Another hot and steamy (in more ways than one!) vacation-themed romance from A.H. Cunningham!

For whatever reason, I've been reading a lot of age gap romances lately--this one stood out, though, mostly due to the gender/age breakdown (single mom Trinidad's 35 years to big brother-style mentor Orlando's 25) and the hero's life situation, which gave us a reason why he'd be a more reasonable counterpart for a woman 10 years his senior (who has twin boys who are only 10 years younger than he is) than a typical guy his age. I had no problem shipping these two pretty hard :)

Though the situation that brought them together at the Carnival stretched credulity just a bit (what was her BFF thinking, letting Trin's two boys do what they did??? It's hard to believe a grown woman would go along with that plan, given the glaring omission their plan had) it's hard to argue with the results. The dual epilogues--one from each twin's POV--were a really nice way to wrap up the story.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

This book wasn’t really for me but I think others may enjoy it. From the title, I thought it would be more of s woman dating post long term relationship vs focus on one situation. The conflict or mixup that brought the main characters together (forced proximity trope) didn’t seem realistic and the development of their relationship didn’t draw me into their story. Overall, it was just much different than expected.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the e-book copy!

To prepare for this read, I read Cunningham's previous work and I'll be honest I did not enjoy it. So my expectations were low going into this. Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer follows the titular character as she experiences a weekend she would not forget. I liked the initial set up of this story until the twist got revealed. Certain plot points I can get behind but this one left me more annoyed than anything. Why would Trinidad let her kids book her hotel and flight reservations without pre-checking to make sure everything was good. Like yeah I understood that she was distracted but for her to be this "type A" character this just did not seem plausible. Also I felt their meddling should not have been rewarded as they were trying to force a relationship that barely had precedence. I did not care for Trinidad and Orlando's chemistry prior to the trip as he gave boy who had a crush on his mom's friend and did not see her as a person but rather a sex object. I did enjoy the parts of the story that took place at the carnival but anything that had to do with the romance itself just did not work for me. I felt if this book didn't set Orlando up the way it did I would have been able to root for him and Trinidad's romance. I can say if you are a fan of Cunningham's work and her writing style, then you will enjoy this. However, if this is your first book from them then I would read reviews before jumping in.

A fast read with a plot that’s a little wonky. This is an age gap romance, but Trinidad the FMC really played the Señora card hard for only being a 35-year-old. This story gives forbidden Insta-love vibes. The only reason why it’s forbidden is because Trinidad is so pressed about the age gap, the MMC just wanted to get down lol I will say the representation was top-notch and I loved every second of that. I even love how her sons are incorporated into the story. The audiobook itself was pretty good and the narrators kept the story interesting. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s looking for lusty moment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of this eARC and 🎧 ARC.

These meddling kids are all I kept saying as I read this book. Not only did they see the vision, but they also put things in motion to get their mother a man. Trinidad and Orlando were in each other's lives, so this slow burn that heated up quickly was an enjoyable ride. I think Trinidad's character work was really interesting because she is exploring her sexuality and relationship dynamics as a mother. Initially, I thought, whoa, a lot is going on, but after sitting with I think that's the point. When you're going through things, one thing doesn't happen at a time. I do think there was an opportunity to explore this more because Orlando seemed to be the resolution. On the flip side, Orlando was a man on a mission, quite literally. His backstory as a people pleaser was interesting, but never resolved, which I get, because it would have been unrealistic.

I want to sincerely thank Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The word that best encapsulates my feelings about this narrative is 'conflicted.' I find myself at odds with various aspects, including the story line, character development, the cover design, and much more. You might wonder why, and I assure you, there is a lot to unpack. To begin with, let's discuss the cover. While it is visually striking and certainly grabs attention, I feel it fails to accurately represent the narrative. Additionally, it seems to sexualize the characters. I understand that the story contains explicit scenes, but I personally dislike when literature sexualizes a culture or a specific group of people. Now, regarding the narrative itself, it is intriguing, to say the least, and contains some commendable moments. However, it is also quite forgettable, if not for the age gap between the characters. This is where my concerns arise. Although I appreciate a well-executed age gap, the portrayal here feels problematic. The male character is ten years younger and is friends with her sons, which, combined with her internal monologue about him, makes me uncomfortable and gives off predatory vibes. Consequently, while I enjoyed certain elements of the story, others left me unsettled, influencing my overall rating.

