It’s a Love Story” by Annabel Monaghan is a delightful and heartwarming romance that beautifully blends humor, with unique and relatable characters. I found myself completely drawn into Jane and Dan’s love story, even though I wasn’t sure about the book at first.

Jane Jackson, a creative executive, has spent years trying to bury her past as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the awkward sitcom kid. But when she fibs about pop star Jack Quinlan writing a song for her movie, she has to face her past and work with Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer who gets under her skin.

What I loved most: was the romance! The romance was incredible! It’s a slow burn, with pining and tension so intense it was almost unbearable.

While the beginning felt a little slow, I’m glad I stuck with it. Monaghan’s writing is beautiful, and the overall message of the book is heartwarming. I laughed, I teared up, and I ultimately fell in love with “It’s a Love Story”. It portrays a beautiful kind of love and emphasizes the importance of allowing yourself to be your true self around the people you love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance.

Thank you NetGalley

3.5 ⭐️ Annabel’s writing will always be a hit with me! And while this one was not my fave from this author, I still had a great time.

Jane and Dan’s love was so sweet, tender and completely organic. I loved everything from the setting, to the no BS best friend and the MMC’s wild siblings to his freaking ADORABLE parents. My only complaints are that the relationship progressed a little too fast for me and the FMC was a tough one to connect to. But the way Dan made her come alive and feel beautiful just as she is…ugh it was just so heartwarming.

“It wasn’t Dan who showed me who I was, but I got quiet enough around him to see myself and just live in my body for a while.” 🤍

This was such a cute, fun, lighthearted read! I really enjoyed this story and was entertained from start to finish.

Thank you to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I was very fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy from NetGalley but all thoughts are unbiased and my own!

I love me some Annabel Monaghan and this is seriously is not an exception!

Sometimes in romance books, you know where the plot is going to take you. This one kept me on my toes! Who is she going to fall for? Why is she closed off? What’s her story? The female main character, Jane, had the reader discovering more and more about her each chapter! She was truly an onion with layers! I also loved the supporting characters, including Dan’s family.

I don’t think this is my favorite book by Annabel Monaghan, but I can definitely appreciate the characters and the story. This book has it all, enemies to lovers, healing your inner child, and a nice slow burn.

You’ll also want to stay tuned through the authors note… there was some interesting inspirations for the book that I didn’t make the connections while reading!

This was such a good book! This is my first time reading the author and will not be the last. Such a feel good story! From the beginning it gave me Jennette McCurdy vibes and hilariously on the acknowledgements the author said Jane is based on her. Seriously such a good read.

It’s a Love Story…and to quote Taylor Swift, baby just say yes. Annabel Monaghan is the queen of swoony summer romance for me, so if that’s your vibe, you’re going to love this one.

Jane Jackson is a former awkward teen TV star, now trying to get her first project greenlit as a studio executive until cinematographer Dan Finnegan torpedoes it with skepticism. Determined not to let her next pick get similarly derailed, she accidentally overpromises a connection to a mega pop star from her past and Dan begrudgingly offers to help track him down to get the film made.

I loved getting the see the genuine connection develop between Jane and Dan as they have to deconstruct their pre-conceived notions of the other. There’s a perfect blend of ridiculous situations and top-notch banter that really hits the rom-com sweet spot for me.

Highly recommend for fans of:
⚡️rivals to lovers (with actual dislike for each other and not just a miscommunication)
🌧️ copious references to the Notebook
💕Learning who you actually are, not just who other people want you to be

As always, thanks so much to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advance reader copy

Annabel Monaghan has recently become one of my favorite comedy romance authors. After I read her book, Nora Goes Off Script, I have been trying to read every new book she releases. It's a Love Story did not disappoint. Monaghan's writing is witty, original and her storylines may be in the Chicklit genre but her incredible writing ensures that her novels deep, touching, clever and never cheesy.

Jane Jackson grew up as a child actor performing on a popular tv show as the resident goofball. No one ever taking Jane seriously, she suffers a mortifying experience involving her first boyfriend, the soon-to-be rock star, Jack Quinlan. Jane never feels like she is worthy of success or love. Now, Jane is working as a creative executive for a movie studio. But after an insufferable cinematographer, Dan Finnegan, ruins her chance of producing a hit movie, she attempts to try again for success with a for-sure hit script. Jane promises her bosses that she will recruit her first love, Jack Quinlan, to write the hit song for the movie, to ensure advertising success. Though, now she must confront her past and work with her nemesis, Dan, to get the job accomplished.

