Member Reviews

"It's a Love Story" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and witty romance that captivates readers with its charming characters and delightful storytelling. The novel follows Jane Jackson, whose introspective journey adds depth to the narrative, as she navigates unexpected love and personal growth.
Monaghan's writing shines with humor and warmth, creating a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, drawing readers into their developing relationship. The author skillfully crafts not only the central romance but also the endearing supporting characters, particularly highlighting the loving family dynamics between Dan Finnegans and his brothers and parents.
The book offers a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments and tender scenes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a feel-good read. Monaghan's ability to create relatable characters and situations ensures that readers will find themselves fully invested in the story from beginning to end.
While the plot may follow familiar romance tropes, the author's fresh take and engaging writing style elevate "It's a Love Story" above typical genre fare. It's a delightful escape that promises to leave readers with a smile on their face and warmth in their heart.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

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Jane Jackson is a lil quirky & a grown up child star trying to make it in the film industry. Dan Finnegan is a hottie silent-type cinematographer who wants to make movies that matter. The fun part is that they hate each other!
And they are tasked to track down a famous singer on the other side of the country together. (This is very much an enemies to lovers situation we've got going on).
I loved the quirkiness of this book! There was some found family (my fave trope I think), pretty beaches, and equal moments of sweetness & silliness. There were some moments of conflict that I felt a little unnecessary and over dramatized, so it's not a five star read for me, but definitely still worth reading!

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This was a fun, entertaining romance. I really loved all of the secondary characters! The main character, Jane, was my least favorite because our girl just needed a therapist. I still did enjoy the story, and the leading man, Dan, is dreamy.
My least favorite trope is "this could be resolved with therapy," which perfectly describes this book. Aside from the slightly annoying (personal preference) third-act breakdown, I would recommend!

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Thank you so much for this copy. I devoured this book. I appreciated seeing her viewpoint on families as my family was more similar to Dan. I felt the depth of the characters emotions while consuming this book. I loved their love story because it was both raw and real.

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Thank you so much netgalley for the opportunity to read this book as an arc
This was my second book by this author and I liked this one even more than the first one. I do think that I'm just not used to her writting quite yet and the more I'll read from her, the more I'll enjoy it (that's what happend to me with Emily Henry and now she's one of my favorites ever)
Because I enjoy the storyline a lot and like the romance very much, so I would def recommend picking this up if this is an author that you like

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Everything I’ve read by Annabel Monaghan is fun and bingeable, and It’s a Love Story was no different. This one, though, had a tenderness that added an extra layer of depth. I love a relatable, thirty-something protagonist, and Monaghan always nails the balance of making her FMC's slightly awkward and quirky without going over the top. At first, Jane’s offbeat nature grated on me, but once I understood her backstory, her behavior made sense given the beliefs she held about herself.

I also love when a book has strong relationships beyond the central romance. Dan’s family dynamic and Jane’s friendship with Clem really enriched the story. Overall, it was such a fun escape back to a Long Island summer, and I’ll happily read whatever Monaghan writes next!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

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Annabel Monaghan’s It’s a Love Story follows Jane Jackson, a Los Angeles creative executive in film searching for the perfect script to bring to life. Unfortunately, the one person historically standing in her way is Dan Finnegan—a cinematographer she considers an insufferable, pretentious dream-killer. When circumstances force them to collaborate on her dream project, Jane begins to see a different side of Dan, one she hadn’t noticed before. With him, she feels no pressure to impress, no need to follow her usual dating rules—just the freedom to be herself.

I have to start by saying I love Annabel Monaghan’s books. You might think that makes me biased, but if anything, it means I hold her work to an even higher standard. And this book absolutely delivers. The banter between Jane and Dan is electric, full of humor and heart, making you laugh while rooting for them to truly see each other. Monaghan’s character development is exceptional, crafting real, flawed, and deeply relatable people. Watching Jane untangle the thinking errors shaped by her childhood trauma, while Dan champions the value of embracing one’s true self, was both moving and beautifully written. Themes of family, identity, and personal growth resonate throughout, adding depth to this already captivating romance.

A huge thank you to Penguin Group Putnam Books, NetGalley, and Annabel Monaghan for the ARC. I am honored to have been trusted with this opportunity to provide an honest review.

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Loved this! Super cute relatable at times story. If you've ever been into show biz or just finding yourself this book is a sweet story. I found it relatable and I forgot I was reading.

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5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is my 4th book by Annabel Monaghan and ALL four were five stars!! I’m going to be honest, when I first started this one I didn’t think I would like Jane….I didn’t, then I did, then I didn’t again but in the end I really did! This was such a great romcom. Ironically it’s about a script her and Dan want to be made into a movie, and now I’d love to see this book as a movie. I really loved the whole story line. Dan’s family was the best! Of course Dan was my favorite character of all. This was just such a fun and sweet book. I’m happy to say for the FOURTH time in a review that I highly recommend Annabel Monaghan’s books! It’s A Love Story will be released on May 27th and I highly suggest picking up a copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam’s Sons for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

To see other reviews I’ve left, checkout my Goodreads and Instagram pages:
*Goodreads - Cherihy808
*Instagram - bookworm_traveler808



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I had high hopes going into this book because of how much I enjoyed “Summer Romance” but I thought this was ok. It was a sweet book, but it felt a bit rushed at times. I was not fully invested until I was 60% in.

