What stands out the most is the dynamic between Jane and Dan. Their banter is sharp and funny, and the chemistry between them feels genuine at times. However, I couldn’t help but feel like their romance was rushed. Despite both of them not believing in “insta-love,” the characters essentially fall for each other in the span of a week, which felt ironic and made the pacing of their relationship less convincing.

The story is undeniably enjoyable, It’s a great pick if you’re looking for something quick and lighthearted

Annabel Monaghan is an author who I will always seek out her books. So to get an ARC of her anticipated love story was thrilling for me. It did not disappoint. It is funny and so relatable as someone who isn’t good at expressing themselves and always holds back to avoid hurt or embarrassment. This story of former child star “Janey Jakes” has all the makings of a perfect romance. Enemies to lovers and forced proximity. These are often done tropes but Monaghan keeps them fresh. While it is kind of unrealistic for two people to fall in love in a week I was totally buying it and all in for Jane and Dan. This comes out May 27th and I definitely recommend it.

Jane Jackson is a Hollywood studio executive, desperately trying to get her first project greenlit by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush, Dan Finnegan. She is also trying to shake everyone's memory of 'Poor Janey Jakes' and her adolescence as the punch line on America's popular sitcom. To get her project greenlit, she tells a little fib, promising to have popstar, Jack Quinlan, who she knew long ago, write a song for the movie. And the adventures begin.

This was a fun and mostly lighthearted read and I enjoyed the interactions with Jane and Dan. While part of the story was something I anticipated, it was another fabulous novel by the author, who has become one of my favourites.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted review copy.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐️

I don’t have words. This is my second Annabel Monaghan book and she just keeps getting better. There is something so special about the way Annabel can craft a story of realness. I know when I pick up her books, on top of a striking romance, the characters behind the romance will have fierce individuality with a background that takes you into a deeper dimension of that said character so once you finish that final page you are left carrying the character with you as you journey through life.

From the cover, and even the title, I was getting more lighthearted, happy vibes, and was not prepared for an emotional, brilliantly beautiful healing story.

Jane was a childhood actor housed as the character who was the laughing stock of the show, “Pop Rocks”. Known for her comedic timing, clumsiness, and memorable (still memeable) tagline has haunted her to present day. Watching her former costars garner, and maintain, success has left her feeling inadequate. With her dream script found, as a last attempt to make it as a producer in Hollywood she tells a tiny white lie that lands her and cinematographer Dan, whom she does not like, on a trip to Long Island.

This story confronts past trauma that forces Jane to look inward. She’s exposed to new sides of Dan that paint him in a different light, all the while making new connections to people that help her heal her present day and childhood self.

I really needed to stumble across Jane Jackson. Her personality, quirks, inner self talk all resonated with me so deeply. She is a beautifully crafted character with so much depth and relatability. Watching her have so much passion, sensitivity, and belief in the script she picked up, despite others not seeing her vision, is what initially reeled me in. It was the first glimpse into the REAL Jane we’d get to meet as the story progressed.

With the current climate of my life, reading a story about two individuals learning to love themselves, heal their inner child, and become the trusted eyes to witness each other’s soul barren selves with the hands to hold the heart of each other during their lowest moments was what I needed—this restored my hope.

This was such a cute read! I loved the banter between Jane and Dan and seeing their characters develop throughout the story. This book had me smiling so much and is down-right BINGEABLE. And as much sweetness as there was there was a poignancy to all that Jane went through and discovered about herself.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Random House LLC for this ARC!

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

I rated this book a 3.5 stars rounded to four (Goodreads, we need to be able to give half stars!!!!). I enjoyed this book a lot. Dan's family felt a lot like my own extended family and I loved their energy. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, but I feel like it is because I have never had to feel the pressure to be perfect all of the time. I didn't understand her need to take important calls in a closet or under her desk. The ending felt a bit forced for me and not really in line with the rest of the book.

