Neutralizing Negative Core Beliefs and IT'S A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan

Cover of the book IT'S A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan used to teach the therapy concept of neutralizing negative core beliefs.
Jane Jackson, now a studio executive, is known to the world as Janey Jakes, the punchline character of the sitcom she starred in as an awkward adolescent.

As the child star of a widowed mom, Jane learned life lessons early. The belief most firmly engrained in Jane’s brain is that true (romantic) love is a lie, or at least it isn’t possible for her. Jane has lived experiences that she sees as proof of this belief: her dad left, a teenage fling broke her heart, and Jane’s mom’s heart was broken innumerable times. To top it off, Jane has systematically tried to find love, but things always fizzle out by the fourth date.

Now, Jane is in an entirely new awkward position with no cameras around to capture her goofs. She’s falling for a great guy, causing her to question if her beliefs about love are correct.

Core beliefs are a person’s central ideas that guide and filter how they interpret the world. Think of core beliefs like glasses—if you wear pink-tinted glasses, the world looks rosy, and if you wear brown-tinted glasses, the world seems bleak. If you have the core belief that love doesn’t exist, then when you see love, you will believe you are looking at something inauthentic, fleeting, or wrong.

Many people have negative core beliefs suggesting that they are helpless, unlovable, worthless, or in danger. These core beliefs are problematic because they hamper interpersonal relationships and lead to mental health concerns.

Luckily, negative core beliefs are learned and, with work, can be modified. Here are tools for neutralizing negative core beliefs.

Uncover How the Belief Was Formed: Where did this belief come from? How long have you held it? What is the myth, story, history, or current situation that perpetuates the belief?

Check What Facts Were Ignored or Modified: We are prone to confirmation bias, meaning we ignore data that refutes our opinions. What data have you rejected, ignored, or minimized in favor of a negative core belief?

Look for Contrary Evidence: What are the exceptions? Are there shades of gray? What provokes you to question it? What would happen if you acted as if your negative core belief didn’t exist? What other perspectives are there?

Love Annabel Monaghan? Me too. Check out my posts on her other books:

Boundaries and NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT by Annabel Monaghan

Overgeneralization and SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER by Annabel Monaghan

The Best Friend Technique and SUMMER ROMANCE by Annabel Monaghan

Why did it take me so long to read an Annabel Monaghan book? It’s a Love Story is the first book by the author that I have read and it definitely will not be my last. This book is a beautifully written contemporary romance that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Jane Jackson is the FMC. She’s funny, witty, and a go getter. She’s also a former child star now trying to make it as Hollywood producer. Dan Finnegan, the MMC is honest and quite opinionated at the beginning of the book. He’s also the cinematographer that she has to work with in order to turn her dream script into a movie. The two end up having to travel to Dan’s hometown on Long Island as a last ditch effort to make their movie happen. At the beginning of the trip, Jane is not a fan of Dan but soon realizes there’s more to him than she first thought, he has more depth, and even a sensitive side.

I found the characters in this book to be so relatable. I loved how the main characters connection felt so real. It built over the course of the book through their banter and actions. Stolen touches and moments of handholding were so sweet and heartwarming. As I was reading, I could almost feel the electricity of their connection in the air.

I also loved the Finnegan family dynamics and the close knit family vibes! Their interactions made me smile and warmed my heart.

This book is going to be a hit! It’s such a great romance read. Jane and Dan’s love story left me smiling!

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Annabel Monaghan is quickly becoming my favorite romance author. She was inspired to write this story after reading I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy (which is also excellent). This story takes place in Long Island just like Same Time Next Summer did, so there was some fun overlap in locations.

Jane (FMC) was a childhood star trying to get taken seriously as a movie producer. She meets Dan (MMC) randomly but he ends up being a cinematographer in the same workplace and they don't see eye to eye. They end up on a business trip to his hometown where she, as an only child of a single mother, is thrown into the mix of his large and loving family.

