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It's a Love Story
From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, a novel about a former adolescent TV punchline who has left her awkwardness in the rearview mirror thanks to a fake-it-till-you-make-it mantra that has her on the cusp of success, until she tells a lie that sets her on a crash-course with her past, spending a week in Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.
Rules for a love story: There are none. It’s all a lie.
Jane Jackson knows that true love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth—you can’t fake a belly laugh. Jane should know, she spent her adolescence as "Poor Janey Jakes," the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punchline on America's fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios and she’s living by a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.
Except, she might have faked it too far. Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she opened her mouth and a big fat fib fell out. She claimed that Jack Quinlan, hottest popstar of the moment, has promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. Jack may have been her first kiss—and greatest source of shame—but she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.
Now, Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan while facing down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but Dan just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?
Rules for a love story: There are none. It’s all a lie.
Jane Jackson knows that true love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth—you can’t fake a belly laugh. Jane should know, she spent her adolescence as "Poor Janey Jakes," the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punchline on America's fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios and she’s living by a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.
Except, she might have faked it too far. Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she opened her mouth and a big fat fib fell out. She claimed that Jack Quinlan, hottest popstar of the moment, has promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. Jack may have been her first kiss—and greatest source of shame—but she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.
Now, Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan while facing down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but Dan just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2025
4835 people are currently reading
133427 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Monaghan
11 books8,942 followersAnnabel Monaghan is the New York Times bestselling author of IT'S A LOVE STORY, SUMMER ROMANCE, SAME TIME NEXT SUMMER and NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT. She is also the author of two novels for young adults, A Girl Named Digit and Double Digit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 9,648 reviews
July 5, 2025
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this one, I just didn’t connect as much as I thought I would! I’m also in a huge slump 🥰😍🥰😍
The reason it’s not higher than a 3 ⭐️ is because I just didn’t love our main characters, but I could understand very well what they needed in a romance & how the way they were raised affected that (which I’m happy they found in each other!) It was fast paced & a great beach read!
The reason it’s not higher than a 3 ⭐️ is because I just didn’t love our main characters, but I could understand very well what they needed in a romance & how the way they were raised affected that (which I’m happy they found in each other!) It was fast paced & a great beach read!
Read
June 5, 20254.75?!?!?! Maybe 5 if I keep thinking about it!!?? 😙🎉
May 4, 2025
thank you to net galley for providing this arc!!
this was like a summery warm hug in a book, i really adored this one. the atmosphere was crafted so beautifully, i feel like i was right there with them on a beach in summer with my swimsuit and my sunnies. the romance was definitely more of a slow burn one but i feel like it had the perfect pacing and just the right balance of friendship and chemistry. the plot itself was super fun and i loved hearing all about jane's past in the showbiz industry. overall a very sweet and atmopheric read, definitely has the perfect summer vibes if that is what you're after!!
this was like a summery warm hug in a book, i really adored this one. the atmosphere was crafted so beautifully, i feel like i was right there with them on a beach in summer with my swimsuit and my sunnies. the romance was definitely more of a slow burn one but i feel like it had the perfect pacing and just the right balance of friendship and chemistry. the plot itself was super fun and i loved hearing all about jane's past in the showbiz industry. overall a very sweet and atmopheric read, definitely has the perfect summer vibes if that is what you're after!!
May 27, 2025
Annabel Monaghan is four for four for me!
She has delivered another heartwarming story about a relatable woman in her thirties who is just trying to make it in a World that isn’t always kind!
Jane Jackson was a childhood actress who grew up in front of the camera playing the comedic sidekick to America’s sweetheart, Hailey. The fifth-favorite sitcom of its time, “Pop Rocks” featured 4 Pre-teens in a band, and her role as keyboardist Janey Jakes was to make her famous “Oof” face when things went wrong, bringing on the laughs.
Now she’s a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios, preferring to stay behind the scenes and she loves the newest love story she has optioned-“True Story”. Unfortunately, her studio, and its arrogant cinematographer, Dan Finnegan, don’t agree, thinking the film won’t be commercial enough.
Desperate to get her first project greenlit, she claims that she can get Jack Quinlan, THE hottest popstar of the moment, to write an original song for the soundtrack. Although she and Jack sang once sang a duet on “Pop Rocks” and he was the recipient of her first kiss—she hasn’t actually spoken to him in twenty years.
Oof!
When reaching out on Social Media fails, Dan Finnegan offers up a possible solution. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in there-they can fly New York to try and plead their case in person.
While trying to track him down, Jane spends time with Dan and his large, lively, loving family who have all gathered together to celebrate his parents 40th wedding anniversary. She may or may not leave with her “song” but she will leave changed, as it turns into a week of soul searching and self reflection.
This author writes “mature” women’s fiction/romance with likable characters and a good dose of humor, and I have loved everything she has written! Earning 5 stars means it had me tearing up at least once! 🤧
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her amazing review for additional insight!
Beach Bag approved and NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
She has delivered another heartwarming story about a relatable woman in her thirties who is just trying to make it in a World that isn’t always kind!
Jane Jackson was a childhood actress who grew up in front of the camera playing the comedic sidekick to America’s sweetheart, Hailey. The fifth-favorite sitcom of its time, “Pop Rocks” featured 4 Pre-teens in a band, and her role as keyboardist Janey Jakes was to make her famous “Oof” face when things went wrong, bringing on the laughs.
Now she’s a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios, preferring to stay behind the scenes and she loves the newest love story she has optioned-“True Story”. Unfortunately, her studio, and its arrogant cinematographer, Dan Finnegan, don’t agree, thinking the film won’t be commercial enough.
Desperate to get her first project greenlit, she claims that she can get Jack Quinlan, THE hottest popstar of the moment, to write an original song for the soundtrack. Although she and Jack sang once sang a duet on “Pop Rocks” and he was the recipient of her first kiss—she hasn’t actually spoken to him in twenty years.
Oof!
When reaching out on Social Media fails, Dan Finnegan offers up a possible solution. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in there-they can fly New York to try and plead their case in person.
While trying to track him down, Jane spends time with Dan and his large, lively, loving family who have all gathered together to celebrate his parents 40th wedding anniversary. She may or may not leave with her “song” but she will leave changed, as it turns into a week of soul searching and self reflection.
This author writes “mature” women’s fiction/romance with likable characters and a good dose of humor, and I have loved everything she has written! Earning 5 stars means it had me tearing up at least once! 🤧
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her amazing review for additional insight!
Beach Bag approved and NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
August 22, 2025
You know how sometimes you pick up a book expecting a light read, but it ends up making you feel things? That's what Annabel Monaghan gives us here. Our heroine Jane Jackson is a former child actor trying to outrun her awkward past by becoming this polished studio exec. But then she backs herself into a corner by claiming she can get megastar Jack Quinlan (yes, the guy behind her most mortifying teenage moment) to write a song for her film. Cue the chaos!
Enter Dan Finnegan, this cinematographer who's supposedly her rival but might just be exactly what she needs. The way these two bounce off each other is pure gold - he sees right through her Hollywood façade and somehow manages to be both incredibly annoying and endearing at the same time. And his family? They're like this force of nature that slowly helps Jane remember who she really is beneath all that polish.
