The cover makes this book look trope-ier than it is. I loved this exploration of life after/during a divorce and all the ways love matters. I loved the intergenerational relationships everywhere and the importance of both kids and the elderly. The main characters of this book are so lovely and thoughtful at their best, I’d like to be friends with them.

I was hoping a book titled Summer Romance would like a light fun read. Although it was fun, I used many many more tissues than expected.

Summer Romance follows Ali Morris through a tough chapter in her life. Still grieving the lose of her mother and navigating life as a soon-to-be divorced mother, Ali can't seem to get herself out of sweatpants and the mess her home has become. Although a professional organizer, Ali can't seem to get out of her own way. When a single, interested, and interesting man walks into her life, she hopes its a chance at a summer romance. "Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken."

This story tugs on every heart string. Grief of a parent's passing. Questioning relationships. Wondering if you are enough. Annabel Monaghan knocked this work out of the park.

Ali Morris proves that moving on doesn't always look pretty, but because we are ..."architects of our own experience." it is always possible.


Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for a chance to read this fantastic book in exchange for an honest review!

When you lose the person closest to you your life can spiral out of control or you just get lost! This is the case in this book Ali is a professional organizer who lost her mother who was her best friend now she is a closet messer her life is a mess, her house, her marriage as she is getting divorce and her love life with an unexpected person. This book had me laughing and in way I could relate! It’s super easy read I recommend!! Keep them coming Annabel!

Thanks NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!!!

Another wonderful book by Annabel Monaghan. I absolutely adored the characters in this book, I wish they were real and that I could visit the diner for breakfast. This was a heartwarming story about finding love after divorce, dealing with grief of losing a parent, while also finding yourself again. Overall, a great read and I can’t wait to get this when it releases June 4, 2024! Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

Annabel Monaghan does it again! Nora Goes Off Script was my favorite book of 2022 and Summer Romance is my favorite book I've read so far in 2024! In this story, Ali's mom passes away and she finds herself drowning in grief, then her husband asks for a divorce and it sends everything into motion. Ali journeys to drag herself out of the darkness with help from good friends, a sweet (and nosy) elderly lady next door, and a "urine-soaked meet cute at the dog park" - it's adorable and funny and heartfelt and tells the story of a great summer romance... dogs and all.

Thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and Netgalley for this ARC. SUMMER ROMANCE is out June 4, 2024.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because this is my FAVORITE Annabel Monaghan novel to date !!!

If you’re looking for something sweet, kind, precious and a good reminder of how much joy surrounds you, PICK THIS BOOK UP! The absolute perfect beach read that will make you feel carbonated (you’ll get the reference after you read it!)

Thank you to NetGalley + the publishing team for the advanced reader copy!

I love anything by Annabel Monaghan, both Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer were 5/5 reads for me.

This story follows Ali, a single mom dealing with grief from losing her mom and figuring out who she is post her divorce. Ali meets a cute guy at a dog park, they have an amazing date and then she realizes she already knows him. From then on we get to see Ali and Ethan fall for each other even though they are both trying not to.

I love romance books with leads in their 30s - I love how complex they are as individuals and both their struggles were shown so truly in this story. They felt like real people you want to root for. Ali's kids were also fun side characters - it surprised me how much I enjoyed their story lines.

The description of the small town the story takes place in was so lovely I felt like I was spending the summer in the book with them. I will say this is my least favorite Monaghan books I've read and I can't quite say why. I felt Ali and Ethan fell too fast it was hard to really see why they liked each other so much. It also felt a little too predictable and somehow was too slow paced at times then felt rushed. I would still give this one a 3.5/5 and definitely a great summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the advance reader copy.

Than you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

Summer Romance was a lovely and sweet (you guessed it) romance that made me wistful for the early days of dating my husband. I loved the developing relationship between Alice and Ethan/Scooter. This book was a perfect beach read and I recommend for anyone heading out on a tropical vacation!

Thanks again for the ARC!

I liked this book better than Monaghan’s sophomore novel and felt more engrossed in this story. I love the light beach-y feel of Monaghan’s writing and enjoyed the characters. As is the genre, it’s an expected ending, though it makes the journey no less enjoyable.

