The Summer I Gave Up Boys by Nina Bocci — Summary & Review

Here’s the deal: Kaliyah Simon is done. Done with her unfaithful ex, done with the exhausting chase of romance that’s more headache than heart. She vows to spend her summer in peace—no boys, just work, books, and some long-overdue self-care. Sounds like a plan, right? Well, enter Isaiah Winters, her former high school nemesis who’s suddenly acting less like a rival and more like a potential friend. Surprise! The summer isn’t going to be as boy-free as Kaliyah hoped.

At its core, The Summer I Gave Up Boys is about what happens when you try to draw a hard line around your life, only to find that feelings and relationships don’t respect boundaries. Kaliyah’s journey isn’t just about dodging romantic drama; it’s about wrestling with what she really wants. Is it peace of mind? A fresh start? Or maybe, just maybe, something new and unexpected with someone who used to be on the other side of the fence.

Kaliyah isn’t navigating this alone. Her best friends Amanda and Kristen offer a mix of perspectives and support, adding layers to how friendships evolve when everyone’s growing up and changing. Their interactions bring out the messy truth that loyalty doesn’t always mean agreement, and sometimes friendship means tough conversations.

The novella keeps things straightforward and relatable, avoiding overly dramatic flourishes in favor of focusing on character moments and emotional honesty. You get the sense of that sticky, humid summer vibe—the kind where everything feels heightened and a little unpredictable. The writing is clear and accessible, the kind of thing you can breeze through on a lazy afternoon but still think about afterward.

Conflict is everywhere but mostly internal. Kaliyah’s torn between her desire to move on and the complicated feelings Isaiah stirs up. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend’s attempts to re-enter her life test her resolve and boundaries. The story doesn’t pretend that young love is neat or simple; it’s a tangle of forgiveness, pride, and the hope that maybe people can change—or at least that we can learn to let go.

There’s a safe, familiar rhythm to the story that will appeal if you’re into contemporary young adult romance with a dose of realism. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does offer a snapshot of what it’s like to be young, hurt, hopeful, and stubborn all at once. Just don’t expect deep dives into psychological complexity or groundbreaking plot twists. This is comfort food for the heart, not a gourmet meal.

That said, the book isn’t without its rough edges. Some readers find the romantic dynamics a bit questionable, especially when it comes to how unhealthy behaviors are portrayed or glossed over. Kaliyah’s growth sometimes feels rushed or undercooked, and the supporting characters can slip into clichés. But if you’re willing to take it for what it is—a quick story about messy feelings and second chances—it’s a decent way to pass a few hours.

In short, The Summer I Gave Up Boys is a breezy, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately relatable look at young adult romance and self-discovery. It’s for anyone who’s ever tried to swear off the drama only to find it knocking on their door anyway.