Netflix is bringing a 'spicy' bestselling novel to life with its new 10-part show. The streaming giant is now filming This Summer Will Be Different, a summer love story based on the popular novel by Carley Fortune. If the author's name sounds familiar, you might remember her as the writer behind Every Year After, which was recently adapted by Prime Video.
According to an early synopsis, the drama "is a simmering, sun-soaked romance set across multiple summers. It follows a young woman navigating her 20s and her first real love — with her best friend’s brother, the one person she was never supposed to fall for".
Cast and Characters
Main character Lucy will be portrayed by Heated Rivalry actress Sophie Nélisse, who played Shane Hollander's (Hudson Williams) girlfriend and best friend in the HBO drama. Meanwhile, Stranger Things star Francesca Reale will step into the shoes of Lucy's best friend, Bridget.
The main love interest, Felix, will be brought to life by Roby Attal from The Haunting of Bly Manor. Other notable cast members include Jordan Rodrigues (Lady Bird), Jude Wilson (Fellow Travelers), Natalie Brown (The Strain), as well as James Tupper (Big Little Lies).
They will share the screen with Murdoch Mysteries star Tom Barnett, along with Celia Owen who featured in Netflix's recent YA adaptation, Finding Her Edge.
Filming and Fan Reactions
Netflix confirmed that the new series began filming earlier this month, which means viewers have plenty of time to read the book before the show lands on the platform.
Those who have already read it have shared glowing reviews, with one Goodreads user stating: "Trust me this is going to be the perfect summertime romance. I devoured this book like my last meal and definitely recommend. [...] I will say it’s a spicy but sweet romance that will tug on your heartstrings."
Someone else confessed: "I stayed up wayyy too late reading this one! It sucked me in, and I just couldn't put it down."
And a third reviewer posted: "This was the perfect, steamy romance book for summer. It was filled with emotional moments, as well as fun and flirty scenes between Felix and Lucy."
"But one of the things that I loved the most, was the friendship between Bridget and Lucy. More than a romance, this was a story about finding your alternative family."
Netflix has yet to confirm a release date for This Summer Will Be Different.
