It’s a Love Story was a delightful whirlwind of second chances, banter, and just the right amount of rom-com chaos. Jane was a lovable disaster in the best way—armed with Hollywood ambition, a slightly unhinged determination, and a past she’d rather not revisit (especially if it involves her former teen-crush-turned-rockstar). And Dan? The grumpy, maddeningly talented cinematographer who challenged her at every turn? Swoon.
The forced proximity, the hilarious high-stakes lie, and the undeniable slow-burn chemistry made for a highly entertaining ride. The only thing keeping it from five stars? I wanted just a bit more emotional depth in certain moments. But overall, this book was a sharp, witty, and utterly charming rom-com—perfect for anyone who loves a little Hollywood chaos with their happily ever after.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

4 ⭐️
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Putnam Penguin Group for giving me an early copy of this book!
What I really enjoy about all of Annabel Monaghan’s books is the cover looks cute and unassuming. But when you open it up and read it, it packs and emotional punch and really gets you in your feels.
I really liked following our FMC Jane and loved watching her carefully placed walls slowly start to crumble around her as she learned to become comfortable in her own skin after trying to be this perfect version of herself for everyone around her.
Dan was such a great realistic MMC and I loved how he was a introvert vs his loud and proud family. The family had their differences but he always was proud of who he was, even if it wasn’t who they wanted him to be.
Dan’s family was also so important for only child Jane to grow and realize how special it is being apart of such a big warm group and helped her to melt and feel this love she had been desiring since she was a little girl.
The third act break up was really the only issue I had with the book because it felt a little forced/rushed. But I adored the ending and love where our characters end up and how much they grew from the beginning to this fulfilling end.
There is incredible summer vibes in this book and I think this will be the perfect book to bring to the beach or the pool to laugh, smile, and cry to this summer season!
This book is bingeable, a second chance with a twist, has great relatable characters, and a heartfelt love story you need to read this summer!

4.5 stars! This book! Annabel Monaghan does it again!!
As this book started out, I knew it was going to be a good one. The first 50% was really good but I felt a little disconnected to what was going on but once we hit that 50% mark… it kept going up and up for me. The last 50% of the book kept me so invested. Dan is everything and everything Jane went through had me in tears. I could not stop crying the last 20% of the book because I felt that connected to these characters, their pain, and also their joy. I’ve only read two books by Annabel Monaghan but she is slowly becoming one of my favorite authors. READ THIS READ THIS WHEN IT COMES OUT IN MAY!!!!

‘Love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth.’

Fresh, enjoyable and endearing, It’s a Love Story is positively swoon-worthy. You’ll definitely wanna
make sure Monaghan’s latest is beach-tote secure for your warm, sandy, sunny summer!

Arc provided by PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!

Pub: 5.27.25.

ITS A LOVE STORY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. Jane was a child actress, always the funny comedic actress. As an adult, she’s working for a studio and has found the perfect script, she just needs to make it marketable. She tells a tiny fib that she’s still close with a former co-worker from her childhood and needs to convince him to participate in the script. Cinematographer, Dan, has an “in” with the man needed to get this script greenlit. Jane and Dan go to Long Island to hunt down this huge star, on a mission to convince him to come aboard. So, at first I was not convinced I was going to like this book, it was a tough start for me. But, halfway through, the way this book displays the simplicity’s of love, the every day, complicated, simple, unnoticeable acts of true love, I was hooked. I was engaged in 6 months over 10 years ago, and find love exactly like they discuss it in this book. I loved how true love is described in her writing. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

It’s a Love Story follows Jane Jackson, who is determined to make her first project a huge success—but she lies about securing an artist, Jack Quinlan, a popstar who supposedly promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. The problem? They haven’t spoken IN YEARS and never had the kind of relationship where she could just casually reach out and ask for a favor.

When Jane hears that Jack will be performing at a festival on Long Island, she sees it as her chance to reconnect. There’s one thing though, she has to go with Dan Finnegan, her one-time crush because aside from the festival, it’s also his hometown.

I had such huge expectations for this book because I’ve read so many good reviews about the author—but that’s on me for setting the bar too high. I should’ve been more balanced with my expectations.

Dan. He loved The Notebook! It’s not always you get to read a man who enjoyed romance and cried because of it. His character had a laid-back vibe—he didn’t seem to care much about other people’s opinions of him or his life, probably because he knew himself better than anyone else.

Jane. Her character really showed how hard she tried to be “perfect” in every aspect of her life—so much so that when things didn’t go as planned, it completely threw her off. I could relate to her on that level, but there was something about her that just kind of annoyed me.

