This book felt like a marg, chips, and gab sesh with your best friend. I don’t know how else to describe it.

Lighthearted yet poignant; funny and comforting. Somewhat indulgent, but also exactly what I needed.

Many thanks for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

An engaging, witty romcom that grabbed me on the first page! Annabel Monaghan has written another winner. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. Can't wait for her next one!

Oh, this book. I’ve recently discovered Annabel Monaghan and loved all of her books. This might be my favorite. It’s heartfelt, heartbreaking and deliciously swoony! Jane and Dans romance feels so earned, pure and right and the cast of supporting characters is so well written and developed. Watching Jane address her deep insecurities and move past them was inspiring. The Finnegan family was lovely, though imperfect in the way that families always are. I truly did not want this one to end!

This book deserves all the love and stars! it was just perfect. this has got to be my favorite Annabel Monaghan to date! i absolutely love the humor of Annabel and the way she incorporates so much REALNESS AND FEELINGS into her story. i’ve never related to an Annabel Monaghan character more. I loved the romance…the enemies to lovers was so so good! I cannot say enough about this book!

Wow. I’ve just finished this book, and I have a sense that it will stay with me for the rest of my life.
The depth with which the author explores Jane’s internal struggles is profound. I was deeply moved by how she grapples with feeling invisible to everyone around her—her sense of being overlooked and undervalued resonated so strongly with me. At times, I found myself in tears, because I saw so much of my younger self in her. The weight of shame, the difficulty in fully embracing who you are—it’s heartbreaking to witness.But what makes this journey so powerful is watching Jane break free from those self-imposed limits. The moment she begins to embrace her true self, to love herself and accept love from others, is nothing short of beautiful. It’s a poignant reminder of the healing that comes from self-acceptance and the courage it takes to be fully yourself.
This story touched me in ways I can't fully express. Annabel, you've crafted something truly special.

I am in love with Annabel Monaghan!! I have given every book i have read by her 5 stars and this is a 6,Star book for me, This will undoubtedly be one of the absolute best books to release in 2025. It’s the perfect book to read in the summer season. I really loved the romance and there was GREAT character development in both our main characters. Best vibes, and of course she slayed that cover!! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity!

Annabel Monaghan has become an auto-read author for me. Something about her writing just scratches an itch in my brain in the very best way! I’m on such a kick of reading adult romances and this one certainly did not disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC of this tender, heartfelt novel that feels like a warm hug from someone you love. Annabel Monaghan has done it again, delivering a story that’s as laugh-out-loud funny as it is emotionally profound—a perfect blend of sweetness, humor, and vulnerability.

It’s a Love Story follows Jane Jackson, a former sitcom punch line turned Hollywood studio executive who’s determined to leave “Poor Janey Jakes” in the past. Her mantra of “fake it till you make it” has carried her far, but when a desperate lie about getting mega popstar Jack Quinlan involved in her latest project spirals out of control, Jane is forced to confront the ghosts of her past. To fix things, she enlists the help of cinematographer—and her nemesis—Dan Finnegan, spending a week on Long Island in close quarters with the last man she ever expected to challenge her cynicism about love.

This book is quintessential Annabel Monaghan: flawed, relatable characters who heal together, sharp humor, and moments of breathtaking tenderness. Jane’s journey is deeply human, and her vulnerability is matched by Dan’s warmth and quiet strength. Monaghan excels at showing the “why” behind her characters—why they’re guarded, why they fear love, and why they act the way they do in relationships. It’s that depth that makes the romance between Jane and Dan feel so believable and rewarding.

But this story is more than a romance—it’s a celebration of growth, forgiveness, and finding joy in the messiness of life. It’s also a love letter to Long Island summers, filled with nostalgia, warmth, and rich sensory details that make you long for a salty ocean breeze and a backyard barbecue.

And the humor? Absolutely top-notch. From Jane’s biting inner monologue to the quirky, heartfelt interactions with Dan and other supporting characters, the laughs never overshadow the emotional weight of the story—they complement it beautifully.

Fans of Nora Goes Off Script will find themselves equally smitten with this book. With its cinematic charm, heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that sizzles with chemistry, It’s a Love Story is destined to be one of the books of the summer.

If you’re looking for a tender, funny, and completely absorbing read, this is it.

Well, once again Anabel Monaghan has stunned me to silence by the time I’ve sat down to write my review. It’s A Love Story is an absolutely beautiful book following Jane and Dan and, well, their love story. I absolutely love books like these, where if you just followed the plot points you might think that not much actually happened, but really we went on a journey with two characters finding each other and themselves in such a real and tender way. The entire time I was reading this book, I had an ache in my chest, and that feeling in my throat like I might cry at any moment- the tenderness and joy in which this story was presented was just so moving I was borderline emotional at all times. The tears did spill over a few times, but mostly in happy ways, watching Jane finally realize her self-worth and allow someone else to be part of her life without the barriers she always thought were self-preservation but were actually more like self-sabotage.
Dan was so absolutely wonderful- an immediate surprise, given how much I disliked him in the first couple of chapters- so much so, in fact, that I double checked the synopsis to see if he was actually going to be the love interest, because he was presented in such an unpleasant way I thought I might have misunderstood the blurb. Fortunately for him, he grew on me like a weed, immediate and popping up whether I liked it or not, and I understood him and his actions so quickly that I want to go back and reread his beginnings so I can give him the chance to not be so hated at the get-go. His family was just so wonderful, and the way they embraced Jane immediately was just what she needed, and I never felt like she was anything but safe around any of the Finnegan brothers and their absolutely lovely parents.
As usual in books like these that absolutely take my breath away, I cannot properly comprehend my love or the effect that this book had on me, so I’ll leave it at this and say that this book should absolutely be a top read and is just another stunner on Monaghan’s already incredible lineup of beautiful books.

