What do you think?
Rate this book
Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer: A Spicy Black Latinx Age-Gap Romance
Coming soon! Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer by A.H. Cunningham will be available Apr 29, 2025.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
29 people are currently reading
5382 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 29, 2025
Ms. V’s Hot Girl Summer is a bit insta-love/insta-lust-y, and the pacing is a little wonky, especially in the beginning where the reader is thrust into a dynamic that both already exists and is rapidly expanding. It took me a little bit to get my footing here because of it, but I eventually got sucked in because I found both Trinidad and Orlando to be such interesting, engaging characters, that even when they messed up/hurt the other person I still rooted for them to figure things out and actually had faith that it would happen in a way that made sense in their dynamic.
I will say I didn’t like the storyline of Trinidad’s teenaged sons and adult best friend conspiring to have her fly out to a place under false pretenses without proper lodging or transportation. I have anxiety so that made me feel horrified and I almost felt like it was hateful LOL. But kids are impulsive and short-sighted, so I ultimately felt like this was a realistic way of behaving from boys that age.
Speaking of age, this is an age-gap romance, but I promise you it’s a much bigger deal to Trinidad, who acts like she’s seen as a church mother named Mabel for the crime of being 35 years of age, which is so incredibly young—and such a *regular* age gap in age gap romances—I was confused that she kept harping on it. Orlando was more mature than most 25-year old men (I’m assuming; I know approximately zero 25-year-old men) because he had some family trauma/oldest of immigrants child syndrome and had to grow up fast, but sometimes his age shone through in realistic ways. In fact, Trinidad behaved pretty immaturely when it came to talking things out and her deciding things unilaterally for their relationship at times.
The storyline with Milton was such a waste; he didn’t want to be there and no one in the story wanted him around deep down either. I wish that storyline had been cut out entirely to be honest. The storyline of Orlando and his former friend (phrasing this way to avoid a spoiler) also suffers this same feat because it’s upsetting that yet another person in Orlando’s life made a unilateral decision that impacted him greatly. However, it has a much sweeter, more fulfilling end result, so I ultimately loved it, and how supportive Trinidad was in this capacity. The end chapters were my favorite!
Overall, I found this to be quick, flirty, hot summer read, and I loved the Caribbean representation! The narrators were dope too!
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC!
4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
I will say I didn’t like the storyline of Trinidad’s teenaged sons and adult best friend conspiring to have her fly out to a place under false pretenses without proper lodging or transportation. I have anxiety so that made me feel horrified and I almost felt like it was hateful LOL. But kids are impulsive and short-sighted, so I ultimately felt like this was a realistic way of behaving from boys that age.
Speaking of age, this is an age-gap romance, but I promise you it’s a much bigger deal to Trinidad, who acts like she’s seen as a church mother named Mabel for the crime of being 35 years of age, which is so incredibly young—and such a *regular* age gap in age gap romances—I was confused that she kept harping on it. Orlando was more mature than most 25-year old men (I’m assuming; I know approximately zero 25-year-old men) because he had some family trauma/oldest of immigrants child syndrome and had to grow up fast, but sometimes his age shone through in realistic ways. In fact, Trinidad behaved pretty immaturely when it came to talking things out and her deciding things unilaterally for their relationship at times.
The storyline with Milton was such a waste; he didn’t want to be there and no one in the story wanted him around deep down either. I wish that storyline had been cut out entirely to be honest. The storyline of Orlando and his former friend (phrasing this way to avoid a spoiler) also suffers this same feat because it’s upsetting that yet another person in Orlando’s life made a unilateral decision that impacted him greatly. However, it has a much sweeter, more fulfilling end result, so I ultimately loved it, and how supportive Trinidad was in this capacity. The end chapters were my favorite!
Overall, I found this to be quick, flirty, hot summer read, and I loved the Caribbean representation! The narrators were dope too!
Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC!
4 ⭐️s
3 🌶️
May 3, 2025
4.25⭐️ island gals RISEEE, this one’s for us🙂↕️🙂↕️
this quick and hot read is the perfect thing to get into the summer mood, trinidad and orlando are gonna show yall a good time
this was such a fulfilling read! especially being caribbean since i was able to understand and pick up all the little jokes and references, had me feeling like i was in the VIP club
i did listen to the audiobook and the accents had me feeling like i was hanging with family, i loved it! the only thing that bothered me was the pronunciation of “fete” lawdddd that was taking me out😭had to ask my momma if i was tripping even though i know good and well how it’s supposed sound💀other than that, i thought the audio was perfect!
this quick and hot read is the perfect thing to get into the summer mood, trinidad and orlando are gonna show yall a good time
this was such a fulfilling read! especially being caribbean since i was able to understand and pick up all the little jokes and references, had me feeling like i was in the VIP club
i did listen to the audiobook and the accents had me feeling like i was hanging with family, i loved it! the only thing that bothered me was the pronunciation of “fete” lawdddd that was taking me out😭had to ask my momma if i was tripping even though i know good and well how it’s supposed sound💀other than that, i thought the audio was perfect!
March 16, 2025
First I muuust point out that lovely cover. I loved it on sight! As a Trini and us literally being in the middle of Carnival season right now, this was the perfect read for the season. It didn't disappoint!
