Take a photo of a barcode or cover
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s a Love Story, a novel by Annabel Monaghan, available May 27, 2025!
Whenever I pick up a book by Annabel Monaghan, I know I'm going to be blessed with reading a super cute, kick-your-legs, giggle-for-days type of book, and It’s a Love Story delivered. In the beginning, I was a bit unsure who the main love interest was going to be (I don’t read the blurbs, it’s a me problem!), but I was so glad to get to witness this love story between former child star and movie producer Jane Jackson and her cinematographer arch nemesis Dan Finnegan. To get her movie made, Dan takes Jane to Long Island to woo her childhood singing duet partner and rock star Jack Quinlan and convince him to write a song for the soundtrack to “save” the movie and make it more commercial.
Finding Jack becomes the perfect way for Jane and Dan to long for each other (on Long Island…lol) and for Jane to assimilate into a family of hot Irish clones, for which Dan is not “like” the others. This family was AMAZING, and seeing how her experience with them breaks down Jane’s many “costumes” she wears was so well done. They both provide solace from the things that they are most ashamed of and learn to be loved by someone else. Also, we can’t argue with a book that references The Notebook! I was DYING at some of the jokes and how AM incorporated the elements of the story.
I loved how quirky Jane was and how Dan fell for it all. I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you so much to Putnam/Penguin Group and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced (e-)reader copy and a chance to rate and review this book!
4 ⭐️ 1 🌶
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Jane is a former child actor turned movie exec, trying to shake off her past in an industry that won't let her forget it. She has a lot riding on her newest project, both emotionally and professionally: enough that she lies in order to get it greenlit. Dan Finnegan is her co-worker and cinematographer for the movie Jane is fighting to make. Jane and Dan spend the bulk of the book working to turn Jane's lie into a reality, while also growing closer and closer together.
I really liked this one, and I stayed up way too late to finish it but the fatigue was totally worth it! Jane is vulnerable and relatable and I loved watching her learn how to let her best parts be seen. I also loved Dan's growing appreciation for the real her. And my gosh, are they sweet together. This story had so much nice banter between the two main characters. It's just the right blend of serious and ridiculous, with a lot of bittersweet tenderness mixed in. The supporting characters were distinct (although it was a little easy for me to get Dan's brother mixed up), and they did a great job in furthering the plot and building an overall feeling of warmth throughout the story. I've read this author before, she writes well and her stories always have a very satisfying emotional depth to them. This one was no different, and I'm so happy I got the chance to read this one early. If you're in the mood for a meet-cute gone wrong, enemies-to-lovers open-door workplace romance, with a great family vibe and an HEA, then this is absolutely the book for you! Publishes May 27, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing an eARC of this story, all opinions are my own.
I really liked this one, and I stayed up way too late to finish it but the fatigue was totally worth it! Jane is vulnerable and relatable and I loved watching her learn how to let her best parts be seen. I also loved Dan's growing appreciation for the real her. And my gosh, are they sweet together. This story had so much nice banter between the two main characters. It's just the right blend of serious and ridiculous, with a lot of bittersweet tenderness mixed in. The supporting characters were distinct (although it was a little easy for me to get Dan's brother mixed up), and they did a great job in furthering the plot and building an overall feeling of warmth throughout the story. I've read this author before, she writes well and her stories always have a very satisfying emotional depth to them. This one was no different, and I'm so happy I got the chance to read this one early. If you're in the mood for a meet-cute gone wrong, enemies-to-lovers open-door workplace romance, with a great family vibe and an HEA, then this is absolutely the book for you! Publishes May 27, 2025. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for providing an eARC of this story, all opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Gaslighting
Minor: Car accident, Pregnancy
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Sexual content
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“We can hide in the noise. But it’s the quiet movies that make room for us to look at ourselves. People cooking, teaching, gardening. They’re quiet things, but they’re the things that move us. And people, mostly, are afraid of the quiet.”
Once again, I am here telling everyone to read a Annabel Monaghan book because they are golden. Once again, Monaghan’s dry wit and delivery combined with her emotional insight becomes a perfect little story.
“Sometimes the simplest facts are the most painful ones. They’re the ones that cut to the essence of who we are.”
In this book, Jane is forced to face the past shame she’s been hiding so well and learn that she is actually worthy of love.
“I know about relaxing because I live in the world, but it is not a thing I seem capable of. On the days I don’t run, worrying is my cardio.”
I wasn’t sure about this book at first. Jane comes off strong and not in a good way. A manic pixie hot mess more than a dream girl. She’s wound so very tight she seems shallow and ridiculous. She’s apparently a very good actress. But when she took off the mask I was moved (to tears) about how much I saw myself in Jane.
“The way I didn’t know what I was doing and you just made me try.”
