Summer in the City by Alex Aster is a romantic comedy set in New York City, following Elle Leon, a 27-year-old screenwriter battling writer’s block. She returns to the city she despises to house-sit her sister’s luxury apartment and find inspiration for her next script. Unexpectedly, her neighbor is Parker Warren, a tech billionaire she had a disastrous encounter with two years earlier. Their fake dating arrangement—meant to help Parker’s public image and spark Elle’s creativity—slowly evolves into a genuine emotional connection.

Alex Aster crafts a compelling enemies-to-lovers story filled with witty banter, emotional growth, and vibrant city life. As Elle and Parker navigate their staged romance, they confront past wounds, challenge assumptions, and discover unexpected intimacy. With New York City as a dynamic backdrop, Summer in the City explores themes of vulnerability, healing, and the transformative power of love¹.