This felt so familiar to me with the Caribbean-ness of it all. Mentions of fetes, and soca had me grinning as someone who loves soca and a good fete (and has also playing mas in a pretty costume). Then we add in the two different characters of Trinidad and Orlando. Ms. Trinidad being a 35 year old mom of teens an Orlando being 25 years old, of course I wondered how they'd work this out but A.H did a great job balancing their chemistry, the steam, the conflicts. It was really well done, showing how these two were able to come together and create a beautiful thing.
Highly recommend!
This felt so familiar to me with the Caribbean-ness of it all. Mentions of fetes, and soca had me grinning as someone who loves soca and a good fete (and has also playing mas in a pretty costume). Then we add in the two different characters of Trinidad and Orlando. Ms. Trinidad being a 35 year old mom of teens an Orlando being 25 years old, of course I wondered how they'd work this out but A.H did a great job balancing their chemistry, the steam, the conflicts. It was really well done, showing how these two were able to come together and create a beautiful thing.
Highly recommend!
June 4, 2025
I liked the premise, but this book needed more editing. There were too many grammatical and formatting errors. The dialogue reminded me of why I disliked Alight - it was very stilted and not at all how a 25-year-old and 35-year-old would speak. I also feel like Trinidad probably should have been aged up a bit because - as a 36-year-old - she read like an older woman to me.
The epilogues and time jump were unnecessary and could have been skipped. They added nothing to the story.
The epilogues and time jump were unnecessary and could have been skipped. They added nothing to the story.
November 12, 2025
Between 3.5-4 stars, I'm not sure though. Unbeknownst to me, this was the second book I finished today where the MMC is patient but the FMC is stubborn and a killjoy of their own happiness so that's my fault. Choose joy, dammit!
There is an age gap so she was very hesitant to just let loose and have fun with someone 10 years her junior - understandable, but no need to keep reminding him and calling him a "man child". She also wasn't open to the MMC bc she kept thinking she was going to start something serious with this bland mayonnaise vanilla dude (who obviously was not for her). Then there was a moment where the young MMC would act his age, so I understood how he lost his appeal there, but for the most part he was solid.
There is an age gap so she was very hesitant to just let loose and have fun with someone 10 years her junior - understandable, but no need to keep reminding him and calling him a "man child". She also wasn't open to the MMC bc she kept thinking she was going to start something serious with this bland mayonnaise vanilla dude (who obviously was not for her). Then there was a moment where the young MMC would act his age, so I understood how he lost his appeal there, but for the most part he was solid.
April 4, 2025
Ms.V’s hot girl summer by A.H Cummingham
ARC from Harlequin audio
Release date: April 29th 2025
-I love the fun summer vibes and the carribean carnival history
-okay I know he’s younger but damn you don’t need to call him kid or manchild😭
-the way he describes her 😩
-I love their connection and conversations
-the descriptive writing truly has me in the Caribbean
-this book makes me want to do a hot girl summer 🤪😩
-I wish I could erase Milton out of her brain
-this audiobook omg I feel like I’m the phone with someone at a carnival
-I ate this book up this book is a perfect summer read
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC from Harlequin audio
Release date: April 29th 2025
-I love the fun summer vibes and the carribean carnival history
-okay I know he’s younger but damn you don’t need to call him kid or manchild😭
-the way he describes her 😩
-I love their connection and conversations
-the descriptive writing truly has me in the Caribbean
-this book makes me want to do a hot girl summer 🤪😩
-I wish I could erase Milton out of her brain
-this audiobook omg I feel like I’m the phone with someone at a carnival
-I ate this book up this book is a perfect summer read
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 28, 2025
This is an older woman, younger man relationship set in a Caribbean Carnival backdrop.
Full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
August 9, 2025
I felt like this wanted to be an updated How Stella Got Her Groove Back, but it missed the landing.
For starters, the entire set-up for this ploy was frustrating. The FMC, 15 years old, sent her on a wild goose chase to a strange city with nowhere to stay in hopes that she would be able to stay with the MMC. That is insane! It showed little care for her. On top of this, the FMC BFF was in on it. Nobody in their right mind would think it’s a good idea to send someone to a different state during a huge event with the possibility of having nowhere to stay. She’s basically thrusted on the MMC. Nobody knew if he could really accommodate her staying. What the actual hell!
My next big issue with this book was the FMC. The author wants her to read as mature and sophisticated, but she reads younger than the MMC with the way she acts. Which is hilarious because she mentions her age so much that you would think she’s a senior citizen instead of a 35-year-old. It’s frustrating how much she acts like the MMC is sooooo much younger than her. He’s 25, and she acts like he’s 17 with the multiple man-child comments. Which honestly don’t help because she’s lusting after him. I don’t think it was the author’s intent, but it almost comes off like fantasized age play. It’s also not just the FMC. We get similar references from the MMC with him wondering if her body will look like the older porn actresses he likes to watch, comments he makes about her mom dresses, and multiple comments about him being impressed by her doing xyz at 35. 🙄
Lastly, I just didn’t vibe with the dialogue for some scenes. I don’t know how to explain it, but at times it felt disingenuous, like it was lacking realism. Which is a wild comment coming from me based on my reading history. The characters will have these deep conversations that have years of pent-up baggage, and it’s solved in a matter of minutes. It felt so odd. I’m not saying conversations like that don’t happen, but it’s not enough on-page development to make the dialogue believable.