I really enjoyed watching Jane's walls come down. There's something so relatable about someone who's tried so hard to be "perfect" finally learning it's okay to just be herself. And the romance? It's got that slow-burn thing that makes you want to grab both characters and say "Just kiss already!"
The only letdown comes near the end - the final conflict feels a bit forced, like when a TV show needs drama for drama's sake. It's still a good ending, just not quite as satisfying as it could have been. If you've read Monaghan's Nora Goes Off Script, you might notice this one doesn't hit quite the same emotional depths.
But don't let that stop you! This book is like a warm hug with a side of witty banter. While it might not be Monaghan's best work, it's still a charming read that'll leave you smiling. Four stars - definitely worth curling up with on a cozy evening.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this one of the most anticipated romances' digital copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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Enter Dan Finnegan, this cinematographer who's supposedly her rival but might just be exactly what she needs. The way these two bounce off each other is pure gold - he sees right through her Hollywood façade and somehow manages to be both incredibly annoying and endearing at the same time. And his family? They're like this force of nature that slowly helps Jane remember who she really is beneath all that polish.
I really enjoyed watching Jane's walls come down. There's something so relatable about someone who's tried so hard to be "perfect" finally learning it's okay to just be herself. And the romance? It's got that slow-burn thing that makes you want to grab both characters and say "Just kiss already!"
The only letdown comes near the end - the final conflict feels a bit forced, like when a TV show needs drama for drama's sake. It's still a good ending, just not quite as satisfying as it could have been. If you've read Monaghan's Nora Goes Off Script, you might notice this one doesn't hit quite the same emotional depths.
But don't let that stop you! This book is like a warm hug with a side of witty banter. While it might not be Monaghan's best work, it's still a charming read that'll leave you smiling. Four stars - definitely worth curling up with on a cozy evening.
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this one of the most anticipated romances' digital copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
twitter<
June 13, 2025
╰┈➤ 3 stars!
it’s a love story follows jane jackson, who is determined to make her first project a huge success—but she lies about securing an artist, jack quinlan, a popstar who supposedly promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. the problem? they haven’t spoken IN YEARS and never had the kind of relationship where she could just casually reach out and ask for a favor.
when jane hears that jack will be performing at a festival on long island, she sees it as her chance to reconnect. there’s one thing though, she has to go with dan Finnegan, her one-time crush because aside from the festival, it’s also his hometown.
i had such huge expectations for this book because i’ve read so many good reviews about the author—but that’s on me for setting the bar too high. i should’ve been more balanced with my expectations.
౨ৎ dan. he loved the notebook! it’s not always you get to read a man who enjoyed romance and cried because of it. his character had a laid-back vibe—he didn’t seem to care much about other people’s opinions of him or his life, probably because he knew himself better than anyone else.
౨ৎ jane. her character really showed how hard she tried to be “perfect” in every aspect of her life—so much so that when things didn’t go as planned, it completely threw her off. i could relate to her on that level, but there was something about her that just kind of annoyed me.
adding more the review is dan’s family. they perfectly embodied the kind of chaos that comes with being surrounded by loved ones—but in a good way. this book highlighted that it’s okay if your family doesn’t always understand you, but only to a certain extent. on another note, i really loved seeing jane’s relationship with her mom develop. it was clear how much she loved her, but there was a strain between them that wasn’t obvious at first. they managed to find their balance by being honest and open with each other, which made me really happy.
some issues are: i can’t get past about the fact that she’s sick of everything that is happening but not doing anything to make it stop or change for the better. literally, knowing about something and pretending not to know about it will eat you alive and that’s what it did to her. it affected everything in her life, most especially how she views herself.
another thing—i didn’t really feel the romance between them. it was there, sure, but it could’ve been stronger, you know? given the title of this book, i expected more. overall, this story really showed how self-sabotage can keep us from getting what we deserve simply because we believe we’re not enough. it was cute and lighthearted, with some fun banter, but i have to admit—it felt a bit underwhelming since it took so long to actually grab my attention.
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
idk about you guys but it’s starting to feel like summer from where i live, and what better way to start reading this book?! i never thought i’d get the arc for this but i’m so excited to start reading my first book of her!!
it’s a love story follows jane jackson, who is determined to make her first project a huge success—but she lies about securing an artist, jack quinlan, a popstar who supposedly promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. the problem? they haven’t spoken IN YEARS and never had the kind of relationship where she could just casually reach out and ask for a favor.
when jane hears that jack will be performing at a festival on long island, she sees it as her chance to reconnect. there’s one thing though, she has to go with dan Finnegan, her one-time crush because aside from the festival, it’s also his hometown.
i had such huge expectations for this book because i’ve read so many good reviews about the author—but that’s on me for setting the bar too high. i should’ve been more balanced with my expectations.
౨ৎ dan. he loved the notebook! it’s not always you get to read a man who enjoyed romance and cried because of it. his character had a laid-back vibe—he didn’t seem to care much about other people’s opinions of him or his life, probably because he knew himself better than anyone else.
౨ৎ jane. her character really showed how hard she tried to be “perfect” in every aspect of her life—so much so that when things didn’t go as planned, it completely threw her off. i could relate to her on that level, but there was something about her that just kind of annoyed me.
adding more the review is dan’s family. they perfectly embodied the kind of chaos that comes with being surrounded by loved ones—but in a good way. this book highlighted that it’s okay if your family doesn’t always understand you, but only to a certain extent. on another note, i really loved seeing jane’s relationship with her mom develop. it was clear how much she loved her, but there was a strain between them that wasn’t obvious at first. they managed to find their balance by being honest and open with each other, which made me really happy.
some issues are: i can’t get past about the fact that she’s sick of everything that is happening but not doing anything to make it stop or change for the better. literally, knowing about something and pretending not to know about it will eat you alive and that’s what it did to her. it affected everything in her life, most especially how she views herself.
another thing—i didn’t really feel the romance between them. it was there, sure, but it could’ve been stronger, you know? given the title of this book, i expected more. overall, this story really showed how self-sabotage can keep us from getting what we deserve simply because we believe we’re not enough. it was cute and lighthearted, with some fun banter, but i have to admit—it felt a bit underwhelming since it took so long to actually grab my attention.
Thank you to NetGalley, G.P. Putnam's Sons, and the author for the ARC in exchange of my honest review.
・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・。・
pre-read:
idk about you guys but it’s starting to feel like summer from where i live, and what better way to start reading this book?! i never thought i’d get the arc for this but i’m so excited to start reading my first book of her!!
August 18, 2025
dnf @ chapter 10, 25%
unfortunately, i don't think annabel's books are for me, AND that is ok. i hope everyone who wants to read this will still enjoy the book. there is nothing incoherently wrong with the novel, it's more so very banal and isn't keeping my interest. i am glad i gave this one a chance, but i want to move forward with reads i know i will enjoy. <3
thank you so much to netgalley for the arc! this book is out in may 27th!
unfortunately, i don't think annabel's books are for me, AND that is ok. i hope everyone who wants to read this will still enjoy the book. there is nothing incoherently wrong with the novel, it's more so very banal and isn't keeping my interest. i am glad i gave this one a chance, but i want to move forward with reads i know i will enjoy. <3
thank you so much to netgalley for the arc! this book is out in may 27th!
