⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️From the publisher: Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. 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.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—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. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?
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My review: I have loved each of Monaghan’s books and this was no exception. Monaghan has an amazing way of capturing feelings perfectly. The grief of a daughter, the anger of an almost ex wife, the amused excitement of a first and second date...it's all there on the page. I was rooting for Ali and also hoping she'd stand up for herself more and more. Being a single mom with lack of help is life changing, overwhelming, and stressful and I felt for Ali. So much. So a romance with Ethan seems fair. She deserves it!
With all romances you wait for the third act heartbreak...and this one did break my heart. But with a finding-yourself-and-love-at-the-same-time story you have to be patient. Another amazing book by Monaghan. I'm a fan for life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

i don't think i've ever read a book this fast! annabel monaghan does no wrong and i will be purchasing this book when it's released in june. scooter's confidence in everything ali does is empowering. i loved watching her grow from a downtrodden and grief-stricken single mother to a tenacious and fearless bad ass mom. her grief over losing her own mother is still with her but manifested into appreciation over constant sadness. i couldn't be more in love with scooter & ali's relationship - their chemistry, their patience - ugh, i ate it up!

Annabel does it again! She can truly do no wrong. I love all of her novels and this is no exception. I could not put it down. Perfect little “summer romance”. I am so honored to have received an ARC! Look for this one this June!

Ali has been drifting through life since her mother died two years ago. Having been separated from her spouse for a year, she hopes their imminent divorce will help her become unstuck. When she meets a handsome stranger at the dog park and realizes he's flirting with her, she wonders if maybe a summer romance is just what she needs. It seems too good to be true, and kind of is when she realizes she knows who he is. But Ethan's not the same awkward, rebellious teen she remembers and his genuine interest may help Ali remember who she used to be and can still become.

It was a wonderful story of a woman in the middle of life with kids, unrealized dreams, and some hurt and resentment finding a way out and forward into a more fulfilling, authentic, and fully-alive life.

Firstly, thank you so much for the arc!! I overall thought it was a good book. I loved the character development of Ali and the strengthened relationship between her and her family throughout the book. I also love how seamlessly the author writes about tough subject matter in a digestible way. My biggest complaint with the book is that it was hard to root for the romance itself during the first 50% of the book. It felt very YA and awkward until it suddenly didn’t. I just think since they’re both fully adults that some of the circumstances in the first half of the book felt extremely out of character for the two love interests. However, towards the end of the book I was on their side!

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan will speak to women who have been or are stuck in a marriage and feel like they have lost themself.. Readers who have lost a loved one and are still trying to work through that pain and find a life worth living after loss. I enjoyed Summer Romance and all of the characters, except the despicable ex-husband, but then again, one isn't meant to like him. Summer Romance is a quick read that will give you hope that there can be a wonderful life full of love if your first go-round wasn't what you hoped.

4.5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy for an honest review.

I may be biased because I absolutely adore this author, She could release her grocery list and I’d be invested. I felt like the beginning was a little slow, but it was so worth it. She covers so many topics from grief to uncomfortable family dynamics. Losing yourself in a relationship and coming out stronger on the other side. I absolutely can’t wait for this book to be published because I will be buying a copy and re-reading!

Thank you for the early release copy of Summer Romance!

I have been a fan of this author for a while now, so was very happy to be able to get an advanced copy of this great read!

This novel was a bit different then her past novels, but still can be relatable to readers that are a. in relationships b. married c. separated d. divorced.

I think what was the most moving about this novel was that Monaghan really showed readers the importance of finding their voice. The main character experienced so much growth throughout the course of the novel, that causes the reader to end with a confidence in not only the character, but in the reader themself.

Overall, all of the story had a great balance and was extremely engaging throughout. Great book to remind all women that even when things seem dark, everything will pass.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books Putnam Group for my first ARC!

I’ll be honest, I did not expect to be sucked in by this book. The FMC is a 38-year old divorcée with three kids. Currently not much to relate to there. However, the author’s voice was so strong that it was hard not to love the characters. Or not love, when it comes to Ali’s ex-husband. It’s been a while since a character managed to piss me off like that!

I agree with other reviewers that there’s not a ton of plot here - the story is very character-driven. There’s no spice either, which was an interesting transition for me (lol) but I was happy to find that some books just don’t need that to be good. Who knew?

Overall, this was an easy yet satisfying read. The Carley Fortune blurb got me in the door - congrats Penguin, that was worth the price 😜

Love, love, love this! I read Nora Goes Off Script and loved that. I was very excited to read this one and it did not disappoint. The love story was so well written. But I love that it delves onto so many other subjects such as grieving, divorce, friendship, raising kids, etc…. It’s so much more than a rom com. I will definitely be recommending this!

Another great romance from Annabel Monaghan.
This love story follows an almost divorced mom who just can't get her life together after the passing of her mother. When she, or rather her dog, meets Ethan and his dog, sparks fly and Ali must choose whether to begin to live again.

I am honestly not sure how it's possible that I like each of Annabel Monaghan's book better than the last. This book hit me in the feels and it was such an easy, engaging read at the same time! The cover is adorable, the setting easily came to life in my mind and the plot was solid. Summer Romance is a top tier closed door romance. The characters feel so real to me it feels like they are fully formed human beings, all with imperfect and unique personalities. I loved all of the characters, except one (I'm looking you, ****).

