Well this book was such a fun surprise! I will admit i struggled to understand Elle at times but Parker was just such a cutie and i thought the reason for her hating him was really well set up. Their interactions and banter was amazing and I'll admit i got a giggle at his reaction to her being exhausted running down the stairwell.

My only gripe? I wish i could read it again for the first time

Highly recommend!

this was the perfect nyc romcom, feel-good story. i flew through the book in a weekend and it was my first time reading Aster’s books. I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends and community over on IG. Such a cute read!

2.5 stars

this was what we could call a <i>“promising”</i> start to the romance genre for the author, but as everyone knows, you rarely nail the perfect story on the first try. this wasn’t flawless by any means; it was shaping up to be a decent 3-star read until the last 20%, which unfortunately derailed the experience for me.

I struggled to understand the female protagonist at times and felt she lacked the depth needed to truly connect with her. the author attempted to explain her restraint, but it didn’t quite land, much like several other narrative choices. It was meant to be a millionaire/fake dating romance, yet I never really got those vibes from the male lead.

all in all, I had some fun with it, but it could have been much better.

many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This was such a fun fast paced easy read and I binged this entire book in a day, I loved the New York City location and backdrop for the story. I literally felt like I was spending my summer in New York, Parker was so sweet, literally buying a coffee shop chain so that Elle could continue having her blueberry scones every morning, if you love a thoughtful billionaire mmc and an independent boss ass women fmc you will love this book

Happy release date!
Alex Aster has delivered a sizzling, witty, and utterly addictive romance that had me glued to the pages from the first regrettable stairwell encounter to the heart-fluttering, inevitable (but oh-so-satisfying) conclusion.

Elle, a talented screenwriter battling a crippling case of writer's block, is a relatable and fiercely independent heroine. Her desperation to meet her deadline, coupled with the unexpected and unwelcome reappearance of her former one-night-stand-turned-new-neighbor, Parker Warren, creates an immediate and delicious tension.

Parker, the 'Billionaire Bachelor' plastered across every magazine, is more than just a handsome face. Aster cleverly peels back the layers of his public persona to reveal a surprisingly grounded and engaging character. The chemistry between Elle and Parker is electric, crackling with witty banter and a simmering undercurrent of undeniable attraction. Their hate-fueled writing sessions are pure comedic gold, a testament to Aster's sharp and engaging writing style.

The plot itself is a masterclass in romantic comedy. The fake relationship trope is expertly executed, feeling fresh and believable thanks to the genuine connection that slowly blossoms between Elle and Parker. Their exploration of New York City, initially for research and appearances, becomes a charming backdrop for their growing feelings, reminding us of the city's magic through their rediscovery.

Aster perfectly balances the humor and the heart. While I found myself laughing out loud at their witty exchanges and awkward situations, I was equally invested in their individual journeys and the development of their relationship. The anonymous writing element adds an intriguing layer, and the eventual reveal is handled with just the right amount of drama and sweetness.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a smart, sexy, and utterly charming romance. Alex Aster has once again proven her talent for crafting compelling characters and storylines that will leave you breathless and begging for more. Prepare to devour this one – it truly lives up to the hype!
Summer in the City comes out today! Do NOT miss it!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC!

☀️🍎 Summer in the City 🍎☀️

- Alex Aster

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happy release day to Summer in the City! I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this one and I LOVED reading it outside on the first sunny day of the year ☀️

This is a really fun summer romance read, perfect for reading by the beach or in the sun. (Sun is basically a prerequisite for this book, you need the summer vibe). It’s lighthearted, perfectly unrealistic in the vein of all my favourite romcoms, and I sped through it.

We follow Elle, a successful screenwriter, who has written some of the biggest movies of the past decade under an alias. But when she is hit with crippling writer's block, and is offered one last chance to write the next big hit, can she overcome her hatred of the city she'd based in to do so?

