New Release: Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood

Jun 2

**ON OUR BOOKSHELF**

*Problematic Summer Romance*
by Ali Hazelwood
A secret friendship-to-lovers forbidden age-gap romance between with an older brother’s best friend.

When Ali Hazelwood says she’s releasing a new book, I immediately order a copy. Immediately! So when Ali announced she was going all-in on an age-gap romance that would be the perfect beach read, well… I just needed to get my hands on it.

This spin-off to Not in Love (Amazon) takes us to Italy for the next phase of Rue and Eli’s romance, but focuses on Eli’s sister, Maya.

What Victoria Loved

VICTORIA’S RATING: 4.75/5

Dare I say this might tie for my favorite AH book?!?!?!

I love Ali Hazelwood’s ability to write the most charming characters with enchantingly witty banter. Maya’s POV is unique, her humor is sharp and her observations are astute. Connor is clearly guarded, but I love how he can go toe-to-toe with her, unintimidated and enthralled by her smarts. Conversation flows naturally and the tells us so much about the chemistry and relationships amongst all the characters.

I was hooked on Conor and Maya’s story from the get-go. How does Maya dismantle the high walls Conor has erected? How does Maya navigate the fact that she’s surrounded by Conor’s exes? The build-up to their HEA weaves in their past, their family’s POVs and their own fears / anxieties in a way that is so frustrating yet hopeful. Despite all of Conor’s hesitations, you can’t help but feel the safety in their love because it’s just right.

I thought it would grate on me that the age gap was so central to the story — how all the characters constantly bring up her age, how it’s such a point of tension between MCs, and how the FMC is compared to more mature women. But the second I came across the word “daddy,” I was drawn back in.

Audiobook lovers! This should be on your list! The narration is spectscular — from the Irish and Scottish accents to the deep timbre of the male characters to the breathy moans. Worth the download!

Pick up a copy of Problematic Summer Romance (Amazon) and read with me!

Favorite Scene

"Since the first day I met you, you have been the best thing in my life. And you weren't even in it."

- PROBLEMATIC SUMMER ROMANCE by Ali Hazelwood

Similar Reads & Recommendations

A SUMMER FAMILY WEDDING: Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely (Amazon)
This is where young love hurts… when you’re fearful, hesitant of losing what you have that you get in your own way and settle for what you think is the right thing to do instead of risking pain and loss — only to face it all anyway. Sally Blakely struck that chord perfectly with Ren and Joni. All in the wrapped around her sister’s wedding.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5

A SECRET FRIENDSHIP WITH A BEST FRIEND’S SIBLING: Riding the High (Silver Pines Ranch #3) by Paisley Hope (Amazon)
I just knew after meeting Cole and Ginger in Holding the Reins (Amazon) that there was so much more to these characters and their interactions. And I knew that they would be my favorite couple in this series. Heck, I breezed through the other books (even though I enjoyed them) because I was so desperate to read this romance. If you’re looking to slow down and smell the roses, this book is for you. And once you’ve savored it, go back and read the rest of the series.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5

FALL IN LOVE WITH / IN ITALY: The Pairing by Casey McQuiston (Amazon)
Fast forward to adulthood! A food tour across Europe brings exes back together in this foodie second-chance romance that I guarantee will make you hungry and inspire your next vacation. The perfect summer read.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5

SIBLING’S BEST FRIEND: Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla Sage (Amazon)
An HoH Book Club pick! I devoured this book. Emmy and Luke’s story is so sweet — i just wanted to lock myself away in their little bubble and to feel safe in this circle of trust. When a traumatic event sidelines Emmy, she struggles to get out of her head and move on from the event… until help comes from the most unexpected source.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5

BY THE AUTHOR: Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood (Amazon)
Rue and Eli are meant to be. This is their love story — one where they meet the right person at the wrong time… these characters, their experiences, their traumas and faults, their quirks and joys make them perfect for each other. But sometimes, you have to let that right person go, and wish they come back… well, this is their second-chance.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5