I read this book in two sittings, so needless to say, I really enjoyed it. I don't know that I've ever read from an author who writes about characters in their mid-to-late thirties, and they actually seem like the age they are and don't read much younger. Ali and Ethan feel like people I know, and the issues they deal with in this book (divorce, losing a parent, starting a relationship, finding a place to call home, etc.) are talked about and handled in a way that is so relatable. Another thing I think this author does well is writing child characters. In other romance/contemporary fiction books I've read, they feel like a second thought or only there to introduce a roadblock to the love interests getting together. In this one, Ali's children fit in so well, and you actually look forward to them showing up within a chapter. I also appreciated that the characters dealt realistically with each hardship, miscommunication, and crossroad - I could see myself making the same decisions they did. If you are looking for a story filled with relatable characters and a very swoony romance, definitely pick this one up.

Thank you to author Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for an eARC copy of Summer Romance in exchange for my review.

Thank you for this , I loved every minute reading this, I'm not a big Romance reader but this felt real, with loss, grief, insecurities, fear of taking a chance in life and family dynamics

4.5⭐️/0.5🌶️

This will be the romance of the summer! The perfect balance of swoony and deep.

Things to love:
He fell first
Single mom
Dog park meet cute
Beach! Summer!
Reformed bad boy
Skateboarding
Powder blue tuxedo
Grief rep

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

NetGalley early read! I loved this book, it’s a beautiful story of grief and growth and a healthy romance story. I loved all the characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars
“Summer Romance" by Annabel offers a delightful escape into the world of unexpected connections. Ali's journey from chaos to a chance encounter with Ethan brings a refreshing blend of humor and heartwarming moments. The storyline cleverly explores the perks of a lighthearted summer romance, creating a feel-good atmosphere. The characters, especially Ali and Ethan, are charmingly portrayed, making it easy for readers to root for their budding connection. While the premise is familiar, the engaging narrative and relatable struggles make this a solid choice for those seeking a sweet and enjoyable read.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is an absolute gem that swept me away on a journey of love and laughter. Monaghan has a knack for storytelling that effortlessly brings the characters to life, making it feel like you're right there experiencing the highs and lows of their summer escapades.

The novel's setting, against the backdrop of sun-soaked days, adds an extra layer of magic to the story. Monaghan's writing style is both engaging and heartwarming, creating a perfect blend of romance and nostalgia. The characters are so well-developed that you can't help but root for their happiness.

ARC Review - 4.5 ⭐️

Such a beautiful read that navigates starting over, grief, and more. The pace was a little slow to start, but picked up and put me in all my feels. Favorite Annabel Monaghan book so far

I will read anything Annabel Monaghan writes, because I know it’s going to be a winner. She’s done it again with Summer Romance. Relatable adults with plenty of complications and baggage but so much to love and root for. This is the perfect vacation book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for my honest review.

Annabel Monaghan has done it again. What a fun, cute romance that also tugs at your heartstring. I laughed and cried a little reading this book. Ethan/Scooter is a great character and Ali is just everything as she tries to piece her life back together. Plus there are some cute kids thrown in! Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Annabel Monaghan is a wonderful writer. Her characters are realistic and lovable. In this case, the same was true!

Ali Morris is on her way to divorce, but that's not the only thing that she's going through. As a result, her life is kind of... A mess. But, one day she decides to take off her wedding ring and meets Ethan. And she decides to take a risk and fall right into this Summer Romance. (Heheheheh see what I did there?)

This was an enjoyable read that had its own complexities for what should've been a simple storyline. The only reason that this story ends up with 3 ⭐️ is simply because the story ended with me yearning for more chemistry and passion between the two characters.

Full disclosure: I really enjoyed both of Annabel Monaghan's previous books so I had a lot of expectation going into this one. Thankfully my expectations were met! Monaghan has a gift in creating very relatable "human" characters. Fans of her previous books will be excited to get this one in their summer beach bags.

