We get it, Conor... you think she’s too young. Now shut up and kiss her.

Problematic Summer Romance gave me exactly what I wanted from an Ali Hazelwood novel: her signature banter, witty internal monologues, all the tension, and that trademark storytelling magic that somehow feels both grounded and giddy at once. Ali’s prose is effortlessly charming, and Maya’s voice, which is equal parts self-aware, chaotic, and sincere, pulled me in from the first page.

The Italy setting was chef’s kiss. Taormina made for a lush, romantic backdrop, and the destination wedding chaos only added to the fun. I loved the callbacks and appearances from characters in Not In Love because I feel like Ali Hazelwood is building out a little interconnected universe, and I’m absolutely here for it.

That said… if I had to hear Conor remind Maya one more time how “inappropriate” or “wrong” it was to be attracted to her, I might’ve chucked my Kindle into the Ionian Sea. We get it, man; you’re older, she’s younger, and you’ve got a complicated relationship with her brother. The repetition bogged things down a bit and made me wish we could fast forward to the good stuff (which, when it finally happens, is every bit worth the wait).

While this isn’t my favorite Hazelwood book, I still adored it. There’s just something about the way she writes that feels like comfort and excitement in equal measure. It’s messy, sweet, funny, and full of heart. A great summer romance with a touch of angst, a lot of sexual tension, and a satisfying payoff.

Recommended if you love:
✔️ Age gap angst
✔️ Brother’s best friend 
✔️ European vacation romance/destination wedding
✔️ Grad student shenanigans
✔️ Flashback chapters
✔️ Ali Hazelwood being in her Ali Hazelwood era