This was another fun summer romance from Annabel Monaghan, even if it's not my favorite of her books. Overall, I liked reading Jane's journey to overcome some of her issues from her past as child star, but there were some aspects of the romance that felt a little quick for me. I also loved how Monaghan crafted Dan's family.

Annabel Monaghan will continue to be an auto-read author for me!

** I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was super cute! I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop, watch the FMC work through some internal issues, and the side characters were perfectly flushed out, without feeling overwhelming.

This one is perfect for all the daddy issue girlies, lovers of hollywood romances, or people who like a small town vibe with a big, loving family - it really does it all!

I loved It's a Love Story! Give me an enemies to lovers trope and I am all in. The plot was fast paced, the characters were likeable and I just wanted Jane to get her happy ending.

Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Sadly, this was not a favorite, I have really enjoyed Annabel Monaghan's books in the past, but this one missed the mark for me. The love story arc just didn't vibe with the character arcs and the timing was jarring. Jane was so unwell personally and had so much past baggage, the turn around to wellness and overcoming a lifetime of self-doubt and shame without serious amounts of therapy just wasn't natural The story was believable, although hard to watch from beginning to the first steps of her self-awareness. But then in the last few pages she was just a different person and had the sudden 180 to turn her life around in a matter of weeks after years of her bottling her emotional past that it consistently debilitated her. If the ending showed some time lapse, some years, not days, of personally growth and healing then a second chance at this love story that they began in the heat of the forced proximity and common goal, I may have been on board; but as it stands, it just wasn't the most plausible or satisfying. I want my fiction to be a bit more grounded in reality than this ending.

Jane Jackson was a child star that was always cast to the side. As an adult and now working for a movie studio, she has the opportunity to get her first project greenlit. One problem, she has to work with Dan Finnegan, who she thinks she hates, to try to track down her childhood crush Jack Quinlan to try to get him to write a song for the movie. Jane now must spend a week with Dan and his family for a chance of success she always dreamed of.

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried, and I rooted for all the character expect Jack (screw Jack). Jane is such a relatable FMC in the sense that she is faking it until she makes and has a mask up about her. It felt very realistic of a 30-something trying to succeed. Her relationship growth with Dan had me swooning. What really stood out to me were the minor characters, from Dan’s brothers always messing with each other to Ruby dancing in the yard, and Clem being the #1 best friend. You really felt like you got to know the characters.

The setting was picturesque going between a quiet Long Island town and the hustle of Los Angeles. Monaghan did a great job setting the scene and making it feel like you were riding bikes with the main characters.

This was my first read by Annabel Monaghan and I can’t wait to devour the rest of her works.

I really enjoyed Annabel Monaghan’s, It’s a Love Story. I’ve read all of her books so far and it is probably my favorite of hers. I laughed out loud a lot and just found myself reading with a smile on my face. Dan’s family dynamic makes this book. I love how his brothers all gang up on him and there is nothing you can hide from anyone in that family. He has a family that just makes you instantly feel welcome and loved. As for Jane, it is heartbreaking of how deeply she believes she is not enough or wanted. She seems very immature in that aspect but also I understand why being that something so life altering happened when she was just a teenager and therefore causing her to harbor those feelings into adulthood.
Here’s one of the lines from Jane about Dan that cracked me up…“Dan-I suddenly hated that stupid name. Rhymes with “can” and “fan”. Hit a man with a pan.“
And one that just gives my heart a little squeeze…
“When you smile at me, I feel like I want to capture it…..When you smile, it does something to me, I feel it in my chest, and I just want to figure out how to get you to do it again.”
100% recommend this book and thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader’s copy!

I absolutely loved this book! Jane was so relatable in so many ways. I truly loved watching her character development throughout the story! The whole Jack thing was wild, and yes, I still hate Jack. lol Dan grew on me for sure. The jerky man bun guy lol, but it was beautiful seeing Jane coming into herself and blossoming. Thoroughly loved Dan's family as well. The whole dynamic of his family with small town vibes gave me all of the feels. This book was so many things wrapped up into one... swoon worthy, hilarious moments, deep moments, and nostalgic feeling. Easily 5 stars for me!

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Penguim Group Putnam to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.

4.5 Stars ⭐ Many thanks to #NetGalley, Putnam Books and Penguin Random House for allowing me to read and review this eARC of #ItsaLoveStory written by Annabel Monaghan and releasing on May 27, 2025.

Tropes for this story include:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Fish out of water
Opposites attract
Workplace romance

Annabel has become an "auto-read" author for me--I've been making my way through her collection and have enjoyed every one that I've read thus far! This book is no exception and I could not put it down. I was rooting for Jane as she faced her fears head-on throughout this book, and thought her emotional journey was engaging and realistic. Dan's direct, open-hearted nature was such a satisfying foil to Jane's carefully curated mask, and I loved witnessing their relationship deepen and develop.