Things to know: It is a falling in love in a week fast-paced. Jane is so set on controlling other's perceptions of her that she drives you crazy and it took time for me to feel invested in her story arch. Dan comes off as a jerk because of Jane's perception of him, but he is so endearing when you meet his family and understand how he fits in their dynamic as the black sheep. He's sweet, intentional, and thoughtful.

Tropes:
•Forced Proximity
•Enemies to Lovers
•Workplace Romance

🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open Door: At least one intimate scene with the reader present, euphemistic language for act and body parts. Closed Door Modifications: Skip chapters 26 & 36

I haven’t enjoyed a romance this much in years! I loved the characters (his brothers! His parents!), learning about their careers and her past, and the spice level was perfection. Everything about this book made me want to reread it immediately which never happens. Definitely my favorite by Annabel Monaghan so far, it was just so well balanced. Perfection!

3.5/5 Stars!
Annabel Monaghan returns with another summer romance in It's a Love Story, set to release in 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

The story follows Jane Jackson, a former child star turned struggling Creative Executive (though her role is a bit murky, possibly a producer). Jane’s goal is to get a specific movie greenlit, but her boss has one condition: she must convince Jack Quinlan, her ex-costar and now a global pop sensation, to write a song for the film.

Enter Dan Finnegan, a cinematographer and Jane’s former crush. Conveniently, Dan’s brother works backstage with Jack, giving Jane a chance to plead her case. Cue a trip to Long Island, where Jane stays with Dan’s family, old sparks reignite, and by day five, love is back in the air.

This book leans heavily into the enemies to lovers trope, layered with a shared history. Jane’s relationship with her parents is explored briefly, but it doesn’t add much depth to the story.

Sadly, this one missed the mark for me. I was hoping for more nostalgia, particularly vivid flashbacks to the 90s when Jane and Jack first met. A deeper dive into the behind-the-scenes world of their Nickelodeon-esque show would’ve been a delight. Instead, the first half dragged, and it wasn’t until Dan and Jane’s romance picked up that the story found some energy. Even then, their backstory felt underdeveloped. I even found the cover doesn't quite match up to what the story could have been.

Ultimately, I skimmed through about a third of the book due to boredom, and the ending, was your usual predictable ending, but I wasn't committed at all. A fun concept with lots of potential, but it didn’t quite deliver.

Full review here: ​www.goodreads.com/review/show/7070588321

It's a Love Story was a super fun and lighthearted read and I loved it! It follows Jane Jackson, a childhood actress who got famous for playing a cringey teen character and is now struggling to make a name for herself as an adult. She's trying to get the go-ahead to produce a screenplay as a movie which puts her in contact with Dan Finnegan, a seemingly pretentious, a-hole cinematographer that was responsible for killing her last project.

On the surface, the plot of the story technically revolves around getting Jack Quinlan to write a song for their movie to keep up Jane's lie that she's still in close contact with him, but he's barely a part of the story at all. Instead, we get heartwarming bonding moments as Dan and Jane spend time in Long Island at his family's house - biking, at the beach, etc. He has a huge family that immediately welcomes her in.

The spice is very very minimal for those who enjoy spice, but their romance and the way they dance around each other is so fun and sweet. She goes in to the trip to Long Island hating Dan, but slowly sees him deeper and uncovers the truth behind his gruff exterior. He is such a softie and I

I will say that Jane realizes she's in love with Dan rather quickly -- it all happens in the span of a matter of days. I guess the atmosphere of being around his very charming and welcoming family coupled with the quaint atmosphere of the Long Island town really got to her brain. The vast majority of the story happens within those days so it makes sense within the framework of the story, but it was perhaps a little unrealistic timing wise. Dan's family also seemed a bit too picture-perfect at times, but it was still endearing especially because of Jane's tumultuous family history that is revealed as we go. So, sure, the book was cheesy at times but I loved it and it's ultimately a perfect book for romance lovers looking for a lighthearted, funny read.

Thank you so much to Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC!! 📚

Loved it! The characters were great, and the relationship between Dan and Jane was perfectly built up. I was glad that Jack Q ended up being consistently still a jerk so it didn’t confuse the love story. Clem was an awesome friend. I couldn’t put this book down!

