so thankful to the author, putnam books, and netgalley for this arc

i adored everything about this one. there are so many beautiful lines ive highlighted that i just can’t wait until i have the physical copy in my hands to read it all over again. it’s funny, sweet, and shockingly emotional, i felt everything under the sun reading this one and it made me love it even more. the writing was really beautiful and lended itself well to the ups and downs of the story.

this is genuinely one of the best second chance romances ive read in awhile and it’s definitely my favorite book by Monaghan. Dan’s family and how much love was packed in that short trip made me want to drive out there myself and i loved how he knew what he needed from life. Jane had so much growth and her backstory was such an interesting one. i loved that it wasn’t dual pov and how minimal the spice was, i got to truly get inside Jane’s head. this is one i'll think about for a very long time, i can’t recommend it enough.

It’s a Love Story is a witty, heartfelt dive into second chances, self-discovery, and the unexpected paths to love. Annabel Monaghan introduces us to Jane Jackson, a former child star turned Hollywood producer, whose “fake it till you make it” philosophy lands her in a hilariously chaotic predicament. Jane’s charm and relatable struggles make her an endearing protagonist, and her chemistry with Dan Finnegan—a man she’d rather avoid—sparks with banter and undeniable tension. Monaghan’s writing balances humor and emotional depth effortlessly, capturing both the absurdities of Hollywood life and the vulnerability of confronting past embarrassments. The week-long Long Island escapade is a delightful mix of comedic mishaps, tender moments, and surprising revelations. For fans of light, bingeable romance with a lot of heart, It’s a Love Story is an absolute winner.

5 ✨

Thank you NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If Annabel Monaghan writes it, I read it — and I love it. You feel her words right, deep, in your heart. They’re sometimes so tender, sometimes funny, and always beautiful. Her stories have so much heart and their beauty is incomparable.

So it’s no surprise that I loved this one too! It was a fun mix of Hollywood/show business mixed with the most chaotic, wonderful, real-feeling family in Long Island. The romance has a ton of depth and I was rooting for it the whole way.

Annabel is an autobuy for me. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

This was such a fun, sweet read! The characters felt real, and I loved the mix of romance, humor, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. The writing is super engaging, and the small-town summer vibes were perfect. I did feel like some parts were a little predictable, but honestly, I didn’t mind because it was such an enjoyable ride. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, feel-good love story, this one’s definitely worth picking up!

I love anything that Annabel Monaghan writes! I love her inspiration for writing this book came from Jeanette McCready’s memoir about childhood acting and how that affected character Jane’s life and outlook on love. I do wish that half the book was from Dan’s POV to really get in his head. Overall I enjoyed this easy read.

First, I’d like to thank NetGalley and Putnam Publisher for approving me for this ARC.

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan is an utterly charming and heartwarming romance. The story follows Jane, a woman who grew up believing love was unreliable. As a teenager, she faced rejection not just from her crush but, more painfully, from her own father. This shaped her into someone who built walls around herself, masking her true feelings in an attempt to be “worthy” of love and relationships. On top of that, she carried the burden of a long-kept lie to protect her mother, reinforcing her skepticism about love’s sincerity.

Everything changes when Jane spends a week in Long Island, hoping to secure a deal that could get her movie greenlit and launch her career. But instead of just a business opportunity, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Dan and his family. In their warmth, she experiences a kind of love she never thought possible—one that is quiet, genuine, and deeply rooted in the simple, everyday moments of life.

The chemistry between Jane and Dan is undeniable, their connection filled with intense yet beautiful emotions. In just one week, Jane isn’t just falling for Dan—she’s rediscovering herself, free from the masks and rules she once hid behind. I especially loved how the book showcases love not through grand gestures but through the small, meaningful moments that create lasting bonds.

Beyond romance, the story also carries a heartfelt message about honesty and family. Jane’s decision to finally come clean to her mother about their years of deception adds depth to her journey, reinforcing the idea that true love—whether romantic or familial—is built on honesty.

With its witty banter, lovable characters, and a gorgeous beach-town backdrop, It’s a Love Story is the perfect summer read. My only minor gripe is the third-act breakup, which I didn’t particularly care for, but overall, this was a fantastic book. I highly recommend this book. 4.5⭐️

*4.5
This was sooooo addicting! The writing was absolutely impeccable. Annabel Monaghan describes things in such a lovely manner that makes me want to immediately hide away and soak up everything she has ever written.

Something I didn’t love was the third act break-up. The idea was there, but the actual turning point of the conflict kind of blew up out of nowhere. However, that was just one small dislike in a sea full of loves!!!! The town setting was absolutely adorable, I ate up every small, sweet moment between Jane and Dan, as well as the big, and I really enjoyed the deeper themes that were explored. I love when rom-coms touch on more serious topics, and this one definitely checked that box.

“When you smile, it does something to me, I feel it in my chest, and I just want to figure out how to get you to do it again.” 🥹

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for the ARC!

Jane Jackson has been living her life with a “Fake it till you make it” mantra. She is on a mission to find true love and has rules that she lives by to make it happen which is basically: don’t be yourself. The more she dates, the more she realizes that love is a lie.

She grew up playing a role in a television series as the funny side kick. Now that she’s older she is a Creative Executive. She has a new story that she wants the agency to choose to make into a movie. She ends up exaggerating the truth in order to try and convince the executives to green light the movie. She tells them that she is good friends with Jack Quinlan, the hottest pop-star, and that he will write an original song for the soundtrack. Again… exaggerated the truth and now she has to try and get ahold of Jack after not talking to him for 20 years.

Jane finds out that Jack is going to be in Long Island for a festival and her work nemesis, Dan, happens to be from there. He happens to have connections to the festival and since he is also hoping to get the movie green lit, he’s willing to help her.

I loved this book and read it in two days! I loved Jane’s personality. She was a very relatable character for me and I’m sure many other people out there. I enjoyed learning more about her life when she was younger and how different events in her life really shaped who she grew up to be. I love that Annabel Monaghan is able to bring in such sensitive topics and do it justice. I loved Dan’s family and being able to see where he grew up and how he and his family are together. It was great to see him in a different light and it helped Jane to understand him a little more.

This book was amazing. I loved every bit of it!

Great fun binge read! The author managed to magically mixed a love story with some brutally difficult teenage memories. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
The whole time I was reading I was reminded of Jeanette mcCurdy’s autobiography. After reading the author’s notes I realized why.

Once again Monaghan delivers a fun, witty escape that was exactly what I needed at the right time. Jane Jackson was once a child star as a goofy side kick while her costars received the lime light. Now a studio executive, she is trying to find THE script that will make her career. A scavenger hunts of sorts to find a long ago kind-of co-star that is now a pop music sensation leads her in an unexpected direction. Annabel Monaghan has become a reliable author for me to deliver a sweet treat, just when I need it most. If you are looking for the perfect beach read this summer, this is it. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. It's a Love Story will be available 5/27/25.

4.5, rounded up
2 short but open door scenes to consider

It's a Love Story is just as the title states - a beautiful love story that acknowledges the quiet yet strong moments that make a relationship long-lasting. Love happens over breakfast is something that will stick with me. This story is beautiful and raw. While sitting with this book after the final pages I realized I think I like it so much because it mirrors a lot of my early relationship with my husband.

The author's acknowledgement/note at the end references "I'm Glad my Mother Died" and as much as that could alarm some, I can say it's the raw and beautiful good parts that made me think of that book as well.

I looooooooooved "It's a Love Story" by Annabel Monaghan! I couldn’t put it down. If you're into romance with a bit of a twist, this book delivers big time. It’s the perfect mix of heart, humor, and unexpected moments.

What makes this book stand out is how well Monaghan captures the push and pull of complicated relationships. The dynamic between Jane and Dan is messy and real, making the romance feel genuine and earned.

I found Jane especially easy to relate to—her insecurities, her awkward moments and her attempts at navigating adulthood all felt so real. And Dan? He might start off as a tough nut to crack, but as you get to know him, his layers unfold in such a satisfying way.

Overall, "It’s a Love Story" is the kind of book that made me feel all the feels, laugh out loud and cheer for the characters every step of the way. If you're looking for a fun, heartfelt read with a perfect mix of humor and romance, this one’s a must-read. Highly recommend! Many thanks to Annabel Monaghan, PENGUIN GROUP Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

A former child actress (think Disney) turned Hollywood producer finds the perfect movie script, but has to jump through major hoops to get the movie made. A spontaneous lie in a moment of desperation puts her on a crash course with her workplace enemy as they work together to make the movie happen.

It's a Love Story was sweet, funny and emotional, with solid character development. Every year, I say, "This is my new favorite Annabel Monaghan book!" and this year is no different. Put it in your beach bag for a lovely rom-com escape with some emotional depth.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

It’s a Love Story…baby, just say, "Yes"

Annabel Monaghan has done it again. Like Nora Goes Off Script this story has a Hollywood backdrop but real life emotions front and center.

With a nod to Jennette McCurdy and childhood stars growing up and recovering from the baggage being famous early brings, Jane Jackson is desperate to get her own love story ending. Along the way are plenty of laughs and lots of heart.

I’m not sure that I’m even going to be able to put into words just how much I loved this book! It made me feel all of the feels from start to finish.

🩷 Enemies to Lovers
🩷 Forced Proximity
🩷 Found Family

This book starts out with us meeting Jane, a previous teen actor and now she works behind the scenes trying to choose movies to bring to the big screen. In her job she comes up against Dan the photographer and to say they clash is an understatement, she absolutely hates him. Sadly for her though she needs his help to make the movie she wants made, this means a trip to Dans home town and some forced proximity. Let me tell you I was there for that.

I absolutely loved seeing these two fall in love, there was so much angst, back and forth and lots of chase. I actually can’t even describe the feeling it gave me when reading it but it got so intense and I just didn’t want to put it down.

I loved Dans family and really loved how much they loved Jane and that she just fit right in there like she had always been a part of them. Found family is another favourite trope of mine and this was done so beautifully. Being in Dans childhood home meant for some forced proximity which is another favourite of mine and it did not disappoint. I loved them lying on the twin beds chatting in the dark just as much as I loved them lying on sexual tension and chemistry between them.

I absolutely loved how the whole storyline came together, I thought the ending was done very well and I loved seeing them 18 months down the road both doing what they loved professionally while being together romantically.

Great storyline in a great setting filled with great characters.

Annabel, you’ve done it again, I LOVED it 🩷

4.5 rounding up!
Annabel Monaghan is an auto read for me! This one was so fun and the perfect start to summer. I loved Jane's backstory of being a child comedy star from a beloved sitcom. Now, she is trying to get a project green-lit at her new job. She ends up on a trip with her 'enemy' who ends up being someone she actually just might like. I really enjoyed the banter between Jane and Dan. Dan's family was so fun. Jane figures out a lot of things in her life throughout this book and I loved her character development. Overall, would definitely recommend!

Annabel Monaghan has truly outdone herself! It's A Love Story is one of the best romance novels I have read this year. It's simply wonderful and evokes a wide range of emotions. This will definitely be the must-read book of the summer!

Does the town of Oak Shore sound familiar? It should if you’re a fan of Monaghan. This is the setting for Monaghan's book, Same Time Next Summer." It was a delightful surprise! There’s nothing better than being back in Oak Shore at Chippy's Diner and enjoying this memorable beach town once again.

The title suggests that this is a love story, but it offers much more than that. Jane and Dan are complex characters, and their compatibility feels truly magical. The chemistry between them is incredible. This book beautifully portrays love in all its messiness, reminding us that love and dating don't always go as planned or align with our preconceived notions. Love isn't about grand gestures, movie star smiles, or extravagant events. Instead, it can be found in simple, everyday moments, like holding hands, cooking dinner, and navigating daily life together. One of my favorite scenes is the "Love Happens Over Breakfast" moment. It touched me deeply and has stuck with me since. It poignantly illustrates how love can develop over time and in the most unexpected ways.

Thank you, NetGalley and Putnam Books, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! It's A Love Story is out in bookstores on May 27, 2025!

Heads down my favorite Annabel Monaghan book! I couldn't put it down. Stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book in one day. I loved the characters. Jane had a terrible thing happen to her in her past that has shaped a part of who she is. Aside from that, she has had a good life. Child TV star that helped her and her mother financially survive after her father's passing. She has her best friend Clem. That's all she really needs. Dan is just himself. He is who he is type of person. They have a meet cute and something could be starting between them ... until he tries to ruin her career.

Dan's family was one of my favorite parts of the book. I won't give spoilers, but did want to say that.

I really loved this love story. I love how it built and was real. It felt "normal." How love should happen and grow. I predict that this will be the HOT summer book this year. So good!

Thank you Putnam Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Loved it so much!!!! In this genre, sometimes I find it hard to connect with the characters, but It's a Love Story was full of likable characters with very relatable problems. Feeling trapped in past identities, viewing others as their old selves, wanting to be loved and not feeling worthy of it....so much! Jane and Dan, loved their relationship arc and from beginning to end. I think you'll read this one in a day this summer! You won't be able to put it down.

PSA this one does have some spice!

This had a slow start compared to her other books. It did pick up and get better but I definitely struggled more than most of her books. Still a solid read.