This was my first book by Alex Aster and I enjoyed it SO MUCH. I felt so connected to Elle and the issues she goes through daily. It felt like the perfect mix of romcom and self discovery. Both of herself and the city. 5 STARS and a new addition to my ‘personality books’.

This was such a cute, easy read. I loved how the fmc was able to overcome her childhood trauma that was preventing her from finding happiness. Some of the stuff on here was ridiculous, but that's what a romcom is. I love how it was perfectly balanced with deep things, too. I enjoyed reading this, and what a great first adult romance by Alex!

This was such a fun romance read. I am not usually a romance reader and I had no problem getting through this

This book was absolutely amazing. I loved Alex's books of lightlark and this was so different from that. I am usually not a love story person but this book took my heart from the start. I can relate to Elle so much. I loved her relationship with Parker. At every turn I was screaming at Elle not to leave him. And the ending was so perfect. This was the book that I didnt know I needed. It actually helped me with my current situation. Everything about this book was so perfect. As a writer, I fell in love with the story behind the story. Every word that was written I can feel Alex's emotions when she wrote it. I wonder if this was part of a real story for her or something she just felt she needed. I want to know these things. But it was the sweetest love story. I also loved Elle's back story. That is so real and relatable to so many people. This book made me feel something and for that, thank you Alex. I will be in line getting my physical copy the second it hits the self. Thank you for the ARC!

This was so fun! A light-hearted rom-com for any time of year, with just the right amount of humor, drama and a dreamy list of places to visit in NYC and beyond.

Deluxe Editions are fun! Book collectors appreciate the special covers and pages and edges. I don't normally purchase books for those reasons, but I can see how many do. The story is entertaining and Aster has crafted excellent characters. The limited edition is a bonus in my eyes. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

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!