Monaghan has become a go to author for books that deal with real life emotions in such a wonderful way. Summer Romance is no exception. This book is emotional and heartfelt and still manages to make you feel good. Ali shows so much growth and healing through the book and she is to be admired. Ethan is the perfect partner to support her while you also see a lot of character development from him. I think this book goes to show you that sometimes you don’t know what you need until it may be right in front of your face.

The way this book is wistful and sad and sweet and funny and heart wrenching. The realness of life being full of grief and still moving along because motherhood doesn't stop is really eloquently and subtly portrayed. I loved this even more than her previous book, Nora Goes Off Script, which was one of my favorites!

Fun summer romance which came at a perfect time for me as I was separated and not interested in reading something too romantic. This book really captivated me and kept me interested. I live in Massachusetts and could relate to the characters and geography. Great read!

if goodreads would let me rate this book more than five stars, i would. i loved everything about this book and never wanted it to end. out of all the summer rom-coms that have come out for 2024, this one takes the cake. annabel monaghan is a true genius and this is her best book yet.
thank you to netgalley and penguin random house for the
ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Summer Romance is a heartwarming contemporary novel that follows Ali Morris, a 38-year-old professional organizer whose personal life is in disarray. Still grieving her mother's death and navigating a recent divorce, Ali's life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan, a man from her past who reignites feelings she thought were long gone. As they reconnect over the summer, Ali embarks on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the possibility of new love.

Monaghan's writing is both witty and poignant, capturing the complexities of starting over and the courage it takes to embrace change. The novel's relatable characters and charming small-town setting make it an engaging read that balances humor with emotional depth.

This book is recommended for fans of contemporary romance and women's fiction, especially those who appreciate stories about second chances and personal growth. Readers who enjoyed Monaghan's previous works, such as Nora Goes Off Script, will find Summer Romance equally delightful.

This was very cute. Monaghan is becoming one of my insta-buy authors as she's 3/3 for me. I can't wait to read her next one.

Annabel Monaghan has such a wonderful ability to write relatable 40-something female characters who are still figuring out life, much like the rest of us.

Ali Morris is navigating post-divorce life, grieving her mom, and trying to keep her professional organizer career afloat—all while feeling like her own life is in disarray. Enter Ethan, a kind and unexpectedly charming man she meets in the most hilariously awkward way. Their romance unfolds with a sweet, natural chemistry that feels grounded and genuine.

While I didn’t feel this one had quite the same oomph as Monaghan’s last two reads, it’s still an engaging story with all the warmth and humor I’ve come to expect from her writing. Ali’s personal growth is just as central as the romance, and watching her embrace her imperfections and rediscover joy made for a satisfying journey.

Summer Romance is a great summer read—lighthearted, funny, and full of heart. Even if it doesn’t completely outshine her previous books, it’s still a lovely reminder of why Annabel Monaghan is a favorite author of mine.

This book talked about grief beautifully. Readers truly go on this journey of self-love/self-discovery with Ali and it is so rewarding. This book is like a warm hug… and to think it all started with a dog. I will continue reading books from Annabel Monaghan.

Annabel Monaghan has fast become an author whose books I will always read. She excels at character development and I love that she focuses on women that are older/more established in their identity.

The chemistry between Ali and Ethan strikes just right, and I like that both have their own life imperfections that they’re working through, but they’re working through them together.

If you like romances with some complex family dynamics, this is a good book to pick up.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, author and publisher for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I love that the main character is older, a mom, and a mess after her divorce. So many of us have been there. And there is life after the 20s!
All the summer vibes you could possibly want with a forbidden love romance.
Ali is the best at organizing as long as it's not her own life. Ethan lives a full adult life that he loves. He never wanted to go home and she never wanted to accidentally date her best friends little brother.
I really liked Ethan and Ali. I liked the dynamics and relationship. Everyone needs an Ethan in their lives.
Great read and a little escape from winter.

If you’re a fan of fiction involving romance with an honest and funny writing style, you’ll love "Summer Romance." The brilliant writing made this a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me. Even more interesting is the book’s premise that the romance occurs in the setting of a divorce (with children), as well as a new relationship that becomes more complicated than expected. While these topics are not uncommon to fiction or the romance genre generally, Ms. Monaghan does a wonderful job of writing a unique and honest depiction of someone going through a divorce while parenting children and rediscovering her purpose, all with her usual humor and on-point take on real life situations. At the heart of the book though, is a romance with the same brilliant writing, banter, and humor that she is known for in her other books. If you like this book, you’ll also love “Nora Goes Off Script,” also by Ms. Monaghan. I was fortunate to both independently purchase, and afterwards, to receive an ARC copy of Summer Romance through NetGalley.