June 3, 2025
4 stars – huge thanks to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eArc via NetGalley 💌
I tandem read the audiobook & eArc
This felt like the kind of summer surprise I didn’t know I needed.
Tropes:
🌸 Enemies to Lovers
🏖️ Slow Burn
🌸 Forced Proximity
🏖️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌸 Workplace Rivalry
🏖️ Opposites Attract
🌸 Second Chance (Emotional)
🏖️ Found Family
🌸 Fake It Till You Make It
🏖️ Character Growth/Coming into One’s Own
Jane Jackson spent her entire childhood as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the kid everyone laughed at on that old sitcom. Now she’s all grown up, hustling her way through Hollywood as a studio exec and swearing by “fake it till you make it.” But when she lies about getting mega-popstar Jack Quinlan to write a song for her movie, she ends up begging her longtime rival—cinematographer Dan Finnegan—for help. Cue a week on Long Island, awkward memories, and maybe…falling in love?
I have to admit, Jane’s journey hit me right in the feels. She’s spent so long hiding behind perfection—designer outfits, slicked-back hair, lighting that flatters her down to the last pore—that seeing her drop the act is like watching a flower finally bloom. Every time Dan corners her (and trust me, he does it about a million times), you can practically hear her brain screaming, “Nope, nope, nope,” but secretly rooting for her to chill out and let someone see her real self. And when she finally laughs—truly laughs—it’s like a beam of sunshine cutting through a gray sky.
Dan Finnegan is that annoying guy you can’t help but root for. He’s prickly on the surface—always calling Jane “unhinged”—but deep down, you know he’s the kind of guy who would move mountains for someone he cares about. The way he drags Jane into his family’s chaotic beach house on Long Island is pure magic. Their dynamic is equal parts bicker and banter, but it’s clear that every jab hides a spark of something more. Enemies to lovers? Absolutely.
The pacing is spot-on. This isn’t one of those insta-love disasters; there’s a slow build of “Oh crap, I think I like him” tension that makes you want to yell at the pages: ��Just hug already!” And even though the grand conflict toward the end felt a little forced—like someone said, “We need more drama!”—it doesn’t totally derail the story. Because by then, I was way too invested in Jane’s growth. Watching her finally admit that love might actually be real—especially after all those years of believing it was a lie—felt so earned.
Major shout-out to Hillary Huber’s narration. Her voice just nails Jane’s sarcasm and genuine vulnerability. Listening to Jane’s awkward internal monologues while seeing her face the past? It was like having a heart-to-heart with my best friend—only that friend also happens to be a Hollywood exec. 😂
Is this perfect? Maybe not. But it’s a cozy hug of a romance that balances wit, heart, and just enough self-discovery to leave you feeling optimistic. If you’re looking for a beach read that reminds you why summer romances can still feel real—no slick CGI required—this one’s for you.
Final thoughts:
✧ Slow-burn romance for the win – because sometimes the best kisses are the ones you’re almost afraid to ask for. 💝
✧ Family dynamics that heal your soul – Dan’s Long Island crew is the kind of warm chaos you wish your own family was. 🏠💕
I can’t wait to see what Annabel does next—but for now, I’ll be over here, daydreaming about my own summer of self-discovery.
I tandem read the audiobook & eArc
This felt like the kind of summer surprise I didn’t know I needed.
Tropes:
🌸 Enemies to Lovers
🏖️ Slow Burn
🌸 Forced Proximity
🏖️ Grumpy x Sunshine
🌸 Workplace Rivalry
🏖️ Opposites Attract
🌸 Second Chance (Emotional)
🏖️ Found Family
🌸 Fake It Till You Make It
🏖️ Character Growth/Coming into One’s Own
Jane Jackson spent her entire childhood as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the kid everyone laughed at on that old sitcom. Now she’s all grown up, hustling her way through Hollywood as a studio exec and swearing by “fake it till you make it.” But when she lies about getting mega-popstar Jack Quinlan to write a song for her movie, she ends up begging her longtime rival—cinematographer Dan Finnegan—for help. Cue a week on Long Island, awkward memories, and maybe…falling in love?
I have to admit, Jane’s journey hit me right in the feels. She’s spent so long hiding behind perfection—designer outfits, slicked-back hair, lighting that flatters her down to the last pore—that seeing her drop the act is like watching a flower finally bloom. Every time Dan corners her (and trust me, he does it about a million times), you can practically hear her brain screaming, “Nope, nope, nope,” but secretly rooting for her to chill out and let someone see her real self. And when she finally laughs—truly laughs—it’s like a beam of sunshine cutting through a gray sky.
Dan Finnegan is that annoying guy you can’t help but root for. He’s prickly on the surface—always calling Jane “unhinged”—but deep down, you know he’s the kind of guy who would move mountains for someone he cares about. The way he drags Jane into his family’s chaotic beach house on Long Island is pure magic. Their dynamic is equal parts bicker and banter, but it’s clear that every jab hides a spark of something more. Enemies to lovers? Absolutely.
The pacing is spot-on. This isn’t one of those insta-love disasters; there’s a slow build of “Oh crap, I think I like him” tension that makes you want to yell at the pages: ��Just hug already!” And even though the grand conflict toward the end felt a little forced—like someone said, “We need more drama!”—it doesn’t totally derail the story. Because by then, I was way too invested in Jane’s growth. Watching her finally admit that love might actually be real—especially after all those years of believing it was a lie—felt so earned.
Major shout-out to Hillary Huber’s narration. Her voice just nails Jane’s sarcasm and genuine vulnerability. Listening to Jane’s awkward internal monologues while seeing her face the past? It was like having a heart-to-heart with my best friend—only that friend also happens to be a Hollywood exec. 😂
Is this perfect? Maybe not. But it’s a cozy hug of a romance that balances wit, heart, and just enough self-discovery to leave you feeling optimistic. If you’re looking for a beach read that reminds you why summer romances can still feel real—no slick CGI required—this one’s for you.
Final thoughts:
✧ Slow-burn romance for the win – because sometimes the best kisses are the ones you’re almost afraid to ask for. 💝
✧ Family dynamics that heal your soul – Dan’s Long Island crew is the kind of warm chaos you wish your own family was. 🏠💕
I can’t wait to see what Annabel does next—but for now, I’ll be over here, daydreaming about my own summer of self-discovery.
June 1, 2025
Ended up being very cute but the first half was almost in DNF territory. Summer Romance is still 10000% my fave by this author, but all her books are great for fluffy summer romcoms
Want to read
December 12, 2024omg yaaaaay I got the arc 🤭 rockstar romances have a been a big win for me lately!
