I love this book SO much. I absolutely adored Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer so I was extremely excited to have the opportunity to read anything else by Annabel Monaghan. I flew through this in one sitting because I simply couldn't put it down, and I was laughing, smiling, and crying the whole time.

Ali (Alice) is just such a REAL character. I related to her so much and I was rooting for her the entire time.

Summer Romance is absolutely going to be the perfect summer read for 2024!!! Add this to your TBR rn.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Starting over can be hard but having the right people around you make it easier. Stepping out of your comfort zone and giving things a chance is what I feel this book is about. Enjoyed the story line and the characters. I’m always a sucker for a good romance.

It's official. Annabel Monaghan is a must-read author for me. I loved her previous two novels, and had high expectations for this one. It lived up to them!

Ali is a professional organizer who can't seem to get her own life together. Two years later, she is still dealing with the grief of losing her mother, and then her husband leaves. But, on the day she finally removes her wedding ring, she meets a handsome blast from her past at the dog park. What was supposed to just be a fun and casual summer between them starts to feel like something that should be permanent.

I really liked this book, which was great news for me, but sad news for people who have to wait for it to be published in June 2024. You can just go ahead and put it right on your summer TBR list.

What I love about Monaghan's writing is that there's such a maturity to it. The characters are rich and have full lives. There are complicated emotions and adult considerations in the conflicts, but these never weigh down the book; they only serve to make it feel more realistic. And, she creates a wonderful sense of place in her books, and this one was the best.

Annabel Monaghan, if you could just continue to publish at least a book a year, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this manuscript.

Summer romance is exactly as the title says! This is the second book I have read from this author and I just love her MCs! They are always smart amazing women who find a man that appreciates that! They are amazing moms and role models to their children. It’s always a delight to read!

Great romance novel about a woman in the wake of a separation that unexpectedly meets her friend's brother and embarks upon a summer romance b/c there is no way this relationship can last past summer, right?

This was a cute summer romance! I loved that not only did we get to see the romance aspect if the story, but also the main character finding herself again after going through so much in a couple of short years. It was very easy to relate to a thirty something mom struggling to have her life together and I enjoyed the realness of that! Thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for the ARC!

Reviewed for NetGalley:

I am still a little raw from this one. That being said, if I could give 6 out of 5 stars, done and done.

Ali, separated mother of three is wandering through life in a pair of sweatpants and piles of bills, after losing the mainstay in her life: her mother.

But when a skateboarding lawyer (I know, right?), knocks her off her axis, only sparks can fly.

This was such a lovely, beautiful, raw and bittersweet novel. I think I cried the entire 25 percent of the story and did not regret a second.

Monaghan has such a beautiful way with words, I can't wait to read what is next.

Pros: I really enjoy Annabel Monaghan's contemporary romance novels because the protagonist is often in her late 30s. This gives her characters more depth and different priorities and life experiences than similar novels that feature 27-year-old main characters. Although this book is a light and fun read in many ways, it also examines grief. As its title suggests, this will be a great summer read.

Cons: The biggest con for this book (and any of the author's future books) is that I compare it to Nora Goes Off Script, which is one of my favorites in the genre. Although I really liked Summer Romance, Nora is still my favorite of the author's books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group, G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read this book.

3+ stars

Still reeling from her mom’s death two years ago and her husband’s announcement that he wanted a divorce a year later, professional home organizer Ali Morris’ life is a mess. She finally builds herself up enough to take off her wedding ring and put on “hard pants” (overrated, in my opinion) and finds herself in a meet-cute at her local dog park.

I loved how perfectly this book depicted the complexities of relationships, which made it so easy to relate to and root for Ali (as well as Ethan). I also loved that while Ali is struggling with some of the really difficult parts of life and has lost herself along the way, she finds her way back to her true self and figures out how to take control of her own life and happiness. Nora Goes Off Script was one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and Summer Romance is now right up there with it!

I rated this book 5/5. Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this e-ARC!

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and laugh-out-loud tale that effortlessly blends humor with genuine emotion. Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life mirrors the chaos she tries to tame, takes readers on a delightful journey of self-discovery and unexpected connections.

Monaghan's writing is a perfect mix of wit and tenderness, creating a narrative that resonates with authenticity. Ali's struggles with loss, divorce, and the challenges of daily life are portrayed with both sensitivity and humor, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist. The author skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, ensuring that readers will find themselves both chuckling and tearing up as Ali navigates her messy, yet beautifully human, existence.

The concept of a summer romance, presented with a refreshing twist, adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story. The humor derived from Ali's dog "claiming" a man for her is both clever and endearing. The unexpected encounter with Ethan brings a spark to Ali's life, and readers will find themselves rooting for this unlikely duo.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of life's messiness and the beauty that can emerge from it. Ali's journey toward embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places is a universal theme that will resonate with a wide audience. The narrative skillfully balances the lightheartedness of a summer romance with deeper reflections on resilience and the human spirit.

