Annabel Monaghan has absolutely done it again with It’s a Love Story! This book had everything I love in a rom-com—sharp banter, swoon-worthy chemistry, and a heroine who you just can’t help but root for. Jane, a former teen star turned movie executive, is desperate to get her passion project greenlit, but there’s one little problem: she may have exaggerated how close she still is with pop star Jack Quinlan. Enter Dan, the cinematographer she once crushed on (who then crushed her dreams), and suddenly, they’re on a whirlwind trip to the East Coast, chasing a celebrity connection that might not even exist. The forced proximity, the growing tension, and the way Dan’s big, loud family welcomes Jane in—it all made my heart melt in the best way.

What really made this book stand out for me was Jane’s emotional journey. She’s spent so long seeing herself as the quirky sidekick, never the star, and watching her slowly recognize her worth (with Dan’s unwavering belief in her) was so satisfying. And Dan? He’s the perfect mix of grumpy and sweet, the kind of guy who clearly fell first and fell hard. Their back-and-forth kept me grinning, but there were also moments that hit unexpectedly deep. Jane’s insecurities, her fear of failure, and the way she almost pushes away something good—it all felt so real. By the end, I was completely invested in their story, and that final grand gesture? Absolutely perfect. This is one of those books I’ll be recommending to everyone—Monaghan just gets how to write romance.

This is my 3rd Annabel Monaghan book and as usual I really liked it! It will be a great summer beach read. It took me a little bit to really get into the story, but once I did, I stayed up late into the night reading so I could finish it. I loved Dan's family and overall the book was really cute. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC

Thank you Putnam books and NetGalley for an ARC of this fun, light, beachy vibes rom com.

This was my first book by this author, so I’ll definitely check out some of her other books.

This was an enjoyable read. I liked Jane - self conscious, anxious, struggling to find her footing in the world of Hollywood movie scripts after being a childhood actor. Jack, a big pop star with ties to her childhood, might just be the key to getting her first project green lit… but in order to reach him, she’ll have to turn to her work nemesis and one time crush, Dan. Dan was slower to grow on me, but he did - and his family helped show him in a different light.

Read if you’re into:
🩵enemies to lovers
🤍forced proximity
🩵unconventional Hollywood romance
🤍organic and natural chemistry
🩵second chance romance

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for this ARC!

A childhood actor grows up to become a movie executive and finds her perfect movie script. Unfortunately, she’s exaggerated some connections and must partner up with a cinematographer from her past to try to make it work.

It’s such a cute, fun and vulnerable story. The characters are imperfect and lovable with great character development. The dialogue is funny and real. I had a hard time putting it down and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted, but complex rom com.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞.”

Rating:2/5 ⭐️⭐️

Pub Date: 5/27/25

Thank you @netgalley and @putnambooks for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to get this ARC, Monaghan is a “she writes it I read it” author for me. I loved her other books.
Sadly, this one was so off from her usual. I could not get into the story or characters. It was very muted and bland. I’m shocked to be honest. I had to DNF at 40%. 🙁
I usually give DNFs 1 star, but I know this authors potential, and have to give this one two stars.

I really love how reflective and the melancholic tone of this book. I can see how it can affect someone who struggles to show who they are to people and hide behind the mask. It’s a beautiful book with raw characters. Someone who self sabotages and another MC that wears their heart on their sleeve.

I loved watching the MCs slowly connect throughout the book (enemies to lovers with an adorable meet cute), so slowly I almost didn’t realize it. It did feel at times that the romance was a sub plot, which I’m not complaint about. I loved learning about the FMC and all the “unlovable” parts she keeps for herself. Beautiful story!

Another great book from Annabel Morgan. I couldn’t put this one down. You will be rooting for the main character the whole book.

I don’t believe I have read any other books by this author. This was a good beach read. I liked the characters, but didn’t feel attached to them.

This romance was a fun, light read with enjoyable dialogue that kept things flowing. Though it starts off slow, it quickly picks up and becomes an adorable romance. It was a great binge read. Also, the spice is very minimal for those who want little to no spice, but the romance is fun and sweet.

Thank you so much to Putnam and NetGalley for this ARC!!

Thank you NetGalley and Putnam Books for the Arc!

5 ⭐️


Annabel Monaghan has done it again! She is officially a must read author for me. This had me kicking my feet giddy and my heart racing with anticipation.