Trinidad is a mom who stopped cutting loose in the hopes of settling down. But she hadn't counted on Orlando, her sons' mentor, ten years her junior and his earnest, open, heart. Can he convince her it's possible to have a settled life where she can cut loose too?

First things first, shoutout to my baby (the author), Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved how sexy this was, how uninhibited it was in terms of talking about physical desire and the needs and wants of your body. It is front and center in this book, and it is celebrated, and I love that. That's probably my favorite thing about this book. Orlando is a man with the world on his shoulders, but he knows he deserves honesty and happiness and a chance and I applauded his bravery. Trinidad sometimes came off like she was 55 and not 35; I'm older than her and she felt like a stick in the mud to me, lol. But her lens as a mom, carrying and immense weight probably added to it, so I tried to curb my frustration with her. Getting psuedo parent trapped by your own kids gave some fun and humor to the book and also lent to Trinidad's adventurous nature, though she kept it under wraps; clearly her sons inherited it. And I liked them too.

I wasn't expecting Orlando's subplot after his heavy family stuff, and I couldn't help but feel like he had a little too much to wade through. But I was happy he was able to set those boundaries and open himself to his support system. Milton left such a sour taste in my mouth I could have skipped the parts where he was mentioned. I honestly didn't see anything Trinidad saw in him, and it made me mad she was vying for his attention.

All in all, this was spirited, sexy, filled with culture and fun and I smiled so much while reading it. Good job.

What happens when an overworked mom runs into a super charming young mentor at Carnival? It kicks off a hot summer that’s going to last way longer than just one season!

As Aaliyah said, “Age ain’t nothing but a number,” and Orlando is all about showing Trinidad that he’s everything she could want and more. I loved watching Orlando as he applied pressure, and I found myself yelling at Trinidad to get out of her own head and stop stressing about creating this perfect life. Especially since that man was as dry as day old bacon. If you’re looking for a laid-back read to dive into on a chill summer weekend, this book might be just what you need!

This book brought the steammmmm. The scenes were chef’s kiss. I enjoyed the age gap romance. Orlando seemed too perfect at times, and there was a little bit of instalove but I ate it up! I will be reading more from this author for sure! She knows how to write a good steamy romance. I also love that she showcases different black towns in the US and she covers the afro-latina experience with care. can not wait for her next book!

I absolutely adored the book’s cover! It’s vibrant and eye-catching. The story follows Trinidad V, a single mom raising twin boys. Amidst the chaos of raising kids and running her business, she neglected her own well-being. Orlando, on the other hand, is a caregiver for his mom and puts his own needs aside. Their paths cross, and they instantly connect, leading to an instant love affair. While I’m usually not a fan of these types of books, Trinidad V’s story resonated with me. It’s also an age gap romance. Initially, the book’s flow was a bit slow for me, but I eventually got into it. Overall, it was a delightful and quick read. I’d like to express my gratitude to the publisher, author, and Net Galley for providing me with a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

It may not be summer yet, but the weather is getting nice and it’s the perfect time to get a preview of more to come with Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer by A.H. Cunningham. Single mom Trinidad Velasquez is looking to finally settle down with a man years after her divorce. She tries to ignore her attraction to Orlando Wiggins, the mentor to her teen sons and a man who is ten years her junior. He similarly hides his attraction to her. But when her kids set them up on a Parent Trap styled vacation for two during a Carnival celebration, they just might need to give in to their mutual interest.

Why I Chose This Book:
I enjoyed A.H. Cunningham’s previous book, Out of Office, and the description for Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer really piqued my interest. Carnival celebrations, a single mom, age gap romance? Yes please!

What I Liked:
- Focus on family. Trinidad is mother to her 15-year-old twin sons, and between them and her job, she struggles to find time for herself. She’s trying to settle down with someone practical… but they guy she’s been seeing isn’t connecting with her sons (or her, to be honest). Orlando has been caring for his mother and two younger brothers for years. He’s also just found out he has a 5-year-old daughter whom he’s desperate to meet. Trinidad and Orlando have a lot to connect over when it comes to caring for their families.
- Parent Trap vibes! Speaking of families… Trinidad’s sons have clearly picked up on the mutual interest between their mom and Orlando. They seem to approve, since they basically send her to him in an effort to get them together. Cute and fun!
- Age gap romance. I don’t read that many age gap romances, and even fewer that feature an “older” woman. (Not calling Trinidad old, by the way! She’s basically my age lol… and I still feel quite young, thank you very much.) Their 10-year age difference is a major concern for Trinidad, even if Orlando doesn’t feel the same way. How can they be on the same wavelength if they’re at such different life stages? How can they navigate that disparity together?

