Annabel Monaghan has written a fantastic book here! A truly great frenemies to lovers story.

Jane is a former child star whose most infamous role was a funny sidekick on a kids’ show who is still working in the business in an attempt to claim her fame.

Dan is an artistic cinematographer who she almost dated but ruined her life after shooting down the one script that was going to give her the life she wanted.

After they unwittingly come up with a hare-brained scheme to get Jane’s now-famous former costar to write a song for the script the studio doesn’t quite think is star material, Dan and Jane spend time together and both of them find things they didn’t think they could find in one another.

Forced proximity, enemies to lovers, found family… it’s all there in this amazingly lighthearted and fun read!

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for this advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you so much for this ARC! I had such a fun time reading this. I went into this thinking that the romance was going to be with Jack and I was very happy that it wasn’t because Jacks personality sucked. I didn’t like Dan much at first either but he grew on me throughout the book. Once you get an inside seat to what Dans life is like you understand why he is the way he is. Him and Jane are such a perfect fit and I was very happy with how this book ended. I was also glad that Jack didn’t end up writing the song for her because I felt like that would have been too easy. This is the second book I’ve read by Annabel and I’m so excited to read more! Thank you!

Annabel Monaghan delivers another absolute gem with It’s a Love Story, a novel as hilarious as it is heartwarming. Jane Jackson’s journey from awkward sitcom punchline to determined Hollywood executive is filled with sharp wit, endearing vulnerability, and a cast of unforgettable characters.

The chemistry between Jane and Dan crackles with tension and charm, making their dynamic irresistible. The week they spend together on Long Island is a delightful blend of banter, emotional revelations, and unexpected moments of tenderness. Monaghan expertly weaves humor and heart, balancing Jane’s professional struggles with her personal quest for redemption—and love.

Fans of Nora Goes Off Script will adore this story of second chances, self-discovery, and finding truth in the most unexpected places. A must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of laughter, love, and a perfectly timed comeback.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is a delightful rom-com with plenty of heart and humor. Readers are introduced to the MFC, Jane Jackson, a former TV sitcom punchline who’s now trying to reinvent herself as a serious Hollywood studio executive. The way Monaghan weaves Jane’s insecurities and ambitions into a compelling narrative creates a wonderfully relatable protagonist, one who’s both flawed and lovable in all the right ways.

What makes this story truly special is the chemistry between Jane and Dan. Their interactions are a perfect blend of witty banter, past tensions, and undeniable attraction. Watching them navigate old wounds and new feelings is a joy, and Monaghan’s writing captures both the humor and the emotional depth of their evolving relationship with ease.

It’s a Love Story is a perfect read for anyone who loves witty, heartfelt romances with characters you can’t help but root for. Annabel Monaghan has crafted a story that is both lighthearted and poignant, making it the ideal escape.

I felt VERY special and VERY cool being approved to read Annabel Monaghan’s upcoming release, It’s a Love Story. Having read her 3 other romance novels, I was prepped for LOL moments, a beachy setting that would have me yearning for summer, and lovable characters. This delivered all that plus a very honest mother-daughter relationship that had this only child to a single mom feeling feels.

This is hands down Monaghan’s best novel yet! It was so much fun to read & I didn’t want to put it down (I likely would have read it all in one sitting if I hadn’t started it late in the evening yesterday - but I did stay up well into the early hours bc I was enjoying it so much and then immediately finished the last 80ish pages first thing this morning)!!

To me, this read similarly to Abby Jimenez’s books (esp Just for the Summer) in that it is indeed a beach read/romance but the character development and interpersonal dynamics are handled in a way where the book has depth yet simultaneously still remains a light read. And I’ll say it again - it was just flat out fun to read (and her characters even evoked butterflies a few times and I enjoyed the inclusion of (and creative take on) the one bed trope.

I loved everything about the Finnegans and their family dynamics (they reminded me a lot of the Fitzpatrick family from Catherine Walsh’s Christmas series (which is high praise imo) but I loved the Finnegans even more!! (The only thing I took issue with was that they named their 2nd son Finn Finnegan?!? That didn’t seem to fit) But Dan Finnegan made up for that oddity and is now one of my favorite book boyfriends!

I also really appreciated how Monaghan included Clem as a supportive friend who had been through her own challenges and showed up in the novel as real, strong, and so likeable that you wished you had her as one of your own friends! It was nice to have (multiple) supporting characters who were developed just enough that they enriched the story and setting without distracting from the main plot (i.e. Cormack). Having such an excellent cast of characters made it easy to envision the entire scene surrounding our main characters!