"Summer Romance" is a delightful escape into a world where laughter and love triumph over life's messiness. Annabel Monaghan's ability to infuse humor into poignant moments makes this novel a standout in the genre. For readers seeking a heart-tugging and hilarious summer read, this book delivers on its promises and more, earning it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. I loved this book and enjoyed the storyline. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romance book that feels more realistic.

This was such a sweet story with a wonderful cast of characters. I loved a romance with a mom who had lost herself finding herself and love again.

Annabel Monaghan writes the kind of books that I wish I could live. A main character going through a hard time in life but finds love in the most surprising way. Ali has been in a funk for the past two years after her mom died and then her husband, Pete, left her. Luckily, Ali had a supportive best friend and a motherly next door neighbor to help her through. A meeting at the local dog part brings the love she never expected to find again. All tied up with a happy little bow. Monaghan’s novels make me smile and feel warm inside, like there is that possibility of a happy ever after for all of us.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and humorous tale that follows the life of Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is, ironically, in disarray. Dealing with the recent loss of her mother and the departure of her husband, Ali finds solace in her work despite her own chaotic living situation. She hasn't worn pants with a zipper in ages, and her pantry, ironically for an organizer, is in a state of disarray.

Unexpectedly, Ali's life takes a turn when, for the first time in a long while, she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware. This simple act leads her to meet someone, with her dog playing a crucial role in making the connection. Ethan enters her life, smiling at Ali as if her pants are just right, bringing a spark of joy and romance into her messy world.

As Ali navigates the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery, "Summer Romance" promises a delightful blend of humor, heart, and the unpredictable nature of romance. The novel explores themes of resilience, healing, and the unexpected twists that life can take, even in the midst of chaos.

Readers can expect a charming narrative with relatable characters, witty humor, and the promise of a summer romance that might just bring a sense of order to Ali's messy life. Annabel Monaghan's storytelling is likely to resonate with fans of women's fiction and romantic comedies, offering a light-hearted and enjoyable reading experience.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (4.5/5 stars)

"Summer Romance" is a heartwarming tale that sweeps readers into a world where love knows no bounds. The story revolves around Ali and Ethan, two souls destined to meet. As they navigate the complexities of life, love, and personal growth, the novel explores the transformative power of genuine connection.

The characters in "Summer Romance” are skillfully crafted, each possessing a depth that makes them relatable and endearing. Ali and Ethan are not just protagonists; they are real, flawed individuals who undergo significant development throughout the narrative. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, creating a rich tapestry of relationships.

The plot is a delightful journey of love's twists and turns, expertly paced to keep readers engaged from start to finish. The narrative is not just about the romance between Ali and Ethan but also delves into broader themes such as learning to love again after loss. The well-crafted plot twists add excitement and unpredictability, keeping the reader eagerly turning pages.

Annabel Monaghan has a writing style that is both eloquent and accessible. The prose flows seamlessly, carrying the reader through the emotional highs and lows of the characters. The dialogue is natural and contributes to the authenticity of the relationships portrayed.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotions. The chemistry between Ali and Ethan is palpable, and the author masterfully captures the intricacies of love. The well-developed characters, engaging plot, and evocative writing style make this novel a standout in the romance genre.

"Summer Romance" is a captivating romance novel that transcends the genre. It is a tale of love, growth, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a beautifully crafted love story with depth and authenticity.

In conclusion, "Summer Romance" is a testament to the enduring power of love, skillfully penned by Annabel Monaghan. Whether you are a romance enthusiast or simply looking for a compelling story, this novel is must-read.

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Just to step away from the more serious review I absolutely adored the two main characters, I recommend this to anyone who wants to give love a second chance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing access to the e-arc.

I absolutely love the way Annabel Monaghan writes her characters. Her romances are realistic. She handles hard topics in ways that are relatable. I have enjoyed reading her other books. But this book is incredible. This book made me laugh, tear up and frustrated. I love that her fm characters are strong women who are just trying to find their place in a world of chaos.

I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future.

i was beyond thankful to get an advanced copy of this book. annabel has this way of making me fall completely in love with a couple and then thinking there's no possible way it can work out. this book had me laughing and crying (a lot). it was everything my high expectations hoped for. i did have some trouble personally relating to ali at the beginning, but the perfect ending was worth it! annabel has quickly become one of my favorite authors and i absolutely cannot wait to see what’s next!!!

Listen. I really liked this one, once I got past the first bit. To echo a previous reviewer, there is a lot of telling in the beginning and it was a little slow for me. I also don’t usually love kids in books, but the FMC’s three were pretty likable. Overall I think this is a really solid, albeit heavy, story and I love that the communication between the two MC’s was (mostly) open and healthy. I definitely didn’t enjoy this as much as Same Time Last Summer, but I do recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of Annabel Monaghan new novel Summer Romance. A very cute book about second chances. Enjoyed Ali and Ethan's relationship and all the secondarily characters. This is my 2nd book by her and I really enjoyed both.

Another great book by Annabel Monaghan! Gave me the same vibes as Nora Goes Off Script but with a “best friend’s brother” twist. Great main and secondary characters, cute kids, and a small town feel.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for Summer Romance to come out June 4, 2024.