Former child actor Jane Jackson is now a creative executive fighting to get her dream script greenlit. To sell the studio on the project, she claims her former co-star and now-famous musician, Jack Quinlan, will write the perfect theme song. With reluctant help from Dan Finnegan, an infuriatingly charming cinematographer, Jane sets off to track Jack down. But as their week together unfolds, Jane finds herself drawn into Dan’s warm, chaotic family and questioning whether her real story isn’t about finding Jack but discovering herself

It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan was a charming and heartfelt read with a fun premise centered around a former child star. While it’s definitely a love story, it also doubles as a journey of self-discovery for Jane as she learns to accept and love her true self. The representation of anxiety throughout the book was well done.

The Long Island setting was super cute and summery, and I absolutely loved how Jane was folded into the Finnegan family. Their dynamic was so sweet. Cormack and Jane’s relationship was adorable, and the brothers’ ribbing felt so authentic to real sibling relationships. A small nitpick: naming one of the sons Finn Finnegan and having twins named AiDAN and DAN was a bit odd and distracting?

I really enjoyed the banter between Jane and Dan. Their witty exchanges made their growing connection even more fun to read, and their chemistry felt natural. I also loved how their week together kept shifting focus from finding Jack to simply spending time with each other. However, I do have a pet peeve when characters fall in love in just a week, so that element felt a little rushed to me.

Jane’s emotional journey was compelling, even when it was hard to watch her lash out because of her own pain. It’s relatable to see someone behave that way, but it’s also one of those books where you can’t help but think, "She really should have been in therapy for years." But it was nice to see her learn to be herself and not some character that she thought other people wanted her to be.

This was a sweet and engaging story with plenty of heart, humor, and a dash of self-discovery. An excellent Summer read for fans of contemporary romance!

I was super excited when I was approved for this one, I've seen so many glowing reviews of Annabel Monaghan's other work I was super hyped to finally try one!

I found it to be a slow starter, I didn't particularly care for Jane or Dan thinking that their rivalry was immature and it made them all the more unlikeable. I'm so glad that I decided to push through! Once we had made it to the forced proximity excitement I was all in, Dan's family were a beautiful cast of complimentary characters and their budding romance in Long Island had me dreaming of summer, it was pure escapism ☀️

I found that the characters are wonderfully developed for the length of the novel but I think that it could have been a little more drawn out to make the romance more realistic.

Whilst I'm not super into fame in my books, the ways it was used to show Jane's emotional difficulties and as mostly a sort of background idea was a nice touch. I absolutely hated Jack Quinlan and his uncle which only reinforces my dislike of fame as a book trope 😅

I loved the emotional ending of the book, Ive seen other reviews that don't understand but I really saw a potential version of myself in Jane's shoes, she feels big feelings but has polished and concealed herself so they aren't seen by others. I loved the way that Dan took care of Jane despite their rivalry and the way they spoke about how things could have been, I thought it was such a sweet way of exploring the what could have beens. I do think it was all a little bit fast for the ILYs when they've only been together for less than a week realistically and one of them hates the idea of insta-love (🙄) but I did love the passion and the intensity they supposedly feel, it was really conveyed on the page!

I will definitely try another Annabel Monaghan romance now 💌

4 stars

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Aria for my e-ARC ☺️

Thank you so much for this incredible story that pierced my heart and left a lasting imprint.
4.5 stars!
I think the biggest heartbreak is that this book doesn't come out until May. More people need to read this novel that squeezed my heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And let me tell you exactly why.

The female lead, Jane, literally has the same weirdly constructed brain that I have. You know how you take something simple you see, then create a whole scenario in your head of how that thing came to be, and it couldn't be further from the truth? Exactly.

My heart broke every time she talked, or thought about herself. Feeling cared for, but not knowing if you matter hit a bit too close to home. Feeling like you're to blame for something that was out of your hands. Carrying something heavy in your heart for so long, your feel weighed down. Not having someone to hold it up with you.

Jane is trying to get her script out there, turning it into of the the big hit blockbusters. However, she's told she need something more appealing, or else it'll be a bust. She she decides that she'll ask this guy she sang with when she was fourteen, when she was a child actor and there song was a big. Only problem she lied about being in touch with him, and in come Dan.

Dan is hired to be the cinematographer for this hope-to-be film. They decide to do something reckless, and stay at Dan's family house to catch the the now famous singer at his concert and ambush him so he can work on there film.

But the book is much more than that. Yes, their jobs play a pivotal role, But I believe that their relationship, Jane trying to organize the mess that are her feelings, and discussion of finding yourself take the spotlight.

