I recently dove into Problematic Summer Romance, the latest offering from Ali Hazelwood, and I couldn’t resist sharing my thoughts on this charming tale of love, longing, and lots of laughter. That’s right—I’m all about that contemporary romance genre, and Hazelwood has a knack for delivering compelling characters and situations that resonate deeply with readers. The blend of an older man/younger woman dynamic, set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy, caught my attention instantly.
In Problematic Summer Romance, we meet Maya Killgore, a 23-year-old grad student, and Conor Harkness, a 38-year-old biotech professional. Their initial relationship is fraught with complications, chiefly stemming from their significant age difference and the fact that Conor is Maya’s brother’s best friend—a classic situation that leads to all kinds of delicious tension and drama. The moment they are thrown together in a romantic Sicilian villa during a wedding, the real storytelling begins.
One of the standout features of the novel is the depth of its characters. Readers are treated to smart and witty dialogue that genuinely captures the flaws and complexities of both Maya and Conor. As Lauren pointed out in her five-star review, the characters felt remarkably real—intelligent, multi-dimensional, and emotionally compelling. I felt that Hazelwood did a superb job of fleshing out their backstories, giving weight to their desires and motivations. The emotional depth was refreshing and served as a robust foundation for their romance, transcending the clichés often found in the genre.
While the setting itself—a stunning Sicilian villa—added a romantic allure, it was the humorous banter and comedic situations that truly elevated my reading experience. The exuberant chaos surrounding the wedding events, coupled with Maya’s inner turmoil and Conor’s prickle, made for a delightful blend of angst and humor. I found myself laughing out loud at many moments, echoing the sentiments of multiple reviewers who appreciated the light-heartedness balanced with more serious themes.
However, it’s important to acknowledge a couple of drawbacks that other readers have mentioned, as they resonated with my reading experience as well. For one, the pacing received mixed reviews; while some found it to be a page-turner, others felt it could drag at points. I understood what Fharen meant when she described Maya’s character as occasionally frustrating. This character complexity also led to moments where I wanted to shake Maya to make better decisions. Conor, with his mysterious past and primal instincts to protect, was equally complicated—sometimes to the point of being hard to love.
That said, this complexity is what kept me engaged. The dynamics of their relationship were not just built on surface attraction, but rather on shared history and emotional baggage that drove their choices and created an authentic connection. I appreciated how Hazelwood developed the dual timelines, allowing us to see glimpses of Maya and Conor’s past, which lent more empathy towards their current messy circumstances.
In conclusion, Problematic Summer Romance delivers a satisfying blend of romance, humor, and emotional exploration. While it may have pacing issues and occasionally frustrating characters, the outstanding dialogue, emotional depth, and beautiful setting make it a worthwhile read. I would rate it a solid four stars. If you’re looking for a romance that plays with familiar tropes while injecting wit and heart, this could be the perfect pick for your next beach read or cozy evening in. Give it a try, and perhaps you’ll find yourself as engrossed as I was. Happy reading!