Thanks again, NetGalley, Putnam Books and Penguin Random House!

It's a Love Story follows Jane Jackson, a Creative Executive as she tries to get a new script greenlit. Unfortunately for Jane, her nemesis 'man bun' Dan is slated to be the cinematographer on the project. Jane hates Dan. But with the movie rights hanging in the balance, Jane and Dan must work together to see the film succeed.

It's a Love Story, is a warm, cozy read. It's filled with a fun cast of characters, thanks to The Mob, also known as Dan's family. It's funny, with many 'oof' inducing moments. But also thoughtful, with Dan at the helm, being unapologetically who he is every step of the way. I really enjoyed this love story!

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and NetGalley for an early book review copy of It's a Love Story!

It's a Love Story releases May 27h, 2025-mark your calendars!

There’s something uniquely comforting about an Annabel Monaghan novel—the kind of storytelling that feels like your favorite rom-com and your best friend’s advice wrapped into one. With It’s a Love Story, Monaghan delivers yet another heart-stealer, filled with humor, honesty, and that perfect pinch of longing.
It’s a Love Story is exactly what it promises—a love story, yes, but not just in the romantic sense. It’s about loving who you were, who you are, and who you’re still becoming. Monaghan’s writing sparkles with charm and emotional insight. Jane is messy and real in a way that feels like you’ve known her forever. And Dan? He’s the kind of hero who doesn’t try to fix you—he sees you. That kind of tenderness is rare and beautiful.

This book made me laugh, tear up, and hug it close when I finished. If you’re a fan of Emily Henry or Katherine Center, you’ll adore this.

Sometimes a love story is about coming home to yourself—and Annabel Monaghan captures that truth with elegance and heart. A perfect summer read with soul.

This story is filled with not only likable characters but also characters with very real, relatable problems. Jane and Dan are perfection and their banter is fantastic. Dan’s family dynamics made me laugh out loud multiple times. The only reason I give this one four stars is because of the conflict leading up to the end. It just felt forced to me and honestly a little choppy at times. Not to the point I didn’t still thoroughly enjoy the book as a whole, but enough so that it lands in the 4 star category for me.

Annabel Monaghan is always a must-read author for me and It’s a Love Story delivers yet another heart-warming, laugh out loud, make you smile novel that I’ve come to love from her. If you enjoyed any of her other titles, you will absolutely enjoy this one! If you haven’t read any others by her, what are you waiting for?!

I'm thrilled to have discovered Annabel Monaghan's writing, and this book is a refreshing change of pace. The slow-burning romance between Jane and Dan is skillfully crafted, and the authentic portrayal of Dan's family dynamics is a welcome departure from the norm. The emotional complexity of Jane's relationship with her mother is especially noteworthy, and the Author's note provides a satisfying conclusion. I'm eager to recommend this book to others.

Annabelle Monaghan is definitely an auto-buy author for me. Her books always offer me a dose of happiness. This one was no different and had so much to love. I always enjoy a funny, feel good enemies to lovers book that hits you right in the feels. I loved these characters. The chemistry between Jane and Dan was just perfect, and I loved how Dan's family was accepting of Jane and I thought they just seemed like such a lovely family. This is a perfect Spring, Summer, Beachy read. A nice, slow burn love story. Just what I needed!

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

"It’s a Love Story" by Annabel Monaghan is exactly what I’ve come to expect from her: smart, layered, and full of emotional depth. Her books aren’t a typical beachy romances; they always carry something a little deeper, a little more reflective. And this one is no exception.
Jane Jackson is messy, ambitious, and deeply human. Her "fake unit you make it" approach to life is both relatable and heartbreaking, and watching her unravel that carefully built image while confronting her past makes for such a compelling journey. There’s humor, sure, but there’s also vulnerability, nostalgia, and the bittersweet weight of growing up and facing who you used to be. The romance between Jane and Dan is slow-burn and satisfying, but it’s Jane’s relationship with herself, her past, and her choices that really hits.
If you’re looking for a romance that makes you laugh, think, and maybe ache just a little this book is for you, also read the previous ones.
This book will be out on May 27 2025.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for this book, in exchange of my honest opinion.

Annabel Monaghan brings a bright, emotional read with It’s a Love Story. I love her writing; I especially enjoyed feeling immersed in the LA vibes. Dan was lovable and Jane was lovable, too. I loved the first 30 percent of the book when their relationship was forming - definitely felt the yearning. The found family was also wonderful.

I did feel that it was somewhat repetitive and similar to some of Monaghan’s other novels, though I highly enjoyed.

4.5 stars!

