Summer in the City: A Bright Yet Bumpy Journey
As the days grow longer and the city buzzes with summer activity, I found myself reaching for Summer in the City by Alex Aster, her anticipated adult romance debut. The premise—a fake dating setup in the vibrant heart of NYC—had me hopeful for a breezy escapade filled with romance and self-discovery. Unfortunately, as soon as I dove into Elle and Parker’s world, I realized it wasn’t quite the summer love story I had envisioned.
Elle Leon, our 27-year-old screenwriter protagonist, embodies the introverted, cynical spirit many of us can relate to. Anonymity suits her, but a chance encounter at a bar with billionaire hotshot Parker Warren alters her trajectory. Their brief interaction leaves her infuriated, setting off a two-year-long grudge that, to be frank, felt a bit excessive. "I didn’t fall in love with a version of you, Elle. I fell in love with every you," Parker tells her, a quote that rings with warmth but is overshadowed by the emotional baggage of their past.
While the story has moments of intrigue, particularly in the depiction of New York City’s summer vibrancy, I struggled to connect with the characters. Elle’s antisocial tendencies, which I hoped would resonate deeply, instead manifested as unlikable cynicism. I found myself questioning her judgment: holding onto a mere five-minute meeting as a grudge for two years? That seemed far-fetched, even for someone as introverted as myself.
Parker presents a more complicated challenge. On one hand, his lavish attempts to make Elle swoon sometimes felt less like romance and more like affection for a shopping list. While gift-giving can be a loving gesture, the sheer volume of it made me uneasy. In a world where love can feel transactional, Parker’s actions blurred the lines of genuine connection.
One thing I did appreciate was the depiction of friendship, primarily through Elle’s supportive circle. Penelope, Taryn, Emma, and Gwen offer delightful camaraderie, reminiscent of realistic friend dynamics that many readers will find familiar. Their growth encourages Elle to step outside her bubble, creating relatable moments that spark warmth amid the inconsistencies of the main plot.
Despite its picturesque setting and relatable themes of finding oneself, I found the pacing uneven and the climax—especially Chapter 30—a disheartening low point. The writing, while engaging, left me wanting more depth from the characters and their motivations. I couldn’t shake the feeling that certain aspects of the narrative may even draw from Aster’s personal experiences, particularly given the controversies surrounding her previous works.
Overall, while Summer in the City promises a compelling exploration of love against the backdrop of NYC, it ultimately left me feeling a bit sunburned rather than sun-kissed. For fans loyal to Aster, this might still offer the charm and drama they crave, but I can’t help but feel it missed the mark for a rewarding romantic read.
If you’re looking for vibrant settings and lovable side characters, give it a shot. Just don’t expect a seamless ride through the city. Sometimes, the streets can be a bit bumpy, even in the summer.