I am a sucker for a trope.
But not just any trope (though a good few will do the trick). In particular, I will go feral for an age-gap story. Especially when it’s done right. Give me a man who’s 10+ years the leading lady’s senior. Give me tangible angst and real reasons why their age difference gets in the way of their obviously undying love. Give me pining. Give me a soul-deep connection that binds them like an invisible string — no matter how many years lie between them.
That’s where Problematic Summer Romance comes in.
Sure, it’s got its fair share of angst, but it’s also the most glorious summer read. A setting on the southern coast of Italy that serves as the warm, golden-hued backdrop to all that longing? Check. Witty banter from literally almost every character? Check. A love you can (and do) root for from the very first chapter? Aso-freaking-lutely.
It’s all that and more. Like a warm (and steamy) summer hug from none other than the fabulous Ali Hazelwood to all of us.
The Setup
Set against the sun-drenched southern Italian coast, Problematic Summer Romance drops us into the chaos and charm of Maya’s brother Eli’s destination wedding to his fiancée Rue (yes, apparently this is book two, and no, I did not read book one — classic me). But worry not: you can dive straight into this one without missing a beat.
Sure, maybe you won’t feel as nostalgic about Eli and Rue’s love story, but let’s be real — you’re not here for them. You’re here for the main course: Maya and Conor.
And what a meal they are.
What I loved About the Book
- The Age Gap That Matters
This is an age gap romance that doesn’t just mention the gap — it leans in. It simmers. It blesses us with the challenges of an honest to god relationship between two people with a sizeable difference in their ages. But how big is big, you ask?
Maya and Conor have a 15-year difference, and it’s a central source of angst throughout the story. Their internal conflicts, the tension, the push and pull — it’s all rooted in the age gap, and it works. If you’re an age-gap girly like I am, this one delivers. - Flashbacks Done Right
Normally, I’m not a fan of alternating timelines, but Hazelwood nails it here. The flashbacks take us back three years to Maya and Conor’s first real interaction — and from there, we feel the chemistry. We watch their friendship unfold. We see how it slowly falls apart leading up to the wedding. Every flashback adds emotional depth to the present-day angst, making the tension hit harder. It wasn’t just backstory — it was lived-in. I didn’t just read their history. I felt it. - Side Characters That Deserve Their Own Book
Nyota. I don’t even know where to start. Hilarious, vibrant, and so well-developed she practically leapt off the page. She’s the kind of character who usually ends up as a forgettable sidekick — but not here. Honestly, I’d read an entire spin-off about her life in a heartbeat. - All the Feels
This book had everything: laugh-out-loud moments, swoony scenes, and a sexy-sweet dynamic that had me in a constant state of butterflies. It was heartfelt, spicy, and somehow still cozy. I had so many highlightable moments throughout — I’m pretty sure the last few chapters are just one long highlight. Easily one of my top reads of 2025. No notes. Just more, please.
What Didn’t Work for Me
Honestly? Nothing major. Maybe I would’ve felt a bit more emotional about Eli and Rue if I’d read the first book — but I didn’t, and I didn’t miss it. This book stands solidly on its own.
Who This Book Is For
- Fans of age-gap romance with actual emotional stakes
- Readers who love alternating timelines that build depth, not confusion
- Anyone looking for a swoony, smart, and slightly chaotic summer read
- Those who enjoy sharp humor, lovable side characters, and Italian coast vibes
- Readers who want steam with soul
Ready to Fall in Love This Summer?
If you’re craving a romance that brings the heat and the heart — with a little Italian sunshine on top — Problematic Summer Romance is calling your name. Whether you’re an age-gap girly, a slow-burn stan, or just here for the swoon, this one delivers.
Read it. Love it. Highlight every page like I did. 5/5.
Want more romance recs? Check out these recs and dive a little deeper into other romance tropes with 7 Romance Tropes That Book Lovers Can’t Get Enough Of.