Just finished. I loved it! I fell in love with the main characters but also loved the supporting ones too. Annabel does such a good job with making the characters & dialogue quirky but lovable. She creates characters that are neurotypical without giving them labels…just exploring their individual characteristics and the way they move through life.

Ate. It. Up. 👌🏻

I’ve read all of Annabel’s books and this has been my favorite!

Jane Jackson is trying to prove herself with the newest manuscript she has gotten her hands on and thinks it’s “the big one”. She spent her childhood/teenage years being the awkward “Janey Jakes” on a hit tv show and is trying to prove that she is just as important as her co-stars since they’re all doing big things now. To get this movie off the ground, she has to get help from her least favorite person in the world…a cinematographer named Dan, who she’s had a run in with and tries to avoid at all costs. In order to get her boss to give it a shot, she’s fibbed a little and has said she would get the hit pop star Jack Quinlan to make a song for it. That’s going to be nearly impossible for her but she’s going to try! Her darnedest! She ends up teaming up with Dan (who believes in the script too) and goes with him to his home town to stay with his family and stake out the town to lookout for Jack. They need to convince Jack to be a part of it. Will they be successful?

Enemy’s to lovers…forced proximity…childhood trauma…say less.

I LOVED Jane. You can’t help but just want to hug her. She’s sensitive, hides under her desk and in her closet when she’s overwhelmed and eats candy. 😂🩷

Dan was also great! Their chemistry was there and the banter was hysterical! His family is what we all want in life. The way she wrote them and his hometown made you really feel like you were there. It was so cozy and real.

A few quotes I loved:
“There’s a difference between someone loving you and agreeing with every single thing you do.”

“how relaxed I got and how happy I felt just pedaling a bike by his side. I could be funny or quiet or bad at watercolors, and it was all the same to him.” #goals

2 out of 5 pearls clutched. Not too spicy at all.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

On the first 60 degree day of the year, New York City loses its collective mind a little bit. With the sun shining for the first time in what feels like years, New Yorkers seek out patios and parks, sipping spritzes and slinging frisbees as we slowly start to thaw out after a long, bleak winter. For me, the first nice day of spring is the day I eagerly whip out my first Summer book of the year. You know the one – it’s usually got a beach (or other large body of water) on the cover. It’s almost always a romance, there’s almost always family hijinx, and there is always, ALWAYS a happy ending. Maybe it came across my radar in the depths of winter, but I savor it; tucking it away for that first nice day.

This year, that book was It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan. Although it was a much coveted ARC, I’d been studiously avoiding it, not making eye contact as I perused my TBR. It wasn’t for January Bean. January Bean wouldn’t appreciate it. But April Bean gulped it down like the first aperol spritz of the season.

Janey Jakes grew up as the punchline in a tween comedy, with a trademark “oof” grimace that the reader can almost picture. Now she’s a film exec trying to get her dream project made but there’s a catch. She needs her former costar (and current pop megastar) to write a hit song for her. She enlists her work nemesis Dan to help and, predictably, hijinx ensue.

But what I really loved about this book was that it wasn't predictable. Yes, it is a romance, so our happy ending is guaranteed, but there was such nuance to Jane and Dan, such depth to their characters and those surrounding them that this book felt like a warm hug. Monaghan is fast becoming a favorite author and this book catapulted to the top of my best reads of the year. Welcome back, beach read season, we missed you.

This was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! I can see why she is loved! The banter in this book was absolutely chef’s kiss! Loved it so much

I can’t say enough good things about It’s a Love Story! I was reading it during a stressful time in my life and I could so relate with the turn of every page. The emotions in this one knocked my socks off at times. So much laughter, definitely some tears and honestly, it just made me feel heard.

We’ve all been through phases and times that are poignant moments in our lives and this was so true. A feeling of being something you’re not, a feeling of distrust. Truly, it was outstanding! The banter between our two leads is fantastic, but the whole family and friends just made this such a delight.

I love Annabel Monaghan. Started with Summer Romance and I’m now so hooked on her storytelling, it’s fantastic and relatable!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to experience this one in advance in exchange for my review. I can’t wait for folks to enjoy this one!

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. Dan and Jane's relationship is one that I think many readers may find themselves in - attrached to someone that is atypical of who they normally date or feel they just aren't worthy of being loved due to a past relationship or their parental rearing, and end up missing out on the joys of love. Like all of Annabel's books, this one will be on my recommendation list.

Annabel Monaghan is my queen! Her books are so real and i always feel like her characters are relatable. This story was no different.
Jane’s character was flawed but loveable and had the best relationship with her friend. She felt like a real person i would want to know and have in my life.
She and Dan were just fire. Their banter and angst was the best.
Such a lighthearted quick summer rom-com read. Highly recommend!

What a delightful, heartfelt read! It's a Love Story is charming, witty, and packed with all the Hollywood nostalgia, self-discovery, and slow-burn romance you could want.

Jane Jackson grew up in the spotlight as a child star on Hot Rocks, forever typecast as the quirky and not so-lovable best friend. Now an adult working behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio, she’s determined to make films she believes in—but she still can’t quite escape the nickname that has followed her for years: "Poor Janey Jakes."

The problem? Jane has spent her entire life performing—not just on-screen, but in real life too. She’s never truly learned how to be herself. Enter Dan Finnegan, a filmmaker who is blunt, confident, and absolutely infuriating. Their paths collide when Jane is given the chance to greenlight the film of her dreams—but in order to make it happen, she needs Dan’s help and, more importantly, the rights to a song from America’s biggest singer.

The twist? Jane and this elusive pop star have a shared past on from her childhood show Pop Rocks—and she’s spent years pretending it never happened. Now, she has to track him down while trying to prove to herself (and Dan) that she’s more than just a washed-up child star.

This book has it all—sharp dialogue, a layered and lovable protagonist, and a romance that crackles with chemistry and tension. But more than that, it’s a story about finding your voice, stepping out of the roles you’ve been given, and finally owning who you are.

A joyous, feel-good read that perfectly blends humor, heart, and just the right amount of romance. You’ll absolutely fall for Jane and Dan’s story—and you’ll be rooting for Jane to finally step into the spotlight on her own terms. #penguin #itsalovestory #annabellemonaghan

Absolutely loved this book! A rom com that is smart and relatable. Perfect for your June book club or the pool.

Thanks to net galley for this ARC. I just adore Annabel Monaghan, such a sweet and easy read. Felt like the beginning was a little slow but then I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Will be a great summer rom com, will definitely be recommending!

5 stars, no notes! I want every romance book to make me feel this way 🩵 Annabel Monaghan has solidified herself as one of my auto buy authors for sure.

Gosh, this book is beautiful! Jane is a mess and you can’t help but love her. Her and Clems friendship is the kind everybody wants. The banter between Jane and Dan is adorable! I have a big family, so I really appreciate the way the author writes how messy but absolutely breathtakingly wonderful a big family can be! Jane strips herself raw and comes out the other side healing❤️ absolutely don’t miss reading this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this wonderful book!

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is must-add reading to your beach bag! This Summer romance is one for the ages that weaves its way from the beaches of LA to Long Island and back again. I loved watching Jane come into her sense of self after experiencing so much self-doubt. Her discovery of Dan was a slow burn that built up to undeniable chemistry. I loved how her relationships with her mother and best friend and even her career were woven into the storyline. A story of second chances all around!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC!

Enjoyable story. Quick read. I really enjoyed The Mob and their interactions. Love how she won the man.

It's a Love Story follows Jane, an ex-teen TV star turned aspiring movie producer, who is struggling to figure out whether she truly believes in love while working to make a movie she's passionate about go to production. To convince the production company to green light the film, she tells a fib that could either make or break her career. This fib leads her to Long Island, where she must team up with her least favorite coworker—someone she mildly dislikes—to save both the movie and her future in film.