Adding more the review is Dan’s family. They perfectly embodied the kind of chaos that comes with being surrounded by loved ones—but in a good way. This book highlighted that it’s okay if your family doesn’t always understand you, but only to a certain extent. On another note, I really loved seeing Jane’s relationship with her mom develop. It was clear how much she loved her, but there was a strain between them that wasn’t obvious at first. They managed to find their balance by being honest and open with each other, which made me really happy.

Some issues are:I can’t get past about the fact that she’s sick of everything that is happening but not doing anything to make it stop or change for the better. Literally, knowing about something and pretending not to know about it will eat you alive and that’s what it did to her. It affected everything in her life, most especially how she views herself.

Another thing—I didn’t really feel the romance between them. It was there, sure, but it could’ve been stronger, you know? Given the title of this book, I expected more.

Overall, this story really showed how self-sabotage can keep us from getting what we deserve simply because we believe we’re not enough. It was cute and lighthearted, with some fun banter, but I have to admit—it felt a bit underwhelming since it took so long to actually grab my attention.

Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Wonderful!
I am all for the anxiety ridden, the quiet, the loners and the different and that's what this book brought to me. Child actress all grown up wanting to remake herself and hide from her past. I'm happy to say it didn't focus on her childhood celebrity past it was just enough to make you love and understand her better. It's a super sweet romance that had me swooning and hopeful. #MFEO #TWINS #bigfamily #soulmates

Annabel, please never stop writing. This book will be placed in my top favs of the year so far and I have an inkling that it will be a favorite among the community this summer as well. This story was so soft and beautiful. One of my favorites things while reading is feeling the emotions the character is feeling and that is EXACTLY my experience with this book. The way Annabel wrote Jane and her journey made me feel everything right with her... giddy and blushing while also angry, confused and frustrated. I cried and laughed right along with her, It was awesome.

Jane was so authentic and relatable with so many layers and immense growth throughout the book. Reading Jane and Dan's small moments literally gave me that lovely feeling when you cant stop smiling and feeling butterflies when falling for someone for the first time. - Moments like the brushing of hands and a lingering hug or glance or first kiss. PERFECTION!!! AHHHHH I felt so happy reading this book.

In addition to the unraveling love story, there is a found family element to this story that was so freaking heartwarming and beautiful. ALSO, for the girlies with DADDY ISSUES... let this be your warning that you may feel many emotions along with Jane as she navigates her daddy issues. I may have felt slightly attacked and healed at the same time.

Thank you SOOO much for allowing me to read this. It was an honor.

Another 5 star ⭐️ read by Annabel Monaghan!! I loved it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely adored Annabel Monaghan’s first book, so I was over the moon when I got approved for an ARC of her newest release. My expectations were sky high - and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think I might love this one even more than her debut!!! This book just spoke to my soul. It absolutely cemented Annabel Monaghan as one of my favorite romance authors. The entire book was beautifully written, particularly the second half - and I loved the ending (and especially that last line) so, so much. Her writing is so full of heart and humor and I love how her books make me *feel* so deeply. The chemistry between the main characters was absolutely sizzling, but this book is so much more than just a romantic storyline. It’s about family, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to be honest even when it’s hard. And the characters! I could write an essay about how much I love an Annabel written character. I fell hard for the Finnegan family and their unique brand of love for each other, and I also saw myself in Jane in so many of her moments of self-doubt. As much as I loved the romance part of this book, I loved witnessing Jane’s journey of personal growth even more. The overall message of this book was so special and it just makes me smile to think that someone might read this and realize that they’re enough just by being themselves. This one is a must-read if you ask me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read an ARC of It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan, in exchange for my honest review.

I adore Annabel Monaghan! This book was as delightfully delicious as Ms. Monaghan's previous books. Love, laughter, growth, with a few sprinkles of "makes you think".

I want to be a Finnegan! I loved this family! All the characters were people I would like to be friends with (well, except that one, maybe two...).

This was a great portrayal of how we are each unique, how pretending is exhausting, and that there will be at least one person who really sees you and loves you despite, or maybe because, you are you.

You absolutely should read this book!

Annabel Monaghan's "It's A Love Story" is an absolute winner! It’s shaping up to be one of the best romances I’ve read this year, perfect for a summer vibe. The story follows Jane, a former child star trying to get her script made in LA, but things get dicey when her competitive rival, Dan, has other plans. To impress their boss, Jane exaggerates her friendship with a famous pop star, leading to an adventurous trip to Long Island with Dan to find him.

Set in the charming town of Oak Shore, the chemistry between Jane and Dan is undeniable. Their warm interactions had me hooked, especially that unforgettable rainy scene! I loved hanging out with Jane, Dan, and their friend Clem. Overall, "It’s A Love Story" is such a lighthearted, humorous read about navigating the past and finding love when you least expect it. Don’t forget to grab a copy on May 27, 2025—I can't wait!