I always like to Annabel Monaghan's books and her writing style. This book started off so strong and thought for sure it was going to be a 4/5 star read. About halfway through though just wasn't really resonating with me anymore. I still enjoyed this book it's a good beach/summer read I liked the characters and the small town setting. I don't really have any complaints about this book just didn't enjoy as much as her previous works. Rating this 4 stars wounded up from 3.5. I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORED this book, which is so much more than just a summer romance. It's heartwarming, hopeful, funny, and painfully honest. Ali's emotional journey is delightfully relatable (for any middle-aged mom who's reluctant to wear pants with a zipper -- you're in good company with Ali.)

It's also a fascinating study in how women can slowly disappear into marriage and motherhood. As Ali grieves the loss of her mother and struggles to find her footing apart from her ex, she realizes: "The most disturbing part of the balance of power in my relationship with Pete is that I was complicit, chipping off pieces of myself and offering them to him until all that was left is who I am now."

Of course, her new summer romance is so tender and satisfying. Ethan is a delight, and the way he looks at her is so swoony! While his emotional arc isn't as compelling as Ali's, it's still more than I expected from a male main character in a summer rom com. The book is also closed door/fade to black so it's great choice for readers who want to avoid spicy scenes. (I could see fans of Sarah Adams really liking this book.)

The publisher's blurb just doesn't do this book justice; it's got all the elements of a great summer romance read, but with real emotional substance, too.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a free ARC of the book.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monoghan is a novel that I rated 2 out of 5 stars. The book certainly has its merits, particularly in terms of its beautifully depicted setting and the author's captivating writing style. Monoghan excels in creating vivid scenes that transport the reader to the charming world she has crafted.

However, while the setting and writing style were enjoyable, I found the plot to be lacking in depth and excitement. The storyline felt somewhat predictable and failed to offer the level of intrigue and engagement that I had hoped for. I believe the book could have benefited from more substantial character development and a stronger narrative arc to hold the reader's interest throughout.

Despite these critiques, "Summer Romance" still offers a pleasant reading experience, especially for those who appreciate descriptive settings and a lyrical writing style. Fans of romance novels set in picturesque locations may find enjoyment in the book's atmospheric charm and romantic elements.

I love Annabel Monaghan's writing style. Summer Romance has lovable characters who are fully developed so they seem like actual people you would know in real life. It's a very relatable and enjoyable story and I was rooting for this couple the entire way through!

Monaghan's writing is warm and inviting, with vivid descriptions that bring the seaside setting to life. From the salty sea air to the taste of melting ice cream cones, she captures the sensory experience of summer in a way that is both nostalgic and evocative. Through Lucy's eyes, readers are transported to a world of sun-drenched beaches, starlit nights, and the timeless magic of first love.

At its core, "Summer Romance" is a story about the joys of youth, the power of friendship, and the transformative nature of love. It celebrates the fleeting moments of summer and the profound impact they can have on our lives. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beach or curled up in a cozy armchair, "Summer Romance" is the perfect escape—a sweet and satisfying read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

A fun and easy summer beach read that hit the ground running. From the adorable meet-cute at the dog park through to the end of the story the characters felt real and unforced. Fun beach read.

By far the best book I've read this year! I loved Summer Romance from the very first page. Even though I couldn't wait to see how it unfolded, I read it as slowly as I could just so I could live in the story a little bit longer. It was raw, real, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hopeful. Ethan showing up in the powder blue tuxedo will forever be etched into my mind. There were many tears shed at the end.

Monaghan writes a different kind of romance--one in which (at least to me) the outcome isn't always obvious; sometimes I don't even know what I want to happen for our heroine. But I'm so here for the journey Monaghan always takes us readers on. I already can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

Summer Romance is the perfect title for this book, and it is the PERFECT summer read. This book just made my heart happy, and I adored everything about it.

I laughed, I cried, I didn’t want it to end. Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming an auto read author for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the digital ARC!

Summer Romance made my heart happy and makes for a refreshing beach read! I wasn't sure if I could relate to a divorced mother of two until we were introduced to stretch pants and piles of paperwork on her dining room table. I'm smiling as I write this so do yourself a favor and give it a read.

Summer Romance was a heartwarming, summery book but with some more serious issues mixed in- grief, parenting, & what it means to have love in your life. The MMC, Ethan was so sweet. I think a lot of women will relate to Ali and her relationship with her (ex) husband, children, & how she navigates getting back into a relationship. I adored Nora Goes Off Script and The Same Time Next Year and will be looking forward to reading more from Annabel Monaghan.

summer romances only last for the summer… right? this is such a good story and shows the power of overcoming different types of grief (death, loss of a marriage…)