At its heart, the story beautifully illustrates the importance of communication in relationships while also exploring how unprocessed emotions and unresolved traumas can hinder personal growth. Jane embarks on a journey of self-reflection, questioning whether love truly exists and confronting her past hurts to see if they are the real obstacle standing in her way. While this might sound like a familiar trope, the dialogue and banter between the characters are what truly shine. They felt authentic, engaging, and real, drawing me into the story more and more as I read.

I also loved how the book emphasizes the significance of family and how love is often found in the small, everyday moments, just as much as it is in the grand gestures or movie like scenes.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book once I settled into it. As always, Annabel has knocked it out of the park. She captivated my attention, and painting a vivid picture of the story as I read. It made me want to escape to the beach and even take up water color painting!

It comes out May 27th :) Definitely such a fun summer beach read and romance book!

Annabel Monaghan has such a refreshing way with romantic stories! The characters are relatable, the story is believable and you fly through the novel wanting to know what happens next!

After reading Summer Romance, I knew I had to request this book and read it asap! And I was not disappointed! The novel was quirky, in the best ways, with an awkward main character who knew her flaws! Jane felt introspective and honest, allowing me to trust her relationship and love story.

A perfect summer beach read!

AMAZING!! Annabel Monaghan does it again to no surprise! 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Enemies to lovers even though the initial ‘meet cute’ was absolutely not an enemies situation!! Loved the emotional character progression and who can say no to a man who falls first and falls hard?! Not me!! 😍

It's a Love Story

"Love happens over breakfast."

Ohhhh my heart, this book! Annabel Monaghan does it again. This beautiful ode to the messy reality of love is about to become my personality. This love story is real and messy and embarrassing, but also beautiful and heartwarming to witness the characters being loved and seen exactly as they are, unpolished and weird included.

Jane, a former child actress, is looking to find a way to make her next script work. In an attempt to woo the powers that be, she exaggerates her relationship with a mega pop star who used to also be on the show. What ensues is an adventure with her filmmaking nemesis, Dan, following him to his hometown, meeting his family, and attempting to track down the pop star hiding out in the beachy Long Island town. Dan is insufferable, pretentious, yet also softer and wildly attractive set against the beach backdrop of his rambunctious family. Their adventures are real and honest and the beauty of the chaos that is love stories.

I adored Jane and Dan. Jane is trying to prove herself as a serious professional in the industry. Dan is trying to embrace his family, despite being the quiet, creative introvert to their wild, loud extroverts. They see each other as they are and OH is it beautiful.

I cannot recommend this one enough, especially if you are looking for:
- Small town beach setting
- Heartwarming, loving family antics
- A best friend that sees you and gives you permission to have feelings
- Hollywood work
- Incredible banter and chemistry

Thank you to Putnam for this ARC! It's a Love Story is on shelves May 27, 2025. My opinions are my own.

This was the sweetest, most relatable romance ever! It’s messy and imperfect in the best way, which somehow makes it perfect. The Notebook references had me right from the start, but what really got me was Jane’s growth. She starts off so insecure, feeling like she has to change to be interesting, but then there’s Dan—her rival/nemesis who once ruined a work thing for her—and suddenly, she doesn’t care. Around him, she lets her guard down and just feels comfortable.

And Dan? He’s the most loving, caring, soft guy ever. He gives her space to be herself without making her feel ashamed. He’s that quiet, shy guy who remembers everything someone loves and shows it through little acts of service and words of affirmation. Their relationship is the perfect mix of tension and tenderness.

Carley Fortune was right—Anything Annabel writes, I’m reading.

A perfect tale of finding romance in the small moments, Jane and Dan have a story worth reading, and while from the get-go I knew how this would end the side characters of Dan’s family had me turning pages. I do think that Jane’s character and development were frustrating and a bit immature which is why this lost stars for me.

This is another great summer read, thank you NetGalley, and Penguin Group Putnam for this eARC out May 2025!