📚 It's a Love Story
✍ Annabel Monaghan
📖 Contemporary Romance
⭐4/5
🌶️

🙏 Thank you to Putnam Books, NetGalley and the author for an advanced copy of It's a Love Story. All opinions are my own.
◾
🎯 What I loved: So much of this story was really about Jane working through her issues with herself and she had a great character development arc. Though she was a little neurotic, she had a really compelling backstory and as more was revealed about her childhood, her neurosis started to make a lot more sense. The banter in this book was really fun and the side characters were delectable. Dan's family as a 'found family' was seriously the best and all The Notebook references did me in.

I also really liked that this was about the entertainment industry without a ton of fanfare/ paparazzi issues- it brought a new side to a topic I love to dive into. I adore the way Annabel Monaghan builds her stories and REALLY recommend reading the author's note (something you should always do anyway) on this one because it revealed so much about the inspiration in this book.
◾
Read if you love:
*almost lovers to enemies to lovers
*forced proximity
*love interests on a shared mission
*workplace romance
*childhood actor turned industry professional
◾
See also: The Rom-Commers, Once More With Feeling, Mrs. Nash's Ashes

This book may appear to be a light romance but it def is deeper than that and will make you feel all the feelings and then some. Jane is a former child actor trying to outrun her awkward past and trying desperately to become a producer/exec. But she is kind of tossed aside a lot and not taken seriously, b/c of her past child actor role. She creates a massive stretch of the truth that she can can get a superstar Jack (a guy who mortified her previously in her teenage years) to help and do a song for a new show.... but now she has to try to make that happen.

And then there is Dan - sweet, man bun hair Dan, who works with her and has a little love/hate relationship dynamic going on.... but it is pretty clear that they don't hate one another and are exactly what one another wants. They end up in his childhood home on the East coast while trying to convince Jack - and well, there is a single room to share, lots of family, and no privacy. Cue the romance.

This book is cozy and each character grows a lot - I loved it. It will def make you want to go to the beach and enjoy a bonfire with friends... while warming up to the thought of love.

So I'm not sure what to think about this book, but I think it's going to sit firmly at a 3 stars. It's unfortunate but I thought for a lot of the book, the pacing was weird, and then the way the ending happened after they managed to accomplish what they set out for the entirety of the book to do kind of tanked the story for me. I liked the family dynamic in the story a lot, I liked aspects of the characters, but the main couple ... I don't know.

I'm not sure if I wasn't a huge fan of the insta love or if I wasn't a huge fan of the way the couple did not like one enough for a long enough of a time that made the premise difficult to believe but overall, the romance wasn't a slam dunk for me and it ended up making me quite frustrated throughout the book.

I don't know! I really loved Nora, Off Script, and have not been clicking with some of Annabel's last titles. It's definitely a me thing, unfortunately!

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for a chance to read and review.

As a teenager Jane was a successful teen actress playing the sidekick on a popular show. Now as an adult she is trying to be taken seriously on the business side and is attempting to get a movie produced. Her bosses, however want a hook or something to blow up in order to approve the movie, but its a beautiful love story, so Jane exaggerates and tells them she can get a famous pop star, who she had an unfortunate encounter with on that teenage show years ago, to write a song for the movie. Now she needs to recruit the potential cinematographer for the movie, Dan, to help her make it happen, a man she really dislikes. Or does she?

I loved most of the things about this book, and what I didn't can be forgiven since what is right about this story is so right, at least for me. There are the typical tropes of enemies to lovers, one room, etc. and lots of witty banter. What really won me over though was Dans family and Janes best friend. Monaghans side characters are the best and Dan has a whole family full of brothers that are wonderful and bratty, parents that are very special, and Janes friend Clem is great as well.

Of course every romance has to have something to pull the couple apart and then bring them back together and that's where I was disappointed. Jane had a tremendous self esteem issue, and we see her gradually grow and develop throughout the book, so the conflict at the end, to me seemed rather silly and rushed. Luckily it doesn't last long, so It did not ruin this lovely book for me, just kept it from being five stars.

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an e galley in return for an honest review.

I absolutely could not put this book down! I was reading it while I was cooking, while I was putting my son down for a nap, and any small gaps of time I had in between. I was hooked on the story very quickly and the Finnegan family felt so warm and real and I kept craving to be back there in that house every time they left. I loved that the romance happened and Dan was a good guy. There were no red flags or immature and pointless break ups / conflicts.
My only piece of criticism is that I did not like Jane’s family drama. I felt like it needed to be in there to explain her back story and why she shied away from love - but I wasn’t invested in it. I found myself skimming over the paragraphs and pages about her mom and dad drama and just trying to get back to the chemistry and dynamic between her and Dan.
Overall - LOVED this. Right up there with Nora Goes Off Script!

