This story draws you in from the get go.
It’s a thought provoking, heart warming, funny tale surrounding a soon to be divorced, single mom navigating through her new situation and past life choices.
Ali and Ethan’s chemistry jumps right off the page and sucks you into their sweet story.
Underneath the romance aspect portion of the novel is a story of rediscovery and learning how to handle, life, loss and love.
Highly recommend, you will not be d disappointed!

Single mom, divorce, closed door, grief

What an enjoyable read that gave me all the feels! I laughed, cried, and had butterflies! Annabel does an incredible job of making you fall in love with her characters with a closed door romance. Set during the summer but would be excellent for any time of the year!

This book was such a gem! I absolutely loved Nora Goes Off Script but wasn’t as enamored with Same Time Next Summer, so I was excited to see how I’d feel about Summer Romance.

I love Monaghan’s writing and I love that her characters are grown ups with real life, everyday problems. It’s refreshing to read about a 38-year-old woman finding herself because as we all know, you’re always growing and you can find/change/reinvent yourself at any age.

I liked the love story but I loved Ethan. He was such a sweetheart and he really stole the show for me!

"The air is summer warm and the sun is as low as the stakes." This felt like the motto for this breezy, charming summer read. Jump in, the water's fine! Just do it! What do you have to lose!? All sentiments that crossed my mind while reading this book. I enjoyed both main characters (and the secondary characters too). I felt like I was along for the ride, and I didn't want summer to end either!

"He takes my hand, and I feel relieved. Like I've plugged back into an energy source." YES! I had all the feels while reading this cute story.

I was smiling this entire time WOW OH WOW DO I LOVE THIS BOOK!! I hated the husband so so much and was just overall rooting for everyone (esp Cliffy he's so cute!)

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Annabel Monaghan does it again. I was super pumped to read this as I love everything I've read by Monaghan and I was not disappointed at all.

The characters she develops are perfect. Not in a they are perfect and there is nothing wrong with them type of way, but they are perfect because they are flawed. They feel so real and relatable. I spent the whole book wanting to hug Ali, she was going through so much and was doing the absolute best she could. Her character development and journey coming back to herself were A+.

The romance was great! I thought it was super realistic and loved the chemistry between Ali and Ethan. There was little spice so don't be expecting a super steamy read. But the chemistry and angst were perfect!

This book made me laugh and cry (both happy and sad tears). If you're looking for a quick read (I read it in one sitting) that makes you feel all the feels while reading, I highly recommend this!!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Annabel Monaghan is an absolute master at creating characters that a reader can truly empathize with. Ali has a lot to work through at the start of Summer Romance- grief, divorce, single parenthood, and Monaghan doesn’t gloss over the tough topics. I love seeing Ali come back to herself with the help of Ethan, and how they both became each others homes.
All of the characters are extremely well developed and it’s easy to fall in love with them all (well, except Pete!). Summer Romance is much deeper than the title would lead to to believe- but what a beautiful story it is!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for a review.

I first met Annabel with her book Nora Goes off Script and it was love at first read. When I got my hands on Summer Romance, I was hoping I wouldn't be disappointed and I must say it held the bar just as high. I absolutely loved it.

The characters that Annabel writes are so real, so relatable, that you can perfectly empathize with them. This particular book made me feel hope, I laughed to tears with Ali, my heart was squeezed and when her happily ever after finally arrived I couldn't help but let out a few tears.

Ali Morris: you became one of my favorite female characters this year.

Thanks to Net Galley and Annabel for the opportunity to read this advance copy. And in case you have any doubts: I absolutely recommend this book.