For starters, the entire set-up for this ploy was frustrating. The FMC, 15 years old, sent her on a wild goose chase to a strange city with nowhere to stay in hopes that she would be able to stay with the MMC. That is insane! It showed little care for her. On top of this, the FMC BFF was in on it. Nobody in their right mind would think it’s a good idea to send someone to a different state during a huge event with the possibility of having nowhere to stay. She’s basically thrusted on the MMC. Nobody knew if he could really accommodate her staying. What the actual hell!
My next big issue with this book was the FMC. The author wants her to read as mature and sophisticated, but she reads younger than the MMC with the way she acts. Which is hilarious because she mentions her age so much that you would think she’s a senior citizen instead of a 35-year-old. It’s frustrating how much she acts like the MMC is sooooo much younger than her. He’s 25, and she acts like he’s 17 with the multiple man-child comments. Which honestly don’t help because she’s lusting after him. I don’t think it was the author’s intent, but it almost comes off like fantasized age play. It’s also not just the FMC. We get similar references from the MMC with him wondering if her body will look like the older porn actresses he likes to watch, comments he makes about her mom dresses, and multiple comments about him being impressed by her doing xyz at 35. 🙄
Lastly, I just didn’t vibe with the dialogue for some scenes. I don’t know how to explain it, but at times it felt disingenuous, like it was lacking realism. Which is a wild comment coming from me based on my reading history. The characters will have these deep conversations that have years of pent-up baggage, and it’s solved in a matter of minutes. It felt so odd. I’m not saying conversations like that don’t happen, but it’s not enough on-page development to make the dialogue believable.
April 14, 2025
This was my first age gap romance and I actually liked it!
Trinidad is looking for a man to feel the void her ex husband has left in her life. She resorts to a man who doesn't really want a serious relationship. But then there's Orlando, who's 10 years younger, but makes her feel something more.
I liked how Trinidad finally gives in to her younger, wilder self. I'm so glad Carnival helped her let loose! Butttt I did feel like Trinidad came across older than she actually is at times...or that the age gap was like 20-30 years vs 10. 🤷🏾♀️ Just a personal opinion, being that we are the same age 😂.
Orlando comes across as a mature guy who's had to grow up fast. I loved how he has a "wake up call" too. It's just not us ladies who carry everyone's worries and burdens around.
The setting was festive and descriptive, where I felt like I was at Carnival too! I enjoyed the bits of Spanish which were sprinkled throughout the book.
This book is perfect for the summertime - it definitely brings hot girl summer vibes!
Thank you to NetGalley & Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
Trinidad is looking for a man to feel the void her ex husband has left in her life. She resorts to a man who doesn't really want a serious relationship. But then there's Orlando, who's 10 years younger, but makes her feel something more.
I liked how Trinidad finally gives in to her younger, wilder self. I'm so glad Carnival helped her let loose! Butttt I did feel like Trinidad came across older than she actually is at times...or that the age gap was like 20-30 years vs 10. 🤷🏾♀️ Just a personal opinion, being that we are the same age 😂.
Orlando comes across as a mature guy who's had to grow up fast. I loved how he has a "wake up call" too. It's just not us ladies who carry everyone's worries and burdens around.
The setting was festive and descriptive, where I felt like I was at Carnival too! I enjoyed the bits of Spanish which were sprinkled throughout the book.
This book is perfect for the summertime - it definitely brings hot girl summer vibes!
Thank you to NetGalley & Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.❤️
April 3, 2025
Thanks to Harlequin Audio for the ALC! ✨ A.H. Cunningham always writes a cute and spicy love story that makes you want to go on vacation. This story was really cute and quick. Both Trinidad and Orlando were endearing characters. They honestly both seems like they needed to let loose so I think they served each other well while finding love with each other. I also think it’s funny how Trinidad’s sons are essentially the reason for this set. They knew their mama needed something different. Lol
I really enjoyed the narrators for this book as well! They did a great job making the characters come to life.
I really enjoyed the narrators for this book as well! They did a great job making the characters come to life.
June 14, 2025
Super fun. I love seeing a mature woman get loved like she deserves.
April 9, 2025
4.25/5. Releases 4/29/25.
—responsible single mom having her hot girl summer
—if the alternative is a guy named "Milton"...
—Carnival! fetes! getting away from it all truly AWAY FROM IT ALL
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
Trinidad Velasquez is a 35-year-old single mom who puts her boys first at every moment; Orlando is her sons' 25-year-old mentor, and he can't possibly be appropriate for her. Milton, the man who's thisclose to committing to her, is—not that he's very exciting. When Trinidad unexpedctedly finds herself in a resort town, in the midst of Carnival, with Orlando... She can't possibly access her old self with this man. Can she?
The Review:
I have a soft spot for a girl How Stella Got Her Groove Back moment, which I feel is kind of hard to NOT think about when you're enjoying the story of a responsible woman rediscovering herself with a younger man. Unlike Stella, however, this is a true romance novel—and Orlando is a fully-realized character who exists as more than Trinidad's "reawakening trigger". Which makes him all the more likable!
To be honest, I don't think you need to be a mother, or even in your mid-thirties, to understand where Trinidad is. She's warm and gentle with those she loves and trusts... but that circle is small, and Orlando (understandably) isn't part of it. She wants the best for herself; she just isn't exactly sure what the best is, or how she can get it.
Which actually puts her in a similar place to Orlando—while he openly pursues her, he's also stuck between what he thinks he should do and what he actually wants.
One of the things you often run into with age gap romances is this idea that it's just not right because he's yoooung! And she'd oooold! Occasionally, there's also the idea that the hero might want kids and the heroine won't (or can't) provide them. I get it—but it can get kind of stale, which sucks as I generally enjoy books wherein the heroine is older than the hero.
Which is why I loved that, while Trinidad has her initial hangups about hers and Orlando's age difference (the novel deals with the kid question in a way I loved), that's really not the issue. The issue is that Orlando is in a different point in life, and the book actually illustrates what that means in terms of how he handles his emotions, how he sees the world, what he's facing.
Though this is by no means a heavy novel—it's so much fun—that sense of reality ups the stakes and makes you invest even more in these deeply likable people who just deserve love, okay? They deserve love and I wanted to see them get it.
Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer is indeed a great summer romance. I fell in love with the setting—not just the Carnival fete vibes, but the town itself. The locals! The vacation of it all! I don't want to live in a tiny vacation town, but sweeping into it in a romance novel is just! So! Good!
The Sex:
This is a hugely sex positive novel. Trinidad is an unabashedly horny heroine—you get sex toy usage on the page, and while the sex itself takes some building up to... It's both romance novel-y and tangibly real, if that makes sense. Also. Loved seeing a Specific Type of Content on the page...
Conclusion:
You want a summer romance? You've got a summer romance. This is the kind of respite we need right now. It's hot and sweet and fabulous, just like Orlando and Ms. V.
Thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy. of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—responsible single mom having her hot girl summer
—if the alternative is a guy named "Milton"...
—Carnival! fetes! getting away from it all truly AWAY FROM IT ALL
Heat Index: 7/10
The Basics:
Trinidad Velasquez is a 35-year-old single mom who puts her boys first at every moment; Orlando is her sons' 25-year-old mentor, and he can't possibly be appropriate for her. Milton, the man who's thisclose to committing to her, is—not that he's very exciting. When Trinidad unexpedctedly finds herself in a resort town, in the midst of Carnival, with Orlando... She can't possibly access her old self with this man. Can she?
The Review:
I have a soft spot for a girl How Stella Got Her Groove Back moment, which I feel is kind of hard to NOT think about when you're enjoying the story of a responsible woman rediscovering herself with a younger man. Unlike Stella, however, this is a true romance novel—and Orlando is a fully-realized character who exists as more than Trinidad's "reawakening trigger". Which makes him all the more likable!
To be honest, I don't think you need to be a mother, or even in your mid-thirties, to understand where Trinidad is. She's warm and gentle with those she loves and trusts... but that circle is small, and Orlando (understandably) isn't part of it. She wants the best for herself; she just isn't exactly sure what the best is, or how she can get it.
Which actually puts her in a similar place to Orlando—while he openly pursues her, he's also stuck between what he thinks he should do and what he actually wants.
One of the things you often run into with age gap romances is this idea that it's just not right because he's yoooung! And she'd oooold! Occasionally, there's also the idea that the hero might want kids and the heroine won't (or can't) provide them. I get it—but it can get kind of stale, which sucks as I generally enjoy books wherein the heroine is older than the hero.
Which is why I loved that, while Trinidad has her initial hangups about hers and Orlando's age difference (the novel deals with the kid question in a way I loved), that's really not the issue. The issue is that Orlando is in a different point in life, and the book actually illustrates what that means in terms of how he handles his emotions, how he sees the world, what he's facing.
Though this is by no means a heavy novel—it's so much fun—that sense of reality ups the stakes and makes you invest even more in these deeply likable people who just deserve love, okay? They deserve love and I wanted to see them get it.
Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer is indeed a great summer romance. I fell in love with the setting—not just the Carnival fete vibes, but the town itself. The locals! The vacation of it all! I don't want to live in a tiny vacation town, but sweeping into it in a romance novel is just! So! Good!
The Sex:
This is a hugely sex positive novel. Trinidad is an unabashedly horny heroine—you get sex toy usage on the page, and while the sex itself takes some building up to... It's both romance novel-y and tangibly real, if that makes sense. Also. Loved seeing a Specific Type of Content on the page...
Conclusion:
You want a summer romance? You've got a summer romance. This is the kind of respite we need right now. It's hot and sweet and fabulous, just like Orlando and Ms. V.
Thanks to Harper Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a copy. of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 21, 2025
4.75 stars rounded up
This book was so much fun! It was a fast read that had a good amount of spice, but also packed an emotional punch. This book is for all of the women who take on too much responsibility and somewhat lose themselves in the process.
Trinidad has twin sixteen year old boys, works hard at her career, and has really made a life for herself and her boys. The only problem is that she has spent so much time focusing on everyone else's needs that she has forgot about her own. She is sick of waiting for a happily ever after. Her sons take matters into their own hands and send her on a vacation to a carnival weekend.
This is an age gap romance where the woman is older and I loved exploring that. I feel like it's something you don't see as often as age gap where the man is older. This book handled that relationship dynamic so well.
I had so much fun reading this book and I found myself able to relate to Trinidad on a deep level that had me feeling all of her emotions with her. AH Cunningham is an amazing writer and I really enjoyed this story and these characters.
I did receive an advanced listener copy of this book and the narrators did a phenomenal job with this one! Thank to NetGalley and Harlequin romance for letting me listen to this one early.
This book was so much fun! It was a fast read that had a good amount of spice, but also packed an emotional punch. This book is for all of the women who take on too much responsibility and somewhat lose themselves in the process.
Trinidad has twin sixteen year old boys, works hard at her career, and has really made a life for herself and her boys. The only problem is that she has spent so much time focusing on everyone else's needs that she has forgot about her own. She is sick of waiting for a happily ever after. Her sons take matters into their own hands and send her on a vacation to a carnival weekend.
This is an age gap romance where the woman is older and I loved exploring that. I feel like it's something you don't see as often as age gap where the man is older. This book handled that relationship dynamic so well.
I had so much fun reading this book and I found myself able to relate to Trinidad on a deep level that had me feeling all of her emotions with her. AH Cunningham is an amazing writer and I really enjoyed this story and these characters.
I did receive an advanced listener copy of this book and the narrators did a phenomenal job with this one! Thank to NetGalley and Harlequin romance for letting me listen to this one early.
May 7, 2025
Cute, fun, low-stakes read.
April 8, 2025
4.5 stars.
"Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer" by A.H. Cunningham is SIZZLING! SCORCHING! WONDERFUL! I had a blast reading this spicy age-gap (she's older!) Latinx romance that is equal parts dramatic, compelling, fun, and funny. This story is well-developed, and the characters feel realistic and lived-in. Trinidad is a 35-year-old mother of two twin boys looking for a stable adult relationship. Unfortunately, she thinks she's going to find that with Milton, who doesn't seem to be on the same page as her. After her sons meddle in her affairs and book her a vacation she wasn't expecting but definitely needed, she ends up spending time with Orlando, the 25-year-old mentor of her two boys, who is also in town for Carnival. I loved the chemistry between Trinidad and Orlando! Their vibing goes well beyond the physical (though that is reeeeeeal good, too). There is also a healthy dose of well-earned yearning and tension between the two of them, which I loved. They come to respect each other for many reasons, which are divulged through mature conversations and explorations of and with one another. They both make huge strides as characters, both together and separately. Their character arcs are great! The age gap is handled with respect and a slight cautiousness, but once Trinidad and Orlando let down their walls and loosen up, all bets are off as they begin to enjoy their vacation at its fullest. This book is vibrant and steeped with Caribbean culture. I loved learning about Carnival! The pacing is a little bit slow in the middle, but the beginning and ending moved quickly, so it didn't bother me too much. I highly recommend this book! You can always count on A.H. Cunningham to write a fantastic spice-filled romp!
Thank you to NetGalley, A.H. Cunningham, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Ms. V's Hot Girl Summer" by A.H. Cunningham is SIZZLING! SCORCHING! WONDERFUL! I had a blast reading this spicy age-gap (she's older!) Latinx romance that is equal parts dramatic, compelling, fun, and funny. This story is well-developed, and the characters feel realistic and lived-in. Trinidad is a 35-year-old mother of two twin boys looking for a stable adult relationship. Unfortunately, she thinks she's going to find that with Milton, who doesn't seem to be on the same page as her. After her sons meddle in her affairs and book her a vacation she wasn't expecting but definitely needed, she ends up spending time with Orlando, the 25-year-old mentor of her two boys, who is also in town for Carnival. I loved the chemistry between Trinidad and Orlando! Their vibing goes well beyond the physical (though that is reeeeeeal good, too). There is also a healthy dose of well-earned yearning and tension between the two of them, which I loved. They come to respect each other for many reasons, which are divulged through mature conversations and explorations of and with one another. They both make huge strides as characters, both together and separately. Their character arcs are great! The age gap is handled with respect and a slight cautiousness, but once Trinidad and Orlando let down their walls and loosen up, all bets are off as they begin to enjoy their vacation at its fullest. This book is vibrant and steeped with Caribbean culture. I loved learning about Carnival! The pacing is a little bit slow in the middle, but the beginning and ending moved quickly, so it didn't bother me too much. I highly recommend this book! You can always count on A.H. Cunningham to write a fantastic spice-filled romp!
Thank you to NetGalley, A.H. Cunningham, Harlequin - Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
June 19, 2025
This was a cute, fun, low-stakes summer read—perfect for vacation or as a palate cleanser between heavier books.
The setup to get Trinidad to Florida felt a little far-fetched, and her constant swooning over Milton (who was honestly pretty wack) started to wear thin. As a 33-year-old myself, I couldn’t help but notice that Trinidad, supposedly 35, was written like someone closer to 45.
On the flip side, I enjoyed Orlando’s perspective and the dynamics within his family. In fact, I found his POV more compelling than Trinidad’s.
I listened to this during a 5 hour drive and was entertained the whole time. Light, easy, and enjoyable.
The setup to get Trinidad to Florida felt a little far-fetched, and her constant swooning over Milton (who was honestly pretty wack) started to wear thin. As a 33-year-old myself, I couldn’t help but notice that Trinidad, supposedly 35, was written like someone closer to 45.
On the flip side, I enjoyed Orlando’s perspective and the dynamics within his family. In fact, I found his POV more compelling than Trinidad’s.
I listened to this during a 5 hour drive and was entertained the whole time. Light, easy, and enjoyable.
October 12, 2025
This was an ok read. Trinidad was really annoying with her constant references to Orlando being so much younger than her all the whole fantasizing about him during her alone time. It also made zero sense why Trinidad was stuck on Milton when he showee absolutely no reason for her to be dating him. Also, her best friend could have helped the twins out just a bit on this far-fetched plan to get her and Orlando in the same place.
Aside from those hiccups, not a bad read. The story kept my attention and I was happy to see Trinidad come to her senses. Orlando's character was enjoyable.
Aside from those hiccups, not a bad read. The story kept my attention and I was happy to see Trinidad come to her senses. Orlando's character was enjoyable.
July 23, 2025
2.5🌟
The amount of times “hot girl” was said! No one talks like that! The amount of times she called Orlando young boy or something demeaning because of his age was tiring. Had he called her an old, delusional, lonely woman he’d been wrong! But she was all of those things. I’m forty. I don’t know anyone who talks like that. Orlando’s character was fine but I was annoyed by Trinidad🤷🏾♀️.
The amount of times “hot girl” was said! No one talks like that! The amount of times she called Orlando young boy or something demeaning because of his age was tiring. Had he called her an old, delusional, lonely woman he’d been wrong! But she was all of those things. I’m forty. I don’t know anyone who talks like that. Orlando’s character was fine but I was annoyed by Trinidad🤷🏾♀️.
May 13, 2025
This story follows Trinidad Velasquez, a 35-year-old woman with twin sons, a full plate, and a situationship that feels more convenient than passionate. She’s convinced that love—the kind with butterflies and breathless moments—is behind her. But when her sons trick her into a Caribbean Carnival vacation, she ends up staying with Orlando Wiggins, her sons’ mentor and the one man who’s always managed to get under her skin. He’s 10 years younger… and the chemistry is undeniable.
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me. The premise had promise—forced proximity, vacation vibes, and an age-gap romance—but the execution just didn’t land. It’s not the age gap itself that bothered me, but how it was framed. Trinidad refers to Orlando as a “child” in one breath, then makes explicit comments about him in the next, and the shift felt jarring.
Also? Trinidad is 35. Thirty-five is not ancient! But the way her character is written, you’d think she was pushing 55 and experiencing a midlife hormonal awakening. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with aging or premenopausal representation—but that’s not typically where most 35-year-olds are, so it felt like a strange mismatch for the character’s actual age.
And while she’s been through a lot, I struggled with how emotionally immature she came across. Some of her assumptions, reactions, and arguments felt more like a teen romance than that of a grown woman who’s raised twins.
That said—this story might be for readers who enjoy a messy, age-gap dynamic with heat, angst, and vacation romance. If you’re into forced proximity and characters navigating big emotions (sometimes clumsily), you may enjoy the ride more than I did.
Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me. The premise had promise—forced proximity, vacation vibes, and an age-gap romance—but the execution just didn’t land. It’s not the age gap itself that bothered me, but how it was framed. Trinidad refers to Orlando as a “child” in one breath, then makes explicit comments about him in the next, and the shift felt jarring.
Also? Trinidad is 35. Thirty-five is not ancient! But the way her character is written, you’d think she was pushing 55 and experiencing a midlife hormonal awakening. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with aging or premenopausal representation—but that’s not typically where most 35-year-olds are, so it felt like a strange mismatch for the character’s actual age.
And while she’s been through a lot, I struggled with how emotionally immature she came across. Some of her assumptions, reactions, and arguments felt more like a teen romance than that of a grown woman who’s raised twins.
That said—this story might be for readers who enjoy a messy, age-gap dynamic with heat, angst, and vacation romance. If you’re into forced proximity and characters navigating big emotions (sometimes clumsily), you may enjoy the ride more than I did.
February 8, 2025
This was my first A.H. Cunningham book, but it definitely won’t be my last! This story was such a fun and sexy take on growth, adulthood, and the reality of navigating life at different stages. We have Trinidad, a grown and sexy single mom in her 30s, raising twin boys and thinking her hot girl days are behind her in favor of a more “stable” future. Then there’s Orlando, younger but mature beyond his years after stepping up to take care of his mother and younger brothers following his father’s passing only to find himself facing a whole new surprise in his life.
This book beautifully explores how love, relationships, and adulthood aren’t linear but constantly evolving. And let’s talk about the chemistry because whew Trinidad and Orlando were straight fire from start to finish! The amount of spice in this book caught me off guard in the best way. I also loved the rich Caribbean and Afro-Latine vibes woven throughout the story. Highly recommend this one for my grown and sexy friends looking for a hot age-gap romance!
This book beautifully explores how love, relationships, and adulthood aren’t linear but constantly evolving. And let’s talk about the chemistry because whew Trinidad and Orlando were straight fire from start to finish! The amount of spice in this book caught me off guard in the best way. I also loved the rich Caribbean and Afro-Latine vibes woven throughout the story. Highly recommend this one for my grown and sexy friends looking for a hot age-gap romance!
February 2, 2025
Carnival is fast approaching in Trinidad (also coincidentally the name of a character in this book) so reading this book right now was just perfect timing. In Guyana it’s known as Mashramani and in Toronto there’s the classic Caribana during the summer months. It’s a celebration of culture, music, and the joy of the Caribbean. It’s the heat, the food, the dancing, and the costumes - it’s effervescent.
I’ve been longing for a book to be set during Carnival because it offers such a great backdrop of fun and is often filled with budding romance. A.H. Cunningham takes advantage of that fully in this book. Hoping an Indo-Caribbean author takes a crack at it soon!
Giving this 3.5 but rounding up to 4 stars as there were some pacing issues for me. I also don't usually read this trope so this was something different for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC!
I’ve been longing for a book to be set during Carnival because it offers such a great backdrop of fun and is often filled with budding romance. A.H. Cunningham takes advantage of that fully in this book. Hoping an Indo-Caribbean author takes a crack at it soon!
Giving this 3.5 but rounding up to 4 stars as there were some pacing issues for me. I also don't usually read this trope so this was something different for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC!
April 9, 2025
This was the perfect mix of fun and heartfelt. Ms. V is single mom in need of a good dicking down. Enter Orlando, her twin’s mentor, who just happens to be 10 years her junior. The twins hatch a diabolical plan to get these two together and some hilarious, sexy, and adventurous times ensue.
This packed quite an emotional punch for such a short read. Both main characters are quintessential caregivers who never put themselves first, loved seeing them find each other.
The Afro Latine representation and the Carnival vacation vibes were woven beautifully into the story.
Thank you Harlequin audio and Net Galley for the ARC! Narrators for this book were on point!
This packed quite an emotional punch for such a short read. Both main characters are quintessential caregivers who never put themselves first, loved seeing them find each other.
The Afro Latine representation and the Carnival vacation vibes were woven beautifully into the story.
Thank you Harlequin audio and Net Galley for the ARC! Narrators for this book were on point!
April 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy! This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and she did not disappoint. This book was steamy, fun, and surprisingly heartfelt. I loved how Trinidad finally started living for herself not just as a mom, but as Trinidad, the woman. Her growth was inspiring and so relatable. I also loved how Orlando learned to set boundaries and stand by them it added depth to his character and made their connection even more real. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and I found myself rooting for both of them the whole way through. I flew through this one and can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
April 11, 2025
I am so in love with this story! I'm so obsessed with this story! I enjoy so much how A. H always incorporates Carribean culture into her writing and not only did I fall in love with the man but I fell deeper in love with my culture as well. I laughed, I swooned, I fanned myself from how mild this read was.. everything I expect from my fave! And dare I say I love this follow up more?! Amazing job!
Thank you so much Harlequin and NetGalley for my arc audio!
Thank you so much Harlequin and NetGalley for my arc audio!
Read
April 2, 2025Contemporary Romance, African American & Black Romance, Multicultural & Interracial Romance
April 26, 2025
I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing. Trinidad Velasquez or Ms. V was busy raising her twin boys. She stopped playing games and focused on being a mother and a caregiver. Trinidad will be the first to admit that she had her fun before and maybe even a little after the boys were born, but those days are over. She works very hard to provide a stable life for Bryan and Brandon. That includes making sure the boys had a good role model.
Orlando Wiggins was a mature 25 year old that had a crush on Ms. V. Orlando also had a lot of responsibilities at home. He helped take care of his two younger brothers and a depressed mother. Orlando was finally ready for a break. He and his friends were going to a Carnival Celebration. Orlando had a few more things on his agenda so he went down early and rented a house. Thank god he did. Trinidad's kids decided she needed a break and not with her current boyfriend. I use the word boyfriend loosely. Trinidad was looking for more and her boyfriend seemed to be dangling that carrot on front of her. The boys sent Trinidad to the same town that Orlando would be vacationing with no place to stay. Stranded with no quick way to get back home, Orlando came to rescue. Feelings that had been hiding behind jokes and shy looks were out in the open in this town. Will Trinidad finally give Orlando the chance he wants?
Both Trinidad and Orlando have some things to work out in their lives. Can they make it work? Orlando went early for a specific purpose. Will this purpose take time away from the relationship he wants to build with Trinidad? Is Orlando ready to be the man that Trinidad needs? This book was great. The audio was on point. This book will keep reader interested throughout and begging for more.
Orlando Wiggins was a mature 25 year old that had a crush on Ms. V. Orlando also had a lot of responsibilities at home. He helped take care of his two younger brothers and a depressed mother. Orlando was finally ready for a break. He and his friends were going to a Carnival Celebration. Orlando had a few more things on his agenda so he went down early and rented a house. Thank god he did. Trinidad's kids decided she needed a break and not with her current boyfriend. I use the word boyfriend loosely. Trinidad was looking for more and her boyfriend seemed to be dangling that carrot on front of her. The boys sent Trinidad to the same town that Orlando would be vacationing with no place to stay. Stranded with no quick way to get back home, Orlando came to rescue. Feelings that had been hiding behind jokes and shy looks were out in the open in this town. Will Trinidad finally give Orlando the chance he wants?
Both Trinidad and Orlando have some things to work out in their lives. Can they make it work? Orlando went early for a specific purpose. Will this purpose take time away from the relationship he wants to build with Trinidad? Is Orlando ready to be the man that Trinidad needs? This book was great. The audio was on point. This book will keep reader interested throughout and begging for more.
Read
May 9, 2025These meddling kids are all I kept saying as I read this book. Not only did they see the vision, but they also put things in motion to get their mother a man. Trinidad and Orlando were in each other's lives, so this slow burn that heated up quickly was an enjoyable ride. I think Trinidad's character work was really interesting because she is exploring her sexuality and relationship dynamics as a mother. Initially, I thought, whoa, a lot is going on, but after sitting with I think that's the point. When you're going through things, one thing doesn't happen at a time. I do think there was an opportunity to explore this more because Orlando seemed to be the resolution. On the flip side, Orlando was a man on a mission, quite literally. His backstory as a people pleaser was interesting, but never resolved, which I get, because it would have been unrealistic.
Big picture, I've come to expect a lot of character work from AH, especially exploring sexuality, so while I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. The pacing and needing a little bit more from Trinidad's storyline, I've been waffling on the rating.
Format: e-Arc Netgalley/publisher
Romance tag: open door
CN: adultification of the eldest child, caregiver guilt, absentee parent, manipulative partner, mental health
Big picture, I've come to expect a lot of character work from AH, especially exploring sexuality, so while I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. The pacing and needing a little bit more from Trinidad's storyline, I've been waffling on the rating.
Format: e-Arc Netgalley/publisher
Romance tag: open door
CN: adultification of the eldest child, caregiver guilt, absentee parent, manipulative partner, mental health
November 16, 2025
34% into this one and this is where I stop.
Sorry to say I'm not liking the pacing or the character interactions up to this point and I'm struggling to believe this women in her mid thirties was so wrapped up with work that she didn't question why or how her 15 year old kids got her a plane ticket plus a hotel room to a competition that no one talks about or how they even paid for it.
I have been all the ages so far presented in this book so I can say from experience that at 15 there was no way I had hotel or airfare money, and in my 30's like yeah I worked and dated but I never lost sight of my family so I'm struggling to understand Trinidad so far.
Also the interactions to date, between Orlando and Trinidad feel stilted and off. Can't tell if that's the writing or legitimately the vibe the author is going for to show their awkwardness and age gap but I'm not going to continue to find out.
I liked the premise and the blurb sounded good but I'm not going to struggle through this.
Sorry to say I'm not liking the pacing or the character interactions up to this point and I'm struggling to believe this women in her mid thirties was so wrapped up with work that she didn't question why or how her 15 year old kids got her a plane ticket plus a hotel room to a competition that no one talks about or how they even paid for it.
I have been all the ages so far presented in this book so I can say from experience that at 15 there was no way I had hotel or airfare money, and in my 30's like yeah I worked and dated but I never lost sight of my family so I'm struggling to understand Trinidad so far.
Also the interactions to date, between Orlando and Trinidad feel stilted and off. Can't tell if that's the writing or legitimately the vibe the author is going for to show their awkwardness and age gap but I'm not going to continue to find out.
I liked the premise and the blurb sounded good but I'm not going to struggle through this.
April 13, 2025
Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first A.H. Cunningham romance and it was so refreshing and spicy!! This is very much a light and flirty escapism romance.
Orlando has a crush on the mom of two boys he mentors. Sparks fly when they end up in the same place for a Caribbean Carnival vacation (thanks to the two boys).
What you’ll find:
🌸Caribbean /American culture
🌸Complex (but familiar/relatable) family dynamics
🌸Single/ divorced mom FMC
🌸Single dad hoping for a relationship with his child
🌸Reverse age gap
🌸Open door Spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌸He falls first
Audio narration is great! The cover is beautiful.
This was my first A.H. Cunningham romance and it was so refreshing and spicy!! This is very much a light and flirty escapism romance.
Orlando has a crush on the mom of two boys he mentors. Sparks fly when they end up in the same place for a Caribbean Carnival vacation (thanks to the two boys).
What you’ll find:
🌸Caribbean /American culture
🌸Complex (but familiar/relatable) family dynamics
🌸Single/ divorced mom FMC
🌸Single dad hoping for a relationship with his child
🌸Reverse age gap
🌸Open door Spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🌸He falls first
Audio narration is great! The cover is beautiful.
Read
May 27, 2025all the pieces were there but the story did not hang together for me. which was disappointing because i was excited by the carnival setting and its afro-caribbean cast. i think the editing could and should have been stronger to wrangle it all together because the voice and premise were strong.
i want to love afterglow books because they are consistently exploring experiences/characters that i don’t see in romance particularly for people of color, but i’m disappointed by the editorial vision.
i want to love afterglow books because they are consistently exploring experiences/characters that i don’t see in romance particularly for people of color, but i’m disappointed by the editorial vision.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews