✨ARC Review✨

I wish I had a talent for writing. I’d like to be able to express the joy I found within the pages of It’s a Love Story. My heart is wide open. I devoured every word, every turn of phrase, every swoony moment.

Jane Jackson is a former child star, the jokey sidekick, turned studio executive trying to get her first movie picked up. Unfortunately her boss doesn’t think it’s commercial enough to proceed…until she claims super hot music star, Jack Quinlan, is ready, willing, and able to write a song for the soundtrack. Just one teensy problem: she hasn’t seen Jack since she was fourteen.

By pure romcom happenstance, he’s going to be playing a music festival in her sworn enemy’s, Dan Finnegan, home town in a week. Dan reluctantly agrees to house her with his family since there is no room at any inn or Airbnb.

Jane and Dan spend the week ostensibly on the Quinlan-hunt, but also getting to know each other. Of course, discovering they actually like and are attracted to each other is a surprise to them both.

Dan’s family is everything you want in a romcom family. They are loud and plentiful and they love each other a whole lot. Jane has only ever had her mother and while they’re very close, she’s missed this abundant familial caretaking. She likes it and everything about Daniel Finnegan.

And so do I. I love these main characters and their inner turmoil and their love. So so much. Greatly.

And the setting? Long Island beachy small town in the summer? Gimme 14 more of ‘em. Gimme all the beach days and bike rides. Summer storms and car kissing. I’m a melted puddle of love. Thank you, @annabelmonaghan for this wonderful book. I’m so grateful.

I received this eARC via #netgalley and @putnambooks. All thoughts are mine alone.

#booksbooksbooks #romancebooks #contemporaryromance #workplaceromance #itsalovestory #annabelmonaghan #bookreview #bookrecs #bookstagram

4.25/5
First, I would like to thank NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan, and the publishers for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Jane, a former child actress, treats dating like it is a script and she is just an actress trying out for an audition. She struggles with self-worth but she believes in this script she is trying to make a movie. Her character reminds me of Stephanie Tanner from Full House.
Dan, a cinematographer, is a free spirit who doesn't fit in in his big family. He helps Jane get her script the green light by inviting her to his parent's anniversary party on Long Island.
I enjoyed this book immensely. My favorite part was Dan's showing his childhood favorites to Jane. Their love was gradual and natural, and their personalities fit very well. One of my favorite scenes was Dan's saving Jane in the rain. It truly felt like it was straight out of the movie The Notebook which was mentioned many times since it is Dan's favorite movie.

If you love close proximity, second chance romance, and closed door, this book is definitely for you.

Don't let two stars fool you – two stars is a like! This was fine, but didn't come close to Same Time Next Summer or Summer Romance. I'm not typically a third act conflict fan, so that did bring down the overall vibe for me BUT I think this is super cute and will be popular, particularly with those who loved Nora Goes Off Script.

I’ve never read a book by this author before but after a few chapters I was an immediate fan! Such a perfect read for summer!

Annabel Monaghan is an easy win for me. But this book started off a little slow and a little iffy. I just wasn't sure I was going to like Jane. Like at all. But when I got deeper into the book and learned more about what her life is like, I loved her so much. Monaghan has a way of unfolding her characters like adorable oragami (but in reverse). You start with one thing in your mind but as the pages turn, she reveals new information and new details that feel honest and real. They only make you love the story, the people and their hearts more. I loved Dan and his family. I loved watching Jane find herself in them and in her experiences on Long Island. I maintain my status as Annabel auto buy reader forever.

Jane Jackson was a child/teen star in a sitcom, used as a frequent punchline (I’m getting Kimmy Gibbler vibes). Now she’s a creative executive and wants to get her passion project produced. She bites off a little bit more than she can chew when she says she can get the hottest musician (who also helped on her sitcom back in the day) to write a song for the movie. Now she has to lean on workplace nemesis Dan Finnegan, whose favorite movie is THE NOTEBOOK, to help her out when Jack is going to be in his hometown of Long Island.

This was a cute rom com ride with similar vibes as NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT, but this time it’s with a perpetually single main character who has never had a relationship. Jane’s problem is that she pretends to be what men want her to be instead of herself. Will Jane be able to show her true self to Dan, and will he accept her for who she is?

