Review of Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love, #2) by Ali Hazelwood
When I first picked up Problematic Summer Romance, I felt both excited and a tad anxious. Ali Hazelwood, whose books I’ve approached with a mix of hope and trepidation, had me intrigued once again. After my lukewarm experience with Not in Love and a frustrating time with Deep End, I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped this sequel would redeem my relationship with Hazelwood’s work. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite hit the mark, but let’s dive into why.
From the start, the premise of Maya and Conor’s turbulent romance captured my interest. The themes of age gap relationships—a genre I usually find sizzling when executed well—seemed ripe for exploration. The thrill of forbidden love and the push-pull dynamic between the characters had lots of potential. However, as I turned the pages, it became increasingly clear that the spark I craved was sorely missing.
Maya, at 23 years old, teetered between youthful exuberance and frustrating immaturity, while Conor’s struggles with his 15-year age difference felt like an overplayed record that kept skipping. The poignant quote, “No, Maya. I never want you to be anywhere but with me,” made me believe that there might just be a turning point in their relationship. Yet, what followed felt disappointingly half-baked. The chemistry was more like a distant hum than a vibrant symphony.
The inner monologues—oh, the monologues!—were both a blessing and a curse. At times, Maya’s introspective thoughts added depth, but eventually, it felt like a long winding road with no destination in sight. I found myself wishing for a shift in perspective; a glimpse into Conor’s thoughts could have added layers and nuance that the story desperately needed. Instead, the relentless focus on their issues, especially the age gap, dragged on to the point of irritation. I mean, I get it—he’s older. It felt like I was being reminded of it every other chapter, which did nothing but dilute the intrigue.
The pacing was uneven, with early chapters brimming with promise, only to wane into a repetitive cycle of “Will he? Won’t he?” and Maya’s endless pursuit of his acknowledgment. All that potential fizzled out, leaving me frustrated with how underdeveloped their emotional connection was.
Still, I have to confess something: Problematic Summer Romance has its moments. There were flashes of dialog that hinted at depth, and even if the chemistry faltered overall, Maya’s character retained some of the spark I loved from Not in Love. However, the repetitive themes and monologues ultimately pushed this book toward a 2.75 rating in my mind—a point of progress, but certainly not a resounding victory.
So who might enjoy this book? If you’re a staunch fan of Hazelwood and love her familiar narrative style, you might find joy here despite its flaws. If you enjoy age-gap romances and are looking for a light, escapist read, Problematic Summer Romance might just be your cup of tea. For me, though, perhaps it’s time to step back from Hazelwood’s world for a bit. It’s not her writing; it’s just that I seem to be searching for a different vibe.
As with all books, there are lessons in each read, even if the experience isn’t quite what we hoped. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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