February 17, 2025
honestly not much to say other than if you liked anabel monaghan’s other book(s), you’re gonna eat this up. perfect beachy sort of read while simultaneously packing an emotional punch and honestly is there anything better than that??
my only complaint is the same one i had about summer romance – the writing feels ridiculously choppy at points. like, i appreciate that we’re not getting a whole lot of useless fluff, but some fluff is good! it gives the story a little bit more flow and substance!
pre-read:
i loved summer romance so i’m really excited for this one 🤭
thank you to penguin & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
my only complaint is the same one i had about summer romance – the writing feels ridiculously choppy at points. like, i appreciate that we’re not getting a whole lot of useless fluff, but some fluff is good! it gives the story a little bit more flow and substance!
pre-read:
i loved summer romance so i’m really excited for this one 🤭
thank you to penguin & netgalley for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
August 1, 2025
—— 𝟑.𝟕𝟓 ✰ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 🎬
📖┆𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐧
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟟/𝟚𝟜/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟟/𝟚𝟞/𝟚𝟝
📃┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “Desperate to get her first project greenlit, Jane opens her mouth and a big fat fib fell out claiming that Jack Quinlan, hottest popstar of the moment, has promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. Now, Jane must turn to the last man she'd ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan's hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan while facing down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but Dan just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?”」
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.𝟕𝟓
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟿𝟾 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🚪
ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ: ☀️
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ʙʟᴜᴇʙᴇʀʀʏ ᴍᴜꜰꜰɪɴꜱ 🫐
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ✅
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ʟᴏᴠᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ — ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
2:15 ———♡——— 3:57
╭───
┆
╰⪼ this love is difficult, but it's real. don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess. it's a love story, baby, just say, "yes".
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🎬 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🎤 ꜱᴀᴍ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɪᴄᴀʀʟʏ
🎬 ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🎤 ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ ᴀᴄᴛᴏʀꜱ
🎬 ᴡᴏʀᴋᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ʀɪᴠᴀʟʀʏ
🎤 ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• As soon as my Swiftie heart saw the title for this, I knew I had to add it to my summer tbr. Plus I tend to like all of Annabel Monaghan’s books. While I didn’t end up loving this one, I still really enjoyed it! Let’s normalize 3-3.75 ratings being decent reads. It just didn’t give me that feeling a 4 ⭐️ & up would give. If you know that feeling, this will make sense.
• My biggest issue came down to the main couple, Jane & Dan. While their relationship grew on me towards the end, I felt they lacked the chemistry needed to get there. It’s as if they skipped a whole step and went from not really liking each other to being in love within the span of a week. Give me yearning, give me tension, give me a Darcy hand flex!
• This might be a Brooke thing, but the other issue I had was with the writing. I do love this author’s writing for the most part, but sometimes in this book, I felt like she would try too hard to be lyrical, try too hard for the writing to sound poetic and deep, meanwhile it would come across instead as making no sense. For example, ”…and it occurs to me that I don’t know what time it is. It occurs to me that Dan doesn’t care what time it is; he just knows what he knows.” Wtf does that even mean, sis. It could be just a personal ick of mine. I feel like her other books weren’t like this.
• I will still read whatever else Annabel Monaghan writes. Her summer romances always give me that ~summer feeling~ that I crave as a mood reader.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊
❝“i’d ᥣikᥱ to bᥱ thᥱ ρᥱrsoᥒ who ᥴoυᥣd tᥲkᥱ ᥲᥣᥣ of ყoυr sᥲd thiᥒgs ᥲᥒd mᥲkᥱ thᥱm hᥲρρყ. ᥣikᥱ i’d hυᥒt dowᥒ ᥱᥲᥴh oᥒᥱ
ᥲᥒd tυrᥒ it ovᥱr.”
“i doᥒ’t thiᥒk ᥲᥒყoᥒᥱ is thᥲt ρᥱrsoᥒ for ᥲᥒყoᥒᥱ,” i sᥲყ.
“i doᥒ’t thiᥒk so ᥱithᥱr. bυt i’d ᥣikᥱ to bᥱ thᥲt ρᥱrsoᥒ for ყoυ.”❞
📖┆𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐧
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟟/𝟚𝟜/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟟/𝟚𝟞/𝟚𝟝
📃┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “Desperate to get her first project greenlit, Jane opens her mouth and a big fat fib fell out claiming that Jack Quinlan, hottest popstar of the moment, has promised to write an original song for the soundtrack. Now, Jane must turn to the last man she'd ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan's hometown on Long Island, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan while facing down her past is Jane's idea of hell, but Dan just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?”」
❝it’s ᥣikᥱ moviᥒg ᥲ moυᥒtᥲiᥒ to ᥴhᥲᥒgᥱ thᥱ wᥲყ ყoυ thiᥒk ᥲboυt ყoυrsᥱᥣf, ყᥱt it ᥴᥲᥒ hᥲρρᥱᥒ iᥒ ᥲᥒ iᥒstᥲᥒt if ყoυ’rᥱ rᥱᥲdყ.❞
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.𝟕𝟓
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟿𝟾 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: 🚪
ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ: ☀️
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ʙʟᴜᴇʙᴇʀʀʏ ᴍᴜꜰꜰɪɴꜱ 🫐
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ✅
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ: ʟᴏᴠᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ — ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ
2:15 ———♡——— 3:57
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
╭───
┆
╰⪼ this love is difficult, but it's real. don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess. it's a love story, baby, just say, "yes".
⊱ ────── {⋆ ‧₊˚♪𝄞 ⋆} ────── ⊰
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🎬 ꜰᴏᴜɴᴅ ꜰᴀᴍɪʟʏ
🎤 ꜱᴀᴍ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɪᴄᴀʀʟʏ
🎬 ꜰᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
🎤 ᴄʜɪʟᴅʜᴏᴏᴅ ᴀᴄᴛᴏʀꜱ
🎬 ᴡᴏʀᴋᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ʀɪᴠᴀʟʀʏ
🎤 ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜʀꜱᴇʟꜰ
❝it fᥱᥱᥣs good to wᥲᥒt somᥱthiᥒg for somᥱoᥒᥱ ᥱᥣsᥱ, somᥱthiᥒg thᥲt hᥲs ᥒothiᥒg to do with ყoυ, jυst bᥱᥴᥲυsᥱ ყoυ ᥴᥲrᥱ ᥲboυt thᥱm. ᥲᥒd i woᥒdᥱr if this is whᥲt ᥣovᥱ is. i rᥱst mყ hᥲᥒd oᥒ mყ hᥱᥲrt to fᥱᥱᥣ if it’s ᥴhᥲᥒgᥱd. i thiᥒk it hᥲs. i hᥲvᥱ.❞
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• As soon as my Swiftie heart saw the title for this, I knew I had to add it to my summer tbr. Plus I tend to like all of Annabel Monaghan’s books. While I didn’t end up loving this one, I still really enjoyed it! Let’s normalize 3-3.75 ratings being decent reads. It just didn’t give me that feeling a 4 ⭐️ & up would give. If you know that feeling, this will make sense.
• My biggest issue came down to the main couple, Jane & Dan. While their relationship grew on me towards the end, I felt they lacked the chemistry needed to get there. It’s as if they skipped a whole step and went from not really liking each other to being in love within the span of a week. Give me yearning, give me tension, give me a Darcy hand flex!
