A new favorite by Annabel Monaghan! I've read all of her books and this one somehow tops them all! This book was so comforting and original, which is what makes this author shine. She tells stories that you haven't yet heard but in a relaxing way that makes you fly through the book because it's so enjoyable to read.
Summer Romance centers on Ali who is a single mom of three, soon to be divorced and a professional organzier. She lost her mom, who was also like a best friend, two years before, and she's trying to find her way back to herself. She meets a charming man named Ethan and they start up a summer romance and Ali starts to rediscover who she is and take back her life.
I'm not a parent personally but this felt like a book that would empower parents to feel like individuals again and still embrace the fun mess of being a parent. The book made me want to be more outgoing and fun. I also loved the organizational parts of the book. It makes me want to tackle my to-do list and reorganize my life.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read more from this author! Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read this wonderful book!

𝐁 𝐎 𝐎 𝐊 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖


4.6/5⭐️ Summer Romance- Annabel Monaghan


𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒


Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.


There aren’t enough labeled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris’s life. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She’s a professional organizer whose pantry is a disgrace.


No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?




𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒:


THANK YOU Netgalley, Annabel Monagahn, and Penguin House Putnam for this advanced reader copy.


So far this is the third book I have read by this author and so far she is 3/3 with me (also read nora goes off script + same time next summer). A story of both light and heavy hearted romance. Comedic relief, very real issues of marriage and divorce, and personal growth all wrapped up into a nice little story with a fun background setting and cast of supporting characters.


Keep an eye out for this book, Pub Date June 2024!


#bookworm #bookish #bookblogger #bookgram #instareads #readmorebooks #bookstagrammers #goodreads #bookstagram #romance #netgally #arc

This was such a fun and easy read. It’s going to be great for summer. I loved Ali and Ethan’s story. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the ARC

This delightful book deserves all the stars in the summer sky !

From the first page to the last, "Hearts in Harmony" orchestrated a symphony of emotions that left me grinning ear to ear for hours. It's a story that not only warmed my heart but also healed my spirit with its five-champagne-worthy brilliance.

Closed-door romance and the best friend's kid brother trope may sound like familiar tunes, but the way Ali Morris and Ethan played their notes felt refreshingly natural. Ali, a quirky and relatable character, has been through the wringer—dumped by her husband on the second anniversary of her mother's death, raising three kids, and finding solace in reorganizing her closet as a form of meditation. Her conversations with her deceased mom for guidance and signs add a charming and poignant touch.

The entry of charming lawyer Ethan, whom Ali's dog takes an immediate liking to (a dog with excellent taste, no doubt), sparks an undeniable and palpable attraction. For the first time in Ali's life, she feels truly seen and accepted. As her summer fling with Ethan deepens, questions arise about the possibility of a serious relationship and the potential complications it could bring to Ali's life. Can Ali, inspired by her mother's words about having it all, embrace a happy ending with Ethan, even if he's known for his commitment issues? Will they be able to rewrite their own happily-ever-after?

I couldn't put the book down, devouring each chapter in one sitting. It proved to be the perfect antidote to my dark mood, brightening my entire week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive into this heartwarming and enchanting story.

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM/ G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this lovely book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I had a really hard time getting into this book, because the Ali and Ethan meet cute seemed weird and didn’t really ring true to me. But once I was able to pick the book back up and get back into it, I fully enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. Both main characters felt fully fleshed out, like real people I could meet on the street. Ali had her own baggage to work through, and she not only realized it but fully addressed it (which was a breath of fresh air, as I find that a lot of times characters’ flaws are never truly resolved). Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming one of my favorite women’s fiction authors, many thanks to this book!

Soon to be divorced Ali Morris is struggling in life. Still grieving the loss of her mother while coming to terms with her impending divorce, and unable to organize her house and life the way she does for her clients, she doesn’t even remember the last time she wore “hard pants.” Then, on the day she removes her wedding ring and actually wears a quasi-presentable outfit, she meet cutes Ethan at the dog park. When instant attraction leads to a potential summer romance, Ali decides to go all in and see where this “champagne Summer” will take her.

