Summer Romance, by Annabel Monaghan, is a dream of a summer read. This was such a glorious novel that struck the perfect balance between the gorgeous romance at its centre and the heavier themes it explored.

Summer Romance is Ali Morris’ story and we find her at a really tough stage of her life. Two years ago her beloved mother passed away and on the first anniversary of her death her husband asked for a divorce. Now a year later Ali finds herself a single mother of three who hasn’t worn trousers with a zipper or button in too long. So no one is more surprised than Ali when the first day she takes off her ring and dons actual clothes, that she meets someone at the dark park. Or atleast her dog does when he pees all over said handsome stranger. 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?

As with Monaghan’s last novel, Same Time Next Summer, I loved how central to the story is the FMCs growth arc, that we get to see her rediscovering herself after feeling lost for some time. Ali had lost a part of herself to grief, but comes to realise that she lost even more of herself in her marriage. As you would expect grief plays a huge part in Ali’s story but it was handled so well be Monaghan. Her self discovery arc and the rediscovery of her spark and joy was so wonderful, and of course was helped in no small part by the wonderful Ethan.

Both Ali and Ethan are wonderfully rich and complex characters. They each have their own issues but are so caring and considered. There blossoming relationship worked so well and felt so authentic and natural. I also thought the wider cast of characters including Ali’s children, her neighbour Phyllis and Ali’s friend Frannie were brilliant.

This was such a great read and one I’d highly recommend.

There is something about this authors writing which captures you and has you hooked on the story.

I love both characters, they feel real, Ali’s life is changing and she meets Ethan one day, well her dog does and is attracted to him. Ethan is a man who’s got family troubles and finds Ali to be someone he could have a summer romance with.

This book although a romance does deal with more deeper issues, grief, separation and community spirit. I thought it was superb, very relatable and the romance was perfect.

Another great read from this author.

‘Summer Romance’ by Annabel Monaghan is a heartwarming and empowering novel about home organiser Ari who is soon-to-be-divorced and trying to figure out her identity outside of being a mother to her three children (and one very cute dog!) Enter a mysterious handsome stranger who feels comfortably familiar, encouraging friends, and the promise of her first “first date” in over a decade… When it turns out the guy she is crushing on is both more and less connected to her hometown than she thought, cutting short hopes for the future, a summer romance can’t help but blossom!

I adored the characters in this book. Ali was incredibly relatable with her warmth, emotional openness and determination, and Ethan was a wonderful romantic hero whose character development shone brightly throughout. Ali’s family, ex-husband and best friend Frannie were all realistically portrayed, and I fell in love with her wise old neighbour Phyllis (honestly, I think every book needs a witty, experienced and blunt elderly neighbour to counsel the main character through trials and tribulations).

The setting was also beautifully described, and I could definitely imagine reading as a vacation novel under a blue sky full of sun. I wish there had been a little more chemistry between the two leads - for much of the novel the vibes were more “sweet crush” than “burning desire”, but I appreciated the way Ali and Ethan supported and understood each other, and adored the ending so darn much!

Overall, this gets four stars from m me. If you want the joyful vibes of a summer romance and a strong single mother character searching for herself and her power, pick this up and pack it for your vacation reading!

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Aria and Aries via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Ali Morris’ life is not how she imagined it would be. Her mother died two years ago and her husband announced he wanted a divorce, one year later. She has not worn pants that have a zip and her professional career as an organiser is not reflected in her home life. Yet when she meets Ethan, she begins to feel that her life might have a chance.
I loved this book. Even having finished it, I would like to start it all over again as there were so many phrases that I found myself highlighting, the prose was so beautiful. I also found myself crying at times, it was so magical. I felt part of Ali’s life with the chaos of her children and a husband, who treats her poorly. Yet with Ethan, it felt like she had a chance to fall in love for the first time. All of the characters in the book are explored with depth and meaning, from Ethan to her friendship with her elderly neighbour and her eldest daughter. I also loved how she would talk to her deceased mother to try and overcome a problem. This was an amazing read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

⛱️☀️ Summer Romance ☀️⛱️
- Annabel Monaghan

⭐️⭐️⭐️

We follow single mum Ali as she grapples with a divorce, grief over her mother’s death, and raising three riotous kids. She’s dealing with the loss of her own identity and learning to rediscover herself as an individual.

The plot felt predictable to an excessive degree. Romance books are generally predictable, and there is a certain comfort to be taken in knowing everything will end happily ever after. However, from almost the first twenty pages, I could tell you where it was going.