Final Thoughts
Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer is a wonderful escape that’s steamy and empowering. I really enjoyed the focus on family, making a real connection that will last, and opening up about your needs to loved ones. This is a perfect read for this time of year. So far I’ve loved both of the A.H. Cunningham books I’ve read and I look forward to the next one.

I like me a good immersive read. Thankful for my eARC and aARC of Ms. Vs. Hot girl summer by ah Cunningham. Talk about this cover! this was a fun read, and i see a lot of myself in Trinidad. The glaring difference between me and her, though, is I dont let anyone F with my travel, not my mama, bestie, partner, son, nobody. So I'm happy that Ms V not only addressed her past but got her happy endingsss. Give me an Orlando over Milton any day. Im excited to try some of the recipes and can't wait to attend a carnival one day! Thanks ah Cunningham for a good fun story. Look forward to the rest of the world to enjoy on publishing day.

Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer by AH Cunningham is a black romance featuring Trinidad Velasquez, a divorced single mom to 15 year old twin boys, and Orlando Wiggins, head of house and caretaker for his bipolar mother and two younger brothers. Orlando (ten years Trinidad’s junior) plays mentor for her twins, who play mischievous little matchmakers by tricking their mother into going to a Caribbean Carnival under the guise of support for their cheer competition. The only other person in town is Orlando, who arrives early for his own agenda. Their forced proximity allows them the time and space to learn and grow both individually and together.

At the beginning of this book, Trinidad was so ready to settle for someone who she thought she needed but never particularly got her going. Because she tried very hard to play by the rules she and societal expectation put on herself, I was admittedly at times annoyed with her quick judgments of Orlando— how she perceived him and how he lives specifically because of his age; I understood why she felt the need to avoid him, yet I was slightly frustrated because of her inability to even try letting herself see him beyond the “man-child,” even if platonically. But I loved reading her let loose and bring back an old part of her that she felt needed to leave in the past as she realized her dreams of setting up a fulfilling life as a single mother to her teenagers. I loved reading her overcome those initial judgments and her clearly seeing Orlando for who he truly is beyond their ten year age gap. I loved reading Trinidad step into her power and embrace her full self as she opened herself to love and happiness.

As for Orlando, I adored reading this family man. He truly was the type to sacrifice his self for the sake of helping his family, but I loved watching him grow into being able to communicate with his brothers and their mother about their needing to step up and into their family dynamics and responsibilities.

<spoiler> Additionally, a small detail that really stuck with me from this book is how Trinidad helped Orlando open up to his friends and how that consequently further solidified and deepened his friendships. It was so beautiful reading Trinidad defend Orlando and opening his friends’ eyes to their miscommunications. </spoiler>

I can never claim to understand the depth of the experience of being Black in America. However, I hope that I can take part in appreciating and most especially celebrating the black joy and black romance within this book. My absolute favorite thing about this book is that it is truly a love letter to Caribbean cultures and Afro-Latinx folks.

Thank you, Netgalley and Afterglow Books by Harlequin, for the ARC!

I loved this book! A.H. Cunngham's books have made me laugh and cry at the same time. She has become an author that I have added to "authors I will automatically read".

You know when a character at the beginning of a romance is about to commit to someone who is “the mature, responsible” choice, but clearly the wrong choice, that their life is about to be flipped on its head.

Trinidad Velasquez’s mature and stable casual situationship has announced he is considering courting her and perhaps ending his other casual situationships. Even before he comes clean about his motivations (a couples only business retreat), I was shaking my head. Trinidad considers bringing her toys along to take care of her own needs. While compatibility in bed is not the most important part of a relationship, caring for your partner is, and it’s clear he doesn’t think to take care of her. He appears to tick all of her stable and mature boxes, but to me he seemed more staid and selfish. Orlando makes her burn. He’s the person she thinks about with her toys. But, he’s 25 and the passion she feels for him makes her wary (her ex-husband taught her that lesson). What she’s not letting herself see is all the ways he is a good man who, as the mentor to her teen boys, is helping her raise good, confident boys in a world that will try to make them small. Shenanigans ensue when her sons trick her into going to Carnival in a Black town in Florida with Orlando. This is the meat of the book and it is delightful.

