Jane Jackson is a creative executive that just wants to get the perfect non-romance love movie made but she is told it lacks the "wow" factor the studio is looking for. Dan, the cinematographer assigned to the project, loves the script in contrast to Jane's previous one he got cancelled. Desperate for the move to be made, Jane and Dan team up to get a "wow" factor that won't ruin the movie - a song written and performed by the hottest pop star. Travelling across the country to approach him, Jane and Dan navigate why they are/were enemies and move through loads of baggage that define their ideas on love.

I loved Jane's backstory to understand the bigger issues and her quirky routines to "hide her true self." I loved Dan's family dynamics from the all-male sibling mob to the teasing and jabbing to the parent's love story. This is more than a love story... its a love story about love stories. Put this on your list!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This releases 5/27/25.

I knew an Annabel Monaghan's book was perfect for Valentine's day week, so I cancelled all my plans to get cozy and really immerse myself in it. Best decision ever.

It's a Love Story is narrated by Jane Jackson, a former child actor who is trying to leave behind the character she played for most of her teens and make her own way in Hollywood. When she falls in love with a script she desperately wants to it to become a movie, Jane name-drops the current hottest pop star, Jack Quinlan, who she claims she can convince to write an original song for the movie. That's a stretch, to say the least, since Jane hasn't seen Jack in 20 years. Jane ends up asking for help to the last person she wants to ask: Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer who also loves the script but has come across Jane on a previous project. Turns out Jack Quinlan is performing at a music festival in Dan's hometown, so Jane decides to try her luck to run into Jack and beg for a song to make her dream movie come true.

There are so many things I related to in this book: getting to know Dan's big family and their dynamics (I also grew up in a big family with a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins): the portrayal of Dan's introversion and his quiet confidence to be himself, even when everybody around him seems to pressure him to be more outgoing and to pick the "safe" path: I loved Jane's laughing in her sleep and her not being embarrassed about it (I also laugh in my sleep and I've never felt more seen in my life). Even the mention of a bougainvillea at Jane's house made me emotional, since my grandmother had some at her house too. Everytime I hear "bugambilia" (bougainvillea in Spanish) I remember my dear abuelita.

I truly can't wait until this book comes out and everybody falls in love with it like I did. It has the perfect summer vibes, the chemistry between the characters is irresistible, yes, but this is more than a Love Story. This is about accepting yourself as you are, the importance of keeping the people you love close, and the growth that comes after putting your heart out there.

If you can, set aside one or two days to immerse yourself in this book, I promise you you won't regret it.

It’s A Love Story…and so much more. This sweet and quirky love story between a former teen actress and her cinematographer foe caught me by surprise; the depth and relatability of Janie Jakes grabbed my attention and never let it go.

It took me several chapter to understand and relate to Janie Jakes. Janie lost her father at the age of five and grew up in a one parent household. She’s a former child actor from a wildly popular tv show and played the quintessential “goofball” character; not the popular or pretty one who goes on to be a soap opera star. The deep void her father’s absence left behind and her struggles with finding a purpose to her life after such early success, has left Janie feeling utterly worthless. In her job working at a movie studio, she comes across a must-make-script and cinematographer Dan (who squashed her last movie script) is part of the team. Janie concocts a wild story involving a pop-star from her past in order to help green light the film.

Janie and Dan travel together to find the pop-star and stay with his family on Long Island. Janie begins to view Dan in an entirely different light once she’s been thrown into the chaos that is his large and crazy family (Dan’s described very attractive four brothers make this read especially fun!).

Monaghan does a wonderful job sharing the depths and vulnerability of Janie Jakes. No matter the stage of life you’re in, the self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness are so heartbreakingly relatable. Janie is quirky and funny, and the book takes you on an unexpected journey towards self-acceptance and the beauty of unfiltered love. The book officially comes out May 27th and it shouldn’t be missed! It's A Love Story has turned me into an Annabel Monaghan fan, can't wait to catch myself up on her other books!

A reader can count on Annabel Monaghan for a feel-good romantic comedy. It was a delight to read It’s a Love Story.

Formerly a comedic tv teen star, Jane is trying to reinvent herself as a movie executive. When she finds a script she strongly believes in, she exaggerates a relationship with a rock star whom she knew as a teen.

