Review: Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love, #2) by Ali Hazelwood

Ah, summer. The season of ice cream, beach reads, and a whole lot of romance. When I stumbled upon Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood, I couldn’t resist the allure of an escapade in an Italian villa filled with sun-soaked chaos. Ali has a knack for weaving complex narratives that grip readers right from the get-go, and I was eager to see how she would tackle the deliciously controversial age gap romance this time around.

From the very first page, I was transported to the sun-drenched shores of Sicily, a setting as vibrant as the characters themselves. Imagine: swirling gelato cones, breathtaking ocean views, and the kind of destination wedding chaos that makes for the best reading material. Yes, please! Hazelwood captured summer vacation vibes effortlessly, and it had me flipping pages like my life depended on it.

Now, let’s talk about the central couple, Maya and Conor. Their relationship was a rollercoaster of messy drama imbued with sweetness, like that smallest bite of chocolate after a spicy meal. The chemistry? Off the charts. Hazelwood excels at crafting sizzling tension, weaving banter and electric glances that had me blushing in the middle of my living room! Every playful exchange felt like a spark, drawing me deeper into their world.

However, I did have some mixed feelings. The incessant emphasis on the age gap—38-year-old Conor and 23-year-old Maya—began to feel repetitive. I found myself thinking, “Okay, we get it. They’re navigating socially problematic waters here.” At times, it felt more like a think piece on age dynamics than a romance. Conor’s brooding and guilt were served on a platter, but I often found him glaringly bland—like a perfectly picturesque villa lacking interior flair. Meanwhile, Maya was a delightful tornado of emotions, so alive and chaotic that I couldn’t help but root for her. Her rage fits were both cathartic and refreshing.

The side characters, particularly Eli, Maya’s brother, brought a lovely dynamic that balanced the protagonist’s turmoil. Their light-hearted sibling rapport was a breath of fresh air—honestly, justice for functional family dynamics! And the callbacks to characters from Not in Love? Pure delight! It felt like sitting among old friends and sharing laughter over familiar inside jokes.

Yet, I couldn’t ignore a rushed ending and some cringe-worthy dialogue. The overuse of the word “problematic” verged on comical by the end. But, despite these drawbacks, I still enjoyed the ride. Ali Hazelwood has a particular talent for drawing readers in, igniting that summer romance urge in ways that are both sexy and dramatic—if you allow yourself to take it with a grain of salt.

In summary, Problematic Summer Romance succeeds in providing an engaging backdrop of heat, tension, and emotional pining. If you’re a fan of age gap romances overflowing with drama set against a stunning backdrop, dive right in! Just remember not to take it too seriously. This book left me with a whirlwind of feelings, oscillating between blushing and cringing, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

So grab a gelato, settle in, and get ready for a chaotic summer escape you won’t soon forget! 🌞🍦📚

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