Why did I wait so long to start this? This was such a cute summer read.

I absolutely loved that this book involved the romantic life of an older, single mother. The characters felt more mature than other summer romcoms and I appreciated that tremendously.

This book went through many emotional topics but I felt the characters tackled them with grace. I was surprised and happy with Ethan’s patience and kindness when it came to Ali’s relationship pacing. I’m still not sure how they met and Ali had no clue it was her best friend’s brother though. One that she knew as a kid and grew up with, mind you. Regardless, I loved them together.

Not a five star because it honestly wasn’t that memorable, but still one that I would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and its publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love anything Annabel Monaghan writes. I have been the biggest fan of her work since she wrote Nora Goes Off Script. This is yet another amazing and delightful read from her. The perfect book to pick up in anticipation of Valentine's Day or to throw in your bag before headed off for a vacation. She continues to impress!

Another great one by Monaghan. Warm hearted and funny but always with a bit of substance. For those that don't want a predictable romance, this is it!

Such a great story! Annabel Monaghan never disappoints - and just like her other stories, I laughed and thoroughly enjoyed this novel.

This book is everything I hoped for in a clean, closed-door romance—and so much more. The story is deeply emotional yet perfectly balanced with humor and charm, making it an absolute joy to read. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I can’t wait to read more from her.

Ali and Ethan’s romance is swoon-worthy in every way. Their chemistry is palpable, their banter is witty and sharp, and their relationship is refreshingly mature. I loved watching their connection build through open communication, tender moments, and undeniable tension. This isn’t just a love story—it’s about second chances, healing from loss, and taking bold risks with your heart.

The characters felt incredibly real and relatable, from Ali and Ethan to their parents, kids, and everyone in between. Ali’s journey of rediscovering herself while navigating life as a single mom going through a divorce was inspiring. I admired her courage to stand up for herself, prioritize her happiness, and be a strong role model for her kids. Ethan, as the supportive and caring best friend’s brother, was equally wonderful—thoughtful, steady, and completely irresistible.

The story doesn’t shy away from deeper themes like grief, trust, and self-care, but it’s also filled with charming small-town vibes, heartfelt moments, and plenty of drama to keep things interesting. The conflict felt organic, and every twist and turn added layers to the story and the characters.

I devoured this book in just two days—the short chapters and easy flow made it hard to put down. Whether you enjoy best friend’s brother romances, childhood crushes, or single mom stories, this story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you smiling. Annabel Monaghan has crafted a gem that’s equal parts funny, heartfelt, and utterly captivating. Perfect for the summer or a quick beach read. Highly recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

Gah! I absolutely loved this one!
The romance was outstanding, But what was really great was all the feels this book gave me! I thought I was getting a cute romance, but whoa! So much more there.

My favorite romcom read of the year. I INHALED Summer Romance. The dialogue was like a ping pong match -- back and forth with complete expertise, while the characters were rumpled and sexy and relatable. A perfect summer romcom.

Thank You to NetGalley and Putnam for the free ARC.

Annabel Monaghan is becoming one of my favorite authors. I love her writing style and her characters. One can become easily immersed in the story and not want the book to end.

In this book, Ali, a professional organizer, has her life in chaos. She has lost her mom, her husband, and insight of who she is. She runs into her friend's brother and she decides to have a fling for the summer. When summer is over, what will happen? Through the support of friends and love can she calm the chaos and find herself?

I love the way Annabel Monaghan writes. Her characters are great, the plot is there, and the romance is swoon-worthy. Summer Romance fits all of the bills. I loved Ali, and I related to her in a lot of ways. I also loved Ethan.
I just want to thank the author for writing a couple who COMMUNICATES. Nothing annoys me more, than characters who don't say what they mean, and mean what they say. We want to see more healthy relationships, and the relationship between Ali and Ethan was healthy, and communicative. I'm HERE. FOR. IT!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Loved this, almost as much as Nora Goes off Script. Ali and Ethan were so likable and their stories felt realistic. I enjoyed the Long Island setting and the cast of supporting characters. There were swoonworthy moments as well as fun, flirty scenes. Altogether a great romance with middle aged characters that I was rooting for the whole time.

Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming a top favorite author for me! I love her writing style. The way she develops her characters really ropes you in to their story.

I requested this book on a whim and kinda dragged my feet picking it up because a middle aged single mother love story isn't for me. But I finally picked it up and I am kicking myself for taking so long to read this!

This book gets you from the DROP. Before you can even catch your breath it pulls you into the whirlwind of Ali's busy, unpredictable life and the characters in it. And these characters are great—Ali, Ethan, and the kids all create such a warm, engaging dynamic and I loved all of them. The romance is sweet and genuine, with Ali and Ethan’s differing personalities adding SO much heart to their relationship. This entire story is just that - full of so much heart. There are so many moments that feel both touching and real, particularly in the way it explores family connections and personal growth. I laughed, I cried, and I felt like I grew with all of them.

The writing captures the emotions of mother-daughter relationships beautifully, especially in how it portrays the challenges and triumphs of raising kids alone. It really made me think back on my relationship with my mom and what she must've been going through when I was younger. Even as someone with no desire for kids and a rocky relationship with my mother, I cared so much about the relationship between Ali and her kids.

This book was such a good choice when I just needed something quick that I could get through fast. It held my attention all the way though and I absolutely ate it up. I cannot wait to read more of Monaghan's books because this was a great start.

Annabel Monaghan has become an auto-buy for me. I really enjoy the way she writes, and her characters are very likable. I fell in love with Nora Goes Off Script -- such a unique plot, executed perfectly. If you want something light and fun, but with some substance as well, this is your book. Perfect escape, and ideal for a vacation.

Thank you Netgalley and Putnam for the ARC of Summer Romance! Annabel Monaghan sure knows how to write a super bingeable romantic comedy and Summer Romance was certainly no exception. I loved it and will recommend over and over!

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Monaghan writes the most beautiful love letters to summer, and this book is no different. It's always refreshing when the main characters are older, and despite the lighthearted tone, they are rather complex. I'm docking a star because, for the first 30% of the story, I felt indifferent about it, but once it truly captured my interest, I couldn't put it down. Loss, and subsequently grief, are recurring themes in this one, both of a loved one and oneself. The latter resonated with me deeply. If you're looking for a sweet summer read, pick this one up.

This was a sweet romance with great depth to it too! I love a story about a woman who regains her confidence and sense of self, and this book delivered.

This is a great book about starting over after a divorce. It’s also about following your own dreams after you have put your dreams aside to support husband and family. I love that it focuses on issues that woman face a little later in life and appeals to my peer set.

If you are looking for a summer beach read with some depth and characters you want to be friends with then look no further than Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan. Ali’s life is messy- her mom recently died and she finds herself having conversations with her about life, her husband has left her to raise her 3 young kids, manage the house, the dog and a home organizing business. She feels like she has hit rock bottom until she has an embarrassing meet cute at a dog park. From that point on, she wants to know more about this carefree skateboarder who makes her feel special for the first time. Written with such care that it will tug at your heart with each chapter. I loved the setting of this book and all the characters both main and secondary. I’m just so sad that I need to wait until next summer for another book by her.

Cute read! This book goes from sad to funny and everything in between. The story portrays a realness of life being full of grief and still moving along because motherhood doesn't stop, making it very relatable.