• This might be a Brooke thing, but the other issue I had was with the writing. I do love this author’s writing for the most part, but sometimes in this book, I felt like she would try too hard to be lyrical, try too hard for the writing to sound poetic and deep, meanwhile it would come across instead as making no sense. For example, ”…and it occurs to me that I don’t know what time it is. It occurs to me that Dan doesn’t care what time it is; he just knows what he knows.” Wtf does that even mean, sis. It could be just a personal ick of mine. I feel like her other books weren’t like this.
• I will still read whatever else Annabel Monaghan writes. Her summer romances always give me that ~summer feeling~ that I crave as a mood reader.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁
❝ i bᥱᥣiᥱvᥱ iᥒ ᥣovᥱ ᥒow; i’vᥱ fᥱᥣt it ᥲᥒd ᥴᥲᥒᥒot υᥒfᥱᥱᥣ it. it’s ᥲᥒ imρᥱrfᥱᥴt thiᥒg, ᥲᥒd it ᥴhᥲᥒgᥱs ᥲᥒd brᥱᥲks ᥲᥒd hᥱᥲᥣs thᥱ wᥲყ ρᥱoρᥣᥱ do. ❞
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ . ݁₊
June 22, 2025
Creative studio exec and former child television star, Jane Jackson, is desperate to get her first project greenlit without changing it into the blockbuster the studio is clamoring for. After exaggerating to the bosses that she is close with pop star Jack Quinlan, It’s her grumpy co-worker, and one time crush, Dan Finnegan who must come to her rescue.
Annabel Monaghan can do no wrong in my book. Is she an auto-buy author for me? Yes. Fun fact - she is the only author who has a perfect five star score from me. Literally every book she has written is one I have loved enough to read and reread, and her latest is no exception.
Her characters are always so relatable and real, they feel like they can exist off the page just as perfectly as on it. Jane and Dan are so fascinating. Their insta connection turned workplace enemies was way too much fun and I could not wait to get to the bottom of how that mess came to be. And while this is of course a rom-com, the serious and more emotional notes, hit you right in the heart as we go back in time to experience the loneliness, humiliation and longing Jane felt being a childhood star.
I could not have loved this one more and will of course be doing an audio reread in the not so distant future.
Read if you like:
▪️enemies to lovers
▪️former childhood actors
▪️unconventional Hollywood romances
▪️forced proximity
▪️relatable characters
▪️dual timelines
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Putnam for the advanced copy.
📆 Pub: May 27, 2025
For anyone who is interested, I am including my Annabel Monaghan ranking.
#1 - Nora Goes Off Script 5★
#2 - Summer Romance 5★
#3 - Same Time Next Summer 5★
#4 - It’s a Love Story 5★
Annabel Monaghan can do no wrong in my book. Is she an auto-buy author for me? Yes. Fun fact - she is the only author who has a perfect five star score from me. Literally every book she has written is one I have loved enough to read and reread, and her latest is no exception.
Her characters are always so relatable and real, they feel like they can exist off the page just as perfectly as on it. Jane and Dan are so fascinating. Their insta connection turned workplace enemies was way too much fun and I could not wait to get to the bottom of how that mess came to be. And while this is of course a rom-com, the serious and more emotional notes, hit you right in the heart as we go back in time to experience the loneliness, humiliation and longing Jane felt being a childhood star.
I could not have loved this one more and will of course be doing an audio reread in the not so distant future.
Read if you like:
▪️enemies to lovers
▪️former childhood actors
▪️unconventional Hollywood romances
▪️forced proximity
▪️relatable characters
▪️dual timelines
Check out my Bookstagram post here ♥
Thank you Putnam for the advanced copy.
📆 Pub: May 27, 2025
For anyone who is interested, I am including my Annabel Monaghan ranking.
#1 - Nora Goes Off Script 5★
#2 - Summer Romance 5★
#3 - Same Time Next Summer 5★
#4 - It’s a Love Story 5★
March 11, 2025
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!
PSA this one does have some spice!
June 11, 2025
✨ 4.5 stars rounded up ✨
There is just something about Annabel Monaghan’s books that I love— I naturally find myself drawn to them. Her characters are mature and usually flawed which makes them relatable.
In this story, Jane Jackson—a former teen TV star once known for her awkwardness and being the butt of jokes—is now a Creative Executive determined to get her first project approved. When she walks into the meeting, she discovers that Dan Finnegan will be the cinematographer—the same guy responsible for tanking her last project. When she's told the script isn’t commercial enough, she lies and says she is friends with famous musician Jack Quinlan and can get him to write an original song for the soundtrack. The only problem is that she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years. This lie results in her traveling with Dan to his hometown on Long Island, staying at his parent's house and trying to hunt down Jack Quinlan with the hopes that he will agree to write the song.
There is so much to love about this book, but Dan Finnegan (my new book boyfriend) and his family were the highlight for me. Dan's character is so well developed and I love that he was so authentically himself. You knew exactly what you were getting with him which I appreciate. His adorable family was that perfect kind of messy—loving, humorous, warm and with no boundaries.
The Long Island summer vibes of It’s A Love Story make this perfect for a beach or pool read. I wouldn't call this enemies to lovers, more like rivals which worked well in this slow burn situation, add in the forced proximity, the natural progression of their relationship, and their conversations which felt genuine and never forced—all that combined, it made for a really good romance.
Just a few minor critiques, while I liked Jane and could understand her insecurities, I didn't always enjoy being in her head. Secondly, I am not a fan of third act conflict which I feel is overused in this genre and always feels formulaic. Overall, another great story from a favorite author of mine.
My thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for my ARC.
There is just something about Annabel Monaghan’s books that I love— I naturally find myself drawn to them. Her characters are mature and usually flawed which makes them relatable.
In this story, Jane Jackson—a former teen TV star once known for her awkwardness and being the butt of jokes—is now a Creative Executive determined to get her first project approved. When she walks into the meeting, she discovers that Dan Finnegan will be the cinematographer—the same guy responsible for tanking her last project. When she's told the script isn’t commercial enough, she lies and says she is friends with famous musician Jack Quinlan and can get him to write an original song for the soundtrack. The only problem is that she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years. This lie results in her traveling with Dan to his hometown on Long Island, staying at his parent's house and trying to hunt down Jack Quinlan with the hopes that he will agree to write the song.
There is so much to love about this book, but Dan Finnegan (my new book boyfriend) and his family were the highlight for me. Dan's character is so well developed and I love that he was so authentically himself. You knew exactly what you were getting with him which I appreciate. His adorable family was that perfect kind of messy—loving, humorous, warm and with no boundaries.
The Long Island summer vibes of It’s A Love Story make this perfect for a beach or pool read. I wouldn't call this enemies to lovers, more like rivals which worked well in this slow burn situation, add in the forced proximity, the natural progression of their relationship, and their conversations which felt genuine and never forced—all that combined, it made for a really good romance.
Just a few minor critiques, while I liked Jane and could understand her insecurities, I didn't always enjoy being in her head. Secondly, I am not a fan of third act conflict which I feel is overused in this genre and always feels formulaic. Overall, another great story from a favorite author of mine.
My thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for my ARC.
