centered around a road trip that the couples and singles take, to escape the country town to celebrate the New Year in a more picturesque surrounding. Tammy, who has just reunited with Amy Henderson in An Endless Summer of the Summer series, and now finds herself with a new group of friends, often taken out of her comfort zone. The most infuriating is Chris Henderson, Amy's cousin and new part owner of the Onslow Hotel. Throughout the Summer series, Chris has always been the hardworking, yet incredibly moody one, and That One Summer is no different. But we finally learn what Chris's soft spot is, or namely who will make that tough exterior crumble.

C. J Duggan has created yet another beautiful and heartwarming story, where her Summer series seems to mature with each installment. That One Summer is not your typical romance, it's first and foremost a quirky, witty and contemporary read. The characters and relationships are realistic, and readers will appreciate that the Onslow boys aren't arrogant, aggressive or dominate. Each character is unique and not without their issues. I adored Tammy and Chris's story, Chris has been a forefront character in the Summer series and in That One Summer, we see a side of Chris that is passionate, spontaneous and tender that will move him into the book boyfriend status.

I'm not a fan of your typical new adult novels, but this series is simply magical and worthy of reading again and again. Brilliant one liners, absolutely hilarious scenes and tender moments. You're incredible C. J Duggan, and I can't wait for Ellie and Adam's story.