🥹😍 Afro Latine Romance!!
🇩🇴 FMC/ 🇭🇳🇧🇧MMC
Older woman/younger man (35/25)
Single mom
Spanish dirty talk 🤭😮‍💨
I had a fun time reading this! AH Cunningham never disappoints and that’s why she’s one of my top 3 faves! I loved how down bad he was for her 😩 and he did not shy away from laying it on thickkkk! I really appreciated their deeper conversations and how they were learning from each other and how to let loose and lean on each other as well!

Heat Factor: Horny pining from afar for the first half. The horniness does not abate once they start, but they do manage to leave the bedroom. (In other words, while there is sex, we are nowhere near erotic romance levels.)

Character Chemistry: They are both caretakers who need someone else to care for them so they can let loose.

Plot: Trinidad’s teenage sons trick her into going on a party vacation with their hot mentor. (She is eventually grateful but they are so grounded.)

Overall: This is a vacation romance with some depth.

Let’s start with our characters.

Trinidad is 35, a single mom to twin teenage boys, crushing it at work, and really searching for a partner to bring stability and a positive male influence into her boys’ lives. She thinks she’s found that in Morton—especially once he starts hinting that maybe he’ll be ready to be serious with her soon, after a year of dating (he’s one of those guys who is “polyamorous,” but really just prefers to string people along and not do the hard work of a relationship; he’s really the worst).

Orlando is 25, has been the primary caretaker in his family ever since his father died when he was a kid, is thinking about quitting the job he loves to go to law school so he can better support his sick mom, and is looking for connection. He also happens to be a mentor to Trinidad’s boys. (I admit that when I first read that he was mentoring teenagers after years of parenting his own brothers, I was a little taken aback, but the characterization quickly deepens enough that it absolutely makes sense based on his needs and desires.) And, in case you were thinking this man did not have enough on his plate, he’s just found out that he has a child.

Trinidad and Orlando both have the hots for each other and both also think that it’s obvious that nothing would ever happen (plus, at the beginning of the book, Trinidad wouldn’t want something to happen—she’s got all her eggs in the Morton basket, even if it does make her feel all hot and bothered when Orlando calls her Ms. V).

All of that changes when Trinidad’s twins trick her into going to Florida. And not just anywhere in Florida, but a small Black town in Florida during their Carnival weekend. So when she arrives and discovers that she’s been bamboozled, there are no hotel rooms, no flights out, no cars to rent…but luckily enough, Orlando is in town for Carnival (and to meet his daughter, who lives there) and happens to have an Airbnb with an extra bed. After spending some time desperately trying to get home, Trinidad succumbs to actually having some fun on her vacation. Both the eyebrow-waggling kind and the plain ole just having a vacation kind.

Initially, it seems like most of the growth will be Trinidad’s, as she learns that the fun, partying side of her can still be part of who she is; that stability doesn’t meet settling; that passion isn’t something she has to give up on. Orlando is a tougher nut to crack, but he has just as much growing to do, as he learns to ask for help when he needs it. Basically, both Trinidad and Orlando learn to put themselves first sometimes—and trust that others will sometimes care for them. This never veers into selfish or individualist territory, because both Trinidad and Orlando are huge caregivers who have been putting the needs of others first for years—and will continue to be caregivers, even if they each now allow the other to care for them sometimes. So that resolution is nice.

Lest you think that this book is bogged down in serious emotional processing, it’s really not. It’s actually a lot of fun watching Trinidad and Orlando let loose together. In fact, I was inspired to listen to some soca while writing this review, because that is the vibe we have going on here.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

Thist review is also available at The Smut Report.

Beautifully written! 🥰😩🩷 Trinidad Velasquez plays by the rule's.. until she doesn’t. Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ms. V is a book meant to be savored. I genuinely loved this story—and I think I’ve found my sweet spot: reverse age gap romances. There’s something about this setup that just works, and this book explores it with heart, maturity, and honesty. The dialogue feels authentic, and the emotional tension is well-earned.