Annabel Monaghan writes emotions as if they are physical things, manipulating and weaving the burst of light, dark and everything between that sparks inside Dan and Jane.

"A good cry is a lot like a good laugh, I realize. It starts as your head connects to something in your heart and just sort of takes over."

See what I mean?!!

This story is proof that love doesn't have to be big, bold, and in your face. It's in the simple things. Asking if you're okay. Not leaving your side in a group of new people. Knowing when to give space. Reading their thoughts through their eyes. Supporting you even in the silly things. That's what love truly means.

Key takeaways

- amazing representation of emotions
- ‘love doesn’t have to be grand’ mindset
- enjoying the small moments





https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7079077760

I trust Annabel Monaghan to deliver heartbreaking yet heartwarming love stories. It’s a marvel that she manages to do this time and time again, and I will never tire of recommending her work.

In It’s A Love Story, Jane, a former child star known for playing the awkward sidekick, never thought she was leading lady material. But when she finally lands the perfect project to reignite her career, there’s just one catch: Dan, the cinematographer she can’t stand, is part of the team. He was the reason her last “big” project was scrapped, and to make things even more awkward, it all fell apart right before their first date which never happened. Now, in a strange twist of fate, they’re thrown together to make this new project a reality, and Jane is determined to make it work—despite all odds.

The tender delivery of Janey’s story—even beyond the romance she finds with Dan—is so well done. I adored how Monaghan tied in Janey’s experiences as a teenager navigating the loss of her father and the first stirrings of big feelings for a boy. The depth of the characters, the chemistry of our main characters, the pacing of the story, and the seamless way everything unfolded were beautifully written.

As much as it is a great romance, it’s also an even more important story of Jane’s personal growth and her journey towards a better self. It felt both realistic and relatable. I shed a lot of tears reading it, and they were all worth it.

It’ll be out on 27 May 2025, and I can’t wait for you all to experience it!

Thank you, NetGalley and the publishers, for my digital ARC. 💙💛

P.S. This would translate so well to the screen!

A fantastic, fun, warm and smile-inducing romance read. This author was new to me and it took a little for me to get hooked but once it did, I was sold! The writing style was such a delight and some of the lines I'd re-read because they were so well written and gave all the feels. I stopped reading half way through to research this author and download all of their previous books. I'm 100% sold on any future releases and will be adding this author to my auto-buy author list.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a coy of this book. I have posted my review on Goodreads and will post to Amazon on release day.

Jane Jackson is a Hollywood studio executive, desperately trying to get her first project greenlit by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush, Dan Finnegan. She is also trying to shake everyone's memory of 'Poor Janey Jakes' and her adolescence as the punch line on America's popular sitcom. To get her project greenlit, she tells a little fib, promising to have popstar, Jack Quinlan, who she knew long ago, write a song for the movie. And the adventures begin.

This was a fun and mostly lighthearted read and I enjoyed the interactions with Jane and Dan. While part of the story was something I anticipated, it was another fabulous novel by the author, who has become one of my favourites.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted review copy.

This is going to be such a good one for summer this year. It's sweet, cute, and wholesome

Jane Jackson, once a childhood actor, is now a Hollywood exec trying to get her movie made. In a desperate move, she claims she can get pop star Jack Quinlan to write a song for her movie, despite not speaking to him for years. She turns to cinematographer Dan for help, leading to a trip back to dans home town, she's forced to face her past and find something genuine

I do think they fell in love pretty quickly, it was more insta-lovey than some of her other books which have been 5 stars for me, which is why I've given this a 4 star!

I love how Annabelle always creates such lovely female friendships too, and this book did not disappoint on this front. I loved Clem so much.

I for sure need to watch the notebook after reading this! ..

Thank you, NetGalley, Annabel Monaghan, and Aria & Aries, for the chance to read this ARC of It’s A Love Story in exchange for my honest review! It’s A Love Story will be released on 29th May 2025 📖

This story follows Jane Jackson, an ex-child actor who played the cringe / “butt of the joke” character on Pop Rocks (think iCarly or Sonny with a Chance vibes). Trying to leave her past behind, she now works as a creative executive and trying to get a romance script she’s fallen in love with greenlit. In a moment of sheer desperation, Jane oversells her relationship with Jack Quinlan, a now-famous musician she sung with as a teenager, and claims he will pen a song for the soundtrack.

We also meet Dan Finnegan: an arrogant cinematographer (who isn’t one of Jane’s biggest fan). Ironically, he feels the same about this script and is willing to help Jane. Jane and Dan spend a week away together in pursuit of Jack in Long Island, who is headlining a festival that just so happens to coincide with Dan’s parents 40th wedding anniversary.

The book got off to a bit of a slow start for me, I didn't particularly care for Jane or Dan but I pushed through and I’m so happy I did! Once they got to Oak Shore, things really picked up. The rest of the Finnegan family were a beautiful cast of complimentary characters, and I will be dreaming of a love like Cormack & Reenie’s.

TROPES:

- Enemies-to-Lovers

- Summer Romance

- Only One Room

This was my first Annabel Monaghan book and it won’t be my last! A solid, easy to read summer romance!

Annabel Monaghan has quickly become an autobuy author for me so I was extremely excited to receive and early copy of her latest book Its a Love Story. As usual with Annabel Monaghan the writing in this book is beautiful. It is a beautiful and romantic love story that has emotional depth and excellent character development. I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jane and Dan. There interactions had me smiling throughout the book. I loved the supporting characters in this one too.
Overall another great romcom with great emotional depth. Definitely one to pick up for an easy and comforting read.

ೃ⁀➷ 5⭐️

Read if you like :

🎥 : perfect writing
🎥 : found family
🎥 : self growth
🎥 : golden retriever boy

damn I knew I’d like it but this crushed all my expectations!
It started slow and for the first 15% I was a little bit bored ngl (intrigued but bored still)
But then they went to NY and you lost me! I am so far gone for Dan it was a bit embarrassing.

this story is indeed a love story but it’s so much more than that. It’s about finding a place where you can be yourself. It’s about being a part of a family when you never really had one. It’s about being yourself without rules or shame.
It resonates so much in me and i know it will resonate in you too. I’m actually crying writing this because that really felt like a love story I’d want if I hadn’t already had my perfect one.

I loved Summer Romance but this one ? it surpassed Annabel Monaghan’s other books. I’m not sorry here she outdone herself.

To be utterly honest here that’s my fav book of january so far and i KNOW it will stay that way. The way Dan READS Jane ???
I HAD BUTTERFLIES THE WHOLE BOOK !!! I never get butterflies !!

I’ll absolutely buy the physical copy when it’s out!!

4.5 stars - Heartfelt, Hilarious, and Oh-So Relatable

It’s A Love Story by Annabel Monaghan stole my heart and left me with a goofy grin. This book was a delightful mix of slow-burn romance, personal growth, and witty banter that had me hooked from page one.

Jane Jackson, former sitcom star and now a determined Creative Executive, is a walking contradiction—trying to outrun her awkward past while faking confidence in a cutthroat industry. Her journey begins with a desperate fib about her “close connection” to mega pop star Jack Quinlan, which leads her straight into the orbit of her so-called nemesis, Dan Finnegan. Spoiler alert: Dan is anything but a nemesis.

The chemistry between Jane and Dan? Off the charts. Their banter is sharp, their connection undeniable, and their week together on Long Island felt like stepping into a cozy rom-com. Dan’s chaotic, loving family only adds to the charm, grounding the story in warm, messy reality.

Monaghan brilliantly balances humor and heart, making Jane’s emotional journey feel authentic and really relatable. I mean who hasn't hidden under the covers, the desk or in a closet when they are anxious or nervous? Watching her shed her polished facade and embrace her true self was as satisfying as the romance itself. And that romance? A masterclass in slow-burn perfection.

While the final conflict felt a tad dramatic, it didn’t detract from the overall joy of the story. This book is a warm hug wrapped in clever dialogue and endearing characters. I want to be a part of Clan Finnegan please and thank you.

If you’re in the mood for a heartfelt, hilarious, and beautifully crafted love story, It’s A Love Story is your next must-read. Preorder it now—you’ll thank me later!

An easy 5 stars from me
Excellent writing
In-depth, nuanced characterisation
Believable, romantic love story
Well written character arcs and emotional development
Brilliant supporting characters
Interesting 'backdrop' of Hollywood that felt wholly authentic

The best romcom I have read in years.

The beauty of this story lies in Jane’s journey of vulnerability and self-discovery. She’s spent years hiding behind humor and faking confidence, but Dan challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Jane and Dan is deliciously tense, filled with witty banter, simmering tension, and moments of surprising tenderness. The contrast between Jane’s personal history with Jack and the tension-filled interactions with Dan make for a fun, heartwarming ride. The small-town Long Island setting adds a cozy backdrop for the drama, and the slow-burn romance is a treat to watch unfold. If you love enemies-to-lovers with a splash of nostalgia and a whole lot of laughs, this one’s a winner.

I was super excited to receive an ARC of 'It's a Love Story, as I have adored Annabel Monaghan's other books. However, this one didn't quite give me the same level of warm fuzziness. It's hard to pinpoint exactly why - but I felt like it was missing some of the usual warmth and humour. It also annoyed me when the main plot of the book started with the main character telling a lie... It's one of my least favourite plot devices, that always leaves me feeling a bit angsty! All that said, I definitely warmed to the characters more as the story progressed, I enjoyed the holiday setting and the chemistry between the main characters. It's not a bad book at all - but after recently reading 'Summer Romance', I couldn't help but compare the two, and "It's a Love Story' definitely came in second best.

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

Thank you for my earc of this book! I really enjoyed Monaghan‘s previous books so was excited for this!
It didn’t disappoint. I loved the romance, the plot and the characters, the Finnegans were such a lovely addition, and I enjoyed Jane & her mums complex history.
Would definitely recommend!

Review: It’s a Love Story (arc) - @annabelmonaghan

4.5 ⭐️

This book is the first bite of cherry pie, the first dip in the ocean, the first barefoot sprint on the beach in summer. It’s screaming your favourite song from the car window, it’s the smell of sunscreen, it’s dancing in the rain. It’s falling in love while on holidays, it’s infinite promises and it’s violent, beautiful nostalgia.

Wow. What a story. This was my first Annabel Monaghan book and it definitely won’t be my last. I am wholly, irretrievably obsessed with this story.

This story follows Jane: an ex-child actor who is now working for a studio, trying to get a script that she’s in love with, turned into a movie. The problem is? It’s not “commercial enough.” This is where we meet Dan: the cinematographer (who isn’t Jane’s biggest fan). Together, they go on a trip away in search of tracking down an old “friend” of Jane’s (who is now incredibly famous and having him work for the film will sell it to the studio) in hopes to have him write a song for the film.

Jane and Dan spend a week away together in what i can only describe as their own bubble. We get an insight as to how they work as people and the way they connect, the way they speak the same language - the way that they are completely on the same wavelength and they don’t have to say anything to understand each other.

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet, had me yelling in frustration and gave me a massive vibe of “nothing feels real while you’re on holidays.” Jane and Dan’s love seemed so ….real? It was messy, it was ugly, it was perfect.

This book was centred around the romantic and emotional connection you have with someone. This book focused a lot on Dan’s tumultuous family dynamic and the cosy, yet chaotic comfort that comes from being one of many siblings. The way Jane slipped into the madness so easily was so wholesome to read about.

I don’t know how else to describe this book except an ode to your younger self and a love letter to the small moments in life.

Thank you so much to @netgalley for this arc and May 2025 cannot come fast enough as i can’t wait to have the physical copy to re-read and annotate!

"Love happens over breakfast..."
This was my very first Annabel Monaghan Book, and I can safely say this book has made me want to read everything she has ever written.
This book is not only the perfect Summer/Beach read, but it's also full of heart and depth with a romance so layered that you can't help but fall in love with both of them. I loved the relatable family dynamics and the conversation about "Love happens over breakfast"...perfection!
What to expect:
Enemies to Lovers
Beachside Town
One only room
Summer Romance
Movies Industry

Thank you so much to Hachette and Netgalley for my EARC.

Thank you so much Netgalley for the arc of this book.
FIVE STARS!! this book is so incredibly good - it's tender, heartfelt and so preciously written. Annabel Monaghan absolutely knocked it out of the park with this one. I saw parts of myself reflected in both the main characters and felt immensely happy to see their growth throughout the book. This book is one that will stick with me for a long long time.
Anything Annabel Monaghan writes I will read it, she is a new auto-buy author for me.

Oh this book is bingable! The ending didn’t go the way I expected it to go, it was a bit anticlimactic but that’s not what this book is about. It’s about Jane discovering her true self and dealing with past traumas, from trying to make it big in Hollywood to realising what’s more important in life other than her career.
Jane falls in love with Dan along the way and wow the heartwarming moments they share will have you swooning!

I love Annabels writing! It’s very soothing! It just flows and the next minute I’m finished the book.

This book has a few of our favourite tropes
Found family
Self discovery
Only one bed
Dislike to lovers
It has minimal spice but maximum romance.

Definitely recommend if you love an uplifting cheesy romance