*A sincere thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing the advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.*

Annabel Monaghan strikes again with It's a Love Story, The writing is full of wit and emotional depth, keeps the story light-hearted while exploring deeper themes of self-worth, redemption, and unexpected connections. The chemistry between Jane and Dan Finnegan is electric. It’s a romance that blooms in the most unlikely of circumstances, awkward, messy, and totally relatable. Monaghan’s portrayal of Long Island and its small-town charm adds another layer of warmth to the story, making it feel like a cozy escape, perfect for a binge. It balances humor, heart, and just the right amount of tension, leaving you wanting more of Jane’s story. If you’re looking for a quick, fun escape with an emotional punch, this one’s a winner.

Annabel Monaghan delivers another five-star masterpiece with this book! I absolutely loved it. Jane and Dan’s relationship was a joy to follow, from their first connection to their happily-ever-after. Watching their emotions deepen felt so genuine and heartfelt.

The addition of Jack’s lively family, led by Reenie and Cormac, added warmth and charm, making me long for such a deeply caring family dynamic. Ruby was a delightful bonus, bringing even more joy to the story.

I couldn’t put this book down—it was so captivating that I had to force myself to stop reading just to get some sleep. This is a story I would happily read again and again; it left me feeling utterly happy and content.

I'm not going to lie: Annabel Monaghan could write a grocery list and I'd line up to read it. I was so very excited and honored to receive approval for this ARC, yet also wanted to savor every delicious word. I frequently went back to re-read passages that made me feel some kind of way. This story is smart, funny, poignant, and spoke to me on a cellular level. There is a little Janey Jakes in all of us, I think. Playing a role, a bit uncomfortable in our skin, and yearning for validation. I should be embarrassed by the number of times this story moved me to tears. The scene with Ruby at the party? Gutted in ALL the best ways. And it bears mentioning that I don't even know if this author is a Swiftie, but between the title quoting a song, the "fake it 'til you make it" mantra, and the cover art bearing a striking resemblance to Taylor at a rain show in her Midnights body suit, I'd like to believe that she was watching grainy livestreams like so many of the rest of us.

Annabel Monaghan has done it again! I don’t know what it is about her work but it’s perfect to me.

Jane and Dan might be my favorite leads yet (and this is saying a lot because I love them all). Their love story feels so believable and real even though the circumstances are a little wild. There isn’t a side character I didn’t like either!

Monaghan manages to continually write quick and easy reads - beach reads, if you will - but she always packs a punch. I can’t wait to buy this for my shelf once it’s out.

Thank you to Putnam & NetGalley for the eARC!

I could not put this down. I loved it so much. The raw emotion from the FMCs inner monologue was so well done. It is sad but true how childhood traumas, whether emotional or physical, can change how we perceive ourselves well into adulthood. Jane was so hilarious and someone I just wanted to hang out with. Dan is immaculate. I loved the Finnegans and want more stories about them. Definitely recommend.

This book gave me butterflies!

I have yet to meet a book by Annabel Monaghan that I didn’t love, but this may be my favorite one yet. There is so much real life in this you can’t help but relate to the struggles and victories the characters have. The characters are the perfect balance of funny, sweet, and troubled, with amazing chemistry.

Jane is a has been teen tv star, who was always in the background is trying to make it with the perfect romantic movie script, while exhausting herself trying to be exactly who she thinks people want her to be. Dan is a quiet artist and cinematographer who isn’t afraid to speak the truth and has a complicated relationship with his wonderful family. They have an amazing meet cute involving a bird, and excitedly agree to a first date. Only for Jane to walk into a work meeting to see Dan shooting down her dream movie, telling her it isn’t commercial enough. But have no fear Jane has a plan for the movie, and she definitely doesn’t want to date Dan.

Jane and Dan find themselves flying across the country to his family home in attempts to make the movie happen. The forced proximity of this trip, working together, bunking together and spending lots of time with Dans huge family has quite the lasting impact on Jane. She may just learn what love really looks like. That it’s quiet, that it doesn’t have to be flashy or fancy, that “love happens over breakfast.”
This book was so sweet, showing the softer quieter side of love, but also tackling the hurt people have and how it truly affects us. Jane was able to overcome some of her past hurt to experience a new kind of love, but not without hurting people in the process. I felt all the emotions while reading this, but ultimately it made me so happy. A must read for all!