I really liked Elle as a main character. I have to admit, she was a bit pick-me and cliched at certain times - wears exclusively sweats and a messy, coffee-fuelled writer… sound familiar? But honestly I don’t have an issue with this and can’t complain too much because it was really fun to be in her head, and I definitely saw some of Alex Aster’s personality shining through.

I also loved the screenwriting element - a niche interest of mine is reading books about writers. I liked how Elle’s profession took centre-stage in her own story.

Speaking of their respective professions… I’m not a fan of the billionaire trope that this book contains. I don’t necessarily like the power imbalance and dynamics that automatically come along with that trope, and the extravagant gifts and acts of service really make me cringe. This book was no different, which is probably why it’s three rather than four stars. That may definitely be more personal taste - it’s just not something that floats my boat!

Overall, if you’re a fan of any of those classic 90s to early-2000s romcoms set in New York City (When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days), I’d recommend this as it has the same flavour. I love stories where the setting feels almost like a character and this was definitely one of those.

Have you read Summer in the City yet? How does it compare to Aster’s fantasy trilogy Lightlark?

This was exactly the fluffy, frivilous and romantic story I wanted it be. I loved the slow burn, I loved the New York setting and I absolutely loved the humour. It was a really fun read and absolutely perfect for binging on a summer's day (or a winter's day when you need to feel the promise of summer!).

j'ai commencé cette lecture sans attente particulière et je me suis totalement laissée prendre par leur histoire. Elle est une héroïne dont j'ai apprécié de découvrir les secrets et les fêlures mais le gros gros point fort de cette histoire est Parker et la perception qu'elle peut en avoir puisqu'on tombe nous aussi irrémédiablement amoureux de lui. Les pages défilent, je ne me suis pas ennuyée en leur compagnie et j'ai aimé la manière dont l'autrice clôt leur histoire. Une très jolie romance qui aura su me conquérir par les sujets abordés, les protagonistes et leurs sentiments. A découvrir !!

Summer in the City by Alex Aster is a fun, witty, and swoon-worthy romcom that delivers all the best romance tropes. Elle, a struggling screenwriter, is stuck with writer’s block—until she reunites with Parker, her billionaire neighbor and past stairwell fling. When they strike a deal—she gets inspiration, he gets a fake girlfriend—their summer in New York turns into something much more real.
I loved Elle and Parker’s dynamic! Their banter was sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and the slow burn made every moment worth it. The writing was engaging, with vivid descriptions of New York that made the setting feel like a character itself. The humor was top-tier, and Parker had me kicking my feet with his sweet, thoughtful moments. While the third-act conflict felt a bit frustrating, the overall journey was incredibly satisfying. If you love fake dating, second chances, and billionaire romances, this book is a must-read!
Very grateful to the publisher for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

Being incredibly honest, I wasn’t sure if this would be a hit a couple of chapters in. A forced proximity, enemies to lovers set in NYC, it felt like it’d been done before. But lo and behold, I devoured this story! By 30% I was hooked. I love a flawed fmc and a billionaire mmc doesn’t hurt! I enjoyed their banter, loved the character development and the spicy scenes were perfect! All in all a 4 star read for Alex Asters debut contemporary romance and one of definitely recommend to romance readers.

I absolutely loved this book! Fake dating is my ultimate trope and I can never get enough of it! I loved all the bookish references, I loved all the scenic scenes. I LOVE LOVE LOVED HOW HE BOUGHT HER FAVIOURITE COFFEE SHOP AND MADE THEM SELL HER FAVE SCONE AGAIN! That is love!
Honest it was so good, so nice and easy to read and it had the spice too 🌶️🌶️ but wasn’t too much.
For Alex’s debut romance book it was really really good and I think you would never have known that she’s not wrote a romance before. I have lightlark and nightbane but have been waiting for skyshade before reading and now I am so excited for them.
If you like romance then 100% give this a read!
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Release Date - 25th March 2025

This book was pure rom-com gold. Elle and Parker’s dynamic? Absolutely unhinged in the best way, I ate it up. Elle is stubborn, chaotic, and so easy to root for, while Parker is that perfect mix of infuriatingly charming and hopelessly smitten. The man does not understand the concept of "low effort," and I was OBSESSED.

