I usually really enjoy Annabel Monaghan novels, but this one didn’t quite do it for me. I loved the premise - meeting a man because your dog pees on his foot at the dog park? Seems like a great romcom setup, but I found myself pretty bored throughout most of the book, and almost a chore to keep picking it up to read more. I felt like I was waiting for some sort of big build up, some plot twist, some excitement….something. And that something just never really got there for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Group for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you like a simple romance, this book is definitely for you. It took me a little while to get into the story, but by the end I was absolutely in love with Ali and Ethan. It was honestly a nice change of pace from reading other romance books that focuses on physical attraction. This story shows the reality of trying to date as an adult and trying to find a way to make two lifestyles blend together.

4 out of 5 stars.
This is a beautiful story. I'm a mother of 2 kiddos and I would def do anything for my children.

Ali and Ethan's interactions were so cute and I loved reading them. After going through so much, Ali deserved to be loved.

I loved the emotional journey this story took us through.

“Spring is coming, and I know for sure that I will always have a dog.”

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Dog lovers and Romance Readers this one is for you! We loved Annabel Monaghan’s Same Time Next Summer and were thrilled when we found out we had been approved for the ARC of Summer Romance!

MC Ali is navigating grief after the loss of her mother and the end of her marriage. She hasn’t felt like herself in a while and wonders often how she found herself at this point in her life. This summer, she is not looking for anyone serious and is focusing instead on simply trying to get “back out there”. Her dog Ferris chooses the perfect man for her to engage in a summer romance—only for Ali to find there is a twist in the “champagne summer” narrative that she had hoped for. Will Ali be able to be the architect of her own experience by putting her heart on the line?

We found ourselves laughing along at these very relatable characters. Their best friend kind of love was SO believable. That, along with Monaghan’s ability to build romantic tension kept us reading into the late hours of the night! We were rooting for this couple instantly.

Our favorite part Monaghan’s writing was her ability to balance Ali’s grief with her fear of love. Of course, you can’t really have one without the other and we found this again, so genuine to the human experience without being heavy. This is a lovely light, summer romance read that you do not want to miss!

Thank you to Putnum and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review! Out June 4th, 2024!

Ahhh this book! I have been anticipating this book since reading Same Time Next Summer last year. Annabel Monaghan does not disappoint when it comes to beautiful romance books. The banter, the romance, the setting ahhh. I could go on and on about this book forever. It’s the perfect beach or summer read and I cannot wait for my book friends to experience this romance as well!

This was the second book by this author that I've read, the first one being "Nora Goes Off Script," and although I enjoyed it, it wasn't a favorite... felt like something was missing.
But guess what? Everything I felt was lacking in that one, the author managed to deliver here!

We've got a slow burn romance, character development not only for the female protagonist, Ali, who narrates the story but also for the male lead, Ethan. Plus, the whole journey of grief and self-discovery Ali goes through was so inspiring for me.

It's the kind of book I finished and couldn't stop thinking about it! So yeah, it definitely earned a solid 5-star favorite rating from me!

P.S: I gotta say though I wish the author would do epilogues. I mean, I really wanted to know how they're doing years later 🥲

Thank you so much to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the ARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️From the publisher: Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. 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.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—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. He looks at her as if she’s a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?
********************************
My review: I have loved each of Monaghan’s books and this was no exception. Monaghan has an amazing way of capturing feelings perfectly. The grief of a daughter, the anger of an almost ex wife, the amused excitement of a first and second date...it's all there on the page. I was rooting for Ali and also hoping she'd stand up for herself more and more. Being a single mom with lack of help is life changing, overwhelming, and stressful and I felt for Ali. So much. So a romance with Ethan seems fair. She deserves it!
With all romances you wait for the third act heartbreak...and this one did break my heart. But with a finding-yourself-and-love-at-the-same-time story you have to be patient. Another amazing book by Monaghan. I'm a fan for life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

i don't think i've ever read a book this fast! annabel monaghan does no wrong and i will be purchasing this book when it's released in june. scooter's confidence in everything ali does is empowering. i loved watching her grow from a downtrodden and grief-stricken single mother to a tenacious and fearless bad ass mom. her grief over losing her own mother is still with her but manifested into appreciation over constant sadness. i couldn't be more in love with scooter & ali's relationship - their chemistry, their patience - ugh, i ate it up!

Annabel does it again! She can truly do no wrong. I love all of her novels and this is no exception. I could not put it down. Perfect little “summer romance”. I am so honored to have received an ARC! Look for this one this June!

Ali has been drifting through life since her mother died two years ago. Having been separated from her spouse for a year, she hopes their imminent divorce will help her become unstuck. When she meets a handsome stranger at the dog park and realizes he's flirting with her, she wonders if maybe a summer romance is just what she needs. It seems too good to be true, and kind of is when she realizes she knows who he is. But Ethan's not the same awkward, rebellious teen she remembers and his genuine interest may help Ali remember who she used to be and can still become.

