Book Review: Problematic Summer Romance

Whenever I see an Ali Hazelwood new release, it is an instant read for me. I know, a bold statement for sure, however, I love the way she integrates science and "smart" elements within her novels (why yes, I was a fan of The Big Bang Theory, how did you know?). Problematic Summer Romance (PSR) is perhaps the least science-focused of the books I have read from her thus far, but it was no less enjoyable. It helps of course, that there were connections to the first book in the series (Not in Love) and we get more Eli and Rue content! Honestly, my biggest regret is that I didn't save it to read on my camping trip, on the beach and with a drink in hand. 

PSR focuses on Maya, who has fallen in love with her brother's best friend, Conor, with whom she has a significant age gap (15 years!). Hazelwood fully fleshes both characters out by way of flashbacks to three years prior, and watching this relationship grow from afar is so "kick your feet" sweet. There were a few lines of dialogue throughout the way which perhaps were a liiiittle cringe, however, I forgive Hazelwood as she can write characters that you cannot help but resonate with - cringy sentiments are pretty normal for a new and exciting relationship after all. Maya is an interesting and kick-ass woman, who ultimately knows who she is and what she wants and is not afraid to go for it and bear the brunt of rejection should it end poorly. Meanwhile, Conor is the kind of broody MC that we all know and love, and seeing him slowly warm up to Maya's personality, youth, and excitement is a wonderful ride. The plot is funny and full of touristy moments that leave you wanting to head to Italy yourself, and ultimately is the PERFECT Summer Romance!

Recommended for people who enjoy: contemporary romance, STEM, steamy, age gap romances, slow burn romances. 

Rating: 4/5 stars

Book Information

Title: Problematic Summer Romance

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Published: May 27, 2025

Publisher: Berkley 

Format: Ebook, read via Libby app

Pages: 416

Summary:

Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life. 

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.

Have you read PSR yet? What did you think? Leave us a comment below!

Happy Reading, 

Mari