Dan is the mmc for those who love an introvert. He is the quiet “odd one”. The artsy one in a giant loud family. And Jane pegs him completely wrong until she doesn’t and it is just the sweetest romance. It grows slowly and takes root. He is such a kind patient soul and Jane is baffled by him
“There’s power in his quiet; it makes room for something.”
This has very strong themes of found family and coming home to yourself because someone else sees you and loves you. Monaghan’s writing continues to paint a picture in my mind that not only sets the scene but mixes all of the emotions into it. There are some truly beautiful moments and some really hot kisses! Her books are perfect “beach reads” and this is no exception.
“And then what happened?” “Everything,” she says.”
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam books for continuing to let me read these ARCs!
Once again, I am here telling everyone to read a Annabel Monaghan book because they are golden. Once again, Monaghan’s dry wit and delivery combined with her emotional insight becomes a perfect little story.
“Sometimes the simplest facts are the most painful ones. They’re the ones that cut to the essence of who we are.”
In this book, Jane is forced to face the past shame she’s been hiding so well and learn that she is actually worthy of love.
“I know about relaxing because I live in the world, but it is not a thing I seem capable of. On the days I don’t run, worrying is my cardio.”
I wasn’t sure about this book at first. Jane comes off strong and not in a good way. A manic pixie hot mess more than a dream girl. She’s wound so very tight she seems shallow and ridiculous. She’s apparently a very good actress. But when she took off the mask I was moved (to tears) about how much I saw myself in Jane.
“The way I didn’t know what I was doing and you just made me try.”
Dan is the mmc for those who love an introvert. He is the quiet “odd one”. The artsy one in a giant loud family. And Jane pegs him completely wrong until she doesn’t and it is just the sweetest romance. It grows slowly and takes root. He is such a kind patient soul and Jane is baffled by him
“There’s power in his quiet; it makes room for something.”
This has very strong themes of found family and coming home to yourself because someone else sees you and loves you. Monaghan’s writing continues to paint a picture in my mind that not only sets the scene but mixes all of the emotions into it. There are some truly beautiful moments and some really hot kisses! Her books are perfect “beach reads” and this is no exception.
“And then what happened?” “Everything,” she says.”
Thank you Netgalley and Putnam books for continuing to let me read these ARCs!
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
LIKED:
- I really liked Jane, the FMC of this book. I loved her backstory of being a bit of a washed up child star, or rather the child star of a show where she was never really a star? It’s a complicated relationship she has with her past. Her points in her personality where her maturity had stunted were understandable and reflected her trauma with her time on the show, being somewhat in the public eye, and her relationship with Jack. I just vibed with it, man, sometimes it just do be like that.
- The chemistry of these characters was a fun evolution. Did I ever really believe that they were enemies? No. But I also don’t think you’re really supposed to? I think you’re just supposed to believe that Jane does (which could be an excuse used for a lot of typical enemies-to-lovers, but I don’t really believe so).
- Annabel Monaghan pretty much exclusively writes with seaboard Long Island as a setting to my knowledge, and I’ve read Same Time, Next Summer and found the descriptions of the setting less effective than they are here. I mean, to be honest, I found everything in ST,NS less effective than in this book, but this book had more charm to its setting for whatever reason. Maybe it was the FMC’s bike rides or runs or the potato farm. Just charming.
- The Finnegan family was cute. I liked the way that Dan loved his family but felt like an outcast or needed his space or everything in between. It was an interesting dynamic that I enjoyed. I think the brothers blended together quite a bit and could have been a bit more individualized, but I still enjoyed them well enough (and them being somewhat confusing was also, I would guess, part of the point).
- There is something about these covers that I like and that they’re all similar in style but unrelated in story. I think more of these color block illustrated covers should have the main characters facing away from the “camera”. I just think it works. Also the colors of this one are just made for me.
LAMENTED:
- I like Dan, but there’s something about the way that he talks that keeps me from loving him. I was still rooting for him, but I could not get over him peeing in the beginning of the story whilst on a phone call with the FMC. It was…odd.
- What. Is with the names. In this book. Why is the FMC named Jane Jackson. Finn Finnegan. I get that he is probably nicknamed Finn because of his last name but that is never exclusively stated?? Also, I get that she’s a name inserted from a fan or some contest or something, but oh boy, having to read the name Reenie so much was not my favorite. I just kept thinking about renal failure every time I read it.
- The circumstances of their first kiss was…not my favorite. I didn’t really like the ex-girlfriend character and that archetype as a whole. But having a first kiss be to more or less make someone jealous? Gross.
- All of this book takes place over the course of a week. I get that they’ve known each other longer than that, but that is quite brief to the brink of non-believability.
- More diversity would have been grand.
- This title…kinda sucks. Like. What? I mean, a lot of her titles are kind of uninspired, to be fair. But like. Yeah? Obviously? And I know there’s the stuff with the movie, but still. Oof.