It definitely erred more on the side of literary fiction than romance, so be aware of that going in. I loved Phyllis, Ali’s elderly bookish neighbour. Best side character hands down. If she ever needs anyone to organise her overflowing bookshelves, I’m available…

Ethan’s charity work felt somewhat performative, as though it were only a tool to show the reader how nice of a guy he is. It felt very tell not show. I didn’t generally warm to Ethan and didn’t like how it was almost portrayed as him changing Ali’s world and not her own strength of character.

Overall, if you’re looking for something oozing with relatability. I think I’m in the minority of not loving this, so definitely give it a try for yourself if you’re interested.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC!

thank you netgalley for the advance reader copy of this book! i loved this so so so much it has easily become one of my favourites! 5 ⭐️

3.75 Stars

A heartwarming and emotional journey of love, loss and self discovery.

Grieving the loss of her mother and in the process of getting a divorce, we see our FMC Ali struggling with her motivation. Despite her struggles, she’s such a strong and caring character, who is fiercely protective of her children and looks out for her elderly neighbour, Phyllis. I loved the scenes of the family together, as they were so wholesome. She reflects on her past relationship with her ex-husband and also on her mother’s heavy involvement in her life. This was really interesting, especially as she talks to her mother in her car, as part of her grieving. Whilst the topic is serious, Annabel weaves it throughout the book in a way that gets you to reflect and doesn’t weigh down the story. I loved seeing her gain back her confidence and personal growth over time.

The MMC, Ethan, has a difficult relationship with his family, as they have a fixed image of him in his more rebellious teenage years, which is why he moved away. Seeing the life he has built, whether it be the friendships he formed with his local townspeople or particularly his love of skateboarding, was truly heartwarming. I would loved to have the arc of him wanting acceptance from his family to be developed more, as this was only touched upon. His caring nature and constant support of Ali was so beautiful to see.

Both Ali and Ethan knew each other in high school, and Ethan often references Ali’s graduation speech - “You’re the architect of your own experience.” I loved this being included as many years have passed, and people change a lot over time. We get to see Ali take the wisdom of her past self and apply it to her present life. Their summer romance had tender and emotional moments, and it was lovely as we get to see their connection form organically.

The themes throughout this book about taking risks, control, grief and interpersonal relationships were developed really well. The descriptions of the town and even the clothes the characters were wearing really helped set the scene of the summer season. There were a lot of little everyday moments between characters, so the pacing did feel a bit slow at times. However, this was an enjoyable summer read with a heartfelt romance and deeper life lessons weaved throughout.

What to expect:
- Summer romance
- Best friend’s brother
- Small town/community

This was such a lovely book. The main characters growth throughout the novel was so delightful to see and the rest of the characters were really well written. Highly recommended.

𝟒.𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ❀˖°

this book was just so refreshing to read!
i love stories of people finding love again!

this book deals with some heavy topics but its still able to handle them in the best way possible. the book has, divorce, grief & loss and we follow our main character Ali as she tackles all of these difficult emotions while simultaneously & unexpectedly beginning to fall in love again.

i loved all the diverse plot lines and complex characters, besides pete, i loved everyone. they were all written with such realistic characteristics which i really enjoy reading in a book especially when there are so many characters to keep track of, it really helps when they can be easily identifiable to the reader.

this is actually my first annabel monaghan book so you can bet that im about to go read all the other books i’ve missed out on!

I read Nora Goes Of Script by this author at the beginning of the month and thoroughly enjoyed! I was lucky enough to receive an early copy from NetGallery which came at the prefect time for my holiday. I fell in love with the characters straight away and I specifically loved how they met. Ali was an amazing relatable character who I loved seeing rediscover love and herself. She was honest, realistic and her situation I’m sure lots of readers can relate to. The pace of the book and their relationship was just right making the story easy to read but also never wanting to put the book down. They just hit it off straight away and I loved their chemistry. I loved all the side characters in this book and I loved the kids! I think they were the perfect edition to the story and development of the relationship.

I really liked how the story was a lighthearted romance but had so many deeper storylines and parts to the book. It took us through grief, divorce and healing (not a spoiler) which was written beautifully. It had so many tropes I love such as small town romance, slow burn, single mum, best friends brother. It had me giggling and kicking my feet. The only thing I felt this book was missing was duel pov, I would have loved to have known what was going through Ethan’s head!

It was the perfect summer read, fun, quick, easy, loveable characters and the ideal beach read

4 ⭐️, this book took me by surprise, it was a well written heart felt romance.

this book was a cute very easy summer binge, I liked the setting and I also liked how it was an older romance sp the characters felt more mature.

