Synopsis: We meet Ali Morris on the two-year anniversary of her mother’s death and the one-year anniversary of the day her husband says he doesn't want to be married anymore. Ali is stuck – she’s paralyzed with grief over the passing of her mom and the uprooting of her life by her soon-to-be ex, she's stuck in a small town where everyone knows and pities her, and she's plagued with an absolute disaster of a home, even though she's a professional organizer. After a urine-soaked meet cute with Ethan, the cute guy at the dog park, Ali finally starts to get unstuck. The problem? Ethan's only around for the summer, clearing out his parents’ home after their move to Florida. Oh, and he's her best friend's brother who she hasn't seen since high school and who's known for his unreliability (every single mother’s dream!). Ali tells herself it's okay, she and Ethan are just having a summer romance… It's just for the summer. Famous last words – I bet you know what happens next!

Review TLDR: Summer Romance is an absolute delight from start to finish, but the characters MAKE this book. Ali is relatable, Ethan is dreamy, and the townsfolk are charming. The town of Beechwood is featured so prominently and written so vividly that it feels like a character as well. Ali and Ethan’s families are great as well - they feel so real! The struggles they face are realistic and relatable, and the growth they show in the face of these challenges feels authentic. The romance between Ali and Ethan is sweet and swoonworthy. The only complaint I have about this book is that it ended. It’s the perfect summer read!

Narration Review: The audiobook is narrated by Kristen DiMercurio – she’s the voice behind The Love Wager and and You, Again, among many. Before I listened, I was disappointed that Hillary Huber wasn’t involved, as she’s flawless in Nora Goes Off Script. But Kristen nails it. Her voice is fairly similar to Annabel’s and it made me feel like the author was reading her book to me. She brings Ali to life and does a nice job differentiating the various characters. Highly recommend checking out the audiobook!

Detailed Review:

Characters (5/5)
If I could give this more than 5/5, I would.

Ali experiences significant personal growth throughout the story. She transitions from idolizing her mother to realizing that maybe her mom was too protective of her, to Ali’s own detriment. She focuses on avoiding this mistake with her own children. She acknowledges her role in losing herself and becoming overly dependent on her husband and takes steps to get her power back. Finally, she comes to understand the old adage, grief is the price we pay for love. Life, according to Ali, is “joy peppered by loss” and the madness of it all is that we pick joy despite the risk every single time.

Ethan also develops throughout the story, though less dramatically. His major growth moment comes before the story begins, but we see him dealing with family and old friends who don't realize how much he's changed. He confronts his family about how they treat him and ultimately realizes that he isn’t defined by his past, even if others try to put him into a box.

Ali is relatable and I feel deeply connected to her. Feeling lost, letting yourself depend on someone else in a life you assume will never change, that you accept even though it's not the best version of your life. How do you recover when the rug is pulled out from under you? She wonders whether it would have made a difference if she had only decluttered the kitchen sooner – would she still be married? Even though the answer is obviously no and she doesn’t even want to be married to him anymore, the thought still crosses her mind. I thought I was the only one who thought this way and it’s comforting to know I’m not alone. I related to her loving her mom so much that she can't handle that she's gone and to being paralyzed with fear about losing someone else. The beauty of this book is that everyone is going to find something to relate to in Ali.

Atmosphere/Setting (4.5/5)
After reading Summer Romance, I feel like I'd been to Beechwood! So much of the story happens outdoors in town, which helps. We're constantly moving between Ali's house, the inn, the diner, the beach, the dog park. I feel like a local already.

Writing (5/5)
Flawless, no notes.

Plot (3.5/5)
It's not a wildly unique plot. I’d call it This Summer Will Be Different meets Just For the Summer meets Nora Goes Off Script. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and there's nothing I didn't love about the plot… but it's not groundbreaking. It's the characters in the plot and how brilliantly executed it is that make this novel great.

Intrigue (5/5)
It's not that I couldn't put it down, it's that I forgot I was reading it until it was over.

Logic (5/5)
No notes.

Emotion (5/5)
The only thing I didn't enjoy was that it ended.

I highly recommend this book. Love the relationship development between Ali and Ethan! The topics- such as parenting after divorce- I love that they handled it well.

I loved this book! Ethan made me swoon big time and I appreciated the thoughtful writing around divorce plus parenting. Ali’s journey was highlighted artfully and the narrative filled me with optimism for rediscovering self as life progresses. The author used loving pets to align with grieving and it really hit home.

Annabel Monaghan is such a wonderful writer. She weaves such a story with complex characters and relationships that you are ROOTING for until the very end. Every book I have read of hers has been a five star read and this one was no exception. The chemistry between Ali and Ethan jumped off the pages and I could see this playing out in my head as I read.

I can’t wait for the next stories to come from Annabel, I know they will be superior.

Thank you NetGalley and PUTNAM for an ARC!

When I first came across “Summer Romance,” I was looking for a light-hearted escape, but what I found was so much more. Annabel Monaghan has a gift for crafting stories that feel like they’re speaking directly to you, and this book was no exception.

