If you’re looking for a summer read that balances emotional depth, witty banter, forbidden attraction, and sun-drenched Italian charm, Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood delivers it all—and more. This Problematic Summer Romance summary breaks down the novel’s emotional arcs, complex characters, and thematic richness to offer a complete overview of Hazelwood’s newest sizzling story about a love that shouldn’t work but refuses to fade.
When Sunsets and Secrets Collide: A Quick Overview
Ali Hazelwood, best known for her blend of smart heroines and high-stakes chemistry, returns with Problematic Summer Romance—a heartfelt exploration of what happens when you fall for someone you’re not supposed to love. Set in the picturesque town of Taormina, Sicily, the novel follows 23-year-old Maya Killgore as she finds herself drawn to Conor Harkness, a brooding biotech mogul who also happens to be her older brother’s best friend.
Their age gap, the tangled web of family ties, and Conor’s insistence on emotional distance should keep them apart. But Italy—like love—doesn’t always follow the rules.
Problematic Summer Romance Summary: What’s the Book Really About?
At its heart, Problematic Summer Romance is about emotional contradictions. Maya, a confused but spirited grad student, has spent years trying (and failing) to get over her infatuation with Conor Harkness. He’s 38, powerful, and seemingly untouchable—not just due to his success but because he’s been close to her brother for decades.
The plot kicks off when Maya’s brother invites both her and Conor to his destination wedding in Sicily. Trapped in a sunlit villa for over a week, the duo is forced to confront not only their long-suppressed feelings but also the emotional scars, power dynamics, and miscommunications that have kept them apart.
Hazelwood masterfully plays with romantic tropes: age-gap, forbidden love, and brother’s best friend, turning what could feel cliché into an emotionally layered journey of discovery.
Why the Relationship Feels “Problematic” – But In the Best Way
The title doesn’t shy away from the central conflict: this is not your typical romance. Maya and Conor’s relationship raises real ethical and emotional questions. The tension stems from:
- A 15-year age difference
- Imbalanced power dynamics (rich biotech CEO vs. broke grad student)
- Family entanglement—he’s her brother’s lifelong friend
- Emotional unavailability—Conor has made it clear he’s not interested (or so he says)
- Societal norms and internal doubts
Hazelwood doesn’t brush over these issues. Instead, she builds them into the narrative’s core, offering a slow-burn romance that feels earned and authentic.
A Tale of Self-Discovery, Secrets, and Second Chances
Beyond the central romance, Problematic Summer Romance explores themes that resonate deeply with readers:
- Forbidden Love – Is it ever okay to pursue the person you’re told to avoid?
- Self-Discovery – Maya begins the novel unsure of her place in the world; by the end, she’s someone entirely different.
- Hidden Truths – Conor has more to hide than he lets on, and the wedding becomes a catalyst for secrets to unravel.
- Family Drama – The chaos of a wedding in paradise reveals the cracks in familial bonds.
- Second Chances – At its core, the book asks: what if the person who once rejected you was also the one who needed you most?
Meet the Characters of Problematic Summer Romance
Maya Killgore
A 23-year-old grad student grappling with identity, rejection, and emotional vulnerability. Maya is the beating heart of the novel—relatable, resilient, and hilariously self-aware.
Conor Harkness
At 38, Conor is successful, calculated, and emotionally conflicted. His internal battle over what’s “right” versus what he truly wants gives the novel its simmering tension.
Maya’s Brother
Though not a central character, Maya’s brother serves as the emotional anchor tying both protagonists together—and the obstacle keeping them apart.
Why Problematic Summer Romance Is the Perfect Summer Read
Ali Hazelwood knows how to set a scene—and in Problematic Summer Romance, Sicily isn’t just a location; it’s a character in itself. The blend of breathtaking vistas, ancient ruins, and golden beaches enhances the romantic tension, making this the ultimate summer escape.
- Italian Vibes: Coastal views, sun-kissed villas, and local wine elevate the atmosphere.
- Wedding Mayhem: The destination wedding subplot adds chaos and comedic relief.
- Tension-Rich Romance: Their chemistry is undeniable, but the slow-burn build-up is even more satisfying.
- Sharp Dialogue: Hazelwood’s trademark wit makes even serious moments sparkle.
Questions the Book Explores
- Can genuine love survive significant age and power imbalances?
- How do you define your worth when you feel invisible?
- Can someone change their mind about love after years of denial?
- What happens when family expectations clash with personal desires?
- Are some romances too “problematic” to pursue—or do they just need the right time and place?
10 Quotes That Capture the Heart of Problematic Summer Romance
- “Some hearts break quietly, and some break in the Sicilian sun.”
- “He was the equation I couldn’t solve, no matter how many times I tried.”
- “Love isn’t logical, Maya. If it were, I’d have forgotten you years ago.”
- “Italy has a way of making you believe in impossible things.”
- “We were a cliché wrapped in a contradiction—and yet, it felt right.”
- “He didn’t just occupy my thoughts. He redefined them.”
- “Every good romance has a little bit of wrong in it.”
- “I wasn’t supposed to feel this alive, not with him.”
- “Sometimes, the best love stories are the ones we’re not supposed to tell.”
- “He tasted like trouble and truth—and I wanted more.”
About the Author: Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is a former neuroscientist who channels her academic smarts and emotional insight into unforgettable romance novels. Best known for The Love Hypothesis, she crafts stories that blend intellect, charm, and heart. With Problematic Summer Romance, Hazelwood continues her streak of bestselling romances that resonate with readers across the globe.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Problematic Summer Romance
This isn’t just another summer fling between pages—it’s a deeply introspective, emotionally satisfying story about breaking rules and embracing vulnerability. Through Maya and Conor, Hazelwood examines how messy, inconvenient, and entirely transformative love can be.
Whether you’re a fan of forbidden romance, destination drama, or character-driven storytelling, Problematic Summer Romance deserves a spot on your summer reading list.