Read
December 7, 2024I GOT APPROVED FOR THE ARC AAAA IM SO EXCITEDDD reading this as soon as im done with my christmas book 🤭
March 23, 2025
This book left me feeling full of joy. This is the first book that I have read by Annabel Monaghan and it won’t be the last. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers romance, the humor and the characters in it! While I felt it was predictable, I was happy with the entirety of the book. My emotions while reading this book were happy, sad, hopeful and lighthearted. The thesis was clear, the setting fit the story and it was well written.
It’s a Love Story is about a former childhood star named Jane Jackson and a guy named Dan Finnegan. Jane desperately wants to make it big and thinks that she isn’t worthy of love. Dan is the director of photography and completely turned down Jane’s first film deal. The story unravels and it turns out to be a great romantic comedy! I give this book a 3.75 stars out of 5 rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book is set to be published in May 27, 2025!
It’s a Love Story is about a former childhood star named Jane Jackson and a guy named Dan Finnegan. Jane desperately wants to make it big and thinks that she isn’t worthy of love. Dan is the director of photography and completely turned down Jane’s first film deal. The story unravels and it turns out to be a great romantic comedy! I give this book a 3.75 stars out of 5 rating!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Annabel Monaghan, Penguin Group Putnam for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
This book is set to be published in May 27, 2025!
March 31, 2025
Oh this was an absolute delight!
May 28, 2025
HAPPY PUB DAY!!
Annabel Monaghan! You have outdone yourself. Oh my god! What a book. My heart is literally dancing. It's A Love Story is one of the best romances I have read this year. To summarize this review...it's absolutely spectacular! Add it to your TBR, preorder it, show it some love on social media, do all the things because this WILL be the book of the summer. Okay, so for my in-depth thoughts, keep reading.
Jane, a child actor best known as the funny awkward girl in her role on "pop rocks", is now a creative executive at a studio in LA. Her one goal: get her script green lit. Turns out, it's not so easy being the cinematographer AKA her arch nemesis, Dan, is ruining her pitch. He wants the script green lit but has a different vision for it. Their boss, has other ideas entirely and wants an action packed movie. In a last ditch effort, Jane lies and says she is BFF with a major pop star that will write an original track. She hasn't seen said pop star since she was 14 and may have had a wildly embarrassing moment with him ... OOF. One thing leads to another and off Jane & Dan go to Long Island for a week at his childhood home with his huge family while they search for the singer.
First of all, does the town of "Oak Shore" sound familiar? Well it should because it's the same setting from Monaghans book "Same Time Next Summer". This was a surprise treat! Nothing better than being back at Chippys diner and this quintessential beach town.
Based on the title alone, it's pretty obvious this is a love story but it's so much more. Jane and Dan are such complex characters, and the way they compliment each other is magic. Their chemistry is off the charts. I was absolutely giddy reading, smiling ear to ear. My favorite scene is when she gets caught in the rain and then he says what he says about her smile, pulling the hoodie move. I can't say more because I cannot spoil that for anyone but just know it was perfection. Perfection that will live in your head for an eternity and set a whole new bar for book boyfriends.
"And then what happened? Everything."
It is interesting and true and beautiful. All the small and quiet moments inviting us to a secret place where love happens over breakfast. It's everything. Jane, Dan, his family, her best friend Clem. They are the best kind of characters. If Clems story isn't in the works, it should be. I'd read it in a heartbeat.
Mark your calendars! This gem is out 5/27/25 and
I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
Thank you Putnam Books & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Annabel Monaghan! You have outdone yourself. Oh my god! What a book. My heart is literally dancing. It's A Love Story is one of the best romances I have read this year. To summarize this review...it's absolutely spectacular! Add it to your TBR, preorder it, show it some love on social media, do all the things because this WILL be the book of the summer. Okay, so for my in-depth thoughts, keep reading.
Jane, a child actor best known as the funny awkward girl in her role on "pop rocks", is now a creative executive at a studio in LA. Her one goal: get her script green lit. Turns out, it's not so easy being the cinematographer AKA her arch nemesis, Dan, is ruining her pitch. He wants the script green lit but has a different vision for it. Their boss, has other ideas entirely and wants an action packed movie. In a last ditch effort, Jane lies and says she is BFF with a major pop star that will write an original track. She hasn't seen said pop star since she was 14 and may have had a wildly embarrassing moment with him ... OOF. One thing leads to another and off Jane & Dan go to Long Island for a week at his childhood home with his huge family while they search for the singer.
First of all, does the town of "Oak Shore" sound familiar? Well it should because it's the same setting from Monaghans book "Same Time Next Summer". This was a surprise treat! Nothing better than being back at Chippys diner and this quintessential beach town.
Based on the title alone, it's pretty obvious this is a love story but it's so much more. Jane and Dan are such complex characters, and the way they compliment each other is magic. Their chemistry is off the charts. I was absolutely giddy reading, smiling ear to ear. My favorite scene is when she gets caught in the rain and then he says what he says about her smile, pulling the hoodie move. I can't say more because I cannot spoil that for anyone but just know it was perfection. Perfection that will live in your head for an eternity and set a whole new bar for book boyfriends.
"And then what happened? Everything."
It is interesting and true and beautiful. All the small and quiet moments inviting us to a secret place where love happens over breakfast. It's everything. Jane, Dan, his family, her best friend Clem. They are the best kind of characters. If Clems story isn't in the works, it should be. I'd read it in a heartbeat.
Mark your calendars! This gem is out 5/27/25 and
I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
Thank you Putnam Books & NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2025
Jane didn’t need a man, she needed a therapist.
Want to read
February 1, 2025AAAA I GOT THE ARC!!!!🤸🏻♂️ so excited to read this soon
August 2, 2025
”You live your whole life so that you can be surrounded by too many people in too small of a room and tell the story of how it all happened.”
There are books that feel like a hug, and this was one of them.
When Jane and Dan first met, they felt an instant connection. But then an artistic disagreement occurred, a fight followed, and things between them soured.
Now, they’re enthusiastic about the same idea and must work together to make it happen. Working together entails chasing a celebrity, staying at Dan’s parents' place in Long Island, and hanging out with his family.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll probably say it again: I love books about big families. There’s something magical about them—life is rarely messy in book families, the parents are wise, understanding, and supportive, and so are the siblings. They are always there to make you feel unconditionally loved and accepted. What’s more important, these families give us so many book boyfriends!
Jane and Dan were adorable together. Dan had this unique approach to life; he knew what was important and did his own thing regardless of what the world had to say about it. I loved his quiet confidence and his big heart. Jane had issues, which unfortunately caused the third-act drama, but I’m just going to pretend it didn’t happen. I’m so sick of third-act breakups, I’ll just pretend they don’t exist. That’s my new strategy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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Approved for the arc 🥳🥳🥳
Thanks NetGalley and Aria & Aries🫶
There are books that feel like a hug, and this was one of them.
When Jane and Dan first met, they felt an instant connection. But then an artistic disagreement occurred, a fight followed, and things between them soured.
