This was a classic romcom with all the ingredients that should be in it. But nothing more. The classic FMC that’s ”not like other girls”, and yes she did have many pick me moments, but she also had good traits that I liked. Thankfully 😅 The MMC is the billionaire tech guy that starts off arrogant, but there’s so much more beneath the surface. The characters aren’t that rounded and deep, we get a little background info, but it’s not explored enough. Especially for the MMC, we literally get nothing from. Who is he beyond being the billionaire CEO of a startup tech company? Who knows.

A quick read, but I did have to go back on a couple of scenes because it felt like I missed something. But no, I read everything correctly, it was just missing parts.
It kind of felt like I was being cheated out of important scenes of a movie. For example in one scene where Elle and Parker are going to play basketball with his friends, Elle talks herself up as being weirdly good at basketball. Since she’s so unathletic, this is a funny concept for the MMC, and us, the reader. We get a little backstory to why she’s good at it, but then the scene just ends and we don’t even get to see any basketball game being played, it’s just over and they’re going home. It wasn’t even a fade to black kind of scene, it was just like it was cut out of the chapter. Very dissappointing. And that happens more times over the course of the book, scenes and moments that definitely should have been explored more, but it’s just rushed through and then ten days have passed.

So yeah, if you want a quick romcom, that give you the exact rulebook of romance, then this is for you. It was a fun palette cleanser, and I’m still glad to have read it, it had it’s moments. I think 😂 But nothing I’m writing home about.

Here’s the thing about romance novels; either I feel that zing or not. The rest is secondary.

So, let me tell you, the zing was strong with this one. Five stars level zing, in fact.

Some will maybe dislike Elle (because who obsessively hates a guy for ages, after only a few minutes together), but that won’t be me. I hold grudges like a pro and you won’t see me judging a sister in crime.

Parker was a book green flag, don’t try this at home kinda guy. He was crazy about her, but let’s be glad that he was hot and rich, and that she was secretly into him. It would’ve been really awkward otherwise.

All in all I really enjoyed this book. If it wasn’t for the absolutely excruciating third act breakup, it would’ve been five stars, but what can I say, I like what I like!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Not for me. Not really sure where all the great reviews are coming from. Don't think it's a well written book.

I have seen this book widely advertised, so I was super excited when I received this eARC. It's your typical feel-good New York romantic comedy featuring a billionaire male main character and a feisty, well-off writer female main character.

The book was easy to get into, and the characters had a nice dynamic, although the female main character was slightly annoying at times. I found it enjoyable until Chapter 30. Unfortunately, that chapter ruined my enjoyment and interest in the story, and I struggled to get through the remaining 10% of the book.

Thank you, Alex Aster and Bloomsbury UK, for the opportunity to read this ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Loved this!! Fake dating, billionaire bachelor and one summer to (not) fall in love. Elle was a wonderful and strong lead, I loved her relationship with Cali and Penelope and her determination to stick to her morals. Parker was an interesting and equally loveable character, he was complex and I really enjoyed reading his emotional growth. Together they were an easy couple to root for and some of the passages had me tearing up a little. A thoroughly enjoyable romance!

This was my first time reading a book by Alex Aster, and overall, I found it to be an enjoyable, light read. The writing style felt very accessible, making it easy to get into the story without feeling bogged down by overly complex language or dense descriptions. It’s the kind of book you can pick up after a long day and lose yourself in without too much effort.

The central relationship between Elle and Parker had its moments, and I appreciated the dynamic between them. Elle was portrayed as independent and witty, while Parker embodied the confident, enigmatic billionaire trope. Their banter provided some engaging and humorous interactions, and there were a few tender moments that stood out. However, I couldn’t help but feel that their chemistry lacked depth in certain parts of the story. While their connection was believable on a surface level, it didn’t quite have the spark or intensity that makes a romance truly memorable. I often found myself wishing for more emotional vulnerability or tension between them.

As for the billionaire trope, it was a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it added an element of escapism and glamour to the story, which I can see appealing to fans of this genre. On the other hand, some aspects felt overly idealised or downright implausible. There were moments where I found myself thinking, “Really? Could this scenario actually happen?” This occasionally pulled me out of the story, making it harder to fully immerse myself in the narrative.

That said, the plot itself was fairly strong and well-paced. The storyline moved along at a good pace, however, I felt that some of the characters, could have been more fully developed.