As someone who liked (but not loved) Annabel Monaghan’s first two novels (I liked Same Time Next Summer more than Nora Goes Off Script) and flat out didn’t care for her third novel (Summer Romance), I wasn’t sure what to expect going in to It’s A Love Story and can honestly say it was one of my favorite reads this entire year!! (It was also fun to revisit the town of Oak Shore, which Monaghan fans may remember from her 2nd novel)

I have no doubt this will be one of the biggest hits of summer 2025 when it’s officially released!! I recommend reading this with your favorite candy nearby 😉 (and prepare yourself that you’ll probably want to watch Notebook thereafter).

Thank you to Annabel Monaghan and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This novel has won me back as an Annabel Monaghan fan and I’m already looking forward to seeing what she writes next (and wouldn’t mind seeing a spin off involving the Finnegan brothers/family)!

I love Annabel Monaghan’s books so much. I’ll admit that I thought I wasn’t going to like this one in the beginning - the setup felt inadequate, the backstory thin, the “enemy” banter not well explained. But the story got going and all of that was explained more organically throughout the events and I got totally sucked in. I loved the Finnegan family. I love the themes of authenticity and the vulnerability of loving someone. The best conversation that sums up the themes was between Dan’s parents where they talk about romance happening at dinner (where candlelight hides imperfections) and love happening at breakfast, where you bring your real imperfect self. I’ll definitely be buying myself a hard copy when it’s published!

I love Annabel Monaghans writing. She really makes you immersed into the characters. I also love that it takes place in Long Island where I live. Such a fun romcom. Annabel Monaghan never disappoints

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for sending advanced readers copy to me. I truly appreciated the opportunity to read this book early.

"It's a Love Story" by Annabel Monaghan: A Sweet Rom-Com with a Touch of Overboard

Annabel Monaghan's "It's a Love Story" is a charming contemporary romance that effectively captures the slow burn of a blossoming relationship. The build-up between Dan and Jane is beautifully crafted, with their witty banter and gradual attraction keeping the pages turning. Monaghan skillfully depicts the nuances of modern dating, from awkward first encounters to the joys of shared passions.

However, the climax of the novel felt somewhat contrived. While the underlying issue had some validity, the intensity of her reaction and the subsequent events seemed a bit overblown for the situation.

Despite this minor drawback, "It's a Love Story" is a delightful read that will leave readers feeling warm and fuzzy.

Monaghan's writing is light and engaging, and the characters are endearing and relatable. If you're looking for a feel-good story with a touch of humor and a healthy dose of romance, "It's a Love Story" is definitely worth picking up.

Recommendation: Recommended for fans of contemporary romance who enjoy slow-burn relationships and heartwarming stories.

Note: This review reflects your personal opinion and may differ from others.

4⭐️’s. Thank you NetGalley for sending this ARC ahead of the release date. Seeing Jane realize throughout the book her love developing for Dan was what made this book. I liked how their past with their families was incorporated into showing what there challenges are in relationships as adults. Dan’s family was the quintessential large family, and the way they took in Jane was done perfectly. Overall, enjoyed the book and the storyline.

Annabel Monaghan does it again! With her signature charm and relatability, she brings another heartfelt story to life in It’s a Love Story. This novel follows Jane, a young woman who spent her childhood as the punchline of every joke. Now, determined to reinvent herself and be taken seriously in Hollywood, she makes a desperate promise she can’t back out of, landing her in Long Island for a week with her former crush, Dan.

The journey that unfolds is full of humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable growth. The banter between Jane and Dan is sharp, witty, and full of chemistry, making their evolving relationship feel authentic.. What truly sets this book apart is the way both characters challenge each other, all while building a connection that feels real and earned.

Annabel has an incredible gift for creating characters who are not only relatable but also endearing. Jane and Dan are the kind of people you wish you could be friends with in real life. Their story is a perfect mix of humor, heart, and healing.

While it took me a few chapters to fully immerse myself in the story, once I did, I couldn’t put it down. It’s a Love Story is the perfect escape—a delightful blend of romance, growth, and fun that will leave you smiling long after you turn the last page. Highly recommend!

Movie exec and former teen actress Jane Jackson desperate for the script she's championing to be green lit. After her boss expresses reservations, she blurts out popstar (and former singing partner) Jack Quinlan will write a song for it. Her only hope is her workplace nemesis, cinematographer Dan Finnegan is from the Long Island town where Jack is soon performing.

This was another gem from Annabel Monaghan with a cast of characters that felt real. I loved the way loved she effortlessly captures small town life without the same tired tropes of interfering relatives and neighbours. I adored Clem, Dan's family and the way the brothers teased each other mercilessly, fighting one second, then sharing a beer the next.

