It’s A Love Story was my introduction to Annabel Monaghan, and what a treat it was! Jane and Dan couldn’t be more opposite—and that’s exactly what made their story so compelling.

Jane is someone who struggles to be her authentic self. She shapes her personality based on how she thinks she should be, rooted in the belief that if she doesn’t fit a certain mold, she’ll be overlooked. It’s incredibly relatable, and heartbreaking at times to watch her self-sabotage. Then there’s Dan—confident, grounded, and completely unbothered by other people’s expectations. He knows who he is and what he wants, and he embraces the world with this open-hearted curiosity that’s hard not to fall in love with.

It was so dang beautiful watching their worlds collide. It’s an enemies-to-lovers slow burn full of heart, set against a charming Long Island backdrop. It’s told from a single POV (Jane’s), and I only wish we got a peek into Dan’s mind too.

The final conflict broke my heart, but Annabel did such a fantastic job of putting the pieces back together. Loved this story from beginning to end!

Thank you to NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Annabel Monaghan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC! This is my unbiased review:

Jane Jackson has gone from awkward teen TV personality to an aspiring Hollywood producer. She finally finds a script she loves, but trying to bring that story to the silver screen has her confronting all her insecurities, biases, and defenses. Her week with Dan Finnegan and his family brings all her hurts, and hopes, into focus.

It took me awhile to get into this story, because to be honest, the characters felt two-dimensional in the first half. Jane was a mess on the inside, put together on the outside. Dan was a little too perfect. But they both showed growth, and there were a lot of funny or sweet moments. This turned out to be a quick read because I wanted to see if they could keep the momentum. This was a fun, summer read that I will definitely recommend!

I had no idea what I getting myself into when I picked up this book. This was my first read by this author and Jane Jackson pivoted my mind right back to the teenage me who felt unworthy and unlovable. The girl who's dad also walked away. She, as an adult, still struggling with the traumas of past boys and a father that wouldn't stick around. It's easy to make it your identity, or like me, just stuff it down to it spills out of you one day and you have to deal with it. Well, I guess she does that too.

"My heart is treacherous and historically wrong about everything, it is the weakest muscle in my body, but Dan and his family and our script are conspiring to whisper it back to life like it's an ember worth restoking."

When her sworn enemy, Dan Finnegan, and herself for once agree on a move script they both want to produce and film, Jane decides to do her best (or worst) to get it greenlit by saying she can get famous singer, Jack Quinlin and former teenage Jane's biggest humiliation, to write a song for it. She may have embellished just how good of friends they were. To do that, she finds herself a guest in the Finnegan house on Long Island as her and Dan try to catch a Jack sighting and chat before he plays a big show in Dan's hometown. What you get is a family that loves big, speaks their minds, makes Jane feel like she's one of them (mom and dad are hoping so) and full of so much joy and laughter. And, tension. So much tension. How could she not fall in love with them or...him? And, how can't he when he finally see's the real Jane she doesn't allow others to see.

While I looooooathe a third act break-up, I could totally understand the spiral that Jane took that landed her there. And, while I wish Dan would have been a little more tender at first with her, she definitely hurt him and pushed him away. There's no double standards here. I know some will hate it, but with her unaddressed past, this was bound to happen.

I 100% plan on going back and reading Annabel Monaghan's back catalog after finishing this book. I couldn't put it down. The beautiful tender moments, the tension and longing...I ate it all up and swoony sighed on my couch.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam and Annabel Monaghan for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jane Jackson is a Creative Executive for a big studio and has a script she’s trying to get green-lit. She’s desperately trying to prove her success because she’s most formerly known as “Poor Janey Jakes” from an adolescent sitcom, in which her character was nerdy and often the butt of everyone’s jokes. Jane gets ahead of herself when she tells her bosses that she is close with major pop star Jack Quinlan, and that he has agreed to write an original song for the soundtrack. She does know Jack but hasn’t spoken to him since they shared an awkward first kiss twenty years earlier. Now insert Jane’s coworker, Dan Finnegan, who was once a crush and is now a rival for turning down Jane’s first ever project. Dan is the only one who can help Jane because he has access to a festival that Jack is playing at in his hometown of Long Island. So off to Long Island Jane and Dan go to try and track down Jack in hopes of saving the film, and maybe fall in love along the journey.

