After loving Alex Aster’s work in the Lightlark trilogy, I knew I had to check out her first contemporary romance and Summer in the City didn’t disappoint at all with its ability to sweep you away from the mundane and into a New York City of Aster’s creation.

A romance that has a billionaire in it always has a little bit of utter make believe about it, and the impossible to it too because that’s what makes them so much fun in my humble opinion. The ‘Billionaire bachelor’ tech specialist Parker Barren is no exception and I loved both how he infuriates and intrigues the screenwriter and introvert, Elle because he’s written wonderfully. The main character of Summer in the City however, is the Big Apple itself and Aster brings the city that never sleeps to life in such a vibrant and well throughout manner that those such as myself who haven’t crossed the Atlantic Ocean can feel as though they’re able to walk around Central Park, grab a coffee at many of the independent stores found throughout the city, or lose yourself for a few hours in a Manhattan hotspot or two. New York City is both the place our story takes place and the movie Elle is attempting to bring to life despite being disheartened by all it can give a person.

Parker, as any good lead in a romance book or movie, has a history with Elle that is tainted, but will that stop them finding something magical for a few weeks of Summer? I think not because that’s our journey. New York, Parker and Elle are all in for a whirlwind as each day unfolds and I couldn't’ book my copy down because it had me giggling and smiling more often than not. It has everything you can ask for in a romance with lines that will have you sigh and attempt to push Elle into seeing what is in front of her in Parker.

“I just want,” he says. slowly, taking a step towards me. His eyes are burning, a forest on fire. “A chance to love you beyond that one summer.”

I love Elle, she’s very relatable I think because she’s afraid of getting burnt by anyone she lets in and as the story unfolds we start to see why - she needs several hugs as well as a good selection of quality baked goods and coffee because she’s a bundle of hurt and self preservation. I think many readers will nod along to the insights we have of her and whilst the story is perfectly larger than life, because damn iit! It’s supposed to be so we can curl up with it again and again as a comfort read? It’s these glimpses of realism and relatability that makes it even better - nothing is ever perfect, whether in a person or situation.

Summer in the City may well be Alex Aster’s first romance I’ve seen, but I hope it won’t be the last because I loved every moment, it’s a perfect book when it’s raining or when you want to take yourself away to where you get a little bit of magic and Happy Ever After.

A light, pacy read about Parker, CEO of a tech company and Elle, secret screenwriter. When the two meet at an event their connection is undeniable but just quickly turns to hate when Parker starts talking money. They go there separate ways and then as fate would have it, end up living next to each other one summer.

This was just plain old fun, it executed all the tropes perfectly, I was emotionally invested throughout. It was funny, warm, smutty, and just freaking fun. LOVE.

I was so intrigued to read Alex Asters first romance novel and wasn't disappointed. The plot unfolds like all the best romcom movies, with plenty of comedic moments, will they / won't they tensions and enough drama to keep you flipping through. I really enjoyed that there was more to the story than just the developing romance and looking forward to reading more of the authors work.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)
Glitzy, dramatic, and addictive. Alex Aster offers an insider look at ambition, friendship, and romance under the dazzling lights of the city. It’s a heady summer escape with enough emotional depth to keep you invested. Perfect for beach bags and binge-reading weekends.

✨ARC Review✨

Firstly I loved the writing of this book and how New York became a wonderful character in of itself. I thought the romance was well-written but ultimately I don’t think billionaire romances are for me, especially in 2025. I also thought that the character Elle had too much “I’m not like other girls” energy which is something I really dislike in books

Ultimately I thought this book was fun but not for me

It's rare in a book where the MMC fucks up, that I feel like there's an appropriate amount of groveling and a proper apology. Aster really hit that mark. The MMC never intended to hurt the FMC, but he did anyway, and he felt bad, he learnt (even if it took some time), he waited, and he let her process it on her own. I could not be more thankful for that.

That being said, the story was too basic, and while I read the whole thing and enjoyed it, it didn't make me feel anything. The writing had a few issues. I choose to see some of the pacing issues others referred too, as Aster faking us out. There were a lot of repitions. Whether that be individual words, descriptions, or straight up sentences copy pasted. I think with the network Aster has, the editing should be a lot tighter than the book currently is. Even in ARC form.

