I had such an amazing time reading this. For the first adult debut I couldn’t get enough. I want more like yesterday!

Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter, Elle, has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She's had writer's block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer.

This is the sentence that made me want to read this book. I enjoy Alex Aster's books and if you love romance this one is one you should definitely read!

This is Alex Aster’s first contemporary romance and she knocked it out of the park! It reminded me of rom coms from the early 2000s and had me laughing and swooning throughout.
Screenwriter Elle is temporarily back in NYC overseeing her sister’s apartment renovation and working on her latest screenplay. Parker is a tech billionaire that Elle had a not so meet cute with two years prior. Imagine her surprise when he turns out to be her temporary neighbor and he has a fake dating offer she can’t refuse. The banter had me giggling and the tension between them was thick! NYC wasn’t just the backdrop but also another main character. I absolutely loved this book and there are so many special editions to choose from when it’s released.

I received an ARC from NetGalley for Summer in the City. I was familiar with Alex Aster’s name but haven’t had a chance to read any of her stories until this one. This was an enjoyable read. It is also Alex Aster’s first contemporary novel. I really enjoyed the main characters and seeing their character development throughout the story. Overall highly recommended!

5⭐️. I loved this. Welcome to contemporary romance Alex we are so happy to have you. As her debut adult romance, this was an absolute beauty. Yes there were parts I wanted to shake the characters but that was overruled by the insane amount of love I have for them. What a journey of self discovery, overcoming obstacles, trauma, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. I enjoyed every single minute of this. I found myself DYING to get back into the story. I had to know how Elle and Parker fell in love and what they’d experience next together. I loved this. It’s got everything that you want in a romance.

I'd never read a book by Alex Aster before. She has a very different way of writing. Some of that I very much enjoyed, some of it I struggled with. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read! It made me think that it wouldn't be a bad idea to tap into the Lightlark series to see what else she's got.

4.0/5.0

Thank you to William Morrow/Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC!

I am pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this book. Parker Warren might just be one of the best book boyfriends I’ve read — not just because he’s rich and hot, but because he would give all of that up just to let the woman he loves shine.

This gave all of the Sex and The City vibes that you’d want from an NYC-based Romance, without the toxic men. Also - the spice actually lent itself to the story which I thought was a nice touch.

I adored how this book placed a focus on self-discovery before falling into a relationship.

This is the perfect romance and should definitely be at the top of your TBR for its release.

(BookTok review coming)

In some ways despite her hating New York City, Elle can identify with it as an island who refused to let others in. Instead, she only has one friend in Penelope and writes anonymously as a screenwriter. She denies herself to feel as she can only explain emotions through her characters. She becomes fixated on that last night prior to her move to LA, that she was approached by a msn who seemingly wanted to buy her attachment to him. Elle is completely fixated on money and it is evident throughout the entirety of the book. It is ironic that she meets Parker who is a billionaire but seems not bothered by such wealth. As they visit numerous locations through the city that will frame her screenplay, the intensity of emotions is there; however, Elle refuses herself to be happy. She found in him and her newfound friends that it is worth living rather than constantly escaping. This is a true Cinderella story and a fun read. It is reminder that there are great people that will love the entirety of you. I enjoyed it as a witty book.

I mean I did not expect this seeing Alex started with fantasy so seeing her dive into a contemporary romance in first person was quite a surprise and journey. It was beautiful and at times heart breaking 🥺

I read this book in less than 24 hours, it was just that good for me. The first thing that hooked me was how I felt for Elle and how I understood her. I think she had this mentality that she wasn’t ready to be happy until she had her career and achievements done. And it was touching to see her navigate and learn that she can find happiness and still be a successful independent woman.

Parker was just a darling but still was the serious CEO. I really enjoyed how much effort he puts to stay around Elle. And the banter between them was great! I had so many laughs and moments were I was like “yes I would’ve said that too. Elle’s inner monologue was amazing. .” Oh my god, I need to just sell my voice like the Little Mermaid, so I never say anything like that again.” THIS QUOTE CRACKED ME UP IN THE OFFICE. It’s something I totally would have thought myself.

I appreciated how this story was about a CEO and a screenwriter ‘fake dating’ but also going around nee york. In a way, it was also a romcom of the city of Mew York and there are so many places mentioned that I would love to visit. Absolutely loved this book and will totally buy it for myself

**Review of *Summer in the City* by Alex Aster**

Alex Aster’s adult debut *Summer in the City* is a whirlwind rom-com set against the backdrop of New York City, brimming with chemistry, humor, and heart. This novel follows the story of Elle, a screenwriter facing a crippling writer’s block as she scrambles to finish her big-budget screenplay. In a desperate bid for inspiration, Elle returns to the city she vowed never to revisit, finding herself in a luxurious apartment and facing a new problem—her prickly neighbor, Parker Warren, a billionaire tech CEO and the man she once had a brief but intense love affair with.

The initial tension between Elle and Parker is palpable from the very first pages, making their enemies-to-lovers dynamic incredibly compelling. The banter is sharp, and the emotional undercurrent of their tumultuous past creates a delicious sense of anticipation as they navigate their new, complicated living situation. Aster brilliantly captures the push-and-pull between two characters who are at odds with one another yet are undeniably drawn together, creating a perfect storm of passion, humor, and self-discovery.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its setting—New York City is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story. From the iconic skyline views to the cozy neighborhood coffee shop, the city becomes a character in its own right, infusing the narrative with energy and charm. Aster’s vivid descriptions make the city feel alive, with all its contradictions—luxury and grit, crowded streets and quiet corners—mirroring the complex relationship between Elle and Parker.