The chemistry?? Off the charts. Banter? Top-tier. And the grand gestures? Unnecessary, over the top, and exactly what I wanted. Parker moves through life like a man who has never heard the word “no,” except when it comes from Elle, which, naturally, only makes him try harder. The way he works for her, the way he pushes and pulls but never crosses the line, had me kicking my feet. And Elle? She’s the kind of heroine who refuses to make it easy, but you can tell she’s just as doomed as he is.

Their backstory made everything even better. There’s just something about two people who almost had something years ago and now have to deal with all that unresolved tension in an inconveniently close space. And let’s not forget the sheer drama of it all, fake dating, forced proximity, an excruciatingly slow burn, and a third-act conflict that had me stress-scrolling at 2 a.m.

The writing is snappy, the dialogue sparkles, and the romance is one of those all consuming, butterflies in the stomach kind of love stories.
So apparently, Alex Aster can write romance. Like, really well. Who knew?

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC <3

I am so happy the first Romance I picked up in over a month was Summer in the City. I just found it too cute and maybe not as believable as I would’ve wanted but it had me giggling and kicking my feet even with people around me, so that’s a win!

Elle and Parker met in a nightclub in New York. They have the best 5 minutes ever in a stairwell. She mistakes him for a bouncer and he say something deeply angers her. They part ways and she tries to get over him by going back to LA, but how can she do that when he’s a billionaire that is all over the media.
She has to go back to that city that holds so many painful memories for her, but just for the summer. She believes that the city is so big she wouldn’t ever cross paths with that one man who haunts her every being. How wrong was she, he’s her new neighbor. They see each other almost every day and she feels as if he’s stalking her, he’s not but he needs her, just as much as she needs him. She needs inspiration for her new movie script that she’s writing anonymously and he needs a fake girlfriend for the summer to feel normal. They make a deal that will end once summer is over, everything should be fake, but how fake can you be when real feelings get in the way?

I related way too much to Elle in this, I’m no screenwriter but all the rest hit very close to home. She feels like no one likes her and she can’t get close to anyone, and that’s why I love Parker. Even though they both make mistakes and hurt each other, they’re both only human and that’s the best quality to have.

Thank you netgalley and Bloomsbury for the ARC in exchange of an honest review!

Review: Summer in the City by Alex Aster

First off, a huge thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for granting me an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC). THANK YOU SO MUCHHHHH 💞💞

Summary

Summer in the City by Alex Aster is a sharp, witty, and unexpectedly emotional take on second chances, ambition, and the undeniable pull of fate. Set against the backdrop of a sizzling New York summer, the novel follows Elle, a screenwriter with a love-hate relationship with the city, and Parker, the billionaire bachelor who once humiliated her. Two years after their disastrous first encounter, they’re forced into each other’s orbit once more—this time, as neighbors. What follows is a battle of wills, crackling tension, and a romance that feels both inevitable and impossible. Aster delivers a compelling mix of humor, heart, and electric chemistry, making Summer in the City a perfect read for fans of messy, enemies-to-lovers dynamics and stories that balance glamour with vulnerability.

My Thoughts

Now, let’s get into it—this book ate.

Alex Aster’s writing style was super engaging and descriptive, which is what kept me hooked till the end. The characters? So well-developed and relatable (except Parker because he's rich, and I’m broke af 😮‍💨). Not many male leads make me actually feel butterflies, but Parker? Oh, I was kicking my feet, giggling, and annotating like crazy. My phone is full of screenshots—you have no idea.

As for pacing, I’d say it was fast-paced overall, even though it took a while for Elle and Parker to actually get together (which I was 100% fine with).

Also, this book was so funnyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Like, I laughed out loud multiple times. We need more books like this. Seriously.