Now, they’re enthusiastic about the same idea and must work together to make it happen. Working together entails chasing a celebrity, staying at Dan’s parents' place in Long Island, and hanging out with his family.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll probably say it again: I love books about big families. There’s something magical about them—life is rarely messy in book families, the parents are wise, understanding, and supportive, and so are the siblings. They are always there to make you feel unconditionally loved and accepted. What’s more important, these families give us so many book boyfriends!
Jane and Dan were adorable together. Dan had this unique approach to life; he knew what was important and did his own thing regardless of what the world had to say about it. I loved his quiet confidence and his big heart. Jane had issues, which unfortunately caused the third-act drama, but I’m just going to pretend it didn’t happen. I’m so sick of third-act breakups, I’ll just pretend they don’t exist. That’s my new strategy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——-
Approved for the arc 🥳🥳🥳
Thanks NetGalley and Aria & Aries🫶
July 7, 2025
Jane was a child actress known as “poor Janey Jakes” on a hit sitcom. She was the awkward sidekick to the star, the one providing all the laughs, the butt of all the jokes.
Grown up and now a director at a movie studio, she works behind the camera, not in front of it. She has a new story she’s optioned for a movie but Dan, the cinematographer has nixed the project, saying it doesn’t have commercial appeal .
Infuriated, out pops a lie. Jane says the famous Jack Quinlan, who co-starred with her in her childhood sitcom, will write a song for the film.
The problem? She hasn’t actually talked to Jack in over 20 years. Backed into a corner, Jane now has to attempt to make good on her claim.
She travels to Dan’s beachy hometown to hunt Dan down and convince him to write the song.
I loved the cozy beachy summer vibes, all the supporting characters, Dan’s big raucous family, and the slow simmering relationship between Jane & Dan. There’s just enough complexity in these characters to give the story some substance.
Nora Goes Off Script remains my absolute favorite book by this author, but I loved this one too.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Grown up and now a director at a movie studio, she works behind the camera, not in front of it. She has a new story she’s optioned for a movie but Dan, the cinematographer has nixed the project, saying it doesn’t have commercial appeal .
Infuriated, out pops a lie. Jane says the famous Jack Quinlan, who co-starred with her in her childhood sitcom, will write a song for the film.
The problem? She hasn’t actually talked to Jack in over 20 years. Backed into a corner, Jane now has to attempt to make good on her claim.
She travels to Dan’s beachy hometown to hunt Dan down and convince him to write the song.
I loved the cozy beachy summer vibes, all the supporting characters, Dan’s big raucous family, and the slow simmering relationship between Jane & Dan. There’s just enough complexity in these characters to give the story some substance.
Nora Goes Off Script remains my absolute favorite book by this author, but I loved this one too.
* I received a digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
June 29, 2025
hate to say it but this was a DNF ;( was looking for a quick breezy romcom by the pool (which all of her other books have been for me!!!) and this just did not hit the mark!
i was not interested in the love story at all (ironic bc of the title). i got 70% in and never wanted to pick it back up, it actually put me in a week long reading slump lol 🫠 bummer for sure!
i was not interested in the love story at all (ironic bc of the title). i got 70% in and never wanted to pick it back up, it actually put me in a week long reading slump lol 🫠 bummer for sure!
July 9, 2025
2⭐️ I don’t know if l’ve ever given an author’s books such a wide range of ratings and I honestly think that speaks to Monaghan’s talents. While I obviously didn’t care for IT’S A LOVE STORY and this book was my least favorite of hers by a mile, it’s pretty darn impressive that a single author can make me feel so many very different ways!
I think what I’ve appreciated most about AM is that her characters usually feel like very genuine, grown up women in their 30s-40s but sadly, she really missed the mark for me this time around. I found Jane to be absolutely insufferable and very immature and I spent a lot of time hoping she’d go to therapy.
The thing that bothered me most about this book was Jane’s relationship (if you can call it that) with her best friend, Clem. Clem was the star of the show imo but Jane was like a lost puppy who needed Clem to guide her through life. Jane’s constantly bothering this woman about the dumbest things while Clem’s working two high stress jobs three time zones away. To this unequally balanced friendship I say, “oof face” 🫠
Aside from Clem, I was all in on the summery Long Island setting and I truly adored Dan’s family. If it weren’t for his lovable blood relatives I definitely wouldn’t have finished this book.
Finally, I’m really glad I read the author’s note because it seemed as though Jane’s character was pretty heavily based on a real person and I didn’t know how I felt about it. I understand what she was doing but I don’t think it worked for me.
Maybe if I had read this in the actual summertime instead of January or I felt more growth from Jane or the love story took place over more than just a week or there wasn’t silly third act drama or The Notebook references were cut in half (21 times is honestly 20 too many for me) I would’ve enjoyed this more. I definitely believe I’m an outlier though, so please don’t let my negative nancy review turn you off!
🏆NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT is still my fave by Annabel!
Thank you the publisher for the gifted copy and allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are very obviously my own.
I think what I’ve appreciated most about AM is that her characters usually feel like very genuine, grown up women in their 30s-40s but sadly, she really missed the mark for me this time around. I found Jane to be absolutely insufferable and very immature and I spent a lot of time hoping she’d go to therapy.
The thing that bothered me most about this book was Jane’s relationship (if you can call it that) with her best friend, Clem. Clem was the star of the show imo but Jane was like a lost puppy who needed Clem to guide her through life. Jane’s constantly bothering this woman about the dumbest things while Clem’s working two high stress jobs three time zones away. To this unequally balanced friendship I say, “oof face” 🫠
Aside from Clem, I was all in on the summery Long Island setting and I truly adored Dan’s family. If it weren’t for his lovable blood relatives I definitely wouldn’t have finished this book.
Finally, I’m really glad I read the author’s note because it seemed as though Jane’s character was pretty heavily based on a real person and I didn’t know how I felt about it. I understand what she was doing but I don’t think it worked for me.
Maybe if I had read this in the actual summertime instead of January or I felt more growth from Jane or the love story took place over more than just a week or there wasn’t silly third act drama or The Notebook references were cut in half (21 times is honestly 20 too many for me) I would’ve enjoyed this more. I definitely believe I’m an outlier though, so please don’t let my negative nancy review turn you off!
🏆NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT is still my fave by Annabel!
Thank you the publisher for the gifted copy and allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are very obviously my own.
March 29, 2025
It’s a Love Story made me smile. An enveloping, comforting read. The perfect beach companion!
Jane Jackson found success at an early age playing a character on a Nickelodeon-style popular sitcom between the ages of twelve and sixteen. Now thirty-three, Jane works as a Creative Executive for a major studio but has yet to see one of her scripts green-lit for a movie.
And Jane holds Cinematographer Dan Finnegan responsible for much of her professional failure, ever since the fateful day he publicly rejected a new script she was very excited by. And now he’s trying to sabotage her again – this time he loves her script choice, but feels it needs something extra to appeal commercially. Not willing to let Dan quash her dreams yet again, Jane promises she can get famous singer Jack Quinlan to write and record a song for the movie soundtrack – even though Jane only met him briefly on set, nearly twenty years ago. Uh-oh! Jane’s faced with quite the pickle.
