I want to thank the author and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this story! This story has moments that were like a flashback to TV shows from my childhood. A lot of love, heartache, mental & emotional trauma.

This story was beautifully written and I fell in love with the goofiness of Janey and the handsome quirky Dan. The way Janey transformed from who she was in the beginning a shell of her childhood hidden buried deep inside her that never healed to a confidant young woman who puts herself out there and faces her demons head on and perseveres.

If you love the Notebook, tv sitcom nostalgia, an underdog who works to become the person she was destined to be, enemies to lovers, one bedroom forced proximity stories you’ll love this one!

This book is everything I love about contemporary romance! A former child star turned movie exec works with her nemesis to get the green light for a small romantic film at a studio that is more interested in flash, and along the way we get all the feels. In the acknowledgments Annabel Monaghan says she was inspired by Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died, and I truly enjoyed seeing this depiction of how the expectations put on children can affect their lives. Watching the main character shed her fear and grow feels almost as good as spending time with the Finnegans, my new favorite fictional family. Is the last brother still single? Asking for a friend.

This was just so good 🥹🥹 I absolutely love Annabel’s writing and how simplistic her sentences are but they pack such a punch. She writes metaphors so beautifully and makes you feel the emotions the characters are feeling. Also the setting was the perfect summer vibe I wish I was at the beach reading this!!!! The sweet love Jane and Dan found was so heartwarming to read and I couldn’t contain my giddiness at some of their moments together!!!! I loved the unique premise and how Jane truly found herself by the end of the book. I also loved Dan’s family and seeing Jane immersed in all the craziness!!!! Absolutely recommend and can’t wait to get a physical copy when it comes out!!

Jane, an old TV sitcom actress, spends a week with a man least likely to make her fall in love. A big lie fell out of her mouth. She said one of the biggest popstars has promised to write an original soundtrack for her first project. Jack was her first kiss, but she hasn’t spoken to him in over twenty years. Dan has an in to get to Jack, so Jane turns to him to help her make her lie a truth.

Fun, summer romance read! It was an adventure to see Jane discovering herself. The family in this book is everything. The best characters!

Thank you to Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Former child star "Janey Jakes" is all grown up and trying to make it big in the film production business. Jane finds herself completely in love with a script that she read and is doing anything in her power to convince the bosses to give this film a chance. She gets told that she needs to do something to make the script more "mainstream." Jane comes up with a plan to reconnect with former duet partner, now world famous artist, Jack Quinlan, in hopes to have him create a hit song for the movie's soundtrack. Dan Finnegan, Jane's work enemy, informs her that Jack is set to play at a festival in his hometown in New York. The two of them travel and stay with his giant family for a week.... and it changes Jane forever.

This story was super cute and the banter between the two characters was hilarious. It was a very quick read for me, because I did not want to put it down. This is my first Annabel Monaghan book, but it will not be my last. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Annabel does it again! I really loved the enemies to lovers version of a relationship that we got with this story. I could feel really connected to both of the main characters and their struggles. What an amazing new book!

The way Annabel Monaghan can tell a love story that pulls you in while also absolutely wrecking you (in the best way) should be studied! Every word she writes hits home. The author is a master storyteller while simultaneously making you feel like you are reading a quick beach romance. I will pick up anything this woman writes. Jane and Dan have my heart and I bawled so much it was embarrassing. 6/5 Stars as always!!

Thank you to #Netgally for the chance to read and review this ARC!! I am forever grateful!

a lighthearted and quick read! i definitely felt like the romance part was really rushed and there was no chemistry between the characters- very insta love for me. i did like the focus on jane's development but i just wanted more of a connection with her and dan? and the story in general? i would recommend if you want a nice and simple read tho!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I love Annabel Monaghan's books, and this one did not disappoint. It took a while for me to connect to the protagonist, but once I did - phew! - I had all the feels.

Jane's insecurities felt so real. I have always been fascinated by the world of child actors; I feel sad for them as they navigate the world as adults, perceived as "has-beens" or "B List actors." The afterword explains that the author was inspired by Jennette McCurdy's autobiography, and that really made it more meaningful, since I was familiar with that book as well. Thank you for shining some light on their lives. I hope Jennette reads this book, because I think she will enjoy it. This was also a really interesting backstage glimpse at what the world of movie making looks like.

As a mom to 2 young adult daughters, I also really loved Jane's relationship with her mom - their Friday night movie date is the cutest. I have so much respect for all of the single parents out there, and without giving any spoilers, I understand why Jane's mom made the choices she made.

With regard to the romance, it was a perfect slow burn. I did not like the male main character at first either, but that was obviously intentional. The enemies-to-lovers trope was done so well. We are drawn toward Dan and his family along with Jane. (I also fell in love with Long Island - I was actually born there, but I have spent very little time there and it made me want to go visit!)

Overall, a very sweet book with some really touching and powerful emotional elements. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Penguin, Netgalley and to the author for the ARC opportunity!

I have loved all of the novels by Annabel Monaghan that I have read and this is no different. Pack this on your beach trip this summer. It is a cute and relatable romance. Dan and Jane. Such a cute, feel good read!