Usually, I can predict how a story ends after a certain scene (98% accuracy rate, thank you very much), but this one? Unpredictable AF—and I loved that.

Final Rating

4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨. Easily one of my favorite reads of the year (even though I’ve only read one other book so far, but this one is already top-tier).

If you love second-chance romance, billionaire drama, and a book that makes you feel something, Summer in the City is a must-read.

When Elle first meets Parker she doesn't know who he is and he offends her. She channels that anger and it helps her with her screenwriting. Two years later they meet again - will they have a second chance?

There were parts of this book that I absolutely loved - the writing style, the banter, the female friendships, parts of the romantic elements. But then then there were parts that just didn't quite click with me - the pacing at the beginning and then towards felt a bit rushed. But overall a nice romance to read as we head towards summer

Plot ✅ Characters ✅ Romance ✅ Tension ✅ ✅

I absolutely loved the way this book opened—its descriptions of New York brought the setting to life, making me feel like I was watching a movie. It delivered all the romcom vibes in the best way possible. For a debut romance and the first book I've read from Alex Aster, this was such an enjoyable read and I really enjoyed the writing style! The tropes were well executed, and I was completely swept away by Elle and Parker’s story, especially how their friendship naturally developed into something more.

Loved Parker as the MMC - From the beginning, you could see how much he cared for Elle—always wanting to spend time with her, putting her happiness first, and doing whatever he could to support her. The side characters also played a meaningful role, adding to both the plot and character development rather than just being there for the sake of it.

I think there was a good amount of smut, not too much, most of it enhanced the story rather than adding it just because, like some books do.

(Spoilers ahead! 🚨)
The proposal did feel a bit out of the blue and rushed, so I understood why the plot unfolded the way it did. However, Elle’s feelings about Parker’s wealth—especially her comparisons between him and her father—were sometimes hard to grasp. Parker and her dad were clearly very different, and while I understood her hesitation, it wasn’t always convincing. That said, this didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

Favorite moments:
💙 When Parker bought the café just so Elle could have her blueberry scones again—swoon!
🏡 When Elle bought the townhouse and saw that Parker had decorated it for them—it was the cutest, and my heart broke when Elle realised.

Tropes:
💰 Billionaire ✅
💍 Fake-dating ✅

Overall, this was such a fun and heartwarming read, and I can't wait to see what Alex Aster does next!

This is like a 4.5 star for me. I liked the characters, the story was cute, I find no faults but something didn’t click? and so it’s not quite five stars but it is 4.5 so. I enjoyed this more than her other books.

3.5 stars

I picked up this book because I wanted something fun and breezy to read over a lazy weekend, and I wasn’t disappointed. Alex Aster is a new-to-me author; her writing style is a good fit for my tastes and the book was effective in creating a sense of time and place. It’s written from a single POV so this is very much Elle’s story of growth and change, although the last 20% of the book was a bit frustrating in that regard; Elle seemed to have moved past most of the deep-seated issues rooted in her upbringing but then there was a big conflict that just seemed… overblown? Like Elle just threw away all of her personal growth and reacted in a blind panic. Which, okay, in the moment perhaps that made sense, but then she continued her path of avoidance for a considerable amount of time and *never bothered going to therapy* - despite living in LA, where surely it is all but mandatory. By this point in the book Parker struck me as less of a well adjusted dream boyfriend (albeit one prone to showy but not consistently meaningful grand gestures) and more of a masochist. Of course everything is resolved by the end, but that third-act conflict felt jarring to me rather than organic.

Still, the slow development of the central relationship and Elle’s gradual realisation that she could and should expand her horizons were satisfying to read and I looked forward to picking up this book every time I had the chance. I’m certainly on board to read more by this author in future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Thank you for letting me read and review this book on Netgalley.

Tropes:
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Fake Dating
- Billionaire bad boy

I found this book really fun although I struggled to get into it and struggled to continue reading. I can't point out specifically what it was about it but I found it a lot more difficult to get through than I thought I would.