Overall, this is definitely a book for your Summer Read list! It will give you all the feels and you will end the book with a smile on your face!

Jane was a child actress who played the nerdy/clumsy girl on a popular TV show. Fast forward to now…Jane is in her 30’s and working in Hollywood as a film producer, but still trying to figure her life out. She perfectly curates her date outfit and says all the right things, yet still hasn’t found her soulmate. While trying to get her first movie project green lit, she accidentally puts her foot in her mouth and makes a promise she can’t keep. Now she needs the help of her least two favorite people in the world. 🎥🎬🎞️

This book was a warm hug for anyone who grew up nerdy or still trying to find their way in life. Our leading lady was complex and I really enjoyed shedding back her layers to really understand her. The found family was also so wholesome and provided the ultimate true love goals.

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

“Falling in love, like actually falling. It’s sort of effortless, you know?”

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It’s A Love Story will be published May 27th.

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! I loved this book!

So, at first, I believed everything Jane said and thought. The story starts out with only her perspective and, although I initially found her mildly annoying and immature, I was also cheering her on. Then, as Monaghan has cleverly done in her prior books, another perspective gradually emerges through the comments and actions of other characters.

And then... I started falling in love with Dan. Well actually, I fell in love with his family too.

A great story full of snarky dialogue, heartwarming moments, several characters you'll love to hate, a few choices by Jane that may have you yelling, "Don't!!!!" (I certainly did🙄🤪😁), and yes, it's also a love story.

And I also love, LOVE Clem! Can we please have a book about her next please???? And how about Kay and Vinnie too????

A smattering of f-bombs and some R-rated love scenes.

Bottom line: I've already preordered the book.

A great, solid book. I loved every minute of it. Relatable characters, stayed closed door (greatly appreciated!!), kept me interested and moved along well. It was one of those books I hated to finish!

I will read every book Annabel Monaghan writes. I’ve read them all so far and they’ve been remarkable. The way she writes love makes me grip at my heart, much like the fictional script Jane and Dan are trying to make, makes them rub at their hearts. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it quickly. Jane is an interesting character who grows throughout the book. I loved all of the characters and the writing. 5 stars and definitely recommend to all!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC!!

Favorite most memorable quote “Love happens over breakfast.” 💖

Initially I went into this with high expectations & assumed I would love it … which I did ☺️☺️ I will say the beginning had me questioning that though, I couldn’t stand the main female character Jane, at all. To borrow from the author, her character had me thinking “oof” quite a few times😬. I figured if this is how I feel about the female mc then this book is doomed. Pretty painful character in the beginning but I think that was likely the point & what the author was going for. Thankfully she made this very cringey character pretty likeable & even to the point of where I was rooting for her & Dan (the main male character). So many times this book had me smiling, a lot of great moments that played out!! I love loved Dan’s family, please just plant me in their family 😍

This is your typical love story with the token miscommunication/hiccup. Jane’s character was ridiculous but I still really enjoyed it. A cute romcom to start the year off with ☺️


Thank you NetGalley & PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the advanced copy!

it’s a love story by annabel monaghan

thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the e-arc of this book!

it’s a love story follows jane jackson, a former child star/actress, who trying to get her big break as a creative executive. in order to secure her first big movie project, she must rely on a cinematographer, dan, who she does not see eye to eye and music star, jack, with whom she has a somewhat complicated history with in order to gain success. jane and dan have to travel in close proximity to NY to try to convince jack to help them with their movie soundtrack.

this was my first time reading annabel monaghan’s writing and i wasn’t sure what to expect. he strengths of this book was the dan’s family dynamic. i thought annabel monaghan introduced all the characters seemlessly and it gave the book a sense of heart. the relationship between cormac and jane was also beautiful to read and carried a lot of depth to it. i also thought that the banter between dan and jane kept me hooked and it reminded me of the banter that nora and charlie have in emily henry’s book lovers. it was biting, and cute all at the same time.

another strength is the setting of this. it occurs in the heat of summer in august and it made me wish i was in a small beach town. i definitely would love to re-read this in the summer instead of january so that i can fully appreciate the ambience.

however, i did find that the pacing was quite slow and that the story jumped around in places. i enjoyed the setting and characters but needed a little bit more from the structure.

overall, i would give the 3.5 stars (with the intention to re-read!!)