It was a wonderful story of a woman in the middle of life with kids, unrealized dreams, and some hurt and resentment finding a way out and forward into a more fulfilling, authentic, and fully-alive life.

Firstly, thank you so much for the arc!! I overall thought it was a good book. I loved the character development of Ali and the strengthened relationship between her and her family throughout the book. I also love how seamlessly the author writes about tough subject matter in a digestible way. My biggest complaint with the book is that it was hard to root for the romance itself during the first 50% of the book. It felt very YA and awkward until it suddenly didn’t. I just think since they’re both fully adults that some of the circumstances in the first half of the book felt extremely out of character for the two love interests. However, towards the end of the book I was on their side!

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan will speak to women who have been or are stuck in a marriage and feel like they have lost themself.. Readers who have lost a loved one and are still trying to work through that pain and find a life worth living after loss. I enjoyed Summer Romance and all of the characters, except the despicable ex-husband, but then again, one isn't meant to like him. Summer Romance is a quick read that will give you hope that there can be a wonderful life full of love if your first go-round wasn't what you hoped.

4.5⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy for an honest review.

I may be biased because I absolutely adore this author, She could release her grocery list and I’d be invested. I felt like the beginning was a little slow, but it was so worth it. She covers so many topics from grief to uncomfortable family dynamics. Losing yourself in a relationship and coming out stronger on the other side. I absolutely can’t wait for this book to be published because I will be buying a copy and re-reading!

Thank you for the early release copy of Summer Romance!

I have been a fan of this author for a while now, so was very happy to be able to get an advanced copy of this great read!

This novel was a bit different then her past novels, but still can be relatable to readers that are a. in relationships b. married c. separated d. divorced.

I think what was the most moving about this novel was that Monaghan really showed readers the importance of finding their voice. The main character experienced so much growth throughout the course of the novel, that causes the reader to end with a confidence in not only the character, but in the reader themself.

Overall, all of the story had a great balance and was extremely engaging throughout. Great book to remind all women that even when things seem dark, everything will pass.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books Putnam Group for my first ARC!

I’ll be honest, I did not expect to be sucked in by this book. The FMC is a 38-year old divorcée with three kids. Currently not much to relate to there. However, the author’s voice was so strong that it was hard not to love the characters. Or not love, when it comes to Ali’s ex-husband. It’s been a while since a character managed to piss me off like that!

I agree with other reviewers that there’s not a ton of plot here - the story is very character-driven. There’s no spice either, which was an interesting transition for me (lol) but I was happy to find that some books just don’t need that to be good. Who knew?

Overall, this was an easy yet satisfying read. The Carley Fortune blurb got me in the door - congrats Penguin, that was worth the price 😜

Love, love, love this! I read Nora Goes Off Script and loved that. I was very excited to read this one and it did not disappoint. The love story was so well written. But I love that it delves onto so many other subjects such as grieving, divorce, friendship, raising kids, etc…. It’s so much more than a rom com. I will definitely be recommending this!

Another great romance from Annabel Monaghan.
This love story follows an almost divorced mom who just can't get her life together after the passing of her mother. When she, or rather her dog, meets Ethan and his dog, sparks fly and Ali must choose whether to begin to live again.

I am honestly not sure how it's possible that I like each of Annabel Monaghan's book better than the last. This book hit me in the feels and it was such an easy, engaging read at the same time! The cover is adorable, the setting easily came to life in my mind and the plot was solid. Summer Romance is a top tier closed door romance. The characters feel so real to me it feels like they are fully formed human beings, all with imperfect and unique personalities. I loved all of the characters, except one (I'm looking you, ****).

ARC through NetGalley

This was a delightful blend of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor that will leave you smiling long after you've turned the final page. Ali Morris, a professional organizer whose life is in disarray, finds herself unexpectedly swept up in a summer romance that challenges her perceptions of love and self-discovery. Following the loss of her mother and the end of her marriage, Ali's journey to rediscover herself takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ethan—a man who sees her in a way she hasn't seen herself in years. Monaghan's witty and engaging writing style brings Ali's story to life with authenticity and charm. From hilarious mishaps to touching moments of vulnerability, the ups and downs of Ali's summer romance will keep you hooked from start to finish. What sets "Summer Romance" apart is its relatable characters and heartfelt exploration of resilience and second chances. Whether you're looking for a light-hearted read to enjoy by the pool or a heartwarming story to curl up with on a cozy evening, "Summer Romance" is the perfect choice.

Overall rating: 4/5
Readability: 5/5

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Mark your calendars for a summer romance that is the perfect summer read! I’m a sucker for a healthy male character who communicates and isn’t afraid of vulnerability and Ethan is a giant cinnamon roll. Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming a favorite for sweet summer reads. I LOVED “Nora Goes Off Script” and really enjoyed “Same Time, Next Summer” too. This one may be my favorite of the three. If you haven’t read any of her books, and you love Katherine Center or Abby Jimenez, you’ve gotta give her a try! She’s the real deal! This book comes out June 4, 2024, but you can preorder it now! Thank you to @netgalley for my ARC, these thoughts are my own.