Ali Morris’s journey hit close to home for me. Her struggles with grief and finding her footing after life’s unexpected blows mirrored my own experiences in ways that were both comforting and inspiring. The messiness of her life, with all its imperfections, was a reminder that it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

Ethan’s entrance into Ali’s world was like a breath of fresh air. His easy smile and acceptance of Ali, just as she was, reminded me of the joy that comes from meeting someone who sees you for who you truly are. Their romance wasn’t just a summer fling; it was a testament to the healing power of love.

The setting of the book, with its coastal charm and sense of community, made me nostalgic for my own childhood summers. Monaghan’s vivid descriptions transported me to a place where the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun felt incredibly real.

“Summer Romance” was more than just a book for me; it was a companion during a time when I needed it most. It made me laugh, it brought tears to my eyes, and ultimately, it left me with a sense of hope. The message that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself and open your heart to new possibilities resonated deeply.

In sharing this review, I’m not just recommending a book; I’m sharing a piece of my heart. “Summer Romance” is a novel that will stay with me for a long time, and I’m grateful to Annabel Monaghan for writing a story that feels like it was meant just for me.

I. Love. This. Book. It’s not just a summer read, I have a feeling I’ll be revisiting this when I need a warm hug in book form.

I've loved a couple of this author's other books (same time next summer was a favorite last year!) And couldn't wait to dive into this one!! I feel like this had all the things I loved about her last two books combined into one and it was just a perfect, summer, one sitting read.

Best friends brother, one heck of a meet cute, small town side characters straight out of gilmore girls, Ethan and Ali's story was a fun little escape on a rainy PNW day. There was plenty of butterflies, laugh out loud scenes, swoon worthy glances, and heart melting moments. I wanted a bit more of an epilogue but that's truly just a personal preference, I feel like the third act was realistic, both generally and for the story itself, and truly can't wait for the release to put a copy of this one on the shelf!!



Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I think this might be my new favorite from Annabel Monaghan! Annabel has this incredible ability to perfectly capture all the magic, dreaminess, and nostalgia of summertime while also writing characters and stories that are complex and realistic, while beautifully entwined with tenderness and vulnerability that will fill your heart with hope. One of the things I love most about Annabel’s stories is that the MCs are their late 30s and 40s. All love stories make me swoon, BUT I love a love story where the MCs are closer to my age.

This story reached right into my chest and left an imprint on my heart. As a mother raising young children, one being a strong but tenderhearted daughter, I related so deeply with Ali. There were so many parts I highlighted and I found myself tearing up over the shared understanding and challenge of finding the balance between wanting to protect your kids from the a-holes at school or painful experiences BUT also wanting to give them the space to make their own decisions and grow as humans. I felt Ali’s struggle over what to say to her kids when they were navigating challenges at home and school and was so encouraged by her transparency and vulnerability - letting them know that they would face the unknown together. At the end of the day, loving our kids and giving them a safe space to land and ask questions is what’s most important and it’s that love that will empower them throughout life.

The medley of friends to lovers, second chance, “it’s always been you” made my heart SOAR! If you want an achingly tender and precious love story that will sweep you right off your feet, this is it! Ali and Ethan were so gosh darn sweet with each other and even though this isn’t dual POV, Ethan didn’t hold back in sharing his heart with Ali, so there was no wondering what was going on in his head. For reals, Ethan has a heart of solid gold, is always championing and encouraging others to be their best selves and chase after what will fulfill them, and is the sweetest cinnamon roll you’ll ever meet. The romance is closed door, but Annabel so perfectly brings tension and heat to the story that you don’t mind the door being closed.

I loved this story from start to finish and am always in awe of Annabel’s gift to write stories that feel like coming home and realistic characters that so many can relate to. This story is breathtaking and beautiful and I love how through Ali and Ethan we’re reminded to kick those influences that diminish our spark or quiet our voice to the curb (Pete’s the worst), and to surround ourselves with people who love unconditionally, stand in our corner, and bolster our dreams. You can feel the love Annabel infuses into her stories, but Summer Romance felt so personal and her note at the end had me teary all over again.

I love Annabel Monahan more with each book I read of hers. Truly.

Summer Romance is a fun, quick, easy to read story that still carries some big topics. I love the MMC Ethan and the way he brings Ali back to herself. I love the way he shows up and fights for her throughout the book. I just love him, okay??

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the ending, but Monahan tied it together wonderfully.

I already can't wait for her next one!

I loved this funny, touching story. Ali and Ethan's love story starts out on a bumpy path, but they soon help each other learn to move on from the past and the pigeonholing by other people, reframing perceived shortcomings into strengths and starting to believe in their own dreams. Ali's high school valedictorian declaration, "I am the architect of my own experience," becomes her adult mantra, and is also adopted by Ethan, who struggles against the outdated perception of himself that his family clings to. The pace of the story is great and kept me reading; I finished it in a couple of days. I love that Ali discovers that she can move on from grief and failure, and be a risk-taker after all when she decides to choose happiness and hope by putting her heart on the line. Ethan leads the way, putting Ali first in all his decisions and showing that he is far from the immature 'Scooter' of his past. I love the characters, the dialogue, the humor, and the story arc of the novel. Annabel Monaghan continues to write the kind of romance that I enjoy reading!