I love all of Annabel Monaghan’s books and this one is no different. The perfect beach read, I finished it in ONE DAY. Couldn’t put it down.

Amazing chemistry between the two main characters, Jane and Dan. Like Dan, I hate an insta-love romance so this slow burn was 100% up my alley. It had all the things - banter, tension, heart. Loved this book!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC !

This one was a bit hard for me to get into. I think it's personally just me and the time of night I chose to start it. Either way it felt like it jumped right in to a bunch of people and was kinda rough paying attention. About 20% in is where I really started to connect to the characters and where this story was going. For me being based on long Island really gave it that homey good rom com feel.

Following Dan and Jane really made you feel every emotion and made you wish you could be at the home with them! I loved the passion and familiarity you got when any character was introduced.

Annabel is the queen of rom coms and this one is no different! I loved the teen celebrity and home visit aspect of It’s A Love Story. Awesome!

This was a lighthearted and really cute read, with fun characters and a writing style that only Annabel could put to paper!

Annabel Monaghan does it again - the queen of darling romance books! Loved the enemies to lovers trope with such great characters- the former child star "Janey Jakes" and her dark, pompous Dan. Loved the setting on Long Island and all the sweet family dynamics. Perfect read if you enjoy a rom com, witty banter and a little bit of heat!

Thank you for the ARC!

This book filled the Emily Henry-sized hole in my life! Jane Jackson, a former child star turned creative director at an LA studio, is struggling to get her scripts greenlit. In a desperate bid to secure the perfect script, she invents a close relationship with a massive pop star, Jack Quinlain—someone she met only once, at 14, during a painfully embarrassing encounter. Jane recruits her arch-nemesis, cinematographer Dan, to help track Jack down, leading them to spend a week together on Long Island. During this time, Jane begins to question everything she thought she knew about herself.

This is my favorite Annabel book to date! I couldn’t help but fall for both Jane and Dan, and I found parts of myself reflected in Jane’s journey. This story is more than just a romance—it's a celebration of family, embracing life's beautiful messes, and learning to love your past, even when it's painful. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnum for an ARC copy of this book. I have loved Monagahns previous books, and jumped at the chance to read this one.

It's a Love Story, is a romance, but so much more. This is about finding yourself in the messiness of life, and learning to embrace the parts of you that you don't necessarily think the world wants to see. Monaghan builds characters that are messy, and flawed, but also shows the reader why they are the way they are. Her characters are relatable and feel like someone you may know, or even yourself. She focuses not only on the romantic arc, but WHY her characters are the way they are, and dives into how that impacts their relationships both romantic and non-romantic. It's her rich characters that make her books relatable.

Jane Jackson has always played a part, it started when she was a part of the show Pop Rocks, and it's something she's continued into her adult life. When she plays the part she thinks people want to see, that's when she thinks she will be happiest. That is until she meets Dan, he's everything that she didn't think she wanted, needed or liked in a romantic interest.

Together they set out to get a movie made, but along the way find so much more, What sets out as a work trip to get her movie made, turns into so much more for Jane. Jane learns to face her fears and become her true self. This book is about coming to terms with who you are, and facing your fears, and being willing to show up as your true self, and love yourself.

I will always read Monaghan's novels for the multi layered characters and the

Can Annabel do any wrong? Clearly not. As usual, she knocked it out of the park. I loved Jane and Dans story and how the navigate tough things and come out better on the other end. I also wish I could vacation with the Finnegan fam!