This was my first Annabel Monaghan but I will be reading more! I really enjoyed this one!

Former child star of an old sitcom, Jane thought she left her awkward character in the past. She now will be faced with her past after she tells a lie to get the green light for a movie she needs to see made. To get this done she must go on a trip with Dan who she is not very fond of. Together they will go to Dan’s hometown where she needs to convince someone from her past (who happens to be a huge popstar) to write a song for the movie.

Jane thinks she doesn’t believe in love but maybe she was just looking at it all wrong. Following Jane learn how to be herself and enjoy her time with Dan was so cute and fun. Jane’s feeling on how to act around men and just in life was relatable to those of us who try to “fake it til we make it”. Seeing her let her guard down and actually be her funny and her real self felt good. This was a very heartfelt and encouraging story about being yourself and letting people see you for who you are even if your past makes you scared to do so. For me this was deeper than just a fun beach read. I teared up a couple times but still had a lot of fun. Also I want a Dan for myself!

This book has immediately become my new favorite Annabel Monaghan book. I started reading this book and could not put it down. This book follows Jane and Dan as they have to try and get their movie greenlit for production. They need something that gives it marketability and audience interest given their small budget for the screenplay - enter Jane's high school crush and now super star musician, Jake. Jane claims that she's still in touch/good friends with him when in reality she hasn't spoken to him since high school. Dan (who is her 'mortal enemy') ends up having a connection to a festival in his hometown where Jake will be playing. Jane & Dan fly to NY and stay with Dan's family while trying to track down Jake to ask him to write a song for their movie.

As a love of enemies to lovers tropes this book was a win for me. But also I loved how through this book Jane learned to see herself as she truly is again - funny, smart, kind - and in doing so re-gaining the confidence that she lost as a teen.

This book is immediately on my TBR as a re-read for the summer and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good book to read! Thank you to Ms.. Monaghan and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for allowing me to read this early copy of "It's a Love Story."

This was fun! It took me more than half of the book to orient myself, though... it really felt like I was reading an Emily Henry book. I've read all of Annabel Monaghan's books and love that they center women in their 30s/40s with kids, and that those heroines are deserving of a love story... but I also respect her right to branch out! It just felt confusing for awhile. It was interesting to read about her inspiration in the author's note at the end; I've been curious about Jeannette McCurdy's memoir.

Love happens over breakfast.

Wow wow wow!!! I have read and enjoyed each book Annabel Monaghan has released and truly they just keep getting better. This book was a swoonfest!

This book finds us with Jane, a former child star trying to prove herself to be a serious professional in Hollywood. She’s found the perfect script to do it and just needs to get her boss on board, which would be simple enough if it weren’t for the frustrating cinematographer Dan, who instigates her inner doubt after shooting down her last project. So Jane does what any reasonable (desperate) person would do: she lies and says she’s got the hottest pop star on board to help their soundtrack. Now to compensate for her lie, she finds herself unexpectedly teamed up with Dan, who also loves this script, trying to make this project come to fruition.

I adored the antics of Jane and Dan that lead them to Long Island and introducing us to his very kooky family. It felt exactly like being immersed in a chaotic, loving mess of a family exploring their town and enjoying the summertime. I loved being able to witness Jane uncover the layers of Dan while learning what it means to be vulnerable and unconditionally loved. She’s spent her life feeling unlovable and as if everyone will leave her, and this journey was something so tender and precious to witness as she learns that is not the case.

I hope Annabel never stops writing and sharing her sunshine.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Putnam Books for the ARC!

I have read every Annabel Monaghan book and loved them all.

Don't miss the newest, It's a Love Story, publishing in May 2025.

With Monaghan books it’s not a matter of if I’ll like them it’s how much. The basics of this storyline didn’t call to me: kid sitcom star now adult looking to reconnect with a now super singer star to write a song for a movie she is trying to produce - I just don’t love pop culture romcoms (but I love Nora and Annabel so of course I was going to try this! And her writing won me over and I fell in love with the two MCs as they fell in love themselves. I am always for a good extra heart break brokenness before the actual HEA and this was done perfectly. 4.5 star and my third fave after Nora and Summer Romance.

This book felt like a warm hug and a coming of age story at the same time, which was not what I was expecting but immensely enjoyed. I absolutely loved the emotional journey Jane went on to find herself and the love she found along the way. I would love to see this developed into a movie.

I love Annabel’s books!! This is a cute spring/summer read without out all the fluff. It’s sweet, cozy and love the emotional piece. Her characters are relatable and their story is realistic and not cheesy like your typical romances.