Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for allowing me access to an ARC of Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan.

As usual, Monaghan's writing is gentle, conscientious, and immersive. The town of Beechwood is charming, made vivid by Monaghan's skilled descriptions of the diner, the spinster sister houses, the creek at the bottom of Ali's home. I am in love with this town, and I want to move there!

As ever, Monaghan's love interests are charming, and incredibly kind. Ethan is immensely loveable. He listens, he cares, and he adores Ali. He loves dogs, he cares for his community, he's intelligent, and responsible. He's delicious!

I'm always up for a coastal romance, with idyllic locations, and a gentle story. Monaghan consistently delivers an elevated version of this, and Summer Romance lands on top. This elevated summer romance is sure to warm hearts! Time for a reread...

Ali Morris isn't coping well after the death of her beloved mother and the collapse of her marriage, showering, washing her hair, trousers with a zip, emptying the dishwasher etc are all beyond her most days. The irony is that she is a professional organiser (like those two women who scream a lot on that TV show).

Then whilst walking her dog in the park he introduces her to this gorgeous guy, by peeing on his foot! Nevertheless he seems interested in Ali and asks her on a date, which seems to be going swimmingly, until he suddenly becomes a bit 'off' and seems to lose interest.

Despite the unhappy ending to their date, Ali is bubbling over with new feelings. Until she discovers that her date, Ethan, is none other than her best friend's irritating little brother Scooter. Scooter lives a three hour drive away and is very clear that he never wants to return to his home town, his parents still think he's unreliable and his big sister thinks he's a loser whereas he has created a new life for himself upstate where he is a valued member of the community. Ali can't leave town, all her memories are here and she needs to be close to her ex-husband for when he deigns to take their three children (if he isn't busy doing something else).

But with those clear parameters set, there's no harm in a summer romance is there? The trouble is, Ethan makes himself indispensable to Ali and when the summer ends will she be able to let him go?

I love Annabel Monaghan, I love her heroines and they truly deserve the wonderful heroes she gives them and this was no different. Loved it, loved it, loved it.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Thank to #NetGalley for an #ARC of #SummerRomance.

Synopsis: Ali Morris's life is a mess, with her mother's death, a divorce, and a chaotic pantry. Surprisingly, when she decides to take off her wedding ring and wear proper pants, her dog introduces her to Ethan. Despite her reservations, Ali considers a summer romance.

Rating: ☆☆☆.5

Getting another book by Annabel Monaghan was exciting, especially after how much I loved Nora Goes Off Script last year—I rated it five stars. I admire how Annabel creates romances for women who've given up on love. In this story, I appreciated the protagonist's journey as she dealt with loss and moved forward with the support of friends like Frannie and Ethan. Although I didn't sense a strong bond between the main couple, I still found the book delightful and quick-paced, and I'd definitely suggest it to others.

Title: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Release Date: July, 4th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


"Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan is a heartfelt and beautifully written tale of life, love, and loss.

Ali Morris, a professional organizer grappling with the messiness of her own life, unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Ethan after a chance encounter involving her dog. Despite her reservations, Ali embarks on a summer romance with Ethan, finding comfort and support in their budding relationship.

Monaghan expertly crafts the dynamic between Ali and Ethan, portraying them as a perfect partnership who bring out the best in each other.

Their journey together is both heartwarming and poignant, touching on themes of grief, love, and resilience. The book weaves together humour, relationships, and moments of raw emotion, captivating readers from start to finish.

While the story may tug at your heartstrings, it also leaves you with a sense of hope and optimism. Though I wished for an epilogue to glimpse into Ali and Ethan's future, I found the book incredibly satisfying and well-written overall.

"Summer Romance" is a must-read for romcom lovers seeking a story that feels authentic and relatable, with moments that will make you swoon, gasp, smile, and cry.

Thank you to The Publisher Aria & Aries | Aria, The Author Annabel Monaghan & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.

I was expecting this to be a light fluffy read. Instead it was an introspective book about a person in a middle of a life pivot. Still a great read.