☀️ I know summer is on its way when I curl up with my Annabel Monaghan beach read each spring! And luckily for me, her books just keep getting better and better. Thank you to @putnambooks for my sneak peek at ‘It’s A Love Story’ — it’s out May 27th.

☀️ Monaghan has my number, y’all. She just knows how to write a book that leaves me smiling long after I’ve read the last page. I always find myself closing it for the final time and just sitting with the warm and fuzzies she’s poured into my body. Not to mention the humor (the Eleanor Roosevelt swimsuit lines had me dying). Needless to say, ‘It’s A Love Story’ was no exception.

☀️ What to expect:
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- former child star
- beach vibes
- swoony romance

☀️ I adored this book and Monaghan continues to be a beach bag staple for me. Take her on your summer vacation or read her on your couch and it’ll make you feel like you’re on vacay. You can’t go wrong either way.

I enjoyed this book! I really liked the main characters’ dynamic, neither of them were completely insufferable and the banter between them was very natural. They claim to “hate” each other but really they seemed like decent work friends who liked to jab once in a while. The third act conflict felt a bit unnecessary since it was essentially a 30something year old having a very 20something breakdown (in my opinion) but I also feel most third act conflicts don’t need to happen overall. Either way I had already preordered this before getting the ARC and I’m glad to be adding another good book to my shelf.

This author is an auto-by/read for me and her latest novel does not disappoint! This book reads like a movie and while it’s slight enemy to lovers (one of my faves) I would say it’s more sweet than angsty. I love how Janey grows into herself and the love that develops between her and Dan. I love that Dan is no nonsense and quietly loves Kate for who she is. Dan’’s family and how they welcome Jane in was also nice to read. The Long Island setting and all their dates makes this the perfect beach read.

An absolutely extraordinary book! Embarking on this story reminded me why I love reading so much.
This book is filled with charming characters and has a unique story. Thank you for allowing me to read it in advance.

“My parents are people I aspire to be like. And I hope to find love like theirs one day.”

If Annabel Monaghan writes it, I will be reading it. I love how she crafts a story with older main characters (late 20s and 30s) who are still working to figure out their lives. It gives me hope I’ll figure out mine!

The only reason why this one is 4.5 stars is because it was a little slow in the beginning. If you find this to be true for you, keep reading. I promise it is worth it in the end!

Once Dan and Jane head to his hometown on the east coast, I was all in for the story. The found family component was my favorite, and I loved the relationships Jane developed with Dan’s family – especially his dad. In fact, I really enjoyed all the characters, well except for one, but I’ll let you figure that part out!

I also liked how it explored that sometimes you are just different than your family members and that can be so hard to fully embrace in a small town. I’m from a small town, so I get it!

And, the enemies to lovers trope had the perfect amount of tension. You know I am not a fan of instant love, and this connection took time to develop and was worth the wait.

This one is out May 27, and a perfect summer read. You don’t want to miss it!

Thank you to @netgalley and @putnambooks for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really did enjoy It's a Love Story. Great characters!

Janey Jakes was a child star, now she is trying to produce her first movie. The cinematographer put a nail in the coffin of her last attempt to produce a movie and she has been hating him since. Janey says she knows the singer who is constantly on the radio and that she could get him to write a song for this movie she wants to produce.

I'd heard a lot about Nora Goes Off Script and have been wanting to read a book by Annabel Monaghan. I'm so glad that NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons approved my request to read the advance read copy of It's a Love Story in exchange for an honest review. 5 solid stars! Publication date is May 27, 2025. Approx 368 pages.

This is a slow burn, enemies to lovers story. I like the MMC’s down to earth, true love believing personality. The FMC is your typical love cynic. I liked their chemistry. The family dynamic is everything you could hope for in a family. It all comes together nicely at the end.

Was so excited to read this new Annabelle Monaghan book and was not disappointed! While it isn’t one of my favorites from her, it had all the same charm and energy as her previous books. I was entertained the whole entire time and read it in just a couple of days. I think there are so many people will be able to relate to this book’s heroine and I can’t wait for it to be officially published.

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: It's A Love Story
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Annabel Monaghan
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: May 27, 2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝:
⇥ LOVED LOVED LOVED the main character, Janey. She was so real, funny, and easy to connect with.
⇥ Loved Dan and his family. Each hot brother deserves their own book. They were hilarious and written so well.
⇥ Not quite a closed-door romance, but spicier than I remember from her other books (though I have a terrible memory, so don’t hold me to that!).

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐝:
⇥ There was one small detail I wish had been addressed for closure with two of the plotlines. I wanted either more or less from what we got—just a little something extra to tie it all together.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠:
★★★★.5
I love when the main characters in a romance aren't in their 20's because then I feel too old. Janey and Dan were ADORABLE, and I loved their dynamic. Full disclosure: I went into this blind and totally thought Dan was the “villain,” with Jack as the love interest. I couldn’t have been more wrong! While this isn’t a perfect romance, it hit all the right notes for me, especially when I was in a major slump. The writing was mature, hilarious, and had me hooked. If you like childhood acting tropes, this one has it, too!

“Love happens over breakfast”

This had a bit of a slow start in the beginning. There was so much background explanation and building of the story that made the first couple of chapters flat. The story didn’t start to come to life until Jane and Dan made their journey cross country and when they did, I couldn’t put this book down. The dialogue was witty yet emotional and I loved how the author slowly built Dan and Jane’s through every day actions.

The author has a way with setting a scene and brining it to life. Her words immerse you and pull you into the story where you feel as if you are a part of the book rather than an outsider looking in. I could feel the chaos of the Finnegan family and the love they showed one another. I wanted so badly for this fictional world to be my reality.

This is a quiet love story. One that sneaks up on you after slowly getting to know it. It’s not filled with over the top grand gestures or billionaires with private jets, but instead contains little mundane, day to day activities that truly show how real moments are truly the most romantic.

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons through NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love this! Heartwarming and skeptical, simultaneously.

Jane Jackson, creative director at a Hollywood studio, passionately wants to make a movie, a love story. Her boss, Nathan feels it doesn’t have a commercial feel; Dan, a handsome cinematographer, agrees. Jane is upset.

Jane used to play a character on an after school show when she was 14 years old. The character was nerdy, awkward and funny. Jane feels she was playing herself. Now at 33 years old, she doesn’t get recognized much which is fine with her.

Jane feels like she’s unlovable and no one really wants to have a relationship with her. This stems from her father, leaving her and her mother when she was a young child. Like many children, she feels like it was her fault.

Jane meets Dan, accidentally and sort of a meet cute situation before their meeting with Nathan. She’s now pissed at him for agreeing with Nathan, plus she lies and says she could get a current rockstar to write a song for this movie.

Jane and Dan fly to NY and stay with Dan’s large family on Long Island, to go to the rockstar's concert to try to discuss the song. After a week Jane has fallen for Dan and the Finnegan family. It’s fun to watch it develop.

The rockstar turns down the song writing gig and laughs at Jane. In her humiliation she lashes out at Dan. They fly back separately. Weeks go by without contact and she feels she effed this up.

They may or may not get together again in a memorable way! So fun.

I love Annabel Monaghan’s sense of humor.

Thanks Netgalley and GP Putnam.

Thank you Netgalley and Putnam Books for the gifted eARC.

Once I start an Annabel Monaghan book I can't stop until I have finished! Her books completely pull me in and I probably would have finished this in one sitting had I been given the chance.

What worked for me:
-Loved the setting
-Adored the extended family/secondary characters
-Appreciated both the main character's flaws and struggles

What didn't work for me:
-The FMC's very extreme rush from dislike to infatuation and proceeding borderline juvenile responses to this. HOWEVER, I think that given that part of her story is that she grew up as a young child star it maybe makes sense that she has some immature reactions to things based on her life experience's. Also... I might just be being a bit judgy.

This will be a high recommendation for summer reading from me this year!

Jane was a child actress with years of identity and self-esteem issues that affect her still decades later, especially in relationships. In this enemies to lovers romance, she works through her unresolved issues (although she really could have used some therapy!) with Dan to get her happy ending.
I’m not a fan of the third act breakup, including this one, but the ending was sweet and I overall enjoyed the story. I really liked the part of the story where they were in along Island with Dan’s family, and all their craziness. The story had some very great parts.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you Netgalley for this arc. I really enjoyed this authors writing and her other books were really good as well. Nora goes off script is one of my favorites, so it was obvious I would want to read this one.

I understand now why people adore Annable Monaghan's summer romances. Her characters feel so raw and fresh out, paired with her beautiful writing and some descriptions that make you go, wow. This creates such a pleasing read. I enjoyed both Jane and Dan a lot and felt so fulfilled with all the family scenes in this book. Monaghan's descriptions of Dan from Jane's point of view made my heart flutter, and a smile stretched my face. Even though, at times, the writing could feel choppy towards the end, this is the epitome of summer romance. Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!