I can’t begin to describe how much I loved this book. It was quite simply, sheer perfection. The yearning, the tension, the self-doubt, the humor. Annabel Monaghan once again manages to capture the raw emotions of being a woman.

I loved the exploration of teenage awkwardness, the pains of first love, and those traumatic childhood moments that inform the story of your life. I loved watching Jane open up to Dan and the safety he provided with his family and his love. Truly relationship goals! This was such a mature exploration of romance, workplace ambitions, and the never-ending comparison of yourself against the perceived perfection of others’ lives. Dan’s and Jane’s banter was everything and I adored every single individual in the Finnegan family. A romance that is food for the soul in so many ways!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars!!! I loved Annabel Monaghan's 2024 release Summer Romance and also completely loved and devoured this book! This would make the perfect book to read while traveling. My only minor complaint is that the love story took place over too short of a time period to fully buy into their love and their character growth.. It was clear even when they were sparring and "hated" each other at the beginning that Jane and Dan had great chemistry and I loved seeing it build. This book had it all - a quietly swoony MMC, a FMC you could root for, great side characters in Clem and Dan's family, laugh out loud humor, a fun meet cute, heartwarming emotional depth and a sweet romance with great tension early on.. Would highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I really like her writing style and how fast her books read. I do definitely prefer Nora Goes Off Script and Summer Romance to this book, but it was still a fun and quick read.
The reason I did not like this book as much is I felt there was not a lot at stake/ the third act break up was kind of silly and unnecessary. I completely understand her lack in confidence, but I feel like the TABU was kind of unwarranted. She finally really liked a guy and then she just storms out kind of out of no where and then he blocks her (pretty much over nothing).
Something about that just drove me a littleeeee crazy, but other than that, i gave the book 3.5 stars rounded up. I loved the story, writing, pace, and message, this just was not my favorite of her books.
Will definitely still recommend!!! (Especially for a summer beach read)
I am going to wait to share on socials till closer to summer to recommend for a beach read!

Annabel Monaghan does it again! Such a gorgeous love story, a fluffy enemies-to-lovers with a beautiful sentiment of family and the chaos of Hollywood and childhood stardom. A really wonderful read, just the right amount of everything you’d want. Thank you so much to Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Random House, and G. B. Putnam’s Sons for sending me an advanced copy. Highly recommend it, pick it up for the perfect summer read coming in May! ☀️

Annabel Monaghan’s newest book, “It’s a love story,” is beyond delightful. She does it again! It’s a balm to your soul that just makes you feel comforted and cared for from page one till the end. I could not adore the two main characters more than I do with Jane and Dan. Dan is a swoon-worthy lead who is romantic, emotionally available and exactly what Jane needs. Jane is a strong, but slightly timid woman who is looking for a thing she thinks she’s been missing her whole life - compelling love and adoration. She’s braver than she thinks and the evolution of her character has you rooting for her the entire time. The secondary characters are just as lovely and the Finnegan family charms you from the first meeting and has you rooting for a HEA, just because of who they are and what being a part of that family could mean - true, unconditional love. I adored this one and couldn’t recommend it more.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and am grateful to Penguin Group Putnam for the opportunity to share my honest feedback.

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the ARC!

I really enjoy her books. Her last one was one of my faves from last summer. This one did not reach those heights but was still fun. The love interest is a cinnamon roll with a man bun (not currently, but sometime in his past) and that could be the reason why this not strike my fancy.

Definitely give it a try if you have enjoyed her other books. 3.5

I need to know what Annabel puts in her books. Incredibly hard to put down. She manages to always put a serious element in her books. The way she writes her FMCs is real. I can see myself in all of them especially in Its Not A Love Story. Jane tries to rewrite her past with adapting a fake it till you make it attitude and it spirals with one lie. Everytime I think there is no way to save herself from this, I get proven wrong. I loved this book so much. Annabel can do no wrong

This book made my heart happy! It was the perfect mix of humor and romance. The main character is perfectly flawed and relatable. Her career and love life are a bit of a mess but she’s trying to manifest a better version of both, especially the right life partner…Queue the quiet, introverted, & broody main male character and my new book boyfriend! I think one of my favorite elements of this story was the involvement of the side characters that happens to be a big lovable family! This is the first book I’ve read by Annabel Monaghan and I’m already looking for more of her books to add to my library!

I would like to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam|G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to review this advanced readers copy.

First off, thank you Annabel, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

Second first off, if you love Annabel, then obviously you will adore this. I went into this book not reading any description or having a single clue of what I was getting into,except for a romance I would thoroughly enjoy. And thoroughly enjoy it I did. I was laughing so hard at the perfect sense of sarcasm and humor that was just effortless feeling. If I had friends, it would be these two characters who seem to hate working with one another. It was hilarious, the plot was a little look into the life of child superstars as adults, and the setting was familiar. Annabel tied in Same Time Next Summer details and settings with this book, and it felt like coming back to something familiar and cozy. Especially with the Family Stone vibes you get. Like it wasn’t winter and it wasn’t a stone cottage, but it was cozy and welcoming and crazy all the same.

