At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this book as the beginning didn’t immediately hook me, but I’m so glad I kept reading. I really enjoyed the growth of the characters and the introspection in the book. It was a fun read and overall it was lighthearted, but there were some moments that really made you think about if who you were presenting to the world was really your authentic self or just what the world wants to see. There were parts that felt a little childish for people in their 30’s, but overall I enjoyed this book and read it really quickly. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

It's a Love Story follows Jane, a former child actress who is still feeling like she needs to prove that she's everything her character "Janey Jakes" was not. Now working as a studio executive, she comes across the script of her dreams; except no one but Dan Finnegan - a cinematographer that she usually disagrees with on everything - sees the great potential she knows the script has. Forced to team up, Jane and Dan work to track down Jack Quinlan, a singer whose name could get this film the commercial value it needs, but is also intertwined with the part of Jane's life that she's trying to leave behind.

This was such a magical book that found me at the right time. I was expecting a romance, but was thrown off course in the best way during my reading experience - this book was as much about the romance as it was about the FMC Jane's recognition of her own worth and self-love.

I have a lot of the same qualities and insecurities as Jane (among coincidences like living on the same street in LA), and I felt so seen by this story and Annabel Monaghan's writing. It's like she took all my jumbled emotions and thoughts, and summarized them in a way that was ingeniously simple and mind-blowing; not only within the big, climactic moments but also within passing, everyday commentary that made me double back. Everything went at the perfect pace, flowing seamlessly from one chapter/event to another. Even if another reader didn't heavily relate to Jane, there is more than enough intrigue to want to keep reading.

However, I won't lie - it took me a second to find footing within the story because I felt like the exposition was rushed and the FMC (Jane) was initially described in a way that seemed childish. But once I kept reading, I loved how the story fell into place, and I saw how the flaws fit into Jane's overall personality/character history.

If anyone feels the same way, I promise that if you keep reading, it will be well worth it! I quite literally felt every single emotion while reading it, and finished it with a heart full of hope. Highly recommend for any and all romance readers!

4.5 stars rounded up - I truly think I've found a new favorite auto-buy author because of this book!!! The biggest thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for providing this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

6 STARS!!!!!! Annabel Monaghans books never disappoint! She is the queen of summer romance books! I swear they get better with every story she writes.
This book made me feel all the emotions, Dan is just the most perfect mmc I’ve read about in a long time, I love Jane and seeing her overcome such big things in her life. I love the family dynamic, every character in this book is just perfection!!
Thank you so much NetGalley, GP Putnam's Sons, and Annabel Monaghan for this amazing arc.

Ah, another great book by Annabel Monaghan! Flew through this within a day. It was a steady pacing, so it took me a bit to fully be invested but it wasn’t boring (to me) at all. Towards the end I was crying because I felt like I was in Jane’s shoes. It was a nice story of it feeling like a typical romance movie type plot while also being realistic. I really did love it!

Jane is a former child star trying to prove that she’s enough in Hollywood, and in love. She’s trying to get her movie made, but the studio wants bells and whistles, so she concocts a plan to get someone from her past, who happens to be the most popular singer of the time, to write a song for the movie. A few slight problems— she hasn’t talked to him in years, their last encounter was tragically awkward, and the person who is going to help her secure this deal, well, she can’t stand him. But the more time she spends with him, the less this is true.

I could not get enough of this book. I was grinning Luke an idiot the whole time I was reading. Ok most of the time. I will definitely be recommending this one!

Annabel does it again with another swoony love story that makes you laugh while feeling all the feelings! I thoroughly enjoyed this story set with a famous element and am always pleasantly surprised by her characters' history and transformation by the end.. I will be recommending this one to others!

For me, Annabel Monaghan's books tend to have the perfect format. They're super short but somehow she always knows how the use the page count wisely. They tend to be very "summer" centered with a cozy feeling and at times comforting. They're also very fast paced, easy to digest and just a good time overall!!

"It's a Love Story" was a story about our FMC Jane, a former child actor who's trying to left that era of her life in the past but somehow ends up having to face it again. We also get introduced to the MMC, Dan, who's supposed to be her rival. I enjoyed the slow burn a lot and I was rooting for them so hard (even though the time span between them going from rivals to lovers felt very quick and unbelievable) However, I found "Jane" to be a bit immature at times and the conflict at the end felt very anticlimactic. I also wish this had more of an emotional punch like the rest of her books but it was still cute!! Def would recommend if you want to cozy up with a book this summer.

