3.5 stars!! The choppy dialogue was hard to get used to at first and I’d be interested to see if that’s her writing style or just how the characters interacted in this book. I’m not always a fan of the divorced single mom falling in love with the first guy that’s nice to her after being with a crappy ex. But I did enjoy how their relationship was built and could forgive the slightly faster timeline considering the circumstances of how they knew each other. I’ll definitely recommend this to friends looking for a solid closed door romance!

true to the title, a perfect summer romance. this author always delivers but somehow stands apart in a homogenous genre (that i love). i love her to the point prose and can’t wait for another next summer !

Ali Morris is struggling with depression after the death of her mother when her husband tells her he doesn't want to be married anymore. She can't muster the energy to care, just like she can't muster the energy to put on "hard pants" or sort the mail and fold the laundry, despite being a professional organizer.

Then, one day at the dog park, her dog pees on the leg of a really hot guy. Even though Ali is a mess and the guy's foot is soaked with dog pee, there's a clear spark between the two. Ali decides to maybe start trying a little harder, especially when she goes out with the guy - Ethan - and it's an incredible date, but he doesn't kiss her.

I don't want to spoil anything else, but I do want to talk about how accurately the book describes the "disappearing" someone does when they have depression. Ali's not being able to get dressed in clean clothes or do the dishes is a clear sign of something wrong, but because her kids were well cared for, no one really seemed to worry about Ali's lack of self-care (except her friend, who tells her to wear hard pants). The book does address this and how Ali went from a driven, promising high school valedictorian to a woman in stained gray sweatpants who never stands up for herself, and watching Ali's growth is, I think, healing.
<blockquote>When I get home, I am buoyed by the progress at the inn, so I set a timer on my phone and spend ten minutes loading the dishwasher and scrubbing the pots in the sink. This feels a tiny bit like self-care.</blockquote>
The romance is lovely, too. It's closed-door, so if you require spice you might be disappointed. But I have realized I am a big fan of any best-friend's-sibling, childhood-sweethearts, high-school-loser-turns-hot-and-gets-the-guy/girl type tropes. There is something about that longing and pining that just hits a sweet note for me, and this book does that very well.

I did feel that the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly, and had it ended differently, it might have been 5 stars. But I still recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet summer romance to read.

And remember: We can do hard things, and we can wear hard pants.

I love a good underdog story and the lead character in this one, Ali, really gives us someone to root for! I could relate to her as a mom and the overwhelming feeling that can sometimes be running a home. I was rooting for her throughout and reading through her journey was inspiring and just made me darn happy! My thanks to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Putnam for the gifted e=copy.

Another best friend's brother romance (that's two in a row) - and I really enjoyed this one too. Ali is a professional organizer who is a bit of a hot mess. Her mom passed away 2 years ago, her husband left her one year ago, and she can't remember the last time she wore hard pants. She meets a guy at the dog part, sparks fly, and surprise - it turns out to be her best friend's younger brother that she hasn't seen in years.

This book is basically Ali trying to get her life back on track over the course of a summer. There's a lot of growth, and Ali coming to grips with her mom being gone and being single. I liked that she FINALLY stood up to her ex husband, because he was a piece of work.

She seemed a bit clingy once her and Scooter started becoming more than friends. By the end of the book I was like girl, chill. Actually, Scooter was a little clingy too, now that I think about it.

It could have just been me because this book got some rave reviews and I went in with exceptionally high expectations. It just wasn't quite as perfect as I was expecting. Still well done, and I look forward to more from this author.

When I read other reviews I had an idea this was about a friend dating another friend's brother and the problems that causes. But it really wasn't--it was about friendship, yes, but more about a woman picking herself up, dusting herself off, and starting life again. The characters in this story are delightful, especially her best friend's (and new boyfriend's) parents--I wish they could have been around more instead of going to Florida. And of course, there is a villain--Ali's husband, who in the end does get what he deserves. Ethan (Scooter) is every woman's dream man, I think he is perfect (I would trade my husband of over 50 years for him). Even though this book really isn't at all realistic--no one is as perfect as Ethan and the end of the book ties everything up nicely in a bow, it is still a fun read and sometimes a book that makes you smile is enough...

"Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken."
Summer Romance is about a professional organizer whose life is a mess until the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past. This author has written another amazing book that will have you turning pages till the end. I loved the characters and the romance in the book. This is the perfect read for the summer and I highly enjoyed this one. I would highly recommend this one to any reader but especially to those who love a good romance book. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this amazing read in exchange of my honest review of Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan.

I loved Nora Goes Off Script but found Same Time Next Summer somewhat forgettable. I hoped to have another Nora experience here, but Summer Romance just didn't hit in the same way for me. I appreciate that Annabel Monaghan writes female main characters who have some lived experience and are fully formed characters, but the plot fell a little flat for me in this one. I also couldn't get on board with Ethan, the skateboarding, small town attorney and love interest. This one has 4+ stars on Goodreads so I'm clearly in the minority on this one!

Summer Romance is such an amazing summer beach read book. I enjoyed every minute of reading it and the story line unfolded beautifuly. I loved reading about Ali and Ethan and want to go to this beach town so so bad! I was hoping for a little more spice, this is definitely a closed door book, but overall it was a super cute read and I loved reading it.

Thank you Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading this I am on a mission to declutter my life. If you know, you know.

The author managaes to convey being a mother and a woman so well in each of her stories. I may not be in the same situation as Ali, but I find her relatable. I enjoy each of the characters and what they add to the story.

This story is about finding yourself again, love and friendship. This story had so much heart and pulled me in emotionally.

