Val, Courtney, and Lisa break down One Golden Summer a story of summer romance, emotional vulnerability, and what happens when chemistry is not matched by honesty. The discuss the book’s central relationship and the secrets underneath it, and why the story works more as a summer friendship than a forever love story. Check Out One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune in Goodreads Key topics In this episode: the hosts review One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, published May 6, 2025, and explain that it works as a companion novel to Every Summer After. They discuss Charlie Ford, Alice, and the lake setting, including the award-winning photograph that launched Alice’s photography career and the yellow boat rescue that brings the two leads together. They explore Alice’s growth arc, especially her desire to stay authentic in a media world that pushes overly edited, idealized images. They break down Charlie’s appeal as a charming, thoughtful, highly confident love interest who cooks, helps around the cabin, and shows up in small practical ways. The hosts focus on the book’s biggest tension: Charlie keeps acting like a boyfriend while insisting the relationship is only a summer thing. They discuss how Alice’s bucket list becomes the emotional engine of the story, giving her a way to reclaim fun, risk, and self-definition after heartbreak. They examine the deeper reason Charlie holds back: his father died at 35, he is facing serious cardiac issues, and he is terrified of becoming close to someone before his own health crisis unfolds. They talk through the communication problem at the center of the book, especially the idea that partners cannot make each other’s choices by withholding important truth. They compare the story’s romance to real life, arguing that mind reading is unrealistic and that honest communication is necessary for any lasting relationship. They end with a broader reflection on healing, self-discovery, and why the summer friendship feels real even if the happily ever after does not. Notable quotes “Some people feel like summer.” “When you speak, he listens. When you smile, he smiles. When you need something, he offers help.” “Peace out, a*****e.” Action items Try making a realistic seasonal bucket list instead of a huge life list. Say the thing you actually mean instead of expecting someone to guess it. Connect With Us! Do you have a romantic tale or a must-read book suggestion? Perhaps a tricky “what would you do?” scenario for our team? We are also eager to hear from authors or creators who want to join us for a chat! Visit www.myperfectromance.com to get in touch, And before you go... make sure to follow and rate or review our show. Your support truly means everything to us! Legal Disclaimer: My Perfect Romance features besties discussing their own perspectives for fun. We aren't professional therapists or relationship experts. For serious matters, please reach out to a licensed counselor or qualified specialist. Coming Up: Girls like Girls directed by Hayley Kiyoko Chapters (00:00:00) - THE PERPETUAL ROMANCE(00:00:31) - Golden Showers Review(00:01:13) - Oh, My Love By Charlie Fortune(00:01:32) - No Summer After: A Companion Novel(00:03:37) - Alice And Charlie Meet... In A Lake(00:07:22) - In the Lake: A Summer Romance(00:09:05) - Alice's Summer of Failure(00:11:23) - Flirty, Pretty Pants(00:15:08) - Does The Other Person Understand What I'm Thinking?(00:18:40) - The Rut of Expecting From Your Partner(00:22:56) - "I Did It"(00:23:11) - The Good Guy in Love Actually(00:27:16) - The Book of Alice: Summer Fling(00:28:53) - How To Develop a Photo In The Dark(00:31:50) - The Hot Guy's Love Crisis(00:33:01) - What Would You Do If You Spent The Summer Falling Head Over(00:37:56) - He Should've Tell Her About His Surgery(00:44:25) - Will They Actually Get Together In The Book?(00:47:29) - Alice And Charlie's Friendship(00:51:20) - How to Get to Know Your Partner's Past(00:51:52) - He Was Her Summer Love(00:54:25) - I Wish That He Had Said No To Alice(00:57:14) - The Perfect Romance: A Bucket List(01:01:31) - The Perfect Romance