There were cute moments between Jane and Dan. I thought they complimented and cared about one another. However, I would have loved to see more build up to their romance. It almost felt like a switch flipped and they were all of a sudden in love.

I did love Jane and Clem’s friendship. They were always there for each other and supportive. Also Dan’s family dynamic was sweet.

“It’s a Love Story” did make me miss the warmer weather and being at the beach.

Thank you Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the arc.

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We already have holds for this book at our library! Ever since I read Nora Goes Off Script I've been a fan of Monaghan. It's a Love Story did not disappoint! Such a quick, engaging read. You won't be disappointed. Monaghan is the queen of unique plots.

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I loved it! Jane was such a flawed and multifaceted character. The story didn’t go quite where I expected it to, and that was great!

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Annabel Monaghan does it again! If she writes it I read it. This one hits in all the right places. I am stingy with giving 5-star reviews, a book has to have that "Certain Something". It's a Love Story checks all the boxes.

It's a Love Story is the kind of book you want to read slowly with attention. The cozy slow development of care and love delivered in this story is warm and delicious. A sprinkle of spice and full of real visceral romance.

Jane goes through a journey of transforming long instilled negative beliefs about herself. You'll find yourself becoming part of a family you never knew you needed.

Appreciation to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

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It’s a Love Story” by Annabel Monaghan is a delightful and heartwarming romance that beautifully blends humor, with unique and relatable characters. I found myself completely drawn into Jane and Dan’s love story, even though I wasn’t sure about the book at first.

Jane Jackson, a creative executive, has spent years trying to bury her past as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the awkward sitcom kid. But when she fibs about pop star Jack Quinlan writing a song for her movie, she has to face her past and work with Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer who gets under her skin.

What I loved most: was the romance! The romance was incredible! It’s a slow burn, with pining and tension so intense it was almost unbearable.

While the beginning felt a little slow, I’m glad I stuck with it. Monaghan’s writing is beautiful, and the overall message of the book is heartwarming. I laughed, I teared up, and I ultimately fell in love with “It’s a Love Story”. It portrays a beautiful kind of love and emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to be your true self around the people you love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance.

Thank you NetGalley

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3.5 ⭐️ Annabel’s writing will always be a hit with me! And while this one was not my fave from this author, I still had a great time.

Jane and Dan’s love was so sweet, tender and completely organic. I loved everything from the setting, to the no BS best friend and the MMC’s wild siblings to his freaking ADORABLE parents. My only complaints are that the relationship progressed a little too fast for me and the FMC was a tough one to connect to. But the way Dan made her come alive and feel beautiful just as she is…ugh it was just so heartwarming.

“It wasn’t Dan who showed me who I was, but I got quiet enough around him to see myself and just live in my body for a while.” 🤍

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Huge thanks to the publisher and net galley for approving this arc!

"It's the thing that happens at breakfast"

I am happy to report that Annabel Monaghan has done it again. While me and this book kind of had a slow burn romance (it was probably at about 50% that I decided I loved it) but by the end I was highlighting passages.

"I hold on to a lot of shame,' I say "Like it sneaks up on me."
"Yes, you hold on to it really tight, like it's your identity."

Like always Monaghan gives us a fmc that is full of heart, her romances go deeper than the surface and the characters and setting feel incredibly real. If you are unsure if you like reading romance I recommend giving Monaghan a try.

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This was such a cute, fun, lighthearted read! I really enjoyed this story and was entertained from start to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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I was very fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy from NetGalley but all thoughts are unbiased and my own!

I love me some Annabel Monaghan and this is seriously is not an exception!

Sometimes in romance books, you know where the plot is going to take you. This one kept me on my toes! Who is she going to fall for? Why is she closed off? What’s her story? The female main character, Jane, had the reader discovering more and more about her each chapter! She was truly an onion with layers! I also loved the supporting characters, including Dan’s family.

I don’t think this is my favorite book by Annabel Monaghan, but I can definitely appreciate the characters and the story. This book has it all, enemies to lovers, healing your inner child, and a nice slow burn.

You’ll also want to stay tuned through the authors note… there was some interesting inspirations for the book that I didn’t make the connections while reading!

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This was such a good book! This is my first time reading the author and will not be the last. Such a feel good story! From the beginning it gave me Jennette McCurdy vibes and hilariously on the acknowledgements the author said Jane is based on her. Seriously such a good read.

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It’s a Love Story…and to quote Taylor Swift, baby just say yes. Annabel Monaghan is the queen of swoony summer romance for me, so if that’s your vibe, you’re going to love this one.

Jane Jackson is a former awkward teen TV star, now trying to get her first project greenlit as a studio executive until cinematographer Dan Finnegan torpedoes it with skepticism. Determined not to let her next pick get similarly derailed, she accidentally overpromises a connection to a mega pop star from her past and Dan begrudgingly offers to help track him down to get the film made.

I loved getting the see the genuine connection develop between Jane and Dan as they have to deconstruct their pre-conceived notions of the other. There’s a perfect blend of ridiculous situations and top-notch banter that really hits the rom-com sweet spot for me.

Highly recommend for fans of:
⚡️rivals to lovers (with actual dislike for each other and not just a miscommunication)
🌧️ copious references to the Notebook
💕Learning who you actually are, not just who other people want you to be

As always, thanks so much to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advance reader copy

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