Reading the author's notes gave me more insight into the story, which I apprecitated.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
Main characters in their 30’s
He falls first (so hard)
Mom life
Small coastal towns
Best friend’s brother
The Home Edit
Golden retriever man
Just dogs in general

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!!

I forgot how much I love Annabel Monaghan’s writing. Summer Romance has a lot of similar themes to Nora Goes Off Script and it was comforting to be wrapped in that small town atmosphere, watching the FMC come into her own and sparkle. A joy, always.

This is so much more than a romance book. Ali is going through some serious life altering changes in her life while still being a mom to three kids. It’s about individual growth, loving yourself first, and being selfish just a bit. Ethan is patient and kind but also a strong supporter of Ali and finally standing up for herself and her kids.

There are no words to describe how much I loved this book. Annabel’s writing works so well for me. The banter and the chemistry between the characters and how it all ties up with a perfect bow at the end is perfection. In addition, her books have always felt relatable in whatever stage of motherhood I’ve been in at that moment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the stars!!

This was a great romance to read. Very believable and I was rooting for the main character the whole time. She has very real growth and her confidence came back after years of hard marriage. I loved Ethan and how he adapted to Ali’s life. Also the candle he held for her since high school was an added bonus.

Annabel Monaghan has quickly become one of my favorite comfort authors. If she writes it, I will read it!

To say I was hooked from the first line of Summer Romance is an understatement. I have definitely felt like just throwing shit in the pantry on more than on occasion!

While I’ve never been divorced, I know a number of people who have. I understand the struggles of a single parent trying to do it all. Summer Romance isn’t as light as the cover would imply. It has some real life grief filled moments that unfortunately a lot of people can relate to.

TW: death of parent, divorce, and more

Read if you like:
-MC over 30
-single parent
-Best friend’s brother
-closed door romance

It’s been a while since I’ve read a romance that left me with a really solid life lesson that had me pondering in silence upon finishing it. So much character depth! The love present in this book isn’t ground breaking, which I love! Don’t get me wrong, I love some good ol’ once in a lifetime love — but there’s something so real about the gentle, simple love between the characters. It’s so nice seeing people get what they deserve after being with awful partners.

It’s always fun to see how authors incorporate kids into the storyline with the divorcee has kids. I think this book was so well-done and the author note really clarified some questions I had about conversations with a deceased parent.

The third act breakup is so good and justified! I love when that happens. Not a spicy book at all, but that’s okay! Just a heads up. :)

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam books for this book in exchange for an honest review!

REVIEW 🏖️

Summer Romance ~ Annabel Monaghan
Pages: 378
Genre: Romance

Gist: Ali’s life is a mess - she is thick in the grief of losing her mother and her husband wants a divorce. But a happenstance encounter with her best friend’s brother, Ethan, has her contemplating a summer romance. If only the summer never ended…

Thoughts: I LOVED this. Like love love LOVED this. I have been telling everyone I know to read Nora Goes Off Script since I read it last year and now I will be telling those same people to pick this up immediately!

The best part - the characters. Each and every one of them brought life to the small town of Beechwood from Ethan’s eccentric parents to Ali’s three charming children. Even Ali’s mother makes an appearance as the voice in Allie’s head guiding her through a failing marriage and a new chance at love. A romance with depth, heart, and self reflection - Ali truly makes you feel like second (or third or even fourth) chances are truly possible.

Monaghan has my heart and is an author I will also run to read. This made my heart so happy and kicked off my summer reading in the most perfect way. Thank you @putnambooks for sending an eARC my way - physical copies are out now!

what a beautiful summer read!!! i adored this so much. i loved following the main character, ali. there were so many intricacies to this book and it was so interesting to see how she navigated it all. this book explores soo many themes such as divorce, grief, motherhood, complicated family dynamics, friendship, love, and losing yourself and then finding yourself again. i loved the whole cast of characters in this book - ethan, greer, iris, cliffy, phyllis, frannie, marco, theo & more. i genuinely didn’t want this book to end - i could have read about these characters doing the most boring, mundane things and still love it! i think that is a testament to annabel monaghan’s writing and how she is able to fully immerse you in the story. sometimes i question how much i will enjoy motherhood incorporated into a story since i cannot relate to it at this point in my life, but i thought annabel monaghan did a great job of exploring the complexities and challenges of being a mom and also having your own identity outside of that. this book definitely leans more toward women’s fiction, but i loveddd the romance in this. i thought ethan was so sweet and i loved how he made space for ali and allowed her to feel her feelings and also how he was able to remind her what she was capable of. this was an amazing and dynamic story that definitely pulled at my heartstrings. i loved it and would highly recommend adding it to your summer tbr 🫶🏻

Such a fun summer beach read ! I finished it quickly ! I love this author and this book did not disappoint ! We picked it for our book club to discuss !

I loved Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan. I really liked Summer Romance but I didn’t fly through it like the other two.

Ali Morris’ mom died two years ago and in the anniversary of her death, her husband asks for a divorce. Ali’s life is a mess. But she has two great kids, and a best friend, Frannie. Ali also has an adorable dog, Ferris. When Ali takes Ferris to the dog park, he hikes his leg in a handsome stranger, Ethan.

Turns out, Ethan is Frannie’s grown brother, who Ali knew as Scooter. He’s two years younger than she is which made a difference years ago, but not anymore.

Ethan has had a crush on Ali for a while and now that she’s single, he makes his move. But Ethan is only in town for the summer wrapping up selling his family home now that his parents have moved to Florida.

What’s Ali to do? Have a Summer Romance!

This book was very good. The characters are great. I loved my time with them.

The pacing of this book was a little slow in parts and I had a hard time keeping the characters straight for awhile.

Overall, great summer beach read. Thank you to #netgalley and #cpputnamsons the publisher for an e-copy of #summerromance .