Annabel Monaghan won me over with her book “Nora goes off script” so I was very excited to dive right in to “Summer Romance”. This is a short best friends little brother trope romance that is easily enjoyable.

Ali has three kids and is experiencing a down trodden time in her life. Her mother died, her husband left her and her house is a literal mess. Ali is a caring and compassionate character who always puts herself last. I really enjoyed her meet cute with Ethan being her dog peeing on him at the dog park! Ethan is a lovable character from the start. He is willing to put himself on the line for Ali and everyone just adores him.

I would recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a light romance.

I love Annabel Morgan. Same time next summer is one of my favorite love stories.
But I could not get behind this book. It was a struggle. The FMC was whiny and frustrating. I found it impossible to root for anyone. Rather than identifying with their human struggle, which I believe is the point of art, I just found myself exhausted by it.

Y’ALL! Annabel Monaghan has done it again. In the vein of her previous two books, Summer Romance is swoon-worthy and so stinkin' cute.

It’s the start of summer, and our main character Ali is navigating her new normal: separating from her husband, becoming a newly single mom, and floating through life after her own mother's passing. On the day she decides to take off her wedding ring, she meets a handsome stranger, Ethan, at the dog park, and their love story begins to blossom. As readers, we get to follow and see if this becomes a life-long love or stays only a summer romance.

Aside from her excellence in crafting the sweetest romance, Monaghan writes extremely relatable characters, who have so much depth and humanity to them. They make mistakes and own up to them, are clever and witty, and painfully face the same struggles that so many of us also do in our daily lives. Monaghan has a magic that makes you feel seen her characters, which is something not many authors can do, and she has definitely become an “auto-buy” author for me!

I give 4 stars to Summer Romance and hope you pick it up upon its release on June 4, 2024 🥰

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for allowing me to read a copy of this book in advance of its release!

#summerromance #annabelmonaghan #romancenovel #book #bookstagram #2024reads #bookreview

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan is a delight to read! We get to spend time with Ali as she navigates her new world in which her mother has died and her husband has left her. While this is at times a typical “light” summer read, it also takes you through the process of dealing with grief in various forms.

The balance of fun and serious moments was great. The supporting characters were well written. I also appreciated that it was a closed door romance, proving that you don’t need graphic details to have a great romantic story.

This is the third book I’ve read from Monaghan and it has cemented her as one of my must read authors!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.

The way that Ali is navigating through the grief of losing her mom, a divorce, and the feelings of waking up and feeling like you have lost yourself over time feels so authentic. I feel like I was able to connect with both Ali and Ethan even without having many shared experiences with them. They also have such a genuine connection and I loved to see this develop. I loved all the characters in this book and highly recommend for fans of Annabel Monaghan and those new to her writing!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

At the beginning of the story I felt like the writing was not flowing very well. It did not initially hook me. Eventually I got into it though and throughly enjoyed it

Summer Romance has everything of a classic love story. Annabel Monaghan has a way of capturing the authentic emotions of being a woman, a mother, grief and everything one must juggle while doing all three. The book was an easy, fast paced read with short chapters which is always a plus! I look forward to more from Monaghan.

If you are looking for a light, easy summer read, then this is the book for you. Can a summer romance turn into more? Read it and find out.

Ali has recently separated from her husband and feels like she has lost herself. She has a very undignified meet cute that leads to a summer romance. The tension in the story comes from dealing with an ex husband and kids, and Ali’s feelings of loss and grief.

It’s a story filled with fun and romantic moments, great side characters, and good character growth. I did get a little frustrated with Ali, but enjoyed the summer escape.

This book contains mild profanity and several nondescript love scenes.

Thank you NetGalley for a llowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

I've read other books by Annabel Monaghan and for sure this one did not disappoint.

This book brought out all my emotions in a good way. I loved the story. It had a little of everything and I am looking foward to reading more books by Annabel Monaghan.

If you're looking for a five-star read I suggest giving this one a try.