When Jack doesn’t answer her calls, Jane reluctantly admits to Dan that she doesn’t know the singer as well as she pretended to. Surprisingly, Dan has a solution. Jack Quinlan will be playing at a music festival in his hometown the same weekend of Dan’s parent’s 40th anniversary party. He invites Jane to spend the week with his family in order to track Jack down, the golden opportunity for Jane to pitch her idea to him. Out of options, Jane unenthusiastically accepts.
It’s going to be an unforgettable life changing week for Jane and Dan!
I’m not a ‘Swiftie’, but because I don’t live under a rock, even I know that the title of this book It’s a Love Story is a line from Taylor Swift’s first mainstream popular song Love Story. This novel was so sweet and adorable, and as it stands my favourite so far by Annabel Monaghan. And it featured so many of my favourite tropes – slow burn, hate to love, enemies to lovers, acquaintances to lovers, friends to lovers, workplace/work colleagues romance, slight open-door but mainly closed, forced close proximity, and forced to share a bedroom.
I loved Jane and Dan’s teasing, comebacks, fun banter, and the heated arguments about ridiculous things. I appreciated how much they slowly grew to care about each other, and had one another’s back, even though neither were ready to admit it. I adored their ‘meet cute’, and all their romantic moments, and physical admiration. And of course there was their sizzling chemistry.
Dan’s Long Island hometown of Oak Shore had everything I could possibly want in a romantic setting - small town cozy vibes, a gorgeous beach, bike rides around the picturesque town, and a rustic farmhouse in the countryside. Not to mention all the glorious food - the delicious home cooking, beachside dining, cookouts on the beach, and ice cream at the local diner. The Finnegan family were warm, big-hearted, and welcoming, creating a sense of belonging that was missing from only child Jane’s life growing up with a single mother and no father in the picture.
As you know I like my romances with a side of unresolved trauma and past baggage where during the course of the novel, and with the support of a loving trusting accepting partner, a character’s journey leads to healing, confronting one’s past, and finding your people and your happy place. It’s a Love Story contained a lot of real-world issues like abandonment and absent fathers, bullying, loneliness and feeling unaccepted for being different, and the pain and rejection of a first crush. Also, the downside and exploitative nature of growing up in the spotlight and experiencing puberty in front of a TV audience.
I really loved the 2009 Sandra Bullock movie The Proposal and It’s a Love Story had a fair bit in common with that. A complete win for me, and I’m sure It’s a Love Story will make a lot of reader’s top favourite contemporary romances list for 2025.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Aria & Aries, and Annabel Monaghan for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 27th May 2025.
Jane Jackson found success at an early age playing a character on a Nickelodeon-style popular sitcom between the ages of twelve and sixteen. Now thirty-three, Jane works as a Creative Executive for a major studio but has yet to see one of her scripts green-lit for a movie.
And Jane holds Cinematographer Dan Finnegan responsible for much of her professional failure, ever since the fateful day he publicly rejected a new script she was very excited by. And now he’s trying to sabotage her again – this time he loves her script choice, but feels it needs something extra to appeal commercially. Not willing to let Dan quash her dreams yet again, Jane promises she can get famous singer Jack Quinlan to write and record a song for the movie soundtrack – even though Jane only met him briefly on set, nearly twenty years ago. Uh-oh! Jane’s faced with quite the pickle.
When Jack doesn’t answer her calls, Jane reluctantly admits to Dan that she doesn’t know the singer as well as she pretended to. Surprisingly, Dan has a solution. Jack Quinlan will be playing at a music festival in his hometown the same weekend of Dan’s parent’s 40th anniversary party. He invites Jane to spend the week with his family in order to track Jack down, the golden opportunity for Jane to pitch her idea to him. Out of options, Jane unenthusiastically accepts.
It’s going to be an unforgettable life changing week for Jane and Dan!
I’m not a ‘Swiftie’, but because I don’t live under a rock, even I know that the title of this book It’s a Love Story is a line from Taylor Swift’s first mainstream popular song Love Story. This novel was so sweet and adorable, and as it stands my favourite so far by Annabel Monaghan. And it featured so many of my favourite tropes – slow burn, hate to love, enemies to lovers, acquaintances to lovers, friends to lovers, workplace/work colleagues romance, slight open-door but mainly closed, forced close proximity, and forced to share a bedroom.
I loved Jane and Dan’s teasing, comebacks, fun banter, and the heated arguments about ridiculous things. I appreciated how much they slowly grew to care about each other, and had one another’s back, even though neither were ready to admit it. I adored their ‘meet cute’, and all their romantic moments, and physical admiration. And of course there was their sizzling chemistry.
Dan’s Long Island hometown of Oak Shore had everything I could possibly want in a romantic setting - small town cozy vibes, a gorgeous beach, bike rides around the picturesque town, and a rustic farmhouse in the countryside. Not to mention all the glorious food - the delicious home cooking, beachside dining, cookouts on the beach, and ice cream at the local diner. The Finnegan family were warm, big-hearted, and welcoming, creating a sense of belonging that was missing from only child Jane’s life growing up with a single mother and no father in the picture.
As you know I like my romances with a side of unresolved trauma and past baggage where during the course of the novel, and with the support of a loving trusting accepting partner, a character’s journey leads to healing, confronting one’s past, and finding your people and your happy place. It’s a Love Story contained a lot of real-world issues like abandonment and absent fathers, bullying, loneliness and feeling unaccepted for being different, and the pain and rejection of a first crush. Also, the downside and exploitative nature of growing up in the spotlight and experiencing puberty in front of a TV audience.
I really loved the 2009 Sandra Bullock movie The Proposal and It’s a Love Story had a fair bit in common with that. A complete win for me, and I’m sure It’s a Love Story will make a lot of reader’s top favourite contemporary romances list for 2025.
I’d like to thank Netgalley UK, Aria & Aries, and Annabel Monaghan for the e-ARC.
Publication Date: 27th May 2025.
July 19, 2025
Oh, this one had me grinning from ear to ear and completely wrapped around its quirky, big-hearted little finger!
It’s a Love Story is pure rom-com joy—adorably awkward, snappy, and packed with slow-burn tension, fake-it-till-you-make-it chaos, and a love story that sneaks up on you when you’re too busy covering up a lie. Jane Jackson, once the nation’s favourite punchline, is now a rising studio exec who talks herself into a corner… and ends up spending a week in Long Island with the grumpy, maddeningly charming cinematographer who might just see the real her.
Pop-star drama, zingy banter, and a whole lot of heart—this book is total serotonin and impossible not to love.
It’s a Love Story is pure rom-com joy—adorably awkward, snappy, and packed with slow-burn tension, fake-it-till-you-make-it chaos, and a love story that sneaks up on you when you’re too busy covering up a lie. Jane Jackson, once the nation’s favourite punchline, is now a rising studio exec who talks herself into a corner… and ends up spending a week in Long Island with the grumpy, maddeningly charming cinematographer who might just see the real her.
Pop-star drama, zingy banter, and a whole lot of heart—this book is total serotonin and impossible not to love.
June 20, 2025
I devoured this in one sitting and left no crumbs.
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This is a book club pick for this month, hope it's a good one
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This is a book club pick for this month, hope it's a good one
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