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release date: 5/27/25

I would like to hereby nominate myself as the president of the Annabel Monaghan fan club. Last year I adored Summer Romance so much, and somehow I liked this one even more. Last night I put my kids to bed, and then sat down and read this entire book in one sitting. I *inhaled* this book. The true love story is between me and this book.

It's A Love Story had several of my favorite things:
*enemies working together (they turn into lovers, duh)
*intense daddy issues
*a male lead who is the quiet, different one in his boisterous family
*forced proximity

Thanks to netgalley and putnam for the arc in exchange for my honest review

Jane Jackson spent her adolescence as "Poor Janey Jakes," the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punch line on America's fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s trying to be taken seriously as a Hollywood studio executive by embracing a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.

Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she claimed that she could get mega popstar Jack Quinlan to write a song for the movie.

Now Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan as she faces down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but he just might surprise her.

This book was super cute and I really liked it. It’s a fun romantic comedy and will be a fun summer read. I’ve really enjoyed all of Monaghan’s book and this one is no exception. 4 ⭐️ thank you to netgalley and GP Putnams for an ARC.

This was a beautiful love story between former child star Janey Jakes (brace face), producer Jane Jackson, and pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan. In the acknowledgements, I read that Jeanette McCurdy's real-life autobiography inspired Monaghan as she wrote this book. In particular, the book sparked curiosity about the backstory of the life of a former child actress and how those experiences with self-image in formative years can shape someone. The fact that the film, "The Notebook," and the shared love of a good old-fashioned tearjerker romance brought cynic Jane and realist Dan together was beautiful, too. Dan's rambunctious and tight family history, as a contrast to Jane's small family with just her mother and her provided an important differentiator between the two leads, and explained why Jane was so drawn to the Finngan clan. Jane never really had a chance to be a kid since she started acting young and was the primary financial provider. Once again, we're on Long Island in peak beach weather season. I think this book will be such a fun Summer read, much like "Summer Romance" was a few years back.

This book felt like a love letter to black sheep soft artsy introvert types. The plot was mostly character driven and both of the main character arcs were done so well.

I love everything Annabel writes. She gives us characters who have lived a lot of life and shows us we can find love at any age. She challenges the typical life timeline.

My one qualm was the dialogue felt stilted and was hard to follow every so often.

Read if you like:
💛Jennette McCrudy’s memoir
😡Enemies to lovers
🏡Small town romance
💥Big chaotic family
🎭Ex childhood actor
📍Workplace romance
☝️Single POV
❤️‍🔥Slow burn

5 stars. As with every book by Annabel Monaghan, I absolutely loved It's a Love story. Truly, I think Monaghan is my favorite author for summer reads. Her writing reminds me of Emily Henry or Katherine Center's, which means that her writing style really works for me. It's a Love Story follows Jane, is a former child star still dealing with the scars of growing up on TV. Jane's character was the opposite of main character energy, and always the butt of every joke. And although she was incredibly talented, it's a really hard pill to grow up feeling like everyone is laughing at you, and not necessarily with you. Dan is kind of her work place enemy, but she ends up needing to rely on him to potentially save her job. Jane is everything Dan's not-- she's regimented and organized and cares so much what everyone thinks about her. Dan wears his heart on his sleeve and has no problem saying what he thinks. He also may or may not own a comb or iron, and pretty much never knows where his keys or driver's license is. But the opposites attract thing really works for both of them. Honestly, I loved It's a Love Story. I loved the romance, I loved the family dynamics, and I loved the summer vibe. This is very much the type of book I could see people reading on the beach, drinking a pina coolata, with Billy Joel playing in the background. And if that's not a vibe, I don't know what is. Thank you so much to Monaghan, Putnam, and netgalley for the complimentary copy. Truly, I look forward to reading Monaghan's books ever summer, and It's a Love Story did not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! This was a 2.5 star read for me rounded up to a 3.