Jane is a former teenage star, still trying to make it in Hollywood but behind the scenes as a movie producer. She has yet to find THE movie that will make her feel confident in her career. Enter Dan, a cinematographer who crushed her dreams on one of the previous scripts she wrote as pushing. Jane has a script that she thinks is “the one” and it so happens, her boss wants Dan on the project as well. Jane, trying to give more reason for the movie to made, offers up her friendship with a pop star…. That doesn’t actually exist. She hasn’t actually talked to the guy since she was a teenager. This leads the book on a roller coaster week long trip to the east coast and staying with Dans family, trying to track down the pop star.

This was such a beautiful story. Jane had so many insecurities and getting the bottom of those, with the help of Dan was just so perfect. It was so clear these two characters were meant to be together and only he could make her see how great she was. I love an enemies to lovers story, and it was obvious from the instant we find out of their meet cute, he fell first and hard. My heart feels so gooey from this one!

"Love happens over breakfast."

Annabel Monaghan knows how to write the perfect summer romance. This book has so many fun tropes. Enemies to lovers, second chance romance, one room trope and small town. It was so much fun. I absolutely loved Jane and Dan, they were the perfect main characters. They each had their own problems they needed to work through but they were able to help each other through it. Dan’s family was my favorite thing about the book. They were so welcoming and just your normal family who love each other but also still pick on each other. how can you go wrong with a group of good looking brothers? you can't! This is the perfect read for the summer, maybe by the pool or the beach. All her books deal with real life problems but also makes her books so bingable. Highly recommend this book for everyone to read.

This was the first book I have read by Annabel Monaghan, and I really enjoyed it! The characters were fun, the writing was witty, and it was easy to get invested. I loved seeing Jane’s growth throughout the story. She was an easy and relatable character to connect with. I will definitely be reading more stories by Annabel!

Second Annabel Monaghan book I’ve read, I love her relatable female main characters and their perspective as the heartfelt love story unfolds. Unique and sweet, great beach read!

As usual, I really enjoyed this Annabel Monaghan book! There’s just something about her writing that makes everything feel so fun and giddy, especially the romance. Even though her books tend to be short and sweet, she does a great job of adding in challenges that the main characters face outside of their love story. It makes the book feel more real and gives it some depth.

This was a 3.5/5 stars for me. It was a delightful story and I love meeting all Dan’s brothers but something just felt off with the actual love story between Dan and Jane. It didn’t full feel the connection they are supposed to have in the book, but I don’t know if I could peg why.

I think my favorite book of this author is still Nora Goes Off Script, but overall, I still enjoyed this read.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Storyline, pacing, character arc, all great. I laughed so much, highlighted a ton of hilarious one-liners. The commitment to Dan’s perceived pretentiousness was my favorite part of the story. “You totally listen to folk music on a gramophone.” Lol.

I thought about Jennette McCurdy’s memoir a lot throughout this, and discovered in the author’s note that it was an inspiration for the book.

**3.5 Stars – A Rom-Com Writer Who Knows Love and Romance**

This charming rom-com delivers plenty of humor, heart, and second chances. Jane Jackson, a former child star turned Hollywood executive, is desperate to prove herself. In a moment of overconfidence, she claims she can land popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss and biggest humiliation—to write a song for her film. The problem? She hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.

Enter Dan Finnegan, a talented but irritating cinematographer who just happens to have the connections Jane needs. Forced into a road trip to track down Jack, Jane and Dan’s dynamic shifts from playful rivalry to unexpected sparks. While the romance and witty banter shine, some moments drag, and Jane’s character can be hard to root for at times. Still, fans of smart, snappy rom-coms will enjoy this fun, heartfelt story about facing the past and finding love where you least expect it.

I absolutely love anything from Annabel Monaghan, and this book was no exception! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. This is the perfect escapist read for a cold winter day. Ms. Monaghan's writing style is brilliant and weaves different narratives in effortlessly - movie production, workplace drama, and will-they or won't-they romance. I was fortunate to receive an ARC from NetGalley and Ms. Monaghan, in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoyed this book, be sure to read several of her others - my personal favorites, "Nora Goes Off Script" and "Summer Romance."

I got the ARC of this and read it in one day! Her books unfold so quietly, but I find myself smiling like such a geek the whole time. The build up to the romance is lovely. I wish we had both character point of views! The inevitable third act problem was a little much for me, but I powered through.

I am a big fan of Annabel Monaghan's books, since I read Nora Goes Off Script! It's a Love Story does not disappoint. This is more than a rom-com. The main characters, Jane and Dan, are flawed and insecure, but when their walls come down......they realize that are not only ready for love, but they deserve to share their lives with a partner. I loved the MCs and was rooting for their love story from page one. A big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the ARC! Ms. Monaghan keep writing!