What stood out to me most was the writing style and pacing. The story is a slow burn in the best way—giving the characters space to breathe, grow, and confront their desires without rushing anything. The buildup of tension (both romantic and personal) is handled with care, and when emotional or romantic beats land, they land.

The characters are rich and layered. Trinidad is a woman I rooted for from page one—someone who’s done everything right and is now facing the reality that “right” doesn’t always mean fulfilling. Her journey is full of nuance, and as a mom myself, her arc really resonated. It’s a powerful reminder that motherhood and responsibility don’t have to cancel out joy, intimacy, or desire.

The love interest brings a great balance—youthful but grounded, passionate but not reckless. The dynamic between them is sizzling, but also emotional and thoughtful. Their connection feels inevitable but not forced, and the way they challenge each other emotionally is what really makes the romance shine.

I also appreciated the depth of the side characters and relationships—especially family dynamics and friendships. They add texture to the world and reinforce the emotional stakes without distracting from the main arc.

Overall, this was a heartfelt, sensual, and deeply satisfying read. The plot touches on love, self-discovery, emotional healing, and choosing passion over practicality—but without becoming predictable. If anything, I would say the book thrives in its quiet confidence. It doesn’t rush to impress—it invites you to settle in and trust the journey.

I can't wait to read what comes next from this author.

Thank you to the publisher for this e-arc. I am a huge fan of AH and her "mild' stories and this one did not disappoint! AH has the ability to drop you right into the story and loction of the book. You feel the heat, music and the dancing. The romance was spot on and I just loved this from beginning to end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Overall this story was a fun read - I love the flirty style, the age-gap (she's older!!) and the Latinx rep. At the beginning the pace is all over the place and it really takes awhile to feel settled into the book and able to just enjoy it! Trinidad is a 35yo mom of 2 16 year old twins - she's spent so long on her own, and really just wants to enjoy a stable, healthy adult relationship.

So... as for dating - why on earth did we have to read about Milton at all? I know you have to go through duds to get to the one and yada-yada, but hadn't she gone through enough with her baby daddy? I feel like everything would have been just as strong without him!

The conspiracy with her teenaged sons working with her 35yo best friend felt just - wrong. Wrong, on so many levels.... but I love where it ultimately led!

Ultimately, Orlando (25yo) and Trinidad get along SO well - they have mutual respect for each other and I really loved the depth of their conversations, and how they have so many mature conversations! The physical attraction is also just absolutely well done, and I just found myself enjoying their relationship so much!

Likes: The maturity and reliability of Orlando and his relationship with Brandon and Brian. I also enjoyed Orlando’s friend group. The way that Trinidad and Orlando’s personalities (and strengths/weaknesses) complimented each other was also a plus.
Dislikes: Biggest disike was Milton. I didn’t like how Trindad was catering to his wants. I also disliked Orlando’s irresponsible brothers at the beginning of the story. I would have liked more of Orlando’s mother’s story. How Trindad ended up in Florida was unrealistic to me.
Rating: 3.50
Do I recommend? yes

I love everything by this author and this book was no different. The age gap was everything and I love a man who knows what he wants.

It wasn’t bad but the story line felt kind of off. It couldn’t really keep my attention. However, I would give this author another try because the potential was there.

Very cute romance. Loved the age gap concept, though it was a little over done. I also enjoyed the other tropes: forced proximity, single parent/caretaker, and he falls first. Spice level was 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. I will definitely be handselling and have selected this book for bookclub.

This was an evenly paced perfect for the summer type of romance. This one of for the Caribbean girls who love to wuk up their waist.