I loved this book. Jane is playing a role in life. She was an adolescent star in a TV series where she was the fall guy. Just as she is beginning to blossom into a beautiful, talented girl, she is relegated to the background. Her father left when she was five because it was “brutal” being a parent. Her mom has always pictured her dad as a Disney character who died young. In her work finding scripts for her studio, she meets Dan. He is a free spirit and they clash immediately. But they both love this script about falling in love, warts and all. In order to give it commercial success, Jane says she will get her former silent singer to write a song for the movie, he is playing at a music festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island so they head there to try and persuade him to sing. What transpired in that trip is a beautiful thing. Read it and go along for the ride!

Jane Jackson is someone who thrives on control. She follows a strict set of rules to ensure that life unfolds exactly as planned—whether it’s dates, work, or meeting everyone’s expectations. But everything changes when she meets Dan Finnegan.

Dan is the opposite of Jane. While she makes decisions based on logic and what others expect, Dan leads with his heart. Their worlds couldn’t be more different, but when an unexpected work project forces them to collaborate, they’re challenged to understand each other’s perspectives and ways of navigating life.

I’ll admit, it took me a little time to settle into this story, but once I did, I couldn’t stop reading. The book explores relatable themes like adulthood, self-worth, and family dynamics. I especially appreciated how it delved into the complexities of finding your place within your family as an adult—something that isn’t always talked about so openly.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, there were moments where I wished Jane would simply voice her needs more clearly. That said, the journey was rewarding, and the book left me with a warm, satisfied feeling. I’d happily recommend it to readers looking for a thoughtful and heartfelt story.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group, for the opportunity to read this advance copy!

I really enjoyed this book but unfortunately not as much as her other books. Annabel has become an auto-buy author for me! But I didn’t feel like this book was quite as deep as her other books. But it was a cute story!

I truly fell in love with the characters in this summer romance. As someone who reads a lot of romance, I’ve been finding it hard to find books and storylines that feel fresh. I loved this take on Hollywood via a small town turn. I loved the chemistry not only between the main characters but Dan’s extended family. I would have liked to have seen a little more of Jane’s past interactions play out on the page to help the third act feel more in balance with her reaction. #itsalovestory and baby just say yes to adding this to your TBR pile. Thanks to #netgalley for this ARC.

I loved this book, even though it took me a while to get into its rhythm. I think the opening sequence, setting up her journey to Long Island, left me a little confused because I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to be caring more about Dan or Jack, but after about 10%, the rhythm set in for me and then I just flew through this one. So much angst, so much character depth, and an incredible family. I wanted to live in this book! Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

t’s a Love Story” by Anabel
✨⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

I started It’s a Love Story on my flight home from LA to North Carolina, and by the time I landed, I was completely hooked. The rest of the story is set in Long Island, and Anabel captures the beauty and complexity of the East Coast perfectly.

This book is more than just a romance—it’s a heartfelt ode to family bonds, self-discovery, and the bittersweet journey of growing up. As a millennial, I found the characters and their struggles so relatable, and the coming-of-age themes hit close to home.

🌸 Perfect For: Fans of rom-coms who love a balance of swoon-worthy romance, laugh-out-loud moments, and those deep, emotional scenes that melt your heart just a bit.
📖 Favorite Line: “Sometimes, love doesn’t need a reason. It just needs a moment.”
💖 What Stood Out: The love and loyalty between the family members added so much depth. It made me cry, laugh, and feel all the things.

It’s a Love Story publishes on 5/27, and I can’t thank @NetGalley and the publisher enough for the ARC. This story left me feeling lighter, like a warm hug I didn’t know I needed. It’s the perfect blend of charm, wit, and emotional depth that’ll stay with you long after you close the book.

PS: Highly recommend this one for your next cozy read—it’s a gem!

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Annabel Monaghan’s fourth novel, #ItsaLoveStory, is another beautifully written story with a great cast of characters set in Hollywood.
This one is about a former child sitcom star who doesn’t believe in love—at least, not for her—but is trying to get a script for a love story approved for production as a movie. If it gets the green light, It will be Jane Jackson’s first film to move into production.

Jane’s self-image was negatively impacted at age 14 by two crushing events that happened on the same day:
• She spent a wonderful day with Jack Quinlan, a young singer, who went on to become a major pop star. At the end of the day, overwhelmed by feelings, Jane told Jack that she loved him. His reaction was devastating. He not only laughed at her, he made her feel unattractive as well.
• When Jane got home, she began looking through some old mementos and photos that her mother kept. Jane discovered her late father had left Jane and her mom long before he died in a car accident. The reason? Although he loved Jane’s mother, Terry, he couldn’t handle being a father. This was news to Jane, since her mother had never mentioned that Jane’s father left them or why; and Jane has never told her mother that she discovered the truth years ago.

These two incidents left Jane with the feeling that she was unlovable and not worth sticking around for. She has spent her life since then very guarded emotionally, playing a role, acting as she thinks she should rather than how she feels. Only her friend and roommate, Clem, and to some extent her mother, get to see the real Jane.

