Book Summary: The Idea of You

Vanessa Aquino
3 min readMay 11, 2024

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Robinne Lee’s contemporary romance book The Idea of You delves into the intricacies of love, celebrity, and the decisions we make in our quest for happiness. The protagonists are Hayes Campbell, a 20-year-old member of the biggest boy band in the world, and Solène Marchand, a 39-year-old divorced owner of an art gallery. Their affair starts unexpectedly and develops in the face of public scrutiny, personal sacrifices, and celebrity culture demands.

Chapter 1: The Meeting

As a birthday gift, Solène takes her daughter Isabelle to see August Moon, her favorite boy band. A sudden and unexpected bond forms between Solène and the band’s endearing young lead vocalist, Hayes Campbell, at the meet-and-greet.

Chapter 2: The Concert

After the performance, Hayes and Solène spend some time together in private, strengthening their bond. They are attracted to one another despite their age differences.

Chapter 3: The Beginning

Hayes approaches Solène and invites her to visit him in Los Angeles. They start a passionate relationship characterized by tremendous attraction and in-depth communication. The public’s scrutiny and Solène’s misgivings about their age difference cause her difficulties.

Chapter 4: Paris

As Hayes travels to Paris to see Solène, the relationship intensifies. As word of their relationship spreads, it comes under heavy media scrutiny and public criticism. Striking a balance between Solène’s personal life, work, and motherhood presents complications.

Chapter 5: New York

The couple reunites in New York, where they attend glamorous events and navigate the complexities of their public and private lives. Their relationship is strained by increasing pressure from the media and Hayes’s supporters.

Chapter 6: The Clash

Their divergent priorities and lifestyles lead to conflicts. Hayes’s tour schedule and Solène’s duties as a mother and professional start to suffer in their relationship. They have to face the fact that they are in a relationship that is constantly in the spotlight.

Chapter 7: The Break

They have strong affection for one another, but the outside world’s demands become too much. To keep her daughter safe and reclaim her own life, Solène decides to break up with her partner. Despite their broken hearts, both recognize the importance of the choice.

Chapter 8: The Reunion

Hayes and Solène briefly rejoin at an event several months later. They still have a spark, but they are aware of the difficulties that lie ahead. They bid each other a heartfelt farewell, their futures unknown.

Chapter 9: Moving On

Solène tries to move on from her past, concentrating on her daughter and art gallery. Hayes keeps gaining international recognition. Their relationship continues to influence both of their lives despite their separate paths.

Chapter 10: Reflection

As the book ends, Solène considers the lasting consequences of her friendship with Hayes. She recognizes the development and transformation it brought about in her life, and although she is saddened by what may have been, she also feels grateful and resilient.

Conclusion

“The Idea of You” is a moving examination of love that transcends age and celebrity. Robinne Lee skillfully conveys the intricacies of contemporary relationships, the compromises they necessitate, and the bravery required to follow one’s passion. The book tells a powerful story about the transformative power of love and how it may appear in the most unlikely places.

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