Summer in the City by Alex Aster - Review
Rating: ★★★★★
Summer in the City was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and I’m beyond thrilled to say it absolutely lived up to the hype. From the first page to the last, this book completely captivated me—I devoured it in a single sitting, completely unable to put it down. There was screaming, there was laughing, and yes, there were even tears. This book took me through all the emotions, and I loved every second of it.
At its heart, Summer in the City is a breathtaking romance wrapped in a dazzling love letter to New York. Elle and Parker’s dynamic is pure gold—the tension, the banter, and the undeniable chemistry between them were so well-crafted that I found myself rooting for them the entire time. The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers setup worked beautifully, making every interaction between them electric. Their past, full of unresolved emotions and misunderstandings, made their rekindled connection even more intense. The “one summer, one wall apart” premise added just the right amount of forced proximity, leading to so many moments that had me completely hooked.
One of the biggest highlights for me was the writing itself. Aster’s prose is whimsically romantic, almost lyrical at times, which fits perfectly with the dreamy, cinematic feel of Elle and Parker’s whirlwind summer. The way time flowed—how days seemed to blur together, creating this beautifully immersive montage effect—made their love story feel even more magical. This stylistic choice might not be for everyone, but for me, it only added to the book’s charm. It felt like stepping into a sun-drenched NYC daydream, where romance and reality intertwine in the most enchanting way.
This was such an easy 5-star read for me. It’s romantic, emotional, spicy, and beautifully written, with characters that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. If you love a well-crafted romance with fantastic banter, a touch of angst, and a setting that feels like a dream, Summer in the City needs to be on your TBR. Highly, highly recommend!