This wasn’t my first Annabel Monaghan novel and it won’t be my last. I love her style of writing; the easy pace of a great summer read. I love her characters as they are usually well developed, relatable and likable.

This title releases on May 27, 2025.

4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan and Penguin Group Putnam for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This summer read is surprisingly emotional & brought all the feels. Annabel Monoghan wrote such a relatable character with Jane Jackson, and it's her POV that we follow. Jane, a former child star turned studio exec, is trying to get her first project greenlit. But her passion for this project has her exaggerating her ability to close the deal with her former child co-star turned major heartthrob & popular singer. As she navigates how she'll convince him to say yes to this project, she gets help from the most unlikely source: her rival colleague Dan, whom she almost dated & might still find attractive.

Dan & Jane have this amazing dynamic that only grows as they spend more time together. The setting is with Dan's large, rambunctious family on Long Island, where they are tracking down Jack, Jane's former costar, who is in town playing at a local festival. The banter is phenomenal, but Jane's longing to feel loved, wanted & accepted is highlighted as Dan's family embraces her. This is not just a romance but an exploration of feeling like you don't belong, & what happens when you finally start feeling wanted. I very much related to Jane & her story is so compelling.

The romance between Dan & Jane is steamy, angsty & there is plenty of yearning. It's the little moments described, the touches, the looks - that really had my heart exploding. I love how they both love romance, but in different ways. Dan is a true romantic at heart (his favorite movie is The Notebook) & Jane likes the idea of romance, but a bit sinister in it being real brings this opposites attract vibe. Plu,s add in the found family dynamic from Dan's family & this story just captivated me from beginning to end.

This is one of those books I'll be recommending to all my friends for their summer reading list & I can't wait to see what Annabel writes next!

💖 Enemies to Lovers
🎤 Former Childhood Actor
🛏️ Forced Proximity
☀️ Summer Romance
⚡️ Opposites Attract
🫶 Found Family
☝🏻 Single FMC POV

ARC Review
Jane is a creative executive trying to get a script about a love story made into a movie. She is passionate about this project, but doesn’t necessarily believe in love. Jane’s boss is not convinced, so Jane name drops a singer she met as a child that can write a song for their movie. Jane played the awkward “Janey Jakes” on a sitcom and met the same singer, Jack Quinlan, during that time. She must travel to another state with her arrogant coworker Dan to convince Jack to be a part of her movie to boost the popularity.

It took me a minute to get into this book, but once I did, I was hooked. I really enjoyed the storyline and how her quest to convince Jack Quinlan to help forces her to get out of her daily routine. Jane’s struggles are very relatable, and I think the author has a realistic way of showing real life problems. This book was entertaining and adorable. It also had deeper issues that made it more interesting and more engaging to read. There’s a lot of side characters that are memorable without taking away from the main characters. I think I enjoyed Dans brothers' dynamic the most because they added comedic relief during the harder times.

Annabel Monaghan has a way of incorporating summer vibes in her books, and I adore these types of books. This is the perfect time to pick this book up with the summer season starting soon. She is becoming one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend reading any of her books. This book comes out May 27,2025!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!

I love Anabel Monaghan. I know she's not for everyone, but her reads give "beach read" vibes and keep me entertained.

This one was kind of predictable, but I appreciated how anti "insta love" this one was. I loved reading as Jane came into her own and broke down her walls with Dan.

If you're looking for something easy for a summer read, try this one!

I was delighted to receive an ARC of "It's a Love Story", but Annabel Monaghan. And what a sweet story it was!

Jane Jackson, our main character, is a former child actor who now works as a producer. She has fallen in love with a script that the studio she works for has optioned, and is working hard to get the film greenlit. The studio decides to link her with a cinematographer by the name of Dan Finnegan. Dan and Jane "almost" dated once, but it didn't work out when he crushed one of her previous scripts. Dan likes this new script, though!

Jane, in a last-ditch attempt to save her shot at making this movie, tells the studio that Jack Quinlan, a now-famous singer from her past, will sing the theme song for the movie. Problem is, she hasn't seen or talked to Jack since she made of fool of herself in front of him when she was 14. Determined to make the movie, she and Dan team up to try to catch Jack at a concert in Dan's hometown, and beg him to give the movie a song. Jane and Dan stay at the Finnegan's family home, and the place is FULL of family!