Dan Finnegan, you sexy Irish man, I love you. Confidence is never not hot. It’s true. And there is no one more confident and content in who they are than this man.

Jane Jackson, you hilariously, emotionally-stunted, child superstar, I too love you. You were my favorite kind of lead female role. You were over the top and dramatic, but it felt right and not overly contrived. Like childhood fame can eff a person up, we all know this. And leaning into this fact for a character was really wonderful and felt different enough.

My main complaint? That we didn’t have more. If there were like 50 more pages of events and romance and forced proximity (which would obviously also give us more laughs), then this would easily be a 4.5 or 5. But one week with these two on a self-proclaimed, half-baked mission was just not enough. But whatever. It was still wonderful and for those who are looking for a perfect Memorial Day weekend beach read, then put this on your radar. It’s your cookie cutter beach read book, you’ll enjoy all the moments, and you’ll still be able to enjoy your vacation because you’ll either have blown through this OR you’ll set it down momentarily and be excited to pick it up and hear Janey’s voice spouting some kind of sarcastic humor that you need in your life.

Another favorite to add to my list from Annabel Monaghan. I love how her stories feature adults with what feels like relatable “problems”. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t relate to someone with trauma and self image issues from this world, if any. I know this story is fully about the FMC but the love interest felt little more then an enigma to me sometimes which I suppose was also how he was supposed to feel. I felt almost empowered by the bravery Jane showed in the end and the way her growth was shown through the book. I will be requiring a physical copy for my trophy shelf!

Annabel is a master at heartfelt relatable and funny love stories. I adored this and will read her works always

as always. Annabel offers a heartwarming well earned love story. I enjoyed the hell out of this. I will read all her books.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is everything I adore in a romance—warm, witty, and full of heart. With charming characters, swoony chemistry, and Monaghan’s signature humor, this book had me smiling the entire time. A perfect feel-good read that proves love is as messy as it is magical!

Loved every page!

another absolutely excellent book from this author!!! i devour her books. if you loved Nora goes off script, you will completely love this one!!!!

4.75 stars

This was such a beautiful romance. Jane was such a well written and relatable character. I love stories that are about Hollywood/movies, and while the main part of the story isn’t on a movie set, I love how that aspect was included. Watching Jane go through her character development and fall in love with Dan was so satisfying. This is a perfect summer romance!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

I ate this book up and left no crumbs. Jane is probably my favorite protagonist that I’ve read so far this year. She was so relatable that it honestly hurt at times. And Dan! He was incredibly lovely and I adored their interactions together. It makes for a perfect summer read.

Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.

Another great book by Annabel Monaghan. It's a Love Story was an excellent read with a wonderful story line that made me smile. A page-turner with a feel-good ending. I also adore the book cover. This one matched a scene in the book perfectly, so thumbs-up to the book cover designer as well. A great read and I recommend it.

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book.

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan was a charming and witty novel that had me hooked from the first page. The characters were so easy to root for, and Monaghan’s storytelling made me smile, laugh, and even tear up at times. It was a wonderful blend of romance, humor, and self-discovery that left me feeling satisfied but also a little heartbroken in the best way possible. Monaghan’s writing is a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and deeper emotional exploration. I loved this story from beginning to end.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARCs of these amazing books! I am so grateful for the opportunity to dive into these stories early. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of romance, summer vibes, and feel-good moments, these three books are definitely worth checking out.

For more of my thoughts and reviews, be sure to check out my YouTube channel: [Kiana Lashay](https://www.youtube.com/@KianaLashay1). Don’t forget to subscribe for more book reviews and content!

Oh, I was INTO this story!! I thought I hit the jackpot when I got an email with the eARC - and I was write. Annabel Monaghan continues to be a must-read (and immediately read) author.

The Details:
It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
Enemies to Lovers + Workplace + Forced Proximity

Quick Summary:
Former child star, Jane now works for a movie production company and is desperate to get an amazing script greenlit, and makes a few promises she may not be able to keep. Along for the ride is cinematographer Dan who also wants this movie made and is willing to help her - but they kind of don't like each other.

My Take:
Yes, more of these stories please! This had chemistry and tension and banter and sweet, swoony moments, and lovely family and family moments, and nostalgia, and a big-time mission with a big-time music star. I loved it. It was sweet on the surface, but had a deeper connection to real human emotions of being a background character in your own life.

5 stars - would recommend that you read this now!

A teen TV star unexpectedly met someone looking at a hawk. The perfect Meet Cute! When she's walking into a work meeting to pitch a new movie script to her boss Mr. Meet Cute is there and burns her movie to the ground. A few years later they meet again about a script when he agrees it could be a hit she tells a little white lie about knowing the singer on every radio station (okay, she knows him because he was also on the TV show, but hasn't talked with him since). This leads to a cross-country trip to stake out his latest concert to see if he would be willing to write a song for the movie.