I absolutely loved the way this one started with aligning life events with outfits. It was fun and exciting. There was a lot l liked about this book, the characters, the family setting, the dynamic. But it just wasn't a home run for me. I didn't find myself dying to pick it up, waiting to find out what happened next, it was a cute read, just not my favorite.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy.

While I've loved Annabel Monaghan in the past, this one was a miss for me. The main character was so so frustrating and came off as very childish. I just honestly didn't really like any of the characters or connect with the plot at all. I also didn't feel any chemistry between Jane and Dan, so it was difficult for me to root for them as a couple.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for giving me an early copy in exchange for a review!

This author is an auto-read for me and her newest book is just as great as the others have been! It's a Love Story tells the story of a Hollywood woman who will do anything it takes to get her movie made.. even telling a small white lie. This white lie lands her a ticket to Long Island where she needs to find an ex fling and convince him to make a song for her new movie. This is the perfect summer book and a romcom that reads like fiction.. doesn't seem cheesy at all!

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this ARC.
I have to say the book started out pretty slow and I was really starting to dread reading this book, but I am so glad I stuck with it. If you can make it past the first quarter of the book you will not be disappointed.
Jane was a childhood tv star that is trying to make it in Hollywood as a producer. Her and Dan go to New York on one mission, to try to get their movie greenlit. Jane really isn’t too fond of Dan until she sees who he really is around his family. Jane has grown up with many struggles in her life that transpired into her adulthood and when she is around Dan all her worries disappear.

I’m so sad to have finished this book. I will miss all of the characters immensely. If Annabel Monaghan could please write a series involving all of the members of the Finnegan family I would be extremely grateful. What a wonderful group of characters!!

At the start of the story I thought Jane’s unusual quirks were a bit over the top but as I got into it it all made more sense. When the setting moves to Long Island is when I could not stop reading. The setting and characters are perfect. I want to spend a week with the Finnegan’s!

I finished this book in 6 hours and I’m having a book hangover. It’s such a great book! I will be recommending it to all of the rom com and chick lit readers.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!! I absolutely adore Annabel Monaghan's writing- she has such a way of grabbing the audiences attention with her words and characters. Jane and Dan don't have an easy start at the beginning (showing as 'dislike to lovers'). Jane herself has walls built up around her as a result of her upbringing as a child actor. Despite her past, she is determined to be taken seriously in Hollywood and get her project greenlit. She has to face the past in ways she didn't expect to- one of them being to work with Dan, who one bad interaction has her dreading working with him. Throughout the story, you see such personal growth in Jane- she starts to lower her walls and have fun with what she enjoys doing, and Dan helps her to come out of her shell into the person we see at the end of the book. Their relationship felt so authentic and pure, and by the end I came to love their story. The perfect read heading into the summer, like all of Annabel's books!

I absolutely adore this book! It exuded a cozy and delightful atmosphere, like a warm hug in book form. No one had to undergo any changes to themselves and everyone was cherished and accepted for their authentic selves. The inclusion of the small town setting, coupled with the nostalgic visit back home, added a touch of charm to the story. I genuinely hope that there’s a series dedicated to each of the brothers. If you’re searching for a simple and heartwarming romcom, this book is an excellent choice! It perfectly captured the essence of a lighthearted spring read.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing me with a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was quiet, simple, and beautiful love. Love not between the MCs but true love in themselves and being happy about who the past you was and is right now

Annabel Monaghan’s writing remains steady, strong, and remarkable. That perfect blend of lit-fic and commercial romance, with deep dives into complex relationships and characters but also building amusing and heart-warming connections too. There’s a beautiful emotional ache running through the entire book that held me and wouldn’t let go.

Jane and Dan’s animosity, but with a sparked backstory, was wonderfully balanced with a slow build into friendship and then love. Passionate and deep. The parallel introductions with Dan’s family were entertaining as well as healing as Jane reminisced and confronted past traumas and deep-seated anxieties. Humor amid harsh truths.

My only small critique would be wanting a little more at the end. I think the wrap-up felt a little off, not keeping with the rest of the book, in a way. But still, overall, it’s another clear winner and I highly recommend.

Thank you to #NetGalley for an ARC of this novel!

Last year I discovered Annabel Monaghan's work, her novel, Summer Romance was one of my favorite summer reads last year. I was thrilled to get an early copy of her new novel coming out this spring/summer. "It's a Love Story" involves Jane Jackson, a former child actor turned struggling producer and her work enemy Dan Finnegan. They travel to the east coast together in hopes to get the famous singer, Jack Quinlan, to write a song for the film they want to get approval to produce. Jane might have embellished her connection to Jack and tries to make a miracle happen. During this time Jane stays with Dan's large Irish family and learns that she might have judged Dan too harshly. Dan soon becomes Jane's biggest supporter as she navigates her interactions with Jack and is forced to face the baggage that came from her acting career as a young teen.

