Book Review: The Summer of No Regrets

Author: Katherine Grace Bond

Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

The day Brigitta accidentally flings herself into the lap of a guy she's never met, her friend Natalie is convinced he's Trent Yves, egotistical heartthrob-in-hiding. When the boy, who calls himself Luke, is nearly eaten by a cougar, Brigitta finds herself saving his life, being swept into his spectacular embrace and wondering if she wants Natalie's fantasy to be true.

As the two spend the summer together raising orphaned cougar cubs, Brigitta still can't be sure of his true identity. But then again, since her grandparents' death, her father's sudden urge to give away all their possessions and become a shaman, and her own awkward transition from girlhood into a young woman, she isn't sure of anything. What is the truth? More importantly, can she accept it?

I am drawn to the majesty of crashing ocean waves. The ocean has always felt like such a magical place to me where romance and adventure were just waiting to take place. When I saw the cover of this book I thought back to every summer vacation that I have ever spent at the beach, and wondered how many summer loves did I miss out on? I was enticed by the two young lovers on the cover because they looked like they have a fabulous story to tell. The orange and pink hues in the background alluded to the perfect sunset and I immediately added this book to my wishlist!

After reading so many reviews of this book online I had to tear into the pages myself and see what all the fuss was about over the baby cougars! I found it. The story line immediately captured my heart and all day today, I literally DID NOT put the book down. I was so wrapped up in this story that is unlike any other young adult romance novel that I have read thus far. The lines, characters, and plot were not predictable and with the turn of each page I was sitting on the edge of my seat dying to know what would take place next.

The cougar cubs were just an added spark to this firework show! They made the story complete and reading about Brigitta and Luke and how they were so determined to nurture and care for them just warmed my heart. I have such a soft spot for animals and Brigitta is just like me in that aspect. She was kind, soft spoken, and had such a genuine nature. The cubs were so drawn to her and that made the story even better to read. The cubs really helped Brigitta see who she was becoming as a person.

I loved watching Brigitta develop into a mature young lady. She was on a path for self discovery throughout the entire book, and by the end I, as the reader, felt that by allowing herself to open up the world around that she had somewhat came to a better understanding about herself and who she wanted to be. Her relationship with Luke allowed her to open up more and to share who she really was with someone that she actually cared about. I did not understand her relationship with her parents at times and sometimes found myself feeling sorry for Brigitta because I felt, just like she did, that she was all alone.

What made this story so special you may ask? The love and romance that developed between our two leading characters in this story was not superficial, but yet they bonded over something that they each cared about and something that had the power to hold and bind them together. I believe that their passion and dedication to one another and to those cubs helped them to be able to rely on and trust each other wholeheartedly. When reading and purchasing this book be prepared to feel several emotions all at once and I cannot promise that you will not cry, but, my sweet readers, I can promise that it is all worth it! With much pride and admiration I comment Katherine Bond for a job well done and a story well written; I am looking forward to many more from her.

This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.