Synopsis:

Each connected novella in this fun, fresh Rom-Com anthology follows a different woman from a group of NYC friends whose plans to escape the summer heat with a fabulous girls-only weekend suddenly lose steam when an unexpected blackout cuts off power to all of Manhattan. But while the lights are out, enemies become lovers, acquaintances find they have more in common than a pack of matches, and the city really heats up!

There’s nothing like summer in Manhattan. The days are long and the nights are even longer. But when the lights go out in the city, fireworks explode… 

Night at the Museum by Lori Wilde
Art restorer Ria Preston knows a thing or two about beauty. And when she discovers her neighborhood crush, gregarious Wall Street advisor Vic Albright, is stuck overnight in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her, she can’t resist taking him on a very private tour…

Lights Out by Priscilla Oliveras
Back in high school, Vanessa Rios and Mateo Garza were theater troupe rivals. Now Mateo’s a rising Broadway star and Vanessa is his most scathing critic. Cue a plot twist straight out of central casting: the two end up alone in his NYC apartment during the blackout, setting the stage for what could be their second act romance… 

​Mind Games by Sarah Skilton
What happens in college stays in college–unless you never get over it. In fact, Alison has been waiting to take her revenge on Nick, once the hottest guy on campus, now the hottest guy on the rising magician’s circuit. But her plans to sabotage his first show are upended by the power outage. That’s when the real magic happens… 

“A steamy trio of rom-com stories that is best savored slowly.” –Kirkus Reviews

When I recently read and enjoyed Priscilla Oliveras’ newest romance Anchored Hearts, I jumped at the chance to read Summer in the City, a collection of connecting novellas that included a story by Oliveras. I was intrigued by the idea of three friends’ separate stories set during a summer black-out one night in New York City, each written by a different author. Oliveras’ story was definitely the standout for me, but I enjoyed this quick summer escape.

Let’s take a look at what I thought about each one!

Night at the Museum is the first story by Lori Wilde. Who isn’t intrigued by the idea of a romantic tryst in a museum overnight!? Ross and Rachel, anyone?? While I enjoyed the plot of this one, I was never completely sold on the leading man. I found myself cringing at his words and actions—never a good sign when you’re trying to enjoy a romance. It might have also had something to do with the fact that they’d just spoken to each other for the first time, too. It’s hard to make an instant connection work. I would give this one 3 stars.

I immediately recognized Oliveras’ witty and capable writing style in Lights Out, the second novella in the collection. She quickly established her characters’ history and made me believe in their connection.  I enjoyed their banter and sizzling chemistry. This is also the only one of the three stories that takes the reader out on the streets of NYC, and I enjoyed that glimpse. Oliveras is also really good at writing love scenes that are believable. They’re not overly wordy or awkward, and they make sense with the story—they don’t seem to be added in out of necessity. Once again, I’m looking forward to reading more by her. I would give this one 4 stars.

“Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined finding himself in this predicament with her.”

Priscilla Oliveras, Lights Out