In my opinion, this novel started a little slow. I do not think I connect as well to characters that start in LA and are in the movie business, its just not relatable. However, as the story progressed I did find Jane to be a deep character with sides of her that I was rooting for. Also Dan's family was hilarious and warm. It made him likable and I wanted Jane to have these people as her found family.

As always, Monaghan creates realistic characters with trauma and baggage that they sort through before they fall for each other. I found this novel to be a sweet romance that is also in the women's fiction genre. I like how her female characters are independent and do the work to grow themselves and their love interests support this growth rather than swoop in and magically solve all the FMC's problems.

“it’s everyday care and treating the other person like they’re your house keys”
“I feel the ghosts of a million laughs in this room”
“I lean back into him in response which probably speaks volumes, but it the quietist conversation I’ve ever had”

Admit it. Now you REALLY want to read this book and find out exactly what these quotes are about. Those are just a few quotes from her book. There were more. I never highlight in a book, but I kept reading and then rereading phrases that were so perfectly articulated. I was constantly amazed at Annabels turn of phrase.
I didn’t want ANNABEL MONAGHAN’S latest book ‘It’s a Love Story’ to end. I’ve always been a fan and I’ve read all her books, but this is a new favorite.

This is not just another romance/love story. This book has heart, it has teeth, it has everything you want that will keep you up at night reading.

Jane, a former child star turned movie producer, doesn’t believe in true love. However, she’s found a movie script that she believes could perfectly portray it. To help her land a big-name singer for the title song, she’s enlisted the help of her friend and cinematographer, Dan. Annabel Monaghan has crafted a satisfyingly fun summer beach novel that plays on the close proximity and friends-to-lovers trope. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the early proof.

This is a very painful review to write, and I even rounded up from 2.5 stars. First off, do not let this review sway you into thinking this is not a great author, because by all means, when I saw this come across my email, I was OVERJOYED! I could not wait to start it. This was about the point that all this wave of excitement began to plummet.

If it wasn't for my love of this author, I would have DNF this book. I genuinely just kept hoping it would get better, but no such luck.

I was not engaged with the characters; quite frankly I thought the entire plot was stupid and drawn out. I really think she missed the mark with this one sadly.

I just finished It’s a Love Story and wow, this book is like a warm hug. Annabel Monaghan has such an easy, witty writing style that makes the characters feel totally real and relatable. The story has heart, humor, and just the right amount of emotional depth without getting too heavy. It’s one of those books that’s both comforting and fresh at the same time. If you're into character-driven romances that are smart and charming, this one’s definitely worth picking up.

4.5 stars
Jane Jackson spent her awkward teen years playing up her goofiness as a punchline on a TV show. She liked going for the laughs. As an adult, she has firm ideas about how she should change herself to attract a stable mate—working in the movie industry is not exactly a steady way to make a living. But this script she’s sure is going to cement her role in the industry. Except when she gets to the meeting, the pompous cinematographer, Dan, who tanked her last script is there. She’s desperate to get the project greenlit, so when her boss claims this project is too quiet, she lies and says she’s still friends with the mega musician Jack Quinlan and he’d be willing to write a single for the soundtrack. Except she neglects to mention that her ties with him lasted about a day 17 years ago.

Dan might have an in as to how she can reach Jack, but it would mean traveling with him back to his family in Long Island. She assumes they live in a mansion and all have Ivy League educations. What she finds is a place where she can be herself. Funny and goofy and not faking it all the time.

I fell in love with Dan along with Jane. There were parts of the ending that didn’t quite work for me, but all in all an enjoyable romance.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel which RELEASES MAY 27, 2025.

This one started slow for me. I almost put it down but I’m so glad I stuck it out. If you’re starting this book, trust me: hang in there until chapter 10, when the story shifts to New York. That’s when it finds its heart!

Jane’s character growth is one of the strongest parts of the book. Watching her grow into her true, authentic self was amazing. She begins as someone who’s a bit unsure of her place in the world, but by the end, she owns who she is—and you can’t help but cheer her on.

And Dan 😍 He’s quirky, thoughtful, and completely himself, even when his family doesn’t totally get him. I absolutely loved that about him. He doesn’t change to fit anyone’s expectations, and that kind of confidence makes him one of the best book boyfriends out there.

I also loved Dan’s family. Every single one of them brought warmth and depth to the story, especially his parents—their love was such a beautiful backdrop to Jane and Dan’s own journey.

If I had to pick one thing I didn’t love, it would be the third-act breakup. It felt a little unnecessary and disrupted the emotional momentum. Still, the ending was satisfying and heartfelt.

Overall, this is a love story that’s messy, real, and full of heart. Give it time to unfold—you won’t regret it.