It was an okay read. Loved the emphasis on culture and the age gap dynamic. The pacing was just off and sometimes the romance felt like it took a backseat to everything else

I always enjoy A.H. Cunningham’s storytelling, and Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer brings all the flirty, fun, and sexy vibes you’d expect from a hot girl romance! While age gap romances aren’t usually my thing (and this one wasn’t a personal favorite because of that), I loved seeing Trinidad a single mom of twin boys embrace a little well-deserved pleasure and fun🤭😉

This was my first successfully completed age gap romance and I LOVED it! First of all, what a gorgeous cover. I was intrigued from the cover reveal day onward and was obsessed with this story from page one! A Black parent-trap-esque romance was what I’d clearly been missing in my life! I loved all the characters but Ms. V might be one of my favorite characters ever. She’s hilarious, silly, a little freaky and such a good mom. Her and Orlando are quite literally the ambassadors of “find someone who matches your freak” because their chemistry was insane. Like, will make you red in the face and sweaty as you read. The setting was perfect and I found myself completely immersed in Carnaval festivities.

I loved how this story balanced wholesome self-discovery and FREAKY times perfectly. A.H. Cunningham is a new auto-read author for me!

Thank you NetGalley for this read....spicy.....blink blink...we’ll..the writing was well done and that is all I am going to say. Go on...read it!!

Love this book and it is a fast paced quick, flirty, hot read, Plus you get the Caribbean representation!

I was ready for this as soon as I saw the cover lol Idk who designed it, but Lordt I love it so much. And it was everything that I thought it might be. Short, spicy, and fun!

The thing that stood out most to me with this book was the romance. It’s been a long time since I’ve read an age group. And in this one, the FMC is the older one and I loved it. And the way their culture is mixed all throughout the romance. There’s Caribbean and Afro Latine rep throughout the entire thing. And of course, being honest, this book is definitely spicy. It was more spicy than I was expecting actually. So if you add this to your TBR, please know that they don’t hold back on the spice.

I did think it was a bit insta-lovey? I’m not sure if it was that or if the pacing was off, but it seemed like it was moving SO FAST. In almost every chapter they were talking about each other lol And like normally that doesn’t bother me, but at the same time, it felt like I didn’t get much of the story? It didn’t feel like a real timeline. Like I knew time was passing, but the way it read it went so fast. And to make it worse I read it in one sitting and I had the audio speed on 2x’s. It made the timeline go by even faster. And I think that threw me off.

The plot of this was hilarious tho. I don’t think there is an actual time when this might happen, but Lordt it made me laugh. But I know one thing, she is definitely a Black mama because the way she yelled at them at that hotel was actually hilarious. But I will say, they weren’t scared enough for me tho lol But the revenge they got on them kids at the end was pretty hilarious. I would have paid to see their faces.

This was good, but I did see some things that I wish had been a little different. Definitely something that fit right in with the afterglow line! I love this imprint, I just wish I paid more attention to what’s coming out so that I’m not surprised by the spice in the first chapter lol

I really enjoyed this book! Trinidad Velasquez has spent 16 years doing everything right—raising her twins alone and building a steady life. But when her boyfriend proposes, she starts to wonder if love should be about comfort or chemistry. Now is the time for her to live. Really enjoyed this book

After being tricked by her children into taking a vacation, Trinidad is at a crossroad, does she fully embrace the vacation or stress about finding a way home. Having found a familiar face, helps make the decision easier.

I struggled to like Trinidad. She struggles with her feelings, which leads to her constantly taking snips at the mmc.
I really enjoyed Orlando as a character. He was patient, kind and understanding even when dealing with his own struggles.

I would recommend to anyone who enjoys age-gap romances with an older woman, younger man.

rounded up to 4.75 stars

I ATE THIS UP!!!!

Trinidad is a 40-something entrepreneur and single mom. She is ready for a serious relationship and is following all the rules to give her sons the life they desire. Orlando is also single, serving as the primary caregiver to his mother and adult brothers. He is a people pleaser who recently discovered something that will change everything.

I saw myself in both main characters for various reasons. I loved how the cultures were included in the story organically. The character development felt rushed at times. The story leaned more towards insta-love, as it began to feel hurried towards the end. That said, I enjoyed my read.