➕ I really liked the time Jane spends with Dan’s family in Long Island. What a fun, crazy family! (This would be fun to see in a movie.)
➕ I warmed up to Dan pretty quickly.
➕ This was a cute rom com with a tie-in to being famous as a teen and forging your own identity as you let go of the past.

➖ The beginning of this novel seemed rushed and forced, so the set-up wasn’t as solid as I thought it could be.


Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It publishes May 27, 2025.

I really enjoyed this book! I received an early copy of it, and i was excited to try this book out, I had never read anything by this author yet!

Jane Jackson doesn't know who she is, she was a childhood star and figuring out who and what she strives to do. I felt this was very on brand for childhood actors who grow up and you see her struggles.
Dan is the odd ball of his family but knows who he is and he is confident in his decisions.
I really enjoyed the writing, the plot and the relationship. It was well done and enjoyable!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Annabel Monaghan @annabelmonaghan
Publisher: G.P Putnam’s Sons

Annabel Monaghan’s Just for the Summer is a charming, witty, and heartfelt romantic comedy that explores identity, personal growth, and unexpected love. With sharp dialogue, well-developed characters, and an engaging plot, this novel is a delightful escape.

Jane Jackson is a former child star turned Hollywood executive trying to move past her awkward past. In an attempt to keep her dream movie from getting scrapped, she falsely claims she can secure a song from mega pop star Jack Quinlan—her first kiss and most embarrassing teenage memory. The problem? She hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years. To fix the mess, Jane reluctantly enlists the help of her work rival, cinematographer Dan Finnegan, whose family happens to be hosting a music festival in their Long Island hometown, where Jack will be performing.

What starts as a reluctant partnership turns into something more as Jane and Dan navigate a week in close quarters, forcing Jane to drop her Hollywood façade and face the insecurities she’s long hidden. Dan, with his supportive and hilariously chaotic family, proves to be more than the arrogant cinematographer she assumed. Their chemistry crackles with slow-burn tension and playful banter, making their romance feel both authentic and deeply satisfying.

Monaghan excels in crafting lovable, layered characters and painting vivid settings. The heart of the story lies not just in the romance, but in Jane’s personal journey of self-acceptance and vulnerability. The book balances humor and emotion beautifully, though the third-act conflict feels slightly forced, momentarily slowing the otherwise stellar pacing.

Just for the Summer is a warm, feel-good read filled with sharp wit, family dynamics, and swoon-worthy romance. A great read for rom-com lovers craving a fresh take on classic tropes.

#RomComReads #BookLovers #HollywoodRomance #AnnabelMonaghan #JustForTheSummer #SlowBurnRomance #WittyBanter #MustRead #FeelGoodBooks #EnemiesToLovers #BookishEscape #FunRead #FictionLovers #SecondChances #LoveAndLaughter #read #books #bookstagram

I want to thank the author and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this story! This story has moments that were like a flashback to TV shows from my childhood. A lot of love, heartache, mental & emotional trauma.

This story was beautifully written and I fell in love with the goofiness of Janey and the handsome quirky Dan. The way Janey transformed from who she was in the beginning a shell of her childhood hidden buried deep inside her that never healed to a confidant young woman who puts herself out there and faces her demons head on and perseveres.

If you love the Notebook, tv sitcom nostalgia, an underdog who works to become the person she was destined to be, enemies to lovers, one bedroom forced proximity stories you’ll love this one!

This book is everything I love about contemporary romance! A former child star turned movie exec works with her nemesis to get the green light for a small romantic film at a studio that is more interested in flash, and along the way we get all the feels. In the acknowledgments Annabel Monaghan says she was inspired by Jennette McCurdy's memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died, and I truly enjoyed seeing this depiction of how the expectations put on children can affect their lives. Watching the main character shed her fear and grow feels almost as good as spending time with the Finnegans, my new favorite fictional family. Is the last brother still single? Asking for a friend.

This was just so good 🥹🥹 I absolutely love Annabel’s writing and how simplistic her sentences are but they pack such a punch. She writes metaphors so beautifully and makes you feel the emotions the characters are feeling. Also the setting was the perfect summer vibe I wish I was at the beach reading this!!!! The sweet love Jane and Dan found was so heartwarming to read and I couldn’t contain my giddiness at some of their moments together!!!! I loved the unique premise and how Jane truly found herself by the end of the book. I also loved Dan’s family and seeing Jane immersed in all the craziness!!!! Absolutely recommend and can’t wait to get a physical copy when it comes out!!

