4.5 ⭐️ rounded up because this is my FAVORITE Annabel Monaghan novel to date !!!

If you’re looking for something sweet, kind, precious and a good reminder of how much joy surrounds you, PICK THIS BOOK UP! The absolute perfect beach read that will make you feel carbonated (you’ll get the reference after you read it!)

Thank you to NetGalley + the publishing team for the advanced reader copy!

I love anything by Annabel Monaghan, both Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer were 5/5 reads for me.

This story follows Ali, a single mom dealing with grief from losing her mom and figuring out who she is post her divorce. Ali meets a cute guy at a dog park, they have an amazing date and then she realizes she already knows him. From then on we get to see Ali and Ethan fall for each other even though they are both trying not to.

I love romance books with leads in their 30s - I love how complex they are as individuals and both their struggles were shown so truly in this story. They felt like real people you want to root for. Ali's kids were also fun side characters - it surprised me how much I enjoyed their story lines.

The description of the small town the story takes place in was so lovely I felt like I was spending the summer in the book with them. I will say this is my least favorite Monaghan books I've read and I can't quite say why. I felt Ali and Ethan fell too fast it was hard to really see why they liked each other so much. It also felt a little too predictable and somehow was too slow paced at times then felt rushed. I would still give this one a 3.5/5 and definitely a great summer read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the advance reader copy.

Than you Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

Summer Romance was a lovely and sweet (you guessed it) romance that made me wistful for the early days of dating my husband. I loved the developing relationship between Alice and Ethan/Scooter. This book was a perfect beach read and I recommend for anyone heading out on a tropical vacation!

Thanks again for the ARC!

I liked this book better than Monaghan’s sophomore novel and felt more engrossed in this story. I love the light beach-y feel of Monaghan’s writing and enjoyed the characters. As is the genre, it’s an expected ending, though it makes the journey no less enjoyable.

I always like to Annabel Monaghan's books and her writing style. This book started off so strong and thought for sure it was going to be a 4/5 star read. About halfway through though just wasn't really resonating with me anymore. I still enjoyed this book it's a good beach/summer read I liked the characters and the small town setting. I don't really have any complaints about this book just didn't enjoy as much as her previous works. Rating this 4 stars wounded up from 3.5. I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORED this book, which is so much more than just a summer romance. It's heartwarming, hopeful, funny, and painfully honest. Ali's emotional journey is delightfully relatable (for any middle-aged mom who's reluctant to wear pants with a zipper -- you're in good company with Ali.)

It's also a fascinating study in how women can slowly disappear into marriage and motherhood. As Ali grieves the loss of her mother and struggles to find her footing apart from her ex, she realizes: "The most disturbing part of the balance of power in my relationship with Pete is that I was complicit, chipping off pieces of myself and offering them to him until all that was left is who I am now."

Of course, her new summer romance is so tender and satisfying. Ethan is a delight, and the way he looks at her is so swoony! While his emotional arc isn't as compelling as Ali's, it's still more than I expected from a male main character in a summer rom com. The book is also closed door/fade to black so it's great choice for readers who want to avoid spicy scenes. (I could see fans of Sarah Adams really liking this book.)

The publisher's blurb just doesn't do this book justice; it's got all the elements of a great summer romance read, but with real emotional substance, too.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a free ARC of the book.

"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monoghan is a novel that I rated 2 out of 5 stars. The book certainly has its merits, particularly in terms of its beautifully depicted setting and the author's captivating writing style. Monoghan excels in creating vivid scenes that transport the reader to the charming world she has crafted.

However, while the setting and writing style were enjoyable, I found the plot to be lacking in depth and excitement. The storyline felt somewhat predictable and failed to offer the level of intrigue and engagement that I had hoped for. I believe the book could have benefited from more substantial character development and a stronger narrative arc to hold the reader's interest throughout.

Despite these critiques, "Summer Romance" still offers a pleasant reading experience, especially for those who appreciate descriptive settings and a lyrical writing style. Fans of romance novels set in picturesque locations may find enjoyment in the book's atmospheric charm and romantic elements.

I love Annabel Monaghan's writing style. Summer Romance has lovable characters who are fully developed so they seem like actual people you would know in real life. It's a very relatable and enjoyable story and I was rooting for this couple the entire way through!

Monaghan's writing is warm and inviting, with vivid descriptions that bring the seaside setting to life. From the salty sea air to the taste of melting ice cream cones, she captures the sensory experience of summer in a way that is both nostalgic and evocative. Through Lucy's eyes, readers are transported to a world of sun-drenched beaches, starlit nights, and the timeless magic of first love.

At its core, "Summer Romance" is a story about the joys of youth, the power of friendship, and the transformative nature of love. It celebrates the fleeting moments of summer and the profound impact they can have on our lives. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beach or curled up in a cozy armchair, "Summer Romance" is the perfect escape—a sweet and satisfying read that will leave you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart.

A fun and easy summer beach read that hit the ground running. From the adorable meet-cute at the dog park through to the end of the story the characters felt real and unforced. Fun beach read.

By far the best book I've read this year! I loved Summer Romance from the very first page. Even though I couldn't wait to see how it unfolded, I read it as slowly as I could just so I could live in the story a little bit longer. It was raw, real, heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hopeful. Ethan showing up in the powder blue tuxedo will forever be etched into my mind. There were many tears shed at the end.

Monaghan writes a different kind of romance--one in which (at least to me) the outcome isn't always obvious; sometimes I don't even know what I want to happen for our heroine. But I'm so here for the journey Monaghan always takes us readers on. I already can't wait for the next one!

Thank you Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC.

Summer Romance is the perfect title for this book, and it is the PERFECT summer read. This book just made my heart happy, and I adored everything about it.

I laughed, I cried, I didn’t want it to end. Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming an auto read author for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the digital ARC!

Summer Romance made my heart happy and makes for a refreshing beach read! I wasn't sure if I could relate to a divorced mother of two until we were introduced to stretch pants and piles of paperwork on her dining room table. I'm smiling as I write this so do yourself a favor and give it a read.

Summer Romance was a heartwarming, summery book but with some more serious issues mixed in- grief, parenting, & what it means to have love in your life. The MMC, Ethan was so sweet. I think a lot of women will relate to Ali and her relationship with her (ex) husband, children, & how she navigates getting back into a relationship. I adored Nora Goes Off Script and The Same Time Next Year and will be looking forward to reading more from Annabel Monaghan.

summer romances only last for the summer… right? this is such a good story and shows the power of overcoming different types of grief (death, loss of a marriage…)

Absolutely loved Annabel Monaghan’s newest novel! She has a way of quickly developing depth in her characters and their relationships. I was completely hooked from the first to the last page. I will continue to read anything by her!

Goodness it was so sweet and good. All the tears… good tears! The main characters were so sweet and such great people. I loved reading this book. I have enjoyed everything Annabel Monaghan has written so far but this one is the BEST!! I will automatically be pre ordering anything she writes in the future!!

It's not a new story. Woman loses herself in her mediocre marriage, gets divorced soon after her mother died, then later meets a great guy. It's a HEA. It's something most women can relate to, since most of us give away a large chunk of our lives and live with chronic low self esteem when they're not appreciated.

But there is charm here, and heart, and man, this woman can write. Very engaging characters, very distinctive turns of phrase really make the story resonate.

“What if I was a person who could be easy about things for a bit? Such fun, my mother whispers over the waves. A summer romance.”

I defy any reader to consume an Annabel Monaghan novel in more than a single sitting! To date I have been woefully unsuccessful in tearing myself away before I’ve turned the final page, and this latest is her best yet!

Readers are in for a treat, and at this point I’m not sure it would even feel like summer without a Monaghan novel to dive into.
In her latest, the author drops us into a fictional Long Island Shoreline town, complete with an endearing (and sometimes infuriating) cast of characters. Ali, single mom of 3, is grieving her mother, her marriage and a life that didn’t evolve as she had planned. Balancing big changes seems to be derailed by a childhood acquaintance who has resurfaced, as Ali tries desperately to get all of their lives back on track. Reality based humor sprinkled with sensitive scenes seems to be the author’s signature style and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have another solid recommendation in my arsenal. 2024, the book of the summer has arrived!!

Many thanks to Net Galley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I laughed and I cried. Summer Romance is an all too raw depiction of loss in many forms (that of a loved one, and one of a marriage) learning to navigate motherhood alone, and exploring how to rediscover yourself as an individual. All while navigating how to embrace love for a new version of yourself as well as for another, again, wholeheartedly and without fear.