After reading a book that almost sent me into a slump, I desperately needed something to lift my spirits—and this book came through! The humor, the heartfelt moments, and the second-chance romance were exactly what I needed.

Jane’s journey from awkward adolescent to confident executive (well, mostly confident) was so much fun to follow, and her chemistry with Dan was undeniable. The writing had a great balance of laugh-out-loud moments and emotional depth that kept me hooked from start to finish.

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good story with relatable characters and a touch of nostalgia, this book won’t disappoint. It’s the perfect pick-me-up!

I was so excited to be approved for this ARC since I've really enjoyed all of the authors previous books. While I enjoyed the characters (besides how immature and childish Jane was) and the story, there was something about this one that felt choppy to me. I don't usually find writing that takes me out of the book but this one did. There were points where I couldn't focus due to how the sentences were structured and sometimes felt unfinished. "He's going to open it, I'm going to walk through it, and he's going to close it. That's how doors work." This is just one example of what/how I was taken out of the story. It just felt unnecessary. I will definitely check out what she writes next since I've liked a majority of her work, this one just didn't work for me.

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

I'll read anything by Annabel Monaghan, she's a favorite! It's a Love Story made me laugh out loud and brought tears to my eyes. What made me sad? Finishing it too fast! Pre-order and add this to your TBR list now!

Thank you, NetGalley and Putnam Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

📖 Book Review 📖 If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life it’s that it never goes the way you think it will. But the best thing to do is learn to roll with it, and Jane has done just that…even after becoming meme-worthy as an adolescent in show business. Despite some bad luck, she is determined to make her screenplay a hit at all costs, even if it means tracking down the popstar who was another source of angst and embarrassment from Jane’s past. Annabel Monaghan draws readers in right from the beginning to root for Jane as she navigates the hurdles of making her dreams a reality with the help of the handsome Dan Finnegan. It’s a Love Story is everything you want a love story to be and more!

Monaghan’s writing sparkles, making this a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy read that’s impossible to put down. With sharp humor, quirky characters, and sizzling chemistry, you’ll fall for this book just as hard as Jane falls for the man who’s been there all along. It’s a perfect mix of romance and self-discovery that will leave you smiling.

I've called Annabel Monaghan's three previous adult romances life-affirming, and It's a Love Story is no exception. Jane is a creative executive at a Hollywood studio, trying to get a script she believes in deeply greenlighted and, in the process, making a promise she doesn't know if she can keep.

Years ago Jane was one of the stars of a popular kids' show, playing the part of the funny girl, not the one that tween and teen boys lusted after. The same seems to play out in her personal life. Jane hasn't had a father since he left when she was five, and she has lived her adult life so far feeling like she doesn't really matter to anyone, rarely getting beyond a fourth date.

Her relationship with Dan, a photographer who also does work for the studio, was promising at first, but his cutting remarks about the scripts she was promoting tore them apart. Now Dan wants to be the cinematographer for the movie made from Jane's current script, but they can't seem to agree on how to convince the studio to take a chance on it.

Similar to Monaghan's previous protagonists, Jane and Dan are beautifully layered, fascinating characters--both with baggage and flaws, but also with endearing qualities and quirks. Jane's quietly supportive best friend Clem and Dan's big, boisterous family (including an identical twin) are engaging characters as well. The movie "The Notebook" is a continuing thread in the story, as is Jane's childhood friend who has somehow become a successful, scream-worthy pop singer. The author's writing style is fun and engrossing and the plot propels the book to a satisfying ending.

My thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam/GP Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide na honest review of this book.

I love Annabel's work and was so excited to dive into her newest project! And it did not disappoint! I loved the MMC and his family . it was so charming and I loved the town. I love hollywood type characters and that she was a childhood actor. Just a huge fan of the vibes!