Summer in the City: A Disappointing Romantic Escapade
As summer unfurled its vibrant petals, I found myself eagerly diving into Summer in the City by Alex Aster. After reading her Lightlark trilogy, I was curious to see how she’d fare in the adult romance genre. One glance at the premise—a screenwriter navigating love and identity in the bustling streets of New York City—had me eagerly flipping the pages. Spoiler alert: I was met with a mixed bag of entertainment.
The story follows Elle Leon, a 27-year-old screenwriter perfecting the art of anonymity. Her life changes dramatically when she crosses paths with Parker Warren, an arrogant billionaire. Their first, awkward encounter is cringe-worthy—five minutes that lead to a two-year grudge. I thought I could connect with Elle’s introverted tendencies, but her character’s incessant cynicism turned her into someone I struggled to root for.
I understand the importance of emotional baggage, but to carry the weight of a brief misunderstanding for two years? That felt overblown. Parker, while charming and caring, sometimes came off as trying to buy love—something that clashed with the authenticity I craved. This tug-of-war led to moments, like the one where he declares, “I didn’t fall in love with a version of you, Elle. I fell in love with every you.” It’s a beautiful quote that echoes the complexity of their relationship but couldn’t mask my frustrations with Elle’s character development.
The pacing in Summer in the City kept me turning the pages, but it felt uneven, especially as the middle dragged on. While I appreciated the vivid autumn landscape of NYC, including delightful little Easter eggs like the exclusive edition’s map, the atmosphere couldn’t compensate for the characters’ shortcomings. The friendships between Elle and her supportive circle—Penelope, Taryn, Emma, and Gwen—were refreshing highlights amid the tension, offering a welcome splash of camaraderie amidst the romance.
However, I must mention Chapter 30, a moment so poorly executed it felt like a swift kick to the gut. The character dynamics devolved into a caricature of misunderstandings and poor choices, leaving me bewildered at Aster’s direction. It was a pivotal scene that should have been poignant but instead felt like a forced plot twist.
Despite my frustrations, Summer in the City offers some redeeming qualities that might attract a different audience. For those who enjoy exploring character dynamics amidst the bright lights of NYC, there’s a certain charm here. Aster fans might still find joy in the narrative, and those looking for a summer romance with a hint of realism and angst may appreciate it more than I did.
For me, it was a well-intentioned romp that fell flat—an almost-there love story set against the allure of the city. Perhaps it’s a testament to Aster’s writing that I still felt invested in Elle’s journey, grumbles and all. If anything, this experience reignited my love for storytelling, even when the delivery disappoints.
In conclusion, Summer in the City has its moments, but it ultimately lacked the depth and resonance I craved. If you’re ready for a charming summer read and can look past some character flaws, it might just be the distraction you need. Here’s to hoping Aster’s next release lights the spark I was looking for!
Discover more about Summer in the City on GoodReads >>