I won't give away more plot detaills, but I found Dan's family to be absolutely loud, dysfunctional, and perfect! This story had me smiling, and occasionally tearing up a bit. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, warm-hearted read, This would be an excellent beach read, a break after an intense read, or a pick-me-up if you've had a really bad day.

It's starting to finally feel like spring where I live, which has me dreaming of coastal Maine where I live and warm, carefree summers! What I loved most about this book was the dynamic of Dan's family. It reminded me of beach trips with my family every summer, something so many can relate to! The summertime storms, slow mornings, sand slightly on the floors everywhere you walk, and late nights on the beach by the fire! I can't wait to re-read this on the beach, or anytime I want to get into the summer mindset! I felt there was a lot of fluff in the middle, but I lived in it and was ready to soak it in more! If you don't like a slower read, this might not be for you. But if you're someone who loves the cheese, loves a slow burn and LOVES the summertime feels, you will highly enjoy this book!

Annabel Monaghan writes with such beauty and emotion. She continues to be one of my favorite rom-com authors!

I am fortunate enough to have received an ARC of Its’s a Love Story. This is an enemies to lovers romance that focuses on finding oneself.

Our main character in this story is Jane, a woman who doesn’t believe in love, especially after the traumatic events of her childhood. Jane is put into close proximity with Dan, her coworker. Both are working on a Hollywood project together.

Dan and Jane end up spending a week with Dan’s family in Long Island. They are hoping to run into Jack Quinlan, the beloved singer who is extremely popular. Jack is performing in Dan’s hometown and if Jane can reconnect with him, she may just be able to get him to help her with her current work project-. Jane would love for Jack to write a song for their upcoming movie. But when Jane finally reconnects with Jack, her insecurities and past come bubbling back to the surface.

Monaghan has so many quotes worth highlighting. I continue to be a reader of hers for life.

3.5⭐️ At first, I thought Jane would be the unbearable “quirky” character and felt a bit turned off. But as the story went on, I really started to enjoy it—Dan especially grew on me! I loved the beach town setting and his family. I think I would’ve liked the book more without the ongoing “problem” storyline—it kept pulling focus and felt unnecessary.

Not my favorite Annabel Monaghan book, but it was a cute read with a meaningful message.

Book Title: It’s a Love Story
Author: Annabel Monaghan
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Summer Vacation, Forced Proximity, One Bed, Workplace Romance, Second Chance Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 💋 (sweet, closed-door, high emotional chemistry)
Format: ARC via NetGalley

⸻

🤩The Vibe:
This book feels like the ultimate summer romcom getaway — think Sweet Home Alabama meets The Hating Game with a little nostalgic TV star glow-up thrown in. It’s witty, charming, and surprisingly heartfelt. You’ll be rooting for Jane and Dan from the first sarcastic exchange to the last swoony moment. If you love stories that balance humor, vulnerability, and a little messy growth, this one will completely hook you.

👩‍❤️‍👨Main Characters:
Jane: Former teen sitcom star trying to figure out who she is beyond the role that made her famous. Jane is smart, funny, and a little stuck in her own head — especially when it comes to believing that “funny isn’t sexy.” Watching her journey to self-acceptance and true connection was so satisfying.

Dan: The literal definition of a green flag boyfriend. Dan is kind, grounded, and unafraid to stand up for what he believes in. His family dynamic is pure perfection, and the way he sees Jane for who she really is will melt you.

⸻

💕What We Loved:
• The blend of so many top-tier tropes into one seamless story — it never felt chaotic, just layered and fun.
• Forced proximity and one-bed tension that actually delivered.
• Dan’s entire family. Every. Single. Scene. The way that he was the “black sheep” but everyone still loved him for who he was is inspiring.
• The way Dan and Jane truly saw and supported each other beyond first impressions and past mistakes.
• The writing — Annabel Monaghan’s dialogue and internal monologue are sharp, witty, and heartfelt without being too heavy.

⸻

🚫What Didn’t Work for Me:
• Jane’s constant inner comparison to her childhood TV character got a little repetitive.
• Her belief that “funny isn’t sexy” felt a little frustrating after a while — we wanted her to realize her worth sooner.

