Book description
Problematic Summer Romance - A Mediterranean Love-Story That Keeps You Turning Pages
Ali Hazelwood, the New York Times bestselling author of Deep End, delivers a sizzling summer romance that feels fresh even as it rides familiar tropes. The story follows twenty-three-year-old Maya Killgore, a grad student who is still trying to map out her future, and thirty-eight-year-old Conor Harkness, a successful biotech entrepreneur whose presence lingers in Maya's thoughts long after she's tried to push him away.
At first glance the pairing seems like a textbook "older man, younger woman" set-up. Hazelwood doesn't shy from the power dynamics and the ethical questions that such an arrangement raises. Conor even warns Maya that their relationship could be "problematic," forcing her to confront the very real tension between desire and morality. Yet it is precisely this self-aware conflict that gives the novel its edge: the characters are honest about their flaws, which makes their chemistry all the more compelling.
The heart of the story unfolds in a stunning Sicilian villa on the Ionian coast. As Maya's brother ties the knot in Taormina, she and Conor find themselves stuck together for an entire week. The backdrop-ancient ruins, crystal-clear waters, and mouth-watering local cuisine-acts as more than just scenery; it becomes a catalyst that pushes both characters toward unexpected revelations. In the shadows of those caves, Maya begins to suspect that Conor is hiding something crucial from her, adding layers of intrigue to their already complex dynamic.
Hazelwood's prose shines in its simplicity and warmth. She paints vivid images without over-embellishing, letting readers feel the salty breeze and taste the citrus of Sicily. Dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps you hooked: each chapter ends with a hook that compels you to turn the page.
What makes Problematic Summer Romance stand out is how it turns clichés into plot twists. The "older-man" trope becomes a vehicle for exploring vulnerability-Conor's past hurts, Maya's yearning for independence-and ultimately leads both characters toward growth rather than a tidy fairy-tale ending. Hazelwood reminds us that love can be messy and imperfect, yet still beautiful.
For readers craving an escapist summer novel with depth, this book offers the best of both worlds: lush Mediterranean scenery and a relationship that challenges conventional norms while staying irresistibly human. If you enjoy romance that respects its characters' complexity without sacrificing emotional payoff, Problematic Summer Romance will keep you glued to the pages until the last sentence-and then some.
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Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience