The Trouble with Love: Or Lack Thereof

by Kevin Sommerer

“Matches, Matches Everywhere and Not a Soul to Mate.” That is the title of Jimmy Rizzo’s thesis paper. He’s a late blooming Psychology major and self-proclaimed player, who encounters a childhood crush for the first time in thirty years. His sister, Amie, is a single mother of two, at wit’s end, struggling to navigate the new and treacherous world of online dating.
Frustrated and faltering, Amie needs her brother’s advice. Will Jimmy’s guidance and expertise be enough to steer her on the correct path toward love with a handsome, gentlemanly Marine, or will the jerks in her life pulling at her dignity and heart strings prevail?
In a dating dilemma of his own, Jimmy has deep emotions too, for the beautiful Bridget Cantrell, but he knows the rules - he practically wrote the modern rules. Will he toss aside all he believes, in his quest to rejuvenate two tired hearts with the nostalgia and fervor of adolescence, or will the nuisances and nuances of modern matchmaking prove forever-after impossible?
In an exasperating era where the male idea of love is nothing more than orgasms and emojis, “The Trouble With Love - or Lack Thereof” dives into the bizarre and comedic world of online dating. This steamy, easily identifiable, and fun Rom-Com offers a true-to-life, humorous, educational, honest, and often erotic look at how Gen-Xers grapple with sex and situationships, loneliness and lovebombing, games and ghosting, and all the other joys of swiping right!

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 23, 2025

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ravished this book in no time, needing a cold shower after this hot April romance that left me begging for the sequel’s summer of love!

Siblings Amie and Jimmy Rizzo slide headfirst into the gamble that is online dating, alongside underdog Kyler and the forlorn Bridget. From embarrassing sushi dinners to catastrophic workplace affairs, each date is another bad bet. Luckily for the reader, the odds of entertainment are high.

The author’s prose shines as this character driven story thrives on the sunny outer rim of a dark comedy. The search for love repeatedly delivers misery, but the humor never lets you wallow. One character in particular pulls off a full redemption arc that sneaks up on you completely.

While there might be a drought of matches… there is no shortage of spice!

If you love messy ensembles, POV storytelling that keeps you in everyone’s head at once, and romance that earns its steam then clear your weekend.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous, honest, sexy look at how Gen-Xers navigate the crazy world of online dating. The vivid, imperfect characters, who you grow to love, are alive and deep, grappling with real-life dating issues while trying to find that one special person in their life. There are fun cat-n-mouse teases, brilliant dialogue, chemistry between the characters, and steamy sex scenes that will have the reader begging for more. A wonderful, original and rollicking read.

[Sandra Gainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The chemistry between Jimmy and Bridget is spot on. The teasing and the buildup is the perfect romance novel journey, a fun, witty, back-n-forth roller coaster ride toward the climax. You’ll love the other characters too. The dialogue and chemistry between them all made me feel like I was at the salon with all my besties. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Michelle Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Newbie to the dating scene after a 25 year relationship ending, this was well timed for me. Sweet, funny and steamy. Interesting and relatable circle of friends all on their journey to find the one, either for the night or for forever. The chemistry between the characters is beautifully written. Def recommend.
I very much enjoyed it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this rom com. A real romance actually. I didn’t know what to expect but I’m glad I read. I laughed out loud dozens of times and the characters made me feel alive in Tye scene. The mmcs are romantic classy an so sexy. I was pulling for Bridget and I was not disappointed. I recommend for anyone looking for a steamy fun suspensful love story

[Joanne Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must to read! It leaves you in awe also with all your emotions. Happy,Sad,and laughing. Sometimes you think the author (Kevin) is actually talking about you!! Make sure to go to Amazon and purchase your copy today! Totally a 5 star book to read!!

[Tammy Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very sad excuse for a so-called romance novel. It’s obvious that the author has no clue about real life dating situations and scenarios, only that the antiquated rules set by a main character must always be followed. That gets old quickly. The sex scenes were probably interesting to only the author and were egregiously long and drawn out. Very disappointing.