Problematic Summer Romance

What is wrong meets what feels right in this romance set in Italy by the New York Times bestselling author of Deep End.

Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life.

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 27, 2025

414 pages

Average rating: 6.77

426 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

Gail_71
Jun 16, 2025
8/10 stars
Ali has created characters that I truly adore and a romance that both breaks my heart and mends it at the same time. To be honest, age-gap romances are usually my least favorite, but Ali has managed to make me love this dynamic. I found myself rooting for Maya and Conor throughout the entire book. Their romance is portrayed as both forbidden and beautiful, and it is communicated so effectively. I never felt that their relationship was inappropriate; in fact, I loved it. I always devour her books, and they have never disappointed me. I highly recommend this read for anyone looking for a blend of humor and a heart-wrenching romance.
Michalmarie123
Aug 31, 2025
Michal Becca Kaylee
April B.InkAudioDragon
Aug 20, 2025
8/10 stars
I love that we get Maya’s story. Such a fun and spicy read! I like the fact the MMC had difficulty with the age gap himself. It was a nice change up. A very fun read!☺️
AudiobooksRbooks2
Aug 20, 2025
9/10 stars
Duet narration was wonderful. This is probably my favorite Hazelwood book. The FMC is a touch dramatic but wickedly funny. The pacing was well done and I enjoyed the two timelines as a slow unveiling of their friendship.
Maria Keerthi
Aug 17, 2025
8/10 stars
I don't know how Ali Hazelwood is pumping out book after book when they all hit so good. Honestly the writing and banter makes this book a 4 ⭐ read but otherwise it didn't have the same level of emotional depth that Not In Love did. Still a good book to read and I love the characters.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.