Summer in the City by Alex Aster is one of those sweet rom-coms that doesn’t try to be complicated. It’s light, fun, and fast-paced, and the entire time I was reading it, I felt like I was watching a rom-com movie unfold on screen. It was the perfect book between the heavier reads that I tend to go for.
This book has everything that I like in a romance. There’s banter, fake dating, plenty of New York City charm, and characters you genuinely enjoy spending time with. And of course, it’s a billionaire romance, so it comes with all the over-the-top grand gestures and unrealistic moments. But honestly? That’s exactly why I pick up billionaire romances in the first place. They’re fun, escapist, and don’t pretend to be anything else.
Our FMC, Elle, is a screenwriter struggling with writer’s block. She’s cynical, prefers her own company, and, ironically, absolutely hates New York. Watching her navigate both her career and her unexpected relationship made her an easy heroine to root for.
Then there’s Parker Warren, our billionaire MMC. He’s charming, thoughtful, and completely smitten, even if he doesn’t always show it in the most conventional ways. I mean, buying an entire chain of coffee shops because of Elle? Completely over-the-top. Completely unrealistic. And yet, I was smiling the whole time because that’s the kind of fictional nonsense I happily sign up for.
The chemistry between Elle and Parker was fun to watch, and their banter kept the story moving. I also loved how New York City wasn’t just the backdrop and it almost felt like another character in the story. From the cafés to the city streets, the setting added so much to the overall vibe of the book.
If you’re looking for a romance that’s light, entertaining, and easy to get through, Summer in the City is a great choice. It won’t emotionally destroy you, but it’ll definitely leave you smiling. It’s the kind of book I’d recommend for a relaxing weekend or when you’re simply in the mood for a feel-good romance.
4 out of 5 stars!
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With love and lots of stories,
The Reading Lane
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