In the end, I gave this book 3 stars because, despite its shortcomings, it had enough positives to make it a worthwhile read. The engaging plot and easy-going style were definite highlights, even if the character development and romantic chemistry left something to be desired. I can see myself picking up another book by Alex in the future, especially if I’m in the mood for something light and entertaining.

omg this was so good !!! loved this so much! genuinely couldn’t put this down i’ll definitely be rereading in the summer. loved the new york setting, fake dating perfection!

🌟 4/5
🌶️ 2/5

pov: single, first person

Tropes:
✨ fake dating
✨ summer fling
✨ billionaire
✨ enemies to lovers
✨ neighbours
✨ secret identity
✨ second chance

TWs: domestic violence

Elle Leon is a screenplay writer with a hidden identity. She works under a pen name to ensure no one claims her successes but herself. Parker Warren is a billionaire CEO, currently in the press for a huge merger of his company. One night a few years ago where they kissed in a nightclub stairwell and he insinuated she’s a gold digger means she can’t stand him.

When she moves back to New York City to house sit for her sister while renovations happen, she’s furious to find out her new neighbour is the one and only Parker Warren.

They strike a deal, fake date for the summer, it will negate any bad press for him while the merger goes through, and she has company to the 7 locations she needs to base her current screenplay on.

Parker is a powerful man, and he gives off man obsessed vibes from the get go. He can’t seem to get enough of her even when she’s cold and sharp tongued.

He’s feisty and protective of his date. He’s a man who moves mountains and buys whatever to keep her happy. And she’s not even his real girlfriend??

*paragraph of potential spoilers*
(the blueberry scones in the cafe?? The ruby earrings?? Him donating whatever number she quoted to her list of charities?? Offering his private jet then retiring it after because of her environmental concern?? Renting the Eiffel Tower restaurant?? The house love letter to them?? Daily flowers for a year?? The billboard messages?? Iykyk)

He’s in awe of her writing. She lets him have her screenplay to read and he stays up reading it and annotating like she does to every film she watches (she always has the script in front of her)
“I’m glad you write. Because it’s a way to be let into your perfect mind.”

There’s a lot of past trauma buried deep within Elle, and there’s a lightbulb moment where she realises she needs to resolve some issues. Which thank goodness because she was so stubborn and set in her mindset!

Her mom sounded like such a strong independent woman but this has rubbed off badly on Elle, she’s pushing people away and won’t accept any help because she doesn’t want to be financially controlled like her mom was by her dad!

The romance felt sudden to me and like bam all or nothing ?? Then one wrong thing and bam fireworks, and she’s running away!! Very tumultuous.

But there were some very cute moments and it felt very romance coded.

I found this book emotional and funny but the pacing was slightly off for me. It felt like there were too many time jumps without the details of what happened during them. This left the romance to be slightly lacking in believability. I enjoy a billionaire romance like everyone else but I found it all a little bit much in this one. Saying all this, I did enjoy the book and it made me cry which must mean it was emotionally impactful.

Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Tropes:
ೃ⁀➷ Billionaire romance
ೃ⁀➷ Fake dating
ೃ⁀➷"enemies" (not really, though) to lovers
ೃ⁀➷set in NYC.


This was soo bad, but it was also just like really good?

Okay, to begin with, I was going to give this book a solid 2 stars. It started off in a way that will always be irritating to me. It was a case of the hero and heroine having a misunderstanding that then makes the heroine harbour a grudge for literally no reason. It always feels forced, like they are making enemies to lovers just to say that the book is enemies to lovers.

The main character also gave very Wattpad vibes, like she has a perfect body and never works out. She fits into the typical 'perfect' character often found in Wattpad stories, which is unrealistic and unrelatable. And that pisses me off because I'm jealous 🙄

Another reason that I just didn't like this book was that the main man says he likes her and says he wants to spend time with her, but I'm sitting here and asking WHY? There is literally no reason for these characters to like each other other than the fact that they are both hot. I just feel like they didn't have many substantial conversations, to be honest...

Finally, the swoon-worthy moments come off as cringe-worthy. I'm sorry, but this book is just a bunch of scenes strung together, so the romantic moments just felt forced. They lacked the natural flow and emotional depth that would make them truly swoon-worthy, and I can't even lie—I found them to be a bit funny.

I also just remembered that the third-act breakup was so irritating.

So why the 3-star rating if I've complained for the past 200 words? And I just have to say that this book is compulsively readable. I was actively disliking it, but I kept turning the pages. I couldn't stop, and I stayed up until 1 am, binging the last 50% 🧍🏾‍♀️

I also felt for the main characters and their traumatic backstories. By this, I mean that the characters had experienced significant hardships in their pasts, which were well-developed and added depth to their personalities. It made me care a little bit and was the kick that helped me finish the book.