I’ve loved all of Annabel Monaghan’s books. It’s a Love Story was the perfect contemporary romance and it will make the perfect beach read. Jane and Dan were so relatable in a way that usually I don’t find in romances (minus her career I guess). I loved Dan’s family and the way he was so sure of himself. I also loved Clem and Jane’s relationship, it was so special.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I felt all the feelings while reading this book, and may need to reread it while at the beach this summer 💞

Annabel Monaghan has a way of writing romance novels with such great plots that you lose yourself in the story. This was no different! Jane and Dan were both such relatable characters, and their meet cute turned loathing was hilarious but also sweet. Can’t recommend this book enough!

Anabel Monaghan has done it again, but this time, she’s outdone herself—It’s a Love Story is her best yet! From the very first page, I was completely swept away by her signature warmth, wit, and deeply heartfelt storytelling. This book tugs at all the best heartstrings, delivering a love story that feels both timeless and fresh, brimming with emotion, humor, and those small, perfect moments that make a story unforgettable.

Monaghan has long been an auto-buy author for me, but It’s a Love Story cements her place at the very top of my must-read list. She has a way of crafting characters so real and relationships so beautifully layered that they stay with you long after you turn the last page. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this is the book that will make you fall in love with her writing forever. Five glowing stars—I only wish I could give it more!

I ate this book up! I don’t want to give anything away since it’s not out yet but Annabel Monaghan has done it again!
I loved the main characters and the MMC’s big messy family, and the FMC’s growth. I smiled so much my face started to hurt (and cried a few times). Highly recommend! Thanks to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC!

Advance Reader Copy: Book will be published on May 27 2025!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Dates read: 2/21/2025 -2/24/2025
How I read it: NetGalley’s APP
Who I recommend to: Anyone who is looking for a good summer read!
Thoughts:

Annabel Monaghan continues to prove why she is Summer Reads Royalty!

Let me start by thanking the Author, the Publisher, NetGalley and whoever else is involved for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

I am not kidding when I say add this book to your summer TBR! I completely understand that I am the target audience for this book. There is nothing I love more than an amazing beach read romance that gives all the summer vibes. This book hits all the marks. I did read this book in February and for a couple of days it took away my winter blues!

The author did an excellent job building the characters and made you root for them the entire time. I loved the chemistry and banter between the main characters, Jane and Dan. There were many times I was blushing and kicking my feet. I also appreciate that this book is a closed door romance as I am not the biggest fan of spice. By the end of the book I wanted to be part of the Finnegan Family! There is nothing that makes me happier than a large, happy and loving family dynamic.

The setting was descriptive and I could imagine spending the summer on the beach, the farms and even the family home. I wanted to be transported to Long Island summer, which as someone from Staten Island that is a big claim!

Overall, the days are getting longer, the sun is feeling warmer and I highly recommend you get ready to read this book to have some summer magic.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars! ✨

4.5 stars!✨

Mark your calendars! This gem is out on 5/27/25 & trust me this will be the beach read of the summer!!! I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy🤩

Jane & Dan🫶🏻👏🏻 ughhh my heart😍 their chemistry was seriously off the charts 📈 I was absolutely giddy while reading this. And I would really, really, really like an invitation to spend the weekend at the Finnegan house & be added to The Mob group chat okay thanks🤭

Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me! Her characters are always so relatable. I just love reading her work.

Read if you like:
🎥 unconventional Hollywood romance
💘 enemies to lovers
🥞 forced proximity
🎬 former childhood actors
🌊 dual timelines
📸 relatable characters

My Annabel Monaghan ranking:
1. It’s a Love Story 4.5✨
2. Nora Goes Off Script 4✨
3. Same Time Next Summer 3✨
4. Summer Romance 3✨

Thank you Penguin Group Putnam, NetGalley & Annabel Monaghan for this opportunity to read this book & give my honest opinion 🤍

Look no further for your favorite romance this summer! Grab it for your beach bag and pool reading immediately!!

Jane is desperate to get her current work project greenlit and this mission lands Jane in a tricky situation and a week long trip with one-time crush/man she now can't stand Dan. They travel to Dan's hometown to try and make this project happen, but of course so much more happens along the way!!

I enjoyed Jane's growth, how well Dan's personality complemented her, spending the week with Dan's family, and Jane's relationship with her mom. Truly great supporting characters in addition to the love story.

I fell head over heals for this one. I loved Dan and his family the absolute most.
I almost took off a star because one scene felt a wee bit forced for some drama, but otherwise, chef's kiss.
Perfect summer read. It had me staying up late at night to read just one more chapter.

Anything Annabel Monaghan writes, I’m reading it. I loved this story about masking and not always showing up as your best self. Loved it.

I loved this so much that I read this in one sitting. While the setting and ambiance of ths story make it a perfect summer read, it gripped my heart from the start and made me feel all the feelings. I adored both Jane's nd Dan's character growth throughout the book, and I want to friends with the entire Finnegan family.

Very apt that The Notebook is a motif throughout this novel, because the tenderness and romance between her and Dan is completely Allie and Noah-coded in the very best way.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the chance to read this ARC!