Monaghan's creation of the characters and their relationships with their families turns this romance novel into a book with many life lessons and provokes many emotions for the reader. I love her writing and will continue to highly recommend this enjoyable read. Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the Advanced Reader Copy. #NetGalley #ItsALoveStory

My favorite book by Annabel Monaghan yet! I received an ARC of this through NetGalley expecting it to be a run of the mill romance. I am picky on romance books and have a hard time believing the characters are in love. I felt them falling in love throughout the story, it has great side characters, and was left wanting even more ( which is also rare for me in romance). The romance felt very organic and not pushed at all.

I am really happy I got to read this one early but will definitely buy a copy when it releases.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!


I absolutely LOVED this book. No red-flag characters and truly a delightful read. Annabel Monaghan has truly hit a new level of writing and I didn't think that was possible. This truly might be one of the best romance books I've read so far. There are some easter eggs in the book which were a sweet treat such as the town Oak Shore (iykyk) and Chippy's. Additionally, both of the characters were phenomenal. Jane (FMC) is a child actor and later is an exec at a studio trying to get her script pushed through. Unfortunately, the cinematographer, Dan, is ruining her pitch. He's her nemesis and has a different vision, so, both want the script green-lit but have different ideas of how the script should be. The chemistry between the two is phenomenal and we obviously know it's a love story but it's truly a story for the ages. This book had me giggling, and squealing the entire time. I finished this book weeks ago and I'm still thinking about it which rarely happens. 

Favorite quote: "When you smile, it does something to me, I feel it in my chest, and I just want to figure out how to get you to do it again."



Read if you like:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Dual timelines
- Fade to black

Got to meet Annabel at a book signing last year in Connecticut so I had to read this one as soon as I could.. So great to be able to read another book by her and early!

4.5 stars! For fans of The Notebook.

This is such a fun and flirty romcom that also digs into the nitty gritty of various relationships in life! I binged the majority of it over a couple days time span! I truly enjoyed all the characters in this book and I loved the friendship between Jane and Clem as well as Dan’s family dynamic. Jane in her closet eating candy was everything I didn’t know I needed.

This one brought real tears to my eyes, and the only reason I took off half a star is because of the insta-love aspect (5 days, get out of here lol), and there are a few chapters towards the end with an unbearable amount of self-loathing for Jane.. thank goodness she sorted her feelings out 😂 Absolutely adored Dan but I didn’t understand the constant rectangle eye reference?

While I’ve had several of Monaghan‘s books on my TBR for quite some time, this is actually my first book by her! I will definitely be moving a few others to the top of my list.


Huge thanks to GP Putnam’s Sons & NetGalley for an early copy of this gem! Put this on your radar come May!

I am just so obsessed with Annabel’s books. This one gave me sooo many butterflies in my heart.

The meet cute, the enemies to lovers, the forced proximity, the tension… ugh I laughed. I cried. I cried some more.

To me Annabel’s writing makes you feel everything that is happening. She really draws you in and I am seriously just obsessed.

Thank you sooo much NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced copy!! It was everything!

Picture teenage Jane Jackson as the female version of Urkel or Screech. She played the loveable geek as a child actor, but now she's all glowed up and trying to make it as a studio executive in Hollywood. She thought she had found the perfect script— only to have it squashed before it started by a cinematographer. That would be Dan, the same guy she'd found charming just days before when he asked her for a first date after a chance meeting on the street. Now, she's found her second chance. And, of course, Dan is pulled into this project, too. The only way this movie is getting made is if there's a big name attached. In her excitement (and separation), Jane *might* have said that she was besties with mega pop star Jack Quinlan, which is not even close to the truth. Now, Jane and Dan must go back to his hometown to see if they can save the movie— without killing each other in the process. This is a super cute read— perfect for laying by the pool and escaping reality for a bit!

Annabel Monaghan is an auto buy author for me. It’s A Love Story is EVERYTHING I needed. I ate this up and left no crumbs. I really loved the characters in this book and absolutely adored the family dynamics. I have started yelling “NICE SIDEBURNS, JACK!” At random times during the day.

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is exactly what I want in a rom-com—smart, swoony, and laugh-out-loud funny, with just the right amount of heartache to make the happy moments hit extra hard.