Jane, an old TV sitcom actress, spends a week with a man least likely to make her fall in love. A big lie fell out of her mouth. She said one of the biggest popstars has promised to write an original soundtrack for her first project. Jack was her first kiss, but she hasn’t spoken to him in over twenty years. Dan has an in to get to Jack, so Jane turns to him to help her make her lie a truth.

Fun, summer romance read! It was an adventure to see Jane discovering herself. The family in this book is everything. The best characters!

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

Former child star "Janey Jakes" is all grown up and trying to make it big in the film production business. Jane finds herself completely in love with a script that she read and is doing anything in her power to convince the bosses to give this film a chance. She gets told that she needs to do something to make the script more "mainstream." Jane comes up with a plan to reconnect with former duet partner, now world famous artist, Jack Quinlan, in hopes to have him create a hit song for the movie's soundtrack. Dan Finnegan, Jane's work enemy, informs her that Jack is set to play at a festival in his hometown in New York. The two of them travel and stay with his giant family for a week.... and it changes Jane forever.

This story was super cute and the banter between the two characters was hilarious. It was a very quick read for me, because I did not want to put it down. This is my first Annabel Monaghan book, but it will not be my last. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Annabel does it again! I really loved the enemies to lovers version of a relationship that we got with this story. I could feel really connected to both of the main characters and their struggles. What an amazing new book!

The way Annabel Monaghan can tell a love story that pulls you in while also absolutely wrecking you (in the best way) should be studied! Every word she writes hits home. The author is a master storyteller while simultaneously making you feel like you are reading a quick beach romance. I will pick up anything this woman writes. Jane and Dan have my heart and I bawled so much it was embarrassing. 6/5 Stars as always!!

Thank you to #Netgally for the chance to read and review this ARC!! I am forever grateful!

a lighthearted and quick read! i definitely felt like the romance part was really rushed and there was no chemistry between the characters- very insta love for me. i did like the focus on jane's development but i just wanted more of a connection with her and dan? and the story in general? i would recommend if you want a nice and simple read tho!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I love Annabel Monaghan's books, and this one did not disappoint. It took a while for me to connect to the protagonist, but once I did - phew! - I had all the feels.

Jane's insecurities felt so real. I have always been fascinated by the world of child actors; I feel sad for them as they navigate the world as adults, perceived as "has-beens" or "B List actors." The afterword explains that the author was inspired by Jennette McCurdy's autobiography, and that really made it more meaningful, since I was familiar with that book as well. Thank you for shining some light on their lives. I hope Jennette reads this book, because I think she will enjoy it. This was also a really interesting backstage glimpse at what the world of movie making looks like.

As a mom to 2 young adult daughters, I also really loved Jane's relationship with her mom - their Friday night movie date is the cutest. I have so much respect for all of the single parents out there, and without giving any spoilers, I understand why Jane's mom made the choices she made.

With regard to the romance, it was a perfect slow burn. I did not like the male main character at first either, but that was obviously intentional. The enemies-to-lovers trope was done so well. We are drawn toward Dan and his family along with Jane. (I also fell in love with Long Island - I was actually born there, but I have spent very little time there and it made me want to go visit!)

Overall, a very sweet book with some really touching and powerful emotional elements. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Penguin, Netgalley and to the author for the ARC opportunity!

I have loved all of the novels by Annabel Monaghan that I have read and this is no different. Pack this on your beach trip this summer. It is a cute and relatable romance. Dan and Jane. Such a cute, feel good read!

I’ve loved all of Annabel Monaghan’s books. It’s a Love Story was the perfect contemporary romance and it will make the perfect beach read. Jane and Dan were so relatable in a way that usually I don’t find in romances (minus her career I guess). I loved Dan’s family and the way he was so sure of himself. I also loved Clem and Jane’s relationship, it was so special.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. I felt all the feelings while reading this book, and may need to reread it while at the beach this summer 💞

Annabel Monaghan has a way of writing romance novels with such great plots that you lose yourself in the story. This was no different! Jane and Dan were both such relatable characters, and their meet cute turned loathing was hilarious but also sweet. Can’t recommend this book enough!