There is a reason Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me, and it is because she writes books that feature very realistic characters, are insanely swoony, and that will leave you with a gigantic grin on your face, even after shedding a few tears along the way. I started this book knee deep in a slump and yet, even in that slump, I binged this book in little more than a sitting. It was that good.

By the time I finished reading, I felt as though I knew these characters inside and out. Forget creating multi-faceted characters, Monaghan creates life-like paper people ᵗᵐ. I laughed with Ali as she navigated dating life, I cried with her when she struggled with her oh so relatable Mom moments, and I completely swooned as she discovered what it felt like to truly be wanted for the first time in her life. And while her characters are actually amazing, her plot line is equally exceptional. I never feel bored, a loss of focus, or confused while reading her books. They are evenly paced, and easy to read (in the best possible way). They will make you feel renewed hope and gratitude for the world, your life, and the people you fill it with.

My only disappointment is that I will now have to wait an entire year for her next book, though I am sure I will be doing a reread of this one before it even hits shelves.

Read if you like:
•late 30s MCs
•single parent
•best friends brother
•meet cutes
•forced proximity
•closed door romance

Thank you Putnam for my gifted copy. Out June 4, 2024.

This novel is a story of loss, love, and second chances. It was a wonderful book full of great descriptions, fun characters, and a heartfelt storyline. I greatly enjoyed it.

I'm not sure I can even explain how much I loved this. This was SO good.

Earlier this year I received an ARC of Same Time Next Summer and I really enjoyed the author's writing. So, when I saw she had a new book coming I had to request it too!

This book was the greatest combination of heartbreaking and heartwarming. Her writing has SO much feeling and this story felt beautifully real. Ali is a recently single mom who is grieving the loss of her mother. She is working on finding herself again and the MMC Ethan plays a huge part in this.

Ethan was incredible and I think any reader will appreciate everything about his character. He's supportive, considerate, welcoming, and literally perfect with her.

The small-town energy was so sweet and the imagery was so descriptive. I seriously couldn't put this book down.

I absolutely adored this book!! The characters were SO beautifully raw and real and relatable. There isn’t that much of a plot compared to Nora Goes off Script, for example, but I was just here for Ali and Ethan and the whole wonderful cast of characters. I will read anything Annabel Monaghan writes. I could not put this down and my only complaint is that I miss the town/ characters already.
Read if you’re a fan of the best friend’s kid brother glow up trope (i may have made that up, but it’s definitely a thing), characters who love and respect each other , and a slow burn / closed doors romance.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Anabelle Monaghan has quickly become a must read author for me. Her latest book, "Summer Romance" was a warm hug within the pages and I took my time reading and digesting the story.

Our FMC, Ali, is super relatable to me as a 38 year old mother. I felt her emotions and understood where she was coming from (in my notes app, I wrote "I think Ali is me!!! Is Ali me??? several times). Ethan is the perfect book boyfriend and along with Ali, I felt all the butterflies when they were together. He supports and encourages Ali as she navigates a major life curveball and you really get the sense that he would be a true partner. Ali's 3 children are fully rounded out characters and each one has a distinct personality, something that not every author is able to convey well.

I felt the whole gamut of emotions while reading: I laughed, I cried, and I smiled silly. If you love feeling all the feels and enjoy character growth, pick up "Summer Romance." I also recommend checking out "Annabel Monaghan's other books as well. A big THANK YOU! to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Heartache, loss and strength for changes that life unfolds.

An unexpected run in with an old acquaintance that turns her summer into a romance at just the moment Ali needs it most, even if she doesn’t know it at the time.

Annabel Monaghan delivers this hometown heartfelt story that you will not want to put down.

The lows and the highs will keep you reading as the puzzle pieces of life start dropping into place.

In the absence of the summer sun, this book manages to wrap readers in a comforting warmth, providing solace and escape from the rigors of reality. The protagonist's journey, marked by the challenges of divorce and the responsibilities of motherhood, unfolds with a poignant authenticity. The narrative delves into the intricacies of her emotions, portraying a woman who evolves into a symbol of resilience and strength. Alongside her, the introduction of a captivating male character adds a layer of intrigue and fantasy to the story, embodying the dreamlike figure one might yearn for but never quite anticipate.