LONGED FOR:
- Less bizarre name choices (including the title).
- Different circumstances for their first kiss.
- More time with the characters.
Will I read the next one? : Possibly. I think it depends on premise. This is the second book of hers I’ve read and she’s got a 50/50 success rate for me.
*Thank you to Putnam Books & NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Sexual content
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
*Thank you to NetGally and Penguin Publishers for granting me free access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*
“‘I’d like to be the person who could take all of your sad things and make them happy. Like I’d hunt down each one and turn it over.’
‘I don’t think anyone is that person for anyone,’ I say.
‘I don’t think so either. But I’d like to be that person for you.’”
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
3.75/5 Stars - Great!
Read April 2025 - ARC
It’s a Love Story is a cute, stereo-typical story…but with characters to die for.
Positive messages: 2.5/5
Don’t hold on to grudges or unforgiviness, whether that be toward yourself or toward a friend/family member. Tell the truth and be honest with those you love. Be unoffendable and don’t fall for a guy who will treat you like trash. Family bonds are strong and prevalent.
Positive role models: 3/5
Jane, the main character, is relatable. She is looking for love, hiding secrets in her past, and holding resentment toward characters. Throughout the novel, she will learn to overcome her fears and the odds that are stacked against her and do what she believes is right—following her dreams. (Jane’s relationship with her mother is inspiring, although hers with her father is not—he is absent in her life)
Clem, Jane’s friend, is going through a hard divorce at the beginning of the novel. Their bond is strong and Jane describes her as a hideout she can go to laugh and a place of comfort. <i>That’s</i> how close they are.
Jack, a famous singer and Jane’s first kiss and boyfriend, is prevalent (more toward the end of the novel). I don’t want to spoil too much about his character…you’ll just have to read and see for yourself.
Dan, Jane’s crush, is sweet and welcoming. His family is crazy but he learns to be unoffendable and patient toward them.
Dan’s family is HUGE. I couldn’t keep track of all the names, but as a whole, they are supportive and funny. The language his father uses is explicit, though. 😂
Nathan and Rodney, ‘coworkers’ of Jane’s, are side characters. Although they are negative at first, they are realistic and make the plot the novel more real.
Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 1/5
Characters drink beer, wine, etc. at parties. Smoking weed is mentioned.
Language: 3/5
‘S—t’ (and variations of it), ‘a—hole,’ ‘a—,’ ‘bada—,’ ‘bastard,’ ‘f—k,’ and ‘hell’ (and so on…) are used throughout, although not as frequently as the majority of adult romance novels.
Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 0/5
A character gets VERY lightly hit by a car (limps for a few hours and is fine)
Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 3/5
Closed-door sex scenes include strong implications (go to bedroom, wake up ‘entangled’) Lots of heated kissing, touching, and lustful thoughts/feelings. Condoms/prevention and sex are talked about (in friends/family settings)
What You Should Know:
- - - before reading - - -
Annabel Monaghan is a TALENTED writer. I adored her books Same Time Next Summer, Nora Goes Off Script, and Summer Romance.
So, of course, when I am scrolling through NetGally and see THIS…! I’m so excited to start reading.
- - - after reading - - -
This book was so cute! Predictable, but cute.
If you want to know what to watch out for in two words: sex and f-bombs. The sex is closed-door though. The language isn’t as bad as some romance novels, which I appreciated. I would say this novel is appropriate for mature teens and adults.
LOVED all the references to my favorite movies. Mrs. Doubtfire and The Notebook?! Thank you, Annabel, for choosing some of my all-time favorites. It made me love the characters even MORE (if that’s even possible!)
I laughed.
I smiled from ear to ear.
100% recommend if you are in the mood for a lighthearted, easy rom-com read to start off the month. ♥️
Age Range Recommendation: 15+ A Fiction/Romance/Rom-Com
TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: LANGUAGE, PREMARITAL SEX, ABSENT FATHER FIGURE/IMPLIED CHILD OUT OF WEDLOCK
Fave Quotes
*may contain small spoilers (I have blurred them all out just in case—on read if you are willing to take the chance 😉)*
“When my future partner and I tell our kids about our first date, that’s how I want him to describe me: kissable and Grandma-worthy. Think Reese Witherspoon in basically any movie.”
“‘Wait, did you just agree with me?’
‘Even a stopped clock is right twice a day, Dan.’”
“‘I really liked this day,” he whispers. “Besides the time we weren’t together.’”
‘We should dance,’ he said and turns me around.
‘You don’t dance,” I say…
‘Maybe I do…’”
“‘I’m glad I already know everything that’s wrong with you,’ I say.