This book was an easy comfort read, but didn’t wow me at all. The character development was abrupt and awkward, and the instant-love that the main character Jane experienced was cheesy and unrealistic. I found Jane to be dramatic to say the least, and if I were Dan, the MMC, I’d be running after the emotional rollercoaster she put him through.

That all said, did I absolutely hate it? No. It was slow to get into but I read the second half pretty quickly and definitely found it entertaining in some parts. I’ll still continue to read Annabel’s work, this was just was not a favorite for me.

Based on an advance review copy, "It's a Love Story" by Annabel Monaghan promises to be a deeply moving and emotionally resonant romcom, releasing on May 27, 2025.

What sets this book apart is Monaghan's exceptional ability to blend humor with raw emotion. Her writing style is effortlessly funny and sharp, while simultaneously creating characters that feel incredibly authentic and relatable. The author has a remarkable talent for crafting stories that transcend the typical romantic comedy genre, delivering narratives that resonate on a deeper emotional level.

The novel, which draws inspiration from Jeannette McCurdy's memoir, demonstrates Monaghan's skill in exploring complex emotional territories while maintaining the light-hearted elements expected of a romcom. The result is a uniquely touching story that manages to be both entertaining and profoundly moving.

Beyond its romantic elements, the story particularly excels in its character development. Monaghan's characters are compelling, and her storytelling approach creates an intimate connection with readers. I felt so seen while reading this.

This upcoming release is a strong addition to Monaghan's consistently excellent body of work, maintaining her track record of producing high-quality, emotionally impactful romance.

I loved this book! The beginning was a little slow and I was a little confused as to where it was going and which guy would be the love interest but after about the first quarter, it just snapped perfectly into place and I couldn’t put it down. Stayed up way too late reading it!

4.5 stars!!

Wow! What can I say about this book without giving major spoilers?! Jane and her adult characteristics and how the author tied her past childhood acting into who she truly is and how she acts in her adulthood was so fluidly written! At the start I truly thought the love interest would be someone else and then I was so surprised when the romance kicked in. My heart was beating so fast at parts, I cried a lot the last half of the book and truly felt for Jane when she was going through her hardship.

Annabel Monaghan is a go to author me for me! This story starts off with Jane, a former child star known for being the second act not the main character. She is trying to make a movie that she feels strongly about enough to tell her boss that a former colleague of hers (Jack) would write the main song for it, even though they haven't spoken in years and he was pretty unkind to her then (when they were teens). Dan, a photographer "friend" of hers volunteers to have her go to Long Island with him and stay with his family so she can meet up with Jack, a now famous singer. While there Dan, who was just a friend seems to allow Jane to open up and discover herself aside from the character she once played on screen or who she thinks she needs to be in life. She let's go of the feelings of unworthiness until she meets up with Jack and they are brought to the surface again. Dan, who had become so much more than a friend, is pushed away by Jane but can the strength of their feelings for each other help them get over the past emotions that have come up?

I love this author and the fact that she can write a romance novel with just a hint of spice but still make you feel like it is incredibly tense is amazing! This book is a slow burn but it was worth it. I loved how it took them a bit to get used to each other but little by little the friendship starts to melt away into some serious feelings! I would highly recommend! 4.5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan, and Penguin Books Putnam for allowing me to review this ARC!

Annabel Monaghan is the queen of summer romances, and I absolutely loved this one! The cozy beach vibes, the raw emotion, the love stories, the character growth… so good! I wish I could read it for the first time again.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters felt relatable and while with romance you do anticipate a certain amount of the plot, I found myself falling in love with them, and wanting to feel the butterflies of new love again with them, down to the subtle details like hands resting on the small of the back, etc. Jane felt real from the beginning and cheering for her to succeed is a huge motivator.

Jane hates Dan because he’s another man who wasn’t a fan of her work. But the chemistry! I loved their slow burn romance.

Clem is Jane’s best friend and the only person who can see Jane for who she really is. I loved their friendship and how honest and kind Clem was.

