All I Need by Susane Colasanti

All I Need by Susane Colasanti
Published: May 21, 2013 by Viking Juvenile
Source: ARC from publisher - thank you!

The last night of summer is only the beginning.

Skye wants to meet the boy who will change her life forever. Seth feels their instant connection the second he sees her. When Seth starts talking to Skye at the last beach party of the summer, it’s obvious to both of them that this is something real. But when Seth leaves for college before they exchange contact info, Skye wonders if he felt the same way she did—and if she will ever see him again. Even if they find their way back to each other, can they make a long-distance relationship work despite trust issues, ex drama, and some serious background differences?

Teen favorite Susane Colasanti returns to the alternating-voice style of her beloved debut When It Happens in this Serendipity-inspired story about summer, soul mates, and the moments that change our lives forever. [goodreads]

There are stories that are written about unforgettable summer romances, where the boy and girl meet, spend the summer in a whirlwind fairy tale, and then ride off into the sunset together.  As the reader, you're often left wondering, what happened next? Are they still together?  Did the summer romance continue on in their real, every day lives?  Well, with this book we get to see that after period, the time when summer has packed up and gone, and the romance is tested against reality.

Skye and Seth meet at the beach, just as the summer is coming to a close.  Though their first encounter is brief, it's definitely left a lasting impression, and caused some serious sparks to fly.  Skye is a few years younger than Seth, so after their first time meeting, they're both headed in different directions.  Skye goes back to high school, living at home with her parents, and spending time with her two best friends.  Seth on the other hand is off to college to experience life in a dorm room while juggling classes and a part time job.  They made the mistake of not exchanging contact info, so they suffer through the year, always wondering about the other and longing for the summer to return again at the beach.

When these two characters find each other once again, the lightness continues; however, you start to see the obstacles in their path up ahead.  As they juggle a long distance relationship, it puts a lot of pressure on them.  Seth has a lot on his shoulders, while Skye is trying to be understanding; ultimately these two wish they could set aside their responsibilities and be back at the beach together -- where life was much simpler, and things were always easier.

For fans of sweet contemporaries, that explore summer romances and what happens beyond, this novel will deliver for you.  The dialogue is kept light, carrying the story along, but it never truly dips under the surface, like I had been wanting it to.  Overall I would classify this story as a cute, quick read, with some added fluff to satisfy a reader seeking a feel-good story.