He laughs. ‘That’s the tip of the iceberg. There’s tons more.’”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Abandonment
Minor: Alcohol
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
this was sooooo addicting! the writing was absolutely impeccable. annabel monaghan describes things in such a lovely manner that makes me want to immediately hide away and soak up everything she has ever written.
something i didn’t love was the third act break-up. the idea was there, but the actual turning point of the conflict kind of blew up out of nowhere. however, that was just one small dislike in a sea full of loves!!!! the town setting was absolutely adorable, i ate up every small, sweet moment between jane and dan, as well as the big, and i really enjoyed the deeper themes that were explored. i love when rom-coms touch on more serious topics, and this one definitely checked that box.
“when you smile, it does something to me, i feel it in my chest, and i just want to figure out how to get you to do it again.” 🥹
thank you to netgalley and putnam books for the arc!
something i didn’t love was the third act break-up. the idea was there, but the actual turning point of the conflict kind of blew up out of nowhere. however, that was just one small dislike in a sea full of loves!!!! the town setting was absolutely adorable, i ate up every small, sweet moment between jane and dan, as well as the big, and i really enjoyed the deeper themes that were explored. i love when rom-coms touch on more serious topics, and this one definitely checked that box.
“when you smile, it does something to me, i feel it in my chest, and i just want to figure out how to get you to do it again.” 🥹
thank you to netgalley and putnam books for the arc!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Car accident, Alcohol
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you NetGalley, Putnam Books, and Annabel Monaghan for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I first became a fan of Annabel Monaghan after reading her debut, Nora Goes Off Script. While Nora is still my favorite of her books, It's A Love Story was a true delight and I thoroughly enjoyed the world that Monaghan creates for her readers in this book. The setting can make or break a book - and Monaghan gives us a treat in this regard, transporting us to a charming small town on Long Island where the bulk of the action occurs.
The ambiance is palpable and rich, just like her characters - Jane and Dan, who are once both enemies and sortakindaalmost lovers. Their complicated relationship only ratchets up ten notches when they realize they both want to see the same script made into a movie (Jane as its producer and Dan as its cinematographer). But Hollywood is never that simple. Which is something that Jane knows all too well as a former child actor working to escape the shadow of the sidekick character she played on a popular sitcom years ago. Dan is the youngest in a family of loving, rambunctious boys who wants his next big break and believes in the restorative power of a love story.
I thought the pacing of this fun, enemies to lovers romance was just right. The characters were genuine and well developed and there was a plethora of witty banter. Our two main characters had believable chemistry and I enjoyed the way that Jane, in particular, fumbled her way through her journey of growth and discovery - it felt very "real" and authentic. I was thoroughly charmed and was so grateful to have the chance to read this as one of my first novels of the year. I can't wait until its official release and plan to recommend it to many of my romance book loving friends.
I first became a fan of Annabel Monaghan after reading her debut, Nora Goes Off Script. While Nora is still my favorite of her books, It's A Love Story was a true delight and I thoroughly enjoyed the world that Monaghan creates for her readers in this book. The setting can make or break a book - and Monaghan gives us a treat in this regard, transporting us to a charming small town on Long Island where the bulk of the action occurs.
The ambiance is palpable and rich, just like her characters - Jane and Dan, who are once both enemies and sortakindaalmost lovers. Their complicated relationship only ratchets up ten notches when they realize they both want to see the same script made into a movie (Jane as its producer and Dan as its cinematographer). But Hollywood is never that simple. Which is something that Jane knows all too well as a former child actor working to escape the shadow of the sidekick character she played on a popular sitcom years ago. Dan is the youngest in a family of loving, rambunctious boys who wants his next big break and believes in the restorative power of a love story.
I thought the pacing of this fun, enemies to lovers romance was just right. The characters were genuine and well developed and there was a plethora of witty banter. Our two main characters had believable chemistry and I enjoyed the way that Jane, in particular, fumbled her way through her journey of growth and discovery - it felt very "real" and authentic. I was thoroughly charmed and was so grateful to have the chance to read this as one of my first novels of the year. I can't wait until its official release and plan to recommend it to many of my romance book loving friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent, Abandonment
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Former child actor, Jane, grew up playing the role of the comedic relief, accident prone sidekick. Now a film producer, she's finally found the script that will make her the leading lady in her own life. There's only two problems. One, she's on a mission to convince her old co-star, now famous musician, to write a theme song. And two, to accomplish this she'll have to rely on the one man she can't stand.
This is the second novel I've read by Annabel Monaghan and I loved every minute of it. The premise offers and delivers on a great Rom-Com, whilst also exploring complicated emotions and motivations really well. Both main characters, Jane and Dan, have incredible depth and I connected with both equally (especially impressive for a single POV book).
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this ARC
This is the second novel I've read by Annabel Monaghan and I loved every minute of it. The premise offers and delivers on a great Rom-Com, whilst also exploring complicated emotions and motivations really well. Both main characters, Jane and Dan, have incredible depth and I connected with both equally (especially impressive for a single POV book).
Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for the opportunity to read this ARC
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent