In her adult debut novel, Summer in the City, Alex Aster—best known for her #1 New York Times bestselling YA fantasy series Lightlark—demonstrates her versatility by crafting a witty, emotional, and deliciously satisfying contemporary romance. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York summer, this story delivers all the trappings of a great rom-com while offering surprising emotional depth.
The premise is familiar yet irresistible: anonymous screenwriter Elle returns to a city she swore she’d never revisit, only to discover her neighbor is none other than Parker Warren—the “Billionaire Bachelor” tech CEO she had a brief, heated encounter with two years prior. What unfolds is a lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers journey that feels both fresh and authentic, even as it embraces beloved genre conventions.
Character Complexity That Elevates the Romance
What immediately stands out about Summer in the City is the complexity of its protagonist. Elle is not your typical rom-com heroine. She’s talented but stuck in a creative rut, fiercely independent yet paralyzed by anxiety, and deeply scarred by her past in ways that manifest in her present choices. Her decision to remain anonymous as a screenwriter speaks volumes about her fear of being diminished or controlled—a fear directly tied to witnessing her father’s treatment of her mother.
“Writing other characters is the closest I can get to expressing my own emotions. I see myself through others. It’s the only way I can bear to look at the ugly parts, without flinching. Like staring at the sun with sunglasses.”
Parker Warren could easily have been reduced to a billionaire stereotype—arrogant, entitled, and emotionally unavailable. Instead, Aster gives him nuance and vulnerability. His experiences with his own absent father and his struggle with the sacrifices his mother made provide him with unexpected depth. The way his character unfolds gradually, revealing layers beyond the “tech bro” façade, makes his emotional journey compelling.
The secondary characters are similarly well-crafted. Penelope, Elle’s best friend, offers both comic relief and grounding wisdom. Elle’s relationship with her sister Cali evolves meaningfully throughout the narrative, and the female friendships Elle develops in New York feel genuine and supportive without being one-dimensional.
New York City as a Character
Aster’s portrayal of New York City deserves special mention. The city comes alive as more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, complete with personality, history, and meaningful connections to the protagonists. From the High Line to Central Park, from cozy coffee shops to the glittering skyline, the locations feel lovingly researched and vividly rendered.
The author effectively uses these iconic settings as touchpoints in Elle and Parker’s relationship. Their journey through the city mirrors their emotional journey—gradual exploration leading to deeper appreciation and ultimately, love. By the time they walk the entire length of Manhattan together, the city has transformed from a place of painful memories to one of new beginnings for Elle.
Strengths That Make This Romance Shine
Summer in the City boasts several noteworthy strengths:
Dialogue that crackles with tension and wit—Elle and Parker’s verbal sparring is consistently entertaining and reveals their evolving feelings in organic ways
A believable central conflict—Their disagreements about money, independence, and control feel genuine rather than contrived plot devices
Sensual chemistry that builds deliciously throughout the narrative, making their eventual coming together feel earned and satisfying
Emotional honesty about the ways past trauma shapes current behavior, without becoming overly melodramatic
Thematic depth around questions of personal autonomy, familial expectations, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable
Areas That Could Be Stronger
While Aster has crafted an engaging romance, the book isn’t without flaws:
Pacing issues in the middle section—Some scenes feel repetitive, particularly as Elle and Parker visit different NYC locations
The 18-month separation feels somewhat prolonged and the resolution slightly rushed by comparison
Some elements of the fake dating arrangement aren’t fully exploited for their narrative potential
Elle’s career concerns occasionally fade into the background, despite being initially presented as central to her character
The main conflict—centered around Parker buying Elle’s dream townhouse—will likely divide readers. Some might find Elle’s reaction disproportionate, while others will appreciate how it authentically reflects her deep-seated issues around independence and control. Either way, it creates a genuine obstacle that requires both characters to grow before they can find their way back to each other.
A Skillful Balance of Heat and Heart
The romance itself strikes an excellent balance between emotional connection and physical chemistry. Aster doesn’t shy away from steamy scenes, but they always serve to deepen the relationship rather than simply titillate. The progression from antagonism to attraction to genuine affection feels earned rather than rushed.
What particularly stands out is how the physical intimacy reveals character. Parker’s careful attention to Elle’s needs reflects his growing understanding of her, while Elle’s willingness to be vulnerable physically presages her eventual emotional openness. It’s skillfully done, elevating these scenes beyond mere spice.
Thematic Richness Beyond the Romance
Summer in the City explores several meaningful themes:
The complex relationship between money, power, and autonomy—both Elle and Parker struggle with how wealth shapes relationships and identity
The courage required to trust after trauma—Elle’s journey toward opening herself to love requires confronting her fears of being controlled
Finding balance between independence and connection—learning that interdependence doesn’t necessitate losing oneself
Creative inspiration and artistic identity—exploring how life experiences shape creative output
These thematic elements give the novel substance that lingers after the happily-ever-after.
For Fans of Contemporary Romance
Readers who enjoy Emily Henry’s thoughtful relationship dynamics, Christina Lauren’s steamy scenes, or Tessa Bailey’s witty banter will find much to appreciate in Summer in the City. The novel sits comfortably alongside works by these contemporary romance heavyweights while maintaining its own unique voice.
Unlike Aster’s previous fantasy works (Lightlark and Nightbane), this adult romance allows her to explore more nuanced emotional territory and contemporary themes. The transition from YA fantasy to adult romance is seamless, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
A Vacation-Worthy Summer Read
Summer in the City is perfect for readers seeking:
A romance with both emotional depth and steamy scenes
Characters with realistic flaws and compelling growth arcs
A vibrant New York City setting that feels like a vacation between book covers
A satisfying enemies-to-lovers progression with genuine chemistry
Themes that resonate beyond the romance itself
Final Verdict
Alex Aster’s adult debut delivers a romance that balances escapist pleasure with emotional substance. While not without imperfections, the novel succeeds in creating a compelling relationship between flawed, relatable characters navigating genuine obstacles to love.
Summer in the City is a good read for its vivid setting, complex characters, and the skillful way it handles themes of independence, trust, and personal growth within the framework of a contemporary romance. The minor pacing issues and occasionally underdeveloped plot elements don’t significantly detract from what is ultimately a satisfying, emotionally resonant read.
For romance readers looking for their next summer obsession, this book offers the perfect blend of heat and heart, with characters whose journey toward love feels worth every moment of angst, revelation, and ultimate connection. Alex Aster has proven she can craft compelling adult romance with as much skill as her bestselling fantasy works, making her a versatile author to watch in multiple genres.
Whether you’re planning your own NYC vacation or simply want to be transported there through words, Summer in the City provides an immersive, emotionally satisfying escape that lingers long after the final page.