A wonderful lush romance with a strong grip on humanity. Monaghan is a wonderful writer and an amazing addition to the romance world.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. I am a big fan of Annabel Monaghan's prior books, so I had high hopes for this one, but It didn't really work for me. I enjoyed the writing and characters -- and I love that Monaghan writes about more mature (ahem older) characters, but this overall plot just didn't work for me.

Thank you so much @PutnamBooks for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 04 June 2024)

SYNOPSIS | Ali is a 30-something soon-to-be-divorced mom of 3 who is trying to navigate life as a single parent and all the "firsts" that come with dating again whilst grieving the recent death of her own mom.

WHAT I LIKED:
- how the author captured little everyday moments
- loved that the main MC was a professional organizer

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the romance was too insta-lovey for my liking (Ethan was besotted with her from the get go)
- generally the story erred more on the side of literary fiction than romance
- lots of telling and not a lot of showing
- the third act conflict
- the plot kind of felt too simple / low stakes and there wasn't enough "meat" to keep me intrigued. It was fine but unfortunately forgettable.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan was an absolute delight from start to finish. The novel centers on Ali Morris, a 38-year-old professional organizer whose personal life is in disarray following her mother’s death and a subsequent divorce. Monaghan masterfully portrays Ali’s journey of self-discovery and healing, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.

The story takes a charming turn when Ali’s dog introduces her to Ethan in a rather unconventional way, leading to a heartwarming summer romance. Their relationship unfolds with genuine chemistry and tenderness, capturing the excitement and vulnerability of new love. Monaghan’s writing is both witty and insightful, seamlessly blending humor with deeper emotional themes.

Set in the picturesque town of Beechwood, the novel exudes a cozy, small-town charm that adds to its appeal. The supporting characters, including Ali’s children and best friend, are well-developed and contribute significantly to the richness of the narrative.

What I particularly appreciated about Summer Romance is its focus on personal growth and second chances. Ali’s evolution from a woman overwhelmed by life’s challenges to someone open to new possibilities is both inspiring and heartening. The novel also touches on the complexities of balancing parenthood with personal desires, adding depth to the romantic storyline.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ali is newly divorced and floundering a bit professionally and personally, so indulges in a summer romance that would never work long-term… but what if it did?
This was very easy reading and a delightful, fun little story. While the romance was the main storyline, I really loved how much the main character stepped back into herself and redefined who she was.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this ARC!!

I loved this book. It has one of my most favorite things, FANTASTIC dialogue. The banter is off the charts. Fabulous story!!

*Summer Romance* is a delightful and heartwarming story that captures the messy yet transformative journey of a woman learning to embrace new beginnings. Ali Morris, a professional organizer, is caught in the aftermath of her mom’s death and a difficult divorce. Living in a self-imposed rut, she’s avoided anything that might disrupt her fragile sense of stability—until one fateful day when she steps out of her comfort zone (literally) and meets Ethan, thanks to her dog’s less-than-charming introduction.

This book is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Ali’s reluctance to open herself up to love again is completely relatable, and her dog’s embarrassing “first impression” of Ethan offers the perfect mix of humor and vulnerability. As Ali slowly warms up to the idea of a summer romance, readers are drawn into her journey of rediscovery. The idea of a brief, no-strings-attached fling may sound simple, but the emotional depth that unfolds as Ali navigates the complexities of moving on makes this story far more than just a casual romance.

What I love about *Summer Romance* is its balance of lightheartedness and emotional growth. The author does an excellent job capturing the tension between Ali’s desire to protect her heart and the allure of a connection with someone new. Ethan is the perfect foil to Ali’s hesitation—charming, patient, and refreshingly understanding, he encourages her to embrace a love that is messy but real.

Overall, *Summer Romance* is the ideal read for anyone looking for a feel-good story with depth, humor, and heart. It’s a reminder that sometimes, taking a risk—even just for the summer—can lead to the most unexpected and rewarding experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for laughs, romance, or a touch of personal growth, this book delivers it all in a refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable way.

A sweet, funny, and emotionally satisfying read. Highly recommended for fans of lighthearted women’s fiction and summer romances with a dose of personal discovery!

I loved Monaghan's first book so I was excited for this one. Sadly, it didn't really do it for me. I felt like the plot was rushed and characters immature. I had a hard time connecting with the main characters and rooting for them

I think Annabel Monaghan could write the dictionary and I would still enjoy it. Her wit and humor and grasp on the human experience is perfect.