I loved getting to know the Finnigans even with their big bold opinions! Reenie and Cormack were the perfect leading couple for Jane to have a good idea of what love could be.

I really enjoyed it! Dan and Jane felt like a real couple to me because they weren’t fireworks and roses. They were vulnerable and honest with one another (for the most part) and wanted to fully see each other! Loved it so much.

We meet Jane who is a washed up sitcom actress, trying to now make it by pitching scripts. Jane is living the life of through the fake until you make it mantra and ends up telling a lie that may get her into a lot of trouble.. can jane get jack (a famous singer get him to sing a song in her movie she pitched) Dan is Jane’s worst nightmare when it comes to pitching scripts due to a rough first meet. Dan ends up working with Jane trying to get the script green lit, will they be able to work together or will it fall apart.
I really enjoyed this book! The characters were so very relatable and I loved everyone of them. Jane was working hard to cover up who she really. Dan was the perfect mix of calm within chaos which is exactly what Jane needed to work through her childhood trauma as a childhood actress and what her father did. Dan’s family just gave me the warm and fuzzies. Clem, Jane’s friend, was so good for her. I loved it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC thank you Putnam publishing and NetGalley!

Wow. This book was so freaking good. I genuinely didn’t want it to be over. Even though the story unfolds over a short period of time, I felt completely immersed—like I had lived and breathed every single moment with these characters.

Dan Finnegan has officially secured his spot as a top-tier book boyfriend. I adored everything about him—his quiet strength, his honesty, and the quiet confidence he carried without ever trying to prove himself. And don’t even get me started on his family. Their warmth, humor, and unconditional support just leapt off the page. Watching Jane step into that space and be embraced by it was beautiful.

This story doesn’t shy away from emotional depth. It delicately explores grief, healing, and the long shadow of complicated parent-child relationships. The way Jane confronted her past and began rewriting the narrative she’d always believed about herself and her worth—it was moving and powerful and real.

There’s also something so magical about Annabel Monaghan’s writing. She somehow balances a warm, witty voice with meaningful emotional arcs that sneak up on you and squeeze your heart.

It’s a Love Story gave me all the feels. It’s a story about love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and the kind you finally allow yourself to feel when you start believing you deserve good things. I’m already counting down the days until this book is in the world, because everyone deserves to experience these characters and this love story.

This book is pure charm with a side of second chances and a dash of slow-burn romance. Jane’s witty voice and emotional vulnerability make her easy to root for, and the chemistry with Dan Finnegan is both tender and believable. Monaghan balances humor and heartache beautifully, crafting a story that feels fresh yet comfortingly familiar. A delightful, feel-good read that hits just the right emotional beats—perfect for fans of character-driven rom-coms.

4.5 stars

* I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this book. All thoughts are my own.

This is easily my favorite by this author so far! I loved the characters and how we really get more in depth with their backgrounds and some of their traumas. The beginning was a touch slow for me but most of the book was pretty fast paced.

Would recommend!

Annabel Monaghan has become a must-read author for me since her debut, and this was no different! I loved the Long Island setting, the family side characters, and the romance. Pick this one up!

This book is a charming, laugh-out-loud love story with a unique twist. Jane Jackson, a former child TV star turned Hollywood producer, is stuck in a “fake it till you make it” mindset until a lie she told to save a project sends her back to the last person she wants to face: Dan Finnegan. Forced to spend a week together, Jane is confronted with her past, her regrets, and a surprising connection with Dan. The witty banter, emotional depth, and slow-burn romance make this a delightful read. If you like stories about second chances and unexpected love, this one’s a must read.

Swoon, Swoon, Swoon!!!!!! This book was everything a Reece Witherspoon movie is. A lighthearted and lovely book. I loved it. It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is the perfect rom-com. This is a grab your ice tea and get lost type of book. Dan and Jane were both so likeable. I was rooting for them from the start.