The plot of *Summer in the City* is as fast-paced and fun as the characters’ chemistry. The faux-relationship trope, combined with the pressure of Elle’s looming deadline and Parker’s business acquisition, creates a delicious tension that keeps the pages turning. Aster’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of heart, blending moments of humor with deeper emotional revelations.

At its core, the novel is about two people learning to let go of past grudges, rediscover themselves, and find love in unexpected places. While the enemies-to-lovers plot might seem familiar, Aster brings a fresh and engaging twist to it, particularly with the dual stakes of Elle’s screenplay and Parker’s high-stakes business life.

*Summer in the City* is a delightful read for anyone craving a romantic, feel-good escape. The chemistry between the leads is sizzling, the humor is on point, and the New York City setting provides the perfect backdrop for this swoony, fast-paced rom-com. It’s a story of second chances, unexpected love, and rediscovering the magic of the city that never sleeps. Aster has created a captivating debut that will leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.

I was absolutely smitten with this book. The tension and electricity between Elle and Parker was truly everything. I was kicking my feet and begging for more the whole time. Love it!!

Thank you William Morrow, HarperCollins, and NetGalley for the ARC!!

As someone who has heard about how amazing Alex Aster’s fantasy books are, but having never read them myself, I never would’ve guessed this wasn’t her typical genre. This book gave me all the 90s/early 2000s rom com vibes and it was so vivid in my head. Set in the super romantic backdrop of NYC, it was so fun to watch these two fall in love with each other as Elle was falling back in love with the city. Both characters were so enjoyable and real, and I was rooting for them with my whole heart. I will say the third act conflict (no spoilers) really surprised me and felt a bit out of character for both of them. There was so much crammed into the last three chapters and it took away some of my excitement from the book, but other than that, I really enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved this. I think given the current state, the billionaire romance trope wasn’t my favorite, but i love how the independent, does-it-herself woman stood for that as well and didn’t like to have handouts. This book hit home for the independent, introverted homebodies. I felt like i was reading about myself within this story. It was funny, showed grief, parental troubles, and most importantly that you should never rely on a man! ;) I highlighted the heck out of my kindle version and can’t wait to translate those to the beautiful physical copy when this releases. Brava, Alex Aster!

I love Alex Aster’s switch up from fantasy to romance! She brings the details needed in a fantasy to romance really helping you feel the location, I am dying for a trip to NYC after reading this book. Such great enemies to lovers trope with beautiful details about NYC and such a quick witted strong female character. Love everything!

Absolutely amazing. Who knew that Alex Aster could write the amazing Lightlark series (fantasy) AND romance. I didn’t know what to expect going into this one but it was so good. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. The coffee shops. The libraries. The screenplay writing. The charities. The sights of New York. All of it. Brilliant.

Summer in the City by Alex Aster was such a fun, fast-paced read! It’s got the perfect mix of adventure, romance, and drama, with a dash of mystery thrown in. The story takes you on a wild ride through an unforgettable summer in the city, and I loved how the author really captured that sense of freedom and excitement. The characters are relatable, and the setting is almost like another character in itself. It’s one of those books you just don’t want to put down, and I couldn’t help but get totally wrapped up in it. If you're into stories with tons of energy, romance, and a little bit of intrigue, this one’s a great pick!

I don’t even have words to describe how much i love this book. I already want to re-read it. I am OBSESSED with Parker and Elle. I loved the setting of this book, New York. I quite literally felt like I was there. For this being Alex Aster’s first romance book…. It was incredible. Honestly… this might be one of my favorite romances I’ve EVER read. I laughed, cried, felt the HOTTEST HEAT WOOOO WEE, and smiled the entire time. Elle’s character has such depth to her and simultaneously at the same time I was screaming at her (if you know you know). Parker Warren is perfect perfect perfect. The patience he has is uncanny. I loved the feeling of being so in love with the characters, friends, and the setting that this book engulfed me. It was different like nothing I’ve read before but still had the most lovely romance we all want to pine after. The angst will make you scream!!!! I loved and breathed this book in 2 days. I am immediately purchasing a hard copy to read when it comes out. I WILL BE RE-READING, top fav romance book for sure!!!!!!!

My first Alex Aster book & I loved it. I was so excited to receive this as an eARC (thank you NetGalley)!

Summer in the city takes place in such a fun setting in New York, also seeming natural and realistic to me. In other books, pop culture references often take me out of the story but Aster inserts them really nicely in this book!

I will say that this was one of my first billionaire romances & I loved it!! I didn’t think I’d like that dynamic but it offered a different storyline that I’m not used to in my romance books. I also liked the fake dating & enemies to lovers trope & thought it was done well! While this book was spicy, it didn’t over consume the plot. (a little too much for my preference but not overwhelming!) There were also a lot of funny scenes, so it definitely delivered on the rom-com genre.

This book would have been a 5 star read or close to one for me but the ending was a bit unrealistic for me, also falling a bit flat. I also didn’t really care for the large time jumps & thought the ending seemed a bit rushed compared to the pacing of the rest of the book. I would definitely recommend this read when it releases in March of 2025!! A solid rom-com to add to your TBR!

I. Am. Obsessed. No notes. Amazing. Incredible.

The perfect rom com. Add this to your list asap. Elle and Parker are adorable. Gave me so many butterflies. It’s 0% realistic in the billionaire romance aspect, but the emotion is 100% realistic, and 100% romantic, adorable, sweet, funny, perfect.

This will be a top book of 2025, no doubt in my mind. I’m running off to read Alex Aster’s other books.

Publishing March 25, 2025

Lovers to enemies to lovers
Billionaire with a heart of gold
Fake dating

Everything trope I could want. Someone please please please make this into a movie.

🌶️

Thank you SO SO much to netgalley, Alex Aster, and William Morrow for this advanced copy. Forever grateful and dying for everyone else to read this.