ARC through NetGalley

This was a delightful blend of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is in disarray, finds herself unexpectedly swept up in a summer romance that challenges her perceptions of love and self-discovery. Following the loss of her mother and the end of her marriage, Ali's journey to rediscover herself takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan—a man who sees her in a way she hasn't seen herself in years. Monaghan's witty and engaging writing style brings Ali's story to life with authenticity and charm. From hilarious mishaps to touching moments of vulnerability, the ups and downs of Ali's summer romance will keep you hooked from start to finish. What sets "Summer Romance" apart is its relatable characters and heartfelt exploration of resilience and second chances. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted read to enjoy by the pool or a heartwarming story to curl up with on a cozy evening, "Summer Romance" is the perfect choice.

Overall rating: 4/5
Readability: 5/5

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Mark your calendars for a summer romance that is the perfect summer read! I’m a sucker for a healthy male character who communicates and isn’t afraid of vulnerability and Ethan is a giant cinnamon roll. Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming a favorite for sweet summer reads. I LOVED “Nora Goes Off Script” and really enjoyed “Same Time, Next Summer” too. This one may be my favorite of the three. If you haven’t read any of her books, and you love Katherine Center or Abby Jimenez, you’ve gotta give her a try! She’s the real deal! This book comes out June 4, 2024, but you can preorder it now! Thank you to @netgalley for my ARC, these thoughts are my own.

Ali and her husband settled in the town where she grew up and had a family with 3 young kids. After Ali's mother dies she's overcome with grief. She's not even sad when her husband tells her he wants a divorce. As she's trying to figure out how to live her life again, she reconnects with a man she knew from her childhood.

Although my review makes it sound depressing - it is absolutely not. Another sweet delightful book by Annabel Monaghan. Great characters. This book is just as fun as Nora Goes off Script.

It’s been a rough few years for Ali Morris. Two years ago, her mother (arguably her favorite person and biggest cheerleader) passed away. One year later (exactly one year), her husband and the father of her three young children, Pete, told her he wanted a divorce. Present day, she is still grieving her mother more than her marriage and she really starts to think about what that means. Her friends are worried that she’s completely lost herself - she’s constantly in sweatpants, her house is a mess and her mail is piling up (not a good look for a professional organizer). When her dog Ferris pees on a guy’s ankle at the dog park, it seems par for the course. But what if it ended up changing everything? What if it turned into a summer romance - arguably the best kind, because it has an end date that both parties are aware of. There are rules that can be followed and expectations that can be set. But…rules are meant to be broken, are they not?

Ms. Monaghan, you have done it again! Summer Romance is the third novel I’ve read by this author and while I didn’t think anything could top Nora Goes Off Script - this may have done it! I will never understand how someone who is not separated/divorced writes a shitty ex-husband SO well. Just chef’s kiss - Pete is the freaking worst and unfortunately reminds me of my ex-husband. Obviously I related very deeply with this novel because of my impending divorce, but I really think this could be relatable for any woman who is trying to do it all and losing themselves on the way. I love that Ali and Ethan got to be a different version of themselves around each other and it turned out to be the truest one. I love that no one had to make a gigantic sacrifice to make something work, but also for once that a man was willing to do it for Ali instead because of her having to lose herself. I love that Monaghan writes about characters my age with children and jobs and lives that I can relate to in one way or another. I found myself highlighting paragraphs on every other page because they resonated with me so deeply. This is a forever autobuy author for me and I can’t wait for everyone to read this book! Thank you you Netgalley and Putnam Books for the e-arc!

i feel horrible about rating this book 2 stars, since it has incredible arc reviews, but i was just bored for nearly the entire book! i really enjoyed the first third, but it just went downhill from there. the romance was too insta-lovey, and i just didn’t feel any chemistry between ali and ethan. it made it hard to root for them. separately, the characters still felt one-dimensional.

i’m also not a fan of characters “talking” to their dead loved ones, and this happened regularly throughout the book.

it felt like i was reading a young adult book that was tackling adult subject matter. the story felt quite repetitive at times, especially when ethan and ali were apart. it just lacked a lot of depth, magic, and connectability. the writing itself was nice, but it didn’t flow as well as i wanted it to.

i really wanted to love summer romance, but it just didn’t quite hit the spot! just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you! it’s great if you’re looking for a closed-door, cute-ish romance that tackles deep subjects like grief, divorce, and feelings of inadequacy, and it’s short enough to read in a day or two!

thank you to netgalley and putnam for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

out june 4, 2024!

I received an eARC from NetGalley for review.

Oh how I adored this book! Annabel Monaghan is new to me but I will be without a doubt, following her future because I absolutely loved her writing style.

When people thing about a couple divorcing after years and 3 kids, they certainly don’t always think about the possibility that the entire marriage may have been built on rocky foundation that breaks down the woman’s identity so much that she has to completely find herself again after. This is a story of rebuilding, of finding the courage and unabashed boldness of youth after a series of traumas that change who you are bit by bit. It’s a story of finding a love that is supportive and honest and right after enduring years of complacency and “good enough”.

This was a perfect HEA.

Summer Romance had me giggling and kicking my feet like an idiot for 2 days straight. It is such a cute and warm romance that kept giving. I hesitated at first to pick it up because I was afraid I wouldn’t relate to a 37-year-old mother of 3 but there’s so much more to the characters and plot. There's struggling with grief, finding your confidence, and making life work for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and GP Putnam’s Sons for providing me with this ARC.

Loved this book! Annabel Monaghan does it again. Fell in love with her book Nora goes off Script, I think that this book had the same feel to the characters which I loved. The setting was perfection, it made me want to stay at the Inn & kayak off the shore. It made me long for a champagne summer. Loved the character development not just for Ali but Ethan, and the children. It was interesting how Ali worked through her grief and really learned a lot from what her mother had done & not done for her. Loved this book, can't wait to gift it this summer!