I loved Jane and Dan and while they essentially fall in love over a week, it felt believeable given how well suited they were. Jane is trying to be taken seriously and struggles with inadequacy after being rejected at 14 by Jack. Coupled with her experiences as the butt of the joke on the show as a teen, Jane is languishing while her former co-stars have gone onto sucessful careers. She's disinterested in love after watching her struggling single mum fall for men. Dan is the artistic black sheep of the family that loves him but are disappointed he doesn't get a trade like his father and brothers. I loved the way became a way for Jane to be more assertive and stand her ground.

If I had any quibbles it would be that I didn't understand how Dan had that much power to put the kibbosh on Jane's scripts. While he was a respected cinematographer, he was still fairly new to the business so why would he even be in the decision-making room? Given he needed the work, surely he'd be pushing to get the green light.

A heartfelt, fun and charming well-paced story about finding the courage to be your true self.

Thanks to GP Putman/Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC.

I wanted to love it. I usually love everything by this author. Ultimately, it was just kind of "mid" as the kids say. I did really like the Finnegan family. That was the best part to me. Also, who names their kid Finn Finnegan?

This was great. Not what I thought the plot would be, and I loved going back to the little town of a previous Monaghan book, and I enjoyed the way that the bok played with what comprises a likeable character. 4.5 stars rounded up.

I received a free ARC from Netgalley.

Wowowwowoow. Too dang good. I have loved all of Annabel Monaghan books for their honesty, genuine warmth, and her knack for writing real humans. I loved the complexity of this book, and felt the chemistry was incredibly natural. Not only did I fall in love with Dan, but I fell in love with his entire family too. This book makes me want to go to the Northeast and find a coastal town. I also loved the homage to Jeannette McCurdy’s memoir!

we got another hit on our hands. i’ve loved and enjoyed reading each of annabel’s last 3 books and obviously, i really enjoyed this one too. i loved the aspect of jane’s character being a child actor and growing out of that, now having this job still in the field but as a producer. dan’s character was nice and refreshing for me to see in some way. their romance was cute, almost a second chance type deal. overall, this will be a another great summer romance read.

thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me this arc!

Overall, I would give this 4 stars. I enjoyed this book, but I was a little bit disappointed since I LOVED Summer Romance. In the acknowledgements, Annabel mentioned that Jennette McCurdy's memoir, I'm Glad My Mom Died, inspired this book. If you haven't already, please go read it, it's amazing. Jane and Dan's characters were pretty easy to relate to, every human comes with baggage, and I think their issues were unique (abandonment, individuality, true self vs public self) but still relatable to most people. I love a great supporting character and strong female friendships so needless to say, Clem was awesome. I also enjoyed the mother-daughter relationship between Jane and her mom. Dan's family seems amazing and hilarious, and I would love to spend a week in their chaos. Jane and Dan's story was cute BUT falling in love within a week?!? Come on.

Format: eARC

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

As the blurb says - Anything Annabel Monaghan writes, I’m reading it. Every book I read by Monaghan is better than the last. I really really love these characters. Jane is real and raw - all of her inner thoughts, insecurities, and doubts I could feel in my chest. Talk about an emotional gut punch. Seeing Jane grow with Dan and his family, and slowly let more and more of herself show through (both good and bad) was equally heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s such a true and relatable balance of knowing you have something good going for you but being incredibly scared what’s going to happen if it all disappears. Jane is constantly toying on this line of acknowledging how good something is/could be and questioning if she deserves it. I also really loved Dan - him and Jane are so different and yet similar in all of the big ways. Dan is so sure of himself and his heart/his instincts you can’t help but respect him. The way Dan loves Jane is so sweet it’ll make your stomachs ache. I cried multiple times. The Finnegans, Clem, and Jane’s mom are side characters who end up feeling like really big characters in how we see how their love for Jane and Dan changes them and makes them who they are. I love this book! I love the plot! I love the setting! I hate Jack! I love Jane! I love it all - except that I want True Story to be real

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam books for an arc in exchange for a honest review!

I fell headfirst into this book. I’ve never read anything by Monaghan before and, after this, I find myself wanting to go get her entire back catalog.

Jane’s character arc from neurotic, semi-annoying FMC to a genuine flawed person just trying to put her best foot forward to find love… Its perfection. Dan is her perfect counterpart, uninterested in being anyone other than himself and wanting the same for her.

Enemies to lovers, but not quite. Friends to lovers, but not quite. A great twist on the Hollywood glamour and small town charm. This book doesn’t fit into any generic tropes in the best way.

Thank you to the publisher for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

I LOVED her other books, I liked this one. I’m not sure there’s much more to say than that. If this was the first book I’d picked up by her I might have liked it more but I just loved all her other books so much the bar was really high.