Thank you, Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this digital arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

This was my first Annabel Monaghan book and I wasn't sure what to expect. It took some time for me to get into the story, probably because I'm in my early 20s and don't have a lot in common with a 38-year old single mom, but that wasn't the book's fault.
Still, I got into it after about 40% and liked how real and imperfect the fmc was. The book did a great job at showing that life doesn't end just because a marriage ended and that a divorce doesn't make a woman undesirable or weak. I loved Ali's character development, how she started taking control of her life and figured out what she wanted.
The meet-cute between her and Ethan was really funny and the side characters, especially Cliffy and Phyllis really entertained me.
Ethan was a good mmc and the way the two supported and understood each other was nicely written. However, I would've wished for a little more tension and angst.

All in all, I'd recommend this book to everyone who's looking for a closed-door summer romance book in a family and small-town environment.

A lovely summer read that deals very carefully with some tricky topics. I enjoyed reading it and would read others by this author.

Sigh. A dreamy, summer romance. I absolutely love this authors writing style. It sucks you straight in and is just so clever and witty and realistic. Her characters are relatable and flawed and the breakdown of Ali’s marriage took my breath away with its simplicity and the fact the author didn’t use infidelity or some other trauma to end it. Sometimes it really is as simple as realising you’re no longer in love with the one you’re with. The sentence where Ali said her husband’s complaints were basically white noise in the background of her life was poetic and so, so realistic. As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of this author. I would class this as more women’s fiction than romance, and any romance does take place behind closed doors so if you’re looking for spice this is not the book for you. But read it anyway, because you’ll love it. Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this.

I read Annabel’s second novel last year and loved it. It’s called Same Time Next Summer and it swept me up in its setting and characters. I decided to give Nora Goes Off Script a try - Annabel’s first book and I didn’t finish it. I already had Summer Romance in my Netgalley queue and I was so hoping I’d love it when I started it. Turns out third one’s a charm! I loved this one so much I even set my alarm to get up before work to finish it!

The story is about newly-ish single mother Ali. She’s at a bit of a standstill in her life after the death of her mother and the subsequent death of her marriage that followed. Going into divorce proceedings she finds herself in need of a lawyer and turns to her best friend’s brother. Who just so happens to have turned up for the summer looking and acting nothing like his former goofy troublesome teenager self.

The story really focuses on the relationship between Ali and Ethan (Scooter) and Ali’s relationship with herself as a mother and a woman. It challenges her to reflect on everything she does and helps her to live more purposefully for herself and her family. Ethan is the perfect antidote to Ali’s ex and at points his impact was very comical. It was also profound though and one particular quote I loved was this -

“His ability to meet people where they are and just hold the space for them to step into their best selves without any expectation of what that might be.”

It just totally summed Ethan up, it’s described as his superpower and I couldn’t agree more. I think he’s got to be up there now as one of my favourite boon boyfriends. I already can’t wait to reread this one and think I probably will before the end of the summer.

Ali Morris was once happily married with a family surrounding her. Now, her mother has passed over 2 years ago and her husband marriage is over. The one day she decides to get dressed properly and takes off her wedding ring, she runs into an admirer at the local park, in rather embarrassing circumstances. Slowly, things in her life begins to change but is a Summer Romance what Ali needs? Or will it just lead to heartbreak?

Like any fabulous romance, this one was full of hope and joy and while there were plenty of setbacks, this was just so fun and delightful! I cried, sad and happy tears and flew through this one in a day. Highly recommend. 4.5* This author has become a firm favourite.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this wonderful novel. It was a gifted copy, in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for allowing me access to an ARC of Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan.

As usual, Monaghan's writing is gentle, conscientious, and immersive. The town of Beechwood is charming, made vivid by Monaghan's skilled descriptions of the diner, the spinster sister houses, the creek at the bottom of Ali's home. I am in love with this town, and I want to move there!

As ever, Monaghan's love interests are charming, and incredibly kind. Ethan is immensely loveable. He listens, he cares, and he adores Ali. He loves dogs, he cares for his community, he's intelligent, and responsible. He's delicious!

I'm always up for a coastal romance, with idyllic locations, and a gentle story. Monaghan consistently delivers an elevated version of this, and Summer Romance lands on top. This elevated summer romance is sure to warm hearts! Time for a reread...

Ali Morris isn't coping well after the death of her beloved mother and the collapse of her marriage, showering, washing her hair, trousers with a zip, emptying the dishwasher etc are all beyond her most days. The irony is that she is a professional organiser (like those two women who scream a lot on that TV show).

Then whilst walking her dog in the park he introduces her to this gorgeous guy, by peeing on his foot! Nevertheless he seems interested in Ali and asks her on a date, which seems to be going swimmingly, until he suddenly becomes a bit 'off' and seems to lose interest.

Despite the unhappy ending to their date, Ali is bubbling over with new feelings. Until she discovers that her date, Ethan, is none other than her best friend's irritating little brother Scooter. Scooter lives a three hour drive away and is very clear that he never wants to return to his home town, his parents still think he's unreliable and his big sister thinks he's a loser whereas he has created a new life for himself upstate where he is a valued member of the community. Ali can't leave town, all her memories are here and she needs to be close to her ex-husband for when he deigns to take their three children (if he isn't busy doing something else).

But with those clear parameters set, there's no harm in a summer romance is there? The trouble is, Ethan makes himself indispensable to Ali and when the summer ends will she be able to let him go?

I love Annabel Monaghan, I love her heroines and they truly deserve the wonderful heroes she gives them and this was no different. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Thank to #NetGalley for an #ARC of #SummerRomance.

Synopsis: Ali Morris's life is a mess, with her mother's death, a divorce, and a chaotic pantry. Surprisingly, when she decides to take off her wedding ring and wear proper pants, her dog introduces her to Ethan. Despite her reservations, Ali considers a summer romance.

Rating: ☆☆☆.5

Getting another book by Annabel Monaghan was exciting, especially after how much I loved Nora Goes Off Script last year—I rated it five stars. I admire how Annabel creates romances for women who've given up on love. In this story, I appreciated the protagonist's journey as she dealt with loss and moved forward with the support of friends like Frannie and Ethan. Although I didn't sense a strong bond between the main couple, I still found the book delightful and quick-paced, and I'd definitely suggest it to others.

Title: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartfelt and beautifully written tale of life, love, and loss.

Ali Morris, a professional organizer grappling with the messiness of her own life, unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Ethan after a chance encounter involving her dog. Despite her reservations, Ali embarks on a summer romance with Ethan, finding comfort and support in their budding relationship.

Monaghan expertly crafts the dynamic between Ali and Ethan, portraying them as a perfect partnership who bring out the best in each other.

Their journey together is both heartwarming and poignant, touching on themes of grief, love, and resilience. The book weaves together humour, relationships, and moments of raw emotion, captivating readers from start to finish.

While the story may tug at your heartstrings, it also leaves you with a sense of hope and optimism. Though I wished for an epilogue to glimpse into Ali and Ethan's future, I found the book incredibly satisfying and well-written overall.

"Summer Romance" is a must-read for romcom lovers seeking a story that feels authentic and relatable, with moments that will make you swoon, gasp, smile, and cry.

Thank you to The Publisher Aria & Aries | Aria, The Author Annabel Monaghan & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I was expecting this to be a light fluffy read. Instead it was an introspective book about a person in a middle of a life pivot. Still a great read.