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emotional
hopeful
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
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC!
I love Annabel Monaghan. Her plots are always unique and It’s a Love Story is no different. Jane, a former child actor still working in the film business, makes a promise to her boss that she doesn’t know if she can keep. It involves reuniting with Jack, who she met during her acting career at 14. She lies and says they’re close and now she’s obligated to ask him for a song for the movie she’s working on.
Her colleague, Dan, whom she doesn’t agree with or like invites her to stay with his family in Long Island, where a music festival that Jack is playing at takes place.
Jane’s anxiety and lack of self esteem play a major role in this story. She’s in her head 99% of the time and ruminating on the past. Can Dan help her get out of her head enough to ask Jack for a favor?
I love Annabel Monaghan. Her plots are always unique and It’s a Love Story is no different. Jane, a former child actor still working in the film business, makes a promise to her boss that she doesn’t know if she can keep. It involves reuniting with Jack, who she met during her acting career at 14. She lies and says they’re close and now she’s obligated to ask him for a song for the movie she’s working on.
Her colleague, Dan, whom she doesn’t agree with or like invites her to stay with his family in Long Island, where a music festival that Jack is playing at takes place.
Jane’s anxiety and lack of self esteem play a major role in this story. She’s in her head 99% of the time and ruminating on the past. Can Dan help her get out of her head enough to ask Jack for a favor?
Content Warnings
Minor: Mental illness, Abandonment
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Car accident, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, I liked this book and enjoyed the uniqueness of the story - it's not every day your main female character is a former child actress still in the business looking to produce a movie. But, I will say that it took me a while to like Jane. She's quirky, a little weird and a personality I'm not used to reading, but by the end of the story you really start to understand her and what her motivations are. She won me over in the end! I enjoyed Dan, he's the most introverted main male character I've read in a while. Being around him with his family was great - what a cast of characters they are! Out of all of Annabel's books, this one is not my favorite but it's certainly worth the read!
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment
emotional
funny
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
I received a galley of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun summer romance. Annabel Monaghan delivers yet again. I was just completely sucked into this right from the first page. I absolutely did not want to put this book down at any moment at all. It was just such a compelling read.
The set up for this was so much fun, and I adored our cast of characters. Jane and Dan have INCREDIBLE banter. I just adored their dynamic right from the start. On top of that I also loved Dan's family. They were a really fun, eclectic group, and they really added some sparkle to this book. I laughed so much while reading this. The way the relationship was developed was incredible as well. I just couldn't help but root for them, and all their different little 'dates' were so cute. I just had such a good time.
Jane doesn't believe in love though. However, throughout the book as she falls in love that doesn't really effect her until something happens that reminds her of all the times she's been abandoned in life, and it was proven to her that love was a lie. That 3rd act conflict ended up being BRUTAL, but I did love what it ended up leading to. Jane finally facing her demons, and really working on herself in that regard was really well done. On top of that she also had to work to prove to Dan at the end that she has changed, and worked on herself that way. Absolutely loved it!
My only really complaint about this book is that the plot is hard to find. The whole thing about wanting to track down Jack for the movie they are working on is just forgotten consistantly. It gets brought up every once in a while as the author seemed to remember that this book had a plot besides the romance, and the resolution to it also felt a bit lackluster and easy. I don't know if that makes sense. There didn't really seem to be many consequences. Anyway, that felt like a bit of let down but I did really enjoy all the rest, and there's a lot there to enjoy.
This was such a fun summer romance. Annabel Monaghan delivers yet again. I was just completely sucked into this right from the first page. I absolutely did not want to put this book down at any moment at all. It was just such a compelling read.
The set up for this was so much fun, and I adored our cast of characters. Jane and Dan have INCREDIBLE banter. I just adored their dynamic right from the start. On top of that I also loved Dan's family. They were a really fun, eclectic group, and they really added some sparkle to this book. I laughed so much while reading this. The way the relationship was developed was incredible as well. I just couldn't help but root for them, and all their different little 'dates' were so cute. I just had such a good time.
Jane doesn't believe in love though. However, throughout the book as she falls in love that doesn't really effect her until something happens that reminds her of all the times she's been abandoned in life, and it was proven to her that love was a lie. That 3rd act conflict ended up being BRUTAL, but I did love what it ended up leading to. Jane finally facing her demons, and really working on herself in that regard was really well done. On top of that she also had to work to prove to Dan at the end that she has changed, and worked on herself that way. Absolutely loved it!
My only really complaint about this book is that the plot is hard to find. The whole thing about wanting to track down Jack for the movie they are working on is just forgotten consistantly. It gets brought up every once in a while as the author seemed to remember that this book had a plot besides the romance, and the resolution to it also felt a bit lackluster and easy. I don't know if that makes sense. There didn't really seem to be many consequences. Anyway, that felt like a bit of let down but I did really enjoy all the rest, and there's a lot there to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death of parent, Abandonment
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was cute!! It did take me awhile to feel connected to the characters. I think this changed once we met the MMC’s family. I loved how a bulk of it was set in his childhood home with his big ass family & all the hometown adventures.
But the end of book break-up was crazy?? Honestly just so immature.. she just fled??? Lol dropped this below a 4 for me.
That being said, I am going to check out some of Annabel Monaghan’s other books, I have heard good things and this was enjoyable!
Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the ARC!
But the end of book break-up was crazy?? Honestly just so immature.. she just fled??? Lol dropped this below a 4 for me.
That being said, I am going to check out some of Annabel Monaghan’s other books, I have heard good things and this was enjoyable!
Thank you NetGalley & publisher for the ARC!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Love isn't a helicopter ride to Catalina; it's everyday care and treating the other person like they're your house keys"
5 Stars!!!
Annabel Monaghan does it again! This book had me gripped from the start and made me feel things deeper than any story has in a long time. If you want a story that has you crying and then kicking your feet in the same chapter, It's a Love Story is the perfect read for you.
Jane Jackson is an aspiring producer on the brink of getting her first script -True Story- greenlighted, When she promises that a child hood acquaintance turned superstar will write/sing a song for the movie track, Jane is swept on an adventure to the hometown of Dan Finnegan, her enemy and cinematographer for True Story, where she learns that her true self might be worth loving.
Jane Jackson went through a journey of finding herself and learning that the perfect appearance is not nearly as wonderful as love happening over breakfast.
5 Stars!!!
Annabel Monaghan does it again! This book had me gripped from the start and made me feel things deeper than any story has in a long time. If you want a story that has you crying and then kicking your feet in the same chapter, It's a Love Story is the perfect read for you.
Jane Jackson is an aspiring producer on the brink of getting her first script -True Story- greenlighted, When she promises that a child hood acquaintance turned superstar will write/sing a song for the movie track, Jane is swept on an adventure to the hometown of Dan Finnegan, her enemy and cinematographer for True Story, where she learns that her true self might be worth loving.
Jane Jackson went through a journey of finding herself and learning that the perfect appearance is not nearly as wonderful as love happening over breakfast.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
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