It’s A Love Story did not capture my attention right away. However, the story that blossomed once Dan & Jane go to his hometown, had me unable to put the book down. It gave me How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibes. Many times books give a non-realistic version of love but this book focused on the little things that make a relationship thrive. “Love happens over breakfast” will forever be a favorite quote of mine now. I loved the ending of this book but am so sad that it’s over. Hoping for a sequel involving Clem 🤞🏼

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance for my honest review.

human interactions are never really portrayed accurately in books. they’re always a little too perfect, a little too scripted. sometimes i think about myself—being spontaneous, or sharing out of pocket jokes—and how i could never be written in a book because my experiences aren’t universal enough for many people to understand. people often don’t want to read about this realness because it’s awkward; you don’t know the characters that intimately, and being unique means you won’t connect with everyone. but monaghan, against all odds, gives us a real life person in the form of it’s a love story.

jane is a creative movie exec who tells herself she’s looking for love and presents a facade of someone loveable, someone who wears the right clothes for the right dates and knows when to laugh or smile. deep down, she feels guilty and unworthy of showing her true self because the real jane has only been rejected from love, and this has plagued her ever since. jane starts working on a movie with her nemesis/coworker dan, and she has to face all the feelings she’s swept under the rug.

let me be honest, at first i thought jane was a total weirdo. a whacko actually. because what kind of quirky are you to eat candy in a closet when emotional? and some of the things she says are totally unhinged. i felt like we got too personal too quickly, but around 25% i started connecting with her. jane tries to escape her pain from the past by becoming someone new. she avoids her feelings with humor, becomes funny so she doesn’t cry, and i think this is when i realized we’re more alike than i thought. compare her to myself, and suddenly she’s less insane.

jane’s inner monologue definitely overshares, but her out of pocket thoughts are more realistic than anything else. maybe her reactions aren’t how i would react, but they’re how a person would react, and jane became more of a person than a character.

what i appreciate most is that there wasn’t miscommunication!! jane and dan were able to actually open up and discuss their feelings. (spoiler) their fight was satisfying in a way because jane lashing out makes sense. she’s been running away from janey jakes for years, and after finally being caught, not only is she facing feelings of being unlovable and weird, but also has to reconcile this person with the person who fell in love with dan. and that’s a lot.

there’s definitely a line between being honest and overcharging, which monaghan flits over a couple times, but overall i appreciate knowing jane so intimately. however, i’ll say that a lot of the unnecessary details slow down the plot.

jane talks a lot about love and what it’s supposed to feel like. she’s against her mom’s flings, against insta-love, and really wants a love story where the two people love as they learn about each other. i’d say this is contradictory though because dan and jane were definitely insta-love. or, not exactly the slow burn that jane advocates for, which bothered me a bit. jane found dan attractive almost from the start and caught butterflies maybe a day later? their spending time together was cute but the “i love you” came after less than a week of them together.

lighthearted and cute, this book is perfect as a summer beach and vacation read!

If you like Annabel Monaghan’s other books, you’ll love this one too! The characters are relatable and enjoyable to read about. It’s a nice light read through most of it with some more emotional moments towards the end. I really enjoyed this book and am excited to catch up on the other books written by this author!

Thank you to penguin and NetGalley for this arc!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review! If you want to suck down an entire book in one sitting on a summer vacation (possibly in a bikini on a beach with a cocktail in hand 👙) this is your book!! Jane is an insecure former child star who thinks she is destined for a supporting role in life. Currently working on getting her new film project off the ground, Jane teams up with Dan, a hipster cinematographer who has rubbed her the wrong way professionally in the past. In pursuit of their project, they head to the Hamptons to nail down a lead single for their movie from a current pop super star, who happens to be a ghost from Jane’s childhood past.

So many things worked for me in this story. First, Jane was so easy to root for and relatable. Who hasn’t had an ugly duckling phase in middle school? I also loved how Monaghan explored how girls who aren’t ‘perfect’ get relegated to the ‘goofy sidekick friend’ role. It was sweet to see Dan help Jane come out of her shell and be herself (and as a naturally curly-haired girl who has spent a lot of time in the past taming my mane, I loved how Jane’s naturally curly hair appeared more as her acceptance of herself grew). Also, introverted men with man buns are not typically my jam, but Dan did it for me. I love a yearning man and my guy was down soooooo bad. And besides the main characters, Dan’s family dynamic adds so much warmth and coziness to the story. I mean, a big Irish family on a potato farm in the Hamptons—could my Irish heart be any more smitten?? 🤩 And when Jane described seeing his parents’ love as being each other’s house keys 🔑 🔑 Protect this family at all costs.

Monaghan’s writing really shines in this story. I felt instantly transported to summer. The background of the Hamptons and Dan’s parents’ home was so dreamy. There is also a short scene that involves painting that was incredibly romantic. She writes, ‘I wish the salty air were a blanket I could pull up over us’ excuse me!?!! How gorgeous!!!

I have read ‘Same Time Next Summer’ and ‘Summer Romance’ and in my opinion this one blew both of those out of the water. The only thing I found a bit grating was the number of references to The Notebook (was this needed?). Overall I loved this book and will be recommending it to any girlfriend who needs an easy beach read this summer.