⸻

💬 Favorite Quote:
“This is an odd thing for me to notice about a person I wanted to punch in the neck as recently as this morning, but something’s different.” - The transition from hating someone to loving them always gets me!

⸻

🤔Final Thoughts:
It’s a Love Story is pure summer romcom magic — a perfect blend of humor, heart, and heat with characters you’ll wish were real. If you love a fast, bingeable read packed with all your favorite tropes, this book needs to be at the top of your TBR when it releases.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy — this was a very rare one-sitting, stay-up-4 hours-past-bedtime kind of book for me!

4.5 🌟

Can I please adopt Dan's family?!

Confession: I don't know what makes some romcoms land and others just meh... but whatever it is that makes them land - this book had it. I loved Jane and Dan together and individually. Dan's family was perfection. The third act breakup was well done. Seriously - loved this book!

Closed 🚪 romance

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

I really enjoyed Nora Goes off Script and Summer Romance so I was very excited to get an ARC for the new Annabel Monaghan. This story is a fun beachy read, but there are times I was really annoyed with Jane. The romance and the ending are a little choppy and while I really like Dan's family, some of that was too forced as well. Overall an enjoyable story and fun read.
Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy!

It’s a Love Story
By: Annabel Monaghan

I love Annabel Monaghan’s books. Her stories are always realistic and the characters are lovable and well developed. As expected, It’s a Love Story was a great read.

Thank you @Netgalley and @PutnamBooks for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

#ItsaLoveStory #NetGalley

Thank you to Putman Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC of It's A Love Story✨and my honest review. I have mixed feelings about this. I went into this book totally blind. As I finish this book I think the concept of this book is actually pretty interesting. I did love how Annabel Monaghan had gotten her inspiration from Jennette McCurdy. For me it felt like i liked specific parts of the book. i love the cute little moments with Dan and also how Dan has the messy man bun. But I did struggle a little bit with there i relationship. it felt like it just happened out of nowhere. i felt like Dan was forced to love her. Another thing is there job i feel like i would've liked more of it especially in the end. i felt like the end happened so quickly especially with Dan and Jane.

Thanks so much to Putnam Books and Netgalley for the ARC!

Overall, I really loved this story. Jane was a child actress known for her role as an awkward girl in her teens, turned creative executive in film attempting to get a project green-lit to save her job. Dan is the seemingly pretentious cinematographer who was responsible for her last project not going through. Jane knows Jack Quinlan, a rising pop star, from her time acting and thinks his song is what she needs to get the project the boost it needs to be made.

Jane and Dan journey to the East Coast to try to get time with Jack to bring him into their project and stay at Dan’s family home on their trip. Through meeting his family, Jane is able to see a different side of Dan and realizes he’s different than she thought.

I really loved Dan’s character - he’s so sweet and I just really loved reading about him. Jane was a bit infuriating on and off… I sometimes struggle with characters who make their insecurities too much of their identity and Jane was definitely verging on that, though she did eventually have character growth and it became less of an issue in the end. That being said, it isn’t entirely unrealistic for someone to be that way and I pretty much only removed the 1 star for this reason - the story itself was very cute and I was cheering for Jane and Dan the whole book. It was a little difficult to get into for the first little bit, but after a while I couldn’t put it down and just wanted to get to a happy ending.

I have really grown to love Annabel’s writing style. It’s easy to follow and she really knows how to make you feel connected to the characters. I love a good rockstar romance and this one did not disappoint! It was cozy and had great banter!

I loved this book! I have liked all of Annabel Monaghan's books, but this might be my favorite. I loved the vulnerability of the characters, especially Jane. How she held on to her teenage self and the idea that we all hold of what perfection is versus who we really are was relatable in so many ways. The love story that develops between Jane and Dan is slow and perfect, and what makes it especially fun is that they are surrounded by his busy and lovable family, perfectly captured in the name of his family group text: The Mob. This is a fun summer beach read romance, which you can also read on a cold wintery day on your couch (which is where I read it). The vibes of love, summer, and beach will warm you throughout. I highly recommend this book, and I thank NetGalley for the ARC!

This ended up being a DNF for me. I split my time between reading it on Kindle and listening to the audio, but neither format really worked. The storyline just didn’t grab me, and the audiobook narrator’s almost monotone delivery made it even harder to stay engaged. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.