The novel really picked up when Jane and a cinematographer travel to his east coast small town to meet the rock star. The depiction of his big family and how Jane fits in is heartwarming, and the budding romance between the two “enemies” is funny and cute.

There is no question that Monaghan is a master of this genre.

Such a wonderful story of love in unexpected places. Enemies to lovers. Such sweet chemistry between the two leads. I love the large family in this book too!

A feel good romance with some depth. Jane is a prior child actor who plays the awkward girl, she’s now working in LA, and has to make a movie with her arch nemesis Dan. It starts off super predictable, obviously he’s going to be the love interest and I was like meh but continued on. So glad I did because this book contains a lot of self reflection and relatable self sabotage. Absolutely adored the characters the whole way through. This will be a great summer read when it comes out. Thank you to the publishers for the gifted arc.

I loved this one! To me, this isn't just a love story. I really enjoyed how all of the family members interacted with one another. It is fun! There are so many characters in this book that I just love!

My one complaint about this book is how the female main character eats junk food all of the time.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a disclaimer that my autocorrect has Annabel Monaghan’s name stored in its corrections database. Take that as you will, maybe I love her work and I’m obsessed or maybe I type her name often and often incorrectly (or, you know, both). Thank you to net galley and Putnam and sons for this ARC.

If I could sum up this book in one sentence it would be: Vampire-Batman-Firefighter type with a make-believe man bun harasses and helps struggling child star reclaim her career. Obviously that’s enough to convince you to read this book.

In case that wasn’t enough here’s more:
This story is about Jane, a former child star trying to make it in Hollywood on the other side of the camera, and Dan, a cinematographer. However there’s also Jack, who is a big music star, and a gang of 5 Irish brothers and a potato farm. I think my absolute favorite characters were Reenie and Cormack (the potato farmers). If all the rest doesn’t interest you, read the book for them.

I wanted to live in this story. I wanted to slap Jane for being dramatic and anxious and then want to thank my own family and friends for never slapping me for acting exactly the same way (who hasn’t hidden in a closet eating chocolate?)

I wanted to spend a week on the potato farm and hang at the beach (Why do Annabel’s books always have the best settings?)

I wanted to sit at a long table of family members ribbing each other and then hugging it out.

And I wanted to see the movie that Jane is fighting so hard to produce.

As with all of Annabel’s books, there’s of course family drama, amazing friendships, lots of character growth, and the most delightfully engaging prose (but also, it’s a love story).

I cannot wait to order it and add it to my collection, signed preferably.

Another fantastic love story from one of my go to authors. I’m not gonna lie when I first saw the title of the book. It’s a love story. It reminded me of Taylor Swift so I got really excited to read it. And I was not disappointed. Former child actor, Jane is trying to get a movie made that she feels so passionate about. Her love of the script and its characters is how I feel about a lot of romance books and movies. Because she’s so passionate about this project, she tells a little white lie about being able to get a popular musician to write a song for the film. That sends her on a journey with Dan, who is also working on the film to his hometown, where the musician Jack is playing at a music festival. I loved watching these characters grow in change throughout the book.

I just couldn’t bring myself to care about this book. I felt no connection whatsoever to the characters and I died from second hand embarrassment more times than I could count.

I will read the phone book if Annabel Monaghan writes it. Ever since meeting her on book tour last year I fell in love with her as a writer and as a person.

Now let’s get to Its a Love Story. I loved Jane Jackson. I really enjoyed her friendship with Clem and it felt so realistic. The whole book felt very relatable and when Jane cries and lets her guard down, you can’t help but feel it. Annabel is that good!

I was lovesick reading it!

It didn’t hurt that she wrote a Jennifer character for a blip in the book. Everyone gets giddy when they see their name in print.

BIG Thank you Negalley for this ARC. Expected publication May 27, 2025.

I've been a fan of Annabel Monaghan for a while and It's a Love Story is another great read. Wonderful characters that draw you into their story and supporting characters that are developed enough to really give you a feel for the family dynamics and personality interactions. This feels like a warm cozy love story with people who you'd be friends with and just enough real life issues in the mix to keep it authentic.