Then, in an effort to save her movie, True Story, Jane attempts to get Jack Quinlan to agree to write a song for the movie soundtrack. After striking out at talking to his agent and reaching out on social media, her last resort is to try to speak to him in person at a small Long Island music festival where Jack is supposed to make a surprise appearance.

As part of her plan to make this happen, she agrees to stay Dan Finnegan and his family at their Long Island home where they will be celebrating his parents’ 40th anniversary. Dan would be the cinematographer on True Story if it moves forward, and one of his four brothers happens to be an electrician at the venue where Jack will be performing.

Tender and humorous, #ItsaLoveStory is about love in all its forms: romantic, familial and friendship. It’s about new love (Dan and Jane), enduring love (Dan’s parents), and most of all, about being honest and true to yourself.

One quibble: Jane’s reaction that leads to the 3rd act separation felt like an overreaction. It seemed like by that point she had grown sufficiently to get beyond her disappointment without (temporarily) reverting to her usual response and blowing up the wonderful relationship that she and Dan had built.

Overall, another winner from Monaghan with an FMC and MMC that readers will cheer for!

Thanks to #NetGalley and Penguin Group of @PutnamBooks for the ARC.

Slow start to otherwise great story. Loved the interaction between Jane and Dan while visiting his family, but the whole famous country star sub plot felt out of place.

Oh how I just LOVE Annabel Monaghan!! This was everything I needed in a rockstar romance. That car scene?? YES.

Amazing!
**Review**

Poignant, witty, and deeply engaging, this story delivers a perfect mix of humor, heart, and romance that will leave readers laughing one moment and reflecting the next. Following Jane Jackson, a former sitcom punch line turned ambitious Hollywood studio executive, the narrative is a delightful exploration of personal reinvention, vulnerability, and the messy truths we encounter along the way.

Jane’s journey from "Poor Janey Jakes" to a woman determined to redefine herself is relatable and inspiring. Her mantra, "Fake it till you make it," is both her strength and her undoing, and her struggles with self-perception and ambition give the story emotional depth. Her impulsive lie about securing mega popstar Jack Quinlan—her first kiss and lingering embarrassment—sets the stage for hilarity, cringe-worthy moments, and heartfelt revelations.

Enter Dan Finnegan, the pompous yet unexpectedly endearing cinematographer Jane must rely on to fix her predicament. Their forced proximity on Long Island creates a simmering tension that evolves into a captivating dynamic. Dan’s surprising layers and his ability to challenge Jane’s defenses make their growing connection feel genuine and earned.

Jack Quinlan, meanwhile, serves as a compelling link to Jane’s past, forcing her to confront long-buried insecurities and the question of whether love and self-worth are as unattainable as she’s believed. The romantic triangle is handled with nuance, never overshadowing Jane’s internal journey.

The writing sparkles with sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and moments of laugh-out-loud humor balanced with poignant reflections. Themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the courage to embrace imperfection resonate throughout, making the story more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a celebration of growth and second chances.

**Verdict:** A binge-worthy romantic comedy with depth and charm, this novel is a must-read for fans of Annabel Monaghan’s *Nora Goes Off Script*. With its unforgettable characters, snappy dialogue, and a love story that feels both fresh and timeless, it’s a five-star read that will stay with you long after the final page.

Annabel Monaghan books are an auto read for me. Her writing feels like a warm hug and is filled with the loveliest of characters. This one was on exception and I couldn't wait to dive in. I loved Dan's character and his messiness and quiet. I got a bit frustrated with Jane (but maybe that was the point). She needed to do some reflecting/therapy to work on herself. Don't worry it all worked out well and I gulped this book down in two days.


4.5 stars but rounding down.

Thank you Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advanced reader copy.

Annabel Monaghan's books keep getting better and better. This one is my favorite - for so many reasons!!!!! First, the book was hysterical. I laughed out loud! While I was not a character on a TV show as a child, I do think Jane's feelings were relatable. We all have a Hailey in our lives - at least 1 if not more, and we all do not feel good enough, loveable and valued at some point in our lives. And, we have ALL had the same thoughts about The Notebook but because it is a national treasure you cant really say what you feel about it. Jane spoke for many of us in that regard! Dan also balanced Jane out perfectly. They just fit.....really well. I just finished it a few minutes ago and I want to read it again!!!!!! I give it all the stars!!!!!#itsalovestory

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for a digital ARC of It's a Love Story.

Annabel Monaghan just keeps getting better and better! I DEVOURED this one! I tried to slow my reading to make it last longer, but I just couldn't. This was by far my favorite of hers and an easy 5 stars. I fell in love with the characters, and not just the main characters but the families too. The plot, characterization, writing...everything was sheer perfection! It will be my book club pick for June and can't wait for everyone to fall in love with this book the way I have!