Jane Jackson has spent years reinventing herself, leaving behind the awkward, braces-clad sitcom punchline she once was. Now, she’s a rising executive at a film studio, faking confidence and success like a pro—until one tiny, career-threatening lie forces her to reconnect with her past in the most inconvenient way possible. Enter Dan Finnegan, a grumpy, maddeningly charming cinematographer who gets under her skin in all the best (and worst) ways.

Cue a week in Long Island, where Jane has to track down her childhood crush-turned-pop-star, face the humiliations of her past, and deal with way too much forced proximity with Dan. The result? Banter that crackles, chemistry that builds in the best slow-burn way, and a love story that sneaks up on you just as much as it sneaks up on Jane.

Annabel Monaghan has such a talent for making characters feel real—Jane is sharp, self-deprecating, and endlessly relatable, and Dan? He’s the kind of love interest you argue with for the first half of the book and then fall hard for by the end. If you loved Nora Goes Off Script, you’ll adore this. It’s for fans of enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, second chances, and rom-coms with real emotional depth. And honestly? It might just make you believe in love stories again.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Annabel Monaghan has a GIFT. She truly writes some of the most beautiful, wonderful romances, and I will buy every single thing she puts out.

It’s a Love Story was an adorable, fast read that I’m excited to add to my permanent collection the second I’m able to. I loved Jane and watching her enemies to lovers progression with Dan was an absolute delight. Their story was heartfelt and believable, and I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter and the next so I could watch it unfold. Dan’s family was also a favorite of mine! From the moment they were introduced, I adored them. They were chaotic and funny and full of so much love.

And the first kiss?! Are you kidding me?! It gets a full paragraph all to itself in this review because I don’t remember the last time a first kiss made me swoon quite as hard as this one did. I was dying for it to happen, but the wait was so very worth it because it was phenomenal. Truly a 10/10 first kiss.

When I tell you that I can’t wait to reread this book, I am not even exaggerating a little bit. This book is a gift to the world of romance, and I highly highly recommend it if you want something that will make your heart feel ALL THE THINGS. While ‘Nora Goes Off Script’ continues to be my favorite Monaghan book, this is not far behind.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan, and Penguin for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Such a super cute and fun read. I loved how it wasn't your typical romcom because it had lot of depth. The story pulled at my heartstrings and I couldn't get enough of the characters.

I am not being dramatic when I say THIS BOOK is EVERYTHING I have been missing in romance books these days. It has the TENSION, build up, ANGST, all the small touches!! I was DYING for them to kiss!! Like my heart is no joke spazzing out over my love this book! It was legit EVERYTHING I was needing to make me passionate about romance books again. 😭🙌

The way I loved all these characters! I especially love the banter between them and how our male main character softened her hard exterior. 🫠🫠🫠 His family!!!!! I want to be apart of his family so bad!!!!

I don't want to spoil anything for you but just know You MUST read this if you love romance or are a hopeless romantic like me!!!! I legit didn't want to finish because it made me so freaking happy! I'm legit sad it's over and wanna reread it already. It's my new fav of hers and a 2025 fav already!!!!! I just want to jump on a couch like Tom Cruise and scream about my LOVE FOR THIS BOOK!!

*I love how the Notebook is such a big part of this book and it makes me love that move even more and want to rewatch it!!!*

Man, I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it took me way too long to get through it. I got very bored, and honestly skimmed a good chunk of the middle of this book.

I did like the writing, but found the main characters to be a little lack luster and not believable. I will for sure be giving this author another chance, but I just didn’t jive with this story.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

It's A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

Rating: 4 stars

Overview: Jane wanted her script to move forward so much that she blurted out a little lie. That led her to New York with her rival coworker, Dan Finnegan. The week near him will have her not only fretting about her career but also about the surprise attraction she feels for Dan.

Our Thoughts: Jane has performed all of her life, so when we see her walls start coming down, you can't help but get excited for her. Then the romance with Dan found family, and new experiences have us readers wanting to give Jane a warm hug! Great character development Monaghan. #FamilyApproves

Thank you Putnam Books & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect if you Like:
Rivals to Lovers
Big Family
Personal Growth

#ItsALoveStory #AnnabelMonaghan #Standalone #book #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #bookreviews #readwithushm #sisterswhoread #ItsaLoveStory #NetGalley