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.
MuseMaster
This app has reignited my love for literature in the most delightful way. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process – I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. Elegant design and easy-to-use interface. Very happy with ListenBook.
Gentle Avenger
No more interruptions – the auto-rewind feature is a genius solution for seamless listening. The app is perfect for language learners. The playback speed control is a game-changer.
Spunky Comet
Being able to download audiobooks for offline listening is a game-changer. ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks perfectly.
Divine Bramble
ListenBook's compatibility with multiple downloading methods ensures there's always a way to get my content. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features make it easy to keep my content at my fingertips. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source.
Fist Wizard
This app has ignited my passion for reading once again – but in a modern, convenient way. 🚗 Long road trips? No problem – this app keeps me entertained mile after mile! 🚙📚 ListenBook's dedication to providing an excellent audiobook experience is evident in its smooth and silky playback. Automated metadata extraction is a time-saver. My library is so organized now. I appreciate the statistics feature. ListenBook helps me track my listening habits.
Canine Hannibal
Audiobooks have never been this engaging – this app takes them to the next level. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
FireBrang
ListenBook has become my constant companion, filling my days with captivating narratives. This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset.
Mud Eye
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. I can't get enough of this app's convenience and the endless possibilities it offers. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
WanderWord
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my daily activities more seamless and convenient. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Poppy Coffee
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Download options are plenty – I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. ListenBook’s interface is sleek and user-friendly. Finding and playing my audiobooks has never been easier.
BearDrift
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best.
Broomspun
The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve found. The interface is clean and easy to use. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Pigeon Woman
The ability to switch between different books effortlessly is a major plus. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
Mule Lock
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. ListenBook has changed the way I listen to audiobooks. The app is so easy to use. The app is perfect for people with visual impairments. It’s so easy to navigate. ListenBook has completely transformed how I enjoy audiobooks. The chapter navigation is seamless, and the statistics feature is a fun way to track my listening progress. The app is stable, fast, and incredibly user-friendly. Five stars!
Cool Iris
The narrators on this app are truly talented – they bring characters to life. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
The China Wall
This app has turned my screen time into valuable learning opportunities. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. The detailed listening stats are fantastic. Helps me keep track of my progress.
Sprinkle Lovenuts
🚶♀️📱 I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. 🏞️📚 Effortlessly immersing in stories – this app's ease of use is a game-changer. Streamlined audiobook integration – this app's usability is impressive. Kudos to the developers for optimizing this app for iOS 16. It runs like a dream on my device.
Rocky Highway
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content. ListenBook’s interface is clean and intuitive. It’s a joy to use. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Moon Peaches
This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear.
Miss Nova
Streamlining audiobook enjoyment – this app's functionality is truly impressive. Bravo to the creators of this app – they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. 📚👏 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
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