*It's a Love Story* is a delightful romantic comedy that masterfully blends humor and heart. The novel follows Jane Jackson, a former child actress known for her role as "Poor Janey Jakes" on a sitcom, who is now striving to establish herself as a serious Hollywood studio executive. In her quest to get her first project greenlit, Jane finds herself entangled with Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer she once had a crush on but now views as a rival. Their journey from adversaries to partners is both engaging and heartwarming. Monaghan's witty writing and well-developed characters make this a standout read. As one reviewer aptly put it, This is dopamine in book form. And don't we all need that right now? :)

Another heartfelt and funny story from Annnabel Monaghan. I felt like the beginning wasn’t as strong as the middle and end but that was easily forgiven with lovable characters, especially the NY family and setting. I highly recommend for rom com fans! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Thank you to Net Gallery and Putnam Books for this advanced copy of It’s a Love Story. I had recently been on an Annabel Monaghan kick lately and I can wholeheartedly say that this one is by far my favorite! One of my favorite, if not favorite, tropes is enemies to lovers so I knew I’d like it, but then add in the family dynamics that were portrayed and it was the perfect story. I felt like I could truly envision all of the characters in this book and it made me feel that much more connected. Annabel’s books just keep getting better and better.

3.5 stars

This book started out a little slow for me. At first, I wasn't sure about the characters, but they grew on me. Once Jane and Dan got to Long Island and met his family it really took off, I enjoyed their dynamic and how they interacted with his family, but I really felt like Jane's reactions to all of her problems were over the top and not that believable. I did enjoy the book, but it wasn't my favorite of Monaghan's.

I try to hold off on reading Annabel’s books every year for a as long as possible, because I know I will love them and fly through them. It’s a Love Story was a complete delight, filled with so much heart, truth and humor. I laughed and cried, and fell madly in love with Dan’s large Irish family. My heart broke for Jane, and I rooted so hard for her—and for Dan and Jane together. Annabel Monaghan writes characters we all know and love, and she writes weaknesses and that are all too familiar. I absolutely loved this novel and I cannot WAIT for it to be out in the world.

It’s a Love Story
Annabel Monaghan

I am a huge fan of this author and you should be. If you haven’t read her, read this. You’re welcome for the PSA.
I love the main characters of It’s a Love Story. Jane and Dan are super likable in all their foibles. Being an artist I could so relate to Dan and Jane. They have found a perfect script, a love story. Dan has had some success in cinematography and photography while Jane is a struggling producer. They are willing to work together even though Jane believes Dan has torpedoed her film making dreams and their meet cute beforehand.

Before Jane’s secret past and heartbreak can be revealed, they are flying cross country to snag a hit song that will green light their project. Dan’s family join the program in progress while we leave Jane’s support people, her Mom and friend, Clem back in LA.

Jane and Dan struggle with their authenticity (one is all up in it and the other is faking it to they make it) and truly being seen and appreciated for who they are. These quiet introverts must unite not untie. ( if you are an introvert you’ve heard the joke) Will they get there and if so, how will they do it? The journey is exquisite.

In full disclosure my first crush was Dan the Fireman 👨‍🚒 🔥. I’m truly grateful to read my advanced copy of my new favorite book thanks to the author, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley. I am truly jealous good reader because you have this whole book ahead of you this summer. 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“There’s a version of me that’s better than the version of me that I show the world”

Jane who was a child actor is now in LA trying to get a script greenlit but it isn’t as easy as it seems. Jane grew up holding on to a secret that she discovered at a young age, from that point on she felt as if she wasn’t worthy. After spending time with Dan she never expected to fall in love with him.

I loved seeing Jane open up and realizing that she is worth so much more than what anyone has ever made her feel. The Notebook is my all time favorite movie and I really enjoyed how it was referenced so much in this book! 🥰

This would be a perfect beach/summer read. Please add this to your summer TBR you won’t regret it! 😊

Thank you Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of It’s A Love Story!

Overall I give this book 3.5-4 stars. I liked how raw the love story was. It was a bit cheesy at times and it could have been a little bit steamier, but overall it was a cute, warm, and fuzzy romance.

I loved how welcoming his family was and how they took her in and just knew they were gonna fall in love. I thought the way Jane warmed up to Dan’s dad and the bonding over muffins was adorable. And then at the end their reaction to the selfie was perfect.

Very quick and easy read and I really enjoyed it more than Summer Romance, so I’m looking forward to giving her other books a chance! I feel like this might be a perfect set up to another book (maybe about Jack’s redemption from being such a colossal jerk).