This book's overall vibes also remind me of "The Romcommers" by Katherine Center, which was one of my favourites of the year.

Anyway, I would actually recommend this book! It is a quick and easy summer read that most people would enjoy.

This had me hooked from the very start! It’s not perfect—Chapter 30 was a total shocker, and the last 3 chapters are why I’m giving it 4 stars—but it’s such a fun summer romcom that had me feeling like I was actually walking the streets of NYC with Elle and Parker.

It’s not super spicy, but the chemistry? On point. They both definitely had me giggling and blushing a few times with their agonising slow-burn relationship filled to the brim with sexual tension. The mix of enemies-to-neighbours-to-lovers, fake dating, and billionaire romance made it such an addictive read.

Elle was quite relatable in some ways, which made everything feel more realistic, like I was right there with her. But I won’t lie—by the end, she started getting on my nerves, which is part of the reason I dropped it to 4 stars.

Still, Alex Aster’s writing kept me hooked the whole way through. If you’re into raw, realistic love stories with just the right balance of tension and charm, this one’s worth picking up!

Wow this was so much fun to read!
I loved the scene setting of New York and how you could feel the touristy nature and fun of it but also the hate of the city for our main FMC.
Our enemies to lovers is kind of repetitive in its reminder why Elle hates Parker and maybe a little over the top but there is of course background and reasoning to why this is a hurdle for her.
I liked that our third act drama wasn’t a quick fix and they lived happily ever after, I really liked to see these two needed time to find their way.

I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review

In Summer in the City, screenwriter Elle is given the opportunity of a lifetime to write a high-stakes movie set in New York City, but her writer’s block has been unrelenting. Just when she’s running out of ideas, she crosses paths with Parker Warren, her billionaire neighbor and a former one-night stairwell fling. What starts as an unexpected reunion evolves into an unlikely partnership, Elle and Parker agree to a “fake” relationship that sparks more than either bargained for. Together, they explore the glimmering streets of New York, each with something to gain, yet everything to risk if their emotions blur the lines between reality and pretend.

Throughout the book, I was drawn to the chemistry that unfolded against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, a setting that felt alive and beautifully detailed. I appreciated how the author brought the city to life in a way that made me feel like I was right there alongside them, walking through its iconic neighborhoods.

Elle’s role as a screenwriter was refreshing to read about; it gave a unique perspective to her character and offered a break from the usual author or book-related careers we often see in romance. Parker and Elle’s first encounter left me hoping Parker would redeem himself. The conflict that emerged between Parker and Elle felt grounded in their differences: Parker’s tendency to rely on money as a solution clashed with Elle’s sense of independence and self-reliance. During the third-act breakup, I found myself frustrated with Parker’s approach, wanting him to truly listen to Elle instead of resorting to quick fixes. But I appreciated that Elle took time for herself afterward, showing real growth.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to readers dipping into adult romance, as it offers a balanced storyline with sensual moments without being overwhelming.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bloomsbury Publishing and Alex Aster for this ARC!

A super fun summer romance. It made me feel like I was watching a 2000s romcom which I love! The setting was used perfectly throughout. I visited NYC for the first time during the summer last year and this book perfectly describes the atmosphere in the city during this time. It was almost like the city was its own character with the quirky coffee shops and the hustle and bustle of all the different locations.

I loved the couple and especially how smitten the Parker was throughout the story. At times the conflict felt slightly repetitive to me - but I think it was more because I wanted them to realise how perfect their relationship was and how good they were together! I loved this story and think it is the perfect romance for the summer.

I've been on the fence about reading Alex Aster's books, as I've heard such mixed reviews on her fantasy books. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was just enough tension with the characters and great banter between them as well, I loved the secondary characters as much as the main, and really enjoyed how engrossed I became with the story.
I'll be the first person knocking on the door if she decides to release in the contemporary romance scene again, and will be looking to add her fantasy novels as a priority on my TBR!

Thank you NetGalley and Alex Aster for the ARC of this book, I hope you can keep me on your list for future ones!

Alex aster is a favourite author of mine but I am so used to her romantsy books I was worried this would fall flat against them. And let me tell you it did not!! For a fun, steamy, exciting summer read this will definitely scratch that itch

I had the absolute pleasure of being chosen to be an arc reader for Alex’s new book, and let me just say, this book took me on one hell of a ride!!
Without a doubt it’s one of the best reads I have devoured this year, and here’s why:

The absolute incredible connection between Elle and Parker? I was hooked. Their romance had me kicking my feet, giggling like a lovesick teenager and full on clutching my heart during the make or break moments.