The follow up to Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Year is right smack in the middle of those two books in terms of book adoration. Nora is a five star read and if I could give it more, I would! Same Time Next Year didn't give me those feel good vibes in quite the same way and so it ranked somewhere in the 3.5 star range. Summer Romance was a book that I think could have easily have had 50-75 more pages (epilogue plz) and it would have been almost perfect. So 4 stars is where it lands in my head. With that said, I wish that I had Ali's relationship with her mother. Sometimes for folks like me with that awkward strained mother/daughter relationship.... reading about such a devoted mother and close relationship can be a bit much for me but I think my favorite part was when Ali realizes that Fancy (Nancy) wasn't perfect and in fact probably was a little too protective of her. This aha moment made me realize that the love that I have tried to give my own children that I was missing needs to be a balance of comfort without smothering.
Now, the romance part of this story was just incredible... I rooted for Ethan (Scooter) and Ali the whole time and loved the angsty moments more than I want to admit. There are children (that Ethan totally loves on!) and there are dogs and there are moments of total outright laugh out loud moments (think '70's style tux)..... I just wanted even more of this couple and I loved all the little moments between the love and pain! I adore Annabel Monaghan's writing and I'm here for it all day!

"Summer Romance" is the second book by Annabel Monaghan that I've enjoyed reading, and my anticipation was high after thoroughly enjoying "Same Time Next Summer."

This delightful story revolves around Ali, a soon-to-be-divorced single mother embarking on self-discovery through a summer romance. Despite not being a parent myself, Ali's narrative resonated with me, showcasing Monaghan's ability to capture real-life issues with a touch of light-hearted romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan, and Penguin House Putnam for providing the advanced reader copy of "Summer Romance." This book is scheduled for release in June 2024 and is an engaging and memorable read.

I am enamored. This is easily Annabel Monaghan's best yet. It's a warm breeze, nostalgia, and a champagne summer. It's about remembering who you are, shedding the clutter, and putting on the Hard Pants (TM).

Selfishly, I think I picked this book up at exactly the right moment in my life. I'm not grieving the loss of a loved one, going through a divorce, nor single=parenting three children. And yet. There are some subtle, sage truths in these pages about harnessing courage and self-discovery that will resonate broadly with readers.

Oh, and Ethan? Perfection. I've said it once, I'll say it again. We love a man who pines. The emotional development here is palpably realistic and yet still so dreamy. Love, love, love.

TY to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Net Galley for the ARC!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars! Man, she's done it again! This is my third book by Annabel Monaghan this month, and my favorite so far. 🌶️🌶️- A little steam, but not too much IMO.

Ali Morris is a struggling soon-to-be divorced mother of three. The book starts two years after her mother's passing, one year after her separation, and the day she finally takes off her wedding ring and puts on "hard pants" (opposite of sweats/leggings). She meets the handsome and charming Ethan at the dog park and decides to put her anxieties aside and pursue a summer romance with this man who makes her feel like her old super self.

The juxtaposition of being so grateful to a parent's love and care, while being so frustrated with some of the trauma they unknowingly imposed, and trying to raise your own children while you are still learning/growing and you just know you are actively messing them up too.....SO RELATABLE!!! It feels so good to feel seen and to feel less lonely when reading a book. Her characters are deep with real baggage but she still makes the story fun, light-hearted, and feel good and you are rooting for the heroine's growth the entire time.

Thank you so much to Annabel Monaghan and Penguin Group Putnam for the Digital ARC of this book. This book was such a cute and quick read! It will make a great summer read. I loved Ali and Ethan in this story.

I think this is my favorite from this author! Loved the love story written for older adults with kids- made it feel more relatable and real. Fans of her previous work will enjoy!

A new favorite by Annabel Monaghan! I've read all of her books and this one somehow tops them all! This book was so comforting and original, which is what makes this author shine. She tells stories that you haven't yet heard but in a relaxing way that makes you fly through the book because it's so enjoyable to read.
Summer Romance centers on Ali who is a single mom of three, soon to be divorced and a professional organzier. She lost her mom, who was also like a best friend, two years before, and she's trying to find her way back to herself. She meets a charming man named Ethan and they start up a summer romance and Ali starts to rediscover who she is and take back her life.
I'm not a parent personally but this felt like a book that would empower parents to feel like individuals again and still embrace the fun mess of being a parent. The book made me want to be more outgoing and fun. I also loved the organizational parts of the book. It makes me want to tackle my to-do list and reorganize my life.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read this wonderful book!

𝐁 𝐎 𝐎 𝐊 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖


4.6/5⭐️ Summer Romance- Annabel Monaghan


𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒


Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.


There aren’t enough labeled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris’s life. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She’s a professional organizer whose pantry is a disgrace.