I had read Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan and thought this book was going to be a similar vibe to that one, being the same author. I didn't have issues with Nora Goes off Script but it definitely wasn't my favourite romance I've read.

This book, however, might get closer to that title. I love how Annabel Monaghan focuses on women in their late 30s in her fiction, and how she manages to blend the plot with important topics like grief and parenting.

Summer Romance is perfect for the summer but, be warned, it's no summer romance - this book will have you feeling everything Ali is experiencing.
You might giggle and smile at the romance plot which is, if I say so myself, so amazing. You might also read this book in a day, which is what I did.

Once I started, I simply couldn't put it down. I didn't want to let Ali and Ethan go.

I am now a turned Annabel Monaghan fan and I am so glad I got to read this!

4.25⭐️

A beautiful summer romance that hits you hard. This is what I want in a romance book. I want depth and emotions, I want to feel like I know and understand the characters. I want it all to feel real. (Or at least could be real).

I also really love getting just the females pov and feeling like it’s her story rather than solely romance based. It delved very much into her as a person, the divorce she’s going through, the grief with her mother passing, and navigating co parenting and being a newly single mother.

The writing was beautiful. I loved Ethan. Just overall a really great balance of romance and general fiction, which will tug on your heart strings.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan swept me along. It's easy-reading with a core of real-life truth. Ali's life is falling apart and taking her with it. Exactly a year after her mother's death, her husband announced he was leaving and a year on again he initiated divorce proceedings. Timing anyone? And then, as she's struggling to pull herself out of the mire that is her life and maintain stability of a sort for her three children, fate sends her Ethan. Is Ali brave enough to take a chance on life?

Such a cute book!
I loved following the FMC Ali on her journey of self discovery & taking back control of her life!
Ethan (Scooter) was all in from the off and makes for a swoon worthy MMC.

“You are the architect of your own experience “
This has got to be one of my favourite quotes from the whole book 👌🏼

This was my first Annabel Monaghan book

AND LET ME TELL YOU IT WAS AMAZING!!!
this book is the embodiment of summer
I loved it!!!! so much!!!!

Annabel Monaghan is quickly cementing herself as one of my favourite romance authors. This book was a gorgeous romantic read with great character depth and scenes that had me both near tears and squealing and kicking my feet. It is more than just a summer romance, it is a summer of healing and change. You could say this book has left me feeling carbonated. I can't wait for her next release!

(4.5 stars)

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Release Date: 4 July 2024
Rating: 4/5

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

Ali Morris’s life is a mess. Two years after her mother’s death, her husband left, and she hasn’t worn anything with a zipper in ages. Despite being a professional organiser, her pantry is a disaster.

When Ali finally takes off her wedding ring and dons overalls, she unexpectedly meets someone new. Her dog introduces her to Ethan in an unusual way—by peeing on him, just like he did with her favourite child. Ethan smiles at her as if her overalls are perfect, and Ali finds herself intrigued. Though she’s wary of adding more complications to her life, she wonders if a little summer romance could be just what she needs.

I was buzzed when I saw another book by Annabel Monaghan being released, especially after adoring "Nora Goes Off Script" last year. Annabel's knack for crafting romances for women who've lost faith in love impresses me.

In this tale, I admired the protagonist's evolution as she navigated grief, aided by friends like Frannie and Ethan.

Though I didn't feel a profound connection between the main couple, the book's charm and brisk pace made it a delightful read. Monaghan expertly portrays Ali and Ethan as an ideal partnership, highlighting how they bring out the best in each other. Their journey is a touching blend of warmth and sorrow, exploring themes such as grief, love, and resilience, keeping readers engaged throughout.

"Summer Romance" is a must-read for romantic comedy fans who enjoy authentic, relatable stories filled with emotional highs and lows.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Aria & Aries, and the author, Annabel Monaghan, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I loved reading this. Annabel always produces the cutest romance books.I think this book is intended for an older audience than me, I don’t relate to the stuff that Ali is going through but still enjoying nonetheless.

Ali and Ethan’s meet cute made me laugh. Ferris is a good wingman haha!

There are obviously obstacles that get in the way of them being together in the long run and I honestly thought this book might not have had a happy ending. Other than this, it didn’t really have much of a plot but I didn’t mind this as the character development was perfect.

This book is a perfect summer romcom. It is so easy to read and you get completely lost in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Ares for the ARC

Is this the book of the summer? It surely is one of them! A really entertaining book I devoured in a few hours. Perfect to read on vacation