Alex Aster simply delivered characters you cannot help but root for. I fell in love with Elle she is simply the most loveable character with the biggest heart and her Parker was head over heels.

Parker isn’t just another typical book boyfriend. He’s charming and just so sweet. And Elle? She’s fierce, relatable and obsessed with her backstory.

The story is the perfect slow burn romance that leaves you begging for more with each page turn.

Can we also just talk about the city itself? Alex paints the scene so incredibly well you feel like you could step inside the story.

If you’re into incredible slow burns, characters with undeniable chemistry and the most emotional growth then this is an absolutely must read!

Elle, a 27-year-old screenwriter, faces a major challenge: she's tasked with writing a big-budget film set in New York City. Only, she's been grappling with writer's block for months. For inspiration, she reluctantly returns to the city and ends up living in a luxurious apartment next to Parker Warren, a tech billionaire and her former hookup turned rival. As they engage in a heated rivalry, they concoct a plan to fake a relationship to help both their careers, but soon enough the line between manufactured and reality begins to blur…

To start this review, I want to congratulate Alex Aster on an expertly executed genre jump. A massive fan of the Lightlark series, I was entirely trepidatious heading into this novel out of fear I wouldn’t welcome Aster’s new cast of characters into my life so wholeheartedly and it’s safe to say, I have! Aster is a master of enemies-to-lovers storytelling, and Summer In The City goes to show that this mastery isn’t genre-restricted.

Elle, as a romance novel protagonist, is perfectly crafted through Aster’s writing. There’s a level of realism, internal dialogue, a belief system, and quirky mannerisms that flesh her out far beyond the cliché romance novel leading lady. She feels like she could be many, or any, of my friends, and I think that’s what makes even her unlikeable moments gratifying to the reader. The truth is, we’re all likely to encounter or already encountered a friendship with the same unlikeable moments, but we love them through it and support their growth. Thanks to Aster’s writing, I found myself doing this for Elle, which made for satisfying reading.

Parker, as a love interest, at first had me dangling a giant ‘?’ over his head as I tried to work out in the first few chapters if I would even want a man like him for Elle. Ironically, all the reasons I questioned this for Elle, Elle went on to question for herself later in the novel. He enters the novel with the level of bravado that would make anyone feel instant ick, and even throughout his narrative, there are a few moments where my whole body clenched in cringe. However, the magic of this novel is, you grow to love Parker so much that you may cringe for a nanosecond, but like Elle, you start to love him through it. Also, he sounds HOT. I want to know who Aster would visualise playing him in a movie.

New York has a special place in my heart. I got to do a module for University there, living on the border of UES and Harlem with my best friend, and I forever say it’s my favourite city in the world, tied only with Milan, so safe to say I adored the setting. Knowing Aster lives in New York, I didn’t for one second have that shadow of doubt I’ve had with other romances this year that the setting wouldn’t feel realistic. Aster guides the reader safely through Manhattan and the Boroughs and reminded me why I love the love this city has to offer.

With an incredible supporting cast of questionable family, vibrant girlfriends, sleazy acquaintances, and a plot that’ll whisk you away like a dream, Summer In The City was a wonderful surprise for me. Used to Aster’s gritty, all-encompassing fantasy storytelling, it was marvellous getting to explore the more comedic, lighthearted, wondrous string to her bow. I foresee Summer In The City being one of the must have holiday reads for 2025 and I can tell you now, you have to make sure you read it. With plot twists, and a climax you won’t want spoiling, this one is one to have at checkout in March 2025 and enjoy wherever in the world you go next…

This is Alex Aster's first foray in adult romance and I ate it up! I woke up thinking about this book, wanting to jump back into that world with the characters. That's the magical feeling that you want to capture with a book, and Alex has achieved it here.
It's cute and addictive!
What prevented me from giving a full 5 stars is I found myself getting frustrated at the extent the lead character self sabotages, and I found myself a little confused, especially near the end, about her perception of things. I would have loved for the last 10% to be wrapped up differently - with better communication between the two leads.
That being said, I really enjoyed the book! This is a cute romance and perfect for anyone looking for a nice story to get lost in.

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley, and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest review of the book.

Fast paced and fun with an ending fit for a queen. Deliciously written and will quench that thirst just like an ice cold glass of Diet Coke does.