No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?




𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:


THANK YOU Netgalley, Annabel Monagahn, and Penguin House Putnam for this advanced reader copy.


So far this is the third book I have read by this author and so far she is 3/3 with me (also read nora goes off script + same time next summer). A story of both light and heavy hearted romance. Comedic relief, very real issues of marriage and divorce, and personal growth all wrapped up into a nice little story with a fun background setting and cast of supporting characters.


Keep an eye out for this book, Pub Date June 2024!


#bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #bookgram #instareads #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #goodreads #bookstagram #romance #netgally #arc

This was such a fun and easy read. It’s going to be great for summer. I loved Ali and Ethan’s story. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC

This delightful book deserves all the stars in the summer sky !

From the first page to the last, "Hearts in Harmony" orchestrated a symphony of emotions that left me grinning ear to ear for hours. It's a story that not only warmed my heart but also healed my spirit with its five-champagne-worthy brilliance.

Closed-door romance and the best friend's kid brother trope may sound like familiar tunes, but the way Ali Morris and Ethan played their notes felt refreshingly natural. Ali, a quirky and relatable character, has been through the wringer—dumped by her husband on the second anniversary of her mother's death, raising three kids, and finding solace in reorganizing her closet as a form of meditation. Her conversations with her deceased mom for guidance and signs add a charming and poignant touch.

The entry of charming lawyer Ethan, whom Ali's dog takes an immediate liking to (a dog with excellent taste, no doubt), sparks an undeniable and palpable attraction. For the first time in Ali's life, she feels truly seen and accepted. As her summer fling with Ethan deepens, questions arise about the possibility of a serious relationship and the potential complications it could bring to Ali's life. Can Ali, inspired by her mother's words about having it all, embrace a happy ending with Ethan, even if he's known for his commitment issues? Will they be able to rewrite their own happily-ever-after?

I couldn't put the book down, devouring each chapter in one sitting. It proved to be the perfect antidote to my dark mood, brightening my entire week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this heartwarming and enchanting story.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I had a really hard time getting into this book, because the Ali and Ethan meet cute seemed weird and didn’t really ring true to me. But once I was able to pick the book back up and get back into it, I fully enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. Both main characters felt fully fleshed out, like real people I could meet on the street. Ali had her own baggage to work through, and she not only realized it but fully addressed it (which was a breath of fresh air, as I find that a lot of times characters’ flaws are never truly resolved). Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming one of my favorite women’s fiction authors, many thanks to this book!

Soon to be divorced Ali Morris is struggling in life. Still grieving the loss of her mother while coming to terms with her impending divorce, and unable to organize her house and life the way she does for her clients, she doesn’t even remember the last time she wore “hard pants.” Then, on the day she removes her wedding ring and actually wears a quasi-presentable outfit, she meet cutes Ethan at the dog park. When instant attraction leads to a potential summer romance, Ali decides to go all in and see where this “champagne Summer” will take her.

There is a reason Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me, and it is because she writes books that feature very realistic characters, are insanely swoony, and that will leave you with a gigantic grin on your face, even after shedding a few tears along the way. I started this book knee deep in a slump and yet, even in that slump, I binged this book in little more than a sitting. It was that good.

By the time I finished reading, I felt as though I knew these characters inside and out. Forget creating multi-faceted characters, Monaghan creates life-like paper people ᵗᵐ. I laughed with Ali as she navigated dating life, I cried with her when she struggled with her oh so relatable Mom moments, and I completely swooned as she discovered what it felt like to truly be wanted for the first time in her life. And while her characters are actually amazing, her plot line is equally exceptional. I never feel bored, a loss of focus, or confused while reading her books. They are evenly paced, and easy to read (in the best possible way). They will make you feel renewed hope and gratitude for the world, your life, and the people you fill it with.

My only disappointment is that I will now have to wait an entire year for her next book, though I am sure I will be doing a reread of this one before it even hits shelves.

Read if you like:
•late 30s MCs
•single parent
•best friends brother
•meet cutes
•forced proximity
•closed door romance

Thank you Putnam for my gifted copy. Out June 4, 2024.