Problematic Summer Romance had a slow start for me, with Maya initially testing my patience, but it ultimately won me over. Hazelwood’s dual timeline—blending Maya’s backstory with the present-day wedding in Sicily—helps explain her quirks, making her a relatable, layered protagonist.
Conor, as expected from Not in Love, is prickly and complex. His strained relationship with his father provides insight into his actions, making him more sympathetic despite his flaws. Their romance is messy, realistic, and deeply engaging.
Hazelwood excels at creating intelligent, strong female characters, and Maya shines in her mix of wit, vulnerability, and chaos. The ensemble cast, including callbacks to Eli and Rue, adds humor, depth, and balance to the story’s emotional beats.
The book is funny, romantic, and charmingly chaotic, with the Sicilian setting enhancing the story without overshadowing the characters. The audiobook is particularly enjoyable, capturing both humor and tension, and clarifies pronunciations like Kaede’s name.
While repetitive reminders from Conor about their age difference occasionally slowed the pacing, the story remains a delightful, page-turning romance full of banter, tension, and heartfelt moments.
★★★★☆
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