I loved this so much!! If I could give it more stars I would.

Some of my favorite things…
-both MCs-they’re so lovable
-Cliffy is adorable
-the neighbor
-the skateboard lessons

This book was fun and what you want in a summer read. It was not my favorite of hers but still a satisfying read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I was in the mood for a great beach/summer read and Summer Romance delivered! I appreciated that the main character was in her late thirties since so many romance books focus on people in their twenties. I also liked that there were some serious topics, like grief, that were addressed throughout the story. The characters were likable, I rooted for the relationship, I laughed and I cried, so overall, this was a great book in my opinion. This would be a great addition to your summer reading list!

I was so surprised at emotional I found myself at the end of this book. I loved the messy characters. I loved the town and the communities and the characters within them. I loved the way this book highlights the ways we put people (and ourselves) into boxes and limit our relationships. I loved the way this book explored mother-daughter relationships.

This will be a great beach read, but maybe finish it in a place where you’re ok crying. :)

Thank you Putnam for the review copy! I also loved listening to this via the PRH audio influencer program. this book bubbles over with joyful fizziness.! A perfect summer read.

LOVED this book, so much that I read it in one day, I started it Saturday evening, listened to a good 50% in the car the next day, and finished it tonight... and ran to write my review about how much this book clicked with me, my messy house and overwhelmed by the messiness of life and motherhood and all the things, and how very real Ali felt. I loved her self growth, valued her reflection on how things got away from her/her voice and her wants, and how she let herself open up, to feel like the puzzle pieces were coming back together for her. Scooter/Ethan was a great complement to Ali, great foil to the ex Peter, but for me this book was really all about Ali just letting herself be Ali, mom but also more than mom, wife/ex-wife but so much more than that...

Audiobook: excellent narration and a great way to really be in Ali's thoughts, recommend that format highly!

OBSESSED.

I felt so seen in this title and I'm not going through a divorce, but just a middle aged mom who feels lost so much - Annabel did a fantastic job of portraying women in this light. The dog park "meet cute" was one of my favorite scenes in a book. I 100% plan to reread this as the weather warms up and I am in my full on summer mode. Love.

4.5 Stars!

Annabel Monaghan has once again knocked it out of the park with her latest release, Summer Romance.

Summer Romance is a delicious second-chance romance that follows the story of Ali and Ethan. Ali Morris’s life is a complete and utter mess. Reeling from the loss of her mother two years ago, imagine her surprise when her husband declares he wants a divorce. Imagine Ali’s surprise when she decides to take off her rings and leave the house, she meets someone. That someone is Ethan. He makes her feel young and adored. That is until she discovers Ethan’s true identity….

Summer Romance is one of those stories that you can’t help but find yourself getting lost in. Ali’s story is real, raw, and a bit complicated. As a newly single mom, she’s trying to navigate through the new path life is taking her on, all while dealing with the loss of her mother. The last thing she expected to find was Ethan. As her best friend’s brother, Ethan should be 100% off-limits, but the more time Ali and Ethan spend together, the more they realize they have in common. Their lives are messy and complicated in their own ways, and they both have something to prove. Together, these two embark on an unforgettable summer romance and I didn’t even mind that their romance was “closed door”.

Summer Romance is a fantastic read from beginning to end. I couldn’t help but devour this book in just a single sitting and can not wait to see what this author will have in store for us readers next.

If you like romance books that also deal with harder topics like grief, parenthood, and separation, this is the book for you. In this book we meet Ali, a woman struggling to grieve her mother, be a single mom to her three kids, and navigate her divorce. After a not so meet cute at the dog park, Ali starts up a summer romance that soon becomes more. Ethan helps Ali regain her power and her self, two things she felt she lost in her grief and precious relationship. It was beautiful to see Ali and Ethan grow into the people they wanted to be. I do think this book would have hit harder for me if I was a parent myself. I would highly recommend this book to mothers and/or women who have gone through separation.

Ali is working on picking up the pieces of her life after her mother dies and her husband asks for a divorce. What more could she ask for but a summer romance with her best friend's brother.

Annabel Monaghan is one of my go to, feel good romance authors. She has a way of just sucking me in and falling in love with her characters! Here's what I loved with this one:

Ali and Ethan: Gah. These two are amazing. Both have hang ups but both also desperately want each other. I also appreciate the ages of Monaghan's characters. It's hard to find a good romcom with both MCs over the age of 35. But she always does this so well. The characters are relatable and just real.

The setting: This small town has charm and some beautiful waterside places. I wanted to live there the second it was described.

All the Feels: This book is cozy and fun and filled with love and just like a warm blanket at the end of the day. I adore books that feel like home and this one definitely does.

All in all, this was a great romance with lots of heart.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy.

Such a good book. The character development, the plot. Everyone feels as though they’re a little stuck and parts of your life are unbearable at times. Life is funny but all it takes is that one person to believe in you and you start believing in yourself. A great summer beach read