I read Nora Goes Off Script earlier this year and I was disappointed that I did not love the book as much as I hoped I would. I thought the main couple's dynamic was not developed enough and too insta-love while not having much chemistry. Yet, I was still drawn to Monaghan's easy-to-read writing, how she delved into Nora's personal feelings, and how wonderfully she wrote about the relationships with Nora and her kids, so I felt the urge to give another one of her books a try, and I'm so glad I did.

Monaghan mentions in the acknowledgments that she started thinking up Janey Jakes, the character our protagonist Jane played on TV as a teenager, while reading Jeanette McCurdy's memoir and thinking about how playing a character on TV affects the child actor when they grow up. The result was a very fleshed out, relatable, real-feeling character who is clearly smart, capable, and recognizes her own privilege, while also being insecure, hurt, and always feeling like she needs to show the world a certain version of herself. I loved seeing her walls slowly fall with Dan and his family, and letting herself just be her genuine self and have fun.

Her and Dan have more of a slow burn romance (as much as it can be a slow burn when most of the events of the book take place over the course of a week) but their chemistry oozes off the page, even before their relationship turns romantic. I adored both their witty banter and the open, vulnerable conversations they have with each other. While they are only in Long Island a week, their connection feels very genuine, sweet, and grounded, so I found it believable they would develop such deep feelings for each other in that short time. The book feels even more warm with Dan's family, and Monaghan really conveys how Dan loves and is close with his parents and brothers, but also needs to be away from them because he has different interests and dreams from them. The third act conflict was frustrating, but it made sense given how much Jane had allowed to stay repressed for so long.

Arguably, not a whole lot happens in this book, so some may find it slower. Yet it is the kind of romance I love, with the main characters going through personal growth outside the romantic storyline, witty banter, and a vibrant cast of family and friends. This book was a cozy warm hug while also having a bit of an emotional punch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with the ARC!

Jane, a former teenage actor, and her quirky coworker Dan are on a journey chasing down one of Jane’s former teenage acquaintances in hopes of him helping them get a movie produced. This was definitely a sloooow burn but it was worth it. Jane’s childhood had some big consequences on how she viewed love and romance. I loved that this was not a typical “girl pining after an insta-love romance” and rather she was much more hesitant to seek out, and invest in, a serious relationship. In the end, I was very pleased with how Jane and her mother were able to be honest with each other and Jane was able to find out who she truly was at her core.

What a breath of fresh air in a book. This was my first Annabel Monaghan book, and I will 100% be reading more. I thoroughly enjoyed the slow burn between Jane and Dan. Dan's family relationships were realistic and refreshing. Jane and her mother's relationship and subsequent deep conversations felt real and emotional. I couldn't get enough of it all. The Author's note at the end stating that Janey Jakes stemmed from Annabel reading I'm Glad My Mother Died really tied everything together with a neat bow. Can't wait to recommend this to others!

Sadly I give this 2.5 stars. It was okay, I didn’t connect with any of the characters and it fell kinda flat for me. It almost dragged in a way, I wasn’t that invested in it. The romance was very slow which I liked, but it didn’t do it for me. I mean it was fun cause Hollywood, but not for me sadly. Super thankful for the arc though!

"This feels like wealth, I think. This is the thing you save up for, You live your whole life so that you can be surrounded by too many people in too small of a room and tell the story of how it all happened" - Jane

Overall rating for this was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Annabel Monaghan has such talent at writing the most wholesome summer romances! After reading and loving "Same Time Next Summer" I was thrilled to receive this ARC and can confirm it did. NOT. miss. I binge read this book in two sittings because I couldn't get enough of every single character.

I like that this was kind of a uno reverse card where Jane, the FMC, doesn't believe in hollywoods version of true love and Dan, the MMC, was a hopeless romantic (I mean his favorite movie is the Notebook!!! HELLO). Jane is quirky, funny, and has quit severe daddy issues (no shame) and is doing everything in her power to make herself "worthy" to others all while feeling unworthy of truly being herself (gotta give this girl a hug). Dan is the exact opposite, he comes from a huge family (LOVE the Finnegan fam) and his parents that are the definition of true love, celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. While his family is all quite raucous and outgoing, Dan is the "outcast" and much more introverted and quiet, but unapologetically himself.

This is giving work enemies to lovers, a full cast of lovable side characters, and a one bed trope?? sign me UPP. It's light on the spice but the chemistry between Dan and Jane is palpable, like truly rooting for these two as if they existed in real life 😂

"Laughter bounces around and its impossible not to get hit by it. So I just strap in and feel it all around me" - Jane

For me, this book was fast paced, the romance was a slow build over time, where the main characters truly built a deeper connection and understanding of each other before just immediately falling head over heals. Dan's family being so welcoming and accepting of Jane was also just the cherry on top!! You could feel how badly she needed that, given she came from a "broken" home, and I just like to think that the Finnegan family helped heal Jane just as much as Dan did.

Loved every second of this!! Thank you Netgalley and Putman Books for the ARC!