Anything Annabel Monaghan writes, I’m reading it. I loved this story about masking and not always showing up as your best self. Loved it.

I loved this so much that I read this in one sitting. While the setting and ambiance of ths story make it a perfect summer read, it gripped my heart from the start and made me feel all the feelings. I adored both Jane's nd Dan's character growth throughout the book, and I want to friends with the entire Finnegan family.

Very apt that The Notebook is a motif throughout this novel, because the tenderness and romance between her and Dan is completely Allie and Noah-coded in the very best way.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the chance to read this ARC!

Annabel does it once again! I enjoyed this book, but certain parts felt unrealistic. However, I felt like this is the formula of her books and I knew what to expect. I wish there was also more emotion.

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the early digital arc!

This book took me a hot minute to get into, but once I did I couldn’t put it down. I loved the slow build up, the little looks and touches. It drove me crazy in the best way possible. The cozy, carefree setting was everything I needed. Most of all the huge family dynamic was so charming and true to life. There hasn’t been an Annabel Monaghan book that I haven’t loved and this is no exception.

It’s a Love Story is an engaging and heartfelt read that immediately draws you in with its captivating opening. The characters are incredibly likable, making it easy to become invested in their journey. The lead character’s growth throughout the book is one of its strongest aspects, as you witness their transformation in a way that feels both natural and rewarding.

Annabel does it again. As much as I loved Summer Romance, Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer by her this one might just be my favorite!
The bickering, forced proximity, vulnerability of it all had me never wanting it to end.
While I found both main characters relatable and charming at times I really fell for them as a couple.
The pairing of seemingly opposite people and the blossoming connection was stunningly satisfying to read. If you know me you know I’m a sucker for explorations of family dynamics on the side of my contemporary romances which this book had for sure. Although start of the book scared me a lil with its morning mantra affirmation manifestation type energy (for like a page) but my advice is just trust cause it all works together perfectly.

I really ended up enjoying this one! Dare I say, my favorite yet?! Each book Annabel Monaghan publishes get's better and better. With the weather getting warmer, this is the perfect book to grab before you hit the beach.

It's a Love Story follows Jane Jackson, previous childhood star actor turned Hollywood Studio exec, on a journey to making her dream script be made into a movie. To make it happen, Jane tells a lie, stating that she's friends with a global popstar - someone from her old childhood- and he would write a song for it. The catch? Jane hasn't spoken to him since her set days and must track him down and convince him to be apart of this movie. Jane quickly confesses her lie to the cinematographer, Dan, who then embarks on this journey with her, despite their tense interactions (did I forget to mention they almost dated once??).

It's a Love Story finds the perfect balance of being a "lighter" read; however, giving the characters depth through relatable experiences, insecurities, and doubts. The chemistry between Jane and Dan is instant, but the build up of what they mean to each other, belonging to each other, is so sweet and loved seeing that come together.

TY NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC!

3.5

A sweet and warm love story thats very book lovers-esque. I enjoyed the well crafted character dynamics and even Janes own evolving relationship with herself. Recommend, it entertained and kept good momentum throughout the story!

Annabel Monaghan never fails to blow me away with her writing. It is so beautifully written, witty and just pulls real, raw emotions from me.. I always end up sobbing happy tears at the end and it was no different with It’s a Love Story.

Jane is a driven, want to be producer/former child star, hiding from but also in her past. She has a certain way of doing things and likes things to go accordingly. So when she gets the chance to prove herself as a competent, would be producer, she has to enlist the help of her messy, outspoken, sworn enemy- Dan.

Dan and ‘Janey Jakes’ embark on an adventure that takes them to Dan’s hometown, and into the fray of his loud, energetic family. They are there to track down Janey’s former costar to convince him to write a song for their movie, but are also wrapped up in the planning and execution of Dan’s parents anniversary party. This beautiful summer whirlwind of a story had me so emotional. I felt helpless, excited, joyful, angry, annoyed, entertained and so much more!

This story is for anyone who loves a good summer romance, enemies to lovers, found family tropes and just an all around fun story to read!

Thank you to Annabel Monaghan and Putnam Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! Until next summer- @stacesbookspace

This was soo soo cute. Loved this forced proximity love story. I loved how both the characters really communicated and didn't fight it. They totally leaned in to it happening naturally. One star deduction for the 3rd quarter break up which I absolutely despise.