As she did in Out of Office, Cunningham is showing her range. Trinidad and Orlando are quick with banter, funny, sexy, and charming, and they are also diving into deeply serious issues – how are they going to provide for and protect their families, what kind of person are they going to be, how much of themselves will they sacrifice for the security of their loved ones? Trinidad has been raising her boys mostly on her own and while she wants a partner, she needs him to be someone who will contribute to the stability of her family. Her desire for Orlando makes it harder for her to see him as that person. In their own ways, they each think they need to be someone they are not in order for the people they love to be safe. So yes, this is a fun and spicy romance perfect for whiling away an afternoon. It is also emotionally resonant, thoughtful, and incisive.

Highly recommended.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Afterglow Books and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer is pure fun with a lot of heart! I loved how it balanced laugh-out-loud moments with real emotional depth. Ms. V is a character you can't help but root for — confident, messy, bold, and figuring it all out one adventure at a time. The story felt like a celebration of friendship, self-love, and second chances. If you’re looking for a feel-good read that doesn’t take itself too seriously (but still hits you in the feels when you least expect it), this one’s for you! Perfect for anyone who loves strong, relatable characters and a good dose of chaos in their summer stories.

I REALLY enjoyed this read! As someone who doesn’t often read many age gap stories, this book really opened me up more to that trope.

So Boom, I was immediately rooting for Orlando. I saw the vision from JUMP, and it was really nice to see his character development throughout the story.

As for Trinidad…she stressed me out just a little bit. I completely understood her plight with wanting stability and a strong father figure for her boys, but WHEW. I felt she exaggerated the age-gap. Her 35 was giving 55 with some of her antics, but I’m gone stick beside her. I’m so happy that she was able to find a balance that allowed all of her wants AND needs to coexist.

All in all, I felt like I was getting a sneak peak into a culture that I’m not very familiar with, so I definitely enjoyed that aspect. Oan: Shoutout to the twins. We love a visionary. Prayers down for Milton.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and A.H. Cunningham for allowing me to have an ALC of Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer! This age gap romance was steamy and HOT perfect for the summer. The drama and build up towards the FMC and MMC together was AMAZING and very realistic with her feelings of reservation. Oh and Ms. V's twin boys were so cute! They truly loved their mother and knew that she should be with Orlando .

SN: That shower scene with Ms. V was something else and I ATE IT UP!!! lol

Great story

This book was amazing. I enjoyed Trinidad and Orlando. Growing relationships so much the emotional intelligence in this book really got to me, orlando's back story of dealing with his mother and the issues he had as the main caregiver, really touched me on a personal level. I really enjoyed the devs in which the author explored both of the mental state of each character coming to a resolution and all of this in one weekend. Wow I look forward to reading more books by this author because this book it's way more than it seems and really gives how Stella got our groove back vibes. And I just really enjoyed this book. Five stars can't recommend this enough

This was an OK read for me. This isn’t one of my favorites from the author. This is an age gap for romance, and the age difference is 10 years: the FMC is 35 and the MMC is 25. Now, the way the author writes the FMC‘s character, you would think that she is at least in her mid-40s, but she is very much still young, and in my opinion, 35 isn’t considered old to me or even close to being old. 10 years is a pretty good gap, but the way the author wrote her character just didn’t match the ages for me. I feel like in my opinion, if she would’ve been like 45 or maybe even 40 and he was 25, then I could’ve been like OK, I could understand like the great conviction she had about pursuing things with him and even her personality: she had a very old soul and she kept representing herself as such like I’m too old, it is, you know, like back in my day, and the sayings that she was referencing throughout the book, the MMC will say oh that’s that, that old people talk and I’m just like these are not old people, this is not old people talk. I don’t know, maybe because I’m the same age it didn’t resonate with me as being an old woman getting her “groove” back, so I’m like this is not old like but all in all, I finished the book and I did enjoy it until once I got deeper into the story, I started to like it more, but that was my only gripe with the story, which is the plot of the story, like the age gap, and an older woman finding her groove basically, I just didn’t identify with that because of the age difference. I love AH Cunningham, but this just wasn’t my favorite of hers.