The oscillation between highs and lows mirrors the rhythm of life itself, and as the characters grapple with their own uncertainties, the readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions. The book's ability to seamlessly integrate these personal struggles into the broader canvas of life's journey creates a compelling narrative that resonates with a universal audience. The vivid portrayal of everyday challenges provides a relatable backdrop, making the characters' triumphs all the more poignant.

With each turn of the page, the story not only captivates but also instills a sense of hope and introspection. The exploration of loss and rediscovery, set against the canvas of familial bonds and romantic aspirations, makes for a multi-faceted narrative that keeps the reader engaged. In the end, it's not just a tale of love and loss; it's a testament to the transformative power of life's unpredictable twists and turns.

Annabel Monaghan has quickly become a favorite author of mine since Nora Goes Off Script. The breath of freah air that is her books is that she creates mature female MC's. Ali has 3 kids who play an integral and loveable part without overpowered the storyline.

Ethan could not be a more lovable MMC. At about the 1/2 way point when Ali gets to witness first-hand what he does in his spare time - melted my heart. Their chemistry was unmatched and so sweet.

Read If You Like:

Adore Sweet Eldery Neighbors
Haven't Worn "Hard Pants" In A While
Are A Single Mama
Want A Champagne Summer
Talk To Your Dead Relatives
Like Men With Nicknames
Like The Best Friends Brother Trope

Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
Pub Date: June 24, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The heart-tugging and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past, by the bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script.
This is the second book I have read by this author and I loved it as much as the first. I highly recommend this fun read!
5 stars

I loved Annabel Monaghan’s first two books and couldn’t wait to read this one! Thank you Putnam Group and NetGalley!
Summer Romance is fantastic because the characters are all wonderfully done. Their vulnerabilities make them lovable and relatable. It’s just a raw and beautiful story. The FMC’s “journey”/realization/self discovery was so vulnerable and although I’m not married, divorced, or have kids, I felt moved by the story.
There is not much of a plot but I was never bored because the love story was so romantic. I didn’t even mind the closed door sex scenes because I enjoyed the story so much. Ethan is my favorite MMC of Monaghan’s so far.
I couldn’t get enough of the MCs’ love story and I didn’t want it to end!
Definitely 5 stars!

This was the second book that I read from this author and it was just as fantastic as the first one. I cannot wait to read what comes next from this author.

This was so cute! I had to just keep reading to see what happened. Another Annabel winner! I’m glad that Ali found herself again and was able to speak up to Pete!

If you’re looking for a sweet romance, with barely any spice, to read this summer then this book is for you!

Pros- I could relate to the main character and Ethan was truly one of the sweetest “book boyfriends”. This story was sweet, relatable, funny and had the perfect ending!

Cons- Took me awhile to finish because it wasn’t gripping me. I like a little more action, twists or spice in my books, but that’s juts a personal opinion!

Thank you to Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

Guys, I loved this book. It had me feeling all the feels. Late-thirties main characters. Loss of a parent. Parenting/Co-parenting. Real life struggles. Finding Oneself. Complex feelings. Chemistry. I’m here for it all. I loved Ali, her kids, and Ethan. They were well developed and I was rooting for them the whole time. I didn’t want to put this book down.

Whether or not you can relate to the book’s themes, I’d hands down recommend it.

Summer Romance, Annabel Monaghan
This is a super cute romance about Ali, a recently single mother who's down on her luck. After losing her mother, a divorce, and 3 kids she wonders if she'll ever feel like herself and find happiness again. Just as Summer is beginning, she meets Ethan...her best friend's brother. Instant attraction and a promise to only have a "summer romance". Of course, this is a romance novel and we know that's certainly never going to happen. It was so cute to watch their love story develop and grow throughout the book. December is probably not the right time to read this book, when you get an Advanced Readers Copy, you jump on it! I enjoyed this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️