Once again, Annabel Monaghan knocks it out of the park. This book is everything you want a romance book to be and more. One of the things I love about her books is that her main characters are in their mid to late 30s, which just makes them seem more reliable and relatable. This book is a quick and fun read, and everyone will be able to relate to either Jane or Dane and the feelings of not being good enough, or not knowing where your life is headed - even at an age when you feel like you should.

This story is full of heart and fun, with the supporting characters providing a wealth of comedic relief. And despite the closed-door nature, the sexual and romantic tension between Jane and Dan is exceptional.

I love everything Annabel Monaghan writes and this book was no different! I fell in love with the banter and characters.

5 ⭐️

At this point, I'll read anything that Annabel Monaghan puts out, but this is, by far, my favorite of her books. I was so excited to get the arc from Netgalley and FLEW through it. This book was exactly what I needed and healed something in my heart.

I picked this up expecting her usual fun, summer read, but It's A Love Story snuck up on me. It's heartwarming, funny, and will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they might not be enough in life/love/family/and everywhere in between.

It's a Love Story follows former childstar (hear me out, it's not like that) Jane and photographer Dan Finnegan as they work towards greenlighting a movie that they both love. After a failed almost-first date, Dan and Jane travel home as colleagues to Dan's family home in New York for a business meeting/ambush on a star from Jane's past. I laughed, cried, and stayed up all night because I just couldn't put it down.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons, and Annabel Monaghan for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, the book was great. The story was easy to follow and kept me coming back for more. I'm excited for others to be able to read!

One thing I love about Annabel Monaghan is that she writes romance novels with an abundance of substance and depth. It's a Love Story is no exception. On the surface, it's a perfect summery read to toss into your pool bag or your beach tote. Once you get into the story, though, you discover the emotional depth and complexities of these characters and you realize you're definitely in the realm of "romance plus." This is a charming read full of witty banter and characters with relatable issues. As with most romance novels, tropes abound: opposites attract, forced proximity, workplace romance, enemies to lovers, etc.

Another solid addition to Monaghan's stellar lineup! Thank you to GP Putnam's Sons (Penguin Group) and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book prior to its publication in exchange for my honest review.

i really liked this one! really refreshing story. good plot. extremely likeable characters! i love this author's writing and this one was no different. would recommend.

If you’ve loved Annabel Monaghan’s other books, I think this one will be no different. Great writing, perfectly paced, relatable characters and the best kind of beach setting in “Oak Shore.” Jane’s character felt really relatable despite her growing up as a child actor and the situation she finds herself in this book trying to get a movie she believes in made. The serious discussion around her upbringing and loneliness, self-esteem and inability to see herself clearly really makes you invested in her character. Her relationship with Dan and Dan’s family also felt like a breath of fresh air to read about. Despite the main events of the book taking place over the course of a week, this didn’t feel like insta-love given there is some history between the two characters and they spent a lot of time together that the connection felt natural and believable. It really made me appreciate the “quiet” moments of day to day.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion. First and foremost, I LOVE Annabel Monaghan. Seriously, she gives us so much more than just a perfect summer read. Her books always have a layered meaning underneath them. Our FMC Jane tells a fib to Dan who is our MMC, Jane's "rival", cinematographer. However, Jane and Dan begin to get close. There's a slow-burn romance that is worth the wait. The banter in this book was giving and I CANNOT wait for her next.

Annabel Monaghan just knows how to write a summer romance, y’all 🥰 If you liked her other books, you’re almost guaranteed to love this, too!

Synopsis: Jane Jackson is a child actress turned Hollywood studio executive trying to get her dream script made into a movie. To seal the deal, she exaggerates knowing a pop icon she met for a day on the set of her old sitcom, claiming he’ll write a song for the movie. Her lie leads her on a wild goose chase across the country with the pompous cinematographer, Dan, who is also convinced the script would be a hit.

Though this started a little slow, Jane and Dan’s subtle, simmering chemistry is a treat. Their beach week chasing down the pop star in Long Island is reminiscent of Monaghan’s other novels, bursting with sweet, sunshiny goodness and sultry, salty encounters beach-side.

Dan’s big, bubbly family was the absolute highlight for me making me laugh out loud at multiple points and giving the story the familial warm fuzzies I’ve come to associate with Monaghan’s books.

A perfect book to throw into your carry-on this summer!

Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I just love Annabel Monaghan’s books so much! She has that secret sauce that keeps me coming back year after year. I loved this story and the depth of the FMC. She was quirky, messy, and a bit difficult to relate to at times, but in a way that made the story more interesting. The growth she made throughout the book had me invested completely! The story itself was charming and the love was so sweet 🥲 4 solid stars!⭐️