This isn't the next greatest contemporary romance, but if you want something to read in the park or on the beach this summer, that will be fun but you won't think about after. This is it.

(Also, this is just a general pet peeve of mine, but adoration and focus on the cities itself, and it's descriptions just frustrated me. Coming from someone who's lived in both NYC and Paris)

Fake Relationship. Enemies to lovers (well...on her side). Forced Proxemity.

I have not binged a Romance this hard since I discovered Elsie Silver.

The quick wit of Elle and the easy, albeit tense at first, banter with Parker was what brought such humour and authenticity to their story.

And I LOVED that this happy ending to me wasn't like what you read in the fairytales, it was still romantic and beautiful but with realistic reactions and honest conversations.

Parker was absolutely just a golden retriever just wanting to do right but not really sure what that was, Elle with her own baggage from her past struggling to believe a man can love her and still support her without controlling her.

I can't wait to see more from Alex, I definitely need to give her fantasy a go!

🍕 Summer in the City by Alex Aster 🍕 REVIEW

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟– The Perfect Feel-Good Summer Romance!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Summer in the City through @netgalley just before its release, and I absolutely devoured it! @alexaster delivers a vibrant, fast-paced, and utterly addictive romance that had me grinning from start to finish. 🏀

At its heart, this book is an enemies-attract fake dating masterpiece, bursting with summer magic, swoon-worthy moments, and witty banter. But what truly set it apart for me was the neurodivergent-coded protagonist—her quirks felt so authentic and relatable, from needing multiple drinks at once to hesitating before writing in a new notebook, and needing subtitles to watch TV! The representation was beautifully woven in, adding depth to an already lovable character. ☕️

And then there were the Taylor Swift references! From direct nods to Karma to the clever connections with no body, no crime and the use of color symbolism in describing love, Swifties will adore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) Easter eggs throughout the story.

This book is everything I want in a summer romance—lighthearted yet meaningful, easy to read, and impossible to put down. If you’re looking for the perfect poolside or beach read, Summer in the City is it! 💕

Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing and @alexaster for trusting me with an ARC in return for an honest review 🍎🍕

I am so excited to go to @waterstones_edi on the 15th April to meet Alex Aster and talk about this wonderful book ☺️

I loved this book, it had tropes that I adore and the characters were great. Overall it was a fun and sweet read.

I was really excited to read this book. I hadn’t read a billionaire romance in a long time and also a city setting feels refreshing these days as the market it saturated with small town romances.
I found it took a while for me to get into the story and I was slightly confused by the setup of our FMC in Manhattan. I enjoyed the setting snd the vibes between the two characters were good but there was something missing for me to say I loved it.
An enjoyable read.

Really enjoyed this! Loved the banter and the main characters exploring New York. It’s fun and steamy The perfect summer read!

A fun and easy to read book. Reminded me of my teenage years when i watched all the teen movies and romance in the city. I wouldn’t say enemies to lovers but more like of haters to lovers. A really good-to-be-true billionaire who for some reason has so much undestarding but you can not love him. Elle is sometimes so frustrating to keep up but you can’t help but being attached to her for being a real human with real feelings and insecurities. A simple easy to follow story with a predictable (for me plot). At some times i was like is someone really this rich??? Would someone this rich really to all that? As a book for me is ok i enjoyed it but as a girl who has never been in New York and probably won’t (cause of the distance) i would prefer to see this story on screen. I would of liked more descriptions of the buildings the places, i didn’t know any of these and always had to google them to see how they looked. I am sure as a film it will be great.
The only thing that made me scream was the reason she walked away from him. Ok i get it she wanted to feel independent but he was like perfect and she overreacted for me. But a story had to be told. Rich boy meets poorish girl and fall in love together in the largest city in the world. There had to be a break up 😍
Enjoyable book but was so weird to read something of Alex Aster that was not fantasy. I also prefer her writing in first person.

Will recommend to someone who likes a cute sweet romance book blooming in the city of New York!!

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!).