This was a surprisingly great read. Monaghan not only makes you feel everything the narrator feels, but she is able to convey a greater message of being enough. Admittedly, at first I was worried this would be a surface level cheesy rockstar romance, but im glad I was wrong. This is my first book by Monaghan, and I will more of hers in the future.

It’s A Love Story is a standalone romance by Annabel Monaghan. It’s a rivals to lovers love story with a big side of dealing with deep-rooted insecurities. This was my first book of hers that I read and it makes me want to go read her backlist.

Although a bit of a slow starter for me, I was absolutely obsessed with this story by about the halfway mark. I loved watching Jane fall for Dan before she could fully understand what was happening with her emotions. I loved Dan’s big and loving family. And I love all the metaphors and descriptions used in the telling of this story. It feels a little like an ugly duckling turned swan story. And it makes me wonder how Steve Urkel from Family Matters, Screech from Saved by the Bell, and Kimmy from Full House coped with their childhood roles as adults.

Overall, I definitely recommend this one! It’s coming out in May and will be a perfect beach read.

I LOVED this book! The ups and downs, the struggle of self-worth and finally the love they find. It was such a beautiful read, I fell in love with all the character, Jane & Dan, Clem, Dan's, family all of them! Annabel Monaghan has fast become one of my favorite authors.

Former child star, Jane, is now trying to make it as a producer. She finds the perfect script and makes a big promise so it will be greenlit - she can get superstar Jack to write a song (who she knows from her past). Unfortunately, Dan, is the proposed cinematographer and a former crush she hates for helping to squash a former movie. In order to track down Jack, Jane and Dan go to stay with his parents in Long Island to attempt to talk to Jack (who is secretly performing at a festival).

I always love Annabel Monaghan’s stories and this is no exception. She has an amazing way of writing and making you laugh. In this book, I really enjoyed Dan’s family - all the brothers were great. I’m hoping for a sequel for Brian, the only single one left!

Another engrossing love story from Annabel Monaghan, complete with her signature character wit and color, and an honest dive into emotional histories/complexities.

This one was about slightly younger people than her norm (early 30s, never married, no kids), which was sad for me, as I rely on Monaghan to cover the more middle age brackets; the younger people are fully covered in the romance genre.

I also thought it was a bit short. One real spice scene, (which needed another notch in spice level imo - feedback I always give to Monaghan’s books), a fairly quick wrapping up of topics.

But it still enthralled me wholly, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next one, as usual.

Thank you, Putnam Books and NetGalley, for the arc.

It's official...Annabel Monaghan is my new author crush...every single one of her books that I've read has been 5 stars, and It's a Love Story may have been my favorite yet. It's a true talent to be able to write in such a way that the reader actually feels completely immersed in the story and can picture every detail as if they're there. Monaghan accomplishes that making me wish that I was at the family's home on Long Island full of family and fun and four super hot Irish brothers!! I loved the whole concept of It's a Love Story with Jane being a former kid tv star - but not just any kid tv star...the awkward and dorky one. Jane was so completely authentic (eating candy in the closet!) and real, and I truly felt her pain and heartbreak along with her joy and happiness. Please SOMEONE make one of Monaghan's books into a movie/tv show!!!!

had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of It’s a Love Story, and I can confidently say this book lived up to the hype! This was my first Annabel Monaghan novel, and I now fully understand why her books are so beloved.

Annabel has a unique way of crafting stories that make you truly fall in love with her characters. They’re vibrant, relatable, and so well-developed that you feel like you’re living alongside them. What stood out most to me, beyond the heartfelt narrative, was the scenery. The California setting brought the story to life in such a vivid way—there’s something magical about books set in California, and this one captured it perfectly.

If you’re looking for a romance that feels real, warm, and filled with charm, It’s a Love Story is one you won’t want to miss. I’m already looking forward to reading more from Annabel Monaghan!

Rating ⭐️: 5/5 this book is perfection
Spice 🌶️: 0.5/5
Release Date: May 27, 2025 ( MARK YOUR CALENDARS!)

I was absolutely captivated from the very beginning to the end. I didn’t want the story to be over.

Dan and Jane will be living rent free in my mind until the unforeseeable future.

Quotes that will also live in my mind rent free:

"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."

"It's fragile and new and unfathomably beautiful."

" Love isn't a helicopter right to Catalina; its everyday care and treating the other person like they're your house keys."

SN: I have read one other book by Annabel Monaghan and this book encouraged me to read all her other books!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

I have absolutely loved Annabel Monaghan’s 3 previous books, so I had high expectations going in. I am sad to say this one kind of missed the mark for me. The family aspect was entertaining, and I did feel their connection, but the plot felt disjointed and rushed. I felt like her amazing writing was trying to peek through, but there were too many conflicting and unsupported threads of the story to weed through. I’m excited to see what she comes out with next!

Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Did not want to put this down. Loved the Notebook references. Loved the complexity that came through in Jane’s self-talk and character progression; she was strong, scared, brave, funny….easy to root for. Jane and Dan’s story was beautiful, mess and all. Another fantastic creation by Annabel Monaghan!

3.5 ⭐️

Another sweet and cozy romance by Annabel Monaghan. Reading her books is comforting because you always know what to expect, a light, yet still moving summer romance. This wasn’t my favorite, as I’m not a huge fan of enemies-to-lovers outside of fantasy and it’s very insta love (the majority of it takes place